Ghana's Dr. Delese Mimi Darko Elected First Director-General of African Medicines Agency
Kigali, Rwanda - June 4, 2025 - Ghana has scored a major diplomatic victory with the election of Dr. Delese Mimi Darko as the first Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA).
The election took place at the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr. Darko, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), emerged as the top candidate from a highly competitive selection process that drew 149 applicants from across Africa. Her appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and expertise in the field of medicine regulation.
According to Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Dr. Darko's successful campaign is a result of her outstanding qualifications and the support of President Mahama, who played a crucial role in her election. Ablakwa congratulated Dr. Darko and Team Ghana for their "incredibly successful campaign" and praised President Mahama for his "amazing support and leadership".
''In a competitive process that saw 149 applications when nominations opened in January 2025, Dr. Darko emerged as the best candidate. I congratulate Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for the incredibly successful campaign. President Mahama deserves full plaudits for his amazing support and leadership. We wish the new Ghanaian Director-General an impactful tenure as she relocates to Rwanda to head this vital organization,'' Ablakwa wrot on his X account.
The African Medicines Agency, established under a treaty adopted by the African Union in 2019, aims to enhance the capacity of state parties and regional economic communities to regulate medical products. With its headquarters in Kigali, the agency will play a pivotal role in harmonizing medical regulations and combating the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit medical products across Africa.
As the inaugural Director-General, Dr. Darko is expected to leverage her vast experience to steer the AMA towards achieving its mandate of ensuring the availability of quality medical products across Africa. Her appointment represents a significant step forward in the continent's efforts to bolster its healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks.
Source: Lead News Online
