The first woman to lead Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, has been appointed as the Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), becoming the first person to hold the position since the agency’s formal establishment.
Her appointment was confirmed during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties to the AMA Treaty, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from June 2 to 4, 2025.
The AMA, a flagship health initiative of the African Union (AU), aims to harmonize the regulation of medicines across Africa and ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and affordable medical products.
Dr. Darko’s selection follows a rigorous continental search that attracted strong interest from regulatory experts across the continent. Her proven track record in transforming Ghana’s FDA into one of Africa’s most respected drug regulatory bodies made her a standout candidate.
Under her leadership, Ghana’s FDA became one of the first in Africa to achieve the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level 3 certification, signifying robust systems capable of ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. She also championed regulatory innovations that enhanced public confidence in medicines, vaccines, and food safety systems across the country.
The African Medicines Agency, though legally established in 2021, is now entering its operational phase. As its first Director-General, Dr. Darko will be responsible for shaping the agency’s institutional direction, building partnerships with national authorities, and leading efforts to standardize and strengthen drug regulation continent-wide.
Her appointment also highlights the growing recognition of women’s leadership in science and governance across Africa.
Stakeholders have hailed the move as a major win for Africa’s health systems and a moment of pride for Ghana. It also reflects Ghana’s increasing influence in continental health policy, coming after years of quiet diplomacy and sustained institutional performance.
