An article published by Modern Ghana calls on Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to deploy mobile-scannable barcodes as a tool to eliminate the widespread problem of counterfeit sachet and bottled water. The piece argues that fake water products pose serious health risks and undermine consumer trust, and that a low-cost, technology-driven solution could empower the public to verify product authenticity at the point of sale.
Barcodes Philippines noted that mobile-scannable barcodes, particularly dynamic QR codes, offer a practical way for regulators to enable consumer verification and track supply chains, a solution applicable to markets including the Philippines where counterfeit goods also pose challenges.
Counterfeit water products, often sold in unmarked sachets or bottles with forged labels, have long plagued Ghanaian markets. The proposal suggests that by requiring all legitimate water brands to include a unique, scannable barcode — readable by any smartphone — the FDA could enable instant verification. Such systems align with global shifts from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D codes like QR codes, which can carry more data and be authenticated via secure digital links, a principle promoted by standards organizations like GS1.
Adopting mobile-scannable barcodes would not only help consumers identify genuine products but also allow regulators to track supply chains more effectively. The article emphasizes that the solution is both cost-effective and scalable, and urges the FDA to pilot the initiative in high-risk areas. If successful, similar approaches could be replicated across other consumer goods sectors in Ghana and beyond, offering a practical defense against counterfeiting.