2024-02-01-世界卫生组织-Procedural_manual_for_Codex_Ghana_30页_1mb

Codex Ghana Procedural Manual Summary

Introduction

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), a joint initiative of the FAO and WHO, develops international food standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and recommendations. These standards are recognized by the WTO under the SPS Agreement and serve as a benchmark for food safety and trade disputes.

In Ghana, the National Codex Committee (NCC) oversees all Codex-related activities, working in collaboration with the National Codex Contact Point (NCCP), which acts as the secretariat. The NCC is composed of 21 stakeholder institutions, and its chairmanship rotates among the Ministries of Health, Trade and Industry, Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and Food and Agriculture. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) hosts the NCCP, and the manual serves as a guide for effective management of Codex activities and preparation of Ghana’s national positions.

Core Content and Structure

The manual is organized into four sections:

1. Rules of Procedures of the NCC
2. Roles and Responsibilities of the NCCP
3. Guidelines for Efficient Operation of the NCC and its Sub-Committees
4. Delegation Management to Codex Sessions

Section I: Rules of Procedures of the NCC

Key Points:

• Membership: Representatives from relevant institutions must be senior officers who regularly attend meetings.
• Officers: The Chairmanship of the NCC rotates biennially among four ministries, and the secretariat is located in the GSA.
• Responsibilities:
  • Formulate national positions for Codex meetings.
  • Provide guidance on national policies related to food safety and trade.
  • Advise the Government, food industry, and stakeholders on Codex matters.
  • Establish technical sub-committees as needed.
• Work Plan and Reporting: Annual work plans are developed and executed by the NCC and its sub-committees. The NCC reports to the Government through its chairpersons.
• Amendments: The NCC can amend its rules as required.
• Budget: The NCC has an annual budget, shared among relevant ministries and agencies.

Section II: Roles and Responsibilities of the NCCP

Key Points:

• Location: The NCCP is located in the Standards Division of the GSA.
• Functions:
  • Acts as a link between Ghana and the Codex Secretariat.
  • Circulates Codex documents and working papers to stakeholders.
  • Maintains a library of Codex final texts and delegation reports.
  • Coordinates advocacy programs to promote food quality and safety.
  • Manages information systems for dissemination of Codex-related content.
• Codex Documents: Includes provisional agendas, working papers, request for comments, circular letters, conference room documents, and reports.
• Procedure for National Position Development:
  • Receive documents from Codex.
  • Circulate for comments.
  • Compile and formulate national position based on scientific input.
  • Approve and transmit the position to Codex.

Section III: Guidelines for Efficient Operation of NCC and Sub-Committees

Key Points:

• Terms of Reference (ToRs):
  • Develop and implement a Strategic Plan for the National Codex Programme.
  • Formulate national responses to Codex proposals.
  • Advise the Government on implications of food standards and safety.
  • Advocate for national compliance with international standards.
• Membership Criteria:
  • Include government officials, industry representatives, consumer protection bodies, research scientists, and individual experts.
• Sub-Committees:
  • Formed based on CAC ToRs.
  • Tasked with reviewing Codex texts, identifying stakeholders, and maintaining liaison with national technical committees.
• Chairperson Selection:
  • Must be a high-level official with expertise in the subject matter.
  • Must be able to circulate Codex documents and negotiate on behalf of Ghana.
• Electronic Working Groups (EWGs):
  • Experts are selected based on subject matter expertise to represent sub-committees in EWGs.

Section IV: Delegation Management to Codex Sessions

Key Points:

• Delegation Composition:
  • Each session has a Head of Delegation and alternates.
  • The Head of Delegation is responsible for:
    • Projecting national positions.
    • Leading the delegation.
    • Representing Ghana in formal and informal discussions.
    • Assigning roles to other delegates.
    • Preparing and presenting the Delegation report to the NCC.
• Code of Conduct:
  • Delegates must respect other members and maintain professionalism.
  • Ensure consistent and meaningful participation in international Codex forums.
• Delegation Preparation:
  • Delegates must be trained and familiar with Codex procedures.
  • The NCCP provides briefings and training.
  • Follow-up actions are initiated based on feedback from Codex sessions.
• Travel and Reporting:
  • Travel arrangements are managed by the NCCP.
  • Reporting and debriefing is conducted in a standard format to ensure uniformity in the process.

Key Information

• The NCCP is the secretariat of the NCC and is located in the GSA.
• Codex documents are circulated and managed by the NCCP.
• National positions are developed through a structured consultative process involving stakeholders.
• Delegation management is a crucial part of ensuring effective representation in Codex meetings.
• The Code of Conduct ensures professionalism and consistency in Ghana’s participation in Codex.
• The manual includes templates for comments, national positions, and debriefing in Annex II.
• Linkages with relevant agencies and stakeholders are essential for harmonization of national standards with Codex.

Contact Information

• Codex Contact Point Manager:
  • Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
  • P.O. Box MB 245, Accra
  • Email: codex@gsa.gov.gh / codexghana@gmail.com
  • Website: wwwcodexgh.org
  • Phone: +233 302519758