The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has raised concerns over the increasing influx of unregistered drugs into Ghana’s pharmaceutical market and has pledged to halt further production of such drugs
He cautioned that the proliferation of unapproved opioids, including various brands of tramadol and tapentadol, has led to widespread abuse, severe health complications, and fatalities.
His remarks follow recent revelations from a BBC Eye investigation into Avio Pharmaceuticals and its role in the international opioid trade.
In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with regulatory and security agencies, has taken immediate action to curb the illegal distribution of such drugs.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, he mentioned that, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed Samospharma to halt any dealings with these foreign companies as suppliers of registered pharmaceutical products to Ghana.
Furthermore, the FDA has suspended the processing of Masters Pharmaceutical Limited’s application due to its reliance on Avio Pharmaceuticals for contract manufacturing.
To strengthen enforcement, a joint task force comprising the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified inspections at major entry points, leading to the seizure and destruction of a large consignment of tapentadol and similar drugs.
In addition, a nationwide public education campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit opioid use and to promote responsible medication practices.
“A joint task force involving the FDA, NACOC, customs and the Ghana Revenue authorities has intensified checks at a major entry point to prevent unauthorized drugs and further import leading to the destruction of a large consignment of tapentadol and similar drugs,” he stated.
The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Rawlings, contributing to the statement, expressed concern over the invasion of schools in her constituency by drug addicts, attributing it to the impact of drug abuse.
“In my constituency, we have a cluster of schools where people who are addicted to drugs have invaded the premises to harass the students and the teachers. Recently a security person in the school was attacked by a gang of drug addicts.”she lamented.