Assistant Narcotics Controller, Deo-Donne Dafeamekpor
The Assistant Narcotics Controller, Deo-Donne Dafeamekpor, has said that the sale of unapproved drugs in Ghana, particularly synthetic opioids like Royale 225, which are often misused as sexual enhancement products, violates Ghana’s Public Health Act (2012) and carries severe penalties.
These opioids, he said, are highly addictive and deadly, posing a significant threat to the country’s youth.
Dafeamekpor called for intensified public education and stricter enforcement of drug laws to curb the crisis of deadly synthetic opioids in Ghana.
This, he said, is necessary to save lives and protect the economy of the country.
“We must act now to save lives and hold offenders accountable. There is a need for collective action to address Ghana’s escalating drug abuse epidemic”, he indicated.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on April 9, 2025, during a discussion on ‘Red Alert: Dealing with the Drug Abuse Crisis,’ he stressed that synthetic opioids such as Royale 225, which are widely abused by the youth seeking to enhance sexual performance, is highly addictive and very deadly.
“Young people take them to please partners, not realising the life-threatening risks. These are purely synthetic drugs — highly addictive and very deadly,” he emphasised.
Dafeamekpor also issued a stern warning on the sale of deadly synthetic opioids in Ghana, particularly those falsely marketed as sexual enhancement products.
“If you are engaged in selling any product not registered by the Food and Drugs Authority or approved for use, it’s illegal. You could face imprisonment for up to 25 years,” he stated.
He cautioned the youth to stay away from the deceptive marketing strategy used to push these drugs, noting that users often underestimate their addictive nature.
“The misuse of opioids often consumed in dangerously high doses is a life-threatening issue. It is a ticking time bomb for our youth”, he said.
However, he acknowledged the legitimate clinical use of opioids like morphine and tramadol under medical supervision, stating that such prescriptions are carefully managed.
“In hospitals, after surgery, doctors prescribe controlled doses. They know how to administer these drugs safely”, he explained.
MRA/AE
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