Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) have issued stark warnings about the growing threat of illicit opioids in Ghana.
In a statement delivered to Parliament, Mr. Akandoh emphasized that the increasing infiltration of these dangerous substances is “a matter of grave public health and national security concern.”
“Mr. Speaker, the opioid crisis is not just a health issue but a national emergency. We need a coordinated and sustained response from all relevant sectors and the public,” he declared.
Unregistered drugs and border vulnerabilities
Mr. Akandoh revealed that Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority had confirmed the presence of several unregistered Tramadol brands, including Trafanol, Tarapamol, and Tramaking, which have entered the country through unapproved routes.
He also cited a recent investigative report by BBC Africa Eye, which exposed the alleged exportation of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol.
These revelations have intensified concerns over the effectiveness of current border controls and regulatory measures, highlighting vulnerabilities that illicit drug traffickers continue to exploit.
Immediate govt response and coordinated action
In response to the crisis, the Sector Minister informed Parliament that the Ministry of Health has taken immediate actions to combat the menace.
These measures include tightening border inspections to intensify checks at major entry points, increased monitoring of over-the-counter drug sales, seizure of unauthorised opioids, and initiating legal action against offenders.
In addition, a national education campaign has been launched to raise public awareness about the dangers of illicit opioid use.
The Minister also stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration, urging all relevant bodies to close loopholes, tighten regulations, and hold those responsible accountable.
“Mr. Speaker, we must close the loopholes, tighten the rules, and hold those responsible for this crisis accountable,” he stated.
Broad political and professional consensus
The alarming situation has garnered widespread attention from various political and professional stakeholders.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, NDC MP for Klottey Korle, described the phenomenon as truly alarming, citing the devastating impact of illicit drugs on public health and safety.
Mr. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, NPP MP for Asante-Akim Central, highlighted the rising addiction among youth as a clarion call for strengthened border monitoring and enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Customs, and the Narcotics Control Board.
Professor Titus Kofi Bayuo, NDC MP for Lambussie, called for strict regulation of these drugs, warning that failure to do so would only exacerbate the widespread social and economic challenges associated with substance abuse.
PSGH condemns illicit importation
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has unequivocally condemned the illicit importation of highly dangerous opioids into Ghana and other West African countries.
In its statement, PSGH decried the proliferation of unapproved pharmaceutical products, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which pose severe public health risks.
The society referenced a BBC documentary that exposed how companies like Aveo Pharmaceuticals of India exported unlicensed and unregistered opioid formulations—such as Tafrodol, Timaking, and Super Royal-225—into Ghana.
These drugs, which are not approved for medical use anywhere in the world, have been linked to a rising number of addiction cases and severe health complications in the region.
Call for a thorough investigation and stronger controls
PSGH emphasized that the abuse of opioids has devastated communities, contributing to increased substance dependency, mental health disorders, and broader socio-economic challenges. The society called on regulatory agencies, including the FDA, the Pharmacy Council, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Authority, the National Intelligence Bureau, and all other relevant bodies, to expedite a thorough, independent investigation into these allegations.
“If any local pharmaceutical company is found to have breached regulatory protocols, appropriate sanctions should be enforced to maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain in Ghana,” PSGH stated.
Additionally, PSGH called for enhanced border controls, strict pharmaco-vigilance measures, interagency cooperation, and robust public education and awareness campaigns to combat the illicit opioid trade.
“The PSGH remains committed to ensuring that only safe, effective, and approved medicines are available in Ghana. We urge all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and the general public, to join hands in combatting this dangerous illicit trade,” the statement concluded.
