The Minister of Health has described the opioid crisis as a national emergency that requires immediate and coordinated action. In a statement on the infiltration of illegal opioids into Ghana’s markets, the Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stressed the increasing abuse of Tramadol and the emergence of more potent opioids such as Tapentadol and Carisoprodol.
These unregistered drugs, he revealed, have entered Ghana through weak border controls, distributed by criminal networks.
“Ghana’s FDA has confirmed the presence of unregistered Tramadol brands—Trafanol, Tarapamol, and Tramaking—entering the country through unapproved routes,” he stated.
Mr. Akandoh referenced a recent BBC Africa Eye investigative report exposing Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, and its distributor, Westfin International, for exporting unapproved opioids into West Africa, including Ghana.
“These drugs, produced without authorization, contain highly addictive substances never registered for use in Ghana. This is a clear violation of our laws, and we must act swiftly to stop it,” he emphasized.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with regulatory and security agencies, has already taken several steps to curb the opioid crisis: Reclassification of Tramadol as a controlled substance, restricting its sale to prescription-only use; Interceptions and seizures of unauthorized opioids at entry points, with several large consignments destroyed; Prosecution of offenders, including the ongoing trial of six over-the-counter medicine sellers in the Ahafo Region for illegal opioid sales and Market surveillance and regulatory enforcement, leading to the removal of unauthorized opioid products from circulation.
Hon. Akandoh detailed significant drug seizures in recent months, including December 18, 2023 – A transit container was intercepted with: 181 cartons of Royal 225mg (Tapentadol + Carisoprodol); 51 cartons of Timaking 120mg (Tapentadol + Carisoprodol); 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg; The shipment was destroyed on February 21, 2025.
May 2024 – 376 cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg were found hidden among laboratory coveralls and later destroyed under a court order.
Akandoh indicated that in response to the BBC Africa Eye revelations, the Ministry has taken decisive steps including Suspension of dealings with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International; Tighter border inspections with a joint task force comprising the FDA, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority; Increased surveillance of over-the-counter drug sales and legal action against offenders; A national public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of opioid abuse.
The Minister acknowledged challenges in fully preventing illegal opioids from entering the country despite these measures stating, “We must address the gaps in border security, improve intelligence sharing between agencies, and strengthen market surveillance.”
He said the Ministry is working on new initiatives, including Enhancing law enforcement collaboration with key security agencies, strengthening international cooperation to track and halt the illegal opioid supply chain, and Expanding regulatory monitoring to prevent transit goods from leaking into local markets.
Hon. Akandoh stressed the need for an inter-agency approach involving the Ghana Police Service, Pharmacy Council, NACOC, National Security, and other stakeholders.
“The opioid crisis is not just a health issue but a national emergency. We must close the loopholes, tighten the rules, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Ghana must not become a haven for illicit opioids and must not become a hub for opioid abuse and trafficking,” he warned.
He reassured Parliament and the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal opioids from Ghana’s markets.