Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined new measures aimed at reducing the flow of highly addictive opioids into the country following a BBC investigation that revealed the illegal export of tapentadol and carisoprodol by the pharmaceutical company Aveo to Ghana and other West African nations.
In a statement to Parliament, Minister Akandoh confirmed that a joint task force, comprising the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has been set up to strengthen surveillance and prevent the illegal import of these harmful substances.
“A Joint Task Force has intensified checks at smaller entry points to prevent the unauthorised importation of drugs like Tramador,” he said. “Inspections have also increased at over-the-counter drug outlets, and legal action has been taken against offenders.”
The issue has raised significant concerns among lawmakers, with Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Korle Klottey, describing the situation as “shocking.” She highlighted the impact of drug addiction in her constituency, noting that addicts have been harassing students and teachers at the Nii Amugi Cluster of Schools. One school security guard was recently attacked by a gang of drug users and is now in a coma at the 37 Military Hospital.
Prof. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie, also voiced concern about the harm these drugs are causing in their communities.
Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, called on the government to allocate adequate resources to tackle the illegal drug inflow.
Source:TheDotNews