Ghana’s Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with regulatory and security agencies has launched immediate measures to tackle the growing threat of illicit opioids following a recent investigative exposé by BBC Africa Eye.
The report revealed an alleged illegal exportation of unapproved opioids, including tapentadol, into Ghana and other West African countries.
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who addressed Parliament today, 25th February 2025 said, the exposé, released about four days ago, uncovered the involvement of Indian pharmaceutical firm Aveo Pharmaceuticals in producing and exporting opioids such as tapentadol and supradol to Ghana. These drugs, which have not been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), have entered local markets, raising serious public health and national security concerns.
In response, the minister highlighted that the Ministry of Health, working closely with the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has implemented decisive actions to address the crisis.
“The FDA has directed Samospharma to immediately seize using these companies as exporters of registered products to Ghana” he said. “Additionally, the FDA has suspended the processing of master’s pharmaceutical limited application which uses Aveo pharmaceutical as contract manufacturer” he highlighted.
These steps are part of a broader crackdown on the illegal importation of unapproved opioids.
To further combat the crisis, the minister revealed that a joint task force consisting of the FDA, Customs, the Narcotics Control Commission, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified inspections at major entry points across the country. This initiative has led to the seizure and destruction of large consignments of unauthorized drugs, including tafradol and other opioids.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Health has also ramped up its efforts to prevent the sale of illicit opioids through increased monitoring of over-the-counter drug sales.
Unauthorized drugs have been seized from the market, and legal action has been taken against offenders.
A national public awareness campaign has been launched to educate the public on the dangers of opioid misuse and to encourage responsible medication practices.
Despite these efforts, the Health Minister acknowledged that more work needs to be done to permanently shut down the supply of illicit opioids.
He said challenges such as inadequate inspection capacity for transit goods, gaps in intelligence sharing between enforcement agencies, and the illegal movement of opioids across borders. The Ministry, he said, will collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and regulatory oversight.
The minister stressed the need for a coordinated, sustained response from all sectors of society. “We cannot afford to let Ghana become a hub for opioid abuse and trafficking,” he said, urging all stakeholders to help close the loopholes, tighten regulations, and hold those responsible accountable.
The Minister of Health, addressed Parliament on this urgent matter after a recent BBC Africa Eye investigative report exposing the illegal exportation of unapproved opioids into Ghana and other West African countries.
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The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has issued a strong condemnation of the illegal importation of potent opioids into Ghana and other West African nations, warning of their serious implications for public health and safety.
In an official statement, PSGH raised concerns over the growing influx of unauthorized pharmaceutical substances, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which present significant health risks.
“As the recognized body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals in Ghana, PSGH firmly opposes the circulation of unregulated and harmful medications, especially opioids like tapentadol and carisoprodol, which endanger public well-being,” the statement emphasized.
The Society referenced the recent BBC investigative report, which exposed how Indian pharmaceutical firms, including Aveo Pharmaceuticals, were involved in the distribution of unapproved opioid formulations—such as Tafrodol, Timaking, and Super Royal-225—to Ghana.
PSGH highlighted that these substances, lacking global medical approval, have been associated with rising cases of addiction and severe health complications in the region.
“There is growing concern that Ghana has become a major transit point for these hazardous drugs, despite regulatory frameworks designed to prevent their entry and distribution,” the Society noted.
The organization called on regulatory authorities to ensure full transparency and accountability in addressing this issue, urging an in-depth and independent investigation into the matter. PSGH further appealed to key enforcement agencies—including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Pharmacy Council, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Authority, and National Intelligence Bureau—to take decisive action.
“If any local pharmaceutical company is found to have violated regulatory protocols, necessary penalties must be enforced to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry,” PSGH stressed.
The Society also advocated for tighter border controls, strengthened pharmacovigilance, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and widespread public awareness campaigns to curb the escalating opioid crisis.
“PSGH remains committed to ensuring that only safe, effective, and legally approved medications are accessible in Ghana. We call on all stakeholders—including the government, regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and the public—to unite in the fight against the illegal opioid trade,” the statement concluded.
With concerns mounting over the influx of unregulated opioids, industry stakeholders continue to push for urgent interventions to protect public health and prevent further harm.
Below is the statement;
