The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has strongly condemned the illicit importation of highly dangerous opioids into Ghana and other West African nations, warning of their devastating impact on public health and safety.
In a statement, PSGH expressed deep concern over the proliferation of unapproved pharmaceutical products, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which pose severe risks to public health.
“As the professional body representing pharmacists and pharmaceutical stakeholders in Ghana, PSGH unequivocally condemns the proliferation of unapproved and harmful pharmaceutical products, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which pose severe public health risks,” the statement read.
PSGH referenced a recent BBC documentary, which exposed how Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Aveo Pharmaceuticals exported unlicensed and unregistered opioid formulations, including Tafrodol, Timaking, and Super Royal-225, into Ghana.
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The Society highlighted that these drugs, which have not been approved for medical use anywhere in the world, have been linked to rising cases of addiction and severe health complications across the region.
“The Society is deeply troubled by reports that Ghana has become a key transit hub for these dangerous drugs, despite regulatory measures designed to prevent such occurrences,” PSGH stated.
The statement urged regulatory agencies to ensure transparency and due process in addressing these concerns, calling for a thorough, independent investigation into the matter. PSGH called upon key authorities, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Pharmacy Council, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau to take swift action.
“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,” the statement added.
PSGH further called for enhanced border controls, strict pharmacovigilance measures, interagency cooperation, and public education to combat the rising opioid crisis.
“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 the illicit opioid trade,” the statement concluded.
As the crisis unfolds, calls for urgent intervention continue to mount, with stakeholders demanding swift action to curb the influx of unregulated opioids threatening public health in Ghana and beyond.
