PSGH condemns illegal opioid imports, demands strengthened port security

By Stanley Senya

ACCRA, February 24, GNA – The pharmaceutical society of Ghana (PSGH) has condemned the illicit import of highly dangerous opioids in Ghana and other countries of Western Africa.

“As the professional body that represents pharmaceuticals and stakeholders in Ghana, PSGH unequivocally condemns the proliferation of not approved and harmful pharmaceutical products, particularly those that contain Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, which raise serious risks of public health,” he said.

In a statement copied to the Ghana news agency at Accra, a BBC documentary said that it showed how companies such as Aveo Pharmaceuticals of India exported opioid formulations without a license and not registered, such as Tafrodol, Timeking and Super Royal-225, to Ghana.

The statement said that these medications, which were not approved for medical use anywhere in the world, had been related to increasing cases of addiction and serious health complications in the region.

PSGH said opioid abuse had devastated communities, contributing to greater dependence on substances, mental health disorders and socio -economic challenges.

“Society is deeply concerned about the reports that Ghana has become a key transit center for these dangerous drugs, despite the regulatory measures designed to prevent such occurrences.”

The statement emphasized the need for regulatory agencies to guarantee transparency and due process to determine guilt.

He asked the FDA, the Pharmacy Council, the Division of the Ghana’s Revenue Authority (GRA) -Customs, the Department of Criminal Investigation of the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Authority, the National Intelligence Office and All relevant authorities to accelerate thorough and independent investigation into these accusations.

“If it is found that a local pharmaceutical company has violated the regulatory protocols, appropriate sanctions must be applied to maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain in Ghana,” he added.

The pharmaceutical society also requested improved border controls, strict pharmquevigilance measures, cooperation between agencies and public education and awareness to combat these acts.

“The PSGH is still committed to ensuring that only safe, effective and approved medications are available in Ghana. We urge all interested parties, including government, regulatory agencies, health professionals and the general public, to join the hands to combat the trade of illicit opioids, ”according to the statement.

GNA