The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has revealed plans to crack down on illegal importation and sale of illicit drugs in the Ashanti Region.
This was announced by the Regional Director of the Authority, John Laryea Odei-Tettey.
According to Mr. Odei-Tettey, the Authority, in collaboration with other agencies, would undertake street operations targeting tramadol, Red, and other opioids, which have become common in the region.
Speaking at an anti-opioid forum in Kumasi, Mr. Odei-Tettey explained that the initiative is designed to control abuse and preserve these drugs for legitimate medical use.
“We are clamping down on the misuse and illegal importation of such medicines. It must be stated clearly that tramadol is not a poisonous product nor a banned one. The issue lies in the misuse and the fact that some products enter the country illegally, which means they are not registered with the Authority,” he said.
He also indicated that tramadol products with lower strengths, such as 50mg and 100mg, along with specific registered brands, are authorised for use.
“Tramadol products exceeding 100mg should not be imported. This is the action we are taking, alongside relevant agencies, to ensure that young people who have taken it upon themselves to misuse or abuse these medicines stay away from them.
“We are working to ensure that tramadol is medically available for the appropriate ailments,” he added.