The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed the Ghanaian importer, Samos Pharma to halt all transactions with its export partners following a BBC documentary which exposed the partners’ alleged involvement in the illegal distribution of Opioid drugs to West African countries.
Samos Pharma’s export partner, Aveo Pharmaceutical’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification has been revoked effectively following the documentary.
Moreover, the registration process which was being carried out for some six drugs of another Ghanaian company, Masters Pharmaceutical Limited’s, has been suspended. Masters Pharmaceutical had planned to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer, according to reports.
Through Westfin International, Aveo Pharmaceuticals sold unapproved medications containing the potent and extremely addictive opioids tapentadol and carisoprodol to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, according to the investigative piece. When these drugs are misused, they can cause serious damage to the respiratory system and even lead to death.
In the wake of the report, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh lamented the proliferation of illegal drugs in the domestic pharmaceutical market. He expressed that the trend has led to widespread misuse and serious health issues.
According to him, a national education has been launched to draw awareness on the dangers of these drugs.
“A joint task force involving the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs and the Ghana Revenue Authority have intensified checks at major entry points to prevent further unauthorised imports leading to the destruction of a large consignment of Toradol and similar drugs. Inspections have been intensified and legal action taken against offenders. A national education campaign has been launched to warn the public about the dangers of illicit opioid use and encourage responsible medication practices,” he said in parliament on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Source: Dehotpress
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