Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has raised alarm over the increasing infiltration of illicit opioids into Ghana, describing it as a major public health and national security threat.
Addressing Parliament yesterday, he called for urgent and coordinated efforts to curb the crisis, warning that the situation has escalated into a national emergency.
“This is a matter of grave public health and national security concern. The opioid crisis is no longer just a health issue, it is a national emergency, and we must take decisive action now,” he emphasized.
The Minister revealed that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has identified unregistered Tramadol brands, including Trafanol, Tarapamol, and Tramaking, which have been smuggled into the country through illegal channels.
Additionally, an investigative report by BBC Africa Eye uncovered the trafficking of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, both highly potent and dangerous substances.
To combat this growing menace, the Minister highlighted the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration and ongoing operations by a joint task force involving the FDA, Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
“This task force has intensified checks at major entry points to prevent further illicit imports. As a result, a large consignment of unregistered opioids has been seized and destroyed. Unauthorized drugs are being confiscated, and legal action is being taken against offenders,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
He further announced the launch of a national education campaign to warn the public about the dangers of opioid abuse and promote responsible medication practices.
The issue sparked strong reactions from Members of Parliament across both sides of the House with Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, NDC MP for Klottey Korle, describing the situation as alarming, citing a recent attack on a school security officer by a gang of drug addicts.
“Recently, in the last three weeks, one of the security personnel in a school was attacked by a gang of drug addicts and is now in the 37 Military Hospital in a coma. Mr. Speaker, the ramifications of this illicit drug inflow go beyond large-scale smuggling.”
“It is affecting people’s lives, the security in our schools, and the safety of ordinary citizens. Our law enforcement agencies responsible for this need to be strengthened,” she urged.
Backing this call, New Patriotic Party’s Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh underscored the need for stricter border controls and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to curb the growing drug menace.
“We need to step up our monitoring mechanisms. Our borders must be properly manned, and those in charge should be well-informed about the types of drugs being smuggled. This is an emergency, and we must prioritize it in the upcoming budget,” he stated.
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