A recent joint security operation at the Tema Port has unearthed a worrying development—Ghana’s potential emergence as a key transit route for illicit opioid drugs in the West African sub-region.
Security and regulatory agencies intercepted a massive consignment of restricted pharmaceutical drugs worth over GH₵20 million, originally declared as being in transit to Niger.
Authorities are now scrambling to determine the real destination and identities behind the shipment.
The interception was led by a combined team from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), National Security, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Drugs Seized
The intercepted cargo included significant quantities of potent opioids such as:
- 26 cartons of Tapentadol 250mg
- 160 cartons of Tafradol 120mg
- 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120mg
In addition, it contained 190 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate and 320 cartons of Diazole Loperamide—drugs often abused for non-medical purposes.
FDA officials revealed that the products bore no identifiable manufacturer details, other than being marked “Made in India”—raising red flags over their authenticity and safety.
Read Also: Investor confidence high as Gov’t exceeds T-Bill target by GHS 514M despite falling rates
Minister Raises Alarm
Following the seizure, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, alongside Brig. Gen. Zibrim Ayorrogo (Commissioner of Customs) and Dr. Delese Mimi Darko (CEO of the FDA), visited Tema Port to inspect the seized shipment.
Mr. Akandoh warned that Ghana is increasingly being flagged as a vulnerable link in the transnational opioid trafficking chain. While reiterating the country’s commitment to promoting trade, he stressed, “Ghana will not allow its ports to be used as a corridor for illegal opioids.”
The Minister confirmed that investigations are underway to determine whether the shipment was indeed sanctioned by Niger, or whether it was a front for trafficking.
Customs Violations and Regulatory Gaps
FDA boss Dr. Darko disclosed that the consignment was not properly declared and thus violated customs regulations, automatically subjecting it to seizure.
“This is not just a regulatory issue. It’s a national security threat,” she emphasized, adding that only Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are approved for pharmaceutical imports and exports.
Any drugs attempting to enter or exit Ghana through land borders are considered illegal, regardless of type—even basic medications like paracetamol.
Next Steps
Authorities have pledged to seek a court order for the safe disposal of the seized drugs and are in touch with Nigerien authorities for verification. The Minister also requested urgent updates on the identities and whereabouts of the importers and exporters behind the cargo.
“We must clamp down on this before it escalates into a public health crisis,” Mr. Akandoh stressed, urging the public and freight industry players to report suspicious activity.
Ghana’s Battle Against Illicit Pharma Trade
This interception is part of a broader effort to tighten border surveillance, especially at ports of entry, in response to growing concerns about pharmaceutical trafficking, drug abuse, and the potential misuse of Ghana’s ports by criminal networks.
