The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has condemned the proliferation of the illicit opioid trade in the country, calling for urgent regulatory measures to curb the importation and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.
In a statement dated February 24, PSGH expressed concern over recent investigative report from BBC Africa Eye documentary, which exposed the illegal trade of unapproved opioids into Ghana and West Africa. The association emphasized the public health dangers associated with these opioids.
“As the professional body representing pharmacists and pharmaceutical stakeholders in Ghana, PSGH unequivocally condemns the proliferation of unapproved and harmful pharmaceutical products, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which pose severe public health risks,” the statement read.
The association highlighted how pharmaceutical companies, including Aveo Pharmaceuticals, have been implicated in the illicit opioid trade. The report alleged that opioids such as Tafrodol, Timaking, and Super Royal-225, which are not approved for medical use anywhere in the world, have found their way into the Ghanaian market.
PSGH warned of the far-reaching consequences of opioid abuse, stating that “the abuse of opioids has devastated communities, contributing to increased substance dependency, mental health disorders, and socio-economic challenges.”
To combat this growing crisis, PSGH called for stricter oversight, including enhanced border control, increased monitoring of pharmaceutical imports, stronger penalties for regulatory breaches, and interagency collaboration to dismantle illicit pharmaceutical networks.
The organization also urged the government to work with international partners to prevent the exportation of unlicensed drugs into Ghana and West Africa.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding pharmaceutical standards, PSGH called on all stakeholders to join the fight against the illicit opioid trade. “We urge all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and the general public, to join hands in combating the illicit opioid trade,” the statement concluded.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
