Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, warned of a growing threat posed by illicit opioids in Ghana.
In a statement to Parliament, on illegal opioids in the Ghanaian Market, Akandoh emphasised that the increasing infiltration of these substances was a “matter of grave public health and national security concern.”
“… Mr Speaker, the opioid crisis is not just a health issue but a national emergency “… Mr Speaker, we need a coordinated and sustained response from all relevant sectors and the public,” he said.
Akandoh revealed that Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority had confirmed the presence of unregistered Tramadol brands, including Trafanol, Tarapamol, and Tramaking, which had entered the country through unapproved routes.
He also noted that the recent British Broadcasting Coporation Africa Eye investigative report exposed the alleged exportation of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol.
In response to the crisis, the Sector Minister told Parliament that the Ministry of Health had taken immediate actions, including; tighter border inspections to intensify checks at major entry points to prevent unauthorised imports; increased monitoring inspections of over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales, seizure of unauthorised opioids, and legal action against offenders and public awareness through a national education campaign to warn the public about the dangers of illicit opioid use.
Akandoh also the National Democartic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Juaboso emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration and cooperation to combat the opioid crisis.
He said: “Mr Speaker, we must close the loopholes, tighten the rules, and hold those responsible for the crises accountable.”
The Minister’s statement comes as Ghana grapples with the devastating consequences of opioid abuse, including addiction, mental health issues, and deaths.
Commenting on the statement, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, NDC MP for Klottey Korle, said the phenomena was indeed alarming, highlighting the devastating impact of illicit drugs on a larger scale.
Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Asante-Akim Central, said the increasing addiction among youth emphasised the need for strengthened border monitoring and collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Customs, and Narcotics Control Board to combat the menace.
On his part, Professor Titus Kofi Bayuo, NDC MP for Lambussie, called for the regulation of such drugs, citing the severe damage they caused to young people.
“Mr Speaker, addiction is a serious issue that requires prompt attention, and it’s crucial to follow due criminal processes to punish those responsible for bringing these drugs into the country,” he said.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, NPP MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, said by adopting a multi-faceted approach, Ghana could effectively combat the illicit drug menace and protect its youth from the devastating consequences of addiction.
He noted that as the country sought to address this national emergency, Mr Akandoh’s call to action underscored the urgent need for a united front against opioid abuse.
“Mr Speaker, we need to step up our monitoring mechanisms to have control over this growing canker,” Mr Annoh-Dompreh added.
