Govt to dispose of seized opioids in Tema

A large shipment of opioids was seized at Tema Port. It will be safely disposed of under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

This disposal follows a court directive. The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is collaborating on this action.

The intercepted shipment includes:
- 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg
- 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg
- 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg
- 190 cartons of Loperamide 2 mg
- 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Opioid addiction is a major public health concern in Ghana. Reports show an increase in illegal sales and misuse of painkillers like tramadol and codeine.

Abusing these substances can lead to severe health issues. These include addiction, mental health disorders, organ damage, and even death.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has called for stricter regulations. They want better monitoring to reduce opioid abuse among youth in Ghana.

By Christopher Kevin Asima