The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has announced plans to intensify efforts to combat the illegal importation and sale of illicit drugs in the Ashanti Region.

Regional Director, John Laryea Odei-Tettey, revealed that the Authority, in collaboration with other agencies, will conduct street operations targeting tramadol, Red, and other opioids.

Speaking at an anti-opioid forum in Kumasi, Mr. Odei-Tettey explained that the initiative is designed to curb abuse and preserve these drugs for legitimate medical use.

“We are clamping down on the misuse and illegal importation of such medicines,” he said. “It must be stated clearly that tramadol is not a poisonous product nor a banned one. The issue lies in the misuse and the fact that some products enter the country illegally, which means they are not registered with the Authority.”

He further clarified that tramadol products with lower strengths, such as 50mg and 100mg, along with specific registered brands, are authorised for use.

“Tramadol products exceeding 100mg should not be imported. This is the action we are taking, alongside relevant agencies, to ensure that young people, who have taken it upon themselves to misuse or abuse these medicines, stay away from them,” he added.

The FDA is focused on preventing recreational use of these drugs so that tramadol remains available for legitimate medical purposes, addressing appropriate health conditions.

“We are working to ensure that tramadol is medically available for the appropriate ailments,” he concluded.