The government has seized about 45.4 million tramadol tablets as part of an intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak disclosed this during his appearance at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24.

Presenting the performance of agencies under the Interior Ministry from January 2025 to July 2026, the Minister said more than 8,500 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs had also been confiscated.

“One of the major challenges that confront us continues to be the illicit drug fight,” he said.

“Over 8,500 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs were seized, and also about 45.4 million tramadol tablets.”

According to him, the Narcotics Control Commission, working with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, arrested 217 suspects and initiated 165 prosecutions during the period under review.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak identified the growing use of synthetic drugs as one of the country’s most pressing challenges, noting that enforcement agencies had intensified operations against individuals and criminal networks involved in the trade.

“One of the biggest challenges now is the use of synthetic drugs, and Narcotics Control has intensified its efforts,” he said.

The Minister explained that the government’s campaign was targeting not only drug users but also traffickers and their financial assets through intelligence-led operations.

“Our campaign is not just [targeted] at the users, but those who are bringing it,” he said.

He added that 73 assets had been traced, while about 19 kilogrammes of gold had been seized in suspected drug-related money-laundering cases. Cash amounting to about GH¢6.9 million and $440,000 had also been restrained.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak commended the Narcotics Control Commission and other security agencies for what he described as their “bold and decisive” approach to combating illicit drugs.

He added that the government’s strategy combined enforcement with public education to reduce drug abuse, disrupt trafficking networks and address the financial structures sustaining the illicit trade.