The Upper West Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is calling for stiffer penalties for individuals involved in the illegal sale and abuse of Tramadol and other unregistered medicines.

Speaking at a drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by Aware Minds Foundation for basic school pupils on Friday, 18 July, FDA Regional Director, Sankpal Dafaari Kelvin, described the current penalties as too lenient and ineffective in deterring such offences.

He recounted a recent operation in Nabulo, a community in the Sissala East Municipality, where his team uncovered a shop selling only unregistered medicines, including Tramadol 500mg – locally referred to as “the red.” Ghanaian law permits the sale of Tramadol only up to 100mg, making the 500mg variant both illegal and dangerous.

“Something happened that made me vow never to fight Tramadol addicts again in the Upper West Region,” he told the students.

The raid, which took place on 30 May, nearly escalated into violence when residents attempted to attack the FDA officers the following day. The situation was eventually brought under control after the intervention of the Upper West Regional Minister and the police, who assisted in arresting and transporting the suspect to Wa.

The suspect was initially charged under Section 118 of the Public Health Act, which prohibits the sale of unregistered drugs.

The law allows for a prison term of up to 15 years or a fine of 1,500 penalty units. However, the court imposed a fine of only 160 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢1,920.

“I spent GH¢6,950 on fuel, accommodation, and logistics for that single operation. Is this judgment fair? If I decide not to fight Tramadol again, am I wrong?” he asked.