The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has commended the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA); the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC); the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh; the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and other stakeholders for their swift action in intercepting a significant shipment of opioids worth GH₵20 million at the Tema Port.

According to the association, this successful operation underscores the urgent need for stronger regulatory enforcement to prevent Ghana from being used as a transit hub for illicit pharmaceuticals.

“It is worthy of note that the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has taken a keen interest in ensuring that Ghana does not become a transit hub for the distribution of illicit opioids in the sub-region. However, it is believed that most of these products in transit to other countries may end up circulating within Ghana, posing a major public health risk”.

Additionally, the PSGH calls for and commits to the following:

1. Public Health and Safety Concerns

The PSGH recognizes the critical role of opioids in pain management when used appropriately under medical supervision. However, the illicit trafficking and misuse of these substances pose a serious public health threat, potentially leading to addiction, overdose, and increased cases of substance use disorders in Ghana and beyond.

While Ghana has not experienced an opioid crisis on the scale seen in some Western countries, reports indicate a rise in opioid misuse, particularly among the youth. We, therefore, call for urgent measures to prevent an emerging crisis in our country.

2. Strengthening Regulatory Controls and Enforcement

The PSGH urges the government and all relevant regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Pharmacy Council, to:

• Strengthen surveillance at all entry points, including ports and land borders, to prevent illicit pharmaceutical imports.
• Enforce the law, which permits the importation of medicines only through two designated points of entry: Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport. Any medicines entering the country through other seaports or land border routes must be seized by law enforcement agencies.
• Enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies, customs, and healthcare professionals to track and eliminate illegal drug trafficking networks.
• Implement stricter penalties for individuals and entities involved in the unauthorized importation, distribution, or sale of controlled medicines.

The PSGH commends the Hon. Minister of Health for leading the inter-sectorial collaboration to curb this growing threat.

3. The Role of Pharmacists in Preventing Opioid Misuse

As the gatekeepers of medicine, pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe and responsible use of opioids and other controlled substances. To this end, PSGH will:

• Lead nationwide education on the misuse of opioids, raising awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse and illicit drug consumption.
• Enhance pharmacist education on opioid stewardship and responsible dispensing practices.
• Support the implementation of a national prescription monitoring system to track opioid prescriptions and prevent diversion into unauthorized channels.
• Strengthen public education efforts and collaborate with media organizations and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to promote awareness.

The PSGH is also encouraging its hardworking members at the Pharmacy Council and the FDA not to relent in their efforts to fight this menace. Their dedication is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of Ghana’s pharmaceutical landscape.

4. Regional Collaboration to Combat Drug Trafficking

Given that the intercepted container was bound for Niger, the PSGH calls for increased cooperation among ECOWAS countries to harmonize regulations, improve intelligence-sharing, and strengthen border controls. Drug trafficking is a transnational issue that requires collective action to safeguard public health across West Africa.

5. Call for Public Vigilance and Stakeholder Engagement

We encourage the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities to the authorities. The PSGH stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the FDA, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that Ghana remains a safe and secure country in the fight against drug trafficking.

In conclusion, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the responsible use of pharmaceuticals.

“We will continue to engage with policymakers, healthcare providers, and security agencies to prevent the infiltration of dangerous substances into our communities”.

It also urged all stakeholders to work together in closing regulatory loopholes and strengthening enforcement measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.