The government is intensifying efforts to combat the import and export of illicit drugs, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced.
“We are waging a war against the influx of opioids into the country,” Mr. Akandoh stated during the supervised destruction of 230 cartons of opioids at Ashaiman on Friday.
The drugs, valued at GH₵20 million, were imported into Ghana on March 14, 2025, and destroyed in accordance with a court order.
The consignment included:
160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol (120 mg)
44 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol (120 mg and 250 mg)
26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol (120 mg)
Mr. Akandoh disclosed that investigations into the shipment through Tema Port have begun, with the importer and clearing agent expected to be interrogated.
He noted that the importer is not Ghanaian and claimed the consignment was destined for Niger.
“We are in touch with the Niger government to verify whether they approved it,” he said, adding, “Even if the Niger government has okayed the importation of the drugs, our borders will never serve as safe havens for opioids.”
He reiterated that Ghana’s laws allow drug shipments only through Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport.
The Ministry witnessed the destruction to ensure none of the drugs entered the market.
Mr. Akandoh added that security agencies, particularly Customs, have been tasked to seize all drugs found at land borders.
He cautioned that allowing Ghana to be used as a hub for opioids could undermine national productivity, as youth—who are the country’s future—are most affected by opioid abuse.
The Minister assured that the government will soon announce further measures to regulate drug imports and exports.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, also spoke at the event. She outlined the dangerous side effects of opioids, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, hypertension, hallucinations, and depression.
Dr. Darko affirmed that drug regulations are being strictly enforced, with ongoing seizures and destructions. She added that the FDA is intensifying public education campaigns targeting the youth and maintaining 24-hour surveillance at Kotoka International Airport.
The destruction exercise was witnessed by officials from the Tema High Court, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), FDA, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Police, National Security, and the Ministry of Health.