PMAG calls for probe into opioid import, distribution

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association of Ghana (PMAG) has called on the government, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Pharmacy Council and all relevant stakeholders to launch an immediate investigation into the importation and distribution of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol.

It said it was important to identify and prosecute those responsible for the importation and distribution of those substances in the country.

In a statement signed by the President of the PMAG, Nana Dr Samuel Amo Tobbin, the association expressed concern over “the alarming revelations in the recent BBC Africa Eye investigation, which exposed the alleged importation and distribution of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol in Ghana.

“These potent opioids pose significant risks to public health, particularly among the youth and threaten the fabric of our society,” the statement said.

Report

The said investigative report identified an Indian Pharmaceutical Company as the producer of the unapproved drugs and accused another entity of facilitating its importation and distribution across West African countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

In Ghana, for instance, the report said so many young people in Tamale were taking illegal opioids and concerned about the situation, one of the city's chiefs, Alhassan Maham, had created a voluntary task force of about 100 local citizens whose mission was to raid drug dealers and take these pills off the streets.

“Such activities undermine the nation’s regulatory framework and contribute to the growing menace of opioid addiction and abuse,” the PMAG statement said.

“As the umbrella body for pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ghana, the PMAG strongly condemns the illicit importation of unregistered and potentially harmful medications into the country,” it added.

Safeguarding public health

The PMAG further urged the state to strengthen border controls to prevent the entry of unapproved pharmaceuticals into Ghana; enhance surveillance and enforcement measures to combat the illegal distribution of controlled substances; educate the public on the dangers of opioid abuse through nationwide awareness campaigns and to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure the availability of safe, effective and regulated medicines for Ghanaians.

It said the PMAG remained committed to supporting the government and regulatory authorities in their fight against drug abuse and the infiltration of unauthorised medications into the country.

“We urge all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals to collaborate in safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of medicines available to Ghanaians.

“We reiterate our call for immediate and decisive action to protect our communities from the devastating impact of opioid abuse.

The time to act is now,” the statement added.