The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Volta Region has destroyed counterfeit pharmaceutical and food products valued at GH₵42 million, confiscated during anti-smuggling operations and routine market inspections across the Volta and Oti Regions.
The bulk of the contraband, which included aphrodisiacs, post pills, body enhancement products, antibiotics, and processed food, was intercepted at the Ghana-Togo border in Akanu, while the rest were seized during market swoops and monitoring exercises.
The destroyed items were shredded and disinfected at the Jospong Group of Companies’ Medical Waste Treatment Facility in Akrofu before being incinerated at approved dump sites.
Volta Regional FDA Director, Gordon Akurugu, reiterated the illegality of importing pharmaceutical products through land borders and warned of arrests and seizures for defaulters.
“Pharmaceutical products are not supposed to move through inland borders. If you want to import drugs into Ghana, it must be through Kotoka International Airport or Tema Port,” he cautioned.
He further advised the public against purchasing medicines from unauthorised vendors, particularly in streets and lorry parks, where counterfeit and unsafe drugs are often sold.
“These counterfeit products, such as fake Procold and Postino 2, may look convincing but pose serious health risks. Always buy from registered pharmacies and chemical sellers,” he said.
Rev. Lawrence Senya, Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, underscored the importance of proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste, warning that improperly discarded drugs often find their way back into the community.
“We’ve seen cases where drugs not properly disposed of are retrieved and resold. That’s why proper treatment and burning of such products is critical to protect public health,” he explained.
Both FDA officials and environmental health authorities called for increased public vigilance and collaboration to expose individuals involved in the illegal sale and distribution of drugs.
“Anyone selling drugs from a bag in the street is likely dealing in unapproved substances,” Rev. Senya stressed. “Let’s help report such activities to save lives.”
The FDA says it will remain on high alert across the region and has appealed to other regions to adopt safe disposal methods for confiscated products to safeguard both health and the environment.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com