The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a transit hub for opioid trafficking.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to tighten regulations and enhance monitoring to curb illicit drug shipments through the country’s ports.
Speaking after the safe disposal of approximately GH₵20 million worth of seized opioids on Friday, April 4, he commended the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for intercepting the shipment at Tema Port.
He assured the public of the authority’s commitment to strengthen regulatory measures to prevent future occurrences.
“We wanted to ensure the proper and safe disposal of these opioids. That is the only way we can ensure that our youth and citizens will not lay their hands on opioids. We will not end here after the safe disposal of this consignment.
“We are going further to investigate and interrogate the clearing agent and the importer himself or herself. The last time we visited the port, I reiterated that per the laws of this country.
“The Kotoka International Airport and the Tema Port should be used for the import and export of drugs, not our land bodies. We have instructed the security agencies and the customs to impound whatever drugs they get at the land bodies,” he assured.
The disposed shipment is included.
Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg – 26 cartons
Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg – 160 cartons
Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg – 40 cartons
Loperamide 2 mg – 190 cartons
Chlorpheniramine Maleate – 320 cartons