The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana has taken swift action following a BBC Africa Eye investigative report exposing the alleged exportation of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol by Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
The FDA confirms that it has not registered these substances for use in Ghana and has not approved Tafradol, a fixed-dose combination of both substances, for any medical condition. The Authority’s Centre for Import and Export Control (CIEC) has also not received or processed an import permit application for Tafradol or similar brands.
Key Actions Taken by the FDA:
Seizure and Disposal: On December 18, 2023, a container was seized, containing 181 cartons of Royal 225mg, 51 cartons of Timaking 120mg, and 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg. These were disposed of following a court order dated January 16, 2025.
Joint Operation: In May 2024, a joint operation intercepted 376 cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg concealed among laboratory coverall suits. These were safely disposed of in October 2024.
Surveillance and Confiscation: The FDA has confiscated approximately 287,011 units of Tramadol, 8,576 units of Trafadol, and 2,053 units of Tramaking at different border posts and from hawkers.
Prosecution: The FDA is prosecuting six Over-the-Counter Medicine Sellers for the illegal sale and distribution of Tramadol and other opioids.
The FDA has also directed Samos Pharma to cease using Westfin International Private Limited and Aveo Pharmaceuticals as exporters and has suspended Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate.
Story by Godfred Sey
Ahotoronline.com
