Ghana is making strides in its battle against the illegal importation of dangerous opioids, as Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa held a pivotal meeting in India with senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This meeting underscored the country’s commitment to curbing the influx of harmful substances fueling a public health crisis and endangering Ghana’s youth.
During the high-stakes discussion, Ablakwa emphasized the urgency of the situation and presented intelligence and evidence collected by the Ghanaian government under President John Dramani Mahama’s directive. “President Mahama has instructed us to tackle this menace head-on, and we are unwavering in our resolve,” Ablakwa said.
Indian officials, led by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary at the Commerce and Industry Ministry, pledged their full cooperation in the fight against illicit opioid trafficking. They committed to taking stringent measures, including revoking the licenses of culpable pharmaceutical companies and prosecuting those involved in the criminal trade.
The Foreign Affairs Minister has tasked Ghana’s High Commission in New Delhi to maintain close ties with Indian authorities, monitor developments closely, and provide consistent updates. Ablakwa expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “I commend India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their warm reception and demonstrable commitment to work with Ghana to resolve this crisis. Ghana will win this war.”
This assurance comes on the heels of a major breakthrough at the Tema Port, where Ghanaian authorities intercepted a significant shipment of opioids valued at approximately GH₵20 million. The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), working with other stakeholders, discovered a container packed with potent opioid medications, including Tapentadol, Loperamide, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate, bound for Niger.
Details of the Seized Opioids
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
The interception highlights the growing concern over West Africa’s role in global drug smuggling networks. Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, speaking at a press briefing, assured the nation that the government is resolute in preventing Ghana from being a conduit for such illicit activities.
“Inasmuch as we are committed to facilitating trade, Ghana will not become a safe haven for opioids,” Akandoh asserted. He also disclosed that the matter has attracted the highest level of government attention, with President Mahama personally monitoring developments.
“Let me tell you, the President called me twice on my way here. This demonstrates how critical this issue is to him,” the Health Minister revealed.
The government has also ramped up efforts to tighten regulations and improve surveillance at all major ports to close any loopholes that traffickers might exploit. “We are taking decisive steps to ensure these dangerous substances are kept out of our borders,” Akandoh added.
With international partnerships strengthening and domestic measures intensifying, Ghana is poised to make significant progress in its war against the illicit opioid trade, safeguarding its citizens and youth from its devastating impacts.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
