The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the illegal importation and distribution of unapproved opioid medications following a damning BBC Africa Eye investigative report.

The report exposed how Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian pharmaceutical company, allegedly exported dangerous and unregistered drugs including tapentadol and carisoprodol to West African markets, including Ghana.

This was contained a press statement today and signed by Delese Mimi Darko, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

FDA’s position

The FDA has categorically stated that it has never registered tapentadol or carisoprodol as single-ingredient products, nor has it approved Tafradol, a fixed-dose combination of these substances, for any medical condition in Ghana.

Additionally, the Centre for Import and Export Control (CIEC) has confirmed that no import permit applications for Tafradol or similar brands have been processed, making these drugs illegal for sale or use.

According to the FDA this latest exposé reinforces its longstanding efforts to clamp down on the illegal opioid trade, which has fuelled addiction and health crises across Ghana.

The Authority has been actively monitoring and seizing illicit opioid shipments, imposing heavy fines on violators, and ensuring safe disposal of these dangerous substances.

Major seizures of Opioids

Despite ongoing regulatory efforts, the FDA has continued to uncover and seize large quantities of unregistered opioids in Ghana.

Some recent high-profile interceptions include December 18, 2023, a container (MRKU 9648934) in transit to Niger was found to contain 181 cartons of Royal 225mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol); 51 cartons of Timaking 120mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol) and 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg.

These and among others were seized and destroyed on February 21, 2025, following a court order. Many of these products lacked clear manufacturer details, indicating they were smuggled or counterfeit.

Regulatory actions

The FDA, in collaboration with state security agencies, has been relentless in prosecuting individuals and businesses involved in illegal opioid distribution.

“Six Over-the-Counter Medicine Sellers are facing prosecution for selling Tramadol and other illegal opioids. Samos Pharma, mentioned in the BBC report, has been ordered to cease all transactions with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and its exporter, Westfin International Private Limited" the statement indicated.

“The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate of Aveo Pharmaceuticals has been suspended as well as the processing of Masters Pharmaceutical Limited’s application for drug registration using Aveo Pharmaceuticals has been halted” it added.

Assurance

FDA has assured the public that it is actively investigating the allegations raised in the BBC Africa Eye report and is working with law enforcement agencies to crack down on the illicit drug trade.

“The Authority remains resolute in protecting public health and ensuring the safety of all pharmaceutical products in Ghana” it read.