FDA Targets Illegal Opioids in Kumasi

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is intensifying its battle against the illegal trade of unregistered and misused opioid drugs in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. A new phase of enforcement operations is set to begin, aimed at cleaning up the streets of Kumasi and surrounding areas.

The effort will involve a coordinated collaboration with other national enforcement agencies to locate and remove opioids like tramadol and the drug known as “Red” from illegal circulation.

These operations are part of a broader campaign to address the rising trend of recreational drug use, particularly among the youth.

Authorities are focusing on tramadol abuse—not because the drug is banned or inherently dangerous, but due to the increasing misuse of products that are either smuggled into the country or exceed approved dosage limits.

“It must be stated clearly that tramadol is not a poisonous product nor a banned one. The issue lies in the misuse and the fact that some products enter the country illegally, which means they are not registered with the Authority,” Regional Director of FDA, John Laryea Odei-Tettey revealed at an anti-opioid forum in Kumasi.

While registered tramadol brands in 50mg and 100mg strengths are permitted for medical use, products above this limit are not allowed and fall outside regulatory approval.

“Tramadol products exceeding 100mg should not be imported. This is the action we are taking, alongside relevant agencies, to ensure that young people, who have taken it upon themselves to misuse or abuse these medicines, stay away from them,” he said.

The FDA is making it clear that its campaign is not against tramadol itself, but against the unregulated and unauthorized use that threatens public safety. The new enforcement wave is designed to ensure that opioids remain available strictly for legitimate medical needs and not for recreational misuse.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso