Tobinco Never Imported Fake Drugs Into Ghana- Court
An Accra High Court has vindicated Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL) against allegations that it had imported substandard drugs into the country about 11 years ago.
In 2013, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, accused the pharmaceutical company of importing fake drugs into the country- a claim that culminated in the arrests of key officials and partners of the company as well as the shutdown of their warehouse and disposal of their products.
The FDA also banned Bliss GVS Pharma Limited, the then principal business partner of Tobinco, from exporting drugs into Ghana.
The company commenced a legal action against the FDA in 2019 which finally concluded on July 29, 2024, in favour of the plaintiff.
A ruling by the Court presided over by Her Ladyship Audrey Kocuvie-Tay found that the company did not import fake drugs into the Ghanaian market while the actions of the FDA constituted misfeasance of a public office, per highlights of the ruling published by Tobinco.
“The Court confirmed that after Tobinco was fined because some of its drugs had expired in terms of registration, the FDA, led by Dr. Opuni, failed or refused to register the drugs that had not expired in terms of registration,” it added.
The company has rejoiced over the ruling with the CEO noting, “It is a positive feeling and welcome news for a court of competent jurisdiction to affirm my innocence. It’s a very great feeling!” CEO of the Tobinco Group said in a brief statement.”
