The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a massive GH₵20 million worth of opioids at Tema Port, preventing the illicit shipment from reaching its final destination in Niger.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, marks a major step in Ghana’s fight against opioid trafficking.
Government Reaffirms Stance Against Drug Trafficking
Speaking at the port, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured the public that Ghana will not become a hub for drug smuggling.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a haven for opioids,” he stated. “And let me tell you that the president is personally interested in this matter. On my way here, he called me twice, and it tells you how critical this particular issue is.”
Details of the Seized Shipment
The intercepted consignment included:
- 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
Public Health Expert Raises Alarm
The interception comes in the wake of growing concerns over illegal opioids entering Ghana’s ports.
Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), had earlier demanded accountability from Customs, warning of security lapses at Ghana’s entry points.
“The products being seized by the FDA means they got through our ports. It was NACOC that had intel which led to the seizure. So that is complete confirmation that these drugs are entering through our ports, and that is scary,” Dr. Asiedu said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on March 1.
He further accused Customs of possible complicity, stressing that medicines are regulated products that require clearance from both the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
“If these containers got out of our ports without the knowledge of NACOC and the FDA, it means there is some level of complicity from Customs because the drugs did not go through the right channel,” he argued.
Weak Collaboration Among Agencies?
Dr. Asiedu also criticized the lack of coordination between key agencies tasked with securing Ghana’s drug supply chain. He called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar incidents in the future.
With the opioid crisis worsening across Africa, security experts and health professionals are urging Ghanaian authorities to tighten border control measures and hold those responsible for breaches accountable.
