Authorities Intercept GH₵20 Million Opioid Shipment at Tema Port

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in coordination with key enforcement agencies, has successfully intercepted a significant shipment of illicit opioid drugs worth approximately GH₵20 million at the Tema Port. The drugs were en route to Niger, but the operation prevented their illegal transit.

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, visited the port to inspect the seized shipment and reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to combating the trafficking of illegal substances through Ghana. "While we are dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade, Ghana will not serve as a safe haven or transit route for opioids," he emphasized. The Minister also revealed that President Akufo-Addo has expressed grave concern about the issue, having personally called him twice to underscore the importance of addressing the matter.

The intercepted drugs included:

26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg
160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg
40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg
190 cartons of Loperamide 2 mg
320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate

This seizure follows mounting concerns over the trafficking of opioids in West Africa. Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Public Health Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), expressed alarm after a recent BBC exposé highlighted the growing issue of opioid smuggling in the region. Dr. Asiedu noted that the involvement of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) indicates the drugs entered Ghana’s ports undetected by Customs.

"The fact that these drugs were able to pass Customs and were only intercepted by NACOC’s intelligence efforts is a significant concern," he said. Dr. Asiedu further called for enhanced accountability from Customs officials, stressing the need for more stringent checks at all entry points, including Tema, Takoradi, and Kotoka airports. He emphasized that all regulated medicines should be flagged for clearance by both the FDA and NACOC to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Please follow this page after reading and share the news to your friends and family to promote this platform. Follow this blog page by clicking the three horizontal lines on the top right corner.

Thank you.

Comments

Davido Makes History as the First Living Artist to Cover RollingStone Africa Magazine

Nigerian music icon Davido has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the first living artist to grace the cover of RollingStone Africa magazine. This accomplishment comes as part of the promotional campaign for his highly anticipated fifth studio album, Five , set to drop on April 18, 2024. At a recent listening party for the album, Davido revealed that Five will feature 13 collaborations, including appearances by renowned artists such as Victony , Musa Keys , and Victoria Monet . The album will also showcase guest features from YG Marley , who previously worked with Davido on the hit single Awuke , and Chike and OdumoduBlvck , who both joined him on the track Funds . Additionally, Five is set to include collaborations with Adekunle Gold and Omah Lay , with Omah Lay describing the partnership as a perfect musical synergy in a recent interview. During a live Twitch session with Nigerian alternative music star and content creator Cruel Santino , Davido offer...

Richard Nii Armah Quaye: Paving the Way for Innovation in Ghana’s Entertainment and Technology Sectors

Ghana's business ecosystem is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by the strategic vision of investor Richard Nii Armah Quaye. Known for his impactful investments in youth-driven enterprises, Quaye has made significant contributions across industries, including hospitality and fintech. Now, with his investment firm, Quick Angels, Quaye is catalyzing a new phase of growth for Lynx Entertainment, expanding its reach beyond its core focus on music. At the heart of this transformation lies Lynx Electronics, a subsidiary of Lynx Entertainment that is dedicated to advancing innovations in entertainment technology. The flagship product of this expansion is the Lynx Reverb Headset, a high-end audio device engineered to deliver an unparalleled immersive sound experience. This venture marks a bold entry into the tech sector, bridging the worlds of music and cutting-edge audio technology. Strategic Investments for Ghanaian Innovation Richard Nii Armah Quaye’s investment strategy i...

Ken Ofori-Atta Files Legal Action Against Special Prosecutor Over 'Wanted Person' Label

Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has taken legal action against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), seeking an injunction to prevent the agency from continuing to label him as a “wanted person” or “fugitive from justice.” This legal move comes after Ofori-Atta's image and personal details were publicly displayed on the OSP's official social media pages, despite earlier assurances made in a letter dated February 18, 2025. In a motion filed by his legal team, Ofori-Atta argues that the OSP's actions violate the principles of administrative justice, specifically the right to a fair process and the protection of his personal dignity. He is requesting the immediate removal of his name from the OSP's list of wanted individuals and a court order to prevent the agency from reinstating it without prior judicial approval. Additionally, Ofori-Atta seeks an interlocutory injunction to stop the OSP from issuing any further press releases or public statements that ...

News1gh

Search This Blog