Not many days ago, a documentary by the BBC exposed the alarming rise of opioid abuse in West Africa, with Ghana emerging as a hotspot. The investigative piece revealed how thousands of young people, from students to commercial drivers, are caught in the grip of addiction—many hooked on tramadol, a powerful painkiller meant for severe medical conditions.
But how did Ghana get here? How did these deadly pills seep into the hands of the youth, and why is the crisis growing despite government bans and crackdowns?
Surprisingly, just yesterday, authorities at the Tema Port intercepted a massive consignment of opioid drugs worth an estimated GH₵20 million, supposedly destined for Niger. The seizure, part of a joint operation involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), raises new concerns about the role of Ghana as a major transit hub for illicit drugs.
Intercepted Consignment: A Deeper Crisis?
Among the intercepted opioids were 26 cartons of Tapentadol 250mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol 120mg, and 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120mg. The consignment also contained 190 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate and 320 cartons of Diazole Loperamide. These drugs, often misused for their euphoric effects, are fueling a hidden crisis in Ghana, where addiction rates among young people are soaring.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, alongside Commissioner of Customs Brig. Gen. Zibrim Ayorrogo and FDA CEO Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, visited Tema Port on Monday, March 17, 2025, to assess the situation. They confirmed that investigations were ongoing to determine who was behind the shipment and whether it had official clearance from Niger’s authorities.
Government’s Next Steps
The government is now seeking a court order for the disposal of the seized drugs, while also tightening regulatory enforcement. Minister Akandoh emphasized that only Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are authorized entry points for pharmaceutical imports and exports—strictly banning the transport of medications through land borders.
Additionally, Ghanaian authorities are engaging with Niger’s government to verify the authenticity of the consignment’s final destination. Even if Niger had officially sanctioned the shipment, Ghana has reaffirmed its stance that it will not serve as a gateway for illicit opioid trafficking.
The Minister of Health commended security agencies for their vigilance and urged the public to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities. He noted that the government is tracking the individuals behind the shipment, promising that arrests and legal actions would follow soon.
As investigations unfold, the key question remains: Who orchestrated this multi-million-cedi drug shipment? Authorities have pledged to dismantle the networks fueling Ghana’s opioid crisis, but without stricter border controls and tougher penalties, the country risks becoming a permanent trafficking hub.
