A joint operation by regulatory and intelligence agencies at Tema Port has led to the interception of opioid drugs worth an estimated GH?20 million, which were purportedly in transit to Niger.

The shipment was seized following a coordinated inspection involving the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), 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).

The consignment included a large quantity of opioid pharmaceuticals, laced with other drugs, raising concerns over illicit drug trafficking through Ghana’s ports.

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.

Ongoing investigation

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, together with Commissioner of Customs, Brig Gen Zibrim Ayorrogo, and CEO of the FDA, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, visited Tema Port on Monday, March 17, 2025, to assess the situation. They confirmed that investigations were ongoing to uncover the full details of the shipment, including its intended recipients.

Mr Akandoh stated that authorities were working to determine the identities, operational methods, and motives of those behind the consignment. He noted that Ghana has recently been flagged as a major transit hub for opioids in West Africa, while Nigeria has been praised for its robust measures in preventing the movement of such controlled substances.

He emphasised that while Ghana remains committed to facilitating trade, the country will not allow itself to become a haven for illegal opioids. He assured the public that President John Dramani Mahama is personally committed to addressing the issue and preventing the proliferation of such substances.

Regulatory measures and enforcement

Mr Akandoh reaffirmed that under Ghana’s regulations, only Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are designated for the import and export of pharmaceutical products. He warned that no medication is permitted to enter or exit the country via land borders, and urged security agencies to confiscate any unauthorised drugs, even common ones like paracetamol, if found being transported through illegal routes.

He also disclosed that the government is engaging with Niger’s authorities to verify whether the consignment was officially sanctioned by the country, stressing that even if approval had been granted, Ghana would not allow its ports to be used as a transit point for illegal or unauthorised drugs.

The government is moving swiftly to court to obtain an order for the proper disposal of the seized items.

Appeal for public support

The Minister of Health commended the regulatory and security agencies for their vigilance and called on the public, particularly importers and exporters, to volunteer information that could help combat illicit trade in pharmaceuticals.

“I have asked for an update on the whereabouts of the exporters and importers, and very soon, I will be briefed on their current status,” he said.

Customs violation

The CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko stated that the shipment had not been properly declared to Customs, thereby constituting a customs offence and warranting its seizure by the state.

She further noted that the products lacked key manufacturing details, with the only marking on the strips indicating that they were "Made in India".

Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking and protect the country’s public health and security.