Ghana will win the 'war' against illicit importation of dangerous opioids - Ablakwa
He noted that the illicit importation of dangerous opioids to Ghana is fueling a public health crisis and destroying many of the youth.
During the meeting, he said they shared intelligence and provided evidence which the Ghanaian Government has so far compiled following firm instructions from President John Dramani Mahama that the opioid menace be confronted head on.
Indian officials, led by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary at the Commerce and Industry Ministry, have pledged to clamp down on Indian Pharmaceutical Companies engaged in the criminal enterprise, Mr Abklakwa said.
They have promised to withdraw licenses and prosecute the masterminds, he added.
He has also tasked Ghana’s High Commission in New Delhi to maintain close contact with the relevant Indian government officials, keenly monitor the situation and provide regular updates.
“I commend India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their warm reception and their demonstrable commitment to work with Ghana to resolve this crisis. We are exceedingly grateful to President Mahama for his leadership and guidance. Ghana will win this war,” he wrote on his X page.
Recently, authorities in Ghana intercepted a massive shipment of opioids worth an estimated GH₵20 million at the Tema Port, in what officials are describing as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The seizure, led by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with other stakeholders, uncovered a container packed with powerful opioid medications, including Tapentadol in various dosages, Loperamide, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate.
Authorities revealed that the container was bound for Niger, using Ghana as a transit point — a growing concern for security agencies monitoring West Africa’s rising role in global drug smuggling networks.
Speaking during a press briefing at Tema Port, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured Ghanaians that the government is taking a firm stand against the country being used to facilitate such illegal trades.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids,” Akandoh stressed.
He also disclosed that the issue has attracted the highest level of government attention, with the president himself keenly monitoring developments.
“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 important and critical this particular issue is,” the Health Minister revealed.
The Minister further assured that the government, in partnership with relevant agencies, is working to tighten regulations and enhance monitoring at all major ports to prevent Ghana from becoming a corridor for drug trafficking.
“We are taking decisive steps to ensure that we close every loophole and prevent such dangerous substances from being trafficked through our country,” he added.
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