The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized a 40-foot container of opioid pharmaceuticals worth GH₵20 million at the Tema Port.
This was in a joint-intelligence led operation with the Food and Drugs Authority(FDA), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
The consignment was intercepted on Monday, March 17, 2025, while in transit to Niger.
The packaging did not include the name of the manufacturer, only stating on the strips that it was “Made in India.” The seized items included Tapentadol 120mg, 40 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 3mg, 190 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and 320 cartons of other pharmaceuticals.
Addressing journalists, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a conduit for opioid smuggling.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids. 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 important and critical this particular issue is,” he stated.
The minister added that the government would swiftly engage Niger’s authorities to verify whether the consignment was officially sanctioned.
