The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has responded to a BBC Africa Eye investigation that revealed India's Aveo Pharmaceuticals exports illegal medications like tapentadol and carisoprodol to Ghana and other West African nations.
The FDA made it clear that it has not authorized nor licensed these drugs for use in Ghanaian medicine.
Strong opioids like tapentadol and muscle relaxants like carisoprodol can cause addiction and serious adverse effects like disorientation and respiratory collapse.
The FDA claims that because no import permits for these substances have been handled by its Center for Import and Export Control, their presence in Ghana is unlawful.
A significant quantity of illegal medications, including 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg and 181 boxes of Royal 225mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol), were seized by authorities when they intercepted a cargo headed for Niger in December 2023.
A court order issued in January 2025 resulted in the destruction of the seized products.Additionally, the FDA has taken action against local organizations associated with Aveo Pharmaceuticals. The registered importer Samos Pharma has been ordered to stop working with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International Private Limited, which is its exporter.
A court order issued in January 2025 resulted in the destruction of the seized products.Additionally, the FDA has taken action against local organizations associated with Aveo Pharmaceuticals. The registered importer Samos Pharma has been ordered to stop working with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International Private Limited, which is its exporter.
Furthermore, Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which had hired Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer, has had its product registration applications halted by the FDA.
These actions, which stop the importation and distribution of illegal and potentially harmful medications in Ghana, demonstrate the FDA's dedication to preserving public health.
