The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized and destroyed over 200 medical products in the North East region.
The drugs, including tramadol and other expired products, were confiscated by the FDA as part of efforts to mitigate the adverse effects these drugs have on the youth.
The Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA, Jacob Amoako Mensah, highlighted the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing its potential to ruin lives and foster criminal behaviours.
He added that routine market surveillance must be part of sustained efforts by the FDA and other relevant authorities to crack down on illegal drugs.
“Addressing drug addiction among the youth requires a multifaceted approach involving not only law enforcement but also education, community engagement, and support services for those affected. The destruction of the seized drugs underscores the seriousness with which the issue is being addressed,” he noted.
Mr Mensah also emphasized that it is essential to focus on prevention through awareness campaigns and support networks for those at risk of falling into substance abuse.
“Parents, teachers, and community leaders play a vital role in this effort by fostering environments that discourage drug abuse and provide guidance and support to young people. By working together, we can create a healthier and safer environment for all members of society”.
He also urged the youth to avoid tramadol use, highlighting the difficulty in treating addiction.
“What we want to tell the youth is that they should desist from tramadol. When it gets to a point when the person has become addicted, it is difficult to treat such a person. So, we don’t want them to be using tramadol. Let doctors prescribe tramadol before one uses it.
“This exercise today, we have the youth, we have the Gambaga and Nalerigu Youth Association, the National Investigation Bureau, and Narcotic Control Board, all being part and the two associations who have helped us to embark on this particular exercise to destroy this quantity of tramadol that we are destroying today”.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has increased restrictions on tramadol usage and distribution across the country.
In 2018, former Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu stated emphatically that regular use of tramadol, even under a physician’s supervision, may cause side effects like dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, nervousness, slow heart rate or weak pulse.
An overdose of it could lead to increased blood pressure, convulsion, memory loss, seizures, hallucinations, coma or even death.
Also, taking tramadol with other unprescribed drugs causes dependence, liver diseases, renal dysfunction or respiratory dysfunction, the minister noted.