Health
Massive Drug Bust: FDA Destroys Fake Pharmaceuticals Worth GH₵42 Million
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Volta Region has destroyed counterfeit pharmaceutical products valued at GH₵42 million, following a series of seizures across the Volta and Oti regions.
The destroyed products included aphrodisiacs, emergency contraceptives, body enhancement supplements, antibiotics, and various processed foods. A large portion of these items was intercepted at the Ghana-Togo border in Akanu, where they were being smuggled into the country. Additional products were seized during routine market surveillance and raids.
To ensure safe and environmentally responsible disposal, the FDA collaborated with the Jospong Group of Companies’ Medical Waste Treatment Facility in Akrofu. The items were first shredded and disinfected before final disposal through incineration.
Gordon Akurugu, the Volta Regional Director of the FDA, emphasized the legal procedures for drug importation. He noted that all pharmaceutical imports must come through designated entry points such as the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) or the Tema Port — not inland borders.
“We want to make it clear that pharmaceutical products are not permitted through inland borders, particularly from Nigeria. Any individual caught doing so will face arrest and have their products confiscated,” he warned.
Mr. Akurugu urged the public to avoid purchasing drugs from unauthorized vendors to protect themselves from potentially harmful counterfeit medications. He encouraged consumers to rely on licensed pharmacies, approved chemical sellers, and hospitals for their pharmaceutical needs.
“Many of these products are deceptive. Items like counterfeit Procold, Postino 2, and various aphrodisiacs may appear effective, but they come with serious health risks,” he cautioned.
He also advised drivers and transport operators not to assist smugglers, warning that the FDA would continue to clamp down on illegal drug distribution networks.
In support of the operation, Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer Rev. Lawrence Senya highlighted the importance of proper disposal. He noted that improperly discarded drugs often end up being picked and redistributed back into communities, posing a major health risk.
He called on the public to help identify illegal drug sellers, particularly those operating informally on the streets and in lorry stations.
“Anyone selling drugs from a bag on the street has likely bypassed all regulatory checks. We urge the public not to buy such medicines and report these vendors,” he said.
Both officials called for continued collaboration between stakeholders and the public to combat the sale and distribution of unapproved pharmaceutical products.
Parts of the Kwapong Nursing Training College in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region were engulfed in flames early Friday morning, sending students running for safety as firefighters battled to contain the blaze.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the distress call came in at about 7:12 a.m., and the Kukuom fire crew arrived on the scene within minutes. They were later joined by a reinforcement team from the Goaso Municipal Fire Station. Thanks to their combined efforts, the fire was brought under control by 8:45 a.m. and completely extinguished at 10:26 a.m.
The fire, which started in one of the rooms on the first floor of a one-storey dormitory block, quickly spread to six other rooms, destroying the roof, ceiling, students’ personal items, books, beds, and bedding. Two fire extinguishers on the affected floor also exploded during the incident.
Though the cause of the fire is still unknown, GNFS officials say investigations are underway to determine what triggered it. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
The incident has left many students shaken, with school authorities working closely with local security and fire officials to ensure safety and assess the extent of the damage.
The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Mr. Patrick Yaw Boamah, has donated medical equipment and GH₵20,000 to the New Fadama Health Centre to boost healthcare delivery in the constituency.
The support, presented on Monday, September 16, 2024, is aimed at strengthening the facility’s operations and assisting ongoing renovation works.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Boamah reaffirmed his dedication to improving access to quality healthcare for residents of Okaikwei Central. He assured constituents of his continued commitment to supporting the New Fadama Health Centre, which serves an increasing number of patients in the area.
Health officials and community members expressed their gratitude, describing the intervention as both timely and impactful. They noted that the donation will improve service delivery, enhance working conditions for medical staff, and provide much-needed relief to patients who rely on the centre.
Health
Silva Lady’s Birthday: Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals to Offer Free Skin & Dental Screening on September 6
The health initiative, taking place at the Adabraka forecourt of Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals, forms part of Silva Lady’s role as Brand Ambassador and her commitment to community wellness.
Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals has announced a free skin and dental screening exercise in celebration of the birthday of media personality, philanthropist, and Brand Ambassador for the company Silva Lady, which falls on September 7th. The initiative will take place on Saturday, September 6, at the forecourt of Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals in Adabraka, Accra (behind the Franko Trading Enterprise building), beginning promptly at 7:00 AM.
The event is designed to encourage Ghanaians to prioritise preventive healthcare, offering families, children, and individuals the opportunity to undergo professional skin and dental checks at no cost.
The program is expected to attract residents from across Accra and beyond, with medical professionals on hand to provide comprehensive skin and dental check-ups. Organisers believe the exercise will help create awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare, especially at a time when many overlook routine medical checks due to busy schedules or financial constraints.
The management of Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals has emphasised its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community support. Partnering with its Brand Ambassador, offering this free exercise is a way of giving back to society.
Members of the public are encouraged to share the information and take advantage of this opportunity. For further inquiries, individuals can contact 0243150609 or 0561886515.
The free health screening exercise not only highlights Silva Lady’s dedication to social impact but also reinforces Royal Dach Pharmaceuticals’ mission of promoting wellness in Ghanaian communities.
Come one, come all, let’s make health a priority while we celebrate Silva Lady’s birthday.
ROYAL BEAUTY BRAND AMBASSADOR.
Silva Lady (Silva Foundation / DL FM).
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