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.