The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has responded to a BBC Africa Eye investigation revealing the illegal export of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol by India’s Aveo Pharmaceuticals to Ghana and other West African countries.
FDA: Drugs Were Never Approved for Use in Ghana
The FDA clarified that it has not registered or approved these substances for medical use in Ghana. Tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, pose serious health risks, including addiction, respiratory failure, and confusion.
The FDA’s Centre for Import and Export Control confirmed that no import permits had been issued for these substances, rendering their presence in Ghana illegal.
Authorities Seize and Destroy Illegal Pharmaceuticals
In December 2023, authorities intercepted a container bound for Niger, seizing large quantities of unapproved drugs:
- 181 cartons of Royal 225mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol)
- 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg
A court order led to the destruction of these seized products in January 2025.
Actions Against Local Entities
The FDA has taken firm action against local businesses linked to Aveo Pharmaceuticals:
- Samos Pharma, a registered importer, has been ordered to sever ties with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and its exporter, Westfin International Private Limited.
- Masters Pharmaceutical Limited’s product registration applications have been suspended, as it had engaged Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer.
Strengthening Ghana’s Drug Regulations
These regulatory measures highlight the FDA’s commitment to public health, ensuring that unapproved and dangerous pharmaceuticals do not infiltrate the Ghanaian market.
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