Ghanaian authorities have intercepted a massive consignment of opioids worth GH₵20 million at the Tema Port, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

The seizure, carried out by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with other stakeholders, revealed a container packed with powerful opioid medications, including Tapentadol in various dosages, Loperamide, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate.

Details of Seized Opioids:

• Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg – 26 cartons
• Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg – 160 cartons
• Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg – 40 cartons
• Loperamide 2 mg – 190 cartons
• Chlorpheniramine Maleate – 320 cartons

Authorities disclosed that the shipment was destined for Niger, with Ghana being used as a transit point — a growing concern for security agencies monitoring West Africa’s role in global drug smuggling networks.

Government Vows to Prevent Ghana from Becoming a Transit Hub

During a press briefing at Tema Port, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured Ghanaians that the government is taking firm measures to prevent Ghana from becoming a hub for illicit drug trade.

“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids,” Akandoh emphasized.

He also revealed that the matter has caught the highest level of government attention, with President John Dramani Mahama personally monitoring developments.

“Let me tell you that the President is personally interested in this matter. On my way here, he called me twice, and it tells you how important and critical this particular issue is,” the Health Minister disclosed.

Tightening Security and Enhancing Port Monitoring

Akandoh assured the public that the government, in partnership with relevant agencies, is tightening regulations and enhancing monitoring at all major ports to prevent Ghana from being exploited as a corridor for drug trafficking.

“We are taking decisive steps to ensure that we close every loophole and prevent such dangerous substances from being trafficked through our country,” he added.

Rising Concerns Over Opioid Use and Trafficking

While Ghana has not experienced an opioid crisis on the scale of countries like the United States, experts have been raising alarms about the increasing use and trafficking of opioids in West Africa, including Ghana.

Reports suggest that opioid misuse, particularly among young people, is on the rise in Ghana, although comprehensive national data is still limited.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has also flagged the growing use of West African ports as transit hubs for illicit drugs, including opioids, trafficked from Asia and Latin America en route to Europe and North America.

The government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a conduit for such dangerous substances is a vital step toward safeguarding public health and national security.