By Albert Allotey
Accra, April 12, GNA – As stated by Mrs Olivia Agyekumwaa Boateng, who leads the Tobacco and Substance Abuse Division at the Food and Drugs Authority, they urge youth-focused organizations to collaborate with their agency to combat substance misuse within the nation.
She stated that forming partnerships would significantly help tackle the problem of drug abuse, specifically mentioning Tramadol and Tapentadol, along with newer substances like “RED,” which have been gaining attention among young people.
Mrs. Boateng initiated the call during the unveiling of the “Ghana Against Drugs – ‘Red Means Stop'” initiative by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment.
This campaign serves as a nationwide effort aimed at young people to tackle the increasing problem of drug misuse within their demographic.
Mrs Boateng stated that the usage of Tapentadol, similar to other opioids, poses concerning health hazards.
Mixing Tapentadol with depressants such as alcohol and other opioids can cause severe respiratory depression, which may lead to comas or even death.
As she pointed out, “The abuse of opioids leads to both physical and psychological dependency, worsening the tough socioeconomic circumstances confronting numerous young Ghanaians.”
Mrs. Boateng stated, “Given our role as the regulatory authority tasked with protecting public health and guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of medications in Ghana, the FDA is dedicated to tackling this problem via rigorous regulatory actions and working together with various parties involved, which has already commenced.”
She mentioned that the Authority, working alongside state organizations like the Ghana Revenue Authority, Narcotics Control Board, Ghana Police Service, and Pharmacy Council, among others, has been carrying out stringent monitoring, confiscating illegal substances, and penalizing those involved.
Mrs. Boateng observed that the worldwide opioid epidemic has spread to West Africa, with growing instances of misuse involving drugs such as fentanyl, pethidine, Tapentadol, and tramadol.
“In recent times, research has underscored a ‘tramadol crisis’ within the region, marked by an unsettling prevalence of the medication’s usage amongst young individuals, frequently associated with physical distress, mental health issues, and financial struggles,” she stated.
She mentioned that in Ghana, the FDA has noticed an increase in the unlawful importation, selling, and dissemination of unregistered opioids such as Tapentadol. She pointed out that these drugs frequently enter the nation via smuggling routes and are traded through unofficial outlets, thereby presenting considerable threats to public health.
“It needs to be clearly emphasized that the majority of these drugs are merely transiting through the country,” she stated.
Mrs Boateng mentioned that the FDA engages in numerous initiatives focused on encouraging the proper usage of controlled substances and preventing opioid misuse. She emphasized their unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health and guaranteeing the security of all regulated items within Ghana.
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