Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its fight against illegal opioid distribution by suspending the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
The move comes in response to a BBC Africa Eye investigation, which uncovered the company’s alleged role in exporting unapproved opioid-based drugs to West Africa.
The exposé revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, through Westfin International, supplied drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol—highly addictive substances linked to severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death when abused.
In response, the FDA has ordered Samos Pharma, a Ghana-based importer, to halt all transactions with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International.
Additionally, the regulatory body has put on hold the registration of six pharmaceutical products from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which had planned to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer.
The FDA reiterated its commitment to tackling opioid abuse and illegal drug distribution, emphasizing its ongoing efforts, including seizures, fines, and legal actions against unauthorized pharmaceutical distributors.
It assured the public of continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of harmful drugs into the country.
This latest crackdown underscores Ghana’s strong regulatory stance against illicit pharmaceuticals and its commitment to safeguarding public health from the dangers of opioid abuse.
