The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a campaign against tramadol abuse in Kumasi, urging over-the-counter practitioners to desist from selling the drug without a prescription notice from a physician.
The Ashanti Regional Director for FDA, John Laryea Odai-Tettey, emphasized that tramadol abuse is a growing concern among youths, often facilitated by lax regulations and unscrupulous sellers.
The Acting Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, Michael Kudebong, revealed that 24% of university students in Ghana abuse opioids, highlighting the need for education and awareness. The council plans to launch an education campaign for licensed over-the-counter sellers, schools, and churches on the devastating effects of tramadol and opioids.
The campaign aims to curb the abuse of tramadol and other opioids, with authorities calling for collaboration with the Customs Division and Ghana Immigration Service to prevent smuggling at ports and borders.
Highlighting on the key concerns Mr. Kudebong indicated that Only 50mg and 100mg dosages of tramadol are legal for sale, but higher dosages are being smuggled into the market.
He Tramadol abuse can cause irreparable damage to the human system, despite its legitimate use for pain relief.
The FDA, Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Commission, and Pharmacy Council will collaborate to enforce drug laws and prosecute perpetrators.
