FDA seizes unregistered drugs worth over GHS700k in Kumasi

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized unregistered medical products worth over GHS700,00 in Kumasi. The products include herbal and orthodox medical products which were seized at one shop at the Alabar Market in Kumasi. The area is said to be notorious for the sales of unwholesome medical products including herbal medicine.

Among the seized products were aphrodisiacs, painkillers, cosmetics and others. Some of the products had labels indicating they were sourced from the United States while others had unrecognizable languages, according to a JoyNews report.

John Laryea Oddai Tettey, Head of FDA in the Ashanti Region said the “…products will never be approved by the FDA. How these products get into our market remains unknown. But we want to assure that when these smugglers beat entry points we will always fish them out when they come on the market”.

Mr Tettey said, “We do a lot of scouting and surveillance and we are mapping the entire region so that wherever we have these products sold, we will move to those areas and get rid of them”. He added that there are “some spots that perpetually display these products and we are starting with them and we will get to them. Those in these illegal trades must rethink their activities because we are coming after them”. 

He advised the public to seek medical attention from recognized healthcare providers to avoid falling prey to unwholesome drugs. “Visit the hospital and get the prescription. We are not supposed to buy medicines like we buy toffees. Get to a licensed chemical shop or pharmacy to have your prescribed medication. Communication Directorate of the authority is collaborating with the relevant agencies to ensure that the appropriate thing is done to rid these marketers”.