Tiny fines,big risks in tramadol battle-FDA cries foul

The Upper West Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is sounding the alarm over what it sees as weak legal consequences for people dealing in dangerous, unapproved drugs like Tramadol.

During a drug awareness event for basic school pupils organised by the Aware Minds Foundation on Friday, 18 July, the FDA’s Regional Director, Sankpal Dafaari Kelvin, didn't mince words. He expressed deep frustration over the growing problem of drug abuse in the region—and the justice system’s inability to curb it effectively.

He shared a troubling account of a recent crackdown in Nabulo, a community within the Sissala East Municipality. There, FDA officers discovered an entire shop stocked with unregistered drugs, including the notorious Tramadol 500mg—dubbed “the red” by locals. Ghanaian law only permits up to 100mg for Tramadol, making the high-dose version both illegal and a serious public health risk.

But the operation, conducted on 30 May, nearly turned chaotic. Residents attempted to attack the FDA officers the next day, forcing the intervention of the Upper West Regional Minister and the police. Their involvement helped calm tensions and led to the arrest and transport of the suspect to Wa.

Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court’s judgment left the FDA director disheartened. Though the accused faced charges under Section 118 of the Public Health Act—which allows up to 15 years in prison or fines reaching 1,500 penalty units—the final penalty handed down was a mere 160 units, translating to just GH¢1,920.

His remarks echoed a broader call for the legal system to tighten penalties and give enforcement agencies the backing they need in the fight against drug abuse—a battle that seems far from over.