Woman granted GH¢70,000 bail over attempted smuggle of unregistered aphrodisiacs

A Circuit Court sitting at Denu Torkor near Aflao has granted bail in the amount of GH¢70,000 to a woman accused of illegally importing unlicensed pharmaceutical products into Ghana.

The accused, Hawa Fuseini, remains in police custody after failing to meet the bail conditions, which require two sureties—one of whom must be justified.

Fuseini pleaded guilty with an explanation to two charges relating to the importation of non-compliant pharmaceuticals without authorisation. The court has adjourned the case to May 28 for continuation.

In her explanation, Hawa told the court that she had been receiving medical treatment in Lome, Togo, for the past three months and was returning to Ghana when she was introduced to the idea of trading in aphrodisiacs as a way to support herself financially. She said the products were given to her on credit and that she intended to start a business in Accra, appealing to the court for leniency.

Police Inspector Albert Kumbor, prosecuting, stated that Hawa was arrested on May 9 at the Aflao border during a joint operation involving officials from the Food and Drugs Authority and other law enforcement agencies.

She was travelling on a Nagode Transport vehicle with Togolese registration number TG 5846 BN when officers discovered a concealed carton of unregistered aphrodisiacs hidden among her belongings. The carton, labelled as Cream Crackers, contained packets of 200mg Mygra Sildanfil Citrate and Heira Sildanfil Citrate.

The presiding judge, His Honour Joseph Behome, granted bail but reminded the accused of the seriousness of trafficking unregulated drugs, warning that the court would not tolerate actions that could compromise public health.