Ghana Government Suspends Aveo Pharmaceuticals Following Opioid Investigation
Ghana’s government suspended Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ export certificate following a BBC Africa Eye investigation into the illegal distribution of unlicensed opioids. The Health Ministry acknowledged previous measures were inadequate and has formed a task force to enhance regulatory actions against opioid trafficking. Efforts will focus on public education about the dangers of these medications.
The Ghanaian government has suspended Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ export certificate following revelations from a BBC Africa Eye investigation into the production of unlicensed opioids. The report highlighted that Aveo, an Indian pharmaceutical company, has been exporting addictive opioids to several West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. Although the Ghana Ministry of Health had already taken steps to tackle the opioid crisis, it acknowledged the insufficiency of these measures as the illegal products remained in circulation.
The problematic medications include dangerous mixtures of tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant known for its addictive nature and banned in Europe. These drugs, which could cause serious health issues like respiratory problems and seizures, were being packaged and sold under the guise of legitimate medicine. BBC investigations revealed numerous Aveo-branded medication packets available on the streets of various West African countries.
In a parliamentary session, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh informed lawmakers of the government’s response to the crisis, outlining actions taken since the report was released. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) asserted that they never approved the importation of tapentadol or carisoprodol as single-ingredient products and took steps to address illegal imports based on the recent investigation findings. The FDA is actively seizing illicit drugs and imposing fines on offenders.
While the FDA collaborated with Samos Pharma, a company mentioned in the documentary, it clarified that Aveo was not part of the approved list of drug exporters. Following the investigation, the FDA has also suspended Aveo’s good manufacturing practice (GMP) certificate and halted the processing of applications related to Aveo.
After the BBC exposé, the Health Ministry has formed a task force involving multiple regulatory and law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and interception of unauthorized opioid imports. The minister noted that significant efforts are underway to strengthen market surveillance, import controls, and international cooperation to combat the opioid crisis. Lawmakers from various constituencies have voiced concerns over rising addiction rates among youths linked to these opioids, prompting the government to initiate national campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of illicit opioid use.
In response to alarming findings about the illegal distribution of opioids by Aveo Pharmaceuticals, the Ghanaian government has suspended the company’s export certificate. They are implementing regulatory measures to combat widespread addiction and illegal drug trafficking. This includes collaborating with relevant agencies, enhancing market surveillance, and launching public education campaigns about the risks associated with these dangerous substances.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
