The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized unregistered herbal and orthodox medical products worth GH₵700,000 in Kumasi.
In a market surveillance exercise in the Ashanti Region, the Authority grabbed illegal pharmaceuticals, including body enhancement products from a retail market.
The products were seized from a single retail shop at the Alabar Market, an identified hotbed for the sale of unwholesome herbal products and drugs.
The items included a variety of aphrodisiacs, unregistered herbal products, orthodox pain relievers, and cosmetics.
Some of the seized products had engraved on them unknown languages, while others were conspicuously sourced from the US.
Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority John Laryea Oddai Tettey indicated the products were a mixture of indigenous and exotic consumables.
“These 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,” he said.
According to the FDA, the seized products will be destroyed through incineration.
The Authority observed with worry the perpetual penetration of illicit medicinal products on the market.
However, the Authority says it is mapping the entire region to smoke out perpetrators and bring them to book.
“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. But we have 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 said.
A growing trend on social media is the sale of these unwholesome products.
The FDA is collaborating with the appropriate quarters to rid the internet of the advertisement and sale of such unwholesome products.
John Laryea Tettey cautions the public against patronage of unregistered products.
“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,” he said.
Already, three persons arrested for similar offences have been arraigned.
Latest Stories
-
GPL: Our fans spur us on – GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso on unbeaten run
35 mins -
Plantain chips are breaking hearts in Africa
40 mins -
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
1 hour -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
1 hour -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
1 hour -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
2 hours -
Mahama promises construction of stadia in all 16 regions if elected
2 hours -
Dampare has transformed Police training school – Bawumia
2 hours -
America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
2 hours -
NAPO urges Ghanaians to support NPP’s vision for national development
3 hours -
About 95% of PWDs in Obuasi have source of livelihood – MCE
3 hours -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
3 hours -
Election 2024: Roman Fada selected as flagbearer for Ghana Freedom Party
3 hours -
Bawumia to launch Ghana’s credit scoring system on Nov. 7
3 hours