Member of Parliament for Kintampo South, Felicia Adjei, has strongly criticized the widespread availability of unregulated over-the-counter (OTC) medication, particularly illicit opioids.
Her concern follow a statement by Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighting the alarming rise in illicit opioid use across Ghana.
Ms. Adjei shared a distressing encounter from her campaign trail, where she came across a young man on the brink of death due to tramadol abuse.
“During the Seventh Parliament, I raised concern about tramadol, I don’t know how it entered our country. One day, while campaigning, I saw a young man who was almost lifeless, I wanted to take him to the hospital, but I was told he would be fine. When I returned five hours later, he was eating, I asked what had happened, and they told me he was on tramadol,” she said.
Drawing comparisons between Ghana and countries like the United States, she pointed out the stark difference in drug regulation. She recounted an experience in the U.S. where, despite having proper identification, she was restricted from purchasing more than the prescribed amount of medication. In contrast, she expressed deep concern over how easily drugs can be accessed in Ghana without oversight.
The MP urged the Minister of Health to take immediate action, warning that failure to regulate OTC drug sales and combat illicit opioid use could have severe long-term consequences.
“I call on the Minister of Health to act swiftly to curb this situation and prevent further future implications,” she added.