The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has announced plans to intensify its efforts against pharmacists and individuals who engage in the illegal sale and distribution of unprescribed drugs.
The move aims to curb the proliferation of unauthorised and potentially hazardous substances in the market as concerns over rising drug abuse among young people in Ghana grow.
NACOB’s Warning
In a recent report, the Narcotics Control Board warned that it would take decisive action against any pharmacist or trader found to be involved in the sale of unprescribed drugs.
Approximately 50,000 Ghanaians abuse drugs, with around 35,000 of them being students aged between 12 and 35 years, according to…
This alarming trend has prompted calls for urgent action to identify the causes of substance abuse and find effective solutions to them.
The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has urged religious leaders to play an active role in tackling the crisis, emphasising the impact of drug abuse on national development.
“We are moving away from the traditional drugs that we all know, and people are going into medications that we all know are useful and are tinkering with them. We want to urge you to help us in identifying what you can also do to help curb this menace,” he said.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com, NACOB Deputy Director-General, Twum Barima, emphasised that they will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who flouts the law, putting public health at risk.
He added that they will face severe legal consequences, with no option for bail.
“Let’s do genuine trade; trade that is permitted by law. Don’t get yourself involved in something that if the law gets you, you will struggle to come out. Because as the saying goes, the law is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t know you to be a chief; it doesn’t know you to be a doctor, lawyer, or whoever. If it gets you, it has gotten you,” he warned.
He further added, “So, please, if you are doing drug trade, sell only those that are permitted by law. If you are selling Red 225 or 50, be careful. You may think it is in your bag… we will know, and we will come after you. When we arrest you, you will face the law. You think, ‘let me call somebody to get me bail or get me out,’ you will not get that assistance from anybody because once we arrest you, you are going to face the law,” he warned.
As part of efforts to curb the illegal drug trade, NACOB has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in selling and consuming unapproved medications.
“The best advice anybody can give you is to refrain from it. Those going for it, the best you can get from it is to destroy your own life, but I don’t want your lives to be destroyed,” he cautioned.
The sale of unprescribed drugs has been a longstanding concern in Ghana, with many citizens falling prey to unscrupulous traders who peddle unauthorised substances.
The practice has been linked to various health complications, including adverse reactions, overdoses, and even deaths.
NACOB’s efforts are backed by section 37 (1) (2) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which states that “A person who, without lawful authority, proof of which lies on that person, has possession or control of a narcotic drug for use or for trafficking commits an offense.”
The Act prescribes penalties for individuals and businesses that contravene its provisions.
NAD/AE