Category: Rokmer Health Tips

MoH takes immediate action to combat illicit opioid crisis following BBC Africa Eye exposé

Ghana’s Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with regulatory and security agencies has launched immediate measures to tackle the growing threat of illicit opioids following a recent investigative exposé by BBC Africa Eye.

The report revealed an alleged illegal exportation of unapproved opioids, including tapentadol, into Ghana and other West African countries.

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who addressed Parliament today, 25th February 2025 said, the exposé, released about four days ago, uncovered the involvement of Indian pharmaceutical firm Aveo Pharmaceuticals in producing and exporting opioids such as tapentadol and supradol to Ghana. These drugs, which have not been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), have entered local markets, raising serious public health and national security concerns.

READ ALSO: PSGH condemns illicit opioid trade, calls for immediate action

In response, the minister highlighted that the Ministry of Health, working closely with the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has implemented decisive actions to address the crisis. 

“The FDA has directed Samospharma to immediately seize using these companies as exporters of registered products to Ghana” he said. “Additionally, the FDA has suspended the processing of master’s pharmaceutical limited application which uses Aveo pharmaceutical as contract manufacturer” he highlighted.

These steps are part of a broader crackdown on the illegal importation of unapproved opioids.

To further combat the crisis, the minister revealed that a joint task force consisting of the FDA, Customs, the Narcotics Control Commission, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified inspections at major entry points across the country. This initiative has led to the seizure and destruction of large consignments of unauthorized drugs, including tafradol and other opioids.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Health has also ramped up its efforts to prevent the sale of illicit opioids through increased monitoring of over-the-counter drug sales.

Unauthorized drugs have been seized from the market, and legal action has been taken against offenders.

A national public awareness campaign has been launched to educate the public on the dangers of opioid misuse and to encourage responsible medication practices.

Despite these efforts, the Health Minister acknowledged that more work needs to be done to permanently shut down the supply of illicit opioids.

He said challenges such as inadequate inspection capacity for transit goods, gaps in intelligence sharing between enforcement agencies, and the illegal movement of opioids across borders. The Ministry, he said, will collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and regulatory oversight.

The minister stressed the need for a coordinated, sustained response from all sectors of society. “We cannot afford to let Ghana become a hub for opioid abuse and trafficking,” he said, urging all stakeholders to help close the loopholes, tighten regulations, and hold those responsible accountable.

The Minister of Health, addressed Parliament on this urgent matter after a recent BBC Africa Eye investigative report exposing the illegal exportation of unapproved opioids into Ghana and other West African countries.

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KOFIH Inaugurates GHC 950,000 Maternity Unit at Alavanyo Wudidi Health Centre to Boost Maternal Healthcare

By Jones Anlimah

The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) has inaugurated a new maternity unit at the Alavanyo Wudidi Health Centre to significantly improve maternal and child healthcare in the region. The facility, constructed at a cost of GHC 950,000, is expected to enhance safe deliveries and address maternal and neonatal health challenges in Alavanyo Wudidi and adjoining communities in the Hohoe municipality of the Volta Region.

The intervention aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, particularly by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

The Country Representative of KOFIH, Mr. Bomin Yong, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to strengthening healthcare systems in underserved communities.

“This health centre will not only provide essential medical services but also promote health education and other interventions to safeguard the lives of families in Alavanyo Wudidi,” Mr. Yong stated. “By investing in maternal health infrastructure, we are directly contributing to the global goal of reducing preventable maternal and child deaths.”

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Mr. Chrysantus Kubio, highlighted the importance of the facility in bridging the healthcare gap in the community.

“This unit symbolizes our unwavering commitment to strengthening our health delivery systems and ensuring the well-being of every mother and child in our community,” Mr. Kubio said. “Previously, expectant mothers had to travel long distances for skilled delivery services. With this facility in place, we are bringing essential maternal care closer to those who need it most.”

Until now, the Alavanyo Wudidi Health Centre operated without a dedicated maternity unit, forcing pregnant women to seek care in distant facilities, thereby increasing the risk of complications. The new unit, equipped with delivery beds, and other care equipment, coupled with skilled health personnel, is expected to significantly improve maternal health outcomes in the area.

The initiative forms part of KOFIH’s broader support for Ghana’s healthcare sector, particularly in rural communities, in line with the SDGs’ call for universal health coverage. Local authorities welcomed the development and called for continued investment in maternal and child health services.

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FDA bars Samos Pharma’s export partners over alleged Opioid smuggling

By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revoked the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Samos Pharma’s export partner, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, following a BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposed the company’s alleged role in the illegal distribution of opioid-based medications across West Africa.

In response to the BBC Africa Eye investigation, the FDA has directed Samos Pharma, a Ghanaian importer, to terminate all transactions with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International.

Additionally, the registration process for six products from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which planned to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer, has been suspended.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating opioid abuse, the FDA vowed to intensify enforcement actions, including seizures, fines, and prosecutions of illegal drug distributors.

However, the agency has assured the general public of its readiness to work closely with law enforcement to prevent the infiltration of dangerous pharmaceuticals into Ghana.

The BBC Africa Eye investigation revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, through Westfin International, exported unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol—powerful and highly addictive opioids—to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

According to health experts, when abused, these substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory collapse and death.

Commenting on the BBC Africa Eye exposé in Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, raised concerns over the increasing infiltration of unregistered drugs into Ghana’s pharmaceutical market.

He warned that the influx of unapproved drugs, including tramadol brands and tapentadol—both classified as opioids—has led to widespread abuse, resulting in severe health complications and fatalities.

The Minister outlined government measures aimed at curbing this alarming trend.

“A joint task force involving the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified checks at major entry points to prevent further unauthorized imports, leading to the destruction of a large consignment of Toradol and similar drugs.

Inspections have been intensified, and legal action is being taken against offenders. A national education campaign has been launched to warn the public about the dangers of illicit opioid use and to encourage responsible medication practices,” he announced.

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<p>The post FDA bars Samos Pharma’s export partners over alleged Opioid smuggling first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

President Mahama flags USAID service pause as critical threat to Ghana’s health programmes

By: Henrietta Afful

President John Dramani Mahama has identified USAID’s abrupt 90-day pause in services without prior notice as the most critical issue currently facing Ghana’s health sector.

Speaking during his maiden State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Accra, he expressed concern over the potential withdrawal of USAID programmes that may not align with the United States’ strategic interests.

President Mahama said the disruption would severely impact critical health programmess, particularly the delivery of medical commodities to regional medical stores and healthcare facilities in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and Savannah regions. Additionally, USAID’s support for the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme, including the provision of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in the Western, Western North, and Ahafo regions, is now in jeopardy.

This sudden pause jeopardizes an estimated $78 million allocated for essential programmes targeting malaria, maternal and child health, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

President Mahama emphasized the potential devastating consequences of this withdrawal and assured the public that urgent steps would be taken to address the crisis.

He revealed that he had directed the Minister for Finance to make immediate financial arrangements to counter the loss of USAID support.

“The impact will be devastating without urgent intervention. I have therefore directed the Minister for Finance to make immediate financial arrangements to mitigate this loss, and I expect that this will be reflected in his budget, which will be presented next month” President Mahama said as he reassured Ghanaians.

READ ALSO

Full text: Mahama delivers 1st SONA

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Not a single hospital under Agenda 111 is operational after spending $400M – President Mahama

By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that not a single hospital under the Agenda 111 is operational after the previous administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo spent a colossal amount of $400 million on the project.

The President made a revelation during his maiden State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

President Mahama indicated that despite the huge significant financial commitments, none of the hospitals have been completed and made operational.

“It is worth disclosing that USD400m has already been disbursed under agenda 111 project, yet not a single hospital under this gargantuan initiative is serving the people of Ghana,” President Mahama reiterated

According to him, the amount already spent on the Agenda 111 project could have facilitated the completion and operationalization of at least 22 of the proposed hospitals if resources had been utilized efficiently.

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Trede hospital still unfinished, needs GHS 100 million – Mintah Akandoh

By Ashiadey Dotse

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the Trede Hospital, which was commissioned under the former government’s Agenda 111 initiative, remains incomplete and is not yet in use.

 The minister stated that the hospital, located in the Atwima Kwawonma Municipality of the Ashanti Region, requires GHS 100 million to be fully completed and operational.

“We have inspected the Trede Hospital, and as you can see, work is still ongoing. I have been informed that over GHS 100 million is needed to complete it. There are also outstanding payments for work already done,” he said.

The hospital was officially commissioned on December 5, 2024, by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who announced it as the first completed facility under Agenda 111. However, recent reports show that the hospital is still unfinished, raising concerns about the progress of the entire project.

Agenda 111 is a government initiative aimed at building 111 district and specialized hospitals to improve healthcare services in Ghana. However, President John Dramani Mahama recently stated that only one hospital under the project has been fully completed and that the government needs $1.7 billion to finish the remaining facilities.

The delay in completing these hospitals has become a major issue in Ghana’s health sector, with many calling on the government to act quickly to ensure that the project is completed as planned.

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None of Agenda 111 hospitals operational – Health Minister

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has observed that some Agenda 111 hospital projects inaugurated by the erstwhile government are still under construction, emphasizing that none of the 111 facilities is completed at the moment.

He said upon inspection, it was evident that construction was still ongoing; hence, the hospitals were not yet operational although they had been inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo before he left office.

During an inspection tour of the projects at the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal Hospital in Trede in the Ashanti Region yesterday, Mr Akandoh said President John Dramani Mahama had tasked him to work out the completion of the projects.

“I have been directed by the President to transfer the Agenda 111 hospitals from the presidency to the Ministry of Health, and also to oversee their completion.

“Where I am standing is one of the hospitals, and when it comes to hospitals, it is not just about the building alone but also the necessary facilities and staff that make up a functional hospital.

“Upon our inspection, we cannot call this place a hospital because construction is still ongoing.

“Based on the briefing I received from the same consultant employed by the previous government, none of the hospitals have been completed,” the Health Minister said.

Indeed, President Mahama, last Thursday, disclosed in the State of the Nation Address that the Akufo-Addo government had completed none of the Agenda 111 projects it started, with the only one near completion yet to be operational.

The President further criticised the decision of the previous government to site hospitals at places where mission hospitals existed.

He pointed out that rather than starting the construction of new facilities, the Akufo-Addo administration should have collaborated with faith-based organisations to make their existing health facilities better.

The President indicated that one of the solutions to completing the projects would be for faith-based organisations to take up some of them.

He said the missions could take some of the uncompleted Agenda 111 projects, complete them and manage them.

About Agenda 111

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of the facilities on August 17, 2021, with a promise to complete the work within 18 months.

The plan to construct the hos­pitals was first announced in the eighth COVID-19 national address on April 26, 2020, by the former President months after the COVID-19 pan­demic hit Ghana.

It was initially an “Agenda 88” initiative, but the government later revised it to “Agenda 111”.

The 23 additional facilities included 13 district hospitals.

Beneficiary regions and a respec­tive breakdown of the distribution are 10 in Ashanti; nine in Volta; eight in Eastern; seven each in Greater Accra and Upper East; five each in Oti, Upper West, Bono and Western North; three in Savannah, and two each in Bono East and North East.

It also made provision for a region­al hospital each in Oti, Bono, Bono East, Savannah, North East and Western North; two specialised hospitals in the middle and northern belts, a regional hospital in the Western Region, and renovation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

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Source: Graphic Online

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Kumasi Zoo conducts medical screening for endangered monkeys

By Nicholas Osei-Wusu

A health screening exercise has been organized for some monkeys, particularly primates, at the Kumasi Zoo.

The animals were screened for diseases such as tuberculosis, pathogens, and viral infections to enable the zoo’s management to take appropriate steps to protect both the animals and humans from potential infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and some health experts have concluded that some contagious diseases among humans globally are traceable to animals such as monkeys.

Besides, the animals must receive treatment to ensure they live healthy lives, especially after being rescued from the wild. This is particularly important for endangered species like the white-naped mangabey primates.

The Kumasi Zoo houses more than 250 individual animal exhibits, including monkeys of different species that undergo routine health checks.

However, this year’s exercise focused on the white-naped mangabey monkeys, which are being bred at the zoo due to the threat of their extinction in the wild.

The health screening exercise was jointly organized by the management of the Kumasi Zoo under the auspices of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and the West Africa Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), an international non-governmental organization based in the United Kingdom. It was conducted in partnership with Wildlife Vet International and supported by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the College of Health Sciences, KNUST.

The screening exercise aimed to determine the animals’ TB status, detect viruses and pathogens, and ensure they had no underlying health conditions that could have a ripple effect on humans.

Blood samples were also taken from the animals for in-country and external laboratory tests to analyze their genetic makeup.

The team, made up of veterinarians and other experts, weighed the monkeys and checked their body temperature before releasing them back into their respective cages to regain consciousness.

The Programme Manager for West Africa Primate Conservation Action, Miss Andrea Dimpsey, expressed serious concern that the white-naped mangabey primates face the danger of extinction, as they are now found only in limited forest reserves in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso due to factors such as illegal mining (galamsey).

“These forests are getting smaller and smaller due to deforestation and galamsey, which means the monkeys are losing their homes, and there will be no food for them, leading to their decline. Of course, the bushmeat trade and hunting during the closed season also affect their survival. It is possible to recover these species if we come together and make an effort to protect them,” she stated.

The Manager of the Kumasi Zoo, Dr. Meyir Ziekah, who is also an epidemiologist, told GBC that the exercise was also intended to help management understand the health conditions of the animals to determine the necessary measures to protect both them and humans.

He explained, “We all know that about 60% of infectious diseases that affect humans originate from animals, and about 70% of these come from wild animals. So, it is important to understand what these animals are carrying so that we can take the necessary measures—either to treat them or prevent the spillover of diseases from animals to humans. Additionally, when they are eventually released into the wild, we must prevent the spread of pathogens to other animals.”

For the student veterinarians from KNUST who participated in the exercise, it was a valuable practical experience that complemented their theoretical studies in the lecture halls.

“We’ve learned how to anesthetize the animals, follow procedural steps, weigh the animals, take hair and blood samples, and how to reverse anesthesia,” said Moses Essiam on behalf of the group.

The health screening exercise was also aimed at preparing the animals for a possible future release back into the wild, ensuring that they do not transmit diseases to other animals in their natural habitat.

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‘Public health crisis’: Posts about medical tests on social media ‘overwhelmingly’ misleading

By: Henrietta Afful

A recent study has found that influencers’ posts about medical tests are often “misleading,” raising concerns about the potential risk of overdiagnosis.

Researchers examined over 900 Instagram and TikTok posts about controversial medical tests, focusing on users with more than 1,000 followers. More than 80% of these posts had a “promotional” tone, while only 6% provided any evidence supporting the effectiveness of the tests.

A research fellow at the University of Sydney and the lead author of the study, Dr. Brooke Nickel, stated that these posts are often framed as early screening methods, promising individuals the ability to take control of their health.

However, she pointed out that many of these tests are unnecessary for most people, and in some cases, their scientific backing is questionable.

“The vast majority of these posts were overwhelmingly misleading,” Dr Brooke Nickel, a research fellow at the University of Sydney who led the study, said in a statement.

“They are being promoted under the guise of early screening, as a way to take control of your own health. The problem is they are unnecessary for most people and, in some cases, the science backing their efficacy is shaky,” she added.

The study focused on five specific tests, including full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic tests for early detection of 50 cancers, as well as tests for gut health, testosterone levels, and women’s egg count. One of the main concerns with these tests is the risk of overdiagnosis—where healthy individuals are diagnosed with conditions that would never harm them.

The authors of the study emphasized that only 6% of the social media posts mentioned the risk of overdiagnosis, while more than half encouraged viewers to take the tests.

“These findings suggest social media is an open sewer of medical misinformation,” said Dr Ray Moynihan, an assistant professor at Bond University in Australia and one of the study’s authors. 

“This is a public health crisis that exacerbates overdiagnosis and threatens the sustainability of health systems,” he added. 

Among the influencers promoting these tests, 68% had financial interests, such as discount codes or paid partnerships.

Dr. Brooke Nickel highlighted that one of the key tactics used by influencers is framing these tests with the message that “knowledge is power.”

However, she pointed out that much of the information shared is selectively chosen, creating a misleading narrative.

“When it comes to health, getting the full picture is so important, and half-truths are often lies,” Nickel said, emphasizing the potential risks of patients undergoing unnecessary medical treatments due to incomplete or deceptive information.

Interestingly, posts from physicians, which made up around 15% of the total, were less likely to adopt a promotional tone and were more likely to mention the potential harms of such tests.

The researchers concluded that the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation to curb the spread of misleading medical information on social media platforms.

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Is High Alcohol Consumption Causing Cancer In Ghana? Here Are the Reasons

Alcohol has the same impact on the body as tobacco, if not worse. A recent study links alcohol consumption with high risk of cancer. Read on to know more.

The impact of alcohol is considered to be equal to poison for human health. Multiple studies have linked alcohol to chronic diseases like diabetes, fatty liver, kidney damage, inflammation, poor gut health, obesity and cancer. A recent study stated that the impact of alcohol on cancer cells is the same as that of tobacco. Majority of the people in the globe are unaware of alcohols direct link with cancer and this is part of the problem. Recently, European nations made a decision to display a cancer warning on liquor products similar to that of tobacco and cancer warnings displayed on cigarettes. Europe has the highest liquor consumers in the world and this is a vital step towards awareness.

How Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Cancer?

Read on to know what experts explains:

Alcohol Gets Converted To A Toxic Chemical

According to the chief of hematology at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, alcohol gets converted into a toxic chemical after entering your body. He says that everything that we consume gets broken down into its elemental components. This is how our body detects toxins and nutrients. However, with alcohol, it gets broken down into its elemental components too. This causes more harm to the body than good.

Alcohol Increases Inflammation

Alcohol is known to trigger or increase inflammation in the body. It generates unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species. These are also known as oxygen radicals which can damage your DNA, proteins and RNA and cause cell deaths. This can also cause cancer. In order to reverse this, you need to have enough antioxidants as they are known to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Alcohol Disrupts Your Oesterogen, Risking Breast Cancer

Drinking alcohol upsets your hormone levels. Most notably, alcohol’s influence on sex hormone estrogen is tied to breast cancer, explains Dr. Douglas Marks, a breast oncologist at NYU Langone Health.

<p>The post Is High Alcohol Consumption Causing Cancer In Ghana? Here Are the Reasons first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>