FDA Calls for Harsher Penalties for Illegal Drug Offenders in Upper West
By Alhassan Tajudeen | Asaase News, Upper West Region
The Upper West Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is calling for tougher penalties against individuals involved in the illegal sale and abuse of Tramadol and other unregistered drugs.
Speaking at a drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by Aware Minds Foundation for basic school pupils, FDA Regional Director Sankpal Dafaari Kelvin said current sanctions are too lenient to deter repeat offenders.
“I won’t fight Tramadol addicts anymore if this is the outcome,” Kelvin told the students, reflecting on a recent operation.
He cited a recent case in Nabulo, a community in the Sissala East Municipality, where FDA officials discovered a shop selling exclusively unregistered drugs, including the highly dangerous 500mg Tramadol—locally referred to as “the red.” Under Ghanaian law, only Tramadol up to 100mg is permitted for sale.
The raid, conducted on May 30, nearly sparked violence. Angry residents attempted to attack the FDA officers the following day, and the situation was only defused after the intervention of the Upper West Regional Minister and police. The suspect was eventually arrested and transported to Wa.
Although charged under Section 118 of the Public Health Act—which allows for up to 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of 1,500 penalty units—the suspect received only 160 penalty units, equivalent to GHC 1,920.
Kelvin expressed his frustration:
“I spent GHC 6,950 on fuel, accommodation, and logistics for that single operation. Is this judgment fair? If I decide not to fight Tramadol again, am I wrong?”
He argued that weak sentences undermine enforcement efforts and waste public resources.
“I wanted someone to go to prison to serve as an example.”
Kelvin also recalled a similar incident two years ago, in which an offender was initially fined GHC 2,000. Following his protest, the fine was increased to GHC 4,000—though the offender reportedly offered a GHC 30,000 bribe to settle the case, which the FDA rejected.
According to the FDA, custodial sentences are necessary to reflect the gravity of illegal drug trafficking and to deter others engaged in the illicit trade.
