Ghana faces increasing risks from opioid misuse, according to the FDA’s Dr. Allotey-Pappoe. She explained that opioids, whether natural like heroin and morphine or synthetic like tramadol and fentanyl, are both vital medicines and addictive substances.
Opioids are used to manage severe pain but can trigger euphoria, making them highly addictive. Dr. Allotey-Pappoe stressed that long-term prescriptions are unsafe due to the risk of dependence. In Ghana, only tramadol doses of 50mg and 100mg are legally allowed.
Codeine-based cough syrups have been banned since 2019 due to abuse. She warned that tapentadol on the local market is illegal and unregistered for medical use. The FDA says stricter control is needed to prevent an opioid health crisis.
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