Officials of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with other border agencies, have arrested a passenger, Hawa Fuseini, at the Aflao border for attempting to smuggle contraband aphrodisiacs and other controlled substances into Ghana.
The arrest occurred on Friday during a routine joint inspection at the Vehicle Examination Section of the border at approximately 5:30 p.m. Fuseini was travelling on a Nagode Transport bus with registration number TG 5846 BN, driven by Babayara Rashid. The vehicle was en route from Lomé, Togo to Accra.
During the inspection, officials discovered concealed quantities of unregistered and controlled drugs, including Viagra (sildenafil), Spanish Gold Fly, Diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol (red-labeled), hidden inside cartons labeled as Cream Cracker biscuits.
Although the suspect identified herself as Hawa Fuseini on her Ghana Card, the transport manifest and seat number listed her as “Assindo Awa.”
Volta Regional Director of the FDA, Mr. Gorden Akurugu, told the Ghana News Agency that the concealment method indicated an intent to smuggle the products through unauthorized routes. He stressed that such drugs are not permitted to be transported along inland borders without proper authorization and professional supervision.
“Our assessment revealed that these products are unregistered and of unknown efficacy. The designated ports for importing such pharmaceutical products are Kotoka International Airport and the Tema Harbour. Any other route violates FDA regulations,” Mr. Akurugu said.
He cautioned importers to comply with the proper procedures and regulations to avoid prosecution, noting that the FDA’s enforcement regime is active around the clock at border posts.
“We are conducting 100 percent inspection of all entry and exit points to curb the influx of unregulated and commonly abused drugs, especially those targeting the youth,” he added.
Mr. Akurugu also called on Ghana’s neighboring countries to help prevent the use of their borders for smuggling substandard medicines into the sub-region, emphasizing that collective vigilance is key to winning the fight against counterfeit and dangerous pharmaceuticals.
Aflao District Police Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eric Bamfo, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect will be arraigned in court on Monday, May 12, 2025.
