Joshua Anoumou Agbenu, a communications and research practitioner, has issued a strong call to action for the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana to intensify its efforts in combating the influx of illicit drugs into the country. He specifically highlighted the alarming spread of “Red,” a dangerous cocktail of tapentadol and carisoprodol, also known as Tafrodol and Super Royal-225, which poses significant health risks, including seizures, respiratory problems, and even fatalities. Agbenu’s appeal underscores a growing concern about the FDA’s efficacy in regulating the pharmaceutical market and preventing the circulation of harmful substances, despite the Authority’s achievements in areas like WHO recognition and the implementation of a risk-based post-marketing surveillance system. The core of Agbenu’s argument centers on the need for a more proactive and vigilant approach from the FDA, rather than relying on external investigations to expose drug-related issues.
Agbenu’s critique of the FDA’s current approach stems from the observation that major drug-related problems have primarily come to light through investigations conducted by external bodies like The Fourth Estate and BBC Africa Eye. He questions the FDA’s internal monitoring mechanisms and expresses concern about the potential for numerous other unauthorized and unlicensed drugs to circulate undetected, posing a grave threat to public health. This reactive approach, triggered by external investigations rather than proactive internal vigilance, raises serious questions about the FDA’s ability to effectively safeguard the health and well-being of Ghanaian citizens. Agbenu emphasizes the need for the FDA to take ownership and responsibility for identifying and addressing these issues before they escalate into widespread public health crises.
Furthermore, Agbenu criticizes the FDA’s reliance on other agencies, such as the Narcotics Control Commission and the Customs Division, for drug regulation enforcement. He argues that this dependence undermines the FDA’s primary mandate and creates a fragmented approach to drug control, potentially leaving gaps in the system that unscrupulous actors can exploit. Agbenu advocates for a more centralized and empowered role for the FDA, where it takes the lead in enforcing drug regulations and coordinating with other agencies, rather than relying on them as the primary line of defense. This proactive stance, he argues, is essential for effectively combating the complex and ever-evolving challenges posed by the illicit drug trade.
A key aspect of Agbenu’s proposed solution involves a significant shift in the FDA’s media engagement and public outreach strategies. He suggests a more transactional approach, offering incentives and rewards for reporting unauthorized or unlicensed drugs. This proactive engagement, he believes, would empower citizens to become active participants in the fight against illicit drugs, creating a network of vigilant observers who can contribute valuable information to the FDA. By establishing a system of rewards and recognition, Agbenu believes the FDA can foster a stronger sense of public responsibility and cultivate trust within the community, leading to a more effective and collaborative approach to drug control.
Agbenu’s recommendations also extend to strengthening the FDA’s internal capacity for monitoring and surveillance. He emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring of the pharmaceutical market, both online and offline, to identify and address potential threats before they become widespread. This includes actively tracking suspicious products, monitoring social media and online forums for discussions about illicit drug use, and conducting regular inspections of pharmacies and other drug distribution points. By adopting a more proactive and vigilant approach, the FDA can significantly enhance its ability to identify and intercept illicit drugs before they reach the consumer market.
In essence, Agbenu’s message to the FDA is a call for a more proactive, vigilant, and collaborative approach to drug regulation. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, particularly concerning the spread of dangerous drug cocktails like “Red,” and urges the FDA to take immediate steps to strengthen its internal capacity, engage more actively with the public, and prioritize its core mandate of protecting public health. His recommendations, if implemented, could significantly enhance the FDA’s effectiveness in combating the illicit drug trade and safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaians. By embracing a more proactive and collaborative approach, the FDA can transform itself from a reactive agency, dependent on external investigations, into a proactive force in the fight against illicit drugs, effectively protecting the health and safety of the Ghanaian population.
