FDA arrests woman at Aflao border for smuggling unregistered aphrodisiacs into Ghana
The arrest took place on Friday during a routine inspection of a Nagode Transport vehicle with registration number TG 5846 BN, which had entered the country from Lome, Togo, and was headed to Accra.
A woman identified as Hawa Fuseini has been arrested at the Aflao border for attempting to smuggle unregistered aphrodisiacs and prescription drugs into Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confirmed.
The arrest took place on Friday during a routine inspection of a Nagode Transport vehicle with registration number TG 5846 BN, which had entered the country from Lome, Togo, and was headed to Accra. The vehicle, driven by Babayara Rashid, was intercepted at the vehicle examination section of the Aflao border at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Authorities conducting a joint inspection discovered the smuggled substances, which included sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra), Spanish Gold Fly, diazepam, Rohypnol, and red-labelled tramadol, hidden inside a carton of Cream Cracker biscuits. The suspect, whose Ghana Card identified her as Hawa Fuseini, had been listed on the bus manifest under the alias “Assindo Awa.”
Volta Regional FDA Director, Mr. Gorden Akurugu, told the Ghana News Agency that the concealment indicated an intentional effort to unlawfully bring the banned products into the country via an unauthorised route. He explained that such products must be imported only through designated entry points—namely Kotoka International Airport or Tema Harbour—and must be handled by licensed professionals.
Mr. Akurugu stressed that the drugs were not registered with the FDA, meaning their safety and effectiveness could not be verified. He warned that unauthorized movement of pharmaceutical products through land borders violates national drug regulations.
He also urged importers to adhere to legal importation procedures, cautioning that failure to do so could result in severe legal consequences. Additionally, he appealed to neighbouring countries to monitor their borders and collaborate with Ghana to prevent the spread of counterfeit and unapproved drugs, particularly those that are often abused by young people.
The FDA has ramped up its border control operations, now conducting around-the-clock inspections to counter the influx of illicit pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, Aflao District Police Crime Officer, ASP Eric Bamfo, confirmed the arrest and announced that Hawa Fuseini is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 12, 2025.
