Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has charged the inductees of a new cohort of pharmacists who join the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to aid the government's efforts in combatting the opioid crisis, particularly the misuse of tramadol.

"Opioid abuse is not just a public health issue; it is a national emergency," Hon. Akandoh declared.

He made the charge when he inducted a new cohort of pharmacists into the profession on July 9.

Hon. Akandoh reminded the new pharmacists of their motto, “Amicus Humanis Generis” Friends of the Human Race, urging them to uphold it with compassion, ethics, and excellence.

The ceremony, held under the theme “The Future is Now: Young Pharmacists at the Forefront of Preventing Opioid Misuse in Ghana”, highlighted both the promise and responsibility that lie ahead for the nation’s newest healthcare professionals.

Hon. Akandoh described the event as a "special day" marking the beginning of a crucial professional journey. "You have reached this milestone through dedication, hard work, and perseverance," he said.

The Minister emphasised the critical and evolving role of pharmacists in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, describing them as "frontline healthcare providers, educators, patient advocates, and guardians of public health."

He noted that pharmacists’ work has a direct impact on health outcomes and the well-being of the public.

The Minister highlighted how pharmacists are central to the government’s broader health agenda, including the MahamaCares and Free Primary Health Care initiatives.

These programs, he said, rely on pharmacists to deliver accessible, quality healthcare and manage chronic diseases at the community level.

The Ministry of Health has extended its heartfelt congratulations to all newly inducted pharmacists and commends the Pharmacy Council for its unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

In April, the Ministry of Health destroyed a significant consignment of illicit opioid-containing drugs that had entered Ghana under questionable circumstances.

The consignment, which consisted of 128 boxes of Tafrodol, 92 boxes of Timaking Tapertado, and 10 boxes of Rahol Tapentadol, totaling 230 boxes, posed serious risks to public health, particularly due to the potential for widespread misuse and addiction among the youth.

The destruction of the drugs took place at Vigour-DW Enterprise, a waste management company based in Ashaiman, and was supervised by key regulatory and legal authorities.

The operation was carried out in strict compliance with a court order. In a rare and highly symbolic gesture, the Ministry chose to publicly incinerate the drugs, sending a strong message to those involved in the illegal drug trade.

Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that this action was only the beginning in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

“We will not stop here. After the safe disposal of this consignment, we will further investigate the clearing agent and the importer, and hand them over to the Attorney General for prosecution,” he stated firmly.