AMA arrests 3 Nigeriens for selling unlicensed medicine
On January 11, 2024, 12:33 PM
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has apprehended three Nigerien nationals for allegedly selling unlicensed medicine and aphrodisiacs.
The suspects Ibrahim Bashiru, Mohammed Abu Qassim and Abdul Salam Abass were arrested on Friday after a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
According to Public Health Officers of the AMA, the suspects claimed the unidentified medicine they were peddling was a “heart cleanser”.
During a media briefing, Gilbert Ankrah, Head of Public Affairs at AMA, said the substance raised concerns due to their lack of proper labelling.
He said during initial examinations by the Head of the Public Health Department, the liquid reportedly caused the melting of a plastic takeaway pack when it was poured on it.
The damaged plastic takeaway pack
This raised further concerns about the potential health hazards the substance could pose to consumers.
Meanwhile, the suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations to determine the origin and composition of the substance.
They would subsequently be arraigned before court.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public to be wary of fake and substandard medicines on the market to protect their health and well-being and prevent adverse reactions.
FDA observed that many Ghanaians often did not pay attention to details on medicines such as expiry date, certifications and standards.
The issue has led to many buying fake and substandard medicines and experiencing adverse health effects.
