A Tamale Circuit Court has convicted 53-year-old pharmaceutical distributor, Alhaji Abdulai Sayuti, for the unlawful possession and sale of restricted drugs, specifically tramadol. The conviction comes amid rising concerns over the growing abuse of opioid-based drugs in Ghana, particularly in the northern regions.
Presiding judge, His Honour Francis Asubayere, handed down a fine of GH₵1,680,000 equivalent to 14,000 penalty units. The fine applies to each of the two counts against him but will run concurrently. Should he fail to pay the total amount, Sayuti will serve 25 years in prison. His conviction followed a guilty plea to both charges: possessing restricted drugs without a license and distributing them without authorization.
The case stems from an intelligence-led operation carried out by law enforcement officials in Tamale. Sayuti was arrested near the Victory Cinema area, where officers discovered 336 blisters of tramadol (120mg) in his possession. According to investigators, he was operating without the required pharmaceutical permits and had become a person of interest due to increasing reports of unauthorized drug circulation in the city.
Further investigations revealed that Sayuti may have been part of a much larger supply chain. Following his arrest, law enforcement agencies carried out a second operation that led to the discovery of an additional 447 boxes of tramadol and 11 boxes of tramaking another restricted opioid-based medication. As a result of this larger haul, authorities say he will face fresh charges at the Tamale High Court in the coming days.
Security officials believe the arrest and prosecution represent a breakthrough in efforts to clamp down on the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical drugs in northern Ghana. In recent years, the widespread abuse of tramadol and other opioids has become a major public health issue, contributing to addiction, mental health complications, and criminal behaviour, especially among young people.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other stakeholders have repeatedly warned the public against unauthorized possession and distribution of restricted medications. Tramadol, while legal when prescribed, is considered a controlled substance due to its addictive nature and potential for abuse. Its misuse has been linked to alarming trends in substance dependence among youth and increased cases of drug-related hospital admissions.
In response to the conviction, public health experts and law enforcement officials are calling for stiffer regulations, stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical outlets, and increased public education on the dangers of self-medication and illicit drug trade. They argue that this case should serve as a warning to others operating illegally in the sector.
Investigations are still ongoing, and more suspects are expected to be arrested as authorities widen their probe into the illegal drug supply networks operating in Tamale and surrounding communities. Meanwhile, officials have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and ensuring that those who violate Ghana’s drug laws are brought to justice.
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