Accra Circuit Court Hands Down Sentence in Fake Diabetes Drug Distribution Case
Accra: In a recent ruling, the Accra Circuit Court has delivered a sentence to two individuals for their involvement in the online sale and distribution of counterfeit diabetes medications. The illegal activities were in violation of Section 118(1) of the Public Health Act 2012 (Acts 851). Mary Alemina and George Asante were deemed guilty on 11 counts, resulting in a fine of 9000 penalty units. Should they fail to pay the fine, they will face a 15-year imprisonment term.
According to Ghana News Agency, Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah determined that the two defendants were culpable of the stated offenses, leading to the pronounced sentence. After the judgment, the Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation for Africa, Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, communicated with the press, asserting that this ruling marked a significant victory for diabetic patients throughout Ghana. She emphasized the importance of rigorous scrutiny on diabetes medications entering Ghana due to the profound implications on patients’ health and lives.
Mr. Stephen Quaye Cofie, interim President of the Ghana Diabetes Association, also expressed his approval of the ruling. He recognized its significance for various organizations, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Diabetes Association, all of which have been grappling with the pervasive issue of fraudulent diabetes medications in the system.
The genesis of the case can be traced back to November 26, 2021, when Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, President of the Ghana Diabetes Association, reported receiving multiple calls about a diabetes medication named ‘insured’ – a drug unregistered with the FDA. After ordering the drug online, law enforcement and FDA officials apprehended the delivery person carrying the medication. This arrest led them to Mary Alemina, a businesswoman, and George Asante, a marketer, at their office in Ritz junction, Adenta, where they were processing the counterfeit drugs for further sale.
The duo faced 12 charges related to unauthorized sales and distribution of unregistered drugs, all under the Public Health Act 2012 (ACT 851). The specifics of the offenses underline the gravity of their illicit activities and the potential risks posed to diabetic patients in the country.