THE INFLUX OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AS A TRANSNATIONAL SECURITY THREAT TO GHANA

ABSTRACT The study sought to find out the channels through which counterfeit and sub-standard drugs end up in Ghana and the implications it has on the country. In addition, the study sought to investigate on the procedures used to dispose of counterfeit, expired and sub-standard drug s. This has led to stringent action been taken by the Food and Drugs Authority to individual who are being caught handling these pharmaceutical products (counterfeit and sub-standard drugs).The study involved sample size of 6 respondents who were purposely selected and interviewed. It was found that most of these respondents were aware of counterfeit, substandard drugs and expired drugs. The study found that porous borders, inadequate resource and skilled personnel are contributing factors to the influx of these pharmaceutical products to the country. The study established that some of the challenges that lead to the influx include lack of well-planned orderly operations; inadequate allocation of resources by government. There is the need for the government to support these agencies financially to help them execute their strategies in curbing the issue.