This study addresses the prevalence of drug counterfeiting within Ghana’s pharmaceutical supply chain and evaluates the effectiveness of the existing traceability system. The overarching goal is to propose strategies and technological advancements to improve drug traceability and mitigate the adverse impacts of counterfeiting. Through comprehensive research, the study uncovers a complex network of counterfeit drug activities involving various actors such as illicit manufacturers, supply chain intermediaries, online marketplaces, and cross-border traffickers.
A critical examination of Ghana’s current traceability system reveals both strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, the system, primarily based on Post-Market Surveillance, offers increased transparency and plays a vital role in identifying counterfeit products, thus protecting consumers. However, challenges such as limited flexibility, resource constraints, and interoperability issues with other authentication systems hinder its overall effectiveness. The incorporation of technologies like the ProPer Seals system for product verification demonstrates progress in enhancing authentication but falls short in addressing interoperability concerns and vulnerabilities to sophisticated counterfeiting techniques.
Key findings from the study highlight significant increases in the prevalence of counterfeit medicines, with notable shifts in severity ratings for specific drug categories over time. Antibiotics and COVID-related products, in particular, have experienced spikes in severity ratings, signifying emerging challenges in combating counterfeit drugs. The persistence of high-risk counterfeit drugs, such as Levonorgestrel (Postinor 2) and Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem), underscores the urgency for comprehensive solutions to tackle counterfeiting.
Moreover, the study identifies sources and routes of drug counterfeiting, revealing varying levels of involvement from illicit manufacturers, online marketplaces, and cross-border traffickers. Weaknesses in distribution channels and the lack of digital regulatory frameworks are recognized as key challenges driving counterfeiting activities.
In response to these findings, the study recommends a holistic approach, combining regulatory enhancements, technological innovations, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. Strengthening regulatory oversight, integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain and radio frequency identification (RFID), and fostering partnerships between industry players and regulatory bodies are essential steps in fortifying Ghana’s pharmaceutical supply chain against counterfeit threats.