๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐: ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐
In Sunyani and the broader Bono and Bono East regions, a suspected tobacco powder substance, locally referred to as โ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ, has emerged as a growing concern among health authorities and community leaders. While not officially recognized or registered by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), reports indicate that this substance is being abused by a segment of the population, both young and old.
โEkikimeโ is described as a fine powder resembling ground tobacco leaves which comes in green small plastic containers. Users typically place a small amount of the powder beneath their tongue, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed. This method of consumption is similar to the use of snuff or dipping tobacco, which is prevalent in various cultures worldwide.
The unregulated nature of โekikimeโ poses significant health risks. Without proper quality control or safety assessments, users are exposed to potential contaminants and harmful additives.
The FDA, under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), is responsible for regulating tobacco products and substances of abuse. However, โekikimeโ has not been registered or approved by the FDA, placing it outside the scope of official oversight and regulation. This lack of regulation complicates efforts to monitor and control its distribution and use.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with the Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Bono, Madam Akua Amponsaa Owusu argues that the product hasn’t been licensed by the FDA. As a result, consumers who use it do so at their own risk.
She explained that although the manufacturer of the โekikimeโ product, based in Techiman in the Bono East region, has submitted an application for licensing of the product but the law that binds the product licensing does not guarantee that the manufacturer can produce such a product until the necessary licensing criteria and procedures are fulfilled.
The Bono regional FDA head further stipulated that before a product is certified by the FDA, samples of such products must be submitted for further laboratory tests to identify their contents and determine whether they are therapeutic.
Madam Amponsaa Owusu, commenting on the โekikimeโ substance, said the FDA in the region has seized and detained samples of the โekikimeโ product from the market but for recalcitrant traders, it is a means of cashing in.
She said the manufacturer of the โekikimeโ product has been fined by the FDA to pay an undisclosed amount of money which forms part of the penalty measures stipulated by the authority for defaulters of unlicensed products.
Some vox pop I gathered from consumers of the โekikimeโโ substance on the streets of Sunyani indicates; the substance energizes them after a hard day’s work as well as gives them a general well-being. Others explain it dazes them and makes them go gay.
Others who have used the substance for a longer period of time confessed to seeing rippling side effects such as insomnia, sexual weakness among others.
Nearly, half of Mobile Money vendors/merchants sell โekikimeโ on the streets of Sunyani, likewise public places of convenience.
On the flip side, if you happen to greet someone in the morning on your way to the office and there is no response, you do not have to begrudge the person because โekikimeโ is right beneath his/her tongue!
The emergence of โekikimeโ in Bono and Bono East regions underscores the need for heightened awareness and intervention. Health authorities, educational institutions, and community leaders must collaborate to address this issue through education, regulation, and support for affected individuals. Given the potential health risks and the substance’s unregulated status, immediate attention and action are essential to mitigate its impact on public health.
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