Actress, Fella Makafui
On May 23, 2024, reports emerged that actress and social media influencer Fella Makafui was arrested by the Pharmacy Council of Ghana for allegedly selling unregistered drugs at her shop in Mempeasem.
However, speaking on Hitz FM, Dr. Daniel Amaning, the Deputy Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, clarified that the council did not directly arrest Fella Makafui.
While he did not refute her arrest, he denied the Pharmacy’s involvement in her arrest, stating, "The Pharmacy Council is not an arresting office. We don't arrest people. We are not the police."
He rather confirmed that she was under investigation by the body.
Dr. Amaning said the Pharmacy Council was concerned over the sale of unapproved products, especially on social media by unlicensed individuals or companies.
He recounted a recent operation at Accra Mall in April where Snapchat influencer, Dulcie Boateng, and some other social media influencers were arrested for selling numerous unapproved medicines.
"People who are not licensed to practice pharmacy or companies who are not registered and licensed to operate in the pharmaceutical sector are doing that, and that is our worry.
"About a month ago, we did a similar exercise at Accra Mall during that exhibition where they exhibited all kinds of medicines purporting to treat several kinds of conditions. That is the practice of pharmacy. And in this country, we have laws, and the laws stipulate who is permitted to do what.
"But we have a current system where people think because of social media, what you do on social media is separate from what you do in real life," he said.
Dr. Amaning warned that without proper regulation over such activities, the situation could become perilous for the country.
"That is certainly what we are acting upon. The vulnerabilities are high, and it is our job to protect people," he said.
He cautioned the general public not to patronize medicinal products from unlicensed individuals and warned individuals participating in the sale of unlicensed products to desist from doing such.
What happened?
Fella Makafui was reportedly released on bail following her purported arrest for selling unregistered drugs at her shop.
The supposed arrest was made public by investigative reporter Akwasi Koranteng and was the result of a six-month surveillance of Makafui's social media.
Confiscated items, according to the report, included various health teas and syrups, all reportedly marketed without proper authorization.
The incident coincides with Makafui's recent separation from her husband, Medikal, who has accused her of undergoing expensive cosmetic surgeries while promoting her slimming products, leading to public demands for an FDA investigation.
Fella's management release statement
Fella's management has refuted claims of her arrest. According to a statement released on May 23, 2024, Fella was only invited to answer questions.
"Please disregard the reports about actress Fella Makafui’s arrest. She was invited yesterday and departed soon after, respectfully honouring the invitation.
"She shared all necessary information about the subject matter to assist the investigation and presented her license from the Ghana Traditional Medicine Practice along with details of her FDA-registered products.
"Additionally, she provided information on the few products still undergoing the registration process,” the statement stressed.
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