Accra, June 23, GNA - The management of Food and Drugs Boards (FDB) on Tuesday arrested Reverend Kofi Nkansah, Pastor of Apostolic Continuation Church at Nkawkaw Domeabra, for allegedly manufacturing and offering for sale Nka Herbal Plus, a concoction containing sedative, pain killer and antibiotics, all Class 'A' drugs.
It said Class A drugs were prescription drugs and should not be sold over the counter, but the label on the concoction claimed it was a remedy for ulcer, malaria, maintains blood sugar levels constant, tiredness, boost immune system, asthma and detoxification of the body.
A label on the concoction reads: "The chemicals in food, water and drugs we take produce toxins and poison in our bodies; it is therefore important to detoxify to improve your health".
Mr James Lartey, Head of Public Affairs section of FDB, told Ghana News Agency that personnel of the Surveillance Unit had information about the concoction and that when officials of the Board tested a sample, it revealed the presence of valium and amoxycillin.
A statement signed by Mr Lartey on behalf of Dr Stephen K. Opuni, Chief Executive Officer of FDB, said the concoction had not been registered with FDB therefore its quality, safety and efficacy could not be guaranteed. It said although Rev. Nkansah insisted the concoction was a herbal medicine, nothing at his premises showed signs of herbs and FDB laboratory analysis indicated the presence of paracetamol (a pain killer), diazepam (a sedative) and amoxycillin (an antibiotic used in the treatment of infections).
The management advised the public not to patronise the concoction. They should also report to FDB anyone found selling the said concoction. The statement assured the general public of the FDB's determination to protect public health and safety at all times.
