A 77-year-old man who is alleged to be illegally practicing as a medical doctor has been arrested by the Police in the Volta Region following an operation by the Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The suspect, Amoatwor Harrison was arrested recently at Peki in the South Dayi District of the Volta region after days of surveillance and some undercover work by the Police and officials of the FDA.
Mr Harrison who is also reported to be a pastor is alleged to be producing medicines, packaging orthodox medicines and giving treatment to people without any license permitting him to do so.
Confirming the incident to the media, Gordon Akurugu, the Volta Regional Director of the FDA narrated that his outfit gathered preliminary intelligence on a man claiming to be a medical doctor.
To this end, some officials from his outfit were assigned to undertake surveillance in the area to discover where the suspect lives and operates.
This was followed by an undercover operation by a combined team of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Police Service and FDA officials. The suspect was eventually arrested at his facility, Jehovah Rapha Medical Centre; where he is the Medical Director. A thorough search of his place revealed several medicines; both orthodox and herbal.
A document found in his possession said he attended University of Ibadan in Nigeria, Dambai College in the Oti Region and did his National Service at La Polyclinic. It further said he has worked at the Assin-Fosu Government Hospital, the Eastern Regional Hospital (Koforidua Central), Akim-Oda Government Hospital and the Western Regional Hospital, Takoradi.
Upon interrogation, suspect Amoatwor Harrison admitted to operating without license as he lost his license and other documents in a robbery attack.
He explained that he had a license issued by the Ghana National Association of Traditional Healers.
Unfortunately, “I was robbed. I had a license but I was robbed and some of my documents were stolen,” he said. According to him, the robbers took his briefcase thinking he had some money and valuables in it, but it contained his documents, the license included.
The Volta FDA Boss, Mr. Akurugu said the suspect will be arraigned accordingly for the law to take its course. He advised the public to be careful of where and who they seek medical attention from. They should also report to the Authority or the Police if they find any drug or product to be suspicious. They should also report persons who sell or administer such drugs or products for prompt action as such acts could lead to adverse outcomes, including fatalities.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)