A young man in his mid-20s has died after a tragic incident involving the alleged abuse of tramadol in Babile, a community in the Upper West Region.
The deceased, identified as Kukura, originally from Tugo in the Jirapa Municipality but residing in Babile in the Lawra Municipality, reportedly took ten tablets of tramadol at once during what is said to have been a competition among friends.
According to reports, another friend had earlier taken six tablets, and Kukura attempted to outdo him by swallowing a higher number.
The act quickly turned dangerous, as he reportedly became weak shortly after taking the tablets.
He was first rushed to the Babile Polyclinic for emergency treatment. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was later referred to the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa.
As his health continued to worsen, he was transferred again to the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region for advanced care.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he sadly passed away.
The incident has been confirmed by Mr Alex Yirikye, an opinion leader in Babile, who said the news had already spread widely on social media and caused shock in the community.
The death has raised fresh concerns among residents and local leaders about the increasing misuse of tramadol and other drugs among young people in the area.
Many fear that such dangerous “competitions” are becoming more common, putting lives at risk.
Tramadol is a strong pain-relief medicine that is meant to be used only under medical supervision.
Health experts warn that taking it in large amounts or without a prescription can severely affect breathing, damage the brain, and lead to death.
In recent years, the Upper West Region has recorded growing cases of drug abuse involving tramadol, cough mixtures containing codeine, marijuana, alcohol, and shisha.
This has become a major concern for families, schools, and community leaders.
In response, authorities have formed a regional anti-drug task force to fight the problem.
The group has been carrying out operations in communities, transport stations, and suspected drug-selling points, leading to seizures of illegal substances.
Speaking on the incident, Mr Kelvin Sunkpal Dafaari, spokesperson for the task force, described the situation as worrying.
He said efforts are being made to ensure that pharmacies only sell tramadol with a doctor’s prescription.
He also appealed to the public to report people involved in the illegal sale of such drugs, assuring that informants’ identities would be protected.
He urged communities to work together to protect young people from drug abuse and prevent further loss of lives.
