Radio Progress News first radio station in the Upper West Region
Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, Group Chairman of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL), has opened up about his distressing experience with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in 2013, following the seizure of his company’s products.
Dr. Tobbin recounted his ordeal under the leadership of the former FDA CEO, Dr. Stephen Opuni, during an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 11, TPL and its Group Chairman were exonerated from allegations of importing fake drugs into Ghana.
The High Court in Accra, presided over by Her Ladyship Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the ruling on July 29, 2024, contradicting the claims made by Dr. Opuni.
The legal battle began on July 19, 2019, when Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited filed a lawsuit against the FDA, accusing the authority of abusing its statutory powers and duties.
Dr. Tobbin revealed how he and his partner were dramatically arrested on the streets near the FDA and later detained in BNI cells for almost an entire day.
He recalled being released in the evening but having to report to the BNI office daily for four days, where they were repeatedly locked up in cells and only released at night.
The Group Chairman described the circumstances surrounding their arrests as “unfortunate.”
“It was rather unfortunate that in 2013 that thing happened to us, Dr Stephen Opuni, happened to be a short-time friend. I knew him when he assumed office as the CEO of the FDA. And this our industry, all the CEOs become our friends automatically.
