Tamale, Sept 15, GNA - The Ghana Pharmacy Council has closed down 39 chemical shops in the Northern Region for either operating in temporary and sub-standard structures or failing to renew their licenses.

The council's action is part of a monitoring exercise to check illegal drug vendors and enforce guidelines for operating chemical and pharmacy shops in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions. Mr Anthony Amalba, zonal officer, told the GNA on Tuesday that 14 of the shops were operating without license.

He cautioned vendors in areas they have not been licensed to operate and those with licenses but no shops to rectify the situation as soon as possible to avoid sanctions. Mr Amalba also warned chemical shops against retailing or selling drugs they are not authorised to handle.

Mr Clement Samba, deputy zonal officer, advised vendors to desist from the practice of selling drugs alongside non-drug products.