There is a growing trend of Tramadol abuse among Ghanaian youth in some parts of the country.

Recent surveys have shown the drug is also used among market women, drivers, and in some cases, students.

The abuse of Tramadol, a pain relief drug, according to medical experts, functions like heroin and can cause psychotic problems as well as damage vital organs in the human body.

In a recent trending video on social media, a young man in his late twenties is seen struggling to eat a ball of banku and okro stew right infront of him.

Moving left and right in a very slow motion, the young man could not differentiate the taste of water and stew, when people around made the changes.

It is vividly heard by the one shooting the video, how he constantly shouted: "Check out how Tramadol has taken a toll on his life".

Findings have shown that Tramadol abuse has killed more people than heroin and cocaine.

This has called for concerns and Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has planned to join forces with a number of sector agencies to curb the illegal entry, distribution, sale of tramadol following how some Ghanaians are speedily abusing the drug.

Head of Substance Abuse at FDA, Olivia Boateng recently said in an interview that it will partner with other health facilities and regulatory agencies to form a task force team that will curb the smuggling of Tramadol in the country.

FDA’s recent investigation shows that most of the drug comes into the country through unapproved routes making it difficult to track its final destination.