A group known as ISPYGH 247, has petitioned the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to take immediate action to address the growing concerns regarding misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas.

Their petition follows an investigation organized by the group and their investigations revealed that nitrous oxide was available on e-commerce websites, beaches, clubs, and pubs.

"Our team has investigated and found nitrous oxide readily available on e-commerce websites, beaches, clubs, and pubs in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, and Somanya," they said in a press statement.

Read the full statement below:
We, ISPYGH 247, a private investigative documentary filmmaking firm focused on public health, specifically the medicine ecosystem in Ghana, petition the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), to take immediate action to address the growing concerns regarding misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas, nitro, N2O, NOS, nangs, whippet, hippy crack, buzz bomb or balloons.

Background:

Our team has investigated and found nitrous oxide readily available on e-commerce websites, beaches, clubs, and pubs in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, and Somanya.

The product is sold in cans and balloons, facilitating its recreational use. Its easy availability and unregulated sale have contributed to its widespread misuse which poses significant health risks to users, particularly the youth.

Request:

We request that the FDA:

Bans the importation of larger quantities of nitrous oxide: More specifically, restrict imports to only medical and industrial purposes, with strict licensing and monitoring.

⁠Regulate the sale of nitrous oxide:

Limit sales to authorized medical and industrial suppliers, and ensure proper storage and handling.

Enforce strict penalties: Impose severe sanctions on individuals and businesses found selling or misusing nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.

Public awareness campaigns:

Conduct nationwide education campaigns highlighting nitrous oxide abuse’s dangers.

Collaborate with law enforcement:

Work closely with agencies to monitor and prevent illicit trade.

Justification:

The ban and regulation of nitrous oxide importation and sale will:

⁠Protect public health, particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of nitrous oxide abuse.

Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with its recreational use.

Align Ghana with international best practices in regulating hazardous substances.

Conclusion:

We urge the FDA to take prompt action to address this critical issue.

Your leadership in regulating nitrous oxide will contribute significantly to safeguarding the health and well-being of Ghanaians.

We have painstakingly conducted an investigation, documenting our findings in a comprehensive documentary that will be published soon for the general public.

Please have our highest assurances relative to further cooperation in this matter.