Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, Chairman of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL), has shed light on his decision to delay pursuing legal action against Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), after his products were seized in 2013.
Dr. Tobbin described how Dr. Opuni and his team systematically confiscated his products from various warehouses, using trailers to transport them for destruction. Despite only a minor portion of his samples being identified as counterfeit, Dr. Opuni took advantage of the situation to seize all of his products.
“Only a small sample was substandard, but all my products were labeled as fake. Then he started using trailers to transport them from our warehouses and hospitals for incineration,” Dr. Tobbin explained in an interview with an Accra-based TV station.
Dr. Tobbin expressed his hesitation to seek legal recourse due to Dr. Opuni’s significant influence. He noted that efforts by notable figures, including former President John Dramani Mahama and National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, to intervene were unsuccessful.
Dr. Tobbin also pointed out the sluggish pace of the judicial system as a factor in his decision. He recounted his attempts to find support, including discussions with Asiedu Nketiah and personal appeals to former President Mahama, but stated that their efforts were ultimately ineffective.
“The situation was dire. Despite our efforts to seek help, Dr. Opuni’s power prevailed. He ignored our pleas and continued to use media to undermine my reputation and business,” Dr. Tobbin concluded.
