National Security has launched a special operation to remove a toxic herbal drink known as “Madara Sukudai” from the streets of Kumasi after tests revealed it contains harmful chemicals.
Preliminary investigations by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) found that the drink contains dangerous substances including acetone, zinc chloride and ethanol.
The concoction, often promoted as a “heart cleanser,” is popular among some youth and is commonly sold in Zongo communities and around mechanic shops.
According to the Head of the Department of Pharmacology at KNUST, Cynthia Amaning Danquah, laboratory tests showed the drink is highly toxic.
Researchers administered different doses of the substance to laboratory rats, but all the animals died within 24 hours.
The experiment also revealed that the chemical mixture was strong enough to melt plastic containers used in the laboratory.
Professor Danquah explained that acetone is commonly used in products such as nail polish remover, while zinc chloride is a corrosive chemical used in wood preservation and dry cell batteries.
She warned that consuming such substances could cause severe irritation to the stomach and damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
The pharmacology department, which works with the Food and Drugs Authority and the Ghana Standards Authority to test herbal products, has advised the public to avoid the drink while further investigations continue.
Meanwhile, National Security operatives have arrested a trader suspected of supplying chemicals used in the preparation of the drink.
The arrest was carried out in the Aboabo area after weeks of surveillance.
The Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator, Njeh Abdallah Umar, said the spread of the drink is a serious national security and public health concern.
He noted that even those who sell the product often refuse to drink it themselves.
Medical experts have also raised concerns about the health risks.
A consultant nephrologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Elliot Koranteng Tannor, warned that the chemicals in the drink could severely damage the liver, kidneys and digestive system.
He said the burning sensation users experience in their chest may be wrongly interpreted as “heart cleansing,” when in fact it could be a sign of internal damage.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and further laboratory tests will be conducted to fully determine the long-term health effects of the drink.
National Security officials in the Ashanti Region say they are working with other agencies to remove the product from the market and protect public health.
