Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested three individuals accused of distributing counterfeit insecticide sprays allegedly sourced from Nigeria, in a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at stemming the influx of substandard consumer goods into local markets.
The arrests follow complaints from Evergreen Chemist Limited, the exclusive UK importer of the “Kill It” brand of insecticide. The company alerted authorities after detecting fake versions of its product being sold in Kumasi’s busy commercial districts of Adum and Tech.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, said the suspects — all shop owners or distributors — are facing multiple charges, including trademark forgery, fraudulent sales practices, and violations related to the packaging and marketing of household chemical products. If convicted, they could face fines or up to three years in prison.
“These counterfeit goods mislead consumers, violate intellectual property laws, and pose a real risk to public health,” said DCOP Teye Cudjoe in a briefing. “We are tracing the source of these imports and will continue with our enforcement efforts.”
The operation, which targeted vendors across central Kumasi, is part of a broader clampdown on counterfeit products — a growing concern for both regulators and legitimate distributors. Police believe the fake insecticides were manufactured outside Ghana, with Nigeria identified as a likely point of origin.
Abigail Del, CEO of Evergreen Chemist, said the counterfeit products have significantly hurt her business. “Some of our longtime customers began switching to these fakes because of the lower price, not realizing they were buying a harmful product,” she said. “Sales of the original ‘Kill It’ have fallen, and the fake versions have been shown, after FDA analysis, to be dangerous to human health.”
She added that the knockoff sprays are visibly inferior, with faded labels and misrepresented markings. “The UK flag and 'Made in England' stamp have been replaced with 'Made in PRC'. It’s misleading and damaging.”
According to police, the suspects could also be charged under provisions of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act for misrepresenting and illegally distributing regulated chemical products, including pesticides and household sprays.
“We are calling on consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products,” said Commander Teye Cudjoe. “This investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to identifying and dismantling the supply networks behind these operations.”
