Labram Musah-the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana and National Coordinator for Ghana NCD Alliance officially today received his WHO Special Recognition award at the National Launch of World-No Tobacco Day 2025 at the Ho Technical University.
Labram expressed deep gratitude and humility upon receiving the WHO World No Tobacco Day 2025 Award, recognizing it as a collective achievement in the fight against tobacco in Ghana, Africa, and globally. He gave thanks to God, the World Health Organization, and key national partners including the Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ministry of Finance, and Ghana Revenue Authority.
He paid tribute to civil society organizations, youth advocates, journalists, community leaders, and his early work at VALD-Ghana, recalling a previous WHO award in 2013 shared with colleague Issah Ali. He also acknowledged the invaluable role of his current teams at VAST-Ghana and the Ghana NCD Alliance, as well as the steadfast support of his family and mentors.
The speech highlighted major tobacco control achievements. Labram warned of the evolving threats from the tobacco industry, such as flavored products and digital marketing targeting youth. He emphasized that the award is a call to action and urged:
Full implementation of the WHO FCTC
Stronger tobacco taxation
Protection of children from misleading marketing
Tougher law enforcement and industry accountability
Promotion of equity, community voices, and sustained political will
He concluded by thanking several individuals and institutions—including Dr. Olivia Boateng, Dr. Delasi, Mavis Danso, Chief David Hukpoti, and others—for their personal and professional support, and reaffirmed his commitment to building a tobacco-free future.
Congratulations Labram Musah.
