Tobacco consumption among Ghanaian youth remains a significant public health challenge, with recent surveys indicating alarming rates of use and exposure to tobacco products among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years.
According to the most recent Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), approximately 8.9 percent of Ghanaian students in this age group currently use some form of tobacco, a rate more than double that of adults in the country. Boys and girls use tobacco at nearly similar rates-8.9 percent of boys and 8.2 percent of girls-highlighting a narrowing gender gap in tobacco consumption among the youth. Cigarette smoking accounts for about 6.5 percent, while other forms such as shisha (water-pipe) and smokeless tobacco are gaining popularity, with 1.3 percent and 3.1 percent usage respectively. Notably, smokeless tobacco use is higher among girls than boys, raising concerns about targeted marketing and shifting social norms.
Exposure to secondhand smoke is also widespread, with nearly 39 percent of students reporting exposure in enclosed public places and 23 percent at home. This exposure exacerbates health risks and underscores the need for stronger smoke-free policies and enforcement.
Despite ongoing tobacco control efforts, access to tobacco products remains relatively easy for youth. Over 70 percent of young smokers reported purchasing cigarettes from retail outlets such as shops and street vendors, often without age verification. This accessibility contributes to early initiation and sustained tobacco use among adolescents.
The health consequences are severe: tobacco-related diseases cause nearly 7,000 deaths annually in Ghana, including among young people who begin using tobacco products early. The rising popularity of novel tobacco products like shisha further complicates efforts to curb tobacco use and protect youth health.
Experts emphasize that comprehensive tobacco control policies must cover all tobacco products, not just manufactured cigarettes, to effectively address youth tobacco use. Increasing tobacco taxes, restricting youth access, enforcing advertising bans, and expanding cessation support are critical strategies to reduce initiation and promote quitting among young Ghanaians.
In summary, tobacco use among Ghanaian youth is a growing concern that threatens public health and economic development. Coordinated efforts from government, civil society, schools, and communities are essential to reverse these trends and safeguard the well-being of Ghana’s next generation.