Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST-Ghana), Mr. Labram Musah, has urged intensified collaboration to tackle the evolving challenges posed by tobacco and nicotine products in Ghana.
Speaking under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” at the launch of World No Tobacco Day 2025 in Ho-Volta Region, Mr. Musah commended the concerted efforts of key institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Finance, and civil society partners. He also acknowledged the critical support of national and global stakeholders such as WHO Ghana, UNDP, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and regional alliances fighting tobacco use.
Mr. Musah praised the Customs Division of the GRA for seizing illicit tobacco products at Ghana’s borders—an essential step in curbing illegal trade that fuels addiction. However, he raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the disposal of confiscated products and called for greater stakeholder involvement to enhance accountability.
A significant focus of his address was the unresolved regulatory conflict over emerging tobacco products. While the FDA has taken enforcement actions against the sale of these harmful products, the GRA continues to tax them, creating a regulatory gap that threatens public health. Mr. Musah urged authorities to reach a unified resolution prioritizing the well-being of Ghanaian citizens, especially youth, who remain the primary targets of the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing.
Expressing alarm over the easy availability of cigarettes and new nicotine products to minors, Mr. Musah pointed to the rapid proliferation of these items in shops across Accra and other regions, often sold illegally under Ghana’s Public Health Act of 2012 (Act 851). He also highlighted the growing role of digital marketing and online sales, which facilitate convenient access for young people.
“The tobacco and nicotine industry uses colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and aggressive digital campaigns to hook a new generation,” he said. “Many young users of these emerging products had never previously smoked, but once addicted, they risk transitioning to traditional tobacco products.”
Despite these challenges, Mr. Musah expressed optimism, citing recent collaborative efforts including a regional webinar co-hosted by VAST-Ghana and the FDA focusing on youth-led advocacy against emerging tobacco products in Africa. He also noted community engagements with faith-based groups and media campaigns amplifying youth voices.
Calling on civil society organizations to break down silos, Mr. Musah emphasized the need for synergy, shared platforms, and united strategies to confront the tobacco epidemic effectively. “Health is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” he declared, urging all stakeholders to act with clarity, courage, and conviction.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Musah reminded attendees that a tobacco-free future is achievable through decisive, collective action. “Let us protect the next generation from an epidemic of addiction masked as fashion and freedom,” he said.
The National Launch of World No Tobacco Day 2025 in Ho underscores Ghana’s commitment to combating tobacco use and protecting public health through strengthened policies, enforcement, and community engagement.