The World Health Organization (WHO) joined Ghana today in commemorating World No Tobacco Day 2025, emphasizing the urgent need to expose the deceptive tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industries under the global theme, “Bright Products. Dark Intentions – Unmasking the Appeal.”
Speaking at the national event in Ho, a WHO representative underscored the devastating global impact of tobacco, which claims approximately 8 million lives annually, including over 1 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure. “That means one person dies every four seconds due to tobacco use or exposure,” the representative said.
A major concern highlighted was the rising use of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, particularly among youth. These products, often perceived as less harmful due to their sweet taste, trendy designs, and attractive packaging, are in fact designed to mislead, addict, and cause harm. Globally, 37 million children aged 13 to 15 are already using tobacco products, and promotional content for e-cigarettes and nicotine devices has amassed over 3.4 billion views on social media, reflecting aggressive industry marketing strategies.
Ghana is facing similar challenges. The 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey revealed that 4.8% of adults currently use tobacco products, with significantly higher usage among men. Of particular concern is the increase in shisha smoking, now at 7.8%, disproportionately affecting young people and women.
The WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s tobacco control efforts through technical and financial assistance. Key contributions include strengthening the national tobacco track and trace system to combat illicit trade, aiding the development of a national roadmap to implement the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, supporting amendments to the Public Health Act (Act 851, Part 6), and facilitating public awareness campaigns and national surveys.
Despite progress, the WHO called on Ghana to intensify efforts by banning all flavors and flavor descriptors in tobacco and nicotine products, regulating flavor accessories, implementing plain packaging laws, prohibiting misleading terms such as “mild” or “light,” scaling up cessation services, and enforcing Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to protect against industry interference.
“Ghana must rise to the challenge,” the WHO representative urged. “We must unmask the appeal of these harmful products, protect our children, and build a society where health is valued above profits.”
The event also featured a special recognition of Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST-Ghana), who received the WHO World No Tobacco Day Award 2025. The award honors his outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing tobacco control in Ghana. His advocacy for the ratification and implementation of the WHO FCTC, the formation of the Media Alliance for Tobacco Control, and the establishment of the Ghana NCD Alliance have significantly shaped national efforts to combat tobacco use.
As Ghana commemorates World No Tobacco Day 2025, the call is clear: united action and stronger policies are essential to protect the nation’s health and secure a tobacco-free future for generations to come.