By Albert Allotey
Accra, July 17, GNA – The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana (VAST-Ghana) has commended Mr Osman Ayariga, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA) for his call on the government to ban e-cigarette, shisha and other harmful products in the country.
“This timely call aligns with our mission to safeguard the health, well-being and future of Ghana’s children and young people who are increasingly vulnerable to the deceptive allure of these harmful substances,” it stated.
It added, “We stand united in amplifying this initiative, and urged policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to act decisively to curb the rising tide of substance abuse among young Ghanaians.”
This was in s statement signed by Mr Labram Musah, the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana.
It stated that tobacco use had exacted a devastating toll on Ghana, claiming over 6,700 lives annually, with 66 per cent of these deaths occurring prematurely among individuals under 70, and 18 per cent resulting from second-hand smoke exposure, according to the 2024 Investment Case for Tobacco Control in Ghana.
The statement noted, “These preventable deaths contributed to GHC668 losses each year (0.2 per cent of GDP), including GHC371 million from mortality, GHC172 million in healthcare costs, and GHC126 million in lost workplace productivity.”
It said in Ghana, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions accounted for approximately 45 per cent of deaths, and tobacco contributed significantly as a key driver.
“Whether smoked through cigarettes or waterpipes, or consumed as smokeless variants, tobacco products are saturated with more than 7,000 chemicals of which at least 250 are known to be toxic and over 70 are confirmed carcinogen.
“The dangers are not confined to the user alone; second-hand smoke exposure also poses significant health threats to bystanders, particularly children and pregnant women, and is linked to premature deaths and disability,” the statement said.
It said the surge in e-cigarette, flavoured capes, shisha and other emerging tobacco products use among Ghanaian youth was a public health emergency, adding that according to, the 2023 Ghana STEP Survey, shisha use prevalence stood at 7.8 per cent, with young people and women disproportionately affected.
The statement said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had repeatedly warned against the adoption of e-cigarettes and shisha regarding them as dangerous and harmful to health.
It said despite Ghana having robust legislative framework, including the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) and Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247) enforcement remained weak.
“Industries continue to exploit loopholes, targeting vulnerable groups and undermining public health. There is an urgent need for stronger political commitment and well-funded enforcement mechanisms to rectify this situation,” it stated.
The statement urged the NYA Chief Executive Officer to forge a powerful alliance with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and civil society organisations such as the VAST-Ghana to drive transformative change
The VAST-Ghana proposed among others the enactment and enforcement of a nationwide ban on the importation, sale, distribution, and marketing of e-cigarettes, shisha, and flavoured tobacco products.
“The Act 851 and L.I. 2247 provide a strong foundation for expanding restrictions to cover these emerging products,” It pointed out.
It called for collaboration with the FDA, and law enforcement agencies to crack down on illicit trade and ensure compliance with advertising and sales restrictions.
Others are increase in taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages, in line with WHO recommendations, to make the products less affordable and less accessible while banning all online sale, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of harmful products, particularly on digital platforms frequented by young people.
“We believe that creating a smoke-free, addiction-free, and healthier Ghana is a shared responsibility. It requires urgent collaboration between government, civil society, parents, educators, and young people themselves,” the statement said.
The VAST-Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the government, regulatory agencies, civil society, educators, parents, and the youth themselves to make Ghana smoke-free, addiction-free, and health-forward.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba