By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, June 5, GNA – Officials of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Upper East Region have engaged members of the public on the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco-related products.
The exercise formed part of activities marking this year’s World No Tobacco Day, observed under the global theme: “Unmasking the Appeal-Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
Clad in branded T-shirts, the FDA officials visited the Bolgatanga Main Lorry Station, market centres within the municipality, and other public places to educate drivers, passengers, traders, and the public on the dangers associated with tobacco use.
The team also distributed leaflets carrying anti-tobacco messages and placed “No Smoking” stickers at strategic locations to draw public attention to Ghana’s ban on smoking in public places.
The awareness campaign aimed to highlight the devastating health consequences of tobacco and nicotine use in all forms, including traditional cigarettes, shisha, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco-free nicotine products.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after the exercise, Mr Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, said the Authority had consistently executed its mandate of protecting the public from the dangers associated with tobacco smoke and tobacco use.
“It is important for the public to appreciate the fact that the components of cigarettes have been linked to various health conditions. Cigarettes contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing substances that have been associated with the development of lung cancer and several other forms of cancer,” he said.
“These carcinogens have contributed significantly to lung cancer and other diseases among people who have been exposed to tobacco smoke or have used tobacco products over the years,” he added.
Mr Ndego stressed that there was no safe form of tobacco use, regardless of how it was marketed.
“No matter how harmless tobacco products are presented, there is no safe form of tobacco. Whether it is a vape, an e-cigarette, or any other nicotine delivery device, users are still exposed to health risks,” he stated.
He noted that manufacturers continue to design nicotine delivery products in ways that made them attractive, particularly to young people, to increase patronage.
“We are encouraging the public to avoid the use of tobacco and to ensure that others do not use tobacco products around them. It is important to reiterate that smoking in public places is prohibited in Ghana, and all public spaces should be treated as no-smoking zones,” he added.
Mr Ndego recalled that in 2024, the Authority undertook unannounced inspections of pubs, nightclubs, drinking spots, hotels, and other public facilities to ensure that ‘No Smoking’ signage was visibly displayed at strategic locations.
He said the FDA continues to monitor compliance with the regulations in the region.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Email: [email protected]