Volta Region: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched the 2025 World No Tobacco Day celebration in the Volta Region, with a call for united action towards achieving a tobacco-free Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the week-long event began with health screenings and is observed under the global theme: ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’ Ms. Nora Narkie Terlabie, Director of Regional Operations at the FDA, highlighted the authority’s role in protecting public health through robust tobacco control measures and emphasized commitment to enforcing the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247).
Ms. Terlabie noted the focus on curbing tobacco use among the youth and stressed the importance of restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to shield young people. She also mentioned ongoing public education campaigns across all regions in partnership with the Police Service and GRA Customs Division to prevent distribution of illicit products, revealing over 21,348 boxes of such products had been seized.
However, she expressed concern regarding the rising popularity of products like shisha and electronic cigarettes among the youth, urging innovative strategies to counter the trend. Ms. Terlabie called for collective action from policymakers, media, community leaders, and parents to educate the youth on the dangers of smoking.
Dr. Naomi Appiah of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) highlighted the integration of tobacco cessation interventions into Primary Health Care (PHC), outlining strategies such as routine screening, cessation counseling, training of health staff, and digital tools for cessation guidance. Dr. Appiah reaffirmed GHS’s commitment to a multisectoral approach incorporating cessation strategies into the national PHC revitalization plan.
Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, commended the Customs Division of the GRA for seizing illicit products but raised concerns about transparency in the disposal of confiscated goods. He pointed out inconsistencies between FDA’s crackdown and GRA’s taxation of emerging tobacco products, calling for unified health-first policies.
Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), reiterated government dedication to safeguarding health, aligning with SDGs 3, 4, and 17, and pledged VRCC’s support to FDA’s efforts towards a tobacco-free region.