'Don't be swayed by flavoured cigarettes – they still kill' – Health Minister warns Ghanaian youth

Ghana's youth are being lured by the deceptive marketing of flavored and electronic cigarettes, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. He cautioned that these products, including shisha, still carry significant risks of cancer and death, despite their trendy presentation.

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It is estimated that about 13.6 per cent of youth smoke shisha and about 2.2 per cent smoke e-cigarettes. Nearly 450,000 adults in Ghana smoke regularly, with men more likely to smoke than women.

Speaking at a World No Tobacco Day event in Accra, Akandoh highlighted the substantial health and economic burden of tobacco use in Ghana. An estimated 450,000 adults smoke regularly, and tobacco-related diseases cost the nation $600 million each year, resulting in approximately 6,000 preventable deaths. The minister, represented by Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, stressed that the appeal of these products is a carefully crafted deception by manufacturers.

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This progress demonstrates that policies, public health initiatives and interventions are making a lot of difference.

Despite these challenges, Ghana is recognized as a leader in tobacco control within the region. Akandoh attributed this progress to sustained public education, robust legislation, and unified action. He noted a decline in adult smoking rates from 3% in 2017 to about 2.2% currently, a testament to effective policies and interventions. The minister expressed concern over shisha being marketed as a fashionable product that ultimately harms users.

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This progress demonstrates that policies, public health initiatives and interventions are making a lot of difference.

The Food and Drugs Authority's Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gayheart Edem Mensah, echoed the call for reflection on tobacco's economic impact and reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to protecting future generations. The World Health Organization's representative in Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, urged decisive action from the government, partners, and communities, commending Ghana's progress in implementing tobacco control policies and health warnings.

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Ghana's progress in tobacco use was attributable to sustained public education, strong legislation and collective action.