Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) joined the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and partners at the official launch of World No-Tobacco Day 2025 held at the Ho Technical University, Volta Region, Under the year’s theme Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, brought together government agencies, civil society, traditional leaders and the media.
The launch organized by the FDA with support from the Ministry of Health (MoH), World Health Organization (WHO) and other health focused institutions, expressed the growing concerns over tobacco industries tactics targeting young people and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to tobacco control.
In a welcome address on behalf of FDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Delese A. A. Darko, Mrs Nora Narkie Terlablie; Director of Regional Operations noted successes in regulations achieved over the years and the emergence of branded and flavored tobacco products emphasized the importance of collaboration among national stakeholders, civil society actors, media, parents, etc. to push back the industries tactics targeted to mislead the youth.
Chairperson of the event, Nene Keteku IV, Paramount Chief of Agotime Traditional Area. In his remark urged communities to support national efforts by raising awareness at the grassroots level. He also called on traditional leaders to be vigilant and resist the industries efforts to promote tobacco products in their communities. Nene Keteku emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s youth and preserving the future generations from the harmful impacts of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Country Representative for Ghana, stated that tobacco kills 8 million people yearly including over 1 million non-smokers. She emphasized that flavored tobacco products are traps targeting youth through sweet tastes and flashy packaging, Dr Braka urged Ghana to further implement strong measures including banning flavored tobacco products, enforce plain packaging, update laws and protect health policies from tobacco industries influence. She highlighted that WHO is supporting these efforts through legal reforms and awareness campaigns, however concluded noting that stronger actions are need to protect public health and prevent further tobacco harm hence Ghana must rise to the challenge, and unmask the appeal of these harmful products, protect the Ghanaian Children and build society where health is valued above profit.
Dr Wallace Ollenu, Ag. Programme Manager of Ghana Health Service (GHS), NCD Programme statement delivered by Dr Naomi Appiah of the GHS highlighted the rising burden of non –communicable diseases linked to tobacco use, she called for intensified public health education and multi sectorial collaborations to curb the growing popularity of new tobacco and nicotine products among young people. She also highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of tobacco control policies and emphasized for community engagements as key efforts to prevention.
Dr Ruby Biaku, Chairperson for the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana raised concern over the increasing threat of tobacco and substance abuse at large particularly amount the youth. She highlighted proactive steps taken by the society to train pharmacist to prevent misuse of drugs and its public awareness initiative in universities. She concluded noting these efforts aim at reducing non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles choices among the youth.
Mr Augustus Awity speaking on behalf of Hon. Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister welcomed stakeholders to the region and commended the FDA and WHO for bringing the World No-Tobacco Day Launch to the region. In his statement he highlighted the regions commitment to health promotion and called for stronger community outreach to reduce tobacco use, He concluded urging traditional leaders, schools and civil society actors to support anti-tobacco education.
Debora Sewoenam Agboado (Support Staff VALD), Dr Olivia Boateng (Director of Tobacco and substance Abuse of FDA), Dr Fiona Braka (WHO Country Representative), Mr Issah Ali (Executive Director VALD)
Dr Olivia Boateng, Director of Tobacco and substance Abuse of FDA revealed that 4.8 percent of Ghanaian adults use tobacco, with immerse support from WHO, FDA has intensified its public education and screenings in communities to raise awareness of tobacco-related health risks. These efforts she noted is aimed at curbing NCD’s and reduce tobacco use. Dr Olivia reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to regulatory enforcement and long-term health promotion.
Dr Hafez Adam, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health (MOH), delivered the key note address and officially launched Ghana’s 2025 World No-Tobacco Day celebration, on behalf of the Minister of Health. He outlined government’s efforts such as enforcing public smoking bans, graphic health warnings and tax policies, he called on all national stakeholders, health workers, civil society actors, media and the general public to support tobacco control measures and unmask the appeal of the tobacco and nicotine industry.
The event ended with some cultural performances by the Center for National Culture with the general commitment to protect the next generation from the harmful impact of tobacco and nicotine products.
Debora Sewoenam Agboado (Support Staff VALD), Dr Hafez Adam (Director of Technical Coordination MOH), Mr Issah Ali (Executive Director VALD)
