FDA Confiscates Illicit Tobacco Products in Accra

Accra: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized illicit and unregistered tobacco products from four facilities in Accra in a targeted operation. The confiscated items included 15 brands of illicit shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters.According to Ghana News Agency, the operation forms part of activities to mark this year's World No Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31. Ms. Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, said the exercise was part of the Authority's sustained efforts to clamp down on the sale of unwholesome products and protect public health. She stated that the seized items had entered the country through unapproved routes and emphasized that the Authority would apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers of the products.Ms. Odonkor reaffirmed the FDA's commitment to preventing the patronage and use of such products in the market. She added that the Authority would intensify awareness efforts to educate the public on the health risks of tobacco use. 'We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,' she said.The swoop was carried out by FDA officials in collaboration with two police officers at four out of six targeted facilities. The remaining two were closed at the time of the visit. The facilities were located at Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota.