According to Ghana News Agency: Unmasking the Appeal’, seeks to highlight the hidden dangers of tobacco products that are often presented in attractive flavors and packaging. Dr. Olivia Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Directorate at the FDA, explained that the outreach aimed to raise public awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products, while also offering basic health screenings to the public.
She emphasised that the Volta Region was selected to host the national celebration due to its strategic significance, especially concerning the movement of unregistered goods through unapproved routes. Dr. Boateng noted that Ghana has made considerable progress in reducing tobacco use. Tobacco prevalence has declined from about 9 percent in previous years to 4 percent currently, thanks to the enforcement of public smoking bans and other regulatory measures.
She stated that laws now prohibit smoking in public places, tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships. Products entering the Ghanaian market must undergo strict quality control, including laboratory testing and the placement of graphic health warnings. Despite these efforts, Dr. Boateng expressed concern about the growing popularity of new tobacco-related products such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes) and shisha.
Dr. Boateng warned that these are not safer alternatives and contain harmful substances that can affect every part of the body. ‘There is no safe form of tobacco use-whether it is smoked, inhaled, chewed, or used in gum or vape form,’ she stressed. ‘These products can lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and even impotence.’
She also highlighted ongoing research efforts aimed at informing future tobacco control policies, including potential bans on certain products. Enforcement remains a challenge due to porous borders, but the FDA continues to conduct market surveillance and crack down on unregistered or illicit products. ‘People found flouting our regulations face legal action, including imprisonment, especially those involved in the sale of unregistered products like tramadol,’ she added.
Dr. Boateng encouraged parents to stay informed and involved in their children’s lives, especially on social media, to help reduce the influence of misleading tobacco marketing. Dr. Ruby Biaku, a representative of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and a member of its Public Health Committee, said their participation in the event aligns with their commitment to combat the rise in non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
She explained that many people remain unaware of their health status until complications arise, making early screening and education critical. ‘As pharmacists, we handle medications daily. Unfortunately, we see a growing trend in the misuse of drugs intended for serious conditions,’ Dr. Biaku said. ‘This partnership with the FDA allows us to better educate the public and ensure better control of these medicines.’
She advised the public to avoid substance abuse and undergo regular health checkups to detect and manage health issues early. Mr. Akurugu Gordon, Volta Regional Head of the FDA, explained that the region’s numerous unapproved routes make it a high-risk area for the entry of unregistered products.
He reiterated that medicines cannot be imported through inland borders and that the FDA is intensifying surveillance and enforcement to curb smuggling. ‘Previously, smugglers exploited the absence of FDA officials after hours, but now our staff are deployed round-the-clock,’ he said. ‘This 24/7 operation has significantly improved our ability to intercept unregistered goods.’
The health screening included tests for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and other non-communicable diseases. Some market-goers who benefited from the screening expressed gratitude to the FDA, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Emmanuel Med Hospital and other partners for their support and services.