Ghana marks 2025 World No Tobacco Day

Ghana has joined the global community to commemorate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” 

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana Health Service, and various Civil Society Organizations, is leading a nationwide campaign to expose the deceptive marketing strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly those targeting young people.

World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, serves to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for stronger policies to reduce its consumption.

This year’s campaign focuses on how the industry continues to glamorize harmful products through the use of attractive packaging, sweet flavors, and social media influencers – all designed to appeal to children and the youth.

Despite the known risks, including over 8 million tobacco-related deaths globally each year, the tobacco industry has continued to market its products using methods that disguise their dangers.

Many of these products, including shisha, vapes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are styled to resemble harmless items such as toys and candies, making them more appealing to young users.

A recent STEP Survey conducted in Ghana reveals troubling statistics:

• 4.8% of adults aged 18-69 currently smoke tobacco.

• A stark gender gap exists, with 9.3% of men and only 0.3% of women identified as current smokers.

• Among those who smoke, 7.8% use shisha, with the highest prevalence found in the 18-29 age group (12.7%).

• Alarmingly, 44% of women who smoke prefer shisha, compared to 6.6% of men.

Health experts warn that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally, contributing to conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD, and various reproductive health complications.

Second-hand smoke exposure also raises the risk of respiratory infections and asthma.

In Ghana, the sale and advertisement of vapes, ENDS, and non-nicotine tobacco products are illegal under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247).

Authorities have pledged to ramp up enforcement and public education to counter the ongoing threat posed by the tobacco industry.

As part of activities to mark the 2025 World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health will hold a formal launch on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Ho, Volta Region.

Chiefs, sub-chiefs, and other opinion leaders from the Ho Traditional Area will participate in the event. Additional activities include:

• A public awareness float through the streets of Ho with anti-tobacco messages.

• Educational outreach in schools, markets, churches, and transport terminals nationwide.

• Social and traditional media campaigns.

• Surveillance operations to enforce the ban on illicit tobacco and nicotine products.

Health authorities are calling on the public to actively participate in the campaign to expose and resist manipulative tobacco marketing tactics.

“By uniting our efforts, we can protect future generations from tobacco-related diseases and build a healthier, tobacco-free Ghana,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith