Health Ministry to embark on nationwide awareness campaign against tobacco

The Ministry of Health will embark on a nationwide awareness campaign as part of plans to mark this year's World No Tobacco Day which fell on Friday, May 31, with a focus on protecting children from tobacco industry interference.

According to a statement from the Ministry, "the protection of children from tobacco industry interference is critical to their good health and well-being."

The statement noted that despite global efforts, the tobacco industry continues aggressive marketing that undermines tobacco control policies.

In Ghana, a 2017 survey found that 8.8% of students aged 13-15 currently use tobacco while electronic cigarette use was also high at 4.9-5.0% among this group.

As part of the campaign, a launch event, according to the statement, will be held in Accra and schools across the country.

Educational programmes and awareness posters on social media will aim to educate the public, especially youth, about "the harmful effects associated with tobacco use, myths associated with new trends of tobacco products, and tactics used by the tobacco industry."

The statement signed by the Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, noted that "governments play a very important role in accomplishing this goal by enacting comprehensive tobacco control policies."

It noted that existing laws in Ghana seek to "limit children's exposure to tobacco marketing, prohibit access to tobacco products, and establish smoke-free zones."

"This campaign also calls on civil society, academia, the media, and all individuals to help Ghana establish appropriate measures for creating a tobacco-free society,” stressed the ministry.