FDA seizes unregistered tobacco products in Accra ahead of World No Tobacco Day

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated large amounts of illegal and unregistered tobacco products from several locations in Accra. The exercise, part of the activities ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, was carried out with the support of two police officers.

The operation focused on six locations Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. Four of the facilities were inspected, while two were closed at the time of the visit.

Among the seized products were 15 brands of illegal shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of unapproved cigarettes, seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters, 21 brands of unregistered vapes, 10 types of illegal cigars, and four types of unauthorized tobacco wraps.

Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, said the seized items had entered Ghana through unofficial means and would not be allowed on the market.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she stated.

She emphasized that the FDA is committed to protecting public health by cracking down on harmful products and will continue to monitor and enforce the laws.

“The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers of the products,” she added.

To help reduce the demand for tobacco, Ms. Odonkor announced plans to increase awareness, especially among young people.

“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 FDA also called on the public to be alert and report any suspicious tobacco-related products or sales in their communities. According to the Authority, community cooperation is key in the fight against illegal tobacco use.

This operation is one of many steps being taken by the FDA to clean up the tobacco market and protect Ghanaians, especially the youth from the dangers of smoking and drug abuse.