Mr Solomon Foli, the Programme Manager of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana (VAST-Ghana) has call on Ghanaians to get involved in the fight against tobacco and nicotine industry.
He said the fight against tobacco and drugs could not be left alone to government, or to health workers and educators.
He said, “it must be a collective effort – parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and young people themselves must all play a role.”
Mr Foli made the call in a statement as part of marking the 2025 World No Tobacco Day on the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
He said the theme should remind us of a hard truth that the tobacco and nicotine industry was still finding new ways to hook young people on harmful products.
“These companies sell addiction in disguised and subtle ways. They make dangerous products look cool and harmless through stylish packaging, sweet flavours, and flashy online adverts,” he stated.
He said, “Their goal is clear – get more people, especially the vulnerable and young people addicted.”
Mr Foli said as a country, we have made commendable strides in the fight against tobacco use through the enactment of progressive laws, the introduction of higher taxes on tobacco products, and sustained public education and health campaigns.
“These interventions have saved many lives and helped shift public perception. But let us be clear: the fight is far from over,” he noted.
He stated that today, a new threat looms large – one that puts our future generations at risk, saying, “Our young people, full of potential and promise, are being lured into a dangerous cycle of tobacco and drug use.
“The tactics used by tobacco companies and illicit drug networks are evolving – more subtle, more digital, and more targeted than ever. And it is working. We are seeing increasing cases of nicotine addiction and substance abuse among teenagers and even pre-teens.”
The Programme Manager said the accessibility of tobacco and nicotine products – be it through social media trends, peer influence, or deceptive marketing – makes it easier than ever for a child to pick up a habit that could ruin their life.
“This is why we must all get involved. The fight against tobacco and drugs cannot be left to the government alone,” he stated.
Mr Foli said in Ghana, smoking rates were below five per cent and that it was a success we must protect, but the rise in vaping among young people was worrying.
“Industry allied groups are promoting nicotine products as safe alternatives, claiming it is like using condoms to prevent HIV. That comparison is not only false, but dangerous. Condoms prevent disease; nicotine products cause harm,” he stated.
He said the World No Tobacco Day was more than a reminder – it is a call to action.
“We must stand together to ban all flavoured tobacco and nicotine products, strongly regulate e-cigarettes and resist pressure from industry lobbyists, support the Food and Drugs Authority, Ministry of Health, and Ghana Revenue Authority to crack down on misleading adverts and raise taxes on these products.
“We should also encourage parents, teachers, and communities to educate young people about the dangers of nicotine.
“Let us protect our future by acting now. Let us speak up, educate, advocate, and hold accountable those who profit from the pain of our youth. The cost of inaction is far too high – A tobacco-free future is possible if we all act now” he concluded.