Accra, Ghana - Ghana has officially launched the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) in Accra, aiming to combat the illicit trade in tobacco and enhance national health promotion efforts. This five-year strategic plan places a special emphasis on youth and low-income communities, focusing on community engagement and policy enforcement in tobacco control.

According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) , Acting Director of the Technical and Coordination Directorate at the Ministry of Health (MOH), the strategy represents Ghana's commitment to a healthier, tobacco-free future. The launch was preceded by a training session on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, a framework designed to counteract illegal tobacco trade, which poses a threat to public health and national development.

Dr. Awuah highlighted that the NTCS is the culmination of extensive collaboration, research, and commitment from various stakeholders, experts, and civil society. He underscored its importance in addressing the health and economic impacts of tobacco use. He also urged the training participants to share ideas and insights for the effective implementation of the strategy, emphasizing the role of collaboration and dedication in converting the strategy into effective actions for public health.

Dr. Olivia A Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Department at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), pointed out the global challenges posed by the tobacco menace, further exacerbated by illicit trade. This illegal trade makes tobacco more accessible at lower prices, undermining the progress made through existing tobacco control policies in Ghana.

Dr. Boateng explained that illicit trade amplifies the tobacco epidemic, particularly among youth, leading to severe health consequences. The training program, aligned with the Ghana Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, aims to equip stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the Protocol. This initiative will enable Ghana to effectively combat the illicit tobacco trade.

Accra, Ghana - Ghana has officially launched the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) in Accra, aiming to combat the illicit trade in tobacco and enhance national health promotion efforts. This five-year strategic plan places a special emphasis on youth and low-income communities, focusing on community engagement and policy enforcement in tobacco control.

According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) , Acting Director of the Technical and Coordination Directorate at the Ministry of Health (MOH), the strategy represents Ghana's commitment to a healthier, tobacco-free future. The launch was preceded by a training session on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, a framework designed to counteract illegal tobacco trade, which poses a threat to public health and national development.

Dr. Awuah highlighted that the NTCS is the culmination of extensive collaboration, research, and commitment from various stakeholders, experts, and civil society. He underscored its importance in addressing the health and economic impacts of tobacco use. He also urged the training participants to share ideas and insights for the effective implementation of the strategy, emphasizing the role of collaboration and dedication in converting the strategy into effective actions for public health.

Dr. Olivia A Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Department at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), pointed out the global challenges posed by the tobacco menace, further exacerbated by illicit trade. This illegal trade makes tobacco more accessible at lower prices, undermining the progress made through existing tobacco control policies in Ghana.

Dr. Boateng explained that illicit trade amplifies the tobacco epidemic, particularly among youth, leading to severe health consequences. The training program, aligned with the Ghana Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, aims to equip stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the Protocol. This initiative will enable Ghana to effectively combat the illicit tobacco trade.