FDA confiscates illicit tobacco products in Accra

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized illegal tobacco products in Accra. This was part of a targeted operation at four facilities.

The confiscated items included 15 brands of illicit shisha flavors. They also seized three brands of illicit cigarettes and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters. Additionally, there were 21 brands of illicit vapes, 10 brands of illicit cigars, and four brands of illegal tobacco wraps.

This operation coincides with World No Tobacco Day on May 31. FDA officials conducted the operation with two police officers at four out of six targeted facilities. The locations included Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. The other two facilities were closed during the visit.

Jemima Odonkor leads the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Department at the FDA. She stated that this exercise aims to combat unwholesome products and protect public health.

Odonkor noted that the seized items entered Ghana through unapproved routes. She emphasized that legal actions will be taken against distributors and sellers.

She reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to preventing the use of these harmful products in the market. Odonkor also mentioned plans to increase awareness about tobacco's health risks.

“We will visit schools to educate students on tobacco's harmful effects,” she said. This effort aims to protect young people from illicit drugs.