A Smokeless Future for Ghana: Why World Vape Day 2025 marks a turning point in Tobacco harm reduction

This year’s World Vape Day marks 20 years of vaping technology. Vaping began in China in 2003 as a safer alternative to smoking. It delivers nicotine through vapor instead of combustion. By 2005, vaping products entered markets in Europe and the U.S. They quickly gained popularity among smokers seeking less harmful options.

Research supports smokeless products as effective harm reduction tools. Studies show that smoking's main health risk comes from toxic substances produced during combustion. Vapour devices, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches eliminate combustion entirely. This reduces exposure to harmful chemicals by 90% to 99% compared to traditional cigarettes.

Ghana is at a crucial point in its public health journey. The country needs science-based policies to address tobacco use effectively. Recognizing and regulating existing vaping products is essential. Ghana must amend its Public Health Act (PHA) to include vaping devices and low-risk nicotine products. This will create a legal framework for safety, quality standards, and access.

It’s important to clarify that this approach does not encourage nicotine use among non-smokers or youth. Instead, it provides adult smokers with a significantly less harmful alternative. This empowers informed choices and supports health improvement efforts. Accessible, well-regulated THR products can be valuable tools for Ghana's public health strategy. This does not abandon traditional tobacco control; it evolves strategies based on scientific evidence.

Countries with modern regulatory approaches see positive outcomes already. Sweden’s use of oral tobacco like snus has led to the lowest smoking rates in the EU. It also has some of the lowest lung cancer and smoking-related death rates. Similarly, the UK, New Zealand, and the U.S. have reduced smoking prevalence through balanced regulation and education about reduced-risk alternatives.

Ghana has an opportunity to implement an evidence-based regulatory framework for vaping products. Such regulations can curb illicit trade and ensure product safety while preventing underage access. Strong enforcement measures are crucial for consumer protection.

Public education is equally vital in this effort. Clear information about the risks of smoking versus using vapour or other smokeless products helps adults make healthier decisions. Building trust among scientists, policymakers, public health officials, and industry stakeholders will tailor Ghana’s policies to its social realities.

On this Vape Day, Ghana can lead by advancing policies that recognize regulated vaping's role in reducing harm. Scientific consensus shows that providing adult smokers with safer alternatives can lessen tobacco's health impacts significantly. This moment offers a chance to prioritize health, evidence, and innovation for a future with fewer tobacco-related diseases in Ghana.

Let this be the moment Ghana chooses a science-based path forward for better health.

The author is Dr John Tengey, a Ghanaian medical professional with expertise in public health.