Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has raised concerns about the growing disregard for laws prohibiting smoking in public spaces, warning of the significant health risks it poses to both smokers and non-smokers.
Under the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) and Tobacco Regulations 2016 (L.I. 2247), smoking in public areas is strictly forbidden to protect public health. However, despite these legal provisions, many continue to violate the rules.
Dr. Abigail Arthur of the FDA, speaking to the media, underscored the dangers of public smoking, particularly the harm caused by second-hand smoke.
“Second-hand smokers and main smokers are equally at risk when smoking takes place in public,” Dr. Arthur stated.
She further emphasised that public facilities, such as restaurants and pubs, are legally obligated to display prominent “No Smoking” signs to warn patrons against smoking on their premises.
The FDA has advocated for the creation of designated smoking zones, separated from non-smoking areas and inaccessible to children and pregnant women.
“Places like that can be provided for smokers but should be far from where non-smokers gather so the smoke does not seep into their spaces. Such places should also be free of any other activities except smoking,” Dr. Arthur explained.
To ensure adherence to these regulations, the FDA has deployed enforcement teams to monitor public areas regularly. Individuals found violating the rules could face administrative fines, imprisonment, or legal prosecution.
With the festive season often bringing an influx of unregulated products, including tobacco, the FDA is intensifying its efforts to prevent such items from entering the market.
“We’re intensifying surveillance to ensure illegal products do not enter the market,” Dr. Arthur noted, urging facility operators and citizens to support the enforcement of tobacco regulations.
The FDA remains optimistic that restricting smoking to controlled environments and protecting vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, will significantly reduce the health risks associated with smoking in Ghana. The authority reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with the nation’s tobacco laws.
