The Head of Tobacco and Tobacco Products at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Madam Jemima Odonkor, has called on smokers and facility managers, to comply with Ghana’s regulations on tobacco.
Speaking in an interview with AGTV News, Madam Odonkor stressed that while the FDA is mandated to enforce the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), enforcement of the tobacco control provisions remains a challenge.
Compliance
She highlighted that Sections 66, 67, and 68 of the Act outline strict tobacco control measures, and the FDA is intensifying its efforts through the Smoke-Free Environment Project to ensure compliance.
This initiative, the FDA head explained, aims to educate the public on the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
“We conduct extensive public education to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and ensure people do not smoke in public places, exposing non-smokers to secondhand smoke”Madam Odonkor stated.
She further pointed out that “this initiative is crucial in protecting children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. It also supports smokers who are struggling to quit”.
Public smoking, facility compliance
Under the Public Health Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247), smoking is not banned in Ghana, but strict guidelines regulate where it can be done.
Facility owners, including restaurant and business operators, are required by law to display "No Smoking" signs in public spaces, where smoking is permitted, a Designated Smoking Area (DSA) must be established, featuring proper ventilation and meeting regulatory standards.
Madam Odonkor emphasised that both the smoker and the facility manager of a smoke-free area commit an offense if smoking occurs, making them liable to penalties specified under the law.
"If you find yourself in a public space where someone is smoking, you have the right to notify the facility owner or manager. The law requires them to take action," she added.
The FDA warned that exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of respiratory infections, chronic diseases, and even death.
She reiterated that while smoking is permitted in designated areas, it remains a major public health risk stressing that "If you do not smoke, do not start, because there is nothing beneficial in tobacco use."
She also clarified that private vehicles may be considered personal spaces, but once a passenger is present, it becomes a public space where smoking is prohibited. Additionally, smoking is strictly banned in public transport, office buildings, and areas where children are present.
Smoke-Free Project
The Smoke-Free Environment Project is designed to minimise exposure to secondhand smoke, which consists of smoke from burning tobacco products and the smoke exhaled by smokers.
Also, the initiative seeks to educate the public on the serious consequences of both active and passive smoking while enforcing regulations in order to protect workers and the general public from being exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The FDA continues to enforce these regulations through public education, compliance monitoring, and legal action against violators, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all Ghanaians.
