The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated large quantities of unregistered and illicit tobacco products from four facilities across Accra.
The enforcement exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, targeted six locations including Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota — though two premises were found closed during inspection.
The FDA seized a total of 15 brands of illegal shisha flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, ten brands of unauthorized cigars, 21 brands of unregistered vapes, four types of illegal tobacco wraps, and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters.
Jemima Odonkor, Head of the FDA’s Tobacco Products Department, said the items were smuggled into the country “through unapproved routes” and confirmed that the Authority “will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers.”
She stressed that the swoop was part of ongoing efforts to cleanse the market of harmful tobacco products.
“We are committed to safeguarding public health,” Ms. Odonkor noted, adding that public education campaigns, especially in schools, would be intensified to raise awareness of the risks associated with tobacco use and related illicit substances.
The FDA is encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious tobacco-related activities.
