Bolgatanga: The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reiterated that the sale of single cigarette sticks is illegal in Ghana. Mr Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, highlighted in an interview that cigarettes should be sold only in sealed packs to ensure consumers receive the health warnings mandated by law.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ndego explained that selling single sticks undermines the effectiveness of health warnings, as individual sticks lack the space needed for legible warning signs. He emphasized that cigarette packs are required to display approved pictorial health warnings which convey the dangers of tobacco use more effectively than written warnings alone.
Mr Ndego urged retailers to adhere to the law and stop selling single cigarette sticks. He also raised concerns about the smuggling of unregistered tobacco products into the region due to its porous borders, noting that the FDA is collaborating with security agencies to combat this issue.
The Acting Regional Head mentioned that the FDA's enforcement teams conduct regular patrols and inspections in commercial areas to prevent the distribution of unregistered tobacco products. He reported a high level of compliance with tobacco regulations in the region, attributing it to routine inspections and strong stakeholder engagement.
Mr Ndego called for continued public support to maintain this compliance and work towards a tobacco-free society, stating that the region has achieved significant progress in adhering to tobacco control regulations.