Ban electronic cigarettes to prevent public health threats – CSOs to govt
Some Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) in Ghana, including Vision for Alternative Development, Ghana (VALD Ghana) are calling on the government to ban electronic cigarettes to prevent public health threats.
The group in a statement signed by the Executive Director of Programs at VALD-Ghana, Labram Musah cited that the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 14, 2023, unveiled a technical paper titled “ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE: CALL TO ACTION,” which calls for urgent action to control e-cigarettes to protect children, as well as non-smokers and minimize health harms to the population.
According to the paper, e-cigarettes as consumer products are not effective in discouraging tobacco use. Instead, alarming evidence has emerged on adverse population health effects.
Moreover, the CSOs noted that a report by the United States Surgeon General warned that since e-cigarettes are tobacco products that deliver nicotine, which is a highly addictive and toxic substance, they may pose a risk to many of today’s youth using e-cigarettes.
The e-cigarette market has experienced rapid growth worldwide, with a diverse range of enticing flavours that are glamorizing to targets, particularly children and young adults. Available through various channels and openly marketed, these products boast a staggering 16,000 flavours, and employ tactics like social media advertisements, influencer endorsements, and partnerships with popular sporting brands. Even more concerning is the use of cartoons and sleek designs to attract younger generations. However, behind the alluring packaging lies a dangerous reality.
“E-cigarettes contain hazardous chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde – substances known to contribute to NCDs like lung diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. The WHO warns that the health risks associated with e-cigarette use are not to be underestimated,” part of the statement noted.
The group further called on the government through the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Food and Drugs Authority, and other key stakeholders to see the call as an urgent national priority.
Find the full statement below;