FDA Seizes Illegal Tobacco Products in Accra Raid

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated large quantities of illegal tobacco products in a major enforcement operation across parts of Accra. The raid, carried out with police support, comes just days ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

The sweep targeted six locations in areas such as Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota.

Although two premises were closed at the time of the inspection, the operation yielded a wide range of unregistered and unauthorized products.

These included 15 brands of illegal shisha flavours, 21 brands of unregistered vapes, and several brands of cigars, cigarettes, tobacco wraps, and nitrous oxide canisters.

Jemima Odonkor, who heads the FDA’s Tobacco Products Department, said the seized items had been smuggled into the country and stressed that those behind their distribution will face consequences.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. We will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she said.

The crackdown is part of the FDA’s broader push to clear the market of dangerous and unregulated tobacco products. Beyond enforcement, the Authority plans to roll out public education campaigns, especially in schools, to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco and related substances.

Officials are also urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious tobacco-related activity. The FDA says it remains committed to protecting public health and curbing access to harmful products, particularly among the youth.