FDA and Ghana Police Crack Down on Illegal Tobacco Activities

Jun.03.2024
FDA and Ghana Police Crack Down on Illegal Tobacco Activities
FDA and Ghana Police Force collaborate to crack down on illegal tobacco activities in the Eastern Region.

According to News Ghana on June 3, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) collaborated with the Ghana Police Service to crack down on illegal tobacco activities in the Eastern Region.


Anita Owusu-Kuffour, FDA's director in Eastern India, announced at a World No Tobacco Day commemorative event in Kolkata on May 31st that the FDA will closely collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that any information promoting tobacco activities will not be allowed to proceed. She emphasized that this joint effort aims to promote the campaign "Protect children, stay away from the tobacco industry" to raise awareness of the health risks of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce global tobacco consumption.


The official pointed out that although Ghana has implemented and enforced the national tobacco control law "Public Health Act 851," which prohibits smoking in all public places since 2012, overall, the trend of smoking in society is still increasing. She stated that the FDA, as the regulatory body for food facility permits, will rigorously enforce tobacco laws, especially during the permit process.


The Chief Regulatory Officer of the FDA's Eastern Region, David Arhin, stated that the FDA will collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to ensure that hotel and city management comply fully with tobacco control regulations. At the same time, they will promptly respond to complaints, engage with relevant parties for feedback, and work with law enforcement to take strict action against violators.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Russia’s Vape Device Labeling Regime Enters Force: Registration Starts in September, Mandatory Coding in December
Russia’s Vape Device Labeling Regime Enters Force: Registration Starts in September, Mandatory Coding in December
Russia's digital labeling regime for reusable e-cigarettes and similar personal vaping devices entered its first mandatory phase in September 2026. From September 1, manufacturers, importers and other market participants must register with the national Chestny ZNAK tracking system. From December 1, newly manufactured and imported covered devices will be required to carry digital identification codes and be reported as entering circulation. Russia has also issued new operational guidance for imports, marking the transition from a voluntary pilot to phased mandatory implementation.
Sep.15
Philippines Customs Seizes PHP11.68 Billion($200 Million) in Illegal Tobacco and Vapes in First Seven Months of 2026
Philippines Customs Seizes PHP11.68 Billion($200 Million) in Illegal Tobacco and Vapes in First Seven Months of 2026
Philippines Customs data showed that illegal cigarettes and vape products seized during the first seven months of 2026 were valued at about PHP11.68 billion, exceeding the PHP2.516 billion recorded for the full year of 2025. The figures were disclosed by a Bureau of Customs official during a House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on tobacco excise tax reforms. Vape-related seizures were valued at about PHP1.65 billion, with most cases recorded at the Manila International Container Port. Customs officials said enforcement against illicit tobacco trade would continue.
Aug.26
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
The UK Department of Health and Social Care published new guidance on Aug. 11 outlining the next phase of retail rules under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which will take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The measures extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and consumer nicotine products and restrict proxy purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts. Relevant offences in England, Wales and Scotland may carry a £200 fixed penalty notice, while persistent offenders can face temporary sales bans.
Aug.12
Product | Philip Morris Japan Launches Ginza-Exclusive IQOS ILUMA i PRIME, Limited to 1,814 Units at First Global Flagship
Product | Philip Morris Japan Launches Ginza-Exclusive IQOS ILUMA i PRIME, Limited to 1,814 Units at First Global Flagship
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) launched the IQOS ILUMA i PRIME Ginza Limited Model Set in Tokyo on September 4, 2026, alongside the opening of IQOS Flagship Ginza, the brand’s first global flagship store. The Oasis Blue edition is limited to 1,814 individually numbered units, with the figure derived from the store’s address at Ginza 1-8-14. The set also includes two Yamanaka-nuri glasses and special packaging, priced at JPY 11,980 and sold exclusively at the Ginza flagship.
Sep.07
China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
Wang Gongcheng, deputy administrator of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, met KT&G Chief Operating Officer Lee Sang-hak in Shanghai on September 1, according to Oriental Tobacco News. The meeting comes as China seeks public comment on a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes. The report did not disclose the subjects discussed or indicate whether heated tobacco products or market access were addressed.
News
Sep.02
AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain
AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain
Nasdaq-listed AIR Global has invested $20 million in preferred shares of Canadian vaporization technology company Greentank, deepening a partnership established in 2023. AIR gains a board nomination right, access to new technologies, enhanced commercial terms and long-term supply assurances, while retaining an option to increase its stake. Greentank’s Quantum Chip platform powers Crown Switch and forms part of AIR’s planned U.S. PMTA dossier, linking capital investment more closely with product technology, regulatory evidence and supply-chain control.
Special Report
Jul.29