Who We Are

VAST Ghana is a civil society organization in Ghana that advances public health and sustainable development through policy advocacy, research, and strategic engagement.

The organization's primary focus is on NCDs and their risk factors. Primary priority areas include tobacco, alcohol, food, sugar-sweetened beverages, physical activity, air pollution, climate change, and road safety. VAST Ghana's advocacy work targets the structural drivers of disease through evidence-based policy reform.

Vision & Mission

Vision

We envision a society where all people have the optimal standard of health.

Mission

Our mission is to promote sustainable health by mobilizing, informing, and empowering everyone. We achieve this through health promotion, research, and advocacy.

Main Goal

The main goal of VAST-Ghana is to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future by advocating for policies on tobacco, alcohol, food, sugar-sweetened beverages, physical activity, air pollution, climate change, and road safety.

Our Story / History

May 2024

Establishment of VAST-Ghana

VAST-Ghana was established and led by its Executive Director, Mr. Labram Musah, with extensive experience in public health advocacy and tobacco control.

2004

WHO FCTC Adoption

Mr. Labram played a pivotal role in Ghana's adoption of the WHO FCTC, positioning the country among the earliest African adopters.

2012

Public Health Act (Act 851)

His leadership was instrumental in the domestication of the WHO FCTC, contributing to the passage of Tobacco Control Measures within the Public Health Act.

2016

Tobacco Control Regulations (L.I. 2247)

Contribution to the Tobacco Control Regulations of 2016, crucial for regulating tobacco products and enforcing smoke-free policies.

2023

Excise Duty Amendment Act

Led campaigns advocating for the Excise Duty Amendment Act of 2023, which increased tobacco taxes to reduce product affordability.

What We Do

Advocacy

Evidence-informed advocacy on tobacco control, NCD prevention, and health policy.

Health Promotion

Promoting physical activity, health, and well-being through education and community programs.

Research

Conducting research and providing consultancy on public health issues.

Community Mobilization

Empowering communities to participate in governance and development processes.

Industry Monitoring

Monitoring and exposing tobacco industry interference in public health policy.

Partnerships

Collaborating with government, CSOs, and international partners for health impact.

Governance

VAST-Ghana operates under a transparent governance structure that ensures accountability and effective decision-making. The organization is led by an Executive Director and governed by a Board of Directors comprising distinguished professionals in public health, advocacy, and development sectors.

Our governance framework includes:

  • Annual General Meetings for strategic direction
  • Quarterly board meetings for oversight
  • Transparent financial management and reporting
  • Adherence to national and international standards

Partnerships

VAST-Ghana collaborates with a range of local and international stakeholders:

Government Agencies

Ministry of Health Food and Drugs Authority Ghana Revenue Authority

International Organizations

African Tobacco Control Alliance Movendi International WHO FCTC Secretariat

Local Coalitions

Ghana NCD Alliance CSOs Budget Forum Media Alliance for Tobacco Control

Our Team

Contact Us

Office Location

Rhode 8 Street, Madina-Accra (GM-017-3682)

Email

info@vastgh.org

Phone

0303938058