Alerts
Urgent: New Tobacco Industry Tactics Targeting Schools
Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana has received reports of tobacco industry representatives approaching schools in the Greater Accra region under the guise of educational programs. These representatives are distributing branded materials and collecting student information for alleged "research purposes."
School administrators, teachers, and parents are urged to be vigilant and report any such approaches to Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana and local authorities immediately.
Important: Public Consultation on Tobacco Control Regulations
The Ministry of Health has announced a public consultation on proposed amendments to tobacco control regulations. The consultation period will run from July 1 to August 15, 2023.
Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana encourages all stakeholders to participate in this important process. We will be hosting a webinar on July 10 to discuss the proposed changes and help prepare submissions.
New Research: E-cigarette Use Among Youth in Ghana
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health in Africa shows alarming rates of e-cigarette use among youth in urban areas of Ghana. The research indicates that 15% of secondary school students in Accra have tried e-cigarettes, with 7% reporting regular use.
This data underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations on novel tobacco products and targeted education campaigns.
Important: Tobacco Industry Interference in Policy Development
Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana has documented evidence of tobacco industry representatives attempting to influence the development of new public health policies through third-party organizations and consultants.
We remind all government officials and policymakers of their obligations under Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.
Upcoming Tobacco Control Workshop for Healthcare Professionals
Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, will be hosting a series of workshops for healthcare professionals on tobacco cessation counseling and support.
The workshops will take place in regional capitals throughout June and July 2023. Registration is now open for healthcare professionals interested in enhancing their skills in this important area of public health.