Personnel of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have been urged to redouble their efforts in eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products in the country. This call aims to enhance revenue generation and protect public health from the harmful effects of the illicit tobacco trade.
A study conducted by the School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (SPH-KNUST), revealed a high prevalence of illicit tobacco trade in the country, with markets in Tamale and Aflao being identified as major hubs for such activities. The workshop organized for GRA officers on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products sought to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively enforce laws against illicit tobacco trade at the country's borders.
Mr. Divine Darlington Logo, the Principal Research Officer at the Ghana Health Service, highlighted key findings from the study, indicating that one in five cigarettes sold in Ghana was illicit, with the sale of single sticks of cigarettes being widespread in markets. Additionally, he noted that a significant proportion of illicit tobacco products originated from neighbouring Togo.
Dr. Arti Singh of SPH-KNUST explained that the illicit tobacco trade encompassed various illegal activities related to tobacco, including production, shipment, distribution, and sale. She emphasized that such illegal activities not only increased the accessibility and affordability of tobacco products but also led to substantial losses in government tax revenues and funded transnational criminal activities.
The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, developed in response to the growing international illicit trade, aims to eliminate all forms of illicit trade through a package of measures. Dr Singh highlighted the importance of the Protocol and noted that 68 countries had ratified it, contributing to preventing illicit trade by securing the tobacco supply chain.
Dr. Mrs Olivia Agyekumwaa Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substances Abuse Directorate at the FDA and Ghana WHO FCTC Focal Person, emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to tobacco control, involving collective efforts from various stakeholders.
Dr. Alex Moyem Kombat, Assistant Commissioner of Research and Policy at GRA, underscored the significant economic and health implications of tobacco-related illnesses in Ghana. He called for concerted efforts to fight illicit tobacco trade, including allocation of more resources, strengthening of collaboration with state agencies and international bodies, and utilization of technology.
Mr. Labram Musah, the Executive Director of Vision for Alternative Development, urged the earmarking of tax revenues from health-harming products to support health activities. He also emphasized the importance of transparency in informing the public about steps taken to destroy confiscated illegal health products, including the recently impounded tobacco products worth GHc7.9 million.