A youth-focused advocacy group, the Jaishi Youth Initiative, has urged Ghana to urgently update its tobacco control strategies, warning that the tobacco and nicotine industry is rapidly evolving and increasingly targeting young people through modern marketing tactics.
The call was made by the organisation’s Executive Director, Benefo Isaac Amposah, in a statement marking the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmask the Appeal – Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction.”
He noted that while Ghana has made progress in tobacco control over the years, emerging products such as e-cigarettes, vapes and flavoured nicotine items are being aggressively marketed in ways that make addiction appear attractive and socially acceptable.
According to him, tobacco companies are increasingly using social media platforms, digital advertising and flavoured products to appeal directly to young people, creating what he described as a new generation of nicotine users.
Mr. Amposah warned that regulatory and enforcement systems in Ghana are struggling to keep pace with the industry’s innovation, leaving gaps that are being exploited to reach youth populations.
He argued that public health responses have often been reactive rather than proactive, allowing the industry to stay ahead in shaping trends and influencing consumer behaviour.
The NGO cautioned that without stronger and more adaptive interventions, Ghana risks undermining years of progress in tobacco control.
The Jaishi Youth Initiative called on the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to strengthen surveillance systems, close regulatory loopholes and intensify public education campaigns.
It also urged greater involvement of young people in designing tobacco prevention programmes, stressing that youth participation is critical to effectively addressing the challenge.
Mr. Amposah further emphasised that Ghana must adopt innovative and forward-looking strategies to match the pace of the industry’s evolving tactics.
He warned that every young person protected from nicotine addiction represents a strengthened future for the country, while every case of addiction reflects a preventable gap in public health protection.
“The tobacco industry is innovating. Ghana’s response must innovate faster,” he said, calling for renewed national commitment to safeguarding the next generation.
