Civil society organisations from six countries have intensified calls for governments to make tobacco companies bear the financial burden of the health and environmental damage caused by their products.
The demand was made during the launch of the Global Week of Action “Make Big Tobacco Pay” campaign, organised by Corporate Accountability, a non-profit advocacy movement. Participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil, the United States, and the Philippines urged governments to recover the healthcare and environmental costs linked to tobacco use.
Speaking after the launch, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana, Labram Musah, said African governments must take stronger action against the tobacco industry, noting that low- and middle-income countries account for about 80 per cent of tobacco-related deaths worldwide.
He stressed that Ghana and other African countries have an opportunity to lead efforts aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm by ensuring that tobacco companies are held accountable for the consequences of their products.
Mr Musah acknowledged progress made in tobacco control but emphasised the need for continued advocacy and policy action to change the current trend.
Tobacco Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, Daniel Dorado, said the industry continues to profit from products that pose serious health risks while societies bear the costs through increased healthcare spending, environmental degradation, and loss of lives.
As part of efforts to strengthen global advocacy, Corporate Accountability announced the establishment of the Yul Dorado Make Big Tobacco Pay Award. The award, which will be presented from next year, will recognise governments, civil society groups, and advocates demonstrating leadership in promoting health justice and advancing tobacco industry accountability.
Organisers say the initiative is intended to encourage stronger action worldwide to ensure tobacco companies contribute to addressing the harm associated with their products.
