Tobacco products to bear pictorial health warnings from November 1

Accra Oct. 21, GNA -The Food and Drugs
Authority (FDA) has announced that effective November 1 2018, all tobacco and
tobacco products in Ghana will bear Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) with
emissions and constituents on their packages.

A statement signed by Mrs Delese A. A Darko,
the Chief Executive Officer of FDA and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the
public, especially manufacturers, Importers, wholesalers and retailers of all
tobacco and tobacco products are to take note of the announcement.

The statement said the enforcement of PHW on
tobacco packages is in line with the fulfillment of the section 10 of the
Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L. I. 2247) and also to fulfill Ghana’s
obligation as a party to the World Health Organization – Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

It said the FDA approved PHW would be boldly
displayed on the front and back of all tobacco and tobacco products packages
and would replace the usual textual health warnings on Tobacco products package
on the Ghanaian market.

“The Pictorial Health Warnings on tobacco
packages are expected to increase public awareness about the dangers associated
with the use of tobacco and tobacco products.

“Importers and persons dealing in tobacco
and tobacco related trade are also reminded that it is an offence to smoke
shisha or any other tobacco product in a public place except in a designated
smoking area, directly or indirectly advertise, sponsor and promote tobacco
products,          sell or offer for sale
tobacco or tobacco product(s) to a child or expose a child to tobacco or
tobacco product(s).

“The general public is therefore advised
to take note and comply accordingly.

“Violating the provisions of the law
shall occasion strict sanctions, including prosecution”, the statement
said.

Furthermore, the statement encouraged the
public to provide information on any activities that are likely to endanger
public health and safety to the FDA.

GNA