The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), a non-governmental organization, has firmly rejected the tobacco industry's so-called Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies and called on the government not to fall for what it described as a rebranded narrative of addiction.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of VALD, Mr Issah Ali, the organization urged the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drugs Authority, and other key stakeholders to ban flavoured tobacco and nicotine products. "The THR strategy is aimed at attracting youth through flavoured products, sleek packaging, and misleading harm reduction claims," the statement said.
The call came as part of activities to mark World No Tobacco Day, commemorated globally on May 31.
This year's theme, "Unmask the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products," sheds light on marketing practices used by the tobacco industry to normalize and promote nicotine use, particularly among young people.
