VAST Ghana calls for nationwide action against cigarette-shaped lollipop
The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana (VAST Ghana), a civil society organisation has commended three institutions for their swift action to seize a quantity of an unregistered product, “Cigarette Rod Lollipop," at the Accra Central Business District and Makola Market.
Ghana's civil society group, VAST Ghana, has lauded government agencies for swiftly acting to seize "Cigarette Rod Lollipops" in major markets. The Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Police Service, and National Security arrested a suspect. VAST Ghana, led by Executive Director Labram Musah, urges nationwide enforcement and lab testing of the product to safeguard children.
The confectionery, which resembles cigarettes, has sparked public outrage and health concerns. The FDA confirmed the product is unregistered and untested, advising against its purchase or consumption. VAST Ghana stresses the need for continuous surveillance beyond Accra, border control measures, and lab analysis of seized samples for public disclosure.
The group likens the candy to an industry tactic to recruit new tobacco users, especially children, as Ghana's smoking rate is low. They point to the WHO's World No Tobacco Day themes for 2025 and 2026, which aim to expose industry strategies. Ghana's Tobacco Control Law, under the Public Health Act, bans sales of non-tobacco products resembling tobacco products, and Section 65 prohibits selling tobacco to minors.
The statement aligns with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control's Article 16, which mandates prohibiting the manufacturing and selling of items that appear like tobacco products to minors.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
