As we mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products” reminds us of a hard truth: the tobacco and nicotine industry is still finding new ways to hook young people on harmful products.
These companies sell addiction in disguised and subtle ways. They make dangerous products look cool and harmless through stylish packaging, sweet flavours, and flashy online adverts. Their goal is clear—get more people, especially the vulnerable and young people addicted.
As a country, we’ve made commendable strides in the fight against tobacco use—through the enactment of progressive laws, the introduction of higher taxes on tobacco products, and sustained public education and health campaigns. These interventions have saved many lives and helped shift public perception. But let us be clear: the fight is far from over.
Today, a new threat looms large—one that puts our future generations at risk. Our young people, full of potential and promise, are being lured into a dangerous cycle of tobacco and drug use.
The tactics used by tobacco companies and illicit drug networks are evolving—more subtle, more digital, and more targeted than ever. And it’s working. We are seeing increasing cases of nicotine addiction and substance abuse among teenagers and even pre-teens.
This is not just a statistic to me; it is personal. I grew up in Nima—a community full of resilience and vibrant culture, but also one where the painful effects of substance abuse are visible every day. I have seen brilliant young men and women lose their way, trapped in cycles that began with a cigarette or a shisha pipe. I have seen families torn apart and futures wasted.
And what concerns me most is that the generation coming up now is perhaps the most threatened. The accessibility of these products—be it through social media trends, peer influence, or deceptive marketing—makes it easier than ever for a child to pick up a habit that could ruin their life.
This is why we must all get involved. The fight against tobacco and drugs cannot be left to the government alone or to health workers and educators. It must be a collective effort—parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and young people themselves must all play a role.
In Ghana, smoking rates are below 5 per cent—a success we must protect. But the rise in vaping among young people is worrying. Industry allied groups are promoting nicotine products as safe alternatives, claiming it’s like using condoms to prevent HIV. That comparison is not only false but dangerous. Condoms prevent disease; nicotine products cause harm.
In conclusion, this World No Tobacco Day is more than a reminder—it’s a call to action. We must stand together to:
- Ban all flavoured tobacco and nicotine products.
- Strongly regulate e-cigarettes and resist pressure from industry lobbyists.
- Support the FDA, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Revenue Authority to crack down on misleading ads and raise taxes on these products.
- Encourage parents, teachers, and communities to educate young people about the dangers of nicotine.
Let us protect our future by acting now. Let us speak up, educate, advocate, and hold accountable those who profit from the pain of our youth. The cost of inaction is far too high. A tobacco-free future is possible if we all act now.
Author: Solomon Foli – Program Manager, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development
