Global tobacco trade accounts for 11% of all illicit trade – Study
Research conducted by the School of Public Health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology spearheaded by Senior Lecturer Arti Singh has revealed global tobacco trade accounts for about 11% of all illicit trade.
This was revealed during a sensitization meeting on the illicit tobacco protocol with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) in Accra on February 20, 2024.
The study further revealed that the illicit tobacco trade, which refers to all the illegal activities related to the tobacco trade including the production, shipment, distribution, and sale or purchase of tobacco products is very prevalent in low and middle-income countries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh indicated that the elimination of illicit tobacco trading in countries can increase global tax revenues by an estimated US$ 47.4 billion annually.
Moreover, the influx of illicit trades in various countries according to the researcher increases the accessibility and affordability of tobacco products.
Illicit trade in products like tobacco is another source of funding for transnational criminal activities.
Dr. Singh stressed that tobacco usage is very harmful and should be banned.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alex Moyem Kombat, an Assistant Commissioner at the Research and Policy Department of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has assured that individuals engaging in illicit trade in tobacco products will be arrested since the operation poses a threat to tobacco control, public health and revenue generation in Ghana.
Dr. Kombat speaking on the research findings on importation of tobacco into Ghana revealed that; “Of a total of 4,461 packs studied, about 20% were found to be illicit”.
“Aflao and Tamale had the highest percentage of illicit cigarette sales at 99% and 46%, respectively”.
“Over half of the illicit packs originated from Togo (51%), followed by Nigeria (15%) and then Cote
d’Ivoire (10%) with the rest coming from Burkina Faso and other countries (24%)”.
“Most common brand of cigarettes sold in Ghana were Rothmans King-size, London Brown/White, and Pall
Mall”.
Dr. Mrs. Olivia Agyekumwaa Boateng, Director, Tobacco and Substances of Abuse Directorate of the Food and Drugs Authority(FDA) at the meeting also assured that Ghana will continue to make significant strides in tobacco control concerning the Public Health Act, 2012, and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247).
The Executive Director for Vision for Alternative Development(VALD), Mr Labram Musah also expressed optimism in combating the illicit trade of tobacco through the efforts of Civil Society Organisations.
He also called for the public confiscation of tobacco in the country.