NGO calls for prohibition on tobacco ads

Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), a Non-Governmental Organization which intends enhancing education on tobacco control and health issues has called on the Foods and Drugs Board and the Ministry of Health to institute measures to prohibit tobacco advertisements in the country.
A statement issued in Accra and signed by its Programmes Director, Mr. Labran M. Massawudu said the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which was endorsed by Ghana in June 2004, and deposited at the United Nations Headquarters in November, 2004, became an international legislation on February 2005, was being violated by tobacco industries in the country. It said international tobacco companies, knowing that the international tobacco control treaty was in force continued with tobacco promotion, advertisements and sponsorship targeting the poor and youth communities.
“If you tour most of the streets in town including Nima, Maamobi, Kanda, Ridge and other deprived communities, you will see posters and umbrella of Pall Mall, Gold Seal and Capital Cigarettes pasted on walls, trees, and shops close to school.” He said that, the messages are attractive and directed to children and the youth and that the vehicles of the companies sometimes protect the schools day in and day out which does not augur well for smooth learning. It said last year, during the Eid-il Fitr celebration Gold Seal and Capital Cigarettes collaborated to organize a dance and rap competition for the youth at Maamobi to climax the festival. The statement therefore advised the youth not to entertain such rap and dance, shows this year since the events are a violation of the article 13 of the FCTC Law.
The declaration calls on the government therefore to take the necessary steps in accordance with the constitution of Ghana to ensure that the appropriate policies are developed to implement a comprehensive ban on tobacco sponsorship, advertisement and promotion.