The Food and Drugs Authority has confiscated cigarette shaped candy being sold at Makola Market in Accra following growing concerns over the availability and marketing of the products on the Ghanaian market.
The enforcement operation was conducted with assistance from the Ghana Police Service and the National Security, following complaints from members of the public and social media publications that drew attention to the sale of the confectionery products.
In a statement published on Facebook on Saturday, August 29, the FDA confirmed that its officers seized the products during the operation and arrested one individual suspected of being involved in their sale.
The regulatory authority explained that the appearance and promotion of tobacco and tobacco related products are restricted under Ghanaian law, particularly the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016, Legislative Instrument 2247.
According to the FDA, the applicable regulations prohibit the advertising and visual representation of tobacco and related products both through the media and at locations where such products are sold.
The Authority consequently raised concerns about products designed in the shape and appearance of cigarettes, particularly where such items may be accessible to children and young people.
The FDA stated that its intervention forms part of its broader regulatory responsibilities aimed at ensuring that products placed on the Ghanaian market comply with established public health and safety requirements.
The seizure at Makola Market therefore represents another enforcement action by the Authority as it works with security agencies to identify and remove products and practices that potentially violate Ghana’s public health regulations.
The FDA has further assured the public that it will continue to monitor the market and take appropriate enforcement measures against individuals and businesses found to be contravening the country’s regulatory requirements.
The Authority also encouraged members of the public to continue drawing attention to questionable products and practices, noting that information from consumers can assist regulators in identifying potential violations and protecting public health.
