The Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has reaffirmed her agency's commitment to collaborating with other organizations to ensure strict compliance with tobacco trade laws.

She emphasized that the illicit tobacco trade presents a significant challenge, as it can facilitate various criminal economic activities.

COP Addo-Danquah made these remarks during a meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, when a delegation comprising officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat (FCTC) in Geneva, Switzerland, and representatives from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) engaged with EOCO officials.

The discussions revolved around adopting law enforcement strategies in Ghana's efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade and address the associated challenges.

Olivia Agyekumwaa Boateng, the Head of the Tobacco and Substance Abuse Department at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and a member of the delegation, revealed that the FDA is conducting a needs assessment to gauge the extent of illicit trade and develop regulatory measures to address it effectively.

Various speakers at the meeting emphasized the dangers posed by illicit tobacco trade and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders in combating this menace.

Andrew Black, the Coordinator and Development Assistant of FCTC, emphasized that despite the lucrative nature of illicit tobacco trade, it poses a significant global problem with substantial risks involved.

Dr. William Maina, the Technical Coordinator for Tobacco Control at WHO, reiterated the hazards associated with tobacco use, underscoring its highly addictive nature and its role in causing numerous non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

Dr. Maina expressed concern that while considerable efforts have been dedicated to reducing demand, purchase, and distribution of tobacco, there has been relatively limited focus on decreasing the supply. He also stressed that uncertified tobacco is detrimental to one's health.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Joana Ansong, the WHO country representative for Non-Communicable Diseases, along with other officials from the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat, the UNDP, and several Unit Heads from EOCO.