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Ghana faces 6,000 annual tobacco-related deaths, health officials warn youth on shisha and e-cigarettes
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has highlighted that approximately 6,000 young people die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. He cautioned against the increasing use of shisha and electronic cigarettes among youth, despite their appealing flavors and trendy appearance, due to serious health risks. Speaking at a World No Tobacco Day event in Accra on June 2, 2026, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, stated that tobacco and nicotine products continue to endanger the health of many Ghanaians, especially the youth. He noted that about 13.6 percent of youth smoke shisha and 2.2 percent use e-cigarettes, with nearly 450,000 adults in Ghana smoking regularly. Dr. Taher added that tobacco-related diseases cost Ghana an estimated $600 million annually. He also warned that tobacco companies are promoting products like shisha and e-cigarettes as fashionable lifestyle choices to attract young consumers. Akandoh acknowledged Ghana's progress in tobacco control, noting a decline in adult smoking rates from 3 percent in 2017 to about 2.2 percent currently. Gayheart Edem Mensah, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect future generations from tobacco's harmful effects. Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation Representative in Ghana, also called for stronger action to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The OneGhana Movement has renewed calls for justice and accountability for victims of the June 3, 2015, twin flood and fire tragedy in Accra, marking 11 years since the incident. The disaster claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people. The group stated that survivors and victims' families continue to face physical, emotional, and economic hardships, with justice remaining elusive. The movement highlighted the prolonged legal battle as a painful reminder of unresolved injustice, noting that 69 victims filed a class action lawsuit in 2018 against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority NPA, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly AMA, and the station manager. Testimonies during court proceedings, including admissions from GOIL's witness and confirmation from NPA's witness, suggested the disaster could have been prevented with stronger regulatory oversight. The OneGhana Movement criticized delays and inconsistencies in the legal process and urged the government to intervene to ensure justice and support for survivors, aligning with the 'Resetting Ghana Agenda'.
Must ReadEducation leaders, policymakers, development partners, and technology experts at the 18th Ministerial Round Table urged Africa to take ownership of its digital education agenda and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence to meet development needs. Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, emphasized Africa's need to lead in digital learning, rather than relying on external solutions. He highlighted Ghana's investments in digital education, STEM, AI, robotics, and curriculum reforms, stressing the importance of locally relevant content and ensuring technology improves access to quality education, especially for underserved communities. Iddrisu also called for increased investment in AI literacy and ethical frameworks reflecting African values, cautioning against becoming mere consumers of foreign technologies. UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmund Moukala, underscored the importance of foundational literacy for the digital age, stating that reading, writing, and critical thinking are essential. Moukala urged governments to lead in shaping digital learning environments and supported public digital learning platforms that protect user data and promote education as a public good. Participants committed to building innovative, collaborative, and sovereign learning systems that responsibly use technology to advance Africa's educational priorities.
Must ReadPolitical analyst Keskine Owusu Poku has alleged that President John Dramani Mahama is unlikely to assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, citing recent developments that suggest a lack of commitment to the legislation. Dr Owusu Poku claimed that the current version of the bill does not meet the expectations of religious leaders and parts of the Ghanaian public who supported the original proposal. He stated that amendments and changes have significantly altered the legislation's original intent. The political analyst further argued that the President’s approach indicates a reluctance to proceed, asserting that "Everything shows that Mahama is not ready and will never sign the bill." Dr Owusu Poku alleged that explanations regarding the bill’s status are attempts to avoid granting assent, and that religious leaders who advocated for the legislation may feel disappointed, claiming they have been deceived.
Must ReadGhana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, reported that a Ghanaian woman is in intensive care after being severely beaten by South Africans. The assault occurred when she refused to give money to individuals who had demanded to see her documentation at her shop. Quarshie stated that this incident, among others, influenced the Ghanaian government's decision to evacuate its citizens from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks. He confirmed that two flights are scheduled for June 7 and June 8, 2026, to repatriate nearly 700 Ghanaians. While the High Commission could not provide accommodation for all evacuees due to the large numbers, Ghanaian businesses and churches in South Africa have offered support. The mission has also been providing meals and other services to those awaiting repatriation. This follows an initial phase where 300 Ghanaians were returned home.