The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has expressed concern over the increasing disregard for regulations prohibiting smoking in public spaces, emphasizing the public health risks posed to both smokers and non-smokers.

Under the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) and Tobacco Regulations 2016 (L.I. 2247), smoking in public places is strictly prohibited to safeguard public health.

Despite these laws, many individuals continue to flout the regulations.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Dr. Abigail Arthur of the FDA highlighted the dangers associated with public smoking, particularly the exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke.

“Second-hand smokers and main smokers are equally at risk when smoking takes place in public,” Dr. Arthur stated.

She explained that public facilities, including restaurants and pubs, are legally required to display clear “No Smoking” signs to caution patrons against smoking on their premises.

The FDA has urged the establishment of designated smoking areas that are isolated from non-smoking zones and inaccessible to children and pregnant women.

“Places like that can be provided for smokers but should be far from where non-smokers gather so the smoke does not seep into their spaces.

Such places should also be free of any other activities except smoking,” Dr. Arthur explained.

To ensure compliance, the FDA has deployed enforcement teams to monitor public spaces regularly.

Violations of the regulations could result in administrative fines, imprisonment, or prosecution.

Dr. Arthur also urged the public to remain vigilant during the festive season, a time when unregulated products, including tobacco, often enter the market.

“We’re intensifying surveillance to ensure illegal products do not enter the market,” she said, calling on facility operators and citizens to support the enforcement of tobacco regulations.

The FDA is optimistic that restricting smoking to controlled areas and safeguarding vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, will significantly reduce the health risks associated with smoking in Ghana.

The authority remains committed to ensuring public health and safety while encouraging compliance with the country's tobacco laws