Top Stories from Ghana

2.1% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 416,722 current smokers in Ghana
4% of men are current smokers but only 0.3% of women
Smoking in Ghana
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Ghana. In 2000 the prevalence was estimated to be 5%; this decreased to 3.6% in 2015, with a projected decrease to 3% by 2025. Men's smoking prevalence decreased from 10% to 7% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to decrease further to 6% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. Women's smoking during the same period remained low at just under 1% in 2000, and is projected to decrease to 0.1% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
5,574
Deaths
In Ghana, 5574 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
2.1%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 2.1%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Ghana
In Ghana, there are conflicting reports about vaping regulations. Some sources, like Global Tobacco Control, state that there is no specific law on e-cigarettes. However, Tobacco Reporter (source) reports that sales, advertisements, and recreational use of e-cigarettes are banned, and they are only permitted as a prescription-only medicine for cessation therapy.
There is no clear information on the availability of vaping products in the country, but due to the reported ban, e-cigarettes are assumed to be rare. It is also uncertain whether travelers can import them for personal use.
If you have firsthand experience with vaping regulations in Ghana, please share your information with the GSTHR team. E-cigarettes is legal to market.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Ghana
Ghana does not have any specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), including their sale, purchase, or importation for personal use. If you have any relevant and accurate information, please share it with the GSTHR team. You can't advertise HTP in Ghana.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Ghana
You can't advertise NRT in Ghana.
Snus
in Ghana
There are no online sources providing information on specific regulations regarding Snus in Ghana. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 suggests that Snus is permitted in the country, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Ghana
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper