Taxing Tobacco Products can reduce Poverty and Inequality – Dr. Delese Darko

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, has called for the continues implementation of the Excise Duty Amendment Act so as to reduce tobacco use in Ghana and also save lives. According to her, this will help reduce poverty, reduce inequality, and strengthen the economy to promote sustainable development.

Speaking at the 1st National Forum on Tobacco Taxation in Ghana on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Dr. Mimi Darko said, tackling tobacco use globally is a priority within the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, hence, tobacco control is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly SDG target 3.4 which aims to reduce premature mortality from non –communicable diseases by 2030.

“Target 3a, specifically supports this by calling for strengthened implementation of the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control. Beyond health, we know that tobacco reduces poverty and inequality, strengthens the economy and promotes sustainable development. As a party to the WHO Framework Convention of tobacco control, Ghana is committed to various conventions and protocols in the controlling of tobacco and minimizing it health impact,” she stated.

According to the FDA Boss, raising taxes on tobacco products increases the prices of such products, making it less affordable and preventing youth initiation.

“Youth and low middle income groups benefits the most from these price increases, enjoying both economic and health advantages from quitting or not starting tobacco use at all. High taxes also reduces non–smokers exposure to second hand smokers thereby improving community health,” she added.

The theme for the forum is “strengthening the Evidence for Effective Tobacco Taxation for Health and Development in Ghana”

Executive Director of Programmes at the Vision for Alternative Development (VALD Ghana) – Labram Musah, on his part noted that the theme underscores the critical intersection between public health policy and evidence based research. Indicating that, high rate of tobacco consumption has imposed a significant burden on the country as a whole with an estimated cost of Ghc 97 million on healthcare and productivity loses.

“There is therefore the urgency or the need for a reboot action and evidence base intervention,” he stated.

The organizers took the opportunity to officially outdoor three research reports, including the Ghana Tobacco Industry Interference Index; A Baseline Assessment of Tobacco Taxation in Ghana.

Industry players also used the occasion to celebrate their advocacy  success on the ban on celebrities from advertising, promoting and sponsoring activities related to Alcoholic beverages in Ghana.

By Angela Amuzu || Ghananewsonline.com.gh