FDA Seizes Large Quantities of Unregistered Vape Brands, Cigarettes, and Shisha in Accra Raid

Accra, Ghana - 25 May, 2025 - In a significant crackdown on illicit tobacco products, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized large quantities of unregistered tobacco items from four shops in Accra.

The affected areas include Achimota, Kwabenya, Tabora, and Abeka/Fadama. 

The operation, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement, targeted six facilities across these areas, with two shops closed during the inspection.

The seized products include 15 flavors of shisha, 3 brands of cigarettes, 7 canisters of nitrous oxide, 21 brands of vapes, 10 brands of cigars, and 4 brands of tobacco wraps.

According to Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, the products likely entered the country through unauthorized routes, and the Authority will apply necessary legal sanctions to distributors and sellers.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she stated.

“We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,” she added.

The FDA's action is part of its efforts to commemorate World No Tobacco Day and protect public health.

The Authority plans to intensify public education campaigns, particularly in schools, to educate students about the dangers of tobacco products.

The FDA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities related to tobacco sales.

Source: Lead News Online