The Authority, is therefore urging the public especially the manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of all tobacco and tobacco products in the country to comply.

A statement signed by Mrs Delese A.A. Darko, the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA said, the enforcement of PHW on tobacco packages was in line with the fulfilment of the section 10 of the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L. I. 2247).

It said, the enforcement would aid in fulfilling Ghana’s obligation as a party to the World Health Organization - Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

The statement said, the FDA-approved PHW (as shown) would be boldly displayed on the front and back of all tobacco and tobacco products packages and would replace the usual textual health warnings on Tobacco products package on the Ghanaian market.

It said: “The Pictorial Health Warnings on tobacco packages are expected to increase public awareness about the dangers associated with the use of tobacco and tobacco products.”

The statement, reminded importers and persons dealing in tobacco and tobacco related trade that it was an offence to; smoke shisha or any other tobacco product in a public place except in a designated smoking area: directly or indirectly advertise, sponsor and promote tobacco products: and sell or offer for sale tobacco or tobacco product(s) to a child or expose a child to tobacco or tobacco product(s).

It added that, violating the provisions of the law shall result in strict sanctions, including prosecution, urging the public to take note and comply accordingly.