In a statement dated May 31 to mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025, the Ministry highlighted this year’s theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

The Ministry referenced data from the STEP Survey, which indicates that 4.8% of adults aged 18–69 currently smoke tobacco. The data shows a gender difference: 9.3% of men compared to 0.3% of women. Among tobacco users, 7.8% smoke shisha, with the highest prevalence among people aged 18–29 (12.7%). While 6.6% of men who smoke use shisha, 44.0% of women who smoke do so.

The Ministry stated that tobacco use is a major cause of preventable illness and death, and is linked to health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and reproductive health problems. It added that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections and asthma.

“These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for stronger regulations and public awareness efforts. The sale and advertisement of ENDS, vapes, and non–nicotine products contravene Part Six and Sections 61 (2) and 62(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), as well as Regulation 16 of the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247).

“This year’s theme calls for collective action to ‘unmask’ the industry’s attempts to normalise nicotine use and undermine tobacco control efforts. The Ministry of Health and its partners are committed to educating the public, especially the youth, on these deceptive practices and strengthening existing tobacco control policies,” the statement read.

As part of the WNTD 2025 commemoration, the Ministry also announced activities, including an official launch and a public awareness walk through the streets of Ho in the Volta Region.