As part of the FDA’s ongoing World No Tobacco Day celebration being celebrated in Ho, the Authority has extended its campaign to promote public health and a tobacco-free environment to religious institutions, engaging worshippers at the Ho Central Mosque and the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in the Volta Region.
The outreach forms part of the FDA’s nationwide “Say No to Tobacco and Drug Abuse” campaign, which seeks to educate the public on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the growing misuse of illicit drugs, particularly among young people.
According to Mrs. Nora Narkie Terlabie, the FDA’s Director for Regional Operations, religious institutions are vital allies in the fight against drug abuse due to their influence in shaping social behavior and values. “We recognize the powerful role faith leaders and the faith community play in shaping values and attitudes,” Mrs. Terlabie stated.
She added that “By working together with religious bodies, the FDA can more effectively protect our youth from harmful substances like tobacco, vapes, shisha, and illicit use of drugs such as tramadol and tapentadol, commonly known as “RED”.”
During the engagements, FDA officials educated the congregants on the evolving nature of tobacco and nicotine products, especially the emergence of vapes and shisha. These products are often misleadingly marketed as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, a claim the FDA strongly warns against.
“The truth is, these new products still contain harmful substances that can lead to severe health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and in extreme cases, death,” Mrs. Terlabie emphasized.
The campaign also addressed the increasing abuse of pharmaceutical opioids such as tapentadol—commonly known as “red” as well as codeine-based cough syrups, which are being used illicitly, especially by young people.
The FDA’s visit was well-received by the religious leaders, who pledged their support and expressed concern over the growing problem of substance abuse within their communities.
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Ali,
Volta Regional Imam commended the FDA for engaging religious bodies in public health advocacy. “Islam teaches us to protect our bodies and minds from harm. We support the FDA’s work and encourage our young people to stay away from substances that destroy their future,” the Imam said.
Similarly, Rev. Father Anthony Dotsey, Priest of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church expressed the Church’s commitment to supporting the FDA’s efforts. “We stand with the FDA to fight this menace and will continue to raise awareness within our congregation.”
The FDA reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through continuous education, regulatory enforcement, and collaboration with community-based institutions. The Authority, therefore, calls on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the media to join in the campaign for a tobacco-free Ghana. “We must unmask the truth behind the appeal of these substances,” Mrs. Terlabie concluded. “The wellbeing of our youth, our families, and our nation depends on it.”
Together, we can say no to tobacco and drug abuse—and say yes to life.
