Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST Ghana) has commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and its Customs Division for their recent successful seizures of illicit tobacco products and opioid drugs valued at over GH¢40 million.
The organization, however, is urging for increased transparency and stricter oversight in the handling and disposal of such confiscated items to protect public health and strengthen public trust.
The most recent seizure occurred in Tamale, where illicit cigarettes and tapentadol tablets worth GH¢20.6 million were intercepted.
This follows another interception at the Tema Port, where Customs, in collaboration with security agencies, confiscated opioid drugs valued at approximately GH¢20 million.
“This action highlights the authority’s dedication to enforcing national laws, protecting public health, and ensuring that illicit products do not infiltrate Ghanaian communities,” a statement by VAST Ghana said.
Executive Director of VAST, Labram Musah, acknowledged the GRA’s commitment to the fight against illicit trade, particularly in tobacco and pharmaceuticals, which continue to pose severe risks to public health and the economy.
However, he raised concerns about the lack of publicly available information regarding the fate of previously seized products, including a GH¢7.95 million consignment of illicit tobacco intercepted in November 2023.
“There was no publicly available information on whether these products were destroyed, stored, or otherwise disposed of, nor whether investigations were concluded. Transparency in these matters is of the utmost importance,” he stressed.
Ghana is a signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which obligates countries to destroy seized tobacco products using environmentally safe methods and prohibit their re-entry into the supply chain.
“We, therefore, call on the GRA and relevant stakeholders to provide details of the disposal processes following such confiscations. Public disclosure of disposal procedures enhances public trust and confidence in the regulatory framework,” Musah added.
VAST Ghana is recommending that the GRA, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other agencies, publish regular reports detailing seizures, destruction processes, and any alternative disposal methods explored.
These reports, Musah said, would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of enforcement and regulatory measures.
VAST Ghana emphasized the importance of civil society engagement, stressing that stakeholders, including public health advocates and civil society, need to stay informed and involved.
“Transparency is key to ensuring that these dangerous goods do not re-enter our markets,” he stated.
The organization reaffirmed its support for the GRA and all enforcement agencies working to combat illicit trade while calling for a more holistic approach that includes sustainable disposal practices aligned with international best practices.
“We stand ready to support efforts that promote good governance, protect public health, and contribute to a safer Ghana,” Musah added