The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has called on the Government of Ghana to enact a nationwide ban on the use, sale, and promotion of e-cigarettes, shisha, vaping devices, and other emerging nicotine and drug-related substances. His appeal comes amid growing public concern over the alarming rise in youth addiction and health complications linked to these substances.
According to the NYA, these new-age products are rapidly gaining popularity among Ghanaian youth, posing a silent but dangerous threat to public health, education, and national development.
The Growing Menace: A Wake-Up Call for Ghana
Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young people engaging in vaping, smoking shisha, and experimenting with electronic nicotine delivery systems. Though initially marketed as “safer alternatives” to cigarettes, these products have become tools of addiction—often glamorized on social media, at parties, and in urban nightlife settings.
Anecdotal reports from schools, parents, and health workers indicate that children as young as 13 are accessing these substances. Many of them are unaware of the high nicotine content or the long-term damage these products can inflict on their brains, lungs, and psychological development.
Health Risks and Addiction Among Youth
The NYA’s appeal is rooted in science and health warnings from global and local health authorities. Nicotine, the key ingredient in most of these substances, is highly addictive and harmful to the developing brain. When inhaled through vapes or shisha pipes, it can disrupt attention span, memory, mood regulation, and learning capacity in adolescents.
Furthermore, vaping liquids often contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and benzene—some of which are known carcinogens. Studies have shown that:
- Young people who vape are three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes later in life.
- Continuous shisha smoking over a one-hour session can be equivalent to inhaling the smoke of more than 100 cigarettes.
- Long-term use increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, and reduced immune system efficiency.
Alarming Statistics and Trends
Though Ghana does not yet have a centralized database for e-cigarette use, health officials estimate that:
- Nearly 6% of urban youth aged 15–24 have tried vaping or shisha at least once.
- Over 10,000 school-going adolescents may be exposed to these substances through peers or social gatherings.
- The majority of users are unaware that e-cigarettes contain nicotine or harmful chemicals, largely due to misleading advertising and lack of regulation.
In addition, market observation reveals that unlicensed vendors are selling over 100 brands of vapes and flavored cartridges across Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi — often using social media platforms, peer agents, and nightlife venues as their points of distribution.
Why the NYA’s Call Matters
The National Youth Authority’s mandate is to promote youth development, productivity, and well-being. The increasing trend of youth addiction undermines these goals. According to Osman Ayariga, failure to act now could lead to a future public health crisis that will overburden the country’s health system and compromise the quality of its workforce.
Ayariga emphasized that this is not just a health issue, but a national development concern. When young people fall into addiction, their educational outcomes, productivity, and social relationships suffer. The ripple effects can also be seen in rising absenteeism in schools, increased mental health issues, and in some cases, criminal behavior
What Will It Take to Make a Ban Effective?
To ensure the success of such a ban, Ghana would need a multi-sectoral approach involving:
- Legislative Action: A comprehensive ban on the sale, advertising, and public use of e-cigarettes, shisha, and similar products—especially those targeting youth with flavors, colors, and influencers.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating parents, teachers, and young people about the hidden dangers of these substances through nationwide campaigns, school outreach programs, and media engagement.
- Surveillance and Enforcement: Tightening border controls to prevent the import of illegal substances, coupled with market surveillance to identify and shut down unregistered vendors.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Support systems for young people already addicted, including counseling services, youth recovery centers, and mental health support.
- Technology Regulation: Partnering with telecom and digital platforms to regulate the online promotion and sale of these products targeting minors.
A Crossroads for Ghana
Ghana stands at a crucial crossroads. The country has made great strides in tobacco control over the past decade, but the rise of e-cigarettes and similar products threatens to reverse this progress. If left unchecked, today’s “harmless trend” could spiral into tomorrow’s public health emergency.
The NYA’s bold call to ban these substances is a step in the right direction—but it will require strong political will, public support, and a coordinated effort from health, education, security, and civil society stakeholders.
Final Thoughts
As a nation aspiring to develop a youthful, healthy, and empowered generation, Ghana cannot afford to ignore the signs. E-cigarettes, shisha, and vaping are not harmless lifestyle choices. They are addictive gateways with serious health consequences.
The time to act is now—before Ghana’s youth trade their potential for puffs of flavored smoke.
