BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The tobacco industry is known for employing tactics to undermine public health policies globally. In Ghana, the Ghana NCD Alliance, in collaboration with Vision for Alternative Development (VALD-Ghana) as the lead organization, spearheaded efforts to counter such interference during the legislative process of the Excise Duty Amendment Act 2023
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: A rapid study dubbed “The Economics of Tobacco Control in Ghana” and also “Ghana Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023” was conducted by VALD to document instances of tobacco industry interference. These findings were instrumental in shaping advocacy strategies that involved engaging lawmakers, civil society, and the public. By highlighting the industry's tactics, the collaboration raised awareness and mobilized support to safeguard public health priorities.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: The study revealed various strategies used by the tobacco industry to influence policymaking, including lobbying, misinformation campaigns, and exploiting regulatory gaps. The industry and its allies argued that stricter tobacco control measures, such as increased taxation, would result in widespread job losses, economic hardship, claims that were often exaggerated to create fear and resistance. The Ghana NCD Alliance and VALD utilized the study's findings to advocate effectively, providing evidence that the health and economic benefits of tobacco control outweigh these concerns. Their efforts led to the successful passage of the Excise Duty Amendment Act 2023, which strengthened tobacco taxation policies despite significant industry opposition. This milestone underscored the importance of prioritizing public health and making decisions based on accurate, reliable data
CONCLUSIONS: The collaborative efforts of Ghana’s civil society organizations, particularly the Ghana NCD Alliance and VALD-Ghana, underscore the critical role of vigilance and strategic advocacy in countering tobacco industry interference. This experience demonstrates that collective action, informed by evidence, is key to advancing public health policy and protecting populations from the harmful effects of tobacco.