Advancing Ghana's Public Health Act: Multi-sector wins through harm reduction

As Ghana enters a pivotal phase in its legislative review of the Public Health Act, policymakers have a unique opportunity to shape a healthier, more economically vibrant future.

Recognising vapes and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches within the Act is not just a public health imperative, it is an economic catalyst with far-reaching implications for Ghana’s development trajectory.

This approach aligns with the principles of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), which focus on providing adult smokers with less harmful alternatives to combustible tobacco, such as vaping products and oral nicotine pouches.

In the United Kingdom, vaping and nicotine pouches are formally recognised as lower-risk options compared to smoking, endorsed within guidance for adult smokers under Stop Smoking Services

Norway, meanwhile, has experienced a dramatic decline in smoking prevalence, with daily smoking rates dropping to just 7 percent in 2023, paralleled by a significant rise in the use of safer oral nicotine products like snus (UK Parliament, 2023).

Similar trends have been documented globally, with independent reviews such as the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) reporting substantial public health gains.

Sweden offers one of the most compelling case studies: by normalising the use of snus and other reduced-risk products, the country has driven smoking rates below 6 percent, positioning itself to become the world’s first officially “smoke-free” nation (GSTHR, 2023).

New Zealand has also embraced harm reduction by integrating vaping into its national tobacco control strategy, contributing to one of the fastest declines in smoking prevalence worldwide — with daily smoking rates among adults falling to around 6.8 percent in 2022 (New Zealand Ministry of Health, 2022).

These examples suggest that regulated THR markets can both safeguard public health and generate economic benefits through emerging industries, local manufacturing, and new revenue streams.

For Ghana, where youth unemployment remains high and economic diversification is vital, a well-regulated THR market could similarly catalyse investment, job creation, and broader economic growth.

Currently, the absence of clear recognition of vaping products and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches within the Public Health Act creates a policy vacuum.

This not only hampers effective regulation and enforcement but also discourages responsible businesses from investing in safer nicotine alternatives due to operational uncertainty.

Without formal recognition, illicit trade and unregulated products will continue to flourish, exposing consumers to substandard and potentially dangerous alternatives, while depriving the government of tax revenue.

Recognition within the Public Health Act will change this narrative. It will create a structured regulatory environment that attracts investors looking to operate in compliance with national standards.

For a country aiming to boost non-oil revenue streams and diversify its economic base, regulated THR markets provide additional avenues for private sector growth, job creation, and taxation.

Young entrepreneurs can leverage such recognition to build distribution networks and retail outlets, earning incomes while expanding consumer access to quality-assured products that support safer lifestyle choices.

The public health impact is equally significant. Studies by Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have shown that vaping is approximately 95 percent less harmful than combustible tobacco (UK Government Report).

Integrating vaping and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches into Ghana’s public health framework as a recognised harm reduction tool will accelerate efforts to reduce smoking prevalence, decrease tobacco-related disease burdens, and free up scarce healthcare resources for other critical needs such as maternal health, education, and rural health infrastructure.

The economic benefits extend beyond tax revenue. Vaping and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches could stimulate local manufacturing of accessories, packaging, and distribution services.

This builds stronger value chains, creates skilled jobs in supply chain management, compliance, and retail management, and enhances economic resilience.

However, it is critical to emphasise that recognition within the Public Health Act must be accompanied by enforceable product standards for marketing, sales, and distribution to protect minors and ensure that only adult smokers seeking to switch access these products.

This dual approach of regulation and recognition has been the backbone of success stories in countries that have effectively leveraged THR for public health and economic gains.

As Parliament revisits the Public Health Act amendment, stakeholders must advocate for the inclusion of vaping and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches. Doing so will demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking that protects public health while creating economic opportunities.

It will also reinforce Ghana’s leadership position in West Africa as a country that embraces innovation to tackle longstanding public health challenges while driving economic transformation.

In the evolving global trade ecosystem, policies must remain agile, inclusive, and responsive to new realities.

By recognising tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches and vaping products within the Public Health Act, Ghana will set itself on a path towards healthier communities, thriving businesses, and a more diversified economy that leaves no one behind.