VALD calls for AI-driven enforcement to tackle nicotine addiction in Ghana

Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), a non-profit and non-governmental organisation, has called for stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to combat rising nicotine addiction in Ghana.

In a statement to mark World No Tobacco Day 2026, VALD joined the global public health community in highlighting what it described as the growing threat of nicotine addiction.

This year’s campaign, themed “Unmasking the appeal—countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” focuses on how tobacco and nicotine products are being designed and marketed in ways that attract and sustain use, particularly among young people.

VALD warned that tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly being redesigned with flavours, attractive packaging, and targeted digital marketing strategies. It also noted that new products such as vapes and nicotine pouches are entering the market rapidly, creating new forms of addiction often presented as less harmful.

“Even though traditional tobacco advertising is less visible today, marketing has not stopped. It has simply shifted into packaging, retail environments and digital spaces that are harder to monitor and regulate,” the organisation said.

The group expressed concern over emerging trends it believes are undermining tobacco control efforts, including the promotion of flavoured nicotine products as harmless and youth-friendly, and the growth of unregulated online and social media marketing.

VALD also cited what it described as the use of harm reduction narratives in ways that may normalise nicotine use, as well as weak systems for tracking youth exposure to tobacco-related content online.

“VALD maintains its position that there is no safe level of tobacco use and that nicotine remains highly addictive, and public health policy spaces must remain free from tobacco industry interference,” the statement said.

The organisation called on the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), academia, and civil society organisations to strengthen enforcement systems and adopt AI-based monitoring tools.

According to VALD, artificial intelligence can support public health efforts by “tracking online tobacco advertising and promotion in real time,” “supporting enforcement of existing tobacco control laws,” and “strengthening surveillance and reporting systems.”

It stressed that without stronger digital tools, enforcement efforts will continue to lag behind evolving industry strategies.

VALD further urged stakeholders to invest in independent research and improve surveillance systems to strengthen tobacco control.

“World No Tobacco Day 2026 is a reminder that nicotine addiction is being repackaged into modern forms that look harmless but are harmful at every level,” the statement added.

The organisation called on policymakers, media, civil society actors, parents, and youth advocates to work together to protect the next generation from nicotine addiction.