The products are valued at approximately 20 million Ghana cedis.

Mr Labram Musah, the Executive Director of VAST in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the GRA's action highlighted its dedication to enforcing national laws, protecting public health, and ensuring that illicit products do not infiltrate Ghanaian communities.

"The interception of these illicit products reflects the commitment of the GRA and its allied agencies to the fight against illicit trade, particularly in tobacco and pharmaceuticals, which pose severe health and economic risks to the nation," he stated.

Mr Musah noted that this was the second confiscation of illicit tobacco products in less than five months, stressing; "In November 2023, the GRA intercepted illicit tobacco products worth GHC7.95 million. While the 2023 operation was widely commended by all stakeholders, the fate of the seized products remained unclear."

He said there was no publicly available information regarding whether these products were destroyed, stored, or otherwise disposed of and whether the investigations were concluded and what action was taken.

"Transparency in these matters is of the utmost importance, not only to ensure accountability in regulatory enforcement but also to assure the public that such harmful products are permanently destroyed," he stated.

Mr Musah said as Ghana was a signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), it was obligated under Article 15.4(c) to ensure that seized illicit tobacco products are destroyed using environmentally safe methods.

"The FCTC further mandates that confiscated tobacco products must not be resold or reintroduced into the supply chain and must be disposed of in a way that minimizes environmental harm while emphasizing transparency in the destruction of these products.

"We, therefore, call on the GRA and relevant stakeholders to provide details of the disposal processes following such confiscations.

"Tobacco control and public health advocates, and the public, have a vested interest in understanding the measures taken post-seizure to prevent any possibility of these illicit goods re-entering the market through illegal means," he pointed out.

The Director said public disclosure of disposal procedures enhances public trust and confidence in the regulatory framework, adding that, "Without transparency, there is a risk of speculation and mistrust, which could undermine the credibility of efforts to combat illicit trade."

Mr Musah recommended that the GRA, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority and other agencies, should consider publishing periodic reports on seizures, destruction processes, and alternative disposal methods explored to ensure public accountability.

"Such reports should include data on the frequency of seizures, the types of products seized, and the specific methods used for destruction, which will provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of regulatory measures," he stressed.
He reaffirmed their support to the GRA, and all agencies involved in the fight against illicit tobacco and other illicit products.

"Their continued vigilance is essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of Ghanaians. However, we also stress the importance of holistic approaches that incorporate not only enforcement but also transparent and sustainable disposal methods that align with international best practices.

"We stand ready to support efforts that promote good governance, protect public health, and contribute to a safer Ghana," Mr Musah said