Tobacco causes 8 million deaths annually

Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, Ghana’s Health Minister, has called on African leaders to unite in enforcing anti-smoking policies to reduce tobacco-related deaths, which exceed 8.7 million annually.

Speaking at the Second Africa Conference on Tobacco Control in Accra, he stressed that tobacco threatens health, economies, and the environment, urging countries to prioritize control measures.

Experts at the conference highlighted the rising smoking rates among Africa’s youth and the need for stricter advertising bans and innovative approaches to address emerging tobacco products.

With projections showing a sharp increase in African smokers by 2030, the call for immediate action resonates with ECOWAS and AU agendas to ensure sustainable development.