The trade of illicit cigarettes in Ghana: Insights from a policy synthesis and qualitative study

Arti Singh, Fiona Dobbie, Allen Gallagher, Hana Ross, Olivia A. Boateng, Divine Darlington Logo, Linda Bauld, Anna B. Gilmore, Ellis Owusu-Dabo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The illicit trade of tobacco products trade continues to challenge tobacco control efforts in several African countries, including Ghana. Ghana recently ratified the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (‘the Protocol’). This Protocol aims to eliminate all kinds of illicit tobacco. This study aims to enhance understanding of Ghana’s illicit cigarette market size, nature, and contributing factors. In doing so, it will help to inform future tobacco control policy. This study included a desk-based mapping of unpublished data looking at existing documents, reports, and websites (n=24 data sources) from 2012 to 2023 and semi-structured interviews with key informants representing government, civil society organizations, media, and international organizations (n=10). Stakeholders indicated the illicit cigarette market in Ghana to be a cross-border issue, with its extent ranging from 10% to 35% of the total cigarette market. Porous borders, lack of political interest, the tobacco tax structure, industry interference, and poor awareness and capacity of customs officials, were identified as contributing factors. Documents reviewed, highlighted the introduction of tax stamps in 2018, ratification of the Protocol in 2021, and the recent review of tobacco taxes as important steps taken by the government to address the illicit cigarette market. This study provides novel insights into the illicit cigarette market in Ghana and identifies major advances in the government’s strategy to address it. However, there remains a need for continuous monitoring of borders, alongside more investment in enforcement, national workshops, and training for customs and government officials on the current tax structure, industry tactics, and full Protocol implementation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8
JournalTobacco Prevention and Cessation
Volume11
Issue numberJanuary
Early online date31 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Jan 2025

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting this research are available from the authors on reasonable request.

Funding

This work was supported by Cancer Research, United Kingdom, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (under the SFC international Partnership Funds), and the Tobacco Control Capacity Programme with funding from UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (grant number MR/P027946/2).

FundersFunder number
UKRI Global Challenges Research FundMR/P027946/2

    Keywords

    • cigarettes
    • documents
    • Ghana
    • illicit
    • stakeholder interviews

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Epidemiology
    • Health(social science)
    • Health Professions (miscellaneous)
    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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