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

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 This study included a desk-based mapping of unpublished data looking at existing documents, reports, and websites (n=24 data sources) from 2012 to 2023 and semi-structured interviews with key informants representing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.