Accra, Dec 27, GNA - The coalition of NGOs in tobacco control on Saturday, called on the incoming government to as matter of urgency pass the National Tobacco Control Bill into law to regulate the activities of the industry.

The coalition said "the failure to pass the law in many ways has made Ghana the ridicule of many other African countries that ratified after us and have gone ahead to pass far reaching Tobacco Control laws". A statement signed by Oscar Brews, President of the Coalition noted that as much as it prayed for a peaceful run-off election, it could not afford the rather embarrassing situation Ghana found itself in the international anti-tobacco control arena.

"Ghana actively participated in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which became the first Public Health Treaty of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Subsequently, Ghana ratified the FCTC having passed through Cabinet and Parliament in record time. However, the laws of Ghana dictates that such International laws can only be binding after these laws are approved and ratified as domestic law. A Tobacco Control Bill was thus prepared by a Task Force set for that purpose and submitted to Cabinet over three years ago," Mr Brews added.

Mr Brews said the in coming government must show concern for the health of the people in a more comprehensive manner, "and not only by talking about rejuvenated health when one of the major causes of diseases, poor wellbeing and ill-health, tobacco, is still being supplied and used".