Launching this year’s World No Tobacco Day in Accra on the theme ‘Tobacco – free Youth,’ Dr Ashitey noted that the profuse smoking in many films shown on televisions and sponsorship of beach parties and various musical concerts are usually patronized by the youth and thus, called for measures to tackle the problem.

She therefore challenged governmental, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and the private sector to pursue actions aimed at protecting the youth from the subtle and deceptive marketing strategies.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking is the second most common risk factor of diseases worldwide, killing one in every 10 adults.

Dr Ashitey said her ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders are working to ensure the passage of a Tobacco Bill into law.

When passed, she said it will constitute the legal frame work for the enforcement of tobacco control activities in the country.

The WHO country representative in Ghana, Dr Joachim Saweka, said a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship was a powerful tool to protect the youth adding that tobacco was the leading preventable cause of death in the world.

The country’s chief psychiatrist, Dr Akwasi Osei who spoke on the effects of tobacco said a number of young people were using tobacco to the detriment of their health.

He said the use of tobacco could lead to cancer and infertility, pointing out that it contains nicotine which could be more dangerous to the health of the youth.