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FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra

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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the National Security, has seized quantities of unregistered cigarette-shaped candy being sold in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra.

The product, branded as Cigarette Rod Lollipop, was seized during a crackdown on its sale over the weekend.

The FDA reports that the key suspect involved in the sale has been arrested and is in police custody pending investigations into the importation, distribution and sale of the product.

The Authority cautioned that the Cigarette Rod Lollipop is not registered with the FDA, meaning its composition is unknown and could pose a public health risk to consumers.

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It further warned that the cigarette-shaped design of the candy could encourage children who use it to develop an interest in smoking.

According to the FDA, this could undermine efforts to discourage smoking, particularly among young people.

The Authority has therefore advised the public not to purchase or use the product under any circumstances.

The FDA reminded the public that under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), it is an offence to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food unless it has been registered by the Authority.

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It noted that the Cigarette Rod Lollipop falls under the category of food products.

The FDA has urged anyone who has information about individuals selling the product or other suspected unregistered products to report them to the Authority.

It appealed to persons who have the product in stock to immediately contact the FDA or submit it to the nearest FDA office.

Information leading to the arrest of the importer or other persons behind the importation and distribution of the product, the FDA added, will be treated confidentially and rewarded.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Attorney-General to introduce new bill to regulate discipline of lawyers

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The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced plans to introduce a new Bill to strengthen the legal framework for the discipline of lawyers in Ghana.

In an address read on his behalf by the Deputy Attorney-General at the opening of the 2026 Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Dr. Ayine disclosed that the Bill is headed to Cabinet for review and approval before being laid before Parliament.

The proposed law, to be called the Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill, is expected to transform and strengthen the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers to safeguard the rights of practitioners and promote public confidence in the profession.

According to the Attorney-General, when passed, the Bill will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear rules of procedure and proposals on proportionate sanctions.

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He explained that this marks a progressive departure from the existing framework where the Disciplinary Committee both investigates and adjudicates complaints. The Bill also proposes clear and strict procedural timelines for resolving grievances to avert prolonged deliberations that frustrate both clients and lawyers.

Secondly, Dr. Ayine noted that under the current framework, Superior Court judges sit on the Disciplinary Committee whose decisions, as quasi-judicial decisions, are subject to reviews and appeals in the same courts where these judges preside.

The new Bill seeks to eliminate this conflict of interest by creating a separately constituted Board composed of lay non-lawyers and professional representatives with guaranteed tenure.

The Attorney-General added that the Bill seeks to separate professional discipline from executive, judicial or competitive interference to ensure that disciplinary mechanisms are not weaponized against lawyers by clients, the Bench, or the State.

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The introduction of the new law forms part of efforts by the Attorney-General to introduce reforms into the legal profession aimed at revolutionizing legal practice and training. It follows the passage of the Legal Education Act, 2026, which is currently at the implementation stage.

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Gov’t did not approve market near school — Stan Dogbe clears air on Ahafo Ano South market siting

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Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe has reacted to a viral video raising concerns about the siting of a market close to a school in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region.

In a post responding to the video, Mr. Dogbe said he has been in contact with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who he said is on top of the situation and has long since halted the construction process.

According to him, the decision to designate the said land near the school for the market was not a government decision.

“Once the development was brought to the RCC’s attention, the regional minister immediately asked that the process be stopped,” he stated.

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Mr. Dogbe explained that the community currently has no available land space for the construction of the model market, which necessitated their choice of the location near the school.

He noted however that the community has been asked to find another, more suitable piece of land for the project to commence.

“We thank all for the interest in developmental issues in our communities,” he added.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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