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Stay away from second-hand smoking, nicotine products
Exposure to second-hand smoking among pregnant women and use of nicotine products have been identified as some of the main causes for birth-related challenges including premature birth, low birth weight, and other adversative health conditions.
Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has advised pregnant women to totally stay away from tobacco and nicotine products to safeguard their health and that of their unborn babies.
The call was made at a meeting to mark this year’s “World No Tobacco Day” which was observed on Tuesday, with health advocates stressing that pregnancy was a critical period when mothers needed to nurture and protect both themselves and their babies.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences, affecting the growth and development of the unborn child while also exposing expectant mothers to health complications.
The service explained that smoking during pregnancy, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke, increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse health outcomes that can affect both mother and baby.
The warning comes at a time when global efforts are being intensified to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use under the theme: ‘unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.’
Additionally, GHS noted that while some tobacco and nicotine products are often marketed as attractive or less harmful alternatives, all forms of nicotine remain addictive and pose significant health risks.
It emphasised that creating smoke-free homes and communities was essential in supporting healthy pregnancies and giving children a better start in life.
Families were, therefore, encouraged to support pregnant women by ensuring that homes, workplaces, and public spaces remain free from tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure.
“Pregnancy is a time to nurture and protect both mother and baby. Tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences,” the service stated.
Expectant mothers were urged to seek support if they are struggling to quit smoking or using nicotine products, while communities were encouraged to play an active role in promoting healthier lifestyles.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the commencement of enforcement of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), warning institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements of possible fines of up to 2,000 penalty units.
The Authority says it will deploy a Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force to inspect institutions and ensure they comply with the regulations, following the expiration of a three-month grace period granted to businesses and public institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, November 2, 2026, the NIA’s Corporate Affairs representative, William Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority had completed its public education and stakeholder engagement activities and was now moving into the enforcement and compliance monitoring phase.
He explained that the regulations require institutions that verify the identities of customers or applicants as part of their operations to use the NIA’s approved biometric verification platform instead of relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
Under the new rules, institutions are prohibited from photocopying, scanning or keeping copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes.
Mr Darlas stressed that simply collecting a customer’s Ghana Card, looking at the photograph and comparing it with the person presenting it would no longer be accepted as a valid method of identity verification.
He, however, clarified that the Ghana Card remains the country’s official national identity document and that citizens are not required to register for a new card or capture their biometrics again under the new regulations.
He said the new system is intended to reduce identity fraud, impersonation and other crimes by ensuring that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the actual owner.
According to him, the biometric verification process will rely on information already captured during Ghana Card registration, including fingerprints, iris details and facial features stored in the card’s chip.
Mr Darlas warned institutions against using third-party companies or individuals to access the NIA’s identity verification platform, insisting that the Authority does not work with intermediaries.
He said institutions seeking access to the National Identity Register must deal directly with the NIA and complete its official onboarding process.
The process requires institutions to prove that they are legally registered companies in Ghana, obtain certification from the Data Protection Commission and work with the NIA’s technical team to establish the necessary connection to its platform.
He further cautioned institutions already connected to the platform against subletting their access to other businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He disclosed that the Authority had received reports of some institutions providing their verification services to other businesses without the NIA’s approval and warned that those involved would face legal action.
Mr Darlas said organisations that fail to comply with L.I. 2523 could face fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units, depending on the nature of the offence.
He explained that the NIA does not have the authority to impose the fines directly but would take offenders to court for the appropriate punishment.
He indicated that Institutions found guilty could also face additional administrative measures, including being barred from accessing the NIA’s verification platform in the future.
The NIA representative further clarified that the new regulations do not prohibit all institutions from physically using the Ghana Card during transactions.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, has revealed how he transformed a major overstaffing challenge into a success story through the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, November 2, Mr. Boatey disclosed that when he assumed office in February 2025, and inherited a bloated workforce of 250 employees doing work that could be efficiently handled by 150 people, a situation that created serious liquidity challenges for the state-owned company.
Instead of resorting to downsizing, he adopted an innovative approach by instituting a 24-hour operational system.
Under the new system, staff were redistributed across three shifts: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
This not only ensured optimal use of labour but also maximized machine utilization and improved overall output.
According to him, the single move redefined the productivity culture within the company, reinforcing discipline, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ghana Publishing Company’s turnaround is being cited as a practical example of how the 24-Hour Economy policy can drive growth without job losses.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
