News
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 Ghana Police Service has begun automated enforcement of road traffic laws under a new system dubbed Traffitech-GH.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, Deputy Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Service said the project officially took effect on November 1, 2026.
The system is being implemented by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD).
Under the initiative, motorists who commit traffic offences will receive an Electronic Notice of Violation (ENV).
The Police said motorists must first check that the notification comes from the official Sender ID, GPS-MTTD, adding that genuine notifications will not be sent from an ordinary mobile phone number.
Motorists are to open the ENV to confirm the vehicle’s photograph and number plate, as well as the location, date and time of the offence, and watch the video where available.
According to the police, payments can be made through the NIB Payment Portal.
The Police cautioned motorists and vehicle owners to remain vigilant against fraud and never pay a traffic fine into a personal mobile money number or through any unofficial account.
The Service expressed appreciation to the general public, particularly motorists, vehicle owners and transport operators, for their cooperation in promoting safer roads and ensuring compliance with road traffic laws.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Miracles Aboagye, has taken a swipe at the government over the worsening cost of living in the country.
In a strongly worded statement, Aboagye said while the cost of living continues to skyrocket, the government keeps pointing Ghanaians to figures on paper.
According to him, the reality on the ground tells a different story:
Cocoa farmers have suffered a haircut, tertiary students are demonstrating over high fees and accommodation, teachers and nurses are striking over unpaid allowances, and judiciary workers are also on strike over unpaid allowances.
He added that transport fares, electricity, water, and fuel prices are all higher than before, making life unbearable for the ordinary Ghanaian.
“The cost of living and the pocket of the Ghanaian citizen keeps worsening but government says, don’t cry about the pocket when the paper looks good,” Aboagye said.
He summed up his criticism with the hashtags #PaperEconomyPocketDry and #PaperEconomyVsPocketEconomy — a direct jab at what he describes as a disconnect between official economic figures and the daily struggles of Ghanaians.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
