VALD-VIRTUAL STAKEHODER MEETING ON THE EXCISE DUTY

 

VALD-Ghana Virtual Stakeholder Review Meeting

Introduction

The Vision for Alternative Development Ghana (VALD-Ghana) held a virtual review meeting with civil society organizations via Zoom to further review the revised draft of the Rapid Study: Excise Tax Amendment Act, 2023 on the tobacco industry interferences on health policies and to generate more inputs and suggestions from participants into achieving the goal of this project. The meeting was held on 15^th September 2023, with 16 participants.

During the welcome address, the Executive Director of Program for VALD-Ghana Labram Musah expressed gratitude for the extensive participation of members in the first review meeting, as initially agreed upon during the civil society strategic engagement meeting focused on tackling interference by the tobacco industry. He emphasized that this gathering serves as a follow-up meeting, highlighting the establishment of a shared platform geared towards expediting and facilitating the exchange of information. Additionally, he mentioned that the study report underwent a validation process, during which the feedback received was highly commendable. Consequently, the research team has incorporated these valuable inputs, resulting in a refined document. The Executive Director assured attendees that they would be guided through the revised version of the report. He expressed confidence that, at the conclusion of this process, they would possess a comprehensive document that encompasses all relevant aspects. Furthermore, he informed members that the document would be circulated for their further contributions. Finally, the Executive Director emphasized the importance of providing updates regarding the current state of the project and outlined their future plans.

In the presentation, Divine Logo Darlington, the consultant, provided an overview of the revised study. He highlighted the key points and findings of the document. One of the main arguments made was that the increasing tobacco usage among the poor and minors is attributed to weak policies and enforcement. Despite some progress made by Ghana, there is a need to address the gaps in implementation.

The consultant emphasized that taxation serves as a primary strategy for reducing tobacco consumption. He pointed out that the tobacco industry's primary focus is profit, and it vehemently opposes anything that hinders its financial interests. In this context, it is essential to find ways to regulate e-cigarettes as excisable goods within our existing laws.

Notably, the study aimed to identify industry front groups involved in promoting tobacco interests. These groups include the America Chamber of Commerce Ghana, Harm Reduction Alliance of Ghana, Institute of Liberty, Policy and Monitoring, and British American Tobacco.

One notable strength identified in the study is the strong support from public opinion for public health concerns over the parochial interests of the tobacco industry. During the presentation, both the consultant and a member of the research team addressed questions raised by the participants, providing further insights into the study's findings and implications.

Questions, Responses, and Suggestions

·         How do we resolve the issue of inadequate resource allocation for tobacco control in Ghana? In response, Mr. Logo says, even though resources allocation is limited, the little available, should be effectively used in curbing tobacco consumption and its related health hazards.

·         As advocates who are aware of the health hazards of e-cigarettes, is there any recommendations through the Ministry of Health on advising the government to let e-cigarettes be banned on the market? In response, Godfred said, industries are having people within the health system and they are really providing funds for them to promote e-cigarette in their favor, making it difficult for it to be banned since evidences are been opposed by them.

·         Contributing to the discussion, the GhNCDA Vice Chairman, Adams Ebenezer suggested that, strong evidence should be generated by CSOs to counter the industry interferences. These evidences should align with the proposals the industries have been producing in order to outstand and have a win over them.

·         Mr. Isaac Ampomah added that, every meeting the tobacco industry will have with the government, it should be made public for us to know what exactly was been discussed.

·         Mr. Benefo also added that, CSOs should develop strong strategies to the Ministry of Health, so that no matter the evidence these industries will produce on tobacco products, the Ministry of Health will still stand by CSOs to say the products are causing harm so need to be banned.

·         Eunice N. Abban contributed that, sensitization and advocacy should be intensified by CSOs in targeting the consumers on these products and strategically being at the forefront to look at the main people involved in these interferences on the health policies

Juliet Boateng shared with participants the progress report in terms of how far the project has come and the activities in anticipation. She said mapping and engagement with CSOs took place in August, validation and review meeting in September, development of policy briefs, design and publishing of the study is expected in October, CSOs review meeting, dissemination of the study report, and mass media campaign, final review, stakeholder engagement, and mass media campaign all expected in December. We shall contract two media houses to do independent work for publications.   

The Executive Director of Program for VALD-Ghana Labram Musah in his closing remarks was very appreciative of the participants patronizing the meeting and urged to them to get abreast with current issues. He stressed that as a country we have failed to esteem the concept of Article 5.3 (industry interference). He said the development of code of conduct for public officials is long overdue. He rehashed that there are considering tobacco industry interference launch in November and this event will highlight public officials involved in tobacco industry interferences. Labram said there are discussions ongoing among key stakeholders and institutions to find ways to handle the issues surrounding e-cigarettes in Ghana. He opined that only doctors should prove the efficacy of e-cigarette as a harm reduction product. He outlined the following as side events in the making:

·         Workshop for Ghana Revenue Authority officials to build their capacity. Civil society will be invited to join this event.

·         Industry Index Report launch

·         National Tax Forum