FDA and Security Agencies Arrest Traders Over Sale of 'Cigarette Toffee' at Makola Market

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and National Security, has conducted a major enforcement exercise at the Makola Market in Accra. The operation led to the arrest of several traders and the seizure of a large quantity of "cigarette toffee"—unapproved cigarette-shaped candy. This crackdown was prompted by public complaints regarding the availability of products that mimic tobacco items, raising significant health concerns among the public and regulatory bodies.

According to the FDA, these products are particularly dangerous because they are designed to be enticing to children, potentially normalizing smoking behavior at a young age. The Authority emphasized that the sale and advertisement of such products constitute a clear violation of Ghana’s Public Health Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations. By mimicking the appearance of cigarettes, these sweets are seen as a gateway that could undermine national efforts to curb tobacco use and protect minors from nicotine-related influences.

Following the operation, the FDA has announced an intensification of market inspections across the capital and beyond to identify and remove other unsafe products from the shelves. The seized items are currently undergoing investigation to determine their exact origin and chemical composition. The FDA reaffirmed its dedication to consumer safety and warned that traders found selling unapproved or hazardous goods will face strict enforcement actions, including prosecution.

This latest move is part of a broader initiative by the FDA to ensure that all food and drug products on the Ghanaian market meet rigorous safety standards. As investigations into the arrested individuals continue, the Authority has urged parents and consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unapproved products to the nearest regulatory office to help safeguard public health.