Implementation of the WHO FCTC article 6 - price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco in Ghana
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1
Ghana Health Service, Research and Development Division, Ghana
2
Monash University, Global Public Health, Sch. of Medicine and Health Sciences, Malaysia
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A131
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ABSTRACT
Background:
Countries including Ghana have taken initiative
to pass legislation on tobacco use and raise taxes in a bid to discourage
tobacco consumption. The effect of high tobacco taxation is known to significantly
result on reduction of tobacco use, among
the youth and low income groups. Ghana´s Excise tax
as a percentage of cigarettes price was one of the lowest in the region and in
an effort to reduce consumption of tobacco and related health hazards,
there was need to increase excise duty on tobacco products to bring in tandem
with the average for Africa. This study examined tobacco taxation and policies with overall aim of increasing taxes, reducing
tobacco importation and consumption.
Methods:
Using routine data from the revenue generating
institutions i.e. Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, and Ministry of
Finance and Economic Planning, the study gathered information on different
taxes levied on tobacco, revenue generated, companies importing tobacco into
Ghana.
Results:
Parliament
of Ghana approved an increase in tobacco taxes through the passage of the
Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2015 into Law. The Bill seeks to amend the first
schedule of the Excise Duty Act, 2014 (Act 878) and proposes an increase the
excise duty on cigarettes and cigars from 150 percent of the ex-factory price
to 170 percent.
Conclusions:
Advocating for high excise taxes as well as review
of import duty on tobacco will discourage consumption of
tobacco in Ghana. This
measure was in line with Ghana's obligations under Article 6 of the WHO FCTC. Ghana should continue
to raise tobacco taxes, ensure tobacco taxes are adjusted periodically for
inflation, strengthen tax administration and protect public health policies
from tobacco industry interference. Funds generated from increased taxes could be used to
implement and enforce tobacco control policies and programs.
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