ADVERTISEMENT
Get Started
  • About Homebase Tv | Hbtvghana.com
  • Advertise
  • Broadcast Live
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Vacancies
  • Contact Us – Connect With Us
Homebase Tv - Hbtvghana.com
  • Home
  • General News
  • Business News
  • Health
  • Life & Style
  • Politics
    • Press Release
    • Parliament
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • General News
  • Business News
  • Health
  • Life & Style
  • Politics
    • Press Release
    • Parliament
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
Homebase Tv - Hbtvghana.com
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

MATCOH wants suspension of Tobacco Contract between Ghana and UK Security Firm investigated

Tue, Apr 13 2021 7:50 PM
in Health
MATCOH wants suspension of Tobacco Contract between Ghana and UK Security Firm investigated

MATCOH wants suspension of Tobacco Contract between Ghana and UK Security Firm investigated

0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on TelegramShare on Whatsapp
ADVERTISEMENT

The Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH) – a group of media professionals and practitioners dedicated to the fight against the proliferation, use, and smuggling of tobacco and tobacco products, as well as creating awareness of dangers associated with the abuse of the substance want a probe into circumstances that led to the suspension of a contract between the government of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) security printing firm De La Rue.

It would be recalled that in September 2020, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) signed a five-year contract with the UK security printer to create a track-and-trace excise tax stamp system to combat the growling illicit trade in cigarettes, as illicit tobacco products reportedly accounted for about 20-30 percent of total sales in Ghana with over $40million in loses to governments globally.

The deal however went under suspicion and widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and sections of the media when it was revealed that De La Rue also outsourced the contract to Atos – an IT company with strong links to the tobacco industry.

Civil society organizations such as the Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) at the time raised red flags and argued among others that the World Health Organization’s (WHO) fundamental requirements for providers of anti-illicit trade systems is that they are completely independent of the tobacco industry – a sector which has reportedly been found complicit in smuggling its own products.

Read Also:

  • Election Petition2020 : Not Allowing Mahama To Re-open Case Wrong – Ayine
  • Martin Amidu Resigns As Special Prosecutor
  • Watch Video: Only Hardwork Can Help Us To Win Kintampo Seats For The First Time-PCs.

Local media outlets especially the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) raised further red flags suggesting that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) awarded the contract to De La Rue in breach of public procurement regulations and transparency.

In an editorial piece, the B&FT also raised concerns over the GRA’s failure to formally update applicants in due time about the status of their proposals and the Authority’s apparently unjustifiable exclusion of certain competitors. The paper further opined that the GRA’s handling of the contract tender particularly the withholding of information breeds mistrust…ironic for an institution whose core values are fairness, integrity and service.

ReadAbout

No Content Available

There is also a potential conflict of interest situation that is likely to arise in relation to the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which Ghana is a signatory to. The framework contains guidelines and requirements for the implementation of effective tobacco control measures. Key provisions include a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotion; strong health warnings on tobacco packaging that cover at least 50% of the principal display areas; protection from second-hand smoke in all indoor workplaces and public places; and measures to reduce the smuggling of tobacco products.

The treaty also addresses a number of other issues, including the disclosure and regulation of ingredients in tobacco products, sale of tobacco products by or to minors, treatment for tobacco addiction, research and exchange of information among countries, and promoting public awareness.

Article 5.3 of the FCTC states clearly that “In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law”.

Ghana has since domesticated the FCTC with the promulgation of a full chapter in the Public Health Act to tackle tobacco control issues in the country. It is therefore expected that authorities would ensure strict compliance and not entertain any move to coerce them to trade with Big Tobacco.

It was therefore not surprising that given the above issues raised at the time, the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) temporarily suspended the contract.

The saga however underlines the importance of carrying out transparent tender procedures and selecting fully independent unbiased service providers for vital public health initiatives. What however informed the decision of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH) to make this call for an independent probe into the saga is the dead silence of government and all other agencies following the public outcry on the issue eight months ago, making it look as if the matter has been pushed under the carpet. MATCOH is of the strongest view and belief that an independent investigation into this matter will bring the matter to a final end.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh

About Author

c16271dd987343c7ec4ccd40968758b74d64e6d6c084807e9eb8de11a77c1a1d?s=150&d=mm&r=g

hbtvghana

See author's posts

Discover interesting ones too

Ghana records 7 more Mpox cases; total now 170

Ghana records 7 more Mpox cases; total now 170

0
First Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme in Africa launched at UHAS

First Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme in Africa launched at UHAS

0

Ahafo Seinua chief commissions Maternity Block to end pregnant women’s long walks for healthcare

Oranges: A Fresh and Nutritious Choice this Season

Mahama urges youth to lead fight against rising HIV infections

Rotary Club of Accra Ridge unveils plans to boost mental health awareness and community development

Global leaders underscore child protection as foundation of resilient families at SFC 2025

Mahama calls for an end to preventable maternal deaths  

First malaria treatment for babies approved for use

Africa set to advance cancer care as UHAS launches postgraduate certificate programme

  • Ghana and Japan agree to pursue UN Security Council reforms

    Ghana and Japan agree to pursue UN Security Council reforms

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • I resigned because of Prez. Mahama, NDC – former GBA President

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Rastafarian student Oheneba Nkrabea graduates from GIS after Achimota saga

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • We slept in the same bed, but Ken Ofori-Atta’s legacy betrayed our hope – Frank Adu Jnr

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Western Region police arrest 44 suspects in major ‘galamsey’ raid

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow Homebase Tv

  • About Homebase Tv | Hbtvghana.com
  • Advertise
  • Broadcast Live
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Vacancies
  • Contact Us – Connect With Us

© 2014 Total Enjoyment & Proper News

No Result
View All Result

© 2014 Total Enjoyment & Proper News

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.