To ensure that non-smokers are protected from the harmful effect of tobacco smoke, the Food and Drugs Authority emphasised that the ban on smoking in all Public Places, is still in force.According a release by the FDB, “tobacco smoke is known scientifically to contain over 7000 chemicals, seventy of which cause cancer and affects all parts of the human body. Those who inhale the smoke are exposed to all these chemicals and are at risk of the adverse health consequences of these chemicals.”The authority has therefore reminded the general public about Section 58 of the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, which states that “A person shall not smoke tobacco or a tobacco product or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed or indoor area of a work place, or any other public place except in a designated area.”The Act mentioned the public place to include but not limited to the following places: All workplaces - factories, offices; restaurants, pubs; places where children are cared for; health and educational institutions; cinemas, shopping malls , markets; recreational areas (both open and closed), stadiums; public transport vehicles; transport terminals; and places of collective use.“All persons in charge of places where smoking is prohibited are required to post signs that clearly indicate that the establishment is a ‘no smoking’ area. All persons who do not comply with this legal requirement will attract sanctions including fines and/or imprisonment.”Ban on Smoking in Public PlacesThe Food and Drugs Authority wishes to bring to the attention of general public the ban on smoking in all Public Places.This is to ensure that non-smokers are protected from the tobacco smoke from smokers considering the overwhelming evidence of the harmful effects of breathing tobacco smoke.Tobacco smoke is known scientifically to contain over 7000 chemicals, seventy of which cause cancer and affects all parts of the human body. Those who inhale the smoke are exposed to all these chemicals and are at risk of the adverse health consequences of these chemicals.Consequently, Part Six of the Public Health Act 2012 was enacted to protect the public against the harmful effects of tobaccoSection 58 of the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, states that “A person shall not smoke tobacco or a tobacco product or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed or indoor area of a work place, or any other public place except in a designated area” The Act further mentioned the public place to include but not limited to the following places: • All workplaces: factories, offices, • restaurants, pubs, • places where children are cared for • health and educational institutions • cinemas, shopping malls , markets • recreational areas (both open and closed), stadiums • public transport vehicles • transport terminals • places of collective useAdditionally, the general public is to note that secondhand smokers are predisposed to all the harmful effects of tobacco use, which include heart diseases, lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory tract infections, severe asthma attack in children and many other diseases.All persons in charge of places where smoking is prohibited are required to post signs that clearly indicate that the establishment is a ‘no smoking’ area. All persons who do not comply with this legal requirement will attract sanctions including fines and/or imprisonment.The general public is further advised not to hesitate to report to the FDA any person or facility found flouting this directive through any of the following numbers 0244612573, 0208204968, 0244571563, 0246809509 or 0244337235 or may report to the police.DR. STEPHEN K. OPUNI CHIEF EXECUTIVE