Audio By Carbonatix
Cameroon has banned the smoking of shisha pipes, saying it poses a health risk to the mostly young people who use it in bars and at home.
About 46% of young Cameroonians smoke the substance according to the health ministry - which is typically a mix of tobacco, molasses, glycerine and flavourings.
Doctors say there is a "misconception" that shishas are not as harmful as cigarettes and the British Heart Foundation says an hour-long shisha session can be the equivalent of smoking more than 100 cigarettes.
"Traditionally shisha tobacco contains cigarette tobacco, so like cigarettes it contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead," it says.
In recent years shisha has also been banned in Tanzania as well as Sudan - though the ban there has been reversed and reintroduced several times since.
Latest Stories
-
Dad unlawfully killed daughter in Texas shooting, coroner rules
3 hours -
Anas wins 7 – 0 as SC unanimously rejects attempts to reverse judgment in his favour
4 hours -
The cocoa conundrum: Why Ghana’s farmers are poor despite making the world’s best chocolate
5 hours -
Powerful cyclone kills at least 31 as it tears through Madagascar port
5 hours -
GoldBod summons 6 gold service providers over compliance exercise
6 hours -
Power disruption expected in parts of Accra West as ECG conducts maintenance
6 hours -
Police investigate alleged arson attack at Alpha Hour Church
6 hours -
Heavy Sunday downpour wrecks Denyaseman SHS, schools, communities in Bekwai Municipality
6 hours -
Ridge Hospital is in critical condition – GMTF Boss appeals to corporate Ghana
6 hours -
Introduce long term measures to tackle challenges in cocoa sector – IERPP to government
7 hours -
Agricultural Economist proposes blended financing model to support cocoa sector
7 hours -
NPP MP warns against reducing producer price as government rolls out cocoa reforms
7 hours -
Tano North MP urges halt to grain exports over food glut
7 hours -
Farmers hopeful as government moves to expedite cocoa payments
8 hours -
Tensions at Agbogbloshie market women oppose AMA drain cleaning exercise, items confiscated
8 hours