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
-
Salah-Mane rivalry renewed in AFCON semi-finals
5 hours -
What does Trump’s foreign policy mean for World Cup?
5 hours -
Carrick confirmed as Man Utd caretaker head coach
5 hours -
CPS & JoyNews to hold public lecture on Ghana’s move to back currency with gold
6 hours -
Africa Education Watch supports calls for review of SHS teachers’ manual, curricula over gender controversy
6 hours -
Ntim Fordjour demands review of SHS teachers’ manual over gender controversy
6 hours -
GCB Bank hands over renovated dormitory to TAMASCO
6 hours -
Nkyinkyim Band to headline Ghana Independence celebration in London
7 hours -
NPP leadership has lost touch with grassroot – Dr Nyaho-Tamekloe
7 hours -
IGP’s Team nabs drug suspects in Tamale swoop; seizes cash, narcotics
7 hours -
NaCCA revises teacher manual, withdraws ‘gender definition’ content deemed contrary to Ghanaian values
7 hours -
Ntim Fordjour condemns gov’t over gender definition in curriculum
8 hours -
NPP must develop thick skin for criticism – Dr Asah-Asante
8 hours -
Auditor-General raises alarm over 2,000+ weapon interceptions at airports
8 hours -
Motorists lament years of faulty traffic lights at Poku Transport Junction
8 hours