Togo: Smoking in public places is banned

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Extract from the article: The ban on smoking in public places is a public health measure put in place in Togo to protect the health of non-smokers and to reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases. This measure adopted since

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The ban on smoking in public places is a public health measure put in place in Togo to protect the health of non-smokers and to reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases. This measure adopted since 2010 is violated by many citizens who smoke. Faced with the dangers that non-compliance represents for public health, the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Health Care, Professor Moustapha Mijiyawa, is raising his voice against those who refuse to comply with the ban on smoking in public places. In a press release issued on 1 February 2023, he reminds the public of the ban on smoking in public places in Togo.

« It has been noted that the consumption of tobacco, in all its forms, is on the increase with the result that the directives and bans issued by the Government are not being respected. These include Law No. 2010-017 of 31/12/2010 and Decree No. 2012-046/PR of 11 July 2012 banning smoking in public places », the statement said.

Modern medicine has demonstrated a plethora of serious diseases related to smoking. Diseases that do not only affect active smokers, but also so-called « passive » smokers, i.e. those exposed to the smoke of consumers. This is the reason why several countries, including Togo, have banned smoking in public places.

The Government reminds the public that these provisions remain in force. Non-compliance with these provisions exposes the offender to the rigours of the law. Smoking exposes people to a number of diseases, including cancer of the lung, throat, mouth, lips, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and uterus.

Arnaud KONDO