Makola ‘Cigarette Toffee’ Seller Arrested, FDA Seizes Products

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has arrested a trader at the Makola Market in Accra and seized a candy product known as Cigarette Rod Lollipop, locally referred to as “cigarette toffee,” during an enforcement operation over concerns about its sale and cigarette-like presentation.

The operation took place on August 29, 2026, following complaints and social media posts that raised concerns about the presence of the products on the Ghanaian market. FDA officials visited parts of the busy market where the products were reportedly being sold and took action against traders suspected of dealing in the items.

In a Facebook post, the FDA confirmed that the products had been seized and that one suspect had been arrested in connection with their sale.

“The FDA with support from the Ghana police and National Security has carried out an enforcement exercise at the Makola market following complaints and social media posts concerning a cigarette-shaped candy on sale on the Ghanaian market.

The exercise resulted in the seizure of these products and an arrest of a suspect. The FDA is committed to ensuring that regulated products on our markets are safe for the general public,” it stated.

The enforcement action was also captured in a video reported by Adom TV. The footage showed some traders attempting to defend the product and insisting that it was harmless.

One trader caught selling the “cigarette toffee” expressed frustration over the arrest, shouting in Twi, “It is toffee, just toffee and we are being arrested, just toffee, Ghana is spoilt.”

Despite the trader’s defence, the FDA said its action was based on regulations governing the depiction and advertising of tobacco and tobacco-related products in Ghana.

The Authority explained that such depiction and advertising are prohibited under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2247).

According to the FDA, the regulations prohibit the advertisement and depiction of tobacco and related products both in the media and at points of sale.

The FDA said the cigarette-like appearance of the candy and its potential appeal to children were among the concerns behind the enforcement action.

The seized products are expected to undergo further investigation to determine whether they contravene the country’s public health and regulatory requirements. The outcome will guide the appropriate action against those involved in their sale.

The Authority has urged traders to comply with existing regulations and ensure that products offered for sale are approved.

The FDA further said it will continue to take enforcement action against products and practices that violate Ghana’s public health and regulatory requirements.