Ghana 'to ban' shisha

Ghana is set to ban the smoking of water-pipe tobacco, commonly known as shisha, by the middle of this year, a health official has said, Citifmonline reports.

According to the website, Divine Darlington, from the health ministry, says research by the Ghana Health Service had shown one puff from shisha tube was the equivalent of a whole cigarette.

He said the research revealed the rate of smoking shisha and e-cigarettes among young people has shot up to 5.3%, higher than the traditional use of tobacco which stands at 2.8%, Citifmonline reports. .

Kenya's health ministry banned shisha in December, citing health concerns.

Its health ministry said that violators of the ban would be held liable for a minimum fine of $490 (£346) or imprisonment of up to six months.

Tanzania and Rwanda have also banned shisha.