The Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH) has extended its warm congratulations to Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana), for receiving the prestigious 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award.
Mr. Musah, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, was recognized by the WHO for his remarkable commitment and contributions to tobacco control and public health in Ghana and on the international stage.
In a statement issued by the Communication Directorate of the Alliance, MATCOH described the award as a well-deserved honour and applauded Mr. Musah’s relentless advocacy to protect current and future generations from the dangers of tobacco and other health-threatening products.
“Mr. Musah’s recognition by the World Health Organization is a testament to his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to tobacco control and public health in Ghana and beyond,” MATCOH said.
The Alliance also expressed confidence in the continued collaboration with Mr. Musah, his organizations, and partners in pushing forward the national public health agenda.
A Champion for Health
Mr. Musah has long been known in public health circles for his innovative leadership and strategic advocacy. At the helm of VAST-Ghana, he has led impactful campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco use, particularly among youth and vulnerable communities. His efforts have included pushing for stronger anti-tobacco legislation, community education, and youth-focused outreach initiatives.
Through his role with the Ghana NCD Alliance, Mr. Musah has also championed a multisectoral approach to tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rallying civil society, health professionals, and policymakers around shared strategies to address risk factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, harmful alcohol use, and tobacco consumption.
His leadership has helped shape policies and build coalitions that are making a real difference in Ghana’s fight against NCDs and tobacco-related harm.
The WHO World No Tobacco Day Award is one of the highest honours in global tobacco control, presented annually to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing tobacco control policies and awareness.