Accra: The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) has called on the Ghanaian government to implement a ban on alcohol sold in sachets, emphasizing the need to safeguard public health, particularly among children. These small, affordable packages often contain high-strength alcohol, making them easily accessible to underage users, including school children who can easily conceal them.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana, Mr. Labram Musah, urged the government to take cues from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has enforced a nationwide ban on sachet alcohol and small bottles under 200ml. The statement highlighted that NAFDAC's decisive action serves as a model, addressing the affordability gap exploited by the alcohol industry and protecting young people from early alcohol exposure.
The statement also pointed out that Ghana's Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) has the legal authority under the Public Health Act (ACT 851) to enforce safety regulations without lengthy parliamentary debates. The FDA has already taken steps to restrict alcohol advertising by banning well-known personalities from promotions and limiting broadcast times.
VAST-Ghana commended the FDA for its bold actions and reiterated the call to ban alcohol in sachets and miniature bottles. The organization also applauded Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament, for announcing the introduction of the Alcohol Control Regulation Bill. This proposed legislation aims to protect public health by setting clear guidelines for alcohol marketing and promotions, especially targeting vulnerable groups like children.
The statement urged the Ghanaian Government and FDA to build on this momentum by banning alcohol in sachets and supporting the finalization of alcohol regulations. It emphasized the importance of aligning with regional leaders such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Malawi in protecting citizens from aggressive alcohol marketing and risky packaging.
VAST-Ghana's call is backed by the World Health Organization's Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and the SAFER technical package. The organization stressed the necessity of implementing the 'S' pillar, which involves strengthening restrictions on alcohol availability.
Citing research published in BMC Public Health, the statement highlighted a concerning trend: alcohol is now the most used substance among Ghanaian students, with initiation ages dropping as low as 10 years. The normalization of sachet alcohol in public spaces, including transport terminals and near schools, poses a significant risk to the youth and national security.
The statement called on the FDA to exercise its regulatory power to ban the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles. It also urged the establishment of stringent conflict-of-interest guidelines to prevent alcohol industry interference in public health policymaking and the adoption of the National Alcohol Regulations.
VAST-Ghana emphasized that protecting public health through decisive policy is preventive, progressive, and pragmatic, asserting that the health of Ghanaians is fundamental to the nation's productivity. By banning sachet alcohol and adopting comprehensive control measures, Ghana could build a healthier, wealthier, and more resilient future.