Urgent Call for National Alcohol Control Strategy in Ghana
The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana (VAST-Ghana) has issued a strong appeal to the government, urging immediate adoption and implementation of the WHO SAFER Technical Package as the nation’s alcohol control strategy. The organization emphasized that this step is crucial not only for public health but also for the overall development of the country.
In addition to implementing the SAFER framework, VAST-Ghana called on the government to accelerate the completion of the draft National Alcohol Regulations. This move aims to ensure better regulation of alcohol consumption and protect the lives of citizens.
According to Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of VAST-Ghana, adopting the SAFER framework is both a moral and developmental necessity. He stated that the SAFER initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitments under the WHO Global Strategy and the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2030.
Key Areas of Action
The Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030 outlines ten key areas for action and intervention to prevent and reduce alcohol harm. Among these, the Three Best Buys in alcohol policy are highlighted: regulating availability, affordability, and marketing. One of the areas focuses on “Community Action,” where Movendi International recommends specific policy options and interventions.
These interventions include mobilizing communities to prevent the sale of alcohol to underage individuals and to develop and support alcohol-free environments, especially for youth and other at-risk groups. Implementing these measures could lead to significant benefits, including saving lives, strengthening the health system, improving productivity, reducing non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths and illnesses, and minimizing economic losses caused by alcohol-related harm.
Policy Recommendations
VAST-Ghana urged the government to review and increase excise taxes on all alcohol beverages. It recommended applying specific rates based on alcohol content and regularly adjusting them for inflation and income growth. Additionally, the organization called for the introduction of minimum unit pricing to prevent the sale of very cheap, high-strength alcohol beverages.
Another critical recommendation involves strengthening drink-driving countermeasures. This includes lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 per cent to 0.05 per cent for all drivers and introducing zero tolerance for young and novice drivers. The organization also suggested implementing roadside sobriety checkpoints and random breath testing to enhance road safety.
Protecting Public Health Integrity
VAST-Ghana emphasized the need to enact and enforce a comprehensive ban on alcohol industry sponsorship and involvement in public education and road safety campaigns. This measure is intended to prevent conflicts of interest and protect public health integrity.
Rising Concerns Over Alcohol Consumption
In Ghana, alcohol consumption patterns have become increasingly pervasive, particularly among children and young people, women, and low-income communities. There is evidence of increased availability, affordability, and aggressive marketing of alcohol products.
According to the Ghana STEPwise Survey, over 30 per cent of adults in Ghana consume alcohol. An observation by VAST-Ghana revealed that children as young as 10 years old are exposed to alcohol at all levels.
Impact on Public Health and Society
Alcohol consumption in Ghana continues to impose a growing public health and social burden. It contributes to premature deaths, road traffic crashes and injuries, domestic violence against women and children, lower chances of success in school, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health conditions.