CSOs push for stronger alcohol control measures (2)

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are calling for renewed commitment from all sectors of society to tackle the growing alcohol epidemic.

 They are the Vision for Alternative Development, the Ghana NCD Alliance, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, among others.

They believe the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has played a pivotal role in championing the cause and must continue to stay resolute in its campaign to reduce alcohol consumption.

A release issued and signed by the Executive Director of Programmes, Vision for Alternative Development/ Ghana NCD Alliance, Labram M. Musah, said “their work in enforcing current policies, including ban on well-known celebrities, restrictions on alcohol advertising on TV and radio among others, has laid the foundation for broader reforms.

However, stricter enforcement is required, particularly in curbing underage drinking and addressing the unlawful importation and sale of alcohol products.”

World Alcohol-Free Day 2024

The call comes as Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Alcohol-Free Day 2024, under the theme “Expect More”.

The theme highlights that the outdated and harmful alcohol norm is not good enough for people as it belongs to a long gone century.

The Day seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol misuse and abuse and the dangers of selling alcohol to minors which could lead to underage and binge drinking.

It also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing the pervasive health and social harms associated with alcohol consumption around the world including Ghana, with children and young people being at greater risk.

The release said while alcohol consumption was often embedded in Ghana’s cultural and social fabric, the increasing rates of alcohol-related communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), road injuries, and social issues in the country demands urgent attention. 

“There is the need for all stakeholders to liberate people, especially children, young people, and the family as a whole, from alcohol.

Now, more than ever, we must act to protect our children and young people, our communities, and the future of our nation from the health consequences of alcohol consumption and exposure to alcohol beverages,” it said.

Recent research from the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted in partnership with The Lancet, reaffirms that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption, and the devastating health impacts of alcohol use cannot be overstated.

Also, alcohol is a major risk factor for liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders.

The release said in Ghana, the alarming rise in NCDs such as these can be directly linked to the widespread availability and use of health-harming products, including alcohol.

It said since the launch of the National Alcohol Policy in 2016, Ghana has made some strides towards alcohol control.

However, the implementation of the policy has been inconsistent, such that the full potential of its impact is yet to be realised.

Robust regulatory framework

According to the release a robust regulatory framework is vital for preventing alcohol-related harm, highlighting the need for the Ministry of Health and other key partners to fast-track the development of the draft National Alcohol Regulation.

It said this regulation, once passed, will provide clear guidelines on the marketing, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Ghana, particularly focusing on protecting children, young people and vulnerable populations from exposure to alcohol.

“It is important to note that the reality on the ground tells a different story. Alcohol is present at nearly every social event in Ghana, from weddings and funerals to celebrations and festivals, with young people increasingly taking to drinking at an alarming rate.

This normalisation of alcohol use, coupled with aggressive marketing and easy access to alcohol, has created a dangerous environment where the health risks associated with drinking are often overlooked or ignored. It is crucial to note that people don’t want alcohol to dominate every environment, every social event, every cultural practice and family gathering,” it said.

“More importantly, people don’t want to be pressured to consume alcohol when in actual fact they don’t want and don’t like it, or have other preferences and values,” the release added.