World Alcohol-Free Day 2024: Call for Urgent Action on Alcohol Control in Ghana

As Ghana joins the global community in commemorating World Alcohol-Free Day 2024, stakeholders are sounding the alarm on the growing health and social dangers of alcohol misuse. This year’s theme, “Say No to alcohol and selling alcohol to minors is a crime,” highlights the risks associated with underage drinking and the urgent need to address the broader health impacts of alcohol consumption in Ghana.

With increasing alcohol-related health conditions like communicable and non-communicable diseases, road accidents, and social issues, experts stress that immediate action is required to protect the nation’s youth and future. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored that no amount of alcohol is safe, linking its consumption to severe health risks such as liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and mental health issues.

Since the introduction of Ghana’s National Alcohol Policy in 2016, progress has been made in alcohol control. However, implementation has been inconsistent, limiting the full potential of the policy. The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) and the Ghana NCD Alliance are now urging the Ministry of Health to expedite the passing of the draft National Alcohol Regulation, which will enforce stricter rules on alcohol marketing and sales, especially to protect minors.

Labram M. Musah, the Executive Director of Vision for Alternative Development, praised the recent Supreme Court ruling supporting the ban on celebrities endorsing alcohol products, stating that it sets a strong precedent for responsible advertising. Despite these advancements, alcohol continues to be deeply embedded in Ghana’s social culture, from weddings to festivals, often leading to a rise in underage drinking.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has been instrumental in pushing for responsible alcohol advertising and reducing consumption. However, calls for stricter enforcement of existing laws, particularly concerning underage drinking, remain critical. Public health campaigns are also seen as essential to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol, especially its link to diseases like cancer and diabetes.

This year’s World Alcohol-Free Day is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collaboration across sectors—government, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and international partners—to combat the growing alcohol epidemic. Efforts such as the WHO’s SAFER initiative and the Global Alcohol Action Plan offer a pathway to achieving sustainable health goals and reducing alcohol-related harm in Ghana.

Labram M. Musah and the Ghana NCD Alliance are committed to ensuring that current and future generations are protected from the harmful effects of alcohol, stressing that with collective action, the fight against alcohol-related harm can be won.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh