World Alcohol-Free Day 2024: Urgent call to liberate ourselves from alcohol consumption and accelerate action on alcohol control in Ghana

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 The theme highlights that the outdated and harmful alcohol norm is not good enough for people. It belongs to a long-gone century. In the 21st century, people around the world expect more from our social environments, norms, activities, from our interactions, events, and culture than pushing alcohol all the time, everywhere.

As we mark World Alcohol-Free Day, 2024, Movendi International has emphazised that we expect more from the environments we live, work, play, and party in.

In addition, we expect:

• More family time liberated from
• More social connections liberated from
• More celebrations liberated from
• More bars and restaurants liberated from
• More dates liberated from
• More nightlife liberated from
• More sports liberated from
• More social media liberated from
• More holidays liberated from

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. While alcohol consumption is often embedded in our cultural and social fabric, the increasing rates of alcohol- related communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), road injuries, and social issues in Ghana demand urgent attention. This highlights the pressing 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.

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

Since the launch of the National Alcohol Policy in 2016, Ghana has made some strides towards alcohol control. However, the implementation of this policy has been inconsistent, and the full potential of its impact is yet to be realized. A robust regulatory framework is vital for preventing alcohol-related harm, and this is why we are urging the Ministry of Health and other key partners to fast-track the development of the draft National Alcohol Regulation. 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 normalization 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. 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.

On this World Alcohol-Free Day, the Vision for Alternative Development, the Ghana NCD Alliance, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development and other CSOs are calling for renewed commitment from all sectors of society to tackle the growing alcohol epidemic. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has played a pivotal role in championing this cause and must continue to stay resolute in its campaign to reduce alcohol consumption. Their work in enforcing current policies, including ban on well-known celebrates, 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.

Collaboration with traditional and religious leaders is essential in this effort, by leveraging their influence on children and the youth to change behaviors and misconceptions about alcohol use and its negative effects. These leaders serve as change agents in their communities and role models to the younger generation, hence the high probability of making a positive impact to reduce alcohol consumption and protect public health.

We like to commend the Ministry of Health through the Food and Drugs Authority and the Attorney Generals Department as well as the Vision for Alternative Development for defending the FDAs ban on celebrites and well-known personalities from alcohol advertisement, in the recent Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the ban on celebrities and public figures promoting alcohol products. This ruling sets a strong precedent for responsible advertising and sends a clear signal that the health and safety of our people come first. We would like to also commend the Supreme Court for upholding public health.

Most of us are tired of alcohol companies pushing alcohol on us all the time and everywhere. Finally, many more people “expect more” and want more healthy, more inclusive, and welcoming social norms than the oppressive alcohol norm.

By liberating ourselves from alcohol consumption, we do not only reduce to a large extent alcohol-related diseases and NCDs but also achieve the broader goals of Universal Health Coverage and sustainable development.

Issued by:

Labram M. Musah

Executive Director of Programs, Vision for Alternative Development/ Ghana NCD Alliance 0243211854

For more information contact:

Rhoda Mingle

Communication Officer, Vision for Alternative Development/Ghana NCD Alliance 0241136371