By Albert Allotey
Accra, Oct. 3, GNA – The Vision for Alternative Development-Ghana (VALD-Ghana) has called on the government to take action to control alcohol consumption in the country to curb the pervasive health and societal harms.
It said while alcohol consumption was often embedded in the cultural and social fabric of society, the increasing rates of alcohol-related communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), road injuries, and social issues in Ghana demanded urgent attention.
“Now, and 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,” the VALD-Ghana stated.
This was in a joint statement by VALD-Ghana and Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) issued by Mr Labram Musah, the Director of Programmes of VALD-Ghana as Ghana joins the world to commemorate the World Alcohol-Free Day 2024.
The Day is on the theme: “Say No to alcohol and Selling alcohol to minors is a crime.”
The commemoration seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol misuse and abuse and the dangers of selling to minors, which could lead to underage and binge drinking.
It would also serve 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 statement said recent research by the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted in partnership with The Lancet, reaffirmed that no amount of alcohol was safe for consumption, and the devastating health impacts of alcohol use could not be overstated.
“Alcohol is a major risk factor for liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders,” it stated, and that 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.
The statement noted that 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,” it said.
It pointed out that a robust regulatory framework was vital for preventing alcohol-related harm and urged 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 the young people and vulnerable populations from exposure to alcohol,” the statement said.
It commended the Ministry of Health through the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Attorney General’s Department as well as the Vision for Alternative Development for defending the FDA’s ban on celebrities 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, and we commend the Supreme Court for upholding public health,” it said.
To this end, the VALD-Ghana, and GhNCDA have called on all sectors of society to renew their commitment to tackle the growing alcohol epidemic as countries commemorate the World Alcohol-Free Day.
“The FDA is playing its part by championing the cause of reducing alcohol consumption. 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,” the statement said.
It stated that: “However, stricter enforcement is required, particularly in curbing underage drinking and addressing the unlawful importation and sale of alcohol products.”
“This year’s World Alcohol-Free Day serves as a poignant reminder that the fight against alcohol-related harm is far from over. Together, we can protect the present and future generations from the scorch of alcohol,” it said.
GNA