The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) has called on the government to ban alcohol in sachets in Ghana, to safeguard public health, especially among children.

It said, “These small, inexpensive, and easy-to-hide packages make high-strength alcohol (often 43 per cent or more) easily accessible to underage users, including school children who can conceal them in pockets.”

It added, “This situation leads to alcohol abuse, addiction, physiological damage such as liver damage, even from small amounts, and long-term health problems, as early exposure is particularly harmful to developing bodies.”

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency by Labram Musah, the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana, urged the government to emulate the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The NAFDAC, like Ghana’s Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA), has shown a strong commitment to public health by enforcing the ban on sachet alcohol and small bottles under 200ml nationwide.

“By acting decisively, NAFDAC has shown that safeguarding the public, especially children and minors, from early alcohol exposure requires strong regulatory enforcement rather than just words,” the statement pointed out, adding that, “Nigeria’s ban directly tackles the ‘affordability gap’ exploited by the alcohol industry.”

The statement said it was important that Ghana’s FDA recognised that, as a regulatory agency, it was part of its functions to create and enforce safety, as it already has the legal authority under the Public Health Act (ACT 851).

“This will avoid lengthy parliamentary debates, which the industry often uses to delay action,” it stated, adding, “The FDA has activated the mandate ascribed to them via the Act 851 to ban well-known personalities from alcohol advertisement, restrict adverts on radio and television, among others.”

The statement commended the Authority for its bold actions; however reiterated the call by CSOs to ban alcohol in sachets and miniature bottles and that the measure was long overdue, and the time to act is now.

The VAST-Ghana also applauded Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, for the announcement of the government’s plan to introduce the Alcohol Control Regulation Bill in Parliament when he briefed the media on February 3, 2026.

He stated that, “The proposed legislation aims to protect public health, particularly young people, by curbing excessive exposure to alcohol promotions.

“The Bill will set clear guidelines for marketing alcohol products, including restrictions on broadcast times, sponsorships, and promotional activities that target vulnerable groups, including children.”

It urged the Government and FDA to build on the momentum by urgently banning alcohol in sachets and miniature bottles while also supporting the finalisation of the alcohol regulations.