The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning on the global dangers of alcohol consumption, revealing that three million people die annually due to alcohol-related causes, equivalent to one death every six minutes. The alarming statistics were highlighted during the 2nd High-Level Stakeholders Meeting on the implementation of Ghana’s National Alcohol Policy (NAP 2016), held in Accra.
According to WHO, alcohol, though widely accepted across cultures, poses significant health risks, contributing to a wide range of diseases, injuries, and premature deaths. The organisation noted that alcohol consumption is responsible for:
- 100% of alcohol use disorders
- 18% of suicides
- 18% of interpersonal violence cases
- 27% of traffic injuries
- 13% of epilepsy cases
- 48% of liver cirrhosis
- 26% of mouth cancers
- 26% of pancreatitis cases
- 20% of tuberculosis
- 11% of colorectal cancer
- 5% of breast cancer
- 7% of hypertensive heart disease
GhanAPA Raises Concerns Over Rising Alcohol-Related Disorders
The meeting, organized by the Alcohol Policy Alliance – Ghana (GhanAPA), brought together key agencies including the Ghana Health Service, Mental Health Authority, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and the National Road Safety Authority.
GhanAPA expressed deep concern about the increasing harm caused by alcohol in the country. Statistics from the Mental Health Authority’s 2023 report revealed:
- 3,765 cases of alcohol-related mental health disorders
- 5,554 cases linked to other psychoactive substances
Furthermore, Ghana’s STEPS Report 2023 indicated that 22.6% of adults aged 18–69 are current drinkers, with consumption higher among men (30.6%) compared to women (14.5%).
A study by the National Road Safety Authority (2014) also identified alcohol as a major contributing factor to road crashes in the country.
Call for Swift Passage of Alcohol Control Regulation
Stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for government action to strengthen Ghana’s alcohol control framework. The meeting echoed commitments made under national policies, including:
- National Health Policy 2020
- National Policy on Non-Communicable Diseases 2022
- National Alcohol Policy 2016
- Excise Duty (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 2023 (Act 1108)
GhanAPA reminded government of its mandate under the Public Health Act 851 (2012), which instructs the Minister of Health to collaborate with relevant institutions to develop and implement a Legislative Instrument to curb alcohol-related harm.
Stakeholders Demand Multi-Sectoral Action
In a declaration, participants called for:
- Comprehensive implementation of the National Alcohol Policy 2016
- Passage of the draft National Alcohol Control Regulations into law
- Protection of public health policies from commercial and vested interests
- Sustainable financing from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and Parliament to ensure proper enforcement of alcohol regulations
Stakeholders insisted that firm, coordinated action is required to safeguard public health, reduce alcohol-related deaths, and promote national wellness in line with Ghana’s Reset Agenda: Building the Ghana We Want Together.
