The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed the immediate removal of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants from the Ghanaian market, citing growing public health concerns.
In a public notice, the Authority announced that it had completed a post-registration review of alcoholic beverages combined with stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana.
The review referenced international and regional regulatory actions, noting that several countries have restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to associated health risks.
According to the FDA, scientific and public health evidence links the combined consumption of alcohol, a depressant, and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours, particularly among youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.
The assessment was conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and was supported by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
As a result, the Authority has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of such products to clear them from the market by the end of March 2026 without facing sanctions.
After the deadline, non-compliant products will be subject to regulatory action, including withdrawal from the market.
The directive takes immediate effect. Manufacturers have also been instructed to reformulate their products to comply strictly with approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate categories.
The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products for investigation and enforcement action.
