Public health advocacy group Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) has called on the Government of Ghana and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to urgently ban alcohol sold in sachets and miniature bottles, citing growing public health risks, especially to children and vulnerable groups.

In a press statement dated 6 February 2026, VAST-Ghana commended Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for enforcing a nationwide ban on sachet alcohol and small bottles under 200ml, despite strong opposition from the alcohol industry.

The group described Nigeria’s action as a bold and necessary step that prioritises public health over commercial interests.

VAST-Ghana warned that sachet and miniature alcohol products, often containing high alcohol content, are inexpensive, easy to conceal, and readily accessible to minors, contributing to early alcohol use, addiction and long-term health complications. The organisation noted that Ghana’s FDA already has the legal authority under the Public Health Act (Act 851) to impose a similar ban through administrative action.

The group also welcomed the government’s plan to introduce an Alcohol Control Regulations Bill, announced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, aimed at tightening restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion, particularly those targeting young people.

VAST-Ghana urged authorities to build on this momentum by banning sachet alcohol, integrating the WHO’s SAFER technical package into national policy, finalising alcohol regulations, and limiting alcohol industry interference in public health decision-making.

According to the group, evidence from countries such as Uganda and Malawi shows that banning sachet alcohol reduces harmful consumption without damaging the economy, while protecting public health and future human capital.