Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed the removal of alcoholic energy drinks from the market, citing growing evidence of serious health risks associated with mixing alcohol and stimulants.
The decision follows a post-registration review of beverages containing both depressants, such as alcohol, and stimulants including caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng and guarana.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the regulator said the assessment was conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which empowers the authority to enforce standards to protect public health and safety.
The FDA said international and regional regulatory precedents were taken into account, noting that several countries have restricted, suspended or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to associated public health concerns.
According to the authority, scientific and public health evidence links the combined consumption of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviour, particularly among young people and unsuspecting consumers.
The review’s findings were supported by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, including its Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
As a result, importers, manufacturers and distributors have been instructed to clear all such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026. The FDA said no sanctions would be applied if the directive is complied with within the stipulated period.
However, the authority warned that non-compliant products would face regulatory action after the deadline, including withdrawal from the market. The directive takes immediate effect.
Manufacturers have also been ordered to reformulate their products to comply strictly with approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories.
The FDA said it remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety, quality and regulatory standards.
Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the authority for investigation and enforcement action.
