Accra, Feb. 27 – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed all producers, importers and distributors of beverages that combine alcohol with stimulants to remove such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.
The Authority indicated that companies complying within the deadline would not face penalties. However, any products that remain on the market beyond that period will be subject to enforcement actions, including compulsory withdrawal. The directive is already in force.
According to the FDA, the decision follows a comprehensive post-registration review of beverages that mix alcohol—a depressant—with stimulants such as caffeine, ginseng, guarana, inositol and glucuronolactone. The assessment found that these combinations present notable health risks to consumers.
The Authority also considered international regulatory trends, noting that several jurisdictions have already imposed restrictions or outright bans on alcoholic energy drinks due to similar safety concerns.
Citing its mandate under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012, the FDA stated that the move is intended to uphold public health and safety standards.
It explained that increasing scientific evidence links the intake of such mixed beverages to harmful health outcomes and risky behavioural patterns, particularly among young people and other vulnerable groups.
The conclusions of the review were validated by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, including its Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
Manufacturers have consequently been advised to reformulate their products so they fall clearly within approved categories—either as alcoholic beverages or as energy drinks, but not both combined.
The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety standards across the food and beverage sector and urged the public to report any non-compliant products for further investigation.
GHBUSS
27 FEB 2026
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