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In a sweeping regulatory crackdown, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered a total market clearance of all mixed drinks containing alcohol combined with stimulants, declaring them a threat to public health and safety.
The directive, contained in a formal notice signed and released on February 25, 2026, follows an exhaustive post-registration review of products that blend depressant substances—namely alcohol—with stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana.
The decision effectively bans from Ghanaian shops and bars the popular but controversial category often referred to as alcoholic energy drinks.
The FDA's review, conducted under the enabling powers of Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), examined both international regulatory precedents and emerging scientific evidence. The Authority noted that several countries have already taken steps to restrict, suspend, or entirely prohibit such products due to their associated dangers.
"The assessment took into account international and regional regulatory precedents, where several countries have restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to their associated public health risks," the statement read.
The findings painted a worrying picture of the products' impact, particularly on vulnerable demographics.
"Growing scientific and public health evidence link the combined consumption of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours. This is found particularly among the youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers," the FDA warned.
The Authority revealed that its conclusions were reinforced by the technical expertise of its Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition, which supported the need for urgent regulatory intervention.
In a move offering industry players a brief window to comply, the FDA has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of these hybrid beverages to clear their existing stock from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026. During this period, the Authority stated that no sanctions would be applied, allowing for an orderly withdrawal.
However, the notice makes clear that this forbearance is temporary. Companies that fail to meet the deadline will face the full weight of regulatory action.
"Beyond this deadline, non-compliant products will attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal from the market," the FDA stated. "This directive takes effect immediately."
For manufacturers and producers attached to these product lines, the path forward requires a fundamental rethink of their recipes. The FDA has mandated that companies wishing to remain in the beverage sector must re-formulate their offerings to conform strictly to the approved standards for Alcoholic Beverages and Energy Drinks as entirely separate product categories.
This means the once-popular practice of merging the two into a single can or bottle is now officially outlawed in Ghana.
The FDA framed the ban within its broader constitutional mandate.
"The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market meet approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards," the Authority affirmed.
Consumers have also been enlisted in the enforcement effort. The FDA encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products for necessary investigation and action, providing contact channels for such reports.
