The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of beverages that combine alcohol with stimulants to remove such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.
The affected products include mixed drinks containing alcohol alongside substances such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana. The directive follows a post-registration review conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
According to the Authority, the review evaluated the safety profile and regulatory compliance of these beverages, drawing on international and regional precedents where similar products have been restricted, suspended, or banned due to public health concerns.
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Scientific findings indicate that combining alcohol with stimulants may mask intoxication levels, increasing the risk of excessive consumption, harmful health outcomes, and adverse psychosocial behaviours, particularly among young people and unsuspecting consumers.
The assessment was supported by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition.
Manufacturers are required to reformulate their products to comply with approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as distinct categories.
The FDA cautioned that any affected products remaining on the market after the March 2026 deadline will face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal.