VAST-Ghana advocates for a ban on alcohol industry sponsorship in school-based activities, emphasizing the need for decisive action from health stakeholders. The organization recommends an immediate directive to prohibit alcohol industry involvement in school events and educational programs, drawing from national policies and global best practices, including the WHO SAFER Technical Package. This call to action is rooted in the concern that alcohol industry sponsorship often disguises itself as corporate social responsibility, exploiting young people for profit while normalizing alcohol consumption and delaying effective policy action. A statement by Mr. Laram Musah, the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana, highlights the violation of FDA Guidelines on Advertisement of Regulated Products and the undermining of public health efforts to combat alcohol harm among vulnerable youth. Despite alcohol companies' claims of educating on 'risky behaviors', VAST-Ghana argues that these efforts serve as greenwashing, downplaying harms and emphasizing 'responsible' drinking over abstinence. The organization underscores the severe public health crisis posed by alcohol use in Ghana, contributing to premature deaths, non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, and social issues like domestic violence and lower academic success. The Ghana STEPS Survey 2023 reveals alarming statistics, with 22.6% of adults aged 18-69 being current drinkers, and rates rising among younger demographics. Among school-going adolescents, 12.6% report current alcohol use, with a significant lifetime prevalence in a population where 22.1% are minors. Heavy episodic drinking affects 2.5% of adults, with early onset as low as 1.0% in the 18-29 group. Per capita alcohol consumption has surged, with heavy drinkers averaging 20 litres annually. VAST-Ghana recommends implementing WHO guidelines on conflict of interest in alcohol control policies and analyzing industry-funded school-based youth education programs. They urge authorities to halt ongoing alcohol industry-led educational campaigns and establish clear conflict-of-interest guidelines, excluding alcohol industry actors from public health policy development and youth education programs. A comprehensive, evidence-based alcohol education, developed and delivered by government health and education agencies without industry involvement, should be integrated into the national curriculum. Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms is crucial to detect and prevent alcohol industry infiltration of schools through sponsorship, donations, or educational partnerships. VAST-Ghana emphasizes the government's responsibility to educate children on health-related matters, free from entities with fundamental conflicts of interest. These actions align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 and SDG 4, ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for children. VAST-Ghana offers collaboration with government partners, development agencies, and communities to roll out genuine educational and awareness campaigns on alcohol use and related health harms, free from industry interference.
