FDA seizes over 2,100 banned alcoholic energy drinks in Western North Region

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) office in the Western North Region has seized 2,151 cans, equivalent to about 89 cartons of banned alcoholic energy drinks containing stimulants during a market surveillance operation.

The seizure was carried out by the FDA's Market Surveillance Team with support from the Ghana Police Service at Asawinso and Dwenase in the Wiawso Municipality; Awaso and Bibiani in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality; and Juaboso in the Juaboso District.

The confiscated products included Bullet Vodka Drink, Vody Vodka Mixed Drink, Cody's Vodka Energy Drink, Jojo Carbonated Vodka Mix, and Bel Ice Vodka Energy Mix Drink.

Mr Albert Ankomah, the Western North Regional Director of the FDA, told the Ghana News Agency that the exercise followed a directive issued earlier this month by the Director of Regional Operations.

He said the directive was aimed at ascertaining whether alcoholic drinks mixed with stimulants were still being sold on the Ghanaian market, particularly in the Western North region, after the FDA had ordered importers, manufacturers and distributors to clear such products by the end of March 2026.

Mr Ankomah said the operation was intended to remove the prohibited products from the market and to educate traders on the ban.

He commended the Narcotics Control Commission for its collaboration and efforts towards ridding the market of the drinks.

The Regional Director cautioned media owners and managers to ensure they obtained advertisement permits from the FDA before airing product adverts, stressing that media houses and manufacturers that advertised products without FDA approval were liable to a fine of GH¢25,000.

He advised retailers to desist from selling alcoholic energy mixed drinks, describing the practice as illegal, and urged manufacturers to rebrand their products to avoid sanctions.

Mr Ankomah said the exercise would be sustained across the region to remove all unauthorised drinks and related products from the market.

GNA