The Beverage Consumers and Bar Owners Association of Ghana, widely recognised as the “Ghana Drunkards Association” and led by President Moses Onya, popularly known as “Moses Drybone,” has issued a three-week ultimatum to the government.
The association is demanding swift action to reduce what it describes as the soaring cost of alcoholic beverages, warning that failure to respond could result in a nationwide protest.
Their main concern lies in the persistently high prices of alcohol, which they argue have remained unchanged despite recent gains by the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.
According to the group, while the government has responded to the cedi’s appreciation by adjusting prices in other sectors, the cost of alcohol has not received the same attention.
A representative of the association, speaking on behalf of the members, expressed frustration over the current pricing and its adverse effects on both consumers and business owners in the industry.
“To date, the cost of alcohol is still expensive. If you want to buy alcohol, there’s an increase in the price, which is 15%. The increment has an effect on people operating drinking spots.
“We’ve heard that the Ghana cedi has appreciated against the dollar, forcing the president to reduce the price of goods in the market.”
The association contrasted the situation with government actions in other sectors, pointing to recent reductions in prices of essentials such as transport and food.
“He has reduced the price of transport and food items in the market; however, they have not had anything about alcohol.”
As part of their demands, the association is calling for dialogue with relevant authorities.
“We are therefore calling on the president and the minister of trade that we have give them a 3-week grace period to sit with us and discuss or find a solution to reduce the prices of alcohol and beverages.”
They’ve also made clear that if their concerns are ignored, they are prepared to take to the streets.
“If the grace period is over and there’s no action, about 16.6 million members nationwide will stage a demonstration.”
The association’s ultimatum underscores a broader concern: that macroeconomic improvements, like the strengthening of the cedi, have not translated into fair and consistent relief across all sectors—particularly those that serve the daily needs of ordinary Ghanaians.
