Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana says football financing must not come at the expense of protecting children from alcohol marketing.

Published 9 Nov 2026, 10:19 GMT

2 min read

Ghana Football Association

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Civil society organisation Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST Ghana) has rejected the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) renewed call to lift restrictions on alcohol sponsorship in sport.

In a statement reported by Pulse Ghana, VAST Ghana acknowledged the need for sustainable sports funding but warned against weakening child protection rules. "However, the financing of sports must not come at the expense of children's health and protection," the group stated.

The organisation cited the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Guidelines for Advertisement of Regulated Products (FDA/DRI/DMS/GL-ADV/2023/01), issued under Section 148 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). Under Guidelines 3.11.9(c), 3.11.10 and 3.12.1, advertisements are barred from associating alcoholic beverages with sporting activities or appealing to persons under 18.

"Sponsorship of football is therefore not philanthropy with a logo attached. It is the purchase of advertising space on children's shirts, on the boards behind the goal they sit behind, and in the broadcasts they watch," the statement added.

Pointing to the 2023 Ghana WHO STEPS survey, which found that 12.6 per cent of adolescents aged 11 to 19 consume alcohol, the group proposed funding sport from existing domestic excise taxes, which generated GH¢1.56 billion (US$125.70 million) in 2025.

Speaking for VAST Ghana, Labram Musah urged the GFA to pursue tax revenue rather than pitchside branding. "If the Association needs revenue, we will walk with them to the Ministry of Finance and argue for a share of excise tax revenue. Let the product pay for the game without putting its name on our screens, children's shirts, etc.," Musah said.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

VAST Ghana rejects GFA call to lift alcohol sponsorship ban in sport

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