VAST Ghana calls for immediate ban on alcohol industry sponsorship of school events
A leading civil society organisation has renewed calls for the government to impose an immediate ban on alcohol industry sponsorship of school events, arguing that such partnerships expose children and young people to harmful influences. The Voluntary Action for Sustainable Transformation in Ghana has stated that alcohol branding and promotional activities in educational settings undermine public health and send the wrong message about youth behaviour.
Speaking at a press forum, the Executive Director of VAST Ghana reiterated that schools should be safe spaces where children learn without commercial interference, particularly from industries whose products pose health risks. He said that alcohol sponsorship of social gatherings, cultural events, and student competitions normalises drinking and may influence impressionable minds at a stage when they are highly vulnerable.
According to the organisation, evidence from public health research shows that exposure to alcohol marketing significantly increases the likelihood of early initiation into alcohol consumption. In Ghana and globally, early drinking is associated with poor academic outcomes, increased risk of addiction later in life, and adverse social behaviours. VAST Ghana argued that policies should prioritise prevention over profit and protect the wellbeing of the next generation.
The call for a ban comes amid growing concerns from parents, teachers, and health professionals who say that current regulations do not go far enough in shielding young people from substances that can adversely affect their development. Although existing laws restrict alcohol advertising in some contexts, VAST Ghana claims that loopholes allow companies to influence youth through indirect promotion at school related events.
The organisation has urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to work together on comprehensive legislation that explicitly prohibits sponsorship of school activities by alcohol producers. Advocates also want clear guidelines on partnerships between corporate entities and educational institutions so that funding does not come at the expense of student safety.
Several stakeholder groups have expressed support for the initiative, including parent teacher associations and community health advocates. They argue that schools should seek sponsorship from organisations whose products and values align with child health and positive development. Some educators have called for increased government funding for school events to reduce reliance on sponsorship from corporate sectors that may have conflicting interests with youth wellbeing.
In response, some industry representatives have defended corporate sponsorship as a valuable source of funding for under resourced schools. They argue that partnerships have helped support sports programmes, educational materials, and infrastructure projects. However, critics remain unconvinced and insist that alternative sources of support should be prioritised.
The debate highlights the broader issue of how societies balance economic interests with public health protections. In calling for a ban, VAST Ghana has escalated the conversation about alcohol regulation and youth welfare, pushing for policy reforms that align with global best practices in child protection.
As pressure mounts, policymakers may face urgent decisions on how to safeguard young people while considering the complex interplay between industry involvement and educational support. For many advocates, the wellbeing of children should always take precedence.
