Notice of Press Conference
Venue: Alisa Hotel, North Ridge Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Time: 9:30am- 12:00pm with reception to follow.
The Association of Alcohol Manufacturers and Importers(AAMI) and the IMANI Center for Policy & Education will hold a press conference to call on the Government to adopt the draft policy on alcohol and reconsider plans to hike taxes on alcoholic beverages.
While most of those who drink do so responsibly and moderately to enhance pleasurable occasions, and without harming themselves or others, the misuse of alcohol may cause harm to both individuals and society particularly during festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter.
We believe the Government of Ghana recognises that it has a responsibility to balance the rights of adult members of the community who wish to and do purchase and consume alcohol in a moderate and responsible way, with its duty of care to protect the entire community (particularly those under the age of eighteen and other vulnerable people) against the effects of alcohol misuse.
The draft National Alcohol Policy is a firm foundation for promoting sensible drinking patterns, discouraging negative drinking patterns and reducing harms associated with alcohol misuse.
The draft National Alcohol Policy has been facilitated and developed by IMANI as a result of broad consultations including three national symposia between 2007 and 2008 attended by senior representatives of Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, the beverage alcohol industry and representatives of civil society. Indeed the erstwhile Kufour administration gave enormous support to the bill’s preparation, save the general elections that delayed its introduction in Parliament. The draft alcohol policy had also been presented to the former Minister of Health George Sipa Yankey in May 2009.
The occasion would also be used to state AAMI’s and IMANI’s position on government’s planned imposition of 50 per cent tax on beer in bottles and kegs and stout with wines attracting 25 per cent of ex-refinery price and 20 per cent on malt drinks. We would also be happy if you graced the occasion with your presence.
Thank you.