The Ghana drunkards association has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding a reduction in the prices of alcoholic beverages within three weeks.
The association’s demand comes in the wake of the Ghana cedi’s recent appreciation against major international currencies.
In a viral video on social media, the association said despite the cedi’s strengthening, the cost of alcoholic drinks remains prohibitively high.
Moses Drybones, president of the association, said there is a recent 15 percent price increase, which has adversely affected operators of drinking joints across the country.
The group urged President John Mahama to engage with them within the stipulated three-week period to negotiate a solution aimed at reducing alcohol prices.
In the video in circulation, the association warned that failure to adhere to their demands will result in a nationwide demonstration involving approximately 16.6 million members.
“To date the cost of alcohol is still expensive. If you want to buy alcohol, there’s an increment in the price, which is 15%. The increment has an effect on people operating drinking spots,” Drybones said.
“We’ve heard that the Ghana cedi has appreciated against the dollar, forcing the president to reduce the price of goods in the market.
“He has reduced the price of transport and food items in the market; however, they have not had anything about alcohol.
“We are therefore calling on the president and the minister of trade that we have given them a 3-week grace period to sit with us and discuss or find a solution to reduce the prices of alcohol and beverages.
“If the grace period is over and there’s no action, about 16.6 million members nationwide will stage a demonstration.”
