₦airaland Forum

Ghana Drunkards Association warns of protest in 3 weeks if Govt fails to cut alcohol prices despite Cedi gains

The Ghana Drunkards Association has issued a three-week ultimatum to the government to reduce the prices of alcoholic beverages, warning that its 16.65 million members nationwide may stage a massive demonstration if the demand is not met.

The call was made via a video release featuring Moses Obuah, who is presumed to be the group’s leader or representative, as seen on X on Sunday.

In the video, Obuah said the group expects the government to act swiftly, citing the recent sharp appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar and other major currencies as justification for immediate price.

“To date, the prices of alcoholic drinks keep going up. If you purchase alcohol, there is an increment of about 15%, and this affects vendors. We’ve learnt that the cedi has gained some strength and the price of some items has been reduced. However, the cost of alcohol remains high,” the association’s representative states.  

He added, “We are therefore calling on President John Dramani Mahama and his Minister for Trade and Industry to do something about the prices. We have given them a three-week grace period to meet us so we can deliberate on how to reduce the prices of alcohol. We are not making this call for only alcoholic drinks but for the non-alcoholic ones as well.” 

The demand comes amid a strong performance by the Ghanaian cedi in 2025, which has surged nearly 50 per cent against the US dollar, outperforming all other global currencies this year. According to Bloomberg data, the cedi is currently the world’s best-performing currency in 2025.

Nairametrics had reported this development earlier in June, noting that the cedi, Africa’s most improved currency this year, opened 2025 near ₵15 per dollar and is now trading close to the ₵10 per dollar resistance level. The rally has been driven by growing investor confidence as Ghana, the continent’s top gold producer, recovers from its economic crisis and sovereign debt default.

According to the association, this currency appreciation should have translated into lower costs for imported goods, including alcoholic beverages, but that has yet to be reflected in market prices.

More insights 

This is not the first time the Ghana Drunkards Association has engaged the government over alcohol-related economic concerns.

In December 2024, the group sent a congratulatory message to then-President-elect John Dramani Mahama and used the opportunity to call for a reduction in taxes imposed on alcoholic beverage producers.They argued that high excise duties and regulatory costs on manufacturers were inflating consumer prices and straining the finances of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly bar owners and regular consumers.

“We are not just concerned about drinking for fun. This is our livelihood and social fabric. When alcohol becomes too expensive, it affects our community and economy,” Obuah stated in the earlier message. 

The Ghanaian Ministry of Trade and Industry and other relevant agencies have yet to issue a public response to the association’s demands.

What you should know  

While Ghanaian consumers are now calling for alcohol price reductions following the Cedi’s strong performance, Nigerian drinkers continue to grapple with high prices, more than a year after repeated hikes by Nigerian Breweries Plc, one of the country’s major brewers.

In March 2024, the company raised the prices of several products, following an earlier increase in February, citing rising input costs. The adjustments were communicated to distributors and took effect from March 15.

In February 2024, the company’s CEO, Hans Essaadi, revealed that many Nigerians could no longer afford popular products like Goldberg due to harsh economic conditions.Although the company recorded a 9% rise in revenue to N599.6 billion in 2023, it posted a net loss of N106 billion, compared to a N13.18 billion profit in 2022. The poor performance was linked to the naira redesign cash crunch, fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and persistent inflation, which weakened consumer demand and drove up operational costs.

As of June 2025, no major brewer has reversed prices, and alcohol remains costly for many Nigerians.

Rich countries often give the illusion of a high standard of living, well-funded public services, and flourishing economies.

However, that is not the case for these countries where the paradox of immense wealth contrasts sharply with widespread poverty among the citizens. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including wealth disparity, political instability, economic mismanagement, and a lack of wealth distribution.

While a country might have natural resources like oil, gas, or minerals that generate massive revenues, the wealth often fails to trickle down to the general population. It remains concentrated in the hands of a few elite individuals. Corruption, inefficient government systems, and political conflict also hinders progress and creates an unequal distribution of resources. Let's look at some of these countries below;

1. Qatar

Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world based on GDP per capita, primarily due to its vast natural gas reserves. However, despite the nation's wealth, a large percentage of its population, particularly migrant workers live in poverty and are subjected to exploitative practices, with minimal access to basic services.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is known for its opulent infrastructure, high-rise buildings, and extravagant lifestyles. The country has made vast fortunes from oil and gas however, the wealth is not shared equally. A significant portion of the UAE’s population consists of low-paid migrant workers who live in substandard conditions which starkly contrasts with the wealth enjoyed by the Emirati elite.

3. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is another country rich in oil, and its wealth has funded a lavish lifestyle for many of its citizens. However, much of the population still struggles with unemployment, high poverty rates, and a lack of economic opportunities, particularly among the younger generation. While the royal family and other elites enjoy vast fortunes, the average citizen remains in poverty.

4. Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is a prime example of a country that is rich in natural resources but where the wealth is unevenly distributed. The country is home to vast oil reserves, however, a large percentage of Nigerians live in poverty. Corruption, poor governance, and economic mismanagement have prevented the country from harnessing its wealth for the benefit of all its citizens.

5. Venezuela

Venezuela has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, making it one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources. However, decades of political instability, economic mismanagement, and corruption have caused the country to experience a sharp decline in living standards. Venezuela is now struggling with hyperinflation, food shortages, and severe poverty and most Venezuelans live in poverty.

6. Angola

Angola is an oil-rich country in Africa that has significant natural resources, including oil and diamonds, which have generated massive wealth for the country. However, the vast majority of Angolans still live in poverty. High levels of corruption, lack of infrastructure, and political instability have prevented the wealth from reaching the general population.

While natural wealth and economic power can lead to national prosperity, the benefits do not always reach the wider population. The wealth of a nation must be equitably shared, so that the prosperity of a nation can be enjoyed by all its citizens, not just a select few.

The British Army is offering Commonwealth citizens, including Nigerians, an opportunity to join its distinguished force starting today, 19th August 2024.

The application window will remain open until 26th August 2024.

Applications are specifically invited for the roles of musician, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, Royal Engineers Technician and Tradesman, and paratrooper.

This recruitment phase emphasizes the vital role Commonwealth soldiers have played and continue to play within the British Army.

It is crucial to note that applications must be linked to the Recruit Bounty Referral Scheme(British Army members referral) to be considered, with the exception of those applying as musicians.


Musicians must meet specific musical standards, which can be found on the Army Musicians page.

Medical Screening
The major aspect of the recruitment process includes medical screening for Sickle Cell traits, which is prevalent among certain populations, including those from Commonwealth countries.

Although having the Sickle Cell Trait does not disqualify candidates, those identified as higher risk will need to undergo a diagnostic blood test before participating in entry fitness tests.

This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of all recruits.

Eligibility criteria


Soldiers

Candidates must be at least 16 years old, with applications starting at 15 years and 7 months. Assessment can begin at 15 years and 9 months.
Those under 17 years and 6 months will attend the Army Foundation College before starting standard entry training for Junior Soldiers
Candidates must enlist before 36 years of age.

Officers

Candidates must be between 18 and 29 years old.
Higher age limits apply for specialist roles like doctors, and exceptions are made for candidates over 30 on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates need 35 ALIS points from 7 subjects, including a minimum grade of C/4 in English Language, Maths, and either Science or a foreign language.

Additionally, they need 72 UCAS Tariff points from 3 subjects.

Fitness and lifestyle requirements
Every applicant must pass a series of fitness tests, including the Multistage Fitness Test (Beep Test), Seated Ball Throw, and Mid Thigh Pull.

The Army offers guidance on achieving the required fitness levels and emphasizes maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Recruits are encouraged to quit smoking and focus on a balanced diet to ensure they meet the BMI (Body Mass Index) requirements.

Tattoos and piercings

Tattoos are acceptable under specific guidelines: they must not be offensive, obscene, or visible on a passport photo. Hand and neck tattoos are now allowed, but head and face tattoos are not.

Piercings that alter appearance, like large flesh tunnels, may disqualify applicants. All jewellery must be removed during physical activities.

Criminal convictions

The British Army adopts a rehabilitative stance on criminal convictions. While certain convictions might be ‘spent’ after a rehabilitation period, applicants must disclose any unspent convictions.

Honesty is paramount, as hiding convictions could lead to prosecution later.

Joining the Army Cadet Force

For those not yet old enough to join the Army, the Army Cadet Force offers an excellent opportunity to engage in military-themed activities, sports, and outdoor adventures.

Cadets can develop survival skills, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and earn additional qualifications.

Application process and timeline

The application window is strictly from 19th August 2024 to 26th August 2024. Applications submitted outside this period will not be considered.

Candidates must be ready to travel to the UK for further assessment in October and November 2024, with basic training commencing between January and March 2025.

For more detailed information and to apply, interested candidates should visit the official British Army recruitment page (https://jobs.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-apply/qualifications/)

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has explained that his passion for an industrialized Nigeria is the sole reason he doesn’t have houses outside Nigeria.

During a media parley at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Dangote revealed that he once had a London house which he sold in 1996.

He added that “the reason I don’t have a London or America house is solely because I wanted to focus on industrialization in Nigeria.

“I figured that if I had those houses, there will be one reason or the other for me to visit those places thereby causing distraction for me.

“I am very passionate about the Nigeria dream and apart from my Lagos house, I have another one in my home state Kano and a rented one in Abuja,” he revealed.

In her closing remarks, the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, commended Mr Dangote for never giving up on the Nigerian dream.

She added that “I have not seen anyone as hardworking as my father, sometimes I wonder how he never gives up.

“I wish we have a few more men like my father in Nigeria, the country will be a better place,” she said.

Data from the Capital Importation Report for the third quarter of the year shows that approximately 78% of the capital imported into Nigeria comprised foreign loans, amounting to $507.71 million.

This occurred as foreign capital inflow into Nigeria plunged to its lowest level in over a decade, totalling $654.65 million in Q3 2023, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Further analysis indicates that the value of foreign loans received by the country in Q3 2023 was 18% lower compared to the $619.16 million recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Moreover, there was a 34.19% decline relative to the $771.53 million secured in Q2 2023. This decrease is likely attributed to the current government’s strategy of favouring borrowing from domestic sources over foreign ones.

In fact, for the first time since 2007, under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, there was a reduction of about $1.57 billion in the country’s external debt in Q3 2023.

However, this decrease was primarily due to debt servicing activities carried out in the quarter. These activities included redeeming a $500 million Eurobond and making a $413.86 million principal repayment, the first instalment of the $4.3 billion loan obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

FDI is less than 1% of capital import

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) accounted for only 0.091% of the total capital imported into Nigeria, falling short of 1% despite the current government’s efforts to attract investments.

In Q3 2023, Nigeria attracted FDI worth $59.77 million, marking a decline of 26.86% compared to the $81.72 million secured in the same quarter of 2022. Additionally, this figure represents a 30.52% decrease from the $86.03 million recorded in the previous quarter of the same year.

This indicates that the current investment initiatives under the administration of Bola Tinubu have not yet produced significant near-term results.


More Insight

Struggling with low foreign exchange reserve and forex scarcity, it appears that Nigeria has to turn to foreign lenders for FX.
About two months ago, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said that around $10 billion of forex inflows is expected within weeks rather than months.
Also, about a week ago, the Federal Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu’s overseas trips, have resulted in over $15 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) pledges across different economic sectors.
However, none of these promises have resulted in actual foreign direct investment or foreign portfolio investment.
Nigerians can only hope that in the next capital importation report of the NBS, these pledges and expected forex inflows will reflect towards changing the trajectory of the current economic situation.

Air travellers to some of the selected routes in the country are groaning over the skyrocketing airfares among the indigenous airline operators.

Checks by Nairametrics revealed that airfares in some of the monopolised routes have increased to over N250,000 one-way in economy class seats, while return tickets now sell for about N500,000.

Unlike in the past where air tickets only go high from the Lagos route to other parts of the south, checks revealed that passengers from Abuja to the same routes may pay higher.

Travels in southern parts hit the roof
Travellers to South East and South-South parts of the country now pay more than air travellers on the northern routes like Abuja, Kano and Kaduna among others.

However, some of the stakeholders attributed the high airfares in the southern routes to the festive season, while others warned that the airlines may eventually price themselves out of the market with the high airfares.

There are fears that the high airfares may deprive some of the travellers to the Southern routes of the opportunity for the yuletide season.

For instance, checks on Air Peace from Lagos to Enugu for Tuesday, December 26, indicate a minimum of N203,000 one way and N233,000 for the same flight in the afternoon.

Also, for Owerri on Dana Air, the airfares oscillate between N200,000 to N250,000 for one-way tickets.

On Ibom Air for a flight to Uyo from December 22 to 23, air tickets are sold between N203,000 and N253,000 for one-way.

For passengers on United Nigeria Airlines for December 21 to 23, one-way tickets go for N220,000 and N300,000.

The recent skyrocketing airfares on domestic routes by indigenous airlines are exploitative and may work against the operating carriers, aviation experts have said.

Exploitative airfares
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said that the airfares were exploitative.

According to him, some airfares in select routes are exploitative, mentioning the South East and South South routes as some of the routes the airlines are exploiting the travelling public.

He proposed increased capacity and canvassed for additional airlines to join the existing operators.

We observed that the new regulation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which limited start-up airlines to a minimum of six aircraft may further compound the present challenge and allow for more explorations by the existing carriers as the yuletide draws nearer.

He said: “I believe that there are some exploitative prices. I believe so, especially on the monopoly routes. The eastern routes are somehow monopolised and come with exploitative prices.

“It’s the capacity. If we have more airlines coming into the country and the NCAA allows more airlines to fly, then it will bring the price down. The more airlines we have flying, the more competitive it becomes and the more the prices will go down, but since we make regulations that are so hostile to start-up airlines, then, the prices will always go up.”
He also mentioned unstable foreign exchange challenges, the high price of aviation fuel and others as some of the factors responsible for the high airfares, but warned against the airlines pricing themselves out of the market.