A 2023 national health survey revealed that 30.6% of Ghanaian men consume alcohol, compared with 14.5% of women, according to the National Health Insurance Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr Senanu Kwasi Djokoto.
Speaking on the Healthy Living Series on Traffic Avenue on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Dr Djokoto highlighted that the STEPwise approach to non‑communicable disease risk‑factor surveillance (STEPS) survey shows alcohol consumption remains significantly higher among men. “Out of every ten males you see, three of them would certainly take alcohol,” he said.
The survey, which covered adults aged 18 to 69, also examined other risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity, alongside measurements like blood pressure and other health indicators. Dr Djokoto warned that alcohol use among young people, driven by social pressure and the perception that drinking is “cool”, could become a lifelong habit and create a cycle of new drinkers.
He stressed that alcohol consumption is not merely a social issue but a significant public health risk factor that must be addressed. The WHO‑backed STEPS survey provides national data on major non‑communicable disease risk factors.
Further details on the survey and its implications will be discussed in upcoming health initiatives sponsored by the NHIS, Synlab and Bel Aqua Active.
