Editorial: Don’t Sell Our Children’s Health For Football Money

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has requested Parliament to review rules limiting alcohol sponsorship for sports events. GFA President Mr Kurt Okraku claimed the restrictions have deprived the Association of vital financial support. He claimed the GFA lost a $5 million deal with Guinness Ghana due to these restrictions. The GFA has also pointed to other issues, such as poor playing fields, inadequate stadium facilities, and weak technical support staff, as hindrances to the national teams' chances of winning international competitions.

However, The Chronicle finds the GFA's appeal troubling. They believe the move could undermine crucial public health safeguards, especially given Ghana is evaluating stronger measures to regulate alcohol advertising. Public health advocates and GhanAPA have consistently advocated for stricter regulation to safeguard young people and vulnerable groups.

The GFA must realize that alcohol's negative effects extend beyond sports. WHO classifies alcohol as carcinogenic, and its consumption is linked to several types of cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular conditions, mental health disorders, and injuries. In 2019, alcohol consumption was responsible for about 2.6 million deaths globally.

The concern is not just whether alcohol companies have the funds to back football. The question is if the benefits of such sponsorship outweigh the possible public health consequences. The Chronicle argues that football's popularity in Ghana, particularly among young people, makes associating the sport with alcohol through sponsorship and promotions risky.

It could normalize alcohol consumption, whereas promoting healthy lifestyles should be the goal. The Chronicle also doubts that the GFA has fully explored other sponsorship avenues. Many businesses outside the alcohol industry can support football development. The Chronicle urges the GFA to be more innovative in creating sponsorship packages and partnerships with businesses that don't pose health risks.

They also question the Ghanaian Football Association's administration, financial management, and use of resources. The Chronicle is particularly concerned about the current GFA leadership and the challenges confronting the national teams and the broader football administration. The GFA must accept responsibility for its shortcomings and present a credible plan to restore confidence in the game.

This responsibility cannot be fulfilled by merely asking Parliament to make it easier for alcohol companies to back football. While international football has benefited from alcohol sponsorship, Ghana's decisions should be based on its unique circumstances and the well-being of its population.