International Journal of Social and Economic Research Vol.

7(1) JAN –MARCH, 2017

Doi: 10.5958/2249-6270.2017.00005.8

5.SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOLISM AMONG YOUTHS IN

GHANA.A CASE OF HO MUNICIPALITY
Gideon Kwaku Minua Ampofo
China University of Geosciences, Wuhan
Number 388 Lumo road Honshang District

ABSTRACT
This study assesses the socioeconomic effects the youths in Ghana are being prone to as a
result of alcohol abuse. It is aimed at highlighting the extent of such effects so as to help in policy
formulation and implementation process. A survey research design was employed and a purposive
sampling technique adopted. A case study of Ho municipality was used with a structured
questionnaire administered on a population of 200.SPSS software was used to analyze data with
results presented based on descriptive statics, nominal and ordinal analysis. The research result
confirmed alcohol abuse among the youths, affects youths‘ education as well as resulting in youth
violence and aggression. In addition, notable effects on productivity and income were also
identified as being some related consequences of alcohol abuse among the youths.
The study thus concluded that, socioeconomic effects of alcohol among the youth cannot be
underestimated. Especially circumstances where the youth are the active manpower and driving
force for the development of every nation. Review of policies to accommodate current trends, strict
enforcement of laws and public education will curb the extent of damage.
Key words: Alcoholism, Poverty,Education,Violence,Youth

INTRODUCTION
A survey conducted by Ghana Organization on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (GOFAS), an
NGO, estimated that the per capita consumption of alcohol is 1.5 litres - about 7 million gallons of
alcohol consumed annually(Mashudu, 2007). Ghana‘s population as captured by 2010 census
constituted a 75% proportion of youths (GSS, 2010) an obvious indication they form majority prone
to alcohol abuse. The definition of youths by the UN General assembly as individuals between ages
of 15 and 24 has not been universally accepted, therefore, age definition of youth vary from country

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to country and from one organization to another. The African Youth Charter defines youth as those
between the ages of 15 and 35 and Ghana adopted this age definition in its National Youth
Policy.(Klingemann&Gmel, 2001) noted that, alcohol consumption is linked to many harmful
consequences for the individual drinker, the drinker‘s immediate environment and society as a
whole. Such social consequences as traffic accidents, workplace-related problems, family and
domestic problems, and interpersonal violence have been receiving more public or research
attention in recent years, indicating a growing interest in a broader concept of alcohol-related
consequences This as captured by (Room, 2000) describing alcohol as having many adverse
consequences which can be characterized as ‗social‘ in nature rather than medical, although there is
considerable overlap between the two domains. Social harm has been defined as ‗perceived mis-
performance or failure to perform in major social roles – as a family member, as a worker, as a
friend or neighbour, or in terms of public demeanour‘. (Stevenson, 2008) noted that, apart from
money spent on drinks, heavy drinkers may suffer other economic problems such as lower wages
and lost employment opportunities, increased medical and legal expenses, and decreased eligibility
for loans. Alcohol is as old as human history and its consumption in different socio-cultural milieus
extends beyond the last ten thousand years (Smart, 2007). In recent decades, the pattern, quantity
and reason for consumption are changing rapidly, especially among youths (Chikere and Mayowa,
2011).A careful study of the social and economic effects posed by alcohol consumption will help in
policy formulation and pragmatic approach in addressing such problems. Assess the effectiveness
of policies and programmes against alcohol abuse among the youths.

PROFILE OF STUDY AREA

The study Area is based in Ho in the Volta region of Ghana, West Africa. Ho has a
population of 271,881 constituting 129,180 males and 142,701 females with a land size of 2,361
(km2) (GSS, 2010). Being the regional capital of the Volta Region and a municipality, numerous
tertiary and second cycle institutions are located within the geographical area. The area therefore
has a highly vibrant youth dominated community. This has led to high patronage of entertainment
centers especially during festive seasons. Some of which include the weeklong celebration of
annual Yam festival in September, religious festive seasons and national public holidays. Another
common trend is the large conversion of youths on Sundays at popular ―chop bars‖ and restaurants

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to drink and enjoy their special delicacies of OmuTuo (rice balls) and Fufu which are special local
delicacies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken from March to September 2016 to investigate the
social and economic effects of alcohol consumption on the youth. First simple random sampling
technique was used in selecting six highly patronized alcoholic beverages sale points commonly
known in the locality as ―drinking bars or spots‖ and pubs in the municipality. A total of 200 youth
aged 15-35 which composed of 115 males and 85 females‘ participants were purposively selected.
Agyedu et al. (1991) argue that purposive sampling enables researchers to intentionally select
specific individuals whose experiences are central to understanding a phenomenon under study.
And in this case the focus was on youths who drink any type of alcoholic beverage to enable them
express their opinion and answer specific questions based on their personal experience. Patrons
were engaged just on arrival at the centers before settling down on their requests and efforts were
made to ensure they were in their right state. In qualitative research, ‗gatekeepers‘ are very useful in
assisting the researcher gain access and develop trust and confidence with the community of study
(Hatch, 2002).Due to the sensitive nature of the topic and information that will be requested from
respondents, the researcher engaged the services of a ‗gatekeeper‘ who commands so much respect
in the locality especially among the youth and understands the terrains. Respondents were engaged
in interviews during which they were asked to respond to specific questions in a structured
questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 being predictive
analytical software was used in the data analysis so as to come out with confident results. The data
code sheet was used to import data from the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to SPSS. Data were
translated into a frequency distribution tables with percentages, mean, standard deviation values to
analyze and validate collected.

ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

VARIOUS TYPES OF ALCOHOL USED IN HO MUNICIPALITY
The study established that both foreign and domestic industrially manufactured and locally
produced alcohols are abused by the youth in Ho. Industrially manufactured alcohol like beer, wine,
brandy, joy daddy, alomo bitters whisky and locally produced alcohol like brukutu, akpeteshie,

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palmwine. The consumption of locally produced alcohol stood relatively at a high percentage
people‘s explanation being that they are affordable and easily accessible.
Table 1. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Gender of respondent Percentage (%)

Male 57.5
Female 42.5
Age of respondents
15-25years 26
16-35years 74
Occupational status of respondents
Student 32.5
Employed 35
Self-employed/Apprentice 12.5
Unemployed 20
At what age did you start drinking alcohol
1-14years 11
15-24years 59.5
25-35years 29.5
How long have you been drinking alcohol
Less than 1year 24
1-5years 28.5
6-10years 37.5
11years and above 10
How did you learn how to consume alcohol?
Peers 30
Parents 42.5
Adverts 22.5
other 5
Have you ever drunk to stupur ?
Yes 41.5
No 58.5
Do you intend to stop drinking alcohol in future?
Yes 15.5
No 34
I can't tell 50.5
Source: Field survey, 2016
A total of 200 participants comprising 57.5% males and 42.5% Females of which 26% were
between 15-25 years and 74% fall in 16-35years category. Students formed 32.5%, Employed 35%,
Self Employed 12.5% and Unemployed 20% respectively took part in the study. When asked to
respond to the age at which they started drinking alcohol, 11% indicated 1-14years, 59.5%

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responded 15-24years and 29.5% in the age group of 25-35years.In response to how long
participants have been drinking alcohol,24% answered less than a year,28.5% 1-5years,37.5% 6-
10years and 10% 11years and above. The decision to drink is often influenced by certain
factors.30% of participants noted that they learnt how to drink from their peers, 42.5% from their
parents, 22.5% from advertisements and 5% responded from other sources. 50.5% representing
majority of participants in the study could not tell whether they had the intention of deceasing from
alcohol in future whereas 15.5% indicated their willingness to stop and 34% expressed their
unwillingness to consider ceasing drinking alcohol in future.

Table 2. ALCOHOLISM AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUTHS’ EDUCATION

Alcohol use results in poor academic performance of student abusers. PERCENTAGE (%)
Agree 87.5
Disagree 12.5
Alcoholism results in poor attendance leading to truancy at school
Agree 84.5
Disagree 15.5
Alcoholism among students results in some campus violence in institutions
Agree 71
Disagree 29
Children born to alcoholic parents are like to be denied education
Agree 60.5
Disagree 39.5
Source: Field survey, 2016

The study sought to identify the effects alcoholism plays on youths‘ education. Results from the
analysis as shown in Table 10 indicates that, 85% being majority of participants agreed that alcohol
abuse affects academic performance of student who abuse alcohol. Similarly, a majority comprising
84.5% also agreed that alcohol use by students can result in high rate of truancy among such
students.71% further agreed that, alcoholism among students results in some campus violence in
some educational institutions.65.5% were also of the view that, children born to alcoholic parents
stand the likelihood of been denied education. In order to establish the relationship between the
various variables responded to by participants in respect to education, results showed a correlation
(r = 0.242, r2=0.058).Despite the weak correlation established, it shows some element of
relationship which when expressed over a larger population more than the study area will be
significant and worthy of attention.

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Table 3 THE LINK BETWEEN YOUTH ALCOHOLISM AND YOUTH VIOLENCE

Do you sometimes drink to overcome shyness and timidity? PERCENTAGE%
Yes 19
No 81
Have you ever engaged in violent demonstration under the influence of alcohol?
Yes 25.5
No 74.5
Have you ever engaged in any form of argument or fight under the influence of
alcohol?
Yes 40
No 60
Do you remember ever beating your partner or spouse at a time you were drunk?
Yes 32
No 68
Source: Field survey, 2016
In order to ascertain the link between alcoholism and youth violence, 81% of participants in
the research responded in the negative when the researcher sought to find out if they drink to
overcome some form of shyness or timidity whiles a 19% minority responded in affirmative.74.5%
declined ever being part of a violent demonstration under the influence of alcohol. On the other
hand, 25.5% accepted ever participating in demonstrations under the influence of alcohol. It is also
evident that 40% of respondent accepted ever engaging in some form of argument or fight under the
influence of alcohol whiles a majority comprising 60% declined. Another result also reveals that,
54% of respondents agree that, their urge for sex often goes go high when under the influence of
alcohol. An outcome showing 32% of participants admitting to have remembered ever battering
their partner or spouse at a time they were drunk and 68% denying. The study results further a
showed positive correlation of (r =0.680, r2=0.463) between the alcohol consumption among the
youth in connection with their engagement in violence.
Table 4: HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT PERFORMANCE OF YOUTHS AT WORK
AND PRODUCTIVITY?
Hangovers due to excessive intake of alcohol often results in absenteeism at PERCENTAGE
work (%)
True 83
False 17
Productivity at work tends to be low when under the influence of alcohol
True 87
False 13
It is difficult to get employed as an alcoholic
True 80.5

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False 19.5
Work accidents are common among staff who abuse alcohol
True 79.5
False 20.5
Source: Field survey, 2016
Majority of workforce especially in the manufacturing sector comprises of the youth. The
study therefore explored the views of respondents on some issues related to alcoholism and work
performance and productivity. A majority of 83% respondents asserted that hangovers as a result of
excessive intake of alcohol lead to frequent absenteeism at work. Also, results indicated 87% of
participants conceding that productivity tends to be affected when work is been undertaken under
the influence of alcohol.80.5% participants further confirmed that it was difficult to secure
employment as an alcoholic. Whilst a 79.5% also affirmed that world accidents are recorded often
among staff who abuse alcohol. A strong correlation results of (r = 0.811, r2=0.657) was established
between issues related to alcoholism as a link to work performance and productivity.

Table 5 HOW DOES ALCOHOLISM AFFECT INCOME LEADING TO POVERTY

AMONG THE YOUTH?
PERCENTAGE
Which sources do you rely on to support your drinking habit? (%)
Personal Income 46
Friends 34
Family 20
What percentage of your monthly earnings do you estimate as spending on drinking
alcohol?
Less than 15% 35
16-33% 42
36-49% 14
50% and above 9
Have you ever suffered any alcohol related problem that you had to spend money to
resolve?
No 78
Yes 22

Source: Field survey, 2016

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Another area the study tends to shed light on is the effect alcohol consumption plays on the income
of the consumer. From the analysis of responses gathered from participants, 46% rely on their
personal earnings to support their drinking habit followed by 34% family and 20% friends
respectively. 35% of participants from data analyzed responded spending less than 15% of their
monthly earning on alcohol purchase and a majority of 42% spends 16-33% of their earning.

DISCUSSIONS
Ghana‘s youth population according to the 2010 population and housing census stood close
to 75 %( 18, 494,118) below 35 years, out of a total population of 24,658,823.This points out to the
fact that the youth are more prone to alcohol abuse as they form the majority of the country‘s
population. In recent decades, the pattern, quantity and reason for consumption are changing
rapidly, especially among youths (Chikere & Mayowa, 2011). Alcohol abuse in the past has been a
preserve for males and it often difficult to come across women drinking especially in public. This
trend is fast changing as evident from the study where 42.5% of participants are females. This
phenomenon is not far different from other countries as (Gureje et al., 2007) that women are
beginning to drink even more than men now in Nigeria. One common feature that was notable
during the study was the fact that, most male participants had their female companions sharing in an
alcoholic beverage. Nevertheless there were some few cases where a partner takes alcohol whiles
the other does not. Drinking culture amongst the youth, as for all age groups, is influenced by
opportunities and constraints (Treno et al. 2008).Parry (2010) reported that, in South Africa, part of
the alcohol policy is aimed at protecting minors by ensuring that people less than 18 years are
barred from selling or buying liquor. Despite existence of same government policy in Ghana which
places age limit of 18 on alcohol sale and purchase, it was apparent that the enforcement of this
regulation is a major challenge.11% of respondents indicated they started consuming alcohol
between the ages of 1-14 and Coleman and Carter (2003) reported that the first experiences of
drinking alcohol usually occurred between the ages of 8 and 12 years old which obviously is a
worrying situation. During the annual Yam festival, alcoholic beverage companies were noted
throwing portable packs of their products into crowds that lined up the street during their road
shows to advertise their products. It was difficult to restrain minors from having access to these
products. It was also a common scene in the nights to see minors buying and selling at various
entertainment centers known as ―drinking spots‖. One major difficulty was the ability to confirm

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the age of these minors as there was no form of national identification. The factors that influence
the decision to drink alcohol were varied with a majority of 42.5% giving the indication of having
drawn the habit from their parents. This assertion was confirmed by (Midigo2002) who noted that,
parental engagement in beer taking has influence on the youth in beer taking. In
addition,(Oshodin,1984) also revealed in his study among teenagers in Benin City that, 85 per cent
were current drinkers and 60 per cent revealed they began to drink from their homes while 79 per
cent reported that their parents also drink. Another key factor which closely followed with 30% was
peer influence as there is a strong bond between people of same peer group.
The most important variable in predicting possibility of alcohol user is the degree of
adolescent involvement in peer activities, the number of friends using alcohol and friends attitude
towards alcohol use (Kendall, 1980). (Bagnall1986), found that exposure to alcohol advertising in
youth predicts youth‘s intentions of alcohol consumption up to two years later as confirmed in the
study by 22.5% participants. A summary on the factors as propounded by Furnham (2002) who in
his work proposed a model which suggests that the way parents bring up their children is the central
and most powerful causative issue in their preferences. This determines the child‘s values, his or
her allowed (and later preferred) media consumption habits (including television) and friendship
network.
Availability of numerous second cycle and higher institutions within the Ho municipality
has giving rise to a very high student population mostly people from outside the area. This as shown
in Table 3 with 32.5% participants being students as compared to a 12.5% self-employed who
resided in the area. Falling standards of education in the area has become a major concern for
opinion leaders and policy makers. Kids of school going age are often seen late at night during
keeping wake at funerals, festivals and Fridays drinking and dancing at the expense of studies.
Loveland-Cherry (2005) reports that school attachment and receiving good grades have been
associated with less adolescent alcohol use, while absenteeism and poor grades are associated with
early initiation and increased levels of alcohol use.84.5% of participants thereby agreed that alcohol
abuse by a student can result in truancy with another 87.5% confirming that could result in poor
academic performance. This was again validated by (Opie, 2005) pointing out that, as a result of
alcohol taking in schools and colleges, problems have developed such as students missing classes as
a result of hangover .Also, students involvement in campus violence which often results in
vandalism can be linked to alcoholism among students.71% of respondents in the study agreed with

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this assertion with (Adewuya, 2005) also establishing same link to the fact that alcohol is
hazardously used among Nigerian youths, including undergraduates. A common phenomenon
where alcoholic parents neglect their parental responsibilities leaving their wards to their faith
results in school dropout and 60.5% of respondents expressed similar view.

According to a publication by the World Health Organization (2006) harmful and hazardous
alcohol use are risk factors both for being victimized and perpetrating youth violence. Youth
violence takes many forms including bullying, gang violence, sexual aggression, and assaults
occurring in streets, bars and nightclubs. Some individuals hold the belief that, consumption of
alcohol helps boost their confidence level. Despite the fact that 81% of respondents refuted drinking
to overcome some form of shyness or timidity, 19% conceded. (White & Chen, 2002) stated,
studies also report an association between drinking patterns and intimate partner violence; excessive
drinkers and alcohol-dependent individuals are more likely to act violently toward their intimate
partners. With 32% of participants admitting to having battered their partners under influence of
alcohol (Koenig et al., 2003) in their study‘s conclusion asserted that, alcohol may play a direct
precipitating role for domestic violence. In Ghana, consumption of the locally made gin has been
linked to an increase in violence in local communities (Luginaah & Dakubo, 2003) and this
activities are often spearheaded by the youth adolescence.

The study also engaged 35% employed participants with 83% giving an affirmation that
hangovers due to excessive intake of alcohol contributes to absenteeism. A similar study conducted
according to industry association sources from India, shows a result of 15% to 20% of absenteeism
and 40% of accidents at work are due to alcohol consumption (Saxena, Sharma &Maulik, 2003).It
is estimated that drinking and alcoholism have reduced labour productivity by some 10%
(Trapenciere, 2000) and 87% respondents gave a confirmation to this assertion. As illustrated on
Table 3, 20% of respondents are unemployed and 80.5% admitting that it was difficult to secure
employment as an alcoholic. (Klingemann&Gmel2001) noted that a number of studies have
demonstrated an association between heavy drinking or alcohol abuse and unemployment.

Youths who fall within the age bracket of 15-25years are mostly of school going age. They
continue to depend on their parents for stipends which they use to support their drinking habits and
this was disclosed by 34% respondents.46% rely on their personal income whereas 34% place their
drinking burdens on the benevolence of their friends. A recent study conducted in 11 districts in Sri

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Lanka examining the link between alcohol and poverty found that 7% of men said that their alcohol
expenditure was greater than their income. Though a relatively small percentage, this is still a
worrying statistic for the families concerned and for those interested in helping the worst-off
families (Baklien& Samarasinghe,2001).A related result was unraveled in the study as 9% of
respondents estimated using more than 50% of their monthly earnings on alcohol.

Alcohol misuse can result in death of the user (and non-users, due to drunk driving and
other related accidents) and often disability in early years among young people (Jernigan, 2001) as
confirmed by 75% respondents in the study. This results in the loss of active manpower as the youth
forms majority of the Ghanaian population and this will in the long run affect productivity. Alcohol
misuse has been linked to heart disease (especially as the user grows older) (Anderson &Baumberg,
2006) which also puts pressure on health facilities since alcohol related problems are enormous.
The upsurge in teenage pregnancy and sexual violence in the form of gang rapes can also be linked
to alcoholism among the youth. Kerr and Matlak (1998) reported a link between alcohol use and the
likelihood of having sex in adolescents. The possibility of indulging in unprotected sex as 54% of
participants self-confessed the urge in libido when drunk could expose them to sexually transmitted
diseases. (Boyd et al. 2005) also reported that, heavy drinking (undefined amount of alcohol)
amongst students (aged 18-24) was associated with high risk sexual behaviour and sexual
aggression. The situation is further compounded with 41.5% ever drinking to a state of blackout.
The level of vulnerability in such states to any form of abuse is high and must be of great concern
as (Gill 2002) there‘s a relationship between alcohol and risks such as unplanned pregnancy and
HIV infection as well as becoming more sexually involved with someone than they would normally
have wanted

CONCLUSION
The socioeconomic consequences of alcoholism among the youth are devastating and can
seriously hinder any sense of development of a country. The impact of these effects cannot be
underestimated as evident from the study the degree at which they affect the individual and society
at large. A healthy and sound youth constitutes a strong force in every nation‘s development agenda
therefore the need to pay critical attention to issues confronting their survival. As can be ascertained
from the study, low productivity, poor academic performance and poverty are key major effects
emanating from alcoholism among the youth within the study area. There is an urgent need for a

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swift intervention from government and civil society groups to curb this dire situation. Policies
must aim at creating awareness on these devastating effects and strict regulation of alcohol misuse
among the youth especially. Enforcement of such policies must be of cardinal concern as it was
apparent during the study that most policies continue to remain on paper without enforcement.

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