'Akpeteshie' producers say they are forced to get drunk on their own liquor

Commercial producers of Ghana’s home brewed alchoholic spirit more commonly known as Akpeteshie at Agodoe in the Akatsi South District have bemoaned the decline in sales of their products as a result of economic hardship in the country.

The liquor which is sold to or associated with the poor and is priced marginally lower than other professionally bottled or imported drinks available on the market has now become a luxury for those who could afford  it before, producers have told GHOne News’ Alice Aryetey.

They said production cost has also become high as they are faced with many challenges including that of transportation as well.

Torve, a local manufacturer told GHOne News they are forced to drink their own produce as a result.

“We drink away our sorrows” he said.

Adding “we have no choice but to drink the alchohol with our family and friends. Most of our youth are becoming drunkards because of the excess alchohol available to them”.

Medical practitioners have said Akpeteshie has a high concentration of alcohol which consequently damages the liver at some point.