Ghana FDA issues public alert over cannabis-laced alcoholic drinks Kings Liqueur, Jupiter 1990 

GHANA – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has issued a strong public warning against the consumption of two unapproved alcoholic products—Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990—after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of cannabis extracts. 

In a notice dated May 18, the FDA revealed that both drinks are being unlawfully produced and sold by FAMUDE Catering Services, a company located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. 

While Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur was initially approved by the FDA in 2022, subsequent inspections in July 2023 found that the beverage contained marijuana, leading to the revocation of the manufacturer’s license and closure of its operations. 

Despite these actions, ongoing surveillance by the FDA, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service’s Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), discovered the continued circulation of the banned products. 

Acting on intelligence gathered in April 2025, authorities traced the sale of Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur to Koforidua. A subsequent investigation uncovered an illegal production site at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta, where a joint raid was carried out on April 30, 2025.  

During the operation, officials seized quantities of dried cannabis, packaging materials, and unregistered stock of both Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990. 

Laboratory analysis confirmed that both beverages contained cannabis extracts, posing significant health risks to consumers. The FDA stressed that such contaminated alcoholic drinks could result in severe consequences, including irreversible liver and kidney damage. 

“The secret spiking of alcohol with marijuana is hazardous and illegal,” the FDA warned in its statement. 

The public is advised to avoid purchasing or consuming these products. Vendors in possession of the items are directed to return them immediately to the nearest FDA office. 

The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and stated that it would continue monitoring the market to identify and remove unsafe products. Citizens are encouraged to report sightings of the banned drinks via official FDA communication channels. 

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