North East Tops Apio Consumption Charts as GSS Highlights Social Risks

New district-level data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) points to unusually high levels of excessive “Apio” consumption in parts of the North East Region, raising fresh concerns about public health, hygiene, and economic productivity in affected communities.

The figures show that Yunyoo–Nasuan District recorded the highest prevalence of excessive “Apio” drinking at 67.9 percent, with all districts in the North East posting rates above 66 percent. By contrast, districts in the Oti Region recorded the lowest levels nationwide, ranging between 12.7 and 13.7 percent.

“Apio,” a locally brewed alcoholic beverage, is deeply embedded in social and cultural life across many Ghanaian communities. In some households, it is traditionally taken before meals to stimulate appetite, while in others it is consumed socially or for leisure. Its familiarity and cultural acceptance have made it a common feature of daily life, particularly in rural areas.

However, the GSS data suggests that districts with high levels of excessive alcohol consumption often face overlapping health and social challenges. In these areas, access to sanitation and hygiene facilities remains limited, increasing vulnerability to illness and reducing productivity. Nationally, safe disposal of children’s stools ranges from 4.1 percent to 61.1 percent, with all districts in Bono East recording rates below 10 percent.

Access to basic handwashing facilities also remains uneven. While 83.6 percent of households in the Western Region have such facilities, availability drops sharply to just 3.2 percent in the North East. Overall, only 43.5 percent of households nationwide have access to basic handwashing infrastructure, a gap that heightens the risk of disease transmission and absenteeism from work and school.

Nutrition indicators further reveal disparities. About 11.7 percent of households nationwide experience the double burden of malnutrition, but in Tolon District, the figure rises to 25.7 percent. Poor nutrition in early life can weaken learning outcomes, reduce physical energy, and ultimately limit long-term productivity.

Family planning access shows similar inequalities. In Krachi West, nearly half of women in union want to delay or avoid pregnancy but lack access to contraception, compared with fewer than 10 percent in Bole District. Such gaps affect household planning, economic stability, and labour availability.

Health facilities are also under pressure. Although most facilities provide modern contraceptives, nearly nine in ten have experienced recent stock-outs, and essential maternal health medicines are less available in rural areas. Despite these constraints, client satisfaction remains high at over 97 percent, highlighting resilience within the health system.

As the festive season approaches and “Apio” consumption traditionally increases, the data underscores the importance of moderation and public awareness. While the drink remains culturally significant, the GSS findings suggest that excessive consumption, combined with gaps in sanitation, nutrition, and health access, could deepen health risks and undermine productivity, particularly in the most affected districts.