On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, police in Sunyani, Bono East Region, arrested 34-year-old Isaac Teye in Nsuta, a suburb along the Techiman road, for allegedly producing dangerous alcoholic substances intended for human consumption.
Upon arrival at Teye’s residence, officers uncovered an illegal distillery where local gin, commonly known as akpeteshie, was being manufactured.
Items seized from the premises included 24 drums of unidentified substances and 12 containers of 25-litre gallons suspected to contain ethanol and other forms of alcohol.
During questioning, Teye claimed he had inherited the operation from his late father and had continued the family tradition for the past 18 years.
Addressing the media, ACP Stephen Buadu stated that the suspect would remain on bail pending laboratory analysis of the seized substances by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
“We are yet to confirm the nature of the substances. If tests prove they are harmful, the suspect will be charged for offering for sale products not fit for consumption,” ACP Buadu said. “Until then, he will be granted bail, but appropriate charges will follow once results are available.”
ACP Buadu also issued a public warning ahead of the festive season, urging Ghanaians to be cautious about the beverages they purchase.
“During the Christmas season, many people produce and sell drinks. We advise the public to ensure that any beverage they buy is approved by the Food and Drugs Authority. There are many unregulated products out there that pose serious health risks,” he added.
If confirmed to be poisonous or harmful, Teye could face charges under Ghana’s Food and Drugs Law (PNDCL 305B) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically for the sale or manufacture of unwholesome or poisonous substances. Such offenses carry a penalty of up to 1,000 units, equivalent to a minimum of four years imprisonment.
