The Ghana Armed Forces have shut down all drinking bars and food joints within the Apremudo Barracks in Takoradi in the Western region.
The move comes after the death of a Naval officer with the Sekondi command, Leading Seaman (LS) Emmanuel Fugar and the wife of another military sergeant.
Empire FM’s Emmanuel Ohene Gyan reported that, the closure was led by the Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion of Infantry, Lt. Col. Nyante. The two died after they consumed a locally manufactured drink known as mahogany bitters.
The Naval officer according to reports, went to the popular pub known as ‘Pito Bar’ to consume the bitters in order to gain appetite for his evening meal.
However, he collapsed immediately after consuming the drink and was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The wife of the military officer also died under similar circumstances.
Some other people who were rushed to the hospital after consuming the same drink are reportedly responding to treatment, according to Empire FM’s Emmanuel Ohene Gyan.
A regulatory officer with the Foods and Drugs Authority in Takoradi Philomena Kyeiwaa has revealed that the popular bitters is not approved and registered.
She has since advised the general public to desist from consuming the Mahogany drink.
Meanwhile, the Police in Takoradi have arrested the owner of the popular joint while investigations continue into the incident.
Samples of the drink have also been taken by the police for testing.