Ask a Ghanaian of a certain age to name a local beer, and many will say Club. The lager, sold in brown bottles with a familiar label, has been brewed in Accra for decades. Its maker, Accra Brewery, is one of the oldest industrial companies in the country. Its story follows Ghana’s business history from colonial times through independence, state influence and the arrival of global brewing giants.
Founding, Club beer and competition
Accra Brewery was established in 1931, during the colonial era, when the Gold Coast was a British colony. It became one of the first large breweries in the territory. Club lager became the company’s flagship brand. Over the years it grew into one of the most recognised drinks in Ghana, served at bars, funerals, weddings and football viewing centres.
Accra Brewery competes with other brewers in Ghana, including Guinness Ghana, which makes Star and Guinness stout. Competition for drinkers in bars and drinking spots has always been strong.
SABMiller, AB InBev and other products
The South African brewer SABMiller took control of Accra Brewery, bringing investment and new brands. Under its ownership, the company expanded its range. When AB InBev bought SABMiller in 2016, Accra Brewery became part of the world’s largest brewing group. The company continues to operate in Accra under that ownership. Besides Club, the company has produced other beers and malt drinks, including brands aimed at drinkers who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Ingredients, jobs and taxes
Like other brewers in the region, Accra Brewery has worked with local farmers to source ingredients such as cassava and sorghum, reducing reliance on imported barley and supporting agricultural incomes. The brewery employs workers directly and supports distributors, retailers and drinking spots across Ghana. Beer sales also contribute to government revenue through excise taxes. Changes in excise duties have affected beer prices in Ghana over the years, and brewers have lobbied governments on tax policy.
Advertising and an institution
Club adverts, sponsorships and promotions have been part of Ghanaian popular culture, appearing at concerts and sports events. For many drinkers, Club is tied to memories of football matches, wedding receptions and Friday evenings at the local spot. That loyalty has helped the brand survive decades of competition from imports and new local labels. Accra Brewery has outlasted the colony it was founded in and several owners since. The brown bottle of Club on a bar table in Accra is one of the few parts of the company’s story that has hardly changed.
