Civil society champions, led by Vision for Alternative Development Ghana and Ghana NCD Alliance, are rallying public support for robust measures to protect current and future generations from the harmful effects of alcohol. The initiative aims to reshape societal norms, advocating for healthier influences on children and young people in the wake of ongoing legal battles concerning alcohol advertising guidelines.
In a press release issued on January 15, 2024, the civil society fraternity in Ghana declared their firm support for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in its legal proceedings involving an artiste manager challenging the constitutionality of FDA guidelines that restrict the participation of well-known personalities in alcohol advertising.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of alcohol advertisements, the coalition is spearheading efforts to foster healthier influences on children and young people.
Background
Since the introduction of child protection provisions under the FDA guidelines, some celebrities including Wendy Shay, Camidoh, etc. have opposed the regulations, igniting debates within the industry.
Subsequently, a lawsuit was brought against the FDA over the directive.
In the writ issued on November 11, the plaintiff, Mark Darlington Osae said those areas of the FDA’s 2015 regulations are tantamount to discrimination on grounds of economic status, and occupation among others.
The artiste manager and music publisher is praying the Supreme Court to render as unconstitutional the guidelines which stipulate that, “No well-known personality or professional shall be used in alcoholic beverage advertising.”
He contends that it is inconsistent with and in contravention of articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution. The Attorney General was also mentioned as a party to the legal action.
It is against this backdrop that the aforementioned CSOs are throwing their weight behind the FDA as the hearing on the matter commences.
Below is the full statement:
Press Release 15 th January, 2024
Civil Society Champions Sobriety, calls for public support for the protection of present and
future generations from alcohol harm.
Civil society actors led by the Vision for Alternative Development Ghana, and Ghana NCD
Alliance among others recognizing the detrimental effects of alcohol advertisements,
spearheads efforts to reshape societal norms and advocate for healthier influences on
children and young people.
The civil society fraternity in Ghana, stands in solidarity with the Food and Drugs Authority
(FDA), in its ongoing suit involving the artiste manager who petitioned the Supreme Court to
render unconstitutional, FDA guideline which frowns on the participation of well-known
personalities in alcohol advertising.
Since the introduction of the child protection provision under the FDA guidelines, some
celebrities and some entertainment show hosts have attacked it. This is not the first time the law
has caused a stir in the entertainment industry. Earlier last year, “Sugarcane” hitmaker, Camidoh
also campaigned for his colleagues in the industry to unite against the guidelines. However, some
celebrities and entertainment commentary personalities support efforts towards improving the
quality of lives of young people and children which is commendable.
Ghana ratified the UN Convention on Children’s Rights in coherence with the Children’s Act
under section 5 of the 1992 Constitution to ensure that children are protected from all forms of
harmful activities which include alcohol exposure coupled with care, assistance, maintenance
and assurance that supports their development and wellbeing.
The Alcohol guidelines and the National Alcohol Policy marketing form part of government
efforts to ensure that children are protected from alcohol glamorization and early initiation of
alcohol use. As children are highly impressionable, they tend to emulate the lifestyles of
personalities they look up to and as role models. Celebrities should not only think about financial
gains but instead, take into consideration the health implications on minors and young people
who idolize them. The societal normalization of alcohol consumption exacerbates the public
health problem, with pervasive advertising and celebrity endorsements contributing to a culture
where drinking is often portrayed as the order of the day.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned footballer, refrained from alcohol use after the tragic death of his
father, Dinis Aveiro, as a result of alcoholism. Likewise, Paul Pogba, the France midfielder
removed a bottle of Heineken beer that was placed in front of him at the European Conference
2020 and also Asamoah Gyan, the former captain of Black Stars in an interview admitted he
does not take in alcohol. These celebrities exemplified strong moral character worthy of
emulation by the youth.
According to WHO, the harmful use of alcohol is accountable for 7.1% and 2.2% of the global
burden of disease for males and females respectively and the leading risk factor for premature
mortality and disability among those aged 15 to 49 years, accounting for 10% of all deaths in this
age group.
There is strong evidence that alcohol use among the youth and its exposure causes severe health
implications such as long-lasting cognitive impairments affecting memory, increased risk of lung
cancer, liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, absenteeism in school, poor grades
and increased likelihood of dropping out of school.
According to Movendi International, when people consume alcohol, mechanisms such as
stiffness in arteries and increased wall thickness in blood vessels are strengthened, which causes
high blood pressure, leading to many serious diseases and conditions such as heart attack, stroke,
heart failure and kidney failure.
We need policies that protect children and young people, make healthy choices easy choices and
check the industry’s influence through strong partnerships with government and civil society
leaders who are committed to action. “Adam Karpati, Senior Vice President of Public Health
Programs at Vital Strategies.
More troubling is the 2023 report titled “Alcohol and Blood Pressure” showing the link between
alcohol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The report shows only negative effects
of alcohol consumption on ischemic heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
“High blood pressure is the single biggest preventable risk factor for disease and death in the
world today, and alcohol’s contribution to high blood pressure is one of many overlooked
factors,” says Frida Dangardt, senior physician and researcher at the Children’s Heart Center at
Drottning Silvia’s Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg, who is one of the authors of the report.
We are calling on all Ghanaians including the media, parents, policymakers, civil society actors,
research and academic institutions to support the enactment of stringent measures that regulate
and limit the exposure of our children and young people to alcohol advertisements and other
substances of abuse such as tobacco, electronic cigarettes, shisha, energy drinks among others.
By so doing, it creates a safer, healthier environment that nurtures the growth and development
of the next generation.
The protection of present and future generations is a matter that requires our collective effort.
Let’s join forces to fight any group or individual whose actions derail any lifesaving measure
that protects health, moral standards and societal values.
Labram M. Musah
Executive Director, Vision for Alternative Development, Ghana
National Coordinator, Ghana NCD Alliance
labrammusah@gmail.com