The ongoing case between the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghanaian celebrities over a ban on alcoholic endorsements is set to come to an end on April 10, as the court will be making a judgement on that day.
Back in 2015, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) issued a directive that, according to them, was meant to regulate the use of alcohol among Ghanaians, especially the young ones who are tempted to practice everything they see on television.
As a result, one of their strong rules bars celebrities from taking up advertising deals for alcoholic beverage brands since many kids look up to them and would love to follow in their footsteps.
The Authority had explained that due to the influential nature of these showbiz personalities, the alcoholic advertisements they are involved in could push minors into alcoholism.
Their explanation isn’t strong enough, according to many celebrities, including Mark Darlington Osae, the manager of legendary musicians Reggie ‘N’ Bollie and Skrewfaze, leading to a court battle.
On November 11, Mark issued a writ at the Supreme Court and in the writ, he described the FDA’s regulations against alcoholic advertisements of celebrities as discriminatory against the creative arts industry.
In the same writ, he argued that the regulation is inconsistent with and in contravention of Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution before going on to mount a strong case that Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution guarantee quality before the law and prohibit discrimination against persons on grounds of their social or economic status, occupation, among others.
Several big names in the creative industry, including Shatta Wale, Wendy Shay, Sarkodie, Camidoh, Kuami Eugene and many more, all spoke against the directive, while they have also been actively going to court hearings.
The musicians argued that advertising for alcohol and beverage brands isn’t different from other brands they represent and they believe banning them from advertising for such brands only limits their avenue for making some income.
Finally, the case is going to come to an end as a seven-member panel of judges agreed to pronounce judgment on April 10.