FDA Ban On Alcohol Advertising: Celebrities Need to Eats Too-Bullet

In 2015, the FDA implemented restrictions on Ghanaian celebrities advertising alcoholic products, citing a World Health Organization policy and a mission to safeguard children from the detrimental effects of alcoholism.

The prohibition of Ghanaian celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages by the FDA sparked a heated debate within the entertainment industry, with industry figures like Wendy Shay, Shatta Wale, Brother Sammy, Kuami Eugene, and Camidoh, raising their voices against what they perceive as discriminatory measures.

However, Mark Darlington Osae, the manager of Reggie ‘N’ Bollie and Skrewfaze, went as far as filing a lawsuit against the FDA and Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, arguing that the ban unfairly targets the individuals in the creative space.

His claim rests on the assertion that the 2015 directive contradicts articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on social or economic status, including occupation.

The case, which Osae filed on November 11, 2022, asserting discrimination against the creative arts industry, has escalated to the Supreme Court, with the scheduled hearing set for November 15, 2023, took place yesterday

Following the recent proceedings, Bullet, the CEO of Rufftown Record, expressed profound frustration over the FDA’s ban on alcohol endorsements. He vehemently opposed the restrictions, labeling them discriminatory not only against celebrities but against all Ghanaians striving to make a living through endorsements.

Addressing concerns about potential negative influences on children and the youth, Bullet argued that celebrities could equally serve as positive role models by advocating for responsible drinking habits.

“I think it’s not fair. I mean, I think it’s discrimination against Ghanaians. I see it as discrimination because everybody’s supposed to eat, and I’m a Ghanaian. Celebrities are Ghanaian. So you cannot sit in your office and come up with a law that will stop a Ghanaian from eating” he said.

“They are talking about regulation and all of that. Okay, if I have that influence to influence a kid, it means this same person can tell a kid not to drink before he turns 18.”

Bullet stressed that the ban denies them sponsorship opportunities from alcoholic beverage companies and significantly impacts their revenue streams. He emphasized that the regulations not only restrict celebrities’ financial growth but also obstruct their potential to influence responsible behavior among the youth.

“It doesn’t make sense that we’ve invested a lot into music. I mean, we don’t even get alcoholic companies to sponsor our programs,” Bullet lamented.