The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), upholding its directive banning celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages.
The majority decision brings an end to a 19-month legal battle initiated by Mark Darlington Osae, CEO of Black Kulcha Music.
Delivering the judgment, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo stated that the FDA’s directive does not contravene the constitution, effectively perpetuating the ban on well-known personalities or professionals appearing in alcoholic beverage advertisements.
The FDA enforced the directive in 2015 to regulate alcohol consumption among Ghanaians, citing concerns that celebrity endorsements could influence minors to engage in alcoholism.
The creative industry had rallied against the ban, arguing that it robs them of a significant source of income.
Despite their protests, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands, upholding the FDA’s directive.
