Supreme Court to deliver judgment on FDA’s ban on celebrity alcohol endorsement today

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the case requesting cancellation of.

Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)'s directive against alcoholic advertisement by celebrities today, June 19.

This is after a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court chaired by Chief.

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo deferred judgment on the matter for the second time.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in 2015 effected a directive meant to.

regulate the use of alcohol among Ghanaians.

However, aspects of their guidelines prevent celebrities from advertising for alcoholic beverages.

The Authority had explained that due to the influential nature of these showbiz.

personalities, alcoholic advertisements they are involved in could push minors into alcoholism.

Representing the plaintiff Mark Darlington Osae was Bobby Banson from the Robert Smith.

Law Group while the Food and Drugs Authority was represented by Justine Amenuvor.

Read also: Judgement on celebrities’ court case against FDA slated for April.

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On November 11, 2022, Mark Darlington Osae, the manager of Reggie ‘N’ Bollie and.

Skrewfaze, filed a writ at the Supreme Court, describing the FDA’s 2015 regulations against alcoholic.

advertisement by celebrities as discriminatory against the creative arts industry.

The writ indicates that the FDA directive which orders that, “no well-known personality.

or professional shall be used in alcoholic beverage advertising,” is inconsistent with and in contravention.

of articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution.

He contends that, Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution guarantee.

equality before the law and prohibit discrimination against persons on grounds of social or economic.

status, occupation, among others, and consequently makes the directive null, void, and unenforceable.

Read also: Supreme Court adjourns case against FDA ban on celebrity alcohol endorsement

/> Creative industry people including Wendy Shay, Shatta Wale, Brother Sammy, Kuami Eugene, and Camidoh, have.

all spoken against the law and called on powers that be to repeal it, prior.

to the court action initiated by Mark Darlington.

According to the stakeholders of the culture and creative industries, endorsements or.

advertisement of alcoholic beverages is one of the very few income streams available to them.

at present, therefore, any law that restricts their engagement in such activities robs them of.

their livelihood.