Supreme Court Ruling on Celebrity Alcohol Ban: A Victory for Public Health, Says FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has hailed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the lawsuit challenging the ban on celebrities in alcohol advertisements as a significant victory for Ghanaians and public health.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s 2016 guidelines prohibiting well-known personalities from participating in alcohol advertisement campaigns.

Mr. Osae, the manager of the musical duo Reggie N Bollie, argued that the directive unfairly discriminates against celebrities and violates the constitution.

He sought an interpretation of articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the constitution from the apex court, aiming for an injunction against the FDA’s directive on the grounds of discrimination.

However, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, affirmed the constitutionality of the FDA’s guidelines in a 5-2 majority ruling.

Joseph Benneh, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at FDA, expressed his views in an Eyewitness News interview on Citi FM with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Wednesday. He stated, “We think this is a victory for all Ghanaians and a victory for public health and safety.”

He continued, “There is not much to celebrate, actually. We are simply contributing to the health and safety of the people of Ghana, and we are happy the Supreme Court sees eye to eye with us.”

He added, “It is not just about celebrities, but of course, they find themselves within that space. They did the right thing by going to court to seek clarification and confirmation on whether our actions are within the context of the constitution.”