The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) ban on celebrities advertising alcoholic beverages, upholding the constitutionality of the directive.
The FDA instituted guidelines in 2016 prohibiting well-known personalities from endorsing alcoholic products to curb the promotion of alcohol. Mark Darlington Osae, manager for musicians Reggie N Bollie, filed the suit, arguing the directive was discriminatory and unconstitutional under Articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
In a 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, ruled in favor of the FDA. Osae’s lawyer, Bobby Banso, contended that the ban unfairly targeted the creative arts industry and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.
The lawsuit sought to:
– Declare the FDA’s guidelines as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
– Nullify the specific guideline preventing celebrities from advertising alcohol.
– Issue an injunction against the enforcement of this guideline.
Prominent figures in the creative industry, including Wendy Shay, Shatta Wale, Brother Sammy, Kuami Eugene, and Camidoh, have voiced strong opposition to the ban, highlighting its adverse impact on their income.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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