Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban on celebrities in alcohol advertisements as a major win for the public and the health of Ghanaians.Speaking during a media engagement Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at FDA, Joseph Benneh, stated that "this is a victory for all Ghanaians and a victory for public health and safety".According to him, “there is not much to celebrate actually.

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It is just that we are contributing to the health and safety of the people of Ghana and we are happy the Supreme Court sees eye to eye with us”.This comes after Celebrities in Ghana challenged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in court over a ban on their advertising for alcoholic companies.

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The case began on November 11, 2022, when artiste manager Mark Darlington Osae sued the FDA, arguing that the ban violated equality and discriminated against the creative industry.

the Supreme Court  on Wednesday June 19, 2024 ruled in favour of the FDA where it upheld the Authority's 2016 guidelines, which bars celebrities and popular figures such as musicians among others from

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promoting alcohol products.Manager of the musical duo Reggie N Bollie, Mr. Osae, in reaction contended that the directive discriminates against celebrities and breaches constitutional rights. He sought the court's interpretation of articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the constitution, aiming to overturn the FDA's directive on the grounds of discrimination.

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Nonetheless, in a 5-2 majority decision, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, upheld the FDA's guidelines as constitutional.Meanwhile, FDA's Joseph Benneh commended the manager and all other celebrities who partnered with him to seek legal clarity and  redress over the ban.

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" It is just not about celebrities but of course, they find themselves within that space and did the right thing in going to court to seek clarification and confirmation as to whether what we are doing is within the context of the constitution” he stated.

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