Media personality and Image Bureau CEO, George Quaye, along with other stakeholders in the creative arts industry, express optimism about the Supreme Court's forthcoming judgement on the case against the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The stakeholders took the FDA to the apex court in November 2022 over its decision to ban the advertisement of alcohol by celebrities.

In an interview with JoyNews’ Richard Kwadwo Nyarko, George Quaye emphasized the significance of collaborations and endorsements with corporate institutions for the growth of the creative arts industry.

He believes the FDA's ban restricts potential investments for the industry, particularly highlighting the importance of support and advertisement with alcoholic beverage brands as crucial investment opportunities for creatives.

“It is not like when the money comes into the space, celebrities or artists keep it to themselves. They reinvest it into the industry by employing other people and investing in other initiatives,” he said.

Quaye clarified that the lawsuit is not intended to incite conflict with the FDA but rather seeks a judgment favorable to everyone, ensuring that creatives receive the necessary investment and support.

He pointed out that when money flows into the industry, it benefits not only the artists themselves but also the broader creative ecosystem by creating employment opportunities and supporting various initiatives.

“The celebrities have kids and they have families. Naturally, they would not want to endorse products that would go and affect their kids negatively.

"So they are willing to be responsible and just as things are done responsibly, they are also willing to do this and do it responsibly. So we are hopeful for something in our favour, or let me say in their favour.”

He added that “at the end of the day, we can all sit with the FDA and find a way that even if celebrities endorse alcoholic products, it will still go in a way that children will be protected.”

The CEO of Image Bureau continued, saying that celebrities are still capable of encouraging young people to abstain from alcohol.

“So we're just being hopeful that at least they would hear us…At the end of the day, it endures the benefit of Ghana as a country. It's not like anybody wants to banter with the FDA or fight with them in a way.”

Heading: "Supreme Court to Deliver Judgment on FDA's Celebrity Alcohol Advertisement Ban"

On April 10, 2024, the Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment on the case against the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). This date was established by a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Background: In 2015, the Food and Drug Authority imposed a ban on celebrities participating in alcoholic beverage advertisements, citing adherence to a World Health Organization (WHO) policy.

The FDA stated that this measure aimed to protect minors from being influenced towards alcoholism. Despite these regulations, the issue resurfaced prominently in 2020 when Wendy Shay criticized the FDA and the Gaming Commission of Ghana for the ban.

The musician accused the FDA of attempting to hinder celebrities' livelihoods and called for collective opposition to the policy. In 2022, the FDA was taken to the Supreme Court by plaintiff Mark Darlington Osae, a music publisher, and Chairman of the Ghana Music Alliance.

Plaintiff's Case: Mark Darlington Osae, Chairman of the Ghana Music Alliance, challenged the FDA's 2015 regulations in the Supreme Court.

He argued that these guidelines, prohibiting the use of "well-known personalities or professionals in alcoholic beverage advertising," amounted to discrimination based on economic status and occupation, among other grounds.

The plaintiff seeks a declaration of unconstitutionality for these regulations, asserting inconsistency with articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The lawsuit aims to challenge the ban as an infringement of fundamental rights.

Public Figures Against the Ban: Public figures like Shatta Wale, Brother Sammy, Kuami Eugene, and Camidoh had previously spoken out against the FDA's ban on celebrities endorsing alcoholic beverages.

Their criticism preceded the legal action initiated by Mark Darlington Osae, highlighting a broader resistance to the FDA's policy within the creative industry.