The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has called the bluff of Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale and other celebrities who are threatening to defy their orders.
A Principal officer at FDA, Mr Kofi Essel who is spearheading the campaign of the ban indicated that the laws of the country will deal with any such person.
In an interview on 3FM’s Showbuzz with MzGee, Mr Essel noted that an observation on the influence on minors by celebrities backed the ban of alcoholic beverage endorsement by celebrities.
“There’s a law in Ghana which is the public health act of 2012, Act 251 and that act says that for the FDA to do its work, FDA have to draw guidelines and these guidelines have been developed. These guidelines says that you can not do this, you go ahead and try it. Let anyone go ahead and try it and we’ll see whether there are laws in Ghana or not.” Mr Essel dared celebrities
” The fact that Nigerian celebrities are allowed to advertise alcoholic beverages doesn’t necessarily translate to the situation in Ghana. We have made concrete observation with the influence of celebrities on minors and we’ve come up with regulations that will safeguard our situation.” He further noted
Outspoken dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale is threatening to stage a march to protest against the ban.
In a video posted Facebook, the ‘Melissa’ hitmaker said the artistes should join to march to the FDA office and the presidency to mount pressure on the authorities to review the ban.
His colleagues including Edem, Wendy Shay, Bullet, Tic among others are keen on heeding Shatta Wale’s call.
