George Quaye Calls For “Middle Ground” after Alcohol Advertisement Verdict

Ghanaian actor George Quaye is calling for a middle ground following the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the ban on celebrities against the advertisement of alcoholic beverages.

The FDA banned celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages in 2015 after World Health Organization (WHO) research showed that alcohol-related diseases among children are surging and attributed it to the continuous involvement of celebrities in the advertisement of alcoholic beverages.

Mark Darlington Osae, the manager of Reggie ‘N’ Bollie and Skrewfaze, dragged the FDA and Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame to court in 2022, arguing the ban is discriminatory, inconsistent with and in contravention of Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution which guarantee equality before the law and prohibits discrimination against persons on grounds of social or economic status, occupation, among others.

In his writ, he argued that the ban is unconstitutional.

However, in a verdict on June 19, 2024, the Court threw out the case as it upheld the ban.

Addressing the press after the proceedings, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Image Bureau, George Quaye, said an engagement with the FDA for a neutral resolution of the issue which will address all concerns of both sides must be held.

According to him, inasmuch as things that influence kids must be monitored, laws doing so shouldn’t deprive celebrities of their daily bread.

“Well, the Court has spoken. I don’t think the war is between the FDA and Celebrities or people with a certain level of popularity. We are all seeking a safe society where kids can grow and not be influenced by anything negative but we always have to look at the broader picture. Yes, we have to implement laws but we have to implement those laws in such a way that you don’t take food out of someone’s mouth. Everybody deserves to be able to work and everybody deserves to be able to run their business effectively without affecting other people negatively.”

“This is not something I think the FDA should be hard and fast about. I think we need to find a middle ground sit with these popular people and find the best way to ensure that we can all educate, inspire and ensure that alcoholic beverages are not destroying children. I have children and I wouldn’t be happy if some celebrities somewhere are influencing them negatively but I will be happy if some celebrities are influencing them positively.”