The Alcohol Policy Alliance-Ghana (GhanaAPA) and the West Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA) have commended the Supreme Court for upholding the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) ban on celebrities/iconic persons' advertisements of alcohol products in Ghana.
They expressed their unflinching support for the FDA’s steadfastness in standing up to the bullying tactics of the big alcohol industry and allies for enacting the guidelines and putting maximum effort into defending the guidelines before the court.
This was in a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of GhanAPA, Alhaji Sulley Sumani, and the Programme Officer of WAAPA, Debora Sewoenam Agboado, copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday.
They urged the FDA to build on this momentum and continue to prioritise the protection of consumers and vulnerable groups.
“We also call on celebrities in the entertainment industry and other fields to use their influence to champion public health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rather than promoting harmful products and interests driven by personal gain,” the statement said.
It also urged the Technical Working Group to seize this opportunity to develop stronger alcohol legislation for Ghana, aligning with international best practices and prioritising the health and well-being of citizens over profit and commercial interest.
The statement said the landmark ruling for health promotion was for the benefit of children, young people who accept and follow blindly the so-called celebrities without being able to judge the hidden intentions of the alcohol industry.
“This decision sets a precedent for prioritising public health over commercial interests. We urge stakeholders to continue to advocate policies and practices that prioritise the health and well-being of Ghana’s population,” it stated.
The statement said the ruling was a victory for all well-meaning Ghanaians and institutions, state-own and civil society organisations while congratulating the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for a battle well fought.
“Our efforts are not to destroy the income for advertisers but to protect children and young persons from alcohol harm including death,” it said.
Latest Stories
-
Star Oil unveils ‘Star Loyalty Card’ in a move to enhance customer experience
12 mins -
Cement manufacturers boycott stakeholder meeting with Trade Minister on new price regulation
38 mins -
Paris 2024: Harry Stacey and Joselle Mensah to represent Ghana in Swimming
48 mins -
PURC’s ‘Year of Strategic Impact’ gets results in Bono East Region
58 mins -
I listen to Kofi Kinaata and Stonebwoy because of the wisdom in their songs – Ohemaa Mercy
1 hour -
NSMQ2024: KNUST SHS makes grand entry of 76 points to national championship
1 hour -
Trump win as top court deals blow to Jan 6 case
1 hour -
There’s a gradual loss of trust for democratic rule – Francis Poku
1 hour -
We’re expecting $2.9bn from IMF, other sources to stabilise cedi – Finance Minister
2 hours -
Euro 2024: France beat Belgium to reach quarterfinals
2 hours -
Maxwell Konadu departs Nsoatreman FC, heads to Black Leopards
2 hours -
Supreme Court rules Trump has limited immunity in January 6 case, jeopardizing trial before election
3 hours -
NCDs prevention must be included in school curriculum – Prof Abekah-Nkrumah
3 hours -
Give the Black Stars maximum support – John Mensah urges Ghanaians
3 hours -
Inflation dips to 23.1% as fiscal and monetary policies take effect, says Finance Minster
3 hours