The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit seeking to declare as unconstitutional the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) guidelines that prohibit celebrities from advertising for alcoholic beverages.

In 2016, the FDA instituted guidelines for the advertisement of foods and beverages, stating that no well-known personality or professional shall be used in alcoholic beverage advertisements.

Mark Darlington Osae, the manager for musicians Reggie N Bollie, challenged the directive, claiming it was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

He filed a suit at the apex court, praying for an injunction against the FDA and for the court to interpret articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the constitution to support his claim.

However, in a majority 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, today, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, upheld the constitutionality of the FDA's directive.

Prominent figures in the creative industry, including Wendy Shay, Shatta Wale, Brother Sammy, Kuami Eugene, and Camidoh, had voiced their opposition to the directive, urging for its repeal.

They argued that endorsing alcoholic beverages is a crucial income stream for the creative arts industry and that the ban adversely affects their livelihoods.