“I just lost a deal worth 1000s of dollars with this foreign alcohol company…I didn’t know in Ghana Celebrities can’t advertise for alcoholic beverages according to FDA. Like Seriously?! Small food we go chop too u wan take from our mouth. Gh celebs wake up!! FDA Lift dat ban!!”
These were the words Afrobeat singer Wendy Shay last week which courted conversation on various social media platforms, triggering a response from the Food and Drug Authority.

Another response has been issued – this time, from a couple of civil society groups who are mounting pressure on the young artiste to render an unqualified apology to the Ghanaian youth for making such utterances.

In a statement copied to www.ghanaweb.com, the Ghana Alcohol Policy Alliance expressed disappointment in Wendy Shay for being selfish.

“We are very disappointed and troubled over the comment and call on Wendy Shay to apologise to all the youth and young people.

"She must also apologise to the poor and vulnerable who have died and those currently suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as the cancers, stroke, liver problems, cardiovascular diseases and are unable to pay for treatment because it is very expensive.

“The call to apologise stems from the fact that the celebrities ban from alcohol adverts on TV and radio is primarily to protect our children from alcohol harm and destruction.

"Yet she calls on the FDA to lift the ban without recognising the negative effects alcohol has on us as humans. Secondly, she was only concerned about her personal gains and interest and not public health and good of our children and the youth who the law seeks to protect.” Excerpts of the statement read.



Background

On Thursday, January 16, Wendy Shay lashed out at FDA for causing her to lose 1000s of dollars due to an existing ban which forbids celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages.

She claimed a foreign company was set to sign a deal with her for her to advertise their products.

Meanwhile, the FDA in responding to Wendy Shay’s tweet said;

Dear Wendy Shay Official,

The guidelines on the advertisement of food states clearly that no well-known personality or professional shall be used in alcoholic beverage advertisement.

The FDA is not trying to take food away from your mouth but rather trying to protect the young ones who idolise you from the abuse of alcohol.

On the other hand, we can collaborate with you to use your influence to educate the youth against alcohol abuse.

FDA….Your Well-being, Our Priority.

When did FDA place a ban on celebrities

In 2015, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) banned celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages.

The FDA said at the time that the ban was not only in accordance to a World Health Organisation policy but was part of efforts to protect children and prevent them from being lured into alcoholism.

The FDA subsequently announced in 2018 that the advertisement of alcoholic products on TV and Radio should be limited to only after 20:00GMT.

The FDA explained that the move had become necessary because the number of alcohol ads aired during the day was too much and could lure minors to start drinking alcohol.