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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has explained that the ban on celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages is an adherence to a World Health Organization (WHO) policy.

According to the Authority, the ban is part of efforts to ensure that minors are protected from being lured into alcoholism.

Speaking on ‘Adom Entertainment Hall’ on Adom FM, the Deputy Chief Executive for Food and Drugs Authority, John Odame Darkwa explained that as a member of the WHO, Ghana is expected to adhere to the directive.

He continued that the FDA has been tasked to ensure sanity in the advertising industry in Ghana.

Mr. Odame Darkwa stated that prohibiting celebrities or people with high influence on the public from advertising alcoholic beverages in the country is part of sanitizing the advertising industry.

The Deputy Chief Executive said that the directive follows a research conducted by WHO which shows alcohol related diseases among children are on the increase and attributed it to the continuous involvement of celebrities in the advertisement of alcoholic beverages.

He stated that underage fans of celebrities are easily convinced to practice what their icons do or say so celebrity endorsement for alcoholic beverages and liquor is dangerous to such kids.

“It is unfortunate that some people see the directive as a way to sabotage celebrities in Ghana. No, this is purely a public health concern,” he noted.

He said that they have met with the alcoholic beverage and liquor producers in the country on several occasions and have explained to them why it was necessary not to use celebrities for their advertisement.

He expressed surprise that after all these meetings some people will still be accusing the FDA of implementing the directives without prior notice.