Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas has objected to the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) policy that prohibits celebrities from endorsing alcoholic brands.
During a conversation with Kojo Sheldon on the Keeping it Real with Joselyn Dumas podcast, the actress criticized the regulatory policy, arguing that the selective restriction imposed on musicians and celebrities was unfair.
Joselyn Dumas pointed out that alcohol forms a part of entertainment, and if the intention of the regulatory policy is to protect minors from alcohol inducement influenced by celebrity endorsements, then “alcohol should be banned completely.”
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The actress and television host dismissed the notion that celebrity endorsements of alcoholic brands influence the recent irresponsible behaviour among Ghanaian minors and youths. She also maintained that parents and guardians are responsible for the moral upbringing of their wards, not celebrities.
Joselyn Dumas noted that the FDA should “tackle alcohol consumption as a broader social issue” rather than banning celebrities, who are not the cause of the influx of alcohol in Ghana’s nightlife and entertainment spaces.
The FDA’s regulatory ban, first introduced in 2015 and upheld by the Supreme Court, remains a contentious issue. While supporters praise it as a measure to protect children, celebrities argue that it would severely reduce their revenue and opportunities in the creative industry.