The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has banned popular Ghanaian TikTok creator Deaconess Abokomah, known off-screen as Ebenezer Arthur, from incorporating alcoholic products in his content. The authority warned that failure to comply could result in a hefty fine of GHC 25,000.
Abokomah revealed the directive in a video, presenting evidence of the formal letter he received from the FDA’s head office in Accra. Known for his comedic portrayal of a witty, elderly Fante church deaconess, Abokomah occasionally features Club Beer in his skits, which has now drawn the ire of the FDA.
The ban forms part of the FDA’s broader effort to regulate the promotion of alcoholic beverages, especially by influencers and celebrities, to prevent undue influence on the youth. Ghana’s FDA has maintained a stringent policy against celebrities endorsing alcohol, a stance that has sparked widespread debate in the entertainment industry.
Reacting to the ban, Deaconess Abokomah expressed frustration, joining a growing list of Ghanaian celebrities who have publicly criticized the FDA’s position on alcohol advertising. Many argue that the policy unfairly limits their ability to earn income through brand endorsements.
The move raises questions about the balance between public health concerns and creative expression, as industry stakeholders call for clearer guidelines that align the FDA’s goals with the realities of modern content creation.
Source:NKONKONSA.com