Ghanaian musician Mzbel has expressed her readiness to relocate to Nigeria if offered a lucrative endorsement deal from an alcoholic beverage brand.
This decision follows the Ghanaian Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) regulations, which prohibit celebrities from endorsing alcoholic products.
Mzbel criticized these regulations as restrictive, arguing they hinder celebrities’ ability to secure profitable endorsements that could significantly contribute to their income.
In an interview with Onua FM, Mzbel voiced her frustration, stating, “If I land a profitable deal to shoot an advertisement, perhaps I’ll have to move to Nigeria for a year or so. I’m not sure if the government will prevent celebrities from shooting such ads abroad. If that happens, we will have to resist.”
She emphasized the potential financial gain from endorsements with alcohol brands, noting, “If I secure a deal with an alcoholic brand overseas, I will take the money, do the endorsement, and promote it on my social media platforms. Alcohol advertisements are quite lucrative, so it’s puzzling why we are not allowed to benefit from them.”
The Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s guidelines, initially implemented in 2016, which prohibit celebrities and professionals from appearing in alcohol ads.
The decision came after Mark Darlington Osae, manager of Reggie N Bollie, challenged the directive in court, arguing it was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Despite the legal challenge, the court ruled on June 19, 2024, in favor of the FDA, affirming the guidelines as constitutional.