Why can celebrities endorse betting companies but not alcoholic beverages? – Nana Romeo

The host of 'Ayekoo Ayekoo' on Accra 100.5 FM, Nana Romeo Welewele, has questioned the rationale behind celebrity endorsements of betting companies when, at the same time, the authorities have banned celebrities from endorsing or advertising alcoholic beverages.

This comes on the back of the sudden boom in the betting industry as a result of celebrity associations with brands in that industry.

According to Nana Romeo, betting was adversely affecting minors and the youth by capturing their attention and resources, pointing out that this has grown worse because of the involvement of celebrities, who have a massive following.

The outspoken media personality recounted Wendy Shay’s recent encounter with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), after she lost an endorsement deal from a foreign alcoholic beverage company.

“We are aware that the FDA ensures the safety of what we eat, drink and use in our daily activities. The same way, we have witnessed some of our celebrities endorsing alcoholic beverages… We were also here when the FDA banned celebrity endorsement of alcoholic beverages and the back-and-forth that came with it,” he said on his show on 29 May 2020.

Nana Romeo then posed the big question: “What is the difference between celebrity endorsement of alcoholic beverages and betting?”

He further probed into which organisation in Ghana regulates the betting companies.