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Comedian, Efiewura Kwame Dzokoto has admitted that the ban placed on him
by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) not to advertise alcoholic or
endorse beverages in the country has really affected his brand.
According to him, the intensity of the ban is really felt during this
Easter celebration as several companies which hitherto used him for
adverts and also for branding several programmes declined to use him.
“It’s a blow because nobody wants to attach me to products…nobody wants
to [engage] me because they think they can use me in one place and not
the other…,” he said.
Though he claimed he can’t quantify the amount he has lost as a result,
the comedian cum actor said he really missed on several packages during
this festivity.
The TV personality has been banned by the drugs regulatory body from advertising for alcoholic companies.
The FDA said their ban was in order as the comedian has much influence
on people of the younger generation and hence saw the need to ensure he
stops advertising alcoholic beverages in the media.
Since the ban took effect, several persons have called on the FDA to
lift the ban placed on him but the calls have gone unheeded by the body.
This claim of the FDA, Kwame Dzokoto in an interview with
Adomonline.com’s Kwaku Nti said lacks scientific basis as ‘I have
nothing to do with kids’.
“For example, my show, Edziban is broadcasted after 8:00 PM by which
time most kids have gone to sleep so how does it have a direct effect on
them…?” he quizzed.
Asked if he intends to pursue the case at the law courts to ensure the
ban is lifted, the Efiewura actor said he believed the law was not
framed to harm celebrities and hence would be very appreciative if the
FDA would ‘temper justice with mercy.’
His call, he said was very appropriate as society can’t always engage
several stars in the showbiz industry all the time and hence they need
some of these adverts and endorsements to make a living in this
struggling economy.
He however expressed disappointment in colleague actors and actor
groups like MUSIGA and Actors Guild who he said have failed to voice out
against the enforcement of the ban arguing that they would not see the
immediate effect of the ban until they are barred by it one day.
“They think it’s a fight for Dzokoto, which is worrying…when they start
losing that is when they would feel that the fight is beyond me…?”
Credit: adomonline.com
