FDA ban is a big blow to me – Kwame Dzokoto

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 celebrations 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 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…?”

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