The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed a legal complaint filed by Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale (real name Charles Nii Armah Mensah) against the Republic of Ghana and its Gaming Commission.
The court ruled that the artist failed to prove claims of discrimination over a terminated endorsement deal with a gaming company.
Shatta Wale argued that his celebrity status led to unfair treatment. He claimed the Gaming Commission stopped him from partnering with a gaming brand due to Guideline VII of Ghana’s Advertising Guidelines, which bars celebrities from promoting gambling to the public.
He said the decision infringed on his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international protocols.
However, the Ghanaian government disputed the allegations and questioned the court’s ability to rule on matters involving the repeal of national laws. The state argued that no other Ghanaian celebrities were allowed to promote gambling and that any examples cited by the artist involved countries with different legal frameworks.
Court’s Ruling
The three-member panel of judges, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves (Presiding), Justice Sengu Koroma, and Justice Dupe Atoki, found multiple gaps in Shatta Wale’s case:
- He failed to identify the gaming company involved.
- He provided no proof of communications or formal interactions with the company.
- He did not offer evidence of other celebrities receiving preferential treatment in similar situations.
The Court affirmed its jurisdiction but ruled that the case lacked merit. It concluded that granting the relief requested would impact an unnamed third party, violating procedural rules.
Final Verdict
The case was dismissed entirely.
