Rita Odafe
Shatta Wale
The ECOWAS Court of Justice, located in Lagos State, has dismissed a discrimination lawsuit brought by Ghanaian artist Charles Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, against the Republic of Ghana and its Gaming Commission.
This case, labeled as Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/25/24, revolved around Shatta Wale’s assertion that he was denied a partnership with a gaming firm due to certain restrictions outlined in Ghana’s Advertising Guidelines.
Specifically, he highlighted Guideline VII, which bars gaming companies from using celebrity endorsements in their promotions.
The musician claimed this limitation violated his rights to non-discrimination as stated in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
However, the court ruled not in his favor, noting that he did not provide sufficient evidence to back his allegations.
The panel pointed out that Mensah failed to name the gaming company involved or show any official correspondence, which it considered necessary for validating his claim.
The Ghanaian government countered the accusation, insisting that the law is equally applicable to all celebrities and challenged Shatta Wale to prove any discriminatory behavior.
Ultimately, the court recognized its authority over the matter and accepted the application but rejected the case due to insufficient evidence of discrimination or unequal treatment.
This decision was made by a panel including Justices Ricardo Gonçalves (president), Sengu Koroma, and Dupe Atoki.
