The Angel Group of Companies has said it was unaware its decision to use famous personalities to market its popular Adonko Bitters without prior approval was in contravention of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) code on the sale and advertisement of alcoholic beverages.
This follows the lifting of the ban imposed on the sale of the drink as well as a GHS25000 fine after the FDA established that there was excessive consumption of the product – and in some cases by minors – at a concert the company held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. Notable artistes Shatta Wale and Bisa Kdei performed at the event.
The company, however, denied any sale of the product to persons below the legal drinking age of 18.
However, having complied with the FDA directives allowing for the lifting of sanctions, the company said it would ensure it abides by regulations in the marketing and sale of the product.
Nana Amankwaa, Sales and Marketing Manager of Angel Group of Companies, speaking on Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM with host Chief Jerry Forson on Wednesday May 24, said: “We didn’t know we were violating the FDA’s regulations by our actions and so we apologised to the authority.
“We do know that we are not allowed to use celebrities to advertise alcoholic beverages but we didn’t know that even if you are organising a musical concert, the FDA would have to authorise or approve the artistes to perform. We didn’t know of this regulation but the FDA has educated us on that and so we have taken those instructions from the FDA.
“FDA had never had a problem with Adonko Bitters as a product. It was the event that it had issues with and that brought about that ban, but after their investigations they have lifted the ban.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
