The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has thrown out the case brought by Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale, dismissing his allegations of discrimination by Ghana and its Gaming Commission.
In a judgment delivered on May 8, 2025, the Court found that Shatta Wale failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claim that Ghana’s Advertising Guidelines unfairly prevented him from signing an endorsement deal with a local betting company. The guidelines, which prohibit celebrities from appearing in gambling advertisements, were central to his argument that his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights had been violated.
However, the Court noted that Shatta Wale did not submit any proof of contract negotiations with the betting firm, nor could he demonstrate that government officials interfered to block the endorsement. Additionally, the Court pointed out the absence of evidence showing differential treatment of other celebrities, undermining the claim of discrimination.
The Court also raised procedural concerns over the unnamed gaming company involved, ruling that without identifying this third party, it could not grant any remedies. Despite confirming its jurisdiction and admitting the application, the Court ultimately dismissed the case due to lack of merit.
The ruling was delivered by a panel including Presiding Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, and Justice Dupe Atoki. This decision marks a significant legal precedent concerning advertising regulations and the protection of rights in the region’s entertainment and gaming sectors.
