Shatta Wale loses case over gambling ad ban at ECOWAS court

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed a case by Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale. He claimed discrimination against Ghana and its Gaming Commission.

On May 8, 2025, the Court ruled that Shatta Wale did not prove his rights were violated. He alleged he was blocked from signing an endorsement deal with a betting company.

Shatta Wale argued that Ghana’s Advertising Guidelines unfairly targeted him. Specifically, Guideline VII prohibits celebrities from appearing in gambling ads. He claimed this breached protections under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

However, the Court found no solid evidence for these claims. Shatta Wale could not provide documents or testimony about contract talks with the gaming firm. He also failed to show proof of intervention by Ghanaian authorities.

Additionally, the Court noted that Shatta Wale did not present examples of other celebrities treated differently. This weakened his discrimination claim significantly.

The Court raised concerns about the unnamed gaming company involved in the dispute. It stated that without naming this third party, granting relief would violate procedural rules.

While confirming its jurisdiction over the case, the Court ultimately dismissed it for lack of merit. The ruling panel included Presiding Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves and Justices Sengu Mohamed Koroma and Dupe Atoki.