
By Joseph Dwamena
Musicians around the world have publicly shown their support for certain political parties without looking over their shoulders. In Ghana, I believe we are making progress, but it seems one performer consistently finds himself under scrutiny. He is Michael Owusu Addo, known in the entertainment industry as Sarkodie, arguably Ghana’s fastest rapper.
We’ve often seen or heard Ghanaian celebrities express affection for the Convention People’s Party, the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress and others. This seems quite commonplace. Some have even run for political office, with figures like Kwame Asare Obeng (A-Plus) and John Dumelo coming to mind.
So, what exactly has Sarkodie done to deserve being denied a voice in political matters? We took him to task when he praised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in one of his songs, saying “Nana toaso.” He was criticized for supporting protesters, and, recently, when he made a post on Instagram – “Back to gari soakings like we never left” – hell broke loose.
Many assume the post refers to Ghanaians voting former President John Dramani Mahama back into office. In my opinion, the tweet wasn’t political, but people immediately put a political spin on it.
Live and let live
Samini and others like him might have met the same fate as Sarkodie if they hadn’t publicly and bravely stated their political allegiance. While some think Sarkodie should stop being a ‘hypocrite’ and openly disclose his political affiliation, what happens if he doesn’t? What if he claims to be NPP? We should allow people to maintain their personal choices, as long as they don’t affect us. We should live and let others live.
Currently, two factions exist within the Kumasi film industry: those supporting the NDC and those supporting the NPP. If either side successfully influences government policies and revives the creative sector, Ghana ultimately benefits.
Although some Kumawood celebrities and comedians were initially unfamiliar with some party policies, I was especially pleased to see them actively support the 2024 campaigns, mounting platforms to passionately urge Ghanaians to support Party A or Party B. The beauty of democracy is captured in the saying “ka bi ma menka bi.”
In the United States, actresses Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling, as well as rapper Megan Thee Stallion, supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the elections. Rapper Lil Jon also made an unexpected appearance at the Democratic National Convention in support of the Vice President.
Former President Donald Trump garnered support from wrestler Hulk Hogan, singer Kid Rock, and singer Jason Aldean.
Celebrity endorsements
Whether these celebrity endorsements actually affect the number of votes each party receives is something I often discuss with my friends. Since celebrity endorsements are common in advertising and are a useful tool for political campaigns, I firmly believe they do make an impact. Celebrity endorsements, particularly, draw attention from those who are disengaged from or unsure about the political process. Even more compelling is their ability to influence people to vote for a particular party not necessarily because of its policies, but because they support the celebrities involved.
Voters may choose Party A simply because their favorite comedian supports it. The majority of these voters might become enthusiastic about a candidate and engage in the political process after seeing a celebrity associated with that party. These voters often share an emotional, rather than a policy-driven, relationship with celebrities, and celebrities help channel these feelings into political campaigns.
Yesu Baako, prophesies bebree
In addition to the celebrity endorsements of political parties, there is a growing trend of pastors using their pulpits as platforms for political campaigns. They have the same right as everyone else to engage in the government system as they see fit, and I have no issues with that.
Not long ago, pastors who boldly predicted the winners of the December 7 elections made headlines. Whether they were right or ‘scammed’ us by getting it wrong is another matter. “Jesus baako, prophesies bebree.” On a lighter note, I can bet many pastors are eagerly awaiting the next general election, probably to make a name for themselves.
Ghana has made great strides, and our democracy is being shaped and strengthened by these developments. This is how a nation is constructed, and perhaps, just perhaps, we can begin to move beyond the old adage: “You have your say, but the government will have its way.”