By RegIna Kwapong
NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Bawumia, curated a special evening event titled “Evening Encounter with Arts and Tourism Fraternity”, in a bid to connect with Ghana’s vibrant arts and tourism sector.”
The exclusive gathering took place on October 16, 2024, at the prestigious Alisa Hotel in Accra, drawing attention from members of the industry eager to engage with the political leader.
During the event, all eyes turned to Shatta Wale as he brought a fresh perspective that captured public attention while fellow artists expressed concerns about their welfare and benefits.
The dancehall icon shifted the conversation towards the fans who fuel their success. He raised a crucial point about the government’s support for street and ghetto youth, addressing a segment often overlooked by past administrations.
Drawing from his own journey from humble beginnings, Shatta Wale passionately challenged Bawumia on the strategies in place to uplift these marginalized young individuals. Despite admitting reluctance to attend initially, Shatta’s decision was fueled by a desire to collaborate with the government and effect positive change for the disadvantaged youth.
He stated that, “I have been on the street as a ghetto boy, I rose from the ghetto. These people are struggling on the streets and I wonder if a government wants to come to power, how well they will communicate to these people on the streets. These are the fans that support all of us here. These are people without any hope and that is why sometimes people like us want to share what we have with them”.
His candid remarks set the tone for a meeting that promised not just dialogue but potential action towards addressing pressing societal issues.