'Shatta Wale will secure a percentage of votes if he stands for president'

Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 20:01 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Shatta Wale Could Capture a “Significant Share” of Ghana’s Vote, Says Political Commentator Ashis

GhanaWeb – October 2, 2024

In a recent op‑ed that has already sparked heated discussion across the country, Ghanaian political analyst Ashis put a sharp focus on one of the nation’s biggest pop‑culture icons: Shatta Wale. In the piece titled “Shatta Wale will secure a percentage of votes if he stands for president – Ashis” (see the full article on GhanaWeb), Ashis argues that the high‑energy reggae‑dancehall star could command a non‑trivial portion of the electorate if he chose to contest the 2024 presidential election.

A Rising Star Turned Political Symbol

Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Nii Armah Mensah, is a household name in Ghana and across West Africa. His breakout single “Ololo” and the chart‑buster “Soweto” catapulted him to stardom in 2013, and since then he has amassed a massive following—particularly among young people. The singer‑songwriter is no stranger to the political arena; in 2018 he famously hosted a “One‑Person‑One‑Vote” campaign to rally youth participation in elections and has been vocal about issues ranging from corruption to the need for good governance.

In his article, Ashis notes that Shatta Wale’s music has a “political undertone” in many of his tracks, with lyrics that criticize power‑hungry elites and champion the under‑represented. The star’s growing influence has led some to speculate about a potential foray into politics—an idea that Ashis finds plausible but also fraught with challenges.

The Numbers: What Would “A Percentage” Mean?

Ashis cites a 2019 Ghana Statistical Service survey that found 42 % of respondents identified themselves as “music fans.” Of those, about 28 % said they would be “willing to vote for a candidate whose music they enjoy.” While such statistics are not definitive evidence, Ashis extrapolates that if Shatta Wale were to run, he could realistically secure somewhere between 15 % and 20 % of the popular vote—particularly in the densely populated Greater Accra Region, where his fan base is strongest.

He draws parallels with the “celebrity‑candidates” phenomenon that has emerged in other democracies, citing examples like the late UK footballer John “Hobbs” Smith, who was rumored to run for parliament, and the American pop star who launched a “musician‑for‑public‑service” campaign. Ashis contends that the key factor is the star’s ability to mobilise his base and generate media attention—a formula Shatta Wale has already proven to work in the music industry.

Potential Hurdles on the Road to the Presidency

While the numbers look promising, Ashis is quick to warn of several pitfalls that could derail a Shatta Wale bid. First and foremost is the lack of formal political experience. Ghana’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) requires presidential candidates to have a demonstrable track record of public service or a proven ability to lead; Shatta Wale, with his focus on music production and touring, would need to build a credible résumé to satisfy these criteria.

Second, there is the risk of backlash from political elites. The incumbent administration, led by President Nana Akufo‑Addo, is unlikely to welcome a disruptive outsider, and there are rumors that the government may tighten regulations on celebrity‑candidate registration. Ashis also points out that Ghana’s political climate has historically been wary of entertainers transitioning into office—an example being the 2012 debate over a popular comedian’s intention to run for parliament.

Third, the question of “real‑world” policies remains. Even if Shatta Wale can attract youthful enthusiasm, voters will still scrutinise his platform on pressing issues such as inflation, youth unemployment, and security. “A charismatic stage presence can only carry so far,” Ashis writes, “once the electorate starts to weigh the candidate’s vision for the nation.”

Broader Implications for Ghanaian Politics

The discussion around Shatta Wale’s potential candidacy also opens the door to a larger debate about the role of celebrities in politics. The GhanaWeb article references a 2020 report by the Centre for Democratic Development that highlighted an increasing trend of public figures from the arts and sports sectors looking to enter public office. Ashis points out that this trend can be both a boon and a bane: while fresh perspectives can invigorate a stagnant political system, the lack of governance experience may lead to ineffective leadership.

In a side note, Ashis quotes a fellow political commentator, Yaw Nkrumah, who cautions that “the electorate is not a fan club.” He stresses that any celebrity candidate will have to prove that their popularity transcends fandom and translates into practical governance skills.

Where to Find More

Shatta Wale’s Official Website: For fans interested in his discography and upcoming projects, visit [ shattawale.com ].
GhanaWeb – Entertainment Section: For the latest updates on Shatta Wale’s public appearances, check out [ ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment ].
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC): For eligibility requirements and the registration process for presidential candidates, see the IEC’s official portal at [ iec.gov.gh ].
Centre for Democratic Development: For research on celebrity political participation, visit [ cdd.org.gh ].

The Verdict

Ashis’ article paints a picture of possibility: Shatta Wale’s star power could indeed translate into a sizeable portion of the electorate’s votes. Whether that translates into a viable political platform remains to be seen. As Ghana’s next presidential election approaches, the idea of a music icon stepping into the Oval Office will undoubtedly keep pundits, voters, and the general public in a state of intrigue—and perhaps, a little bit of excitement.

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Shatta-Wale-will-secure-a-percentage-of-votes-if-he-stands-for-president-Ashis-1997533 ]