EDITOR’S LENS: Celebrities must not shy away from politics
As Ghana gears up for the general election in December, the political landscape is heating up. While professionals from other sectors are actively engaging in politics, Ghanaian celebrities –entertainers and sports personalities--are noticeably absent from the political discourse.
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This is because they are often seen as unifiers, and many hesitate to publicly declare their political stance, fearing it may alienate their fans and supporters.
However, Prince David Osei, in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, is urging his colleague celebrities to break this silence. The actor is stirring them up to embrace their civic duty and participate actively in the decision-making process of the country.
Graphic Showbiz appreciates Osei's call to action as timely and crucial. This is because by leveraging their influence, celebrities help raise awareness about critical issues, inspire fans to take action and hold leaders accountable.
Interestingly, this civic role by celebrities has been low in our part of the world for the fear that they (celebrities) will lose favour with their fans and supporters due to political differences.
The reality is that politics equally affects the entertainment and sports industries. Policies relating to funding, censorship, harassment, mental health and intellectual property directly impact those industries.
By engaging in politics, celebrities can help push agendas of interest to them so that decisions can be made to support their endeavours.
Celebrities have unique perspectives that can help enrich political discourse. Their experiences, both personal and professional, can offer distinct viewpoints capable of affecting national policies.
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Former President John Mahama’s engagement with the creative industry last month, where the players offered their views on ways to grow the industry, was an excellent example of how they can voice out their concerns for the general good.
That event placed the spotlight clearly on the need for Ghanaian celebrities to find their voice in politics. That responsibility should not be shirked.
Graphic Showbiz applauds Prince David Osei's courage. It also recognises other celebrities like John Dumelo, Baba Sadiq and Phred Nuamah who are actively engaged in politics and are not deterred by any possible backlash.
They are motivated by a desire to be part of the decision-making process and we give them the thumbs up for that.