Star power: Celebrities ignite election fever!

AS Ghana braces for one of its most hotly contested general elections on Saturday, December 7, 2024, the nation’s vibrant entertainment industry is playing an increasingly prominent role in the political arena, lending glamour and excitement to the electoral process.

From A-list actors and celebrated musicians to social media influencers, these stars are wielding their celebrity power to sway voters, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political landscape.

Drawing inspiration from global trends, it seems Ghanaian celebrities are emulating their counterparts in the USA, where musicians, screen stars and sports icons have actively campaigned for political candidates.

The historic 2008 election of Barack Obama as the 44th US President, bolstered by the star power of global icons, could redefine how Ghanaians perceive the growing connection between politics and mainstream entertainment.

Actors such as Prince David Osei, Agya Koo, Kafui Danku, Kalybos, along with a host of musicians and social media influencers, have mobilised their platforms to support the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Since the return to multiparty democracy in 1992, Ghana's music icons have played a significant role in shaping the political narrative, lending their voices and artistry to campaigns. 

Renowned musicians such as Jewel Ackah, Daddy Lumba, Lucky Mensah, Philipa Baafi, Kwabena Kwabena, Nacee, and Sarkodie have either been commissioned to compose campaign anthems or seen their chart-topping hits adopted as rallying cries by the NPP and the NDC.

These collaborations have not only amplified party messages but also solidified the intersection of music and politics in Ghana’s evolving democratic landscape.

Gone are the days when celebrity endorsements were subtle nods in interviews or a fleeting presence at party rallies.

This year, entertainers have become political powerhouses. Renowned actor John Dumelo and actress Ebi Bright, for instance, are taking the plunge as parliamentary candidates for the NDC, while others such as media stars Abeiku Aggrey Santana and Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) are vocal advocates for the party.

On the NPP front, screen stars such as Agya Koo, Bibi Bright and gospel sensation Diana Asamoah are enthusiastically championing the party’s achievements and openly campaigning for the NPP Presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Comic actor Kalybos has openly displayed his red-blue-and-white colours by not only voicing his support for the ruling party but also featuring in campaign ads, while Highlife veteran Rex Omar has become NDC’s policy spokesperson for the creative arts sector.

 These developments have sparked debates about the role of celebrity influence in politics. In separate interviews with Graphic Showbiz, some creatives were excited about the happening, noting that times have changed and people have come to accept that different political opinions don’t mean enmity.

Actor Prince David Osei, a passionate advocate for civic engagement among creatives, is urging them to break their silence and get directly involved in the country's decision-making process. 

“There’s the need for active participation in politics, remaining vocal in our political beliefs, voicing our concerns and holding leaders accountable for their actions.”

“It is inspiring to see that our voices are heard and that positive changes are being made for the benefit of all. I will continue to speak up and work towards a better future for our country and people,” he remarked.

 Actress Kafui Danku, the lead star in ‘Devil in a Dress’, warned against the devastating consequences of insecurity seen in neighbouring nations and highlighted the importance of maintaining peace during the elections on Saturday, emphasising the importance of stability amidst growing tensions.

“Given the growing dissatisfaction among the citizenry, the response is not to instigate violence. The ballot is the best payback tool because nothing is gratifying about wars and conflicts. They will only leave us in pieces, while the actual perpetrators feed off the ruins,” she said.

She explained that contrary to the perception that celebrities incur the wrath of their followers when they share differing political opinions, the narrative is changing.

For film producer Socrate Safo, celebrity presence adds unparalleled excitement to the electoral process. “I’ve always told creatives not to shy away from making their voices heard. They have great influence and they should positively use it even when it comes to governance.”

“For instance, I’ve told some of the musicians not to turn down offers by political parties to perform at a rally. They are creatives and should make money from their craft,” he said.

With just days to the polls, the impact of these high-profile endorsements on the election's outcome remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the glamour of Ghana’s entertainment industry has added a compelling sparkle to the nation’s democratic process.