Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, has hinted that a future in politics is not entirely off the table, though he says such a move would depend on a direct call from the people of Ablekuma.
During an appearance on the Ekosiisen programme on Asempa FM on Wednesday, March 11, the musician explained that he would only consider contesting a parliamentary seat if residents genuinely want him to represent them. Even then, he made it clear he would run as an independent rather than attach himself to any political party.
“I love Ghana so much. If the people of Ablekuma call me, I will definitely go. But I won’t say because I have money now, I’m coming to contest. When they call, I will go, but as an independent candidate,” he revealed.
Shatta Wale stressed that he has no interest in forcing his way into politics or using his popularity as a shortcut into leadership. In his view, public office should come as a response to the will of the people rather than personal ambition.
“Ghana is a funny country. Sometimes when you decide to do something, that is when you have some people with talks here and there. But I believe at the right time [things will fall in place],” he said.
The award-winning artiste also spoke about how films often influence the way he reflects on leadership and responsibility. He pointed to a recent viewing experience on Netflix, where a series about Moses left him thinking about the nature of leadership and purpose.
“Sometimes when I watch movies, I learn a lot from them. Recently, I was watching The Book of Moses on Netflix and I saw how stubborn Moses was when God was asking him to go back to Egypt,” he said.
That moment, he explained, reinforced his belief that leadership should sometimes emerge from the demand of the people rather than self-promotion.
“I feel when the people call for it, I can stand out boldly. But I don’t want to come out myself and feel like I’m entering people’s business. When the people want it, that is when I can come out,” he added.
Even if that call eventually comes, the dancehall figure insists he has no interest in joining Ghana’s traditional party system.
“Most definitely, but I don’t want to belong to any political party. I want to be myself,” he stated.
Shatta Wale also used the conversation to share his views on the country’s governance structure, suggesting that Ghana must begin rethinking systems established decades ago. Referencing a recent track he released, he voiced frustration with what he believes are outdated frameworks.
“We are tired of the 1992 laws and constitution. We need to grow up from where we are. Other countries have grown, so we also need to look at how we can move forward,” he said.
According to him, any political step he might take in the future would revolve around introducing practical policies aimed at improving governance and development in the constituency he serves.
“If I have to go into any constituency, they should understand that we also have policies we want to implement into the system. That is what is going to work,” Shatta Wale added.
For now, however, the musician says his attention remains firmly on his career and personal life, even as he leaves open the possibility that public service could one day become part of his journey.
