I am moved to write this article because of the number of messages I have received from people who feel disappointed that I, a TV personality, ‘‘a celebrity’’ should decide to engage in politics. According to Ghanaians, first of all there are no celebrities in Ghana (yet these same people are quick to call Kim Kardishan a celebrity!).
Then they continue to bash us for publically supporting a political party. But as I said to one person on Instagram, in the Western World where I grew up, celebrities endorsing politicians is no biggie. Even today, anyone can research and see the celebrities endorsing which political party in America and UK.
It is not an unusual practice. I understand it is new to Ghana. And anything new takes getting used to. However, I don’t see why people should be disappointed in Ghanaian celebrities who choose to get involved politically. If anything, we should be encouraged and applauded for being brave enough to do what many fear.
In America, a celebrity can endorse a Political Party and guess what? It will not affect his / her work. Even if their party loses, celebrities in America will still find work after endorsing a political party. Not so in Ghana. Right now, with all the support I have given the NPP, I know I am at risk of never working again in Ghana if NDC should win. So rather than shake their head at me, people should look at the message of my campaign and hopefully #AriseForChange.
Ghanaians love to copy everything from the West; sadly they tend to copy the wrong things. And when some of us do copy the right things, we are insulted for it. Let me say it loud and clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong or unusual about famous people, celebrities throwing their weight behind a political party. What is wrong however is punishing us by making sure we never work again.
Ghana is seriously in need of a new mindset. And it starts with you. Also from now on I will start publically naming and shaming those who bash me SIMPLY for choosing to exercise my democratic right by endorsing Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP. Thank You.
Akua Manfo aka Blakofe
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