Eugene Nyavor
Pay Me Before I Become Ambassador Against Corona Virus– Shatta Wale
Outspoken dancehall musician, Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly referred to as Shatta Wale has sent a strong message to the government ahead of its appointment of celebrities to play ambassadorial roles against the deadly COVID 19 (corona virus).
According to the dancehall act, he will only play that role of an ambassador if the government will pay him for his services.
The government through the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah announced some days ago that it was going to appoint celebrities as ambassadors to launch a campaign the deadly corona virus which has become a global pandemic. His comments comes after cases of corona virus continues to rise in the country. According to him, celebrities serve as a reliable source of disseminating information to their fan base and will be the right people to help create awareness. He added that the government is not considering to pay them since it should be a patriotic act to help the nation.
Speaking to Media Generale’s Mzgee in interview, Shatta Wale noted that the minister’s comments is rather unfortunate. He added that he sees his music as a business venture and has to be paid should he render services. He called on the government to reconsider their decision before contacting him.
“They’re working and they’re getting paid… They’re charging us with taxes here and there and we understand. Our royalties are not getting to us so we’re not even making that kind of money that we have to make; so if government wants to engage me, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie or any other, they should know that there is something that needs to be done. It’s a tradition. We can’t come out and say we’re going to do it for free. I’m not part of their political party. It’s best for them to put a package down. Doing it for free will be very hard for someone like me.”
