Ghana based civil society organization, New Ghana Social Justice Forum has expressed its opposition to Sarkodie’s scheduled performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in a letter addressed to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee.
The group described Sarkodie as an artist who has repeatedly violated women’s rights throughout his career. The letter noted that his actions and lyrics are inconsistent with the values upheld by the Olympic Games. “The Olympic Games, traditionally seen as a platform to uphold human rights, promote women’s development, and set standards for human dignity, should carefully consider these values,” the letter stated.
The letter which was signed by President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, Yahaya Alhassan, cited specific examples, including the controversial ‘Jennifer Lomotey,’ which negatively portrays Krobo women by referencing a folklore involving a curse of promiscuity. Additionally, it mentioned Sarkodie’s diss track ‘Try Me,’ in which he labeled actress Yvonne Nelson as “a prostitute who belongs to the street” in response to her memoir ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson.’
The human rights organization urged the French National Olympic and Sports Committee to reconsider allowing Sarkodie to perform, labeling him a misogynist whose participation would send a troubling message against gender equality. “Granting Sarkodie a platform at the Olympics and other stages sends a concerning message, particularly in African communities striving for gender equality and respect for women,” the letter concluded.
The Paris 2024 Olympics Games is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 26, 2024 and will end on Sun, August 11, 2024.