Ghana dancehall giant, Livingstone Etse Setleka globally recognized as Stonebwoy has expressed concern over the rising demand of local celebrities to take leading roles in on going #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests.
In his address to the social media community, he stated that creatives do not have the authority to enact or influence policies in the country.
Acknowledging the importance placed on creatives as himself by the Ghanaian youth, Stonebwoy urged the youth to be realistic and be cautious of what they expect from them. “We appreciate the value and importance placed on us creatives but we have to be realistic in our expectations and demands towards them.” he said in a post made on his social media.
The ‘Run Go’ hitmaker noted that creatives are not designated to amending errors in government, and can only create enough awareness through their own means to attract the designated individuals at the helm of the nation’s affairs. “So for now posts advocacy, influence, presence and our income in some cases, are the tools we possess and have always used. Unless we were in some political positions and offices, we really cannot change or make any policy that will impact citizens.”
“People in power really have the power to make such decisions that affect us in society and to help our Africa become a better place; not musicians.” he relayed.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, organized by the Democracy Hub, a group of young activists, have rallied Ghanaians from far and wide to express their woes regarding pressing economic challenges and corruption.
The protest which began on Thursday, September 21, 2023 as a peaceful one, has been heckled by the Ghana Police Service with indefinite arrests which drew criticism for impeding the constitutional right to protest and the perceived use of excessive force. Detainees were taken to various police stations in the capital, sparking outrage from fellow protesters, and legal representatives working to secure their release.