Media personality and blogger Arnold Mensah Elavanyo believes Shatta Wale’s influence extends far beyond music, and that it’s time the Ghanaian government recognized his potential as a global cultural ambassador.
Following the massive success of Shatta Fest, which drew thousands to Accra’s Independence Square, Elavanyo took to Facebook to urge authorities to empower Shatta Wale through official channels, starting with a diplomatic passport.
“The Ministry of Arts and Culture should set aside some budget for him and his team for a national assignment,” Elavanyo wrote.
“His able team, in collaboration with the team at Diaspora Affairs headed by K.O.D, can enter the boardroom and get Shatta to partner Vybz Kartel for a tour around the globe.”
He argued that Shatta Wale’s massive following and global recognition can be strategically used to sell Ghana’s image to the world — whether through tourism, trade, or entertainment diplomacy.
“Give him a task to accomplish,” he said. “Make sure you sell Ghana as the ultimate tourist destination in Africa or as the most investor-friendly country on the continent. It can be made a national agenda.”
Elavanyo praised previous efforts by government officials, such as Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in issuing diplomatic passports to deserving personalities. However, he stressed that adding “the street king” to that list would be both a symbolic and practical move.
“No Ghanaian will oppose this move, honorable,” he remarked. “It will rather buy you some more goodwill for now and the future. He is loved deeply, and wherever he goes, the love will follow him.”
To Elavanyo, Shatta Wale’s influence is not just entertainment power, it’s untapped national capital. By harnessing that influence, he believes Ghana can project itself as a vibrant, creative, and globally competitive nation.
“Let’s not waste the influence, numbers, and goodwill Shatta Wale has,” he concluded. “Now that the iron is hot, let’s strike it hard.”
