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Free Speech Is Not a Licence to Abuse– Shatta Wale Tells Mahama

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Ghanaian dancehall star Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to support measures aimed at tackling defamation, harassment and abuse on social media while protecting the constitutional right to free expression.

In an open letter dated September 28, 2026, the musician called for a national conversation on how Ghana can respond to harmful online behaviour without creating laws that could be used to suppress legitimate criticism or public debate.

Shatta Wale said the increasing misuse of social media had created the need for clearer rules governing online conduct, particularly in cases involving threats, harassment and the deliberate circulation of false information.

He said his own encounters with what he described as unverified allegations, public ridicule and damaging claims had given him a personal understanding of the impact such conduct could have on individuals.

According to him, Ghana’s commitment to freedom of speech and media freedom under the 1992 Constitution must remain intact.

However, he argued that those freedoms should not be interpreted as giving people unrestricted permission to threaten others, engage in sustained harassment or knowingly circulate false claims that cause serious harm.

Shatta Wale proposed a collaborative approach involving Parliament, the Judiciary, security agencies, media organisations and civil society groups to develop clearly defined rules for serious online misconduct.

He said any such framework must be based on due process and independent judicial oversight, particularly where criminal sanctions or the identification of anonymous social media users are involved.

The artiste also stressed that the law must draw a clear line between harmful conduct and legitimate public expression.

He specifically called for protection for journalism, satire, political commentary and criticism of public officials, arguing that citizens should not face punishment merely because they disagree with or criticise the President, government officials or other public figures.

Shatta Wale further proposed discussions with social media companies operating in Ghana to improve account verification and strengthen cooperation with lawful investigations.

Under his proposal, platforms could respond to court-ordered requests seeking information about accounts involved in proven cases of serious harassment or defamation.

However, he said such measures should not amount to a blanket requirement for every social media user to disclose their identity before participating in public discussions.

He maintained that anonymity can have a legitimate place in public discourse and should not automatically be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.

On possible penalties, Shatta Wale suggested that Parliament could consider proportionate sanctions for specific forms of online conduct that are clearly established as criminal offences.

He proposed that, in appropriate cases, short custodial sentences of no more than one month could be considered, with the broader objective being deterrence, accountability and correction rather than excessive punishment.

At the same time, he cautioned against using new legislation to effectively bring back criminal libel, which Ghana abolished in 2001.

His position comes amid an ongoing national debate over how authorities should respond to allegedly false, threatening or defamatory online statements while respecting constitutional freedoms.

Shatta Wale also called for public education to form part of any response to social media abuse.

He argued that Ghanaians need greater awareness of responsible online behaviour alongside any changes to the law.

He further urged the government to involve members of the creative industry in consultations on the issue, noting that musicians, entertainers and other public figures are among those who frequently experience the effects of social media activity.

For Shatta Wale, the proposed approach should strike a balance between individual accountability and the protection of democratic freedoms.

“The goal is not to silence citizens, but to restore responsibility to our public conversation while preserving the freedoms on which our democracy stands,” he said.

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Kofi Adjorlolo Explains Why He Won’t Feature in LilWin’s ‘A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu)’

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Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adjorlolo has explained why he will not appear in LilWin’s upcoming movie, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), citing health challenges as the reason for his absence.

Adjorlolo disclosed that he had been approached to feature in the production but was still recovering from an illness after returning from Nigeria, where he had been working on another film project.

Speaking in an interview with Max TV, the actor said he informed LilWin and his production team about his health condition, stressing that his decision not to participate had nothing to do with any disagreement between them.

He explained that he maintained a cordial relationship with LilWin and had supported several of the filmmaker’s previous productions without turning down opportunities to work with him.

According to Adjorlolo, there is no misunderstanding between the two, adding that his inability to join the upcoming movie was solely due to his health.

Beyond clarifying his absence, the veteran actor also shared his concerns about the challenges facing Ghana’s film industry, calling for increased investment to improve the quality of local productions.

He argued that filmmakers need adequate financial support to produce high-quality movies capable of competing with productions from other countries and helping the Ghanaian film industry grow.

LilWin’s A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) features a blend of Ghanaian and Nigerian actors, including Nollywood stars Kanayo O. Kanayo, Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuruonye, Charles Awurum, Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko.

The project forms part of LilWin’s efforts to bring actors and other talents from across the African film industry together to create a production that showcases the continent’s cinematic talent.

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I wasn"t well; that"s why I didn"t feature in Lil Win"s upcoming movie even though I was contacted – Kofi Adjorlolo #MaxTV #MaxOnline #LilWin #MaxEntertainment #Ghana #Nigeria

♬ original sound - MaxTV_GH - MaxTV_GH

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Beating Your Wife Doesn’t Make You a Hero – Pete Edochie Condemns Domestic Violence

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Veteran Nigerian actor Pete Edochie has condemned men who physically abuse their wives, insisting that violence against women is not a sign of strength or heroism.

Speaking in an interview with Joy Prime TV, the Nollywood actor said disagreements between couples should be resolved through communication and mutual understanding rather than physical force.

According to Edochie, no marital challenge justifies a man raising his hand against his wife. He stressed that beating a woman does not make a man courageous or command respect.

“If you beat your wife, you’re not a hero. There is no point striking a woman, for God’s sake. It doesn’t make you a hero. There is nothing respectful about it, and that does not demonstrate strength in any way,” he said.

Edochie shared his experience of marriage, noting that no one had ever had to intervene in his home over allegations of physical abuse against his wife.

“I have been married for 57 years, and nobody has ever come into my house to say, ‘Oh, Pete, please stop beating this woman,’” he stated.

The actor explained that misunderstandings are inevitable in relationships, but couples should find peaceful ways to settle their differences instead of resorting to violence.

He emphasised that controlling one’s temper and handling disagreements maturely are more important than using physical aggression to assert authority in a relationship.

Beyond domestic violence, Edochie also criticised the tendency of some Africans to imitate Western lifestyles, particularly in matters concerning marriage and relationships.

He argued that African societies should appreciate their own cultural values and traditions rather than automatically adopting practices from Western countries.

“It’s not everything that the white man does that we must try to emulate,” he said.

Edochie also compared the longevity of some African marriages with relationships involving Western public figures, arguing that African couples have demonstrated that marriages can endure despite challenges.

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Fancy Gadam Moves Gadam Nation Concert From Legon to Bukom

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Northern Ghanaian music star Fancy Gadam has announced a change of venue for this year’s Gadam Nation Concert, moving the event from the Legon Sports Stadium to the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The announcement was made by the 5M Music team, which is organising the concert.

According to the organisers, the decision followed challenges associated with the cost of organising the event, production requirements and other arrangements at the Legon venue.

The concert will now return to the Bukom Boxing Arena, a venue that has hosted previous editions of the event.

The organisers apologised to fans who had anticipated attending the concert at Legon but stressed that the relocation was temporary and did not mean the plans to expand the event had been abandoned.

They said they remained committed to taking the Gadam Nation Concert to the Legon Sports Stadium in 2027.

Fancy Gadam has built a strong following, particularly in northern Ghana, where his music and performances have helped him maintain a prominent position in the regional entertainment scene.

The Gadam Nation Concert is an important platform for connecting the musician with his supporters, and the venue change is likely to be relevant to fans making travel and attendance arrangements.

Patrons should follow official announcements from Fancy Gadam and the organising team for confirmed dates, ticketing information and any further changes.

 

 

Source: Adomonline

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“Couples Must Put in Effort” — Stephanie Benson Shares Relationship Advice

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Ghanaian-British singer Stephanie Benson has encouraged couples to make deliberate efforts to keep their relationships exciting, arguing that romance requires attention and participation from both partners.

In comments reported on October 8, the singer offered advice on ways couples can strengthen their relationships and prevent them from becoming routine.

Her message centred on the idea that partners should not assume affection and intimacy will remain strong without effort. Instead, she encouraged couples to be intentional about how they treat each other and maintain their connection.

The advice included the suggestion that partners may sometimes need to make an effort even when they are not naturally in the mood, as part of keeping a relationship engaging.

The comments have the potential to spark debate about the difference between making an effort in a relationship and feeling pressured to behave in a way that does not reflect one’s emotions.

Healthy relationships require communication, mutual respect and consent. Effort should be shared by both partners rather than becoming the responsibility of only one person.

Benson is known for speaking openly about relationships and personal experiences, alongside her career as a singer. Her public comments on romance often prompt discussion among audiences with different views about marriage and long-term partnerships.

 

Source: Adomonline

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Stonebwoy Pays Courtesy Call on British High Commissioner After London Festival

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Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy and members of his Burniton Music Group team have paid a courtesy call on the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Dr Christian Rogg, following the successful debut of BHIM FEST London 2026.

In a post shared on X, the visit follows the staging of the festival in London, marking a new milestone in Stonebwoy’s efforts to expand his musical reach and strengthen his international presence.

Stonebwoy, born Livingstone Etse Satekla, has consistently used his music and live performances to promote Ghanaian culture to audiences beyond the country.

The meeting with Dr Rogg comes as the artiste and his team reflect on the London festival and its significance for the continued growth of the BHIM brand internationally.

BHIM FEST has become an important platform for celebrating Stonebwoy’s music and connecting with his fan base, while also providing opportunities to showcase Ghanaian music and culture to international audiences.

The debut London edition represents another step in the expansion of the festival beyond Ghana.

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