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WHEN THE STREET CROWN IS ON YOUR HEAD, THE BURDEN OF Charles Nii Armah Mensah – Socrates Safo

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Quiet Generosity Behind the Fame, Socrates Safo Shares Insights on Shatta Wale’s Leadership

By Socrates Safo

Ghanaian entertainment figure Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, is often described as a man who carries the “street crown.” With fame, influence, and controversy constantly surrounding his brand, new revelations suggest there is a quieter dimension to his leadership that rarely makes headlines.

In a recent late night conversation described by filmmaker and creative personality Socrates Safo, the focus was not publicity or media attention, but responsibility, strategy, and what he calls silent generosity.

A Private Conversation, Not a Public Interview

According to Safo, the discussion was a family style exchange held behind closed doors. It followed his earlier public suggestion that the artiste should consider establishing structured, long term support systems for loyal fans who have stood by the Shatta Movement brand over the years.

What emerged from the conversation was an assertion that many of the musician’s contributions have intentionally been kept out of the public eye. The reason, Safo explains, is rooted in personal conviction rather than showmanship.

Across religious traditions, including biblical teachings such as Matthew 6 verses 3 to 4, acts of charity are encouraged to be done without seeking applause. Safo suggests this philosophy resonates strongly with the artiste’s approach to giving.

Support Systems Beyond the Spotlight

Safo disclosed that behind the scenes, the artiste has reportedly sponsored university education for some supporters, assisted in establishing pubs, supported the creation of hairdressing salons and eateries, and opened pathways for self employment.

These interventions, he claims, were not accompanied by press conferences or media campaigns. Instead, they were handled privately, with what he describes as screenshot evidence shared with him for personal viewing.

Business Empowerment Through HOTWAV and Shaxi

The conversation also touched on business expansion. With the HOTWAV phone brand, plans are reportedly underway to build a distribution network that allows loyal supporters to become agents and retailers, earning income through direct sales and digital promotion.

In addition, Safo highlighted the Shaxi transport platform. Drivers on the platform reportedly pay twenty cedis daily to activate the app, a structure the artiste considers fair within an industry often criticized for high commission deductions. Some drivers operate under a “Work and Pay” system, eventually owning the vehicles they drive, a model described as practical empowerment.

Addressing the Cash Throwing Controversy

One of the most debated aspects of the artiste’s public appearances is the act of spraying or throwing cash into crowds. Critics have frequently questioned the practice.

Safo recounts that the defence offered during their discussion was pragmatic. In his view, small sums of money can provide immediate relief to individuals in desperate situations. In certain chaotic environments, what appears theatrical to critics may be seen by supporters as urgent assistance or even a security strategy to disperse crowds and allow safe movement.

Industry Relations and Forward Plans

Safo also referenced comments directed toward industry colleagues such as Bullgod and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, along with a special mention of Ansah Addo Halifax. The overarching message, he noted, centered on promoting constructive causes and building rather than destroying within the creative industry.

Plans to host media personalities for direct engagement were also hinted at, though Safo emphasized that certain aspects of the conversation remain undisclosed as some initiatives are still in development.

The Weight of the Street Crown

Safo concludes that leadership in entertainment, especially one rooted in street credibility, carries expectations that can become both responsibility and burden. In a culture driven by visibility and constant media scrutiny, he argues that some of the most significant actions occur quietly.

For members of the Shatta Movement and supporters such as Samuel Atuobi Baah, the message is clear. The crown may be visible, but the weight it carries is often unseen.

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Kojo Preko Dankwa Recognised for Outstanding Media Consultancy at Heroines International Awards 26′

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The President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has been honoured at the prestigious Heroines International Awards with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Media Consultancy

The recognition celebrates his remarkable impact and consistent dedication to advancing media practice, strategic communication, and consultancy within Ghana and beyond. Over the years, Kojo Preko Dankwa has distinguished himself as a leading voice in media advocacy, contributing significantly to the growth and professionalisation of the communication landscape.

His work through FOCAP, Kessben Media, and Krunch Point Desk Consultancy has empowered young communicators, strengthened media institutions, and promoted ethical standards within the industry. Known for his strategic insight and commitment to excellence, he has played a pivotal role in shaping narratives, guiding brands, and supporting initiatives that drive social and national development.

Kojo Preko Dankwa has expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, noting that the honour serves as motivation to continue contributing meaningfully to the media and communication space. He also dedicated the award to aspiring media professionals, encouraging them to pursue excellence, innovation, and integrity in their work.

The Heroines International Awards, which celebrate individuals making a significant impact across various sectors globally, continue to spotlight excellence and inspire change-makers who are driving progress in their respective fields.

Kojo Preko Dankwa’s recognition not only highlights his personal achievements but also underscores the growing influence of Ghana’s media and communication industry on the global stage.

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Ghanaian Hairstylist Chelsea Abigail Owusu Ansah Set to Break Her Own Guinness World Record on May 1

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Renowned Ghanaian hairstylist and Guinness World Record holder, Chelsea Abigail Owusu Ansah, popularly known as “Yoga’s Locks,” is set to make history once again as she prepares to break her own world record on May 1, 2026.

The highly anticipated record attempt will take place at the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, where Ansah aims to surpass her previous achievement by locking more than 35 heads of hair within eight hours.

Chelsea Abigail Owusu Ansah first etched her name into the global record books on March 6, 2024, when she successfully locked 27 heads of hair in just eight hours, setting a Guinness World Record and earning international recognition for her exceptional speed and precision.

Her upcoming attempt is not only a personal milestone but also a bold statement about Ghana’s growing influence in the global beauty and creative arts industry. Known for her dedication, craftsmanship, and consistency, Ansah has become a symbol of excellence and innovation within the hairstyling space.

The May 1 event is expected to draw a large audience, including industry players, creatives, and supporters, as the public has been invited to witness the historic attempt firsthand. Organisers have also called on corporate institutions and stakeholders to support the initiative as part of efforts to elevate Ghanaian talent on the global stage.

Beyond the record attempt, the event represents a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of determination. It also highlights the immense potential within Ghana’s creative sector, particularly in beauty and personal care, where talents like Ansah continue to break boundaries and redefine global standards.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Chelsea Abigail Owusu Ansah as she steps forward once again to challenge limits, inspire a new generation of creatives, and proudly raise Ghana’s flag on the world stage.

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“How Much Did It Cost to Paint Parts of Accra?”- FOCAP President Questions Gyankroma Akuffo-Addo Over Alleged $25M ‘Arts for All’ Project

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A fresh wave of controversy has erupted within Ghana’s creative arts space as the President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has publicly questioned the cost and transparency surrounding the widely discussed Arts for All” project, linked to Gyankroma Akufo-Addo.

The debate, which has regained national attention, centres on allegations that a staggering $25 million was spent on painting selected interchanges and public spaces in Accra, claims that have triggered scrutiny from industry stakeholders and the general public.

He questioned?

Bright Kankam Boadu might have gotten it wrong. No problem. To err is human, and indeed, a sign of maturity has been shown and exhibited by him. In this profession, we should be bold and speak truth to power to see our democracy stand tall.

To push argument of whether Gyankroma Akuffo Addo didn’t use $25 million state money to pay for painting certain areas in Accra, l keep wondering why, since 2022 till date, she has also not stated categorically how much she used in the project, but rather keeps denying the $25million (which l agree there are no documentation evidence to prove that).

I am challenging her to come clean and tell the whole world how much it costs her to paint certain areas in Accra.

In 2018, Gyankroma Akuffo told Ghanaians she conceived Art for All, and the purpose was to beautify our capital city, Accra, and equally give a platform to our Ghanaian artist According to her, the projects were ” conceived, managed and financially undertaken by the Creative Arts Agency through its own fundraising.”

The question then arises, which Creative Arts Agency was she referring to? The one she occupied illegally or another agency.

  1. Creative Arts Agency (CAA) was born in 2020 (Act 1048) and not 2018.

 

2- In 2018, there was the Creative Arts Council (CAC), which she occupied as an executive secretary, and Mark Okraku Mantey, the president.  It was a position to be held for 3 to 4 months, and ended up lasting 4 years and beyond. The purpose of that council was to go around the country and take the views of creatives to help build the Creative Arts Industry Act, 2020(Act 1048).

 

It will therefore not be true that she used The Creative Arts Agency (CAA) because at the time she was occupying it illegally, it did not have the requirements (Board), as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, to perform its functional duties.

 

She went further in 2022 to outline how she managed to raise funds for the project.

 

1- The private sector funded Ako Adjei.  Who is the private sector, and why put Ghanaians in the dark by not telling all and sundry?

 

2- Tetteh Quarshie was paid by herself (Gyankroma Akuffo Addo). How much did it cost her, and why use personal money for an agency (government) work, and which board approved such a procedure, and where was the minister then?

 

3- The generosity of Ben Asante, then CEO of Ghana Gas (government institution), who, according to Gyankroma Akuffo Addo, helped and how much?

 

4- Coral Paints and its CEO provided the paints. At what cost?

 

If you truly want transparency, avoid conflict of interest, and stop the peddling of falsehoods, tell Ghanaians how much it costs you for the entire project and let sleeping dogs lie.

 

Kojo Preko Dankwa

FOCAP President.

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