A month ago
Gospel artist and staunch supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Great Ampong, has dismissed allegations that his new campaign song, Emmoa Asem Nkoaa, insults John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Since its release, the song has sparked debates, with some interpreting its lyrics as targeting Mahama and the NDC. However, speaking on Property FM, Ampong clarified that the song is not meant to offend anyone but rather reflects themes he observes in Mahama’s campaign rhetoric.
“The phrase Emmoa Asem Nkoaa is deeply rooted in the Akan language and culture. It is not an insult to the former president or his party members,” Ampong explained. “The song is a commentary on how the former president frequently references food and related metaphors in his campaign addresses.”
Ampong pointed to a recent speech by Mahama in Accra, where he reportedly juxtaposed discussions about digitization with remarks about basic needs like kenkey, a staple Ghanaian dish. “His messages often focus on food and animals, which inspired me to create this song. It highlights that while the world is advancing in high-tech innovation, some narratives appear focused on basic issues,” Ampong elaborated.
The gospel artist further noted that his song’s intention is to contribute to political discourse by urging leaders and citizens to look beyond immediate concerns like food security and consider broader developmental goals. He emphasized the need for Ghana to embrace technological progress and innovation as priorities.
Ampong also addressed accusations of partisanship, reiterating that his song is not an attack but an expression of his support for the ruling NPP and their vision for the country. “I firmly believe in the direction the NPP is taking, and my music reflects that conviction. This is not about personal attacks; it’s about fostering meaningful discussions for national development,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Emmoa Asem Nkoaa underscores the increasingly charged atmosphere ahead of Ghana’s December 2024 elections. While campaign songs have become an integral part of political campaigns, Ampong’s work highlights the power of music as a tool for advocacy and engagement.
Despite mixed reactions, Ampong maintains that his song serves to inspire thought and dialogue about Ghana’s future. He urged Ghanaians to critically evaluate campaign messages and prioritize policies that drive progress and innovation.
Source: Citi Newsroom
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