Ghanaian dancehall rapper Shatta Wale, who is well-known and controversial, declared that if he were elected president, he would construct jails specifically designed to house inmates serving short terms.
The declaration, which was made on the Tik Tok platform, has already started a national conversation. Popular for his candor and clout in the entertainment sector, Shatta Wale presented his ideas for a fresh take on criminal justice reform in Ghana. He made it clear that his comments were in reaction to certain of his colleagues in particular, whom he regarded as acting with a concerning lack of discipline and contempt.
“There are lots of land available for that. Even in Afienya, Winneba, I will be able to acquire some land and build these prisons” he established.
He clarified that the goal of these new institutions would be skill development and rehabilitation, giving prisoners the chance to acquire education, learn a trade, and get ready to reintegrate into society.
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“The current prison system fails to address the root causes of crime and often leaves those with minor offenses worse off than before,” stated the dancehall performer from Ghana.
“If I became president, I would build a lot of prisons. People will be trooping in and out; they will be taking turns to serve short jail terms just to learn sense. They will serve one month, two months, or even two weeks in jail. People are just misbehaving these days, talking and acting anyhow, so their experiences in jail will enable them to learn sense and straighten them up,” he stated.
Shatta Wale’s desire to build prisons may have sprung from Stonebwoy’s recent criticism of the practice of artists tossing money to fans. Stonebwoy claimed that his colleague’s remarks were geared at him and requested the head of BHIM Nation to keep out of his personal matters.
Since Shatta Wale hasn’t made any official announcement about his intention to run for office, people are left wondering if this is the start of a bigger political movement or just another flashy moment for the media.
