Ban Placed On Sarkodie By Online Writers: GOAWA's Full Press Statement

The executive body of the Ghana Online Arts Writers Association - GOAWA has placed a ban on all news publications about Ghana's star rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, known in showbiz as Sarkodie on their various online platforms. The bloggers group alluded their action particularly to Sarkodie's free press song which he allegedly used to throw aspersions at the media. The group  in a press statement conveyed by the acting Coordinator Osarfo Anthony, stated among other claims that the rapper's online ban is primarily to oppose the emerging trend 'of indiscipline' in the arts and entertainment industry. 

The counter act by the learned group, GOAWA is being described by some industry critics as premature and might have dire consequences on Sarkodie's career which goes beyond music. But according to the executives of the arts body, their action is well informed and focused on bringing sanity into the arts industry. It's unclear whether the group will bring similar actions on Shatta Wale for his harsh remarks about the media and if his apology will have any effect at all. 

Read the press release from GOAWA below....

"Following lobbying efforts by the Ghana Online Arts Writers Association (GOAWA) against indiscipline in the industry, especially towards the media, GOAWA announces the publication of stories from the camp of BET award winner and Duncwills Entertainment rapper, Sarkodie – until further notice.

The decision is precipitated by the rapper’s recent expression of ungratefulness towards the media and the passage of some comments which we deem as an insult to our profession and us as practitioners.

Efforts are being coordinated with similar Associations/Movements with the common goal of opposing the act of indiscipline in the music industry in Ghana. This is not to claim that the media is untouchable or is a ‘saintly’ institution – we also do get it wrong sometimes and thus welcome constructive criticisms.

However, Sarkodie’s comments in his song titled ‘Free Press’ smacks of gross ungratefulness. In our efforts to put Ghana on the world map in terms of art and culture through our writings online, we also need to make sure we help shape and keep a well disciplined and focused arts industry.

It’s unfortunate this action might affect our ardent readers and his loyal fans alike, but, we strongly feel this action can help in establishing discipline among industrial players and for a better industry for all. We also urge our members to conduct themselves in manners that do not cast aspersions on the media and themselves – as practitioners"