Do Gospel Artists in Ghana have an influence in our Electoral Processes?

The number of gospel musicians composing campaign songs for political parties in Ghana has appreciated over the past decade.

Although it is unknown what motivates these musicians, most Ghanaian people believe that these songsters are rewarded huge sums of money by their political clients.

Has the decision to climb up campaign platforms and to perform for political parties affected them in any way, positive or negative? What about the Christian world?

Campaign songs are good in one way or another for political parties in Ghana, mostly effective in election years. They play a very strategic role in modern day Ghanaian politics. 

Even though there's no statistical proof, the involvement of Gospel musicians in Ghana's electoral process has had effects on voting in many ways. They don't just sing persuasive tunes but communicate policy messages of their political party, empower the ordinary people to make voting decisions, energize rallies, and influence floating voters by their lyrics during elections.

The game of political party and flagbearer endorsement, which was in the past played by circular musicians, has now been dominated by church worship and praise singers. Isn't that obvious and worrying? Well, there is no constitutional or religious barrier between governance and religion. 

However, the holy Bible admonished Christians in Matthew 22:21 to give unto Caesar what belongs to him and unto God what is God’s. Does that also mean that, after all, as believers, we have the liberty to do that which pleases us?

Let me leave that one for the bishopric and clergy to deal with for now. It is all good though, as it promotes and strengthens the country’s democracy. 

Or must we also look at the scenario from the spiritual perspective as the scripture outlines, ‘’they have eyes but they cannot see...’’just as some of their religious leaders take deep dives in electoral prophecies? 

Ah! Well! Maybe our gospel musicians are to fulfill a spiritual assignment given them through revelation. Can it also be their way of exercising their political rights? Hmm!

But have you ever had an encounter with some of these beautiful Christian-inspired campaign bangers? You cannot, but just will stop and dance to the tunes, regardless of one’s political affiliation, as they hit emotionally and passionately.

Yes, their songs evoke emotions, truly create a sense of unity, reinforce ideologies, and are powerful tools for shaping election outcomes, particularly among floating voters.

Legends in the gospel music industry who have made wonderful songs for political parties and candidates are Nacee, the Onaapo hitmaker, Evangelist Dina Asamoah, Broda Sammy, the Great Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong, and Madam Grace Ashy, to mention but a few. 

By: Ampem Gyeke-Darko Samuel