A Kumasi-based reggae and highlife musician, Jackson Etuah, also known as Papa Jay, is appealing to the Ghanaian government, specifically President John Dramani Mahama, to implement stricter measures against musicians who promote profane and, in his view, damaging content in their songs.
Etuah argues that the current trend in music is significantly impacting the lifestyle of Ghanaian youth, particularly leading to increased drug abuse, driven by the messages they absorb from certain songs.
In an interview, Etuah, the leader of the Unity Foundation Gospel Band in Kumasi, expressed his deep concern about the widespread drug abuse among young people, which he directly links to the type of music they consume.
He described witnessing instances of young individuals on the streets, absorbed in music with questionable content, behaving erratically.
While these scenes are becoming increasingly common, Etuah lamented the seeming lack of concern and action.
He contrasted this current state with the past, recalling a time when music served as a source of counseling and guidance, imparting valuable advice to listeners.
He acknowledged the positive influence of gospel music but voiced his concerns about the emergence of songs with content that he believes negatively impacts the youth
Etuah firmly believes that the future of many young Ghanaians is being jeopardized by the music they listen to, driving his plea for government intervention to protect them from potential negative consequences.
“I strongly appeal for government intervention to help set the youth free from potential madness in the future,” Etuah stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In addition to his appeal to the government, Jackson Etuah urged the Musicians Association of Ghana (MUSIGA) and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the government to crack down on musicians whose work is deemed suspicious and potentially harmful to young people.
He believes a collective effort is crucial to safeguarding the minds and well-being of the nation’s youth and ensuring a brighter future for Ghana.
- His call raises important questions about the responsibility of artists, the influence of music on young minds, and the role of government in regulating artistic expression.
