STATEMENT: Ghana Online Writers Association Suspends Publications On Sarkodie – Until Further Notice

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. Thank you.
Signed;
(Executive Members)
Ghana Online Arts Writers Association
(Goawa)