MUSIGA Warns Ghana Musicians: Stop Glorifying Online Fraud

• The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has issued a warning to artists against glorifying online fraud and cybercrime.
• This warning follows comments made by Shatta Wale at ShattaFest on October 17, 2026, which were interpreted as encouraging fraud.
• MUSIGA emphasized that online fraud harms victims, damages Ghana's reputation, threatens digital businesses, and endangers youth.
• The Union stated that musicians' public platforms are powerful channels of influence and must be used responsibly.
• MUSIGA urged artists to advocate for employment, digital skills, and financial literacy to help youth pursue lawful livelihoods.

MUSIGA unequivocally stated that no grievance against public institutions, no matter how valid, justifies statements that normalize fraud, portray suspected offenders as heroes, or discourage cooperation with lawful investigations.

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has issued a strong caution to artists regarding public statements that might be perceived as encouraging or glorifying online fraud and various other cyber-related crimes. This significant warning from MUSIGA aims to curb the potential negative influence of public figures on their audiences, particularly young people, concerning illicit activities such as money laundering, romance scams, identity theft, and other forms of internet fraud.

This official statement from the Musicians Union of Ghana cybercrime warning follows controversial remarks made by popular artist Shatta Wale during ShattaFest in Accra on October 17, 2026. During the event, Shatta Wale commented on his long music career, spanning over 25 years, and his ability to purchase luxury vehicles like a Rolls Royce and Lamborghini through his music. He then stated, in Pidgin English, that while he has many friends involved in fraud, he is not a 'snitch,' adding, 'The country no good so if you go fraud, fraud,' which was widely interpreted as Shatta Wale fraud comments Ghana encouraging young people to engage in such activities.

Shatta Wale's comments quickly sparked widespread discussion and concern among the public, with many critics highlighting the potential for his influence to negatively impact society, especially the youth. In response, MUSIGA, through a statement signed by its President, Bessa Simons, on October 25, 2026, explicitly urged musicians to refrain from making statements, delivering performances, or posting on social media in ways that could be construed as promoting or defending internet fraud, thereby underscoring the Ghana artist responsibility online fraud.

MUSIGA's warning against glorifying internet fraud Ghana stems from a deep concern about the tangible harm caused by such criminal activities. The Union emphasized that online fraud not only inflicts real suffering on victims but also significantly damages Ghana's international reputation. Furthermore, it poses a direct threat to legitimate digital businesses operating within the country and jeopardizes the future prospects of young people who might be lured into these illicit schemes.

The organization stressed that musicians, particularly those with substantial followings and considerable influence among the youth, must recognize the immense weight their words carry. A stage, a concert platform, an interview, or a social media account is not a private domain; rather, it functions as a powerful conduit for public influence. Therefore, using these platforms to excuse criminal conduct, attack lawful enforcement actions, or indirectly encourage fraudulent activities is deemed irresponsible and fundamentally inconsistent with the ethical values of the Ghana music industry ethics.

This stance highlights the critical role public figures play in shaping societal norms and behaviors. MUSIGA's message is clear: artists have a moral and professional obligation to use their platforms responsibly, steering clear of any content that might legitimize or promote cybercrime, given the severe consequences for individuals and the nation as a whole.

While MUSIGA firmly condemns the promotion of criminal behavior, the Union also affirmed its respect for every musician's right to express opinions on critical national issues. These include governance, unemployment, corruption, and the fair administration of justice. The Union acknowledged that concerns about selective justice, corruption, youth unemployment, and accountability are legitimate national issues that artists are well within their rights to raise and discuss publicly.

However, MUSIGA unequivocally stated that no grievance against public institutions, no matter how valid, justifies statements that normalize fraud, portray suspected offenders as heroes, or discourage cooperation with lawful investigations. The Union stressed that criticism of injustice must never be used as a justification for crime, urging musicians to pursue their demands for justice and accountability through constructive means, without appearing to endorse unlawful behavior.

In a forward-looking appeal, MUSIGA called upon artists to channel their considerable influence toward addressing the challenges confronting young people in Ghana. This includes advocating for employment opportunities, supporting digital-skills training, promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and actively speaking out against corruption and fraud. The Union urged the entire music industry to contribute to developing solutions that empower young people to pursue lawful and productive livelihoods, thereby protecting them from exposure to criminal activities and fostering a more ethical society.

Lawyers advising Ghanaian artists, entertainment companies, or brands engaging with public figures should counsel clients on the legal and reputational risks associated with public statements that could be interpreted as glorifying or encouraging online fraud and cybercrime, especially given the explicit warning from MUSIGA and potential for public backlash or regulatory scrutiny.

Source: Original reporting via Kwame Dadzie