Celebrated Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has urged both leaders and citizens to rethink their roles in governance, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset toward public service and accountability.
Speaking on Atinka TV’s Ghana Nie show hosted by Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Dankwa (Embosourhemaa) , he called out the disconnection between leadership and service, as well as the complicity of citizens in enabling poor governance.
“Since our younger years, we’ve been told ‘e go be,’ but when are we going to get things right?” M.anifest questioned, reflecting on Ghana’s enduring challenges. He criticized the overemphasis on the title “Honorable” at the expense of the true meaning of being a public servant.
“People understand ‘Honorable’ more than ‘Public Servant.’ Leadership is about service, not titles. Unfortunately, we the citizens are also part of the problem. When leaders appear with motorcades and grand displays, those are the things we celebrate,” he lamented.
He called for a collective shift in mindset, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. “When they make promises but do the opposite, we must turn the tables during elections. Leadership is about serving the people, not about appearances.”
Sharing his observations on the 2024 elections, M.anifest noted two key takeaways: Discontent Among Citizens: “The results were clear—people were unhappy with how things were being handled.” and Low Voter Turnout: “The low turnout is a bad sign, showing that confidence in leadership is not encouraging. Those in charge must understand that you cannot take people for granted anymore. Voters are now prioritizing their pockets.”
He cautioned current leaders to address these concerns, emphasizing that trust and action are critical to rebuilding confidence.
Turning to the highly anticipated M.anifestivities festival, the rapper assured fans that this year’s event would maintain its reputation for quality and safety.
“Security is top-notch. You can ask anyone who comes to M.anifestivities —there’s no phone snatching or incidents,” he affirmed.
This year’s festival, themed Bridges and Borders, spans two days at the Good Part D Park near the Accra Mall:
Day 1 (Saturday): A family-friendly experience featuring live music, food, art, and shopping.
Day 2 (Sunday): Star-studded performances from artists across Africa, including Nigeria and Kenya, at a cool price of GHS 150 for regular tickets and GHS 300 for VIP.
M.anifest expressed excitement about this year’s expansion, noting, “We’ve scaled up since our first edition. This year’s festival promises premium entertainment and a sense of joy that will carry you through the season.”
As the artist continues to merge music, advocacy, and entertainment, M.anifestivities remains a testament to his commitment to uplifting African identity and inspiring positive change.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Ebenezer Madugu
