Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has hinted at the possibility of involving dancehall superstar Shatta Wale in the party’s activities to strengthen its connection with Ghana’s youth.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, November 11, the NPP National Chairman aspirant said Shatta Wale’s wide influence among young people could make him an asset in shaping the party’s youth engagement strategy.
“If possible, why not? You can get other people out as well,” Boadu said when asked whether he would bring Shatta Wale into the NPP fold.
He emphasized that the future success of the NPP lies in effectively engaging Ghana’s rapidly expanding youthful electorate, adding that by 2028, voters aged 18 to 40 are expected to make up nearly 60% of the total voting population.
“I know how to deal with these young guys — selling our message and making it soft enough for them. We need to meet them in their space and on their interests,” he noted.
When pressed by host Evans Mensah on whether Shatta Wale’s involvement would mean active political campaigning, Boadu clarified that it wouldn’t necessarily involve rallies or political performances.
“Not necessarily a hard campaign, but passing through our messages,” he explained, suggesting a softer, influencer-style approach to political communication.
Boadu added that while the NPP had previously used songs from King Paluta and Shatta Wale during the 2024 campaign, that alone was not sufficient to secure victory.
“You need to do more — nurture these youthful people, meet them where they are, and make them feel a sense of belonging,” he stressed.
The former NPP General Secretary also cautioned that the party could lose its grip on influential sectors such as academia and urban youth communities if it fails to modernize its communication strategies.
He called for a renewed focus on digital platforms, pop culture, and creative partnerships to help the party stay relevant to younger demographics.
“We must adapt to how young people think, live, and communicate. Politics now extends beyond rallies — it’s about influence, connection, and trust,” he said.
John Boadu’s remarks have since sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many debating what a Shatta Wale–NPP collaboration might look like ahead of Ghana’s next general elections.
While some supporters believe the move could energize the youth base, others have warned against the politicization of entertainment figures who appeal to a broad audience across party lines.
