Ghanaian artist Pope Skinny recently discussed the challenges facing musicians in Ghana and the reasons many are migrating to the West.
In an interview on Accra 100.5 FM, he shared his personal experience, revealing that he currently works as a truck driver in America.
“I drive a big truck in America,” Pope Skinny said, adding that he wouldn’t be able to do the same in Ghana due to the risk of being mocked.
He expressed frustration over the government’s lack of support for artists, stating, “Since the leaders don’t really think about our welfare in this country, we’ll leave and go do jobs that may be below us—at least no one will see it that way.”
Pope Skinny lamented the absence of long-term frameworks for the creative arts sector, which he believes makes life difficult for musicians. He pointed out, “There is nothing in this country to secure the future of musicians… Our job doesn’t even come with SNNIT contributions.”
He encouraged fellow artists to consider working abroad, where social security contributions are more reliable, saying, “You’ll advise yourself, leave and go pay your social security contributions in the West, where the scheme is not corrupt, and they’ll take care of you till you die.”
He criticized the Food and Drugs Authority’s ban on alcohol endorsements by celebrities, noting that it negatively impacts the entertainment industry, which thrived on such partnerships in the past.
