Ghanaian dancehall icon Charles Nii Armah Mensah, widely known as Shatta Wale, has ignited fresh public discourse with a bold claim that his influence has played a pivotal role in reducing crime in Ghana. The award-winning artiste, known as much for his outspoken nature as for his music, took to social media on Tuesday, May 27, to declare that his mentorship and guidance of young people have significantly contributed to the country’s impressive crime statistics.
“If it wasn’t Shatta Wale, crime rate in Ghana go be gidigidi,” he wrote, using a popular local expression to suggest crime levels would be chaotic without his efforts. “We sacrificed with Godfathers that brought us up to put most of the youths out of crime.”
According to the Shatta Movement frontman, his journey from the streets to stardom has not only inspired millions of young people but has also actively steered many away from a life of crime. In the same post, he likened his role in society to that of law enforcement, claiming that he and his team work tirelessly to prevent criminal behavior through music, mentorship, and street-level influence.
“We don’t support crime. We combat and eradicate crime like the Police sameway,” Shatta Wale stated, further asserting that entertainers like himself deserve recognition for their behind-the-scenes role in maintaining peace.
His remarks come in the wake of a newly released global safety report by Altezza Travel, a respected international tourism organization, which ranked Ghana as the second safest country in Africa. Published in January 2025, the report praised Ghana’s low crime rate, even noting that the West African nation outperforms several developed countries in global safety rankings.
“Ghana’s crime rate is remarkably low — even lower than Canada, Greece, and Australia,” the report stated. “In terms of the Global Peace Index, Ghana ranks higher than Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even Jamaica. On the Terrorism Index, Ghana maintains a zero score.”
The 2025 Numbeo Crime Index further supports the claim, listing Ghana among the top three safest countries in Africa, alongside Rwanda and Tunisia.
Shatta Wale’s comments have since gone viral, attracting a mix of support, skepticism, and debate. While some critics argue that his assertion may be an overreach, others acknowledge that his influence over the youth—particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds—cannot be dismissed.
For years, Shatta Wale has maintained a reputation as a voice of the streets. He often speaks openly about his struggles with poverty, rejection in the early stages of his career, and the resilience it took to reinvent himself from “Bandana” to the international star now known as Shatta Wale. His fans—often referred to as the “Shatta Movement”—revere him not just as a musician but as a symbol of survival and self-belief.
“He speaks our language and comes from where we come from,” one fan commented on Facebook. “He gives hope to the boys who feel like the system has forgotten them.”
It’s this relatability and charisma that many believe give Shatta Wale an edge when it comes to influencing the minds of young people. Through his music and massive online presence, the dancehall artiste has repeatedly encouraged youth to pursue creative careers rather than crime. His songs, often loaded with street wisdom and motivational lyrics, resonate deeply within communities battling unemployment and limited opportunities.
In addition, Shatta Wale has been actively involved in charity work and community engagements. In the past, he has donated to various youth organizations and has publicly advocated for better government support for the entertainment industry as a means of job creation.
Nonetheless, his critics argue that his sometimes brash and controversial persona can send mixed messages. Over the years, Shatta Wale has had public spats, including clashes with other celebrities, issues with law enforcement, and social media outbursts that some see as problematic. Despite these controversies, his fan base remains fiercely loyal, and his cultural impact continues to grow.
Political and security analysts, however, suggest that while entertainers like Shatta Wale can play a role in shaping public behavior, attributing national crime statistics to a single personality may be overly simplistic.
“Crime prevention is a multifaceted process that involves policy, policing, education, and social interventions,” noted security analyst Dr. Isaac Owusu. “While influencers like Shatta Wale can certainly help in dissuading young people from crime, it’s important to recognize the institutional structures that underpin national security.”
Still, Shatta Wale’s latest comments have reignited a broader conversation around the role of celebrities in nation-building. As the Ghanaian entertainment industry continues to expand its reach both locally and internationally, stakeholders are increasingly viewing artistes as agents of social change.
In a country where music is deeply woven into the fabric of society, performers like Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and others carry significant cultural power. Whether it’s shaping opinions, providing emotional healing, or creating jobs within their creative empires, these figures are becoming more central to Ghana’s developmental narrative.
As for Shatta Wale, his belief in his own impact remains unwavering.
“We didn’t just come to entertain. We came to change lives,” he posted in a follow-up tweet, reinforcing his position as more than just a musician, but a self-proclaimed movement leader.
Love him or loathe him, one thing is clear—Shatta Wale knows how to command attention and spark a national conversation. And as Ghana continues to gain global recognition for its safety and stability, he is more than ready to stake his claim in the story.
