Accra: A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Communications Team, Awal Mohammed, has apologised to fans of dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, commonly referred to as the Shatta Movement, after facing backlash for comments he made about them.
According to Ghana Web, Awal Mohammed faced significant criticism on social media following his appearance on JoyNews on January 20, 2026. During a discussion about the government’s ‘stringent’ bail conditions, he inadvertently labeled a section of Shatta Wale’s fans who had gathered at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) during the artiste’s detention as ‘junkies.’
In response to the backlash, Awal Mohammed took to Facebook on January 21, 2026, to clarify his remarks and offer an apology. He explained that his comment was a slip of the tongue and not intended to insult or belittle anyone. “I appeared on JoyNews yesterday for the morning show. During the debate, while condemning the government’s stringent bail conditions, I inadvertently referred to a section of Shatta Wale supporters as ‘junkies.'”
He further expressed regret for his choice of words, acknowledging that they were unnecessary and out of character. “I want to clarify that I didn’t intend to insult or belittle anyone. The term was unnecessary, and I’m truly sorry for any offence caused. I respect the passion of fans and acknowledge that my choice of words was wrong. It was totally out of sync with my character. I sincerely apologise and hope we can move forward positively,” he wrote.
In a separate statement, Shatta Wale cautioned against the continuous undermining of his brand and the fans who support his work. The dancehall artiste emphasized that his influence extends beyond entertainment, highlighting his role in youth empowerment, job creation, and global representation.
He also called on media practitioners and public figures to end selective criticism and treat all voices with fairness and respect. “For years, I have served as a voice for the youth. My influence goes beyond music to job creation, inspiration, and representing Ghana globally. This deserves respect,” Shatta Wale stated.
He added, “Enough. This is bigger than music. This is about respect, fairness, and national maturity. If we truly want to move forward as a country, then the selective criticism, coded insults, and subtle disrespect towards certain voices must end, from media houses to boardrooms, from talk shows to political spaces.”