By GhanaNewsPage 
I’m a truck driver in America now – Pope Skinny
Pope Skinny has expressed his frustrations over the increasing trend of Ghanaian musicians relocating to the West, citing the lack of financial security for artists in the country.
“There is nothing in this country to secure the future of musicians,” he lamented. “This is why you see creatives struggling in their old age, often seeking financial assistance. It’s not because they were irresponsible.”
He highlighted that even basic social security benefits like SNNIT contributions are not available for musicians in Ghana. “Our job doesn’t even come with SNNIT contributions,” he said.
Speaking to Nana Romeo on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ayekoo Ayekoo on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Hiplife star emphasized that artists are left with no choice but to seek better opportunities abroad. “If you assess the situation, you’ll advise yourself to leave and pay social security contributions in the West, where the system is reliable and will support you for life.”
Pope Skinny criticized the lack of systems to support creative professionals in Ghana, saying it makes life as a musician financially unstable. “If you don’t have a hit song, you will go hungry,” he remarked, adding that even when musicians save money, it often goes back into producing music videos and other logistics. He also noted that endorsement deals are rare and inconsistent, making it hard to rely on them for steady income.
In a pointed criticism, Pope Skinny voiced his opposition to the Food & Drugs Authority (FDA) ban on alcohol endorsements by celebrities, a policy recently upheld by the Supreme Court. “It doesn’t make sense to me,” he said, recalling how alcohol endorsements had been a significant source of income for artists before the 2015 ban. He spoke fondly of the deals and sponsorships from local alcohol brands that kept the entertainment industry thriving.
Concluding his thoughts, Pope Skinny emphasized that since leaders in Ghana do not prioritize the welfare of artists, many will continue to leave and take up jobs abroad, even if those jobs seem beneath their status. “I drive a big truck in America,” he revealed. “I can’t do that in Ghana because I’d be mocked.”
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