Sarkodie Under Fire for Posting Video of Mentally Challenged Man Dancing

Ghanaian rap icon Sarkodie (Michael Owusu Addo) has found himself at the center of a heated controversy after sharing a video on his X (formerly Twitter) account that has sparked widespread criticism. The video showed a man, visibly struggling with mental health challenges, dancing to Sarkodie’s hit song  Azonto in the middle of a street. While Sarkodie may have intended to showcase the universal appeal of his music, the backlash has been swift and severe.

The video which was initially shared on social media captured the man energetically dancing and rapping along to  Azonto. The clip showed the man caught up in the rhythm of the song drawing the attention of passersby as he moved to the beat. Sarkodie shared the video on his own social media platforms, presumably with the intent of highlighting the joy and widespread love for his music.

However the reaction from the public was far from what Sarkodie might have anticipated. Instead of celebrating the man’s enjoyment of his song, many social media users expressed their disappointment over what they perceived as the exploitation of the man’s vulnerability.

Critics were quick to accuse Sarkodie of insensitivity and exploitation, arguing that the decision to share a video of a person in a vulnerable mental state was disrespectful. Many Ghanaians voiced their concern that the video was used for entertainment purposes at the expense of an individual who might not fully comprehend the situation or the long-term consequences of being filmed and shared online. For some, it seemed as though Sarkodie was more interested in the viral potential of the video rather than considering the well-being and dignity of the individual involved.

The controversy has raised serious questions about the ethics of sharing content that involves vulnerable people, particularly those struggling with mental health issues. Some pointed out that Sarkodie, as a public figure with a massive platform, has a responsibility to use his influence in a way that promotes respect, understanding, and empathy, rather than perpetuating content that could be seen as exploitative.

The incident has reignited a much-needed conversation about mental health awareness and the treatment of individuals living with mental health challenges in Ghana. Critics are urging public figures like Sarkodie to use their platforms to promote awareness, empathy, and support for mental health issues, rather than sharing content that could further stigmatize or exploit vulnerable individuals.

Many social media users have stressed the need for greater sensitivity when sharing content involving people in challenging situations. The backlash against Sarkodie underscores the growing expectation for celebrities to not only entertain but also to be mindful of the ethical implications of their actions on social media.

At the time of this writing, Sarkodie has not yet issued a public apology or clarification regarding the video. However, the controversy has already sparked significant discussion about the ethical boundaries of social media content and the responsibilities that come with fame. It remains to be seen whether the rapper will address the backlash and take any steps to show greater empathy toward those affected by mental health challenges.

While Sarkodie’s intentions in sharing the video may have been innocent—aiming to highlight the joy his music brings—this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thinking carefully before posting content, especially when it involves vulnerable individuals. The backlash emphasizes the need for celebrities to approach social media with empathy and responsibility, particularly when it concerns issues as sensitive as mental health.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the impact of social media is far-reaching, and even a well-meaning post can have unintended consequences. The conversation about mental health awareness and the ethical use of social media platforms is one that will undoubtedly continue to shape public discourse in Ghana and beyond.