Media personality Abeiku Santana has shot to the top of X trends after making some statements about the recently launched Ghana Music Xperience (GMX) streaming app, which was introduced by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Speaking at a meeting between former President John Dramani Mahama and creative arts stakeholders in Kumasi, the broadcaster questioned the viability of the music streaming app initiative, comparing it to Nigeria’s lack of a national music streaming platform despite being Africa’s largest music market.
Abeiku Santana dismissed the app as another example of the government’s misleading “digitalization agenda,” accusing officials of deceiving Ghanaians with non-functional apps.
“The biggest music destination in Africa is Nigeria, but do they have a music streaming app? Have they ever talked about an app their government has made for them that enables music streaming? “Recently, they (the Bawumia campaign team), said they have launched a music streaming app, it’s all lies. That’s what they did with the Ghana Post app,” he said.
He continued, “Ask any Uber driver if they are using the Ghana Post App. During the Covid era too, they claimed to have developed an app. Every little time they will come up with an app. They deceive people with apps that are either non-existent or non-functional. Don’t be deceived. Don’t let them deceive you with that app in the name of digitalization. Ask yourself, what profit have you gained from all these?”
Santana further criticised the government’s approach, stating that former President Mahama would launch a more effective platform for Ghana’s creative industry.
He said Mahama intends to introduce a TV channel where local content, including concerts and events, would be streamed, with viewers paying to watch, and proceeds going directly to the artistes.
“Mahama is about to create a TV channel where our local content will be transferred. People will pay to watch. Those who can’t attend concerts will be able to watch them on their phones, and the proceeds will go to the artistes,” Abeiku Santana added.
Abeiku Santana’s comments have since sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some netizens agreeing with his criticism of the government’s digital initiatives, while others have labelled his stance as contradictory.
Critics have argued that Santana’s criticism of the GMX app is inconsistent, especially considering that he supports a similar platform for the local film industry, despite acknowledging that Ghana’s entertainment sector is smaller than Nigeria’s.
Some have described his position as illogical.
On the other hand, some supporters believe Santana’s comments are valid, stating concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of government’s initiatives.
About the GMX streaming app
The Ghana Music Xperience (GMX) streaming platform was launched in October 2024 by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in Accra.
The platform is dedicated exclusively to Ghanaian music, offering a wide range of genres, from highlife and hiplife to afrobeat and traditional rhythms.
The app aims at creating a digital space for local artistse to showcase their music while providing a platform for Ghanaians to access and enjoy homegrown content.
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Source: www.ghanaweb.com
