Reggae dancehall icon Samini has addressed the speculation surrounding his recent visit to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), firmly dismissing claims that it was politically motivated or came with special favours.
Speaking on Prime Time with George Quaye, Samini responded to critics suggesting he benefitted from political perks, insisting the visit was purely professional and part of his efforts to promote an upcoming project.
“I went to introduce my project to Abeiku Santana. I did the same with KOD and tried to meet Rex Omar,” he explained.
According to Samini, the controversy was sparked by a miscaptioned post from a political footsoldier, which falsely implied he had been invited to the GTA and rewarded with “a slice of bread” — a metaphor suggesting partisan favouritism.
“That caption suggested I was invited and then given a slice of bread as a gift,” he recalled. “Implying that when your party is in power, you cut up the bread and pass it only to supporters.”
Samini, pictured during his visit with his team, Abeiku Santana, and GTA officials, emphasized that the Tourism Authority serves all Ghanaians—not just political loyalists.
“Tourism is open to everyone. Anyone in tourism should feel free to walk in and do business,” he insisted.
He also pushed back against a growing culture of political gatekeeping, calling for more respect for free speech and association.
“If a party falls out of favour, you should be able to step away and explain why,” he said. “That doesn’t make you an enemy.”
Samini’s remarks come amid broader debates about politics and partisanship in Ghana’s creative sector. A vocal advocate for unity across music, media, and tourism, the artist is currently preparing to release his eighth studio album, ORIGIN8A, later this year.
By addressing the rumours head-on, Samini reinforced his stance that national institutions like the GTA must remain inclusive and accessible to all.
His message is clear: Ghana’s creativity and tourism industry must rise above partisan lines and remain open to every citizen.