A Plus credits Shatta Wale’s advice for helping him secure the Gomoa Central MP seat: ‘He’s a wise man

Kwame A Plus, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, has openly credited Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale for his victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections. A Plus revealed that the dancehall star’s insightful advice on leadership and how to effectively connect with people played a crucial role in shaping his campaign strategy, ultimately leading to his success at the polls.
In an interview, A Plus shared a conversation he had with Shatta Wale, explaining how the musician’s perspective on leadership impacted his approach to the campaign. A Plus recalled, “I asked him how he manages to maintain such a huge following. His response was simple but profound. He told me to focus on people’s needs, to solve their problems, and to be a leader who gives back to the community. He even mentioned Jesus Christ as an example, saying that Christ built his following by addressing the needs of people around him.” A Plus reflected on how these words of advice became a turning point for him. “That advice turned out to be extremely helpful. Wisdom can come from unexpected places, and Shatta Wale is incredibly intelligent. It shaped how I communicated with the people of Gomoa Central during my campaign.”
A Plus’s victory on December 7, 2024, was significant not only because of the high-profile competition but also because of the unique strategy he employed. In the election, A Plus defeated Naana Eyiah Quansah, a two-term MP and former Deputy Minister for the Interior. Naana Eyiah received 11,637 votes, while A Plus garnered 14,277 votes. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ywason Mohamed, placed third with 10,112 votes, out of a total of 36,026 valid votes cast. A Plus’s win was particularly notable as it marked his first time running for office, entering Parliament as an independent candidate. Although he ran as an independent, A Plus later aligned himself with the NDC, citing the party’s policies and leadership vision as influential in his decision to join their ranks.
Reflecting on his victory and his early days in office, A Plus also shared some surprising realizations he’s had as a new MP. One of these was a shift in his views regarding the use of sirens by members of Parliament to navigate traffic. Prior to his election, A Plus had been a vocal critic of the practice, which many MPs use to avoid congestion. However, after experiencing the challenges of balancing his parliamentary responsibilities with the needs of his constituents, A Plus’s perspective changed. “Before entering Parliament, I often criticized MPs for using sirens to move through traffic. I felt it was unnecessary and sometimes excessive. But one day, I found myself stuck in traffic and called a friend who is a dispatch rider to help me get through. That was when I truly understood the pressures MPs face. The job is demanding, and the use of sirens, although controversial, can be essential in ensuring that MPs can fulfill their duties on time,” A Plus explained.
A Plus’s victory has been celebrated by many as a testament to his ability to connect with the people and engage with them on a personal level. His success is also seen as a reflection of his strong grassroots campaigning, which focused on addressing the needs of his constituents directly. His story emphasizes the importance of leadership that is grounded in the needs of the people and the power of listening and learning from diverse sources, including figures like Shatta Wale, whose advice played a pivotal role in shaping A Plus’s approach to leadership.
Kwame A Plus’s win in Gomoa Central highlights the significance of understanding and addressing the concerns of the electorate. His victory is not only a personal achievement but also an example of how unconventional advice can inspire transformative change in leadership. Shatta Wale’s wisdom, rooted in his own experiences of building a dedicated following, served as a guiding force for A Plus’s campaign, helping him navigate the complex dynamics of political leadership. As A Plus embarks on his parliamentary journey, his story serves as an inspiration to other leaders who seek to make a meaningful impact by prioritizing the needs of their people.