A campaign anthem targeted at rallying support for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the December 7 elections is set to be released this Saturday, September 14, 2024, titled ‘Steer’.
The song, produced by the celebrated music producer and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Mark Okraku-Mantey, draws inspiration from Dr. Bawumia’s “driver’s mate” analogy symptomatic of his readiness to lead the country after serving as Vice President for two terms under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Bawumia has said in various campaign speeches that his journey was akin to a driver’s mate who has learned meaningful lessons while supporting a driver in steering the affairs of the country. He urged Ghanaians to give him the mandate for the wheels so he could steer the affairs of the nation with the experience and insight he has gained over the past seven years.
“If, by the grace of God, you make me president, I will be in the driver’s seat, with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities,” Dr. Bawumia said, underlining his vision for growth and progress on behalf of Ghana.
The song ‘Steer’ draws into this message of preparedness and readiness to take the lead. Although the genre and the performing artiste(s) are not yet known, there is a high expectation, considering Okraku-Mantey’s trends of producing hit songs that easily appeal to many.
Being the CEO of Slip Music and a very influential person in the music industry in Ghana, Okraku-Mantey’s involvement has raised expectations that this song will be something more than just a mere campaign song; it could just be the anthem to rally support from all parts of the country.
The Executive Producer of ‘Steer’ is the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, who also happens to be a lawyer and a Member of Parliament for the Sekondi Constituency in the Western Region. His support for the project signals the NPP’s attempt to ensure creative arts are utilized in energizing the campaign.
This song, ‘Steer’, should stir up excitement and further solidify Dr. Bawumia’s message of taking Ghana forward under his leadership as the election draws near.
Songs have always featured at the core of election campaigns in Ghana, and this release shall form part of the greater tradition of music connecting with the electorate.
It is expected that Okraku-Mantey’s production ‘Steer’ reflects not only the values and vision of Dr. Bawumia but also resonates with the voters themselves, driving home the message he is ready to steer the nation into its next chapter. The song release could signal a very heated electoral contest, as more songs are believed to follow.
BB