Meek Mill, an American rapper, has apologised to Ghanaians for the controversy surrounding a video that has made headlines since Sunday night, January 8.
Ghanaians were particularly critical of Mill on Twitter and Facebook for using imagery from the presidency, Jubilee House, in an upcoming music video.
Considering the Meek Mill video, Parliament will grill the national security minister.
The aforementioned video was previously put on his Instagram reel but was removed early on January 9 Monday.
He posted his apology on Twitter stating thus: “My apologies to the people if any disrespect! We still gonna push to make the connection between black people in America and Africa … what I’m trying to do is more than a video and you should see coming soon! My apologies to the the office also!”
In another tweet, he explained: “I don’t think they knew it was video footage when we asked to shoot its a small camera and one kid … in America we didn’t know this existed and was excited to show because they don’t show Ghana on our media much! So I’ll take responsibility for my mistake! Not intentional.”
In the film, the rapper can be seen rapping in many locations throughout the presidency, including the facade, main corridors, the main conference hall (at a spot just behind the presidential podium), and a sitting area.
Users of social media are outraged about what they see as the almost defilement of the presidency, citing ethical and security concerns.
Major Twitter influencers in particular have drawn criticism from the public for allowing the government to film in such sensitive locations for a music video.
It should be mentioned that a small percentage of commenters are defending it by saying it is not a huge deal.
To the people of Ghana no video I drop is ever meant to disrespect the people of Ghana …. The fastest way to make connection is thru music and I wanted to do that with displaying art … im in my 30’s from America and didn’t know much about the lifestyle here
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) January 9, 2023