The Deputy Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar has debunked claims that the American rapper, Meek Mill used President Akufo-Addo’s lectern in his music video.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, she clarified that the President’s podium was not the one captured in the video.
“The podium that the President uses to address Ghanaians is not what was captured in Meek Mill’s video. What was seen in the video is different. There is a lectern at the banquet hall of the Jubilee House that visitors can stand behind when talking to the President,” she stated.
It would be recalled that in a viral video on social media, American rapper, Meek Mill featured a podium from the presidency as well as parts of the Jubilee House in a teaser for a music video.
Meek Mill was seen in the company of a group of other backers rapping at the seat of government.
The content of the video has since generated backlash from Ghanaians as they say the act has compromised the security of the Jubilee House.
Also, the Ranking Member of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called for the dismissal of those who allowed American rapper, Meek Mill, to film a music video at the Jubilee House.
According to the lawmaker, the video and its content constitute a ‘despicable desecration’ of the Jubilee House.
But reacting to this claim, the Deputy Information Minister stated that the premise on which the North Tongu MP called for heads to roll are false.
Commenting on the key places where the music video was shot, that is the – forecourt of Jubilee House, the waiting area of the ground floor, banquet hall, she said many people have taken videos at that location.
According to her, millions of such videos or reels can be produced as evidence.
“We have ceremonial events of people like judges who come along with family to take pictures, others even go ahead to take videos and reels…school children who go on excursion at the Jubilee House also take pictures,” she stressed.
She clarified, however, that it is the music video that is upsetting Ghanaians rather than the footage itself.
She further stated that the Meek Mill’s videos were not taken near the President’s office, adding that the guest was not anywhere near Akufo-Addo’s floors.
She noted however that the protocol officials and those at the diaspora directorate have learnt lessons from the incident.
