Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared dancehall artiste Shatta Wale the “Youth President” of the Western Region following his energetic performance at the 2026 NkrumahFest.

Speaking to the crowd after the performance, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said he now understood why young people had consistently pushed for Shatta Wale to perform at the festival.

According to the minister, the youth of the Western Region had spent the past five years urging him to bring the award-winning artiste to the region.

“For five years, the youth of the Western Region have been worrying me, ‘Bring Shatta, bring Shatta.’ But I swear to God, today, now I understand. Shatta forever,” he said to cheers from the crowd.

In a symbolic endorsement, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah proclaimed Shatta Wale the “Youth President of the Western Region” and suggested that his influence could extend beyond Ghana.

“I declare Shatta the Youth President of the Western Region. I may be tempted to say, ‘Shatta, we want you to run for the President of the youth for the world.’ We are proud of you. Today, I understand why,” he said.

The minister also expressed his admiration for the musician, pledging to display his support by placing a Shatta Wale sticker on his vehicle.

“I am going to put your sticker on my car, and I am a Shatta forever fan. God bless you,” he added.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah’s remarks have added to the public recognition of Shatta Wale’s popularity among young people, particularly following his headline performance at this year’s NkrumahFest.