Not everyone in Ghana should be called a celebrity - Ghanaian Actor

The word ‘celebrity’ is one of the most misused words in Ghana and that is something Ghanaian actor, Kweku Elliot is not happy about.

I have personally raised concerns about this tag that everyone love to hang around their neck because they appear TV. A typical example is Moesha Buoduong.

The handsome actor, in a lengthy essay on social media, schooled us on who a ‘real’ celebrity is.

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“I personally think Ghanaians have gotten it all wrong; being a celebrity comes with a lot of decorum and influence shared across board, being famous is easy, but for what are you famous and for what are you celebrated? Since when did having followers above 200k on social media platforms guarantee stardom and the degree of a celebrity?

The simple definition of celebrity is “a famous person, especially in entertainment or sport. It is also the state of being well known but, for what?

As the word itself is explained in the Oxford Dictionary, in Ghana, I think we got it all wrong, yes we do have ‘celebrities’ in our midst, many of which are not being celebrated enough, but yet still, many are quick to be branded with that word that has become so common that when I get called one, I shudder. Oh yes, to be very honest, do not call me a celebrity.

You see, in today’s world where information travels with a dab of a finger, it is important that the so-called celebrities of our era show a very positive side to the name. Of course we are entitled to freedom of speech but in all fairness, what some of our so-called celebrities are putting out there spells desperation, attention seeking and total disregard for one’s self-esteem.

Also be mindful that the youth of today hate to read, so the social media platforms become their ultimate source of hot gossip and celeb scoop.

So here goes, since when did having followers above 200k on social media platforms guarantee stardom and the degree of a celebrity? Since when did wannabe porn stars become adored public figures? Since when did gashing out insults and using profane languages become a trendy thing for you to become a celeb? You are here to be allowed to influence, to be respected, quoted and used as a beacon of hope.

Let’s be fair, we have abused social media platforms, we are living lies and misguiding our youth on what being a famous and celebrated person should really mean. To my dear celebs, stop being that case of going to Circle to buy a phone only to get home to find a bar of soap in it, because really the packaging only attracts, it’s the product inside that makes the final cut.