Meek Mill apologises for shooting video at Ghana’s presidency

In a series of tweets Monday, the 35-year-old musician said he took “responsibility for my mistake” and had intended no disrespect through the video project, which was shot with a “small camera and one kid.” He added that he had been ignorant about Ghana’s culture, and was merely excited to show it because “they don’t show Ghana on our media much.”

On Sunday, Meek Mill shared a teaser video that showed him performing with his entourage at various locations on the premises, including behind the presidential podium. The action earned Meek Mill and the Ghanaian government widespread criticism on social media, with many commentators raising security concerns and accusing the government of lack of leadership and overindulging the diaspora community. The video clip was removed shortly after it was posted.

“No video I drop is ever meant to disrespect the people of Ghana,” Meek Mill said. “The fastest way to make a connection is through music, and I wanted to do that by displaying art. I’m in my 30s from America and didn’t know much about the lifestyle here.

“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 [it] coming soon! My apologies to the office also!

“I’m just not here for no separation of anything black … we already separated enough and don’t understand each other’s cultures. Let’s used this to help fix that and not more judgement towards each other!”

Meek Mill’s December trip to Ghana was to headline the Afro Nation Ghana festival. He was part of a big contingent of American celebrities who were in Ghana for December’s celebrations, which have become popular since 2019 when President Nana Akufo-Addo launched the Year of Return, an initiative inviting members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots 400 years after the first African slaves were shipped to America.

While in the country, Meek Mill paid a courtesy call on Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House. “[I] appreciate meeting strong black leaders,” Meek Mill said after he was received at the presidency. “It gives me the motivation to be greater.”