American rapper Meek Mill has expressed his intention to apply for Ghanaian citizenship, citing America’s oppressive system against black men as his motivation.
The Philadelphia-born artist, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, took to Twitter on March 4, 2024, to announce his desire for a new start in the West African nation.
“I wanna get citizenship in Ghana!!!! America made to tear black men down if you don’t follow orders!” he tweeted.
Meek Mill’s tweet came amid a scandal involving a lawsuit filed by a former employee of rapper and producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The suit also named several other celebrities, including Meek Mill, as participants in gay sex parties with Diddy.
Meek Mill has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a smear campaign to destroy his reputation and career. He also claimed that he was being targeted by the media and the justice system for being a successful black man who speaks his mind.
Meek Mill is no stranger to legal troubles, having spent several years in and out of prison for various charges, including drug and gun possession, probation violation, and assault. He has also been vocal about the injustices and inequalities faced by black people in America, especially in the criminal justice system.
Meek Mill has previously expressed his love for Ghana, where he performed at the Afro Nation music festival in December 2022. He also met with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, where they discussed issues of mutual interest.
However, his visit was not without controversy, as he faced backlash for filming parts of a music video at the seat of government, which some Ghanaians considered disrespectful. He later apologized for his actions and said he meant no harm.
Meek Mill is not the only American celebrity who has shown interest in Ghana, as the country has become a popular destination for African Americans seeking to reconnect with their roots and heritage. In 2019, Ghana launched the Year of Return initiative, which invited the diaspora to visit and invest in the country as part of the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in America.
Ghana has also been praised for its political stability, economic growth, and cultural diversity, making it an attractive option for foreigners looking for a peaceful and prosperous place to live.
However, Ghana is not without its own challenges, such as poverty, corruption, and human rights issues. Recently, the country has faced criticism for its stance on LGBTQ rights, as the parliament passed a bill that criminalizes same-sex relations and advocacy, sparking protests and condemnation from local and international groups.
Meek Mill has not yet revealed when or how he plans to apply for Ghanaian citizenship, or whether he intends to renounce his American citizenship. He has also not commented on how he feels about Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill, or whether it would affect his decision.
Some of his fans have supported his move, while others have mocked him or advised him to reconsider. Some Ghanaians have also welcomed him, while others have expressed skepticism or resentment.
Meek Mill has not responded to any of the reactions to his tweet, but has continued to post about his music and other projects. He has also hinted that he might collaborate with some Ghanaian artists in the future.
