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Message: [QUOTE="Shamiso, post: 93904, member: 160"] MUSIGA has warned Ghanaian musicians against praising online fraud after Shatta Wale made remarks about friends involved in scams. The music union fears that such talk could lead young fans toward crime, given how much sway popular artists have. The row began at ShattaFest in Accra, where the dancehall star said he knew people who took part in fraud but had no plans to report them. He also linked the issue to Ghana's poor economy, appearing to suggest that hardship could excuse such acts. And that did not sit well with the union. In a statement said to bear the signature of its president, Bessa Simons, MUSIGA stressed that anger over bad leadership or a lack of jobs does not make illegal acts acceptable. Artists can speak out about graft, unfair treatment, and failures in public office, the group said. But there is a clear difference between calling for change and making fraud seem like a fair way to earn cash. MUSIGA also raised concerns about the harm that cybercrime causes. Victims can lose money, while Ghana may face damage to its image abroad. Honest firms that rely on online trade can suffer as well. The warning goes beyond basic online scams. The union wants musicians to steer clear of content that appears to endorse identity theft, money laundering, fake romance schemes, or other forms of digital crime. That applies to songs, live shows, and posts on social apps. Even casual remarks can carry weight when they come from a famous artist with a large fan base. Instead, the group wants stars to talk more about legal ways to make a living. Job access, tech skills, smart money habits, and small business ideas were among the paths it urged them to support. Artists also face personal risk. MUSIGA warned that comments seen as backing crime could harm careers, public trust, or even bring legal trouble, depending on the case. Simons also made the union's stance on free expression clear. Fame gives musicians a voice, but it does not exempt them from the law. Criticism of the state remains fair game, while public support for illegal conduct raises a different issue. MUSIGA says it will keep defending the welfare and rights of Ghanaian musicians. At the same time, it wants their influence to help young people seek success through legal work rather than cybercrime. [/QUOTE]

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