In a surprising revelation, Okyeame Kwame, the renowned Ghanaian rapper, has disclosed that he was approached by Alan John Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade and Industry, to be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election. Okyeame Kwame, whose real name is Kwame Nsiah-Apau, shared this interesting detail in an interview, shedding light on the political discussions that have been taking place behind the scenes.
According to Okyeame Kwame, Alan Kyerematen, who has expressed his intentions to run for president under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had initially reached out to him with the proposition of being his vice-presidential candidate. Okyeame Kwame, known for his contributions to the entertainment industry, music, and his philanthropic efforts, was a surprising figure for many to be considered for such a high-profile political position.
Okyeame Kwame’s revelation comes at a time when the political landscape in Ghana is seeing significant shifts, with both Alan Kyerematen and other key NPP figures preparing for the upcoming elections. The rapper, however, explained that while the proposal was flattering, he ultimately decided not to pursue it.
While the idea of being Alan Kyerematen’s running mate was an intriguing one, Okyeame Kwame explained that his decision not to accept the offer stemmed from several personal and professional considerations. Though he did not provide specific details, he acknowledged that such a political venture would require a level of commitment and a shift in focus that he was not prepared for at this point in his career.
The rapper also emphasized his passion for contributing to society in other ways—through his music, humanitarian work, and advocacy—but stated that he was not yet ready to fully immerse himself in the political arena.
Okyeame Kwame has long been regarded as an influential figure in Ghana, not just for his musical career but also for his cultural advocacy, community engagement, and business ventures. He has used his platform to address issues such as health awareness, education, and youth empowerment. His involvement in public matters has led many to view him as a potential leader in a non-political sense, as he continues to promote positive change and nation-building through his artistic and social initiatives.
His decision to focus on other avenues of contribution, rather than stepping directly into the political sphere, aligns with his commitment to using his platform in ways that he feels will be most beneficial to his country.
The revelation of Okyeame Kwame’s offer comes at a time when Alan Kyerematen is making strides to position himself as a key contender in the 2024 elections. Kyerematen, who has served as the Minister for Trade and Industry and is a well-known figure within the NPP, has been positioning himself as a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to Ghana’s leadership.
Kyerematen’s decision to consider figures like Okyeame Kwame as potential running mates may suggest his strategy to appeal to younger voters and broaden his support base beyond traditional political structures. The entertainment industry, with its significant influence on Ghanaian youth, could have been an important platform for Kyerematen’s campaign, with Okyeame Kwame serving as a bridge to that demographic.
The news has sparked conversations across Ghana, with many expressing surprise that a celebrity from the music industry was even considered for such a critical political role. While some have applauded Okyeame Kwame for being approached, others have speculated about the nature of his potential political involvement in the future.
Okyeame Kwame’s revelation about Alan Kyerematen’s offer serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving nature of Ghana’s political landscape. Though he has decided not to enter the political arena as Kyerematen’s running mate, his influence in Ghanaian society is undeniable.
While the rapper is not running for office, his willingness to engage in national conversations and contribute to the development of the country in other capacities shows his continued commitment to nation-building. Whether or not we see Okyeame Kwame more involved in political matters in the future remains to be seen, but for now, he appears content to continue using his platform for positive change in Ghana. Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has revealed that he was approached by John Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate for the Movement for Change party, to be his running mate for the 2024 presidential elections. In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Okyeame Kwame shared the details of the offer, describing it as both flattering and challenging.
According to Okyeame Kwame, the offer came after an event in Kumasi when Alan Kyerematen reached out to him, inviting him to meet in Accra. During their meeting, Kyerematen presented the 10 key criteria for the type of person he was seeking as his vice-presidential candidate.
Okyeame Kwame noted that the list of qualities Kyerematen was looking for was quite highly demanding and played to his strengths. Among the qualities Kyerematen outlined were: The ideal running mate had to be well-educated. Someone who has a track record in national development. A person who is active and influential on social media platforms.
The person needs to have a solid professional background. Alan also valued a running mate who was married, among other personal qualities.
Okyeame Kwame remarked on how “pampering” it felt to hear the qualities Kyerematen was looking for, acknowledging that he ticked many of the boxes.
Despite the flattering nature of the offer, Okyeame Kwame explained that he ultimately turned down the invitation because he felt not ready for such a monumental role. He did not feel he could commit to the demands and responsibilities that come with being a vice-presidential candidate at this point in his life.
“I was not ready for it,” he stated, explaining that while the proposal was intriguing, the decision to step into political leadership required more than just qualifications—it required a level of commitment and readiness that he wasn’t prepared to make at this stage.
Though he turned down the opportunity to run for political office, Okyeame Kwame reiterated his commitment to nation-building through his work as a musician, entrepreneur, and activist. He continues to use his platform to speak on issues that matter to Ghanaians, such as youth empowerment, social change, and health advocacy.
The rapper, known for his philanthropic efforts and focus on community development, emphasized that he has always sought to make a positive impact in society, just not through political office. His career in music, business, and activism already places him in a position to influence change and raise awareness on key issues affecting Ghanaians.
For John Alan Kyerematen, the offer to Okyeame Kwame highlights his efforts to build a diverse and dynamic team ahead of the 2024 elections. The Movement for Change party is looking to position itself as a fresh alternative in Ghana’s political landscape, appealing to a broad spectrum of the electorate. By seeking candidates with strong social media influence and professional backgrounds, Kyerematen is trying to tap into Ghana’s growing youth demographic, which is active online and increasingly looking for leadership that resonates with their aspirations.
Kyerematen’s search for a running mate is also indicative of his broader strategy to modernize Ghanaian politics by attracting individuals with non-traditional political backgrounds—a trend that is becoming more common in many countries as leaders look to break away from conventional political structures.
While Okyeame Kwame will not be stepping into a political leadership role alongside Alan Kyerematen in 2024, his decision reflects the complex nature of political engagement and the need for individuals to be fully prepared for such significant responsibilities. Okyeame Kwame remains focused on continuing his social and cultural contributions through his music and activism, and his involvement in public matters is likely to evolve in ways that do not require him to hold political office.
This revelation also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Ghanaian politics, with non-politicians like Okyeame Kwame being considered for major political roles, signalling a potential shift in the way the next generation of leaders is being groomed. For now, Okyeame Kwame remains a prominent figure in Ghana’s cultural landscape, and his decision may pave the way for other prominent individuals to consider the possibility of a future in politics.
Ghanaian musician and cultural advocate Okyeame Kwame has shared more details about his decision to turn down the offer to be the running mate for John Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change. Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, Okyeame Kwame explained the deeply personal reasons behind his choice, revealing that family and the associated challenges of partisan politics played a major role in his decision.
Okyeame Kwame, who is a father to two teenage children—a 15-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter—highlighted the importance of family preparation before making such a monumental decision. “My children are teenagers. My son is 15, my daughter is 13, so if I am going into partisan politics, I need to have prepared them for a year,” he shared.
The rapper explained that entering the highly charged world of politics could bring unforeseen challenges for his family, especially as it pertains to the personal scrutiny that comes with public office. He mentioned concerns about how political opponents could exploit personal issues, spread false propaganda, or unearth past mistakes. “What if other people begin to spread false propaganda about you? They go into your cupboard, dig out your ghost and bring them out, girls whose hearts you have broken, things like that,” he said. Okyeame Kwame felt that his family, especially his children, hadn’t been adequately prepared to deal with such scrutiny.
A key reason for Okyeame Kwame’s decision was his desire to lead by example for his children. He mentioned that, as a parent, he has consistently advised them to be consistent in their actions, despite the occasional need for spontaneity. However, taking on the role of a vice-presidential candidate in a political party wasn’t something that had been factored into his family’s long-term plans.
He explained, “My family has plans; short, mid, and long-term plans, and being Vice President of a political party was not part of them.” He also pointed out the contradiction that would arise from telling his children to remain consistent, while he suddenly turned around and accepted a major political offer without prior preparation.
“I had to show my leadership,” Okyeame Kwame emphasized, reflecting on his decision to prioritize his family’s well-being and stability over a career in partisan politics at this time.
Although Okyeame Kwame declined the offer to enter the political sphere, he remains committed to creating change in Ghana through his music and advocacy work. The rapper, who has consistently used his platform to promote health, education, and environmental preservation, believes in the power of positive influence to drive social progress.
As an ambassador for ‘Made in Ghana’, Okyeame Kwame has focused on using his music, clothing line, and campaigns to promote Ghanaian culture both locally and internationally. His ongoing advocacy and music projects are an integral part of his vision for a better society without the need for a political office.
Apart from his music career, Okyeame Kwame is well-educated and has a diverse academic background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, a Master of Arts in Marketing Strategy, and a Masters in Alternative Dispute Resolution. His education has equipped him with the tools to engage in conflict resolution and strategic marketing, skills he applies to his advocacy work.
In line with his social consciousness, Okyeame Kwame recently released a new song titled “Stop Galamsey,” which addresses the devastating issue of illegal mining in Ghana. The song aims to raise awareness about the dangers of galamsey and its negative impact on the environment and communities. With this release, Okyeame Kwame continues to use his music to inspire positive change and encourage responsible action toward preserving Ghana’s natural resources.
Okyeame Kwame’s decision to decline Alan Kyerematen’s offer to be his running mate speaks volumes about his commitment to family, consistency, and leading by example. Despite being approached for such a significant political role, he has chosen to focus on his advocacy, music, and cultural contributions rather than stepping into the contentious world of partisan politics. His decision highlights the importance of personal preparation, the impact on loved ones, and the integrity of staying true to one’s long-term values.
Even without pursuing political office, Okyeame Kwame continues to play a vital role in shaping public discourse in Ghana, and his ongoing efforts to promote national development through art, education, and advocacy make him a key figure in the country’s social transformation.
