Some contracts demanded that I remain apolitical — Okyeame Kwame on reason he snubbed  Bawumia’s manifesto committee appointment

Ghanaian Hiplife icon, Okyeame Kwame, has explained his decision to decline an appointment to the Manifesto Committee on Creative Arts for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

In February 2024, the list of the 16-member committee, chaired by Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority, was released.

Among the members were musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, academics, and government officials involved in the creative arts sector, including Okyeame Kwame and actor Prince David Osei.

However, Okyeame Kwame later opted out, referencing his desire to remain apolitical due to contractual obligations.

In an interview with YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon, he revealed how he initially agreed to join the committee but later reconsidered after remembering contractual obligations requiring him to remain neutral.

“Somebody called me and said they wanted me to be part of the team. I agreed at first. Even my children were excited. It felt good. But then I remembered the contracts that I signed with various organizations, stipulating that I remain ‘apolitical’ or ‘neutral’. So I informed the individual that I would not officially join but could contribute ideas,” he explained.

Despite his decision, his name appeared on the committee list, prompting him to issue a clarification letter stating his non-partisan terms.

“A few days later, my name was on the list of individuals selected to be part of Bawumia’s manifesto committee on creative arts. That is why I had to write a letter to say that I had not agreed to do this on my terms as a non-partisan participant,” he noted.

Okyeame Kwame attributed the situation to the complex political nature in Ghana, highlighting the contrast with the United States, where creatives could openly support political parties without repercussion.

“Does our democracy allow that? In the US, artistes can openly support a political party and still get patronized. In Ghana, it’s different. You can’t support a political party and move on normally. There is no such thing as political neutrality in Ghana,” he expressed.