Renowned Hiplife artist Okyeame Kwame has provided clarity on his decision to decline a position on the Manifesto Committee for Creative Arts under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The committee, led by Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority, was comprised of various members from the creative arts sector, including Okyeame Kwame and actor Prince David Osei.
In an interview with YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon, Okyeame Kwame detailed his reasoning behind refusing the offer, citing contractual obligations that require him to remain apolitical.
Initially considering the opportunity, Okyeame Kwame recalled the excitement surrounding the prospect, but ultimately had to decline due to the terms of his contract with different organizations.
Despite communicating his decision to participate unofficially and contribute ideas to the committee, Okyeame Kwame’s name was still included on the list, prompting him to issue a formal letter to clarify his stance.
The artist expressed frustration with the limitations of Ghana’s political landscape, contrasting it with the more accepting approach in the United States where artists can openly align with political parties without facing significant backlash.
Highlighting the challenges of maintaining political neutrality in Ghana, Okyeame Kwame emphasized the complexities that creatives face when navigating political affiliations in society.
