Okyeame Kwame Explains Why He Rejected Alan’s Running Mate Offer

Ghanaian musician, Okyeame Kwame has disclosed that he decided to decline the offer to be Alan Kyerematen’s running mate for the 2024 general elections.

Okyeame Kwame shared that Alan, founder of the ‘Movement for Change,’ presented ten criteria for the role, which he found appealing.

However, despite the tempting offer, Okyeame Kwame decided to turn down this opportunity, citing the many challenges that come with a political career. He raised concerns about security risks, the possibility of propaganda, and the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies political life.

During an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM, Okyeame Kwame emphasized that his decision was motivated by a desire to safeguard the well-being of his family.

“So he [Alan] reached out, and I was in Kumasi for an event. I went to see him, and he outlined certain criteria for the person he wanted as his running mate. It was very flattering. They wanted someone who had accomplished something significant, and I’ve been in the music industry for 26 years. They also considered personal factors, like marriage and family.”

“I couldn’t do it because my children are teenagers.

If I [were to go] into partisan politics, I would need to prepare them for at least a year. I also had to think about security: what if people spread false propaganda about you? What if they dug up your skeletons? Had I prepared my family to deal with that kind of pressure? No. And because of that, I didn’t want to put my family in jeopardy,” he indicated.

In his explanation, while he appreciated the opportunity, his commitment to protecting his loved ones led him to make a difficult but firm choice.

Following Okyeame Kwame’s decision, Alan Kyerematen chose 40-year-old Elijah Kwame Owusu Danso as his running mate. A qualified lawyer, Elijah is also an experienced broadcaster, having previously worked with Pan African TV.

In an interesting twist, Elijah has a background in hip-hop music, which adds an artistic dimension to his otherwise professional career.