Why I rejected Alan Kyerematen’s running mate offer

Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has disclosed that he was offered the opportunity to become Alan Kyerematen‘s running mate in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

According to Okyeame Kwame, Alan, the founder of the ‘Movement for Change’, presented a set of ten criteria for the role, which he found quite appealing.

However, despite the tempting offer, Okyeame Kwame explained that he turned it down due to the various challenges associated with a political career.

Among his concerns were security risks, the potential propaganda, and the intense public scrutiny often accompanying political life.

In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM, the musician stated that his decision was made with the well-being of his family in mind.

“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 stated.

Subsequently, Alan Kyerematen selected 40-year-old Elijah Kwame Owusu Danso as his running mate.

A lawyer by profession, Elijah is also a broadcaster who previously worked with Pan African TV.

Interestingly, Elijah was once a hip-hop musician, adding an artistic touch to his professional background.

Watch Okyeame Kwame‘s interview below:

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