I’ll raise GHC1 million for Kufuor Foundation – Okyeame Kwame

Celebrated Hiplife musician, Kwame Nsiah-Apau, known in showbiz circles as Okyeame Kwame, has made an ambitious announcement to raise One million Cedis in a day for the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation.

The Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign, dubbed 80-for-80, to raise GH 80 million Cedis to fund some of its major projects, including the construction of a Leadership Centre at the University of Ghana (UG) Legon campus.

To achieve the goal, the Foundation, under the able leadership of His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, a former president of Ghana, unveiled some notable personalities and tasked them as ambassadors to spearhead the fundraising drive on particular fronts.

Okyeame Kwame, one of the ambassadors, was tasked to use Arts & Entertainment to raise funds for the Foundation.

Earlier this morning, the Ghanaian superstar took to his Twitter account and made an announcement that many have been described as ambitious.

He wrote: “I have been asked by the John A. Kufuor Foundation to be part of a team to raise 80 million Cedis for a leadership centre. I wish to raise 1 million through Arts. Any ideas?”

In the past weeks, the rapper has hinted about some activities he would to use to raise money for the Foundation.

They include a musical concert that will feature three top Ghanaian musicians, namely Daddy Lumba, Kojo Antwi and Amakye Dede, and a series of art exhibitions to be held in locations across the country.

The maiden exhibition, dubbed AU Arts Festival, will be held in less than two weeks from now, between June 1 (Friday) and 3 (Sunday), at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.

The three-day festival, to be addressed by the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Prof. Michael Ocquaye, would engage the creativity of 40 artists to paint amazing portraits and designs that would be auctioned. Former President Kufuor, who would grace the festival on the first day from morning till midday, would also autograph every artwork that would sold.

In an interview, Okyeame Kwame indicated that, he is compelled to raise at least One Million Cedis through the exhibition because of Mr. Kufuor’s enormous service to Ghana as former president. “I think President Kufuor has served Ghana very well, and even after exiting office as President, he still thinks about how to help with development. His humility and selflessness move me, and I am humbled to be helping such a noble cause,” Okyeame said.

Asked if he could raise One Million Cedis as he has announced, Okyeame responded: “I think I will do my part, and will expect everybody I call upon to also respond in like manner. The Kufuor Foundation is about the development of Ghana and that is something I think we should all support.”

Aside music and his philanthropic works, Okyeame is also known for his exploits in the marketing communication space of the country.

With a Masters’ degree in Marketing Strategy from the UG Business School, Okyeame is the brain behind OK Communications Ltd, formerly Firm Bridges Communications, which has been executing major marketing communications strategies for leading companies in the country. Story: JAMES HARRY OBENG