Gospel musician Nicholas Omane Acheampong has expressed his frustration over the criticism he has received for endorsing Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the December 7 elections. In an interview with Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z host Kwame Dadzie, Acheampong revealed that his support for Bawumia has drawn significant backlash from sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Acheampong described the insults he has faced as part of the challenges of publicly aligning with a political figure. “I am facing a lot of challenges in the form of insults, because in this country if you involve yourself in politics, one thing you should be aware of before you enter is insult. They will insult you because you are not part of them. The NDC people, almost everybody is insulting me for supporting Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia as if he’s not a Ghanaian,” he said.
The gospel artist explained his political stance by criticizing former President John Mahama, suggesting that Mahama’s return to power could lead to negative outcomes for the country. “I have a good reason for supporting him because I know for sure that if we don’t take and we relax because we are celebrities and that we need to protect our brands and we sit down quietly, and former President Mahama is voted into power again in this country, the first thing he will do is to cancel the free senior high school policy,” Acheampong asserted.
Nicholas Acheampong is among several celebrities backing Dr. Bawumia, including actor Prince David Osei, gospel singer Diana Asamoah, and music producer Appietus. Conversely, celebrities supporting the NDC include actors Wayoosi and Big Akwes, musician Nacee, comedian DKB, and gospel musician Jak Alolome. Alolome, who has created a campaign song for John Mahama, emphasized that his involvement was driven by personal conviction rather than financial gain. “I did the song out of my free will to support the ideals of Mahama,” Alolome stated on Showbiz A-Z.
In related news, the creative sector in Ghana is preparing for the upcoming MANIFESTO DEBATE ON CREATIVE ECONOMY. Scheduled for September 14, 2024, this event will bring together stakeholders from Ghana’s tourism, arts, and culture sectors at Joy Prime’s studio for the fifth edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable. The debate will provide a platform for political parties to present their policy ideas concerning Ghana’s creative economy. The debate will be broadcast live on Joy FM and Joy Prime from 2 PM to 6 PM.
