NDC activists fight Okyeame Kwame over Feed Ghana appointment

The appointment of celebrated Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame as Ambassador for the government’s Feed Ghana programme has stirred discontent among sections of the grassroots of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with some questioning the basis for his selection.

The concerns, which have largely played out on social media, centre on claims that the role should have been given to a party loyalist rather than a public figure perceived to be non-partisan. Some supporters reportedly described the decision as “bad news,” reflecting unease within parts of the party base.

In response, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), under Eric Opoku, has clarified that the appointment is strictly voluntary and does not come with any financial benefit from the state.

The Ministry stressed that Okyeame Kwame offered his services willingly to support the Feed Ghana initiative, and no remuneration, allowances, or public funds are attached to the role.

The appointment was officially announced on April 17, 2026—coinciding with the artist’s 50th birthday—during a meeting at the Ministry in Accra, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed.

The Minister explained that the rapper’s long-standing advocacy for agriculture and his wide public appeal make him well-positioned to drive awareness and participation in the programme.

As part of his responsibilities, Okyeame Kwame is expected to embark on nationwide engagements, promoting backyard farming and mobilising support among farmers, youth, and other stakeholders.

The Feed Ghana programme itself is a flagship initiative under Ghana’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), launched in April 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama in Techiman.

Despite the controversy, the Ministry has maintained that the appointment is driven by national interest rather than partisan considerations. It noted that achieving food security requires inclusive participation and the involvement of influential voices capable of reaching a broad audience.

Okyeame Kwame has also previously indicated that his expertise and advocacy are not aligned to any political party, but rather to national development, reinforcing the Ministry’s position that the role is intended to serve a broader public good.