KEY POINTS
- Alan Kyerematen names former hiplife artiste and legal practitioner Kwame Owusu Danso as his running mate.
- Owusu Danso, also known as “E-Nice,” was part of the Echo music group and is now a legal professional.
- Kyerematen’s Movement for Change emphasizes youth inclusion in governance.
Independent presidential aspirant John Kwadwo Alan Kyerematen has officially introduced 40-year-old legal practitioner and former hiplife artiste, Elijah Kwame Owusu Danso, as his running mate for the upcoming December 7 presidential election. Owusu Danso, also known by his stage name “E-Nice,” gained fame as one half of the defunct Echo hiplife duo, known for their hit single “Gologolo” featuring Tinny.
Owusu Danso’s unique background blends entertainment, law, and broadcast journalism, and Kyerematen believes his selection will resonate with the youth, who are increasingly seeking greater inclusion in national decision-making. Kyerematen, founder of the political group Movement for Change, has framed himself as a “transitional leader,” aiming to provide opportunities for the youth to participate in governance.
A youth-centered approach
Kwame Owusu Danso’s selection, according to Kyerematen, aligns with his broader campaign to engage the younger generation in political leadership. Speaking at the announcement, Kyerematen emphasized that Danso’s wide-ranging expertise across multiple fields makes him an ideal choice. “Kwame Owusu Danso represents the aspirations of the youth. His versatility in law, corporate management, music, and civil society activism reflects the future we are building,” Kyerematen said.
The 40-year-old Owusu Danso, originally from Elmina in the Central Region and with paternal roots in the Oti Region, has become a notable figure in Ghana’s legal and entertainment sectors. According to a report by Graphic Online, he is also a presenter on Pan Africa television and is married to the daughter of prominent journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr.
Campaign strategy for 2024
Kyerematen’s campaign focuses on bringing fresh perspectives to governance, particularly by highlighting youth leadership. By selecting someone like Owusu Danso, Kyerematen hopes to differentiate himself from other candidates and appeal to younger voters. “We are here to deliver a leadership that listens to and empowers the youth of Ghana,” he stated.
However, with the submission of his nomination forms to the Electoral Commission, Kyerematen is set to contest the December election as an independent candidate. His decision to run independently followed his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he previously served as a minister of trade and industry.
In addition, as the political race heats up, Kyerematen’s movement is positioning itself as an alternative to the traditional political establishment. According to campaign spokesperson Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Kwame Owusu Danso is viewed as a “youth icon” who can connect with diverse groups across Ghana.
The broader political landscape
Kyerematen’s introduction of Owusu Danso comes at a time when 39 other candidates have also filed their nomination forms for the December election, setting the stage for a competitive race.
As political parties and independent candidates vie for votes, Kyerematen’s emphasis on youth inclusion and his choice of a running mate with a popular cultural background could serve as a strategic advantage.
The upcoming election will be a critical moment for Ghana as the country faces numerous economic and social challenges. By bringing figures like Owusu Danso to the forefront, Kyerematen seeks to present a leadership alternative that resonates with both the youth and the broader electorate
