Entertainment
Fusing creative arts and climate science: Okyeame Kwame and partners spearhead climate change literacy
Okyeame Kwame shares his work on climate advocacy and justice
The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), in collaboration with the Okyeame Kwame (OK) Foundation, and Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies (C3SS), University of Ghana, hosted a conversation on Art and Climate Activism as part of the Centre’s Climate Change and Sustainability Seminar Series.
The Seminar, which took place on November 25, 2023, at the C3SS premises, represents an important step in bridging the gap between science, knowledge and practice on climate change and sustainable development knowledge brokerage using creative arts.
More than seventy graduate and undergraduate students from diverse university departments—including the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), Geography and Resource Development, and the School of Performing Arts—attended the event.
CDKN Ghana’s Country Engagement Lead, Dr. Prince Ansah, underscored that this undertaking is in line with the organization’s dedication to bridging the divide between policy and technical aspects of climate change, as well as innovative arts-based strategies for climate action.
The event’s keynote speaker was the renowned Ghanaian musician, songwriter, creative director, entrepreneur, and climate activist, Okyeame Kwame.
In his address, he placed significant emphasis on the necessity of integrating climate action into popular culture, specifically concerning climate justice and climate literacy.
Okyeame advocated for student researchers to transcend academic boundaries and employ innovative channels of communication, such as photography, social media, and virtual communication, to publicize their research outcomes.
In addition to discussing the human-caused causes of climate change, Okyeame Kwame highlighted the importance of taking simple steps to reduce emission footprints.
The musician provided practical examples, such as managing household water and energy usage, and advocated for a shift in the narrative from tree planting to tree growing, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and ownership in environmental stewardship.
In closing his address, Okyeame Kwame encouraged the participants to become volunteers for the OK Foundation.
The Director of C3SS, Professor Kwadwo Owusu, expressed his excitement about the seminar and encouraged students to become change agents. He stressed the importance of maintaining the scientific and technical foundations of climate science as tools for advocacy. He also mentioned that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana lauded this cross-sectoral approach, recognizing its potential in enhancing experiential learning.
Dr. Yaw Agyeman Boafo, Senior Research Fellow and Programmes Coordinator at C3SS and moderator of the event, concluded by emphasising the significance of these seminars in fostering collaborative networks for sustainable climate action in Ghana and the sub-region.
He stated the C3SS’s effort to bring more activists and practitioners to present at the seminar.
Several students in attendance at the seminar recounted personal experiences and involvements in climate action within various institutions, including communities, schools, and churches. They ranged from livelihood empowerment, recycling, artificial intelligence, disaster risk management, and gender equity.
CDKN Ghana launched a climate advocacy prize in partnership with C3SS to recognise students who can develop inventive concepts that promote climate justice and literacy.
Africa’s celebrated music icon and highlife maestro, Kojo Antwi, has been selected as the headline performer for the 2026 Europe Day reception in Accra, marking a historic 50 years of partnership between the European Union (EU) and Ghana.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm, forms part of activities commemorating the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations between Ghana and the EU, which dates back to 1976.
Europe Day remains one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings on Ghana’s calendar, traditionally attracting more than 600 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and key stakeholders from various sectors.
The 2026 edition will be celebrated under the theme “Golden Bridge,” symbolising half a century of friendship, cooperation, and shared values between Ghana and the European Union.
Organisers say the evening will feature a rich cultural showcase, with Kojo Antwi affectionately known as “Mr Music Man” and “The Maestro” leading the entertainment segment.
His signature blend of highlife, soul, and Euro-African rhythms is expected to bring a fitting artistic touch to the milestone celebration.
In an official invitation letter signed by Rune Skinnebach on behalf of the EU and dated Wednesday, May 6, 2026, organisers described Kojo Antwi as the ideal choice for the occasion.
The letter stated: “We therefore cannot think of any better artiste to lift this special occasion to new levels of entertainment and national pride.”
It further expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen future collaboration, noting: “We hope this event will transform into sustained collaboration and partnership in the future.”
Kojo Antwi remains one of Africa’s most respected musical figures, with a career spanning decades and 13 acclaimed albums to his credit.
Widely regarded as the “King of Love Songs,” he has consistently delivered timeless hits that continue to resonate across generations.
From his early performances in Europe with his first band to his illustrious solo career in Ghana, the Maestro’s journey has been defined by creativity, resilience, and global recognition consistently projecting Ghana’s cultural excellence on the world stage.
Beyond his music, Kojo Antwi’s influence extends across the African entertainment landscape, inspiring generations of musicians. He recently expanded his legacy with the release of his memoir, “Mr Music Man: The Journey,” a deeply personal account of his life, artistry, and enduring impact making him one of the few African musicians to chronicle his story in his own words.
As Europe Day 2026 approaches, organisers say the choice of Kojo Antwi reflects more than entertainment value, but a celebration of an enduring cultural bridge between Ghana and Europe honouring a living legend whose music continues to unite hearts across continents.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
Veteran Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has announced a new initiative aimed at engaging teachers and students through music and creativity.
The award winning artiste in a social media post revealed that the “Clap Challenge” will begin this week, starting with schools across the country.
He explained that the challenge will require a teacher together with students to record a video of themselves singing his “Clap” song.
According to him, the video must be lively and engaging to stand a chance of winning.
He stated that participants must also post their videos on social media with permission from their school authorities.
They are expected to use the hashtag #clap4others and tag him on any social media platform.
He added that one teacher will be selected as a winner every week and will receive a cash prize of GH¢1,000.
He noted that the final decision on winners will be made by him.
The musician encouraged teachers and students to take part in the challenge, stressing that it is designed to promote creativity, unity and positive expression among young people in schools.
This follows a GHC100,000 support from businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, who lauded the musician for composing a song which has the tendency to change society and help eschew jealousy.
By: Jacob Aggrey
