Accra, Ghana – Musician Okyeame Kwame used the high-profile 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) red carpet on Saturday night to stage a visual protest against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. His striking appearance, draped in gold and holding a gold-plated sword, was designed to highlight the destructive impact of galamsey on Ghana’s natural resources.
A Visual Metaphor for Destruction
Okyeame Kwame arrived on the red carpet in a head-to-toe gold ensemble, a deliberate choice to represent the allure of Ghana’s natural wealth. This glittering facade, however, carried a stark counter-message.
He was accompanied by two bodybuilders who visually represented the devastating physical and environmental toll inflicted by illegal mining activities. This juxtaposition aimed to contrast the perceived beauty and value of gold with the severe damage caused by its unchecked extraction.
Sparking National Dialogue
Speaking to host Giovanni Caleb, the artiste, also known as the ‘Rap Dacta’, explained the intentional irony of his attire. He stated his goal was to initiate a crucial national conversation about the galamsey crisis.
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