Richard Kweku Asante, widely recognized by his stage name Kalybos, a prominent figure in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, has publicly clarified his political stance and the rationale behind his endorsement of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the 2024 general elections. Contrary to widespread speculation about potential financial incentives or personal gain, Kalybos unequivocally attributes his decision to his deep conviction in the transformative power of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, a flagship program implemented by the NPP. He emphasizes that his political engagement stems from a genuine desire to support initiatives that benefit the broader community, rather than any self-serving motives.
Kalybos underscores his belief that the Free SHS policy has significantly alleviated the financial burden on families struggling to afford secondary education. He provides a personal account of the considerable financial strain he experienced prior to the implementation of the policy, having to shoulder the educational expenses of numerous relatives. This firsthand experience of the pre-Free SHS struggles resonated deeply with him, prompting him to actively champion the policy he credits with bringing him much-needed financial relief.
The implementation of the Free SHS policy, according to Kalybos, proved instrumental in enabling him to pursue personal projects and investments that would have otherwise remained unrealized due to the substantial financial demands of supporting dependents through school. He highlights the policy’s impact, not just on his personal finances, but on the broader educational landscape, arguing that it has opened up opportunities for countless Ghanaian children who would have otherwise been denied secondary education due to financial constraints. This personal experience reinforces his conviction in the policy’s merits and fuels his desire to advocate for its continuation.
Kalybos reiterates his commitment to the Free SHS policy as the primary motivating factor behind his endorsement of the NPP. He emphasizes that his decision should not be interpreted as an absolute alignment with every facet of the NPP’s political agenda, but rather a specific endorsement of this particular policy that he believes holds immense value for the nation. This clarification aims to address any misinterpretations of his political involvement and underscore his unwavering support for the policy he views as a crucial stepping stone towards greater educational access and national development.
Furthermore, Kalybos reveals his previous experience of working with individuals from both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting his history of maintaining political neutrality prior to his explicit endorsement of the NPP and the Free SHS policy. This disclosure seeks to dispel any notion of long-standing partisan affiliation and to portray his decision to support the NPP as a deliberate choice driven by his personal experience and conviction, rather than a result of pre-existing political ties or biases.
In essence, Kalybos’s explanation centers on his belief in the transformative power of the Free SHS policy and its positive impact on Ghanaian families. He portrays his endorsement of the NPP as a direct consequence of his personal experience with the policy’s benefits and a genuine desire to support an initiative he believes has significantly improved access to secondary education. He emphasizes that his political involvement is driven by a deep commitment to the policy, not by personal gain or partisan allegiance, seeking to clarify his position and emphasize his dedication to championing the Free SHS program.
