Ghanaian rapper Okyeame Kwame has explained that his unconventional outfit at the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) was a deliberate statement against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking during a discussion on UTV’s United Showbiz on May 17, 2026, the musician mentioned that the ensemble was designed to draw attention to the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and environment.

“The outfit I wore at the TGMAs wasn’t just about style; it carried a message. One thing that is important to me in this country is galamsey. It’s more important to me than anything else,” he said.

According to Okyeame Kwame, although illegal mining produces gold and generates wealth, the long-term environmental consequences are too severe to ignore.

“I want them to put a stop to galamsey so any opportunity I get, I represent it. Galamsey produces gold, the gold gives us money and it glitters, but it’s not nice because it destroys our water bodies,” he explained.

He stated that the mask he wore was intended to create a frightening image and symbolise the fear Ghanaians should have about the destructive methods used to extract gold.

“That’s why I wore the mask in my face to make me look scary, I want us to fear the gold and the way we mine our gold,” he shared.

TGMA27: Okyeame Kwame wages war on galamsey through symbolic red carpet outfit

The rapper stressed that his aim was not to make a fashion statement or compete for best-dressed honours on the red carpet.

“I didn’t dress to impress; I was making a statement. I didn’t go to TGMAs for beauty, I would have worn boxer shorts,” he said.

Okyeame Kwame disclosed that his appearance sparked conversations with influential figures, some of whom invited him to discuss the issue further.

“Some big men in the country called me into their office to discuss galamsey. I’ve succeeded completely with what I’m doing and I’ve achieved my goal,” he noted.

The award-winning musician said while many people focused on the aesthetics of the outfit, his true intention was to use one of the country’s biggest entertainment platforms to advocate for environmental protection.

“People were looking out for aesthetics, but I was sharing function,” he added.

FG/MA

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