Ghanaian rapper and National Health Ambassador for Hepatitis, Okyeame Kwame has released a new song titled “No Hep” as part of efforts to support the Ministry of Health’s drive to eliminate viral hepatitis in Ghana.

Speaking in an interview on World Hepatitis Day, the artiste popularly known as “The Rap Doctor” said he turned to music because of its power to reach people quickly and break down stigma.

“I made this song because I want to help the ministry to promote the elimination of hepatitis from Ghana,” he said.  

“I think that music has soft skills, or has soft potential, that we can use to drive the message home quicker. Because if the song becomes popular and people are singing ‘No Hep, no more,’ people will go and check, the stigma will come down. And then on the back of that, Ghana Health Services can do anything that they want.”

Okyeame Kwame announced that "No Hep” will be available by close of day on YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and all major music platforms. 

The song will also be played on radio stations nationwide.

The rapper revealed that his advocacy for hepatitis began 21 years ago when he was preparing to get married.

“At that time, the hepatitis B vaccination was very expensive. I was making money but the test was too expensive. So I set up an NGO to give the test for free,” he recounted.

He expressed joy that the cost of treatment has reduced significantly over the years.  

“Now I can say it’s in the glory of God that the expensive nature of the medication has come down. Even hepatitis C medication is free in Ghana. And the test is also not as expensive.”

As Ghana commemorates World Hepatitis Day, Okyeame Kwame urged all Ghanaians to take action saying “go and test. Get vaccinated if you are negative. See a doctor if you are positive and let's eliminate hepatitis by twenty-thirties.”

He added that with free hepatitis C medication now available and increased public education, Ghana is in a better position to eliminate it but stressed the citizens must take personal responsibility.