Grace Ashly has asserted her utmost support for the Movement of Change (symbolized by a butterfly), and its independent presidential candidate, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen.

The renowned singer and cheerleader had noted the immense kindness she has enjoyed, in her line of work, from former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who led the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government between 2001 and 2009.

“Now, I am a butterfly. As you can see, at the moment, it’s all about going independent. And with the independent [approach], anything can happen. We’ll come into power, and when we do…she broke out in laughter,” she noted refusing to categorically state she has broken ties with the NPP.

She emphatically added, that even though her family supports the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC): “I’m not with NDC.”

Grace Ashly declared her unflagging support for presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen who recently resigned from government as Minister of Trade and subsequently as a member of the NPP and founded the Movement for Change.

“We’ll support him in whatever he does,” Ashly said.

She, however, made it clear that even though she once openly and passionately supported the NPP and has now backed Kyerematen’s Movement of Change, “there is no animosity between the NPP and I”.

Concerning Mr Kyerematen’s chances of winning presidential power come 2024, “We’ll know when the day comes because we do these things with action and not talk,” she said.

“I don’t really like speaking about these things. I prefer action over talk. So hush – it takes action and not words – and let’s leave it all to God,” she stressed.

Also, Grace Ashly revealed that she was never paid by Kwesi Nyantakyi-led Ghana Football Association (GFA) for her cheer songs for the senior national male football team, the Black Stars.

Rather, she revealed, she enjoyed occasional kindness from two or three people, including political and national leaders.

According to her, before the demise of the late Ghanaian international star winger Christian Atsu, had shown concern and intention to do right by her.

She recalled the benevolence of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Julius Debrah, who after much taunting by radio presenter Adakabre, sponsored her trip to go witness the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Ghana nearly made history as the first African country to get into the semi-finals.

“We already had the visa but I didn’t want to go. When I went to see him, he told me he’d buy my ticket, give me pocket money, and encouraged me to go. It’s something I’ll never forget. So at times, some people, and some of our leaders, show gratitude – someone like my father President Kufuor, he makes so very proud,” she noted contentedly.

Praising Of Gospel Musicians

Grace Ashly praised Gospel musicians, especially Piesie Esther and Empress Gifty, for showing resilience and eventually reviving Gospel music.

She noted that this was crucial because, without the release of music, there would have been no revival.

“It got to a point where it looked as though Gospel music was sinking but people like Piesie Esther, Empress Gifty, and the others stood their ground and released music even when success looked difficult,” she said.

She further added that she was doing this to demonstrate the need for mutual respect among Gospel musicians.

“Let’s show respect to each other. One thing I detest is someone who is disrespectful or rude. I wouldn’t want to get close to such a person, because, perhaps, I may even do worse than that,” she noted.

She advised arrogant people to keep their attitude to themselves and not extend it to others, “because like the proverb goes if you stiffen your arm, it will eventually be broken,” she asserted.

She advocated humility, cautioning against hastening to defend oneself because it may be taken as arrogance.

Madam Grace Ashly noted that she “couldn’t singlehandedly” become the star she is, thanking her fans and the general public.

She clarified she has been good friends with Empress Gifty for a long time and the friendship started on the Gospel music scene.