Entertainment
MTN SIW brings Kumasi to standstill with massive turnout
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ACP Kofi Sarpong
The Garden City, Kumasi came to a standstill on Easter Sunday, when the MTN Stands In Worship (SIW), took centre stage for the first time in the region.
Hundreds of gospel music lovers trooped to the Golden Bean Hotel, to experience what eventually came out as one of the biggest events within the region this year.
At 5pm (the scheduled time for the show), most of the audience were seated with DJ Carcious warming up the auditorium with some ‘welcoming’ melodies for the anxious fans who were looking forward to a memorable evening.
The night officially started with a grand entrance by MC Abena Kay who ensured that the audience settled in with her amazing command and blend of the Twi and English languages.
What caught the attention of many was some elegant royal folks (chiefs) adorned in rich kente fabrics seated on time and ready to be immersed into powerful ministrations.
Starting with the Kumasi Evengel Choir, patrons were treated to over half an hour renditions of local chorals including “Just by the Power of God,” “God You’re Good” by Francis Adyei,”Yedi Nkunim” and “Watua M’aka’ by Tagoe Sisters among others.
Apostle Dr Nana Sarpong then delivered his words of exhortation titled ‘Consider’ and urged Christians to take advantage of such programmes to praise God for his mercy and sacrifices.
His message paved way for the classic man in the Ghanaian gospel music industry, ACP Kofi Sarpong who set the roof on fire with his outstanding energy and stage craft.
Starting with “Amen” and then Esther Piesie’s “Ewuradi Mo,” followed “Agyenkwa” and his usual Presbyterian hymns, the crowd went agog and practically joined him on stage to sing and dance along.
The City’s favourite Bra Sammy’s performance which followed was nothing short of spectacular with his soothing and spirit-filled voice to bring the crowd into worship mood.
Beginning with his remarkable rendition of local worship, “the Nation’s Worshipper” as affectionately called, switched into some powerful praises to bring back ACP’s energy.
The night, however, was far from over as one of Ghana’s greatest vocalists and live band performer, Obaapa Christy took over for another spectacle serving audience with a mocktail of old, recent and new songs including “Ebeyeyie,” “Hyebre Sesafo”, “Aseda” and “Wagye Me.”
After that she perfectly introduced the icing on the cake, Kweku Gyasi with their song “Mesuafre Awurade” to crown the night with another memorable performance.
Patrons did not waste time as they joined the evergreen performer on stage with his high-powered display to dance the night away in what many described as the best gospel event to ever happen in Kumasi in recent times.
An International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been officially crowned Miss Ghana 2026, emerging victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,” saw the University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu finish as the first runner-up and Whitney Opoku Nketia adjudged the second runner-up.
Other awards, such as Miss Fitness, Miss Talent, Miss Eloquent, Most Beautiful Skin, Miss Congeniality, Most Disciplined, and Miss Photogenic, went to Nedlyn Appiah, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu, Davinia Owusu Kuffuor, Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, Anita Appiah, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, in that order.
Rumzia also won the Beauty with Purpose award.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a strategic, scaled-down format. Shifting away from traditional pomp and pageantry, to a more personal and community skills development theme.
The final selection was held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before an elite panel of judges, relatives of contestants amongst others present to witness the historic occasion.
According to the organisers, Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the format change was a deliberate choice, as part of preparations towards the upcoming milestone for the brand both nationally and internationally, that is, next year’s landmark 70th, in Ghana and this year’s 75th anniversaries, internationally.
Despite the cozy setting of the coronation, the finalists underwent the full, rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
The young women participated in intensive, weeks-long mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship programme designed to test their resilience, empathy, discipline, and professionalism.
Furthermore, the contestants demonstrated their commitment to national development by rolling up their sleeves for the National Clean-Up Exercise, supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s call to restore cleanliness across Ghana by desilting choked gutters in parts of Accra.
The Foundation emphasised that these outreach programmes were vital evaluation tools used to identify a queen who genuinely embodies compassion and a willingness to serve society beyond the glamour of the stage.
Rumzia’s exceptional public speaking and commanding vision ultimately separated her from the field.
As the new Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia will now begin preparations to represent the nation on the international stage at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
Born on August 14, 1980 in Cape Coast, where centuries-old castles still whisper of slavery, resistance and survival, musician Lexikon says his life has been shaped by the weight of history and the hope of renewal.
Growing up among the relics of the transatlantic slave trade, the artist developed an early hunger for truth, justice and identity.
That search took him from the halls of Mfantsipim School to the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK, where he fused academic training with a growing passion for artistry.
But it is on stage, through reggae and dancehall, that Lexikon’s voice finds its fullest expression.
According to him, “Music is not just entertainment. It is a call to the youth, a challenge to corrupt power, and a hymn of hope.”
Over the years, Lexikon has built a catalogue of 15 albums. Through his Baanfire Revolution, he champions Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and empowerment. With his Christ-For-I Mission, he uses the same platform to redirect hearts to faith and purpose.
Industry watchers describe his work as more than sound, a movement, a sermon, and in his words, “a revolution wrapped in melody.”
Now based in Accra, the father, artist and advocate says he remains committed to speaking for Africa’s young people.
For Lexikon, music is the tool: a reminder that even in struggle, there is room for renewal, and that, as he puts it, “music can be the whip of change.”
As Ghana’s creative scene continues to evolve, Lexikon stands as one of the voices merging culture, spirituality and social commentary rooted in Cape Coast history, but speaking directly to a new generation across the continent.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
