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Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture launches GACA 2020
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi last Friday launched the second edition of Ghana Arts and Culture Awards(GACA) 2020, at the Accra Tourists Information Centre.
The event which sought to honour forerunners and key players in the arts and culture circles is slated for November 14, 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi, the Deputy Minister, said to lose one’s culture is to lose cultural identity.
Ghana, he said had a competitive advantage when it comes to cultural tourism, considering the huge success of the year of return last year, where people came to learn from the heritage sites among others.
According to him, this would help explore greater opportunity in the area of culture and creative arts .
In the light of this, he urged Ghanaians to reject global imperialism, and promote what the country is endowed with, adding that by so doing Ghana would benefit immensely.
He noted that it was his hope that the programme would cause an attitudinal change in the lives of Ghanaians, urging all and sundry to be punctual.
Dr Ziblim said since the focus of the scheme is rewarding excellence, he was optimistic that recognition would be given to those who have held the torch over the years, adding that the public will have the opportunity to decide who has made the great impact.
“It is gratifying to note that those who will receive the awards will be presented with a plaque endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture,” he said.
Following this, he declared the GACA 2020 duly launched.
The Executive Director of National Commission on Culture(NCC), Janet Edna Nyame said, “We need each other more than ever to rise above the storm, hence it is a delight for her to be part of such awards.”
She cautioned the youth against endorsing other foreign cultures for it could erode the gains made.
It is in this effect that the NCC sees the event as an honour, adding that it is in line with their aims and objective.
She called on the support of all and sundry to support such initiative to attract global investors.
Acting President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons on his part said in the midst of foreign influence, traditional musicians needed to be protected, through grant schemes to be able to stay through the industry.
“There are numerous models which can be adopted, the traditional musicians should represent the country at all tourist sites and pay them,” he said.
He said his outfit has developed a proposal which is a huge source of job Creation, and would be handed over to the relevant authorities.
Some of the categories include, Honorary Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Cultural Personality of the Year, Cultural Heritage Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Support for Arts and Culture, Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Traditional Music Group of the Year.
The rest are Art Festival Event of the Year, Indigenous Caterer of the Year, Outstanding Cultural Theatre Performance of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Arts and Culture Media of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
