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Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture launches GACA 2020

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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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Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

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General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.

Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.

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“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.

He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.

“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.

His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.

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The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.

The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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