Entertainment
REFFA AWARDS 2025; A night of glitz, glamour and a celebration of African stories
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-19-at-13.41.32.jpeg&description=REFFA AWARDS 2025; A night of glitz, glamour and a celebration of African stories', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-19-at-13.41.32.jpeg&description=REFFA AWARDS 2025; A night of glitz, glamour and a celebration of African stories', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The powerful and vibrant landscape of African filmmaking received a regal celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the maiden edition of Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held its grand awards night gala at the magnificent Palms Convention Centre, located within the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The event, which was preceded by a four-day festival of film screenings, masterclasses, and networking, lived up to its promise as a major pan-African platform, drawing a massive turnout of incredible filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and stakeholders from across African countries and the diaspora.
The red carpet was a dazzling display of African fashion and glamour, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to honouring cinematic excellence.
Attendees hailed from key film hubs like Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Morroco and beyond, underscoring REFFA’s commitment to continental unity and collaboration in the arts.
The Executive Director, Selassie Ibrahim and the REFFA team were praised for successfully launching a platform that not only recognizes outstanding talent but also provides vital opportunities for creative exchange and industry growth.
The overwhelming presence of both established and emerging talents highlighted the festival’s immediate impact in bridging the gap between creativity, technology, and financing in Africa’s film ecosystem.
The awards ceremony recognized achievements across numerous categories, celebrating the diversity and quality of films submitted from over 21 countries.
The movie ‘3 Cold Dishes’ directed by Oluseyi Asurf Amuwa and produced by Grammy award-wining artiste, Burna Boy won big on the night including Best Actress, Most Promising actor, Achievement in Production Design, Achievement in Sound, Best Cinematography.
They also walked away with a brand new car for winning the Best Picture award.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries which included the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Julius Debrah, the archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Mr Ibrahim Mahama and a host of others including a representation from the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II.
There were performances from Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Empress Gifty, Nene Narh, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa Band and Patchbay Band.
The maiden REFFA Awards concluded with a strong message: African cinema is a rapidly thriving industry with stories that resonate globally. The success of the festival in Accra signals a powerful new chapter for regional collaboration and international recognition of African film.
Some of the winners were
Best Film – RISE (Zimbabwe)
Best Documentary – Beyond Olympic Glory (Nigeria)
Best Animation – The Guardians —The Chosen Ones (Ghana)
Best Student Film – Ebu (Ghana)
Best Actor (Male) – Ricky Adelayitar – The Fisherman (Ghana)
Best Actor (Female) – Fat Toure / Osas Ighodaro / Maud Guerard – 3 Cold Dishes, Asurf Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes
Best Pictures – 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria)
Best Ghanaian Film – The Fisherman (Ghana) Best African Language Film — Karamoja (Uganda), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Clemento Suarez (Ghana).
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has pledged the support of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) towards the participation of Sesinam, the Volta Region’s representative in the 20th edition of the TV3 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) pageant.
Mr Gunu received the management team of Sesinam, led by her Team Lead, Ms Latifatu Ajals Abdul Karim, at his office to seek the support and collaboration of the Regional Coordinating Council for the contestant.
The Regional Minister assured the team of his support and the collective goodwill of the Council, and presented GH¢10,000 towards Sesinam’s participation in the competition.
He encouraged Ghanaians, particularly people who identified with the Volta Region, to support and cheer on Sesinam as she used the platform to showcase the region’s rich culture, heritage and beauty to the rest of the country.
Mr Gunu said supporting the regional representative was not only about the competition but also provided an opportunity to promote the cultural identity and heritage of the Volta Region on a national platform. Sesinam is among the eight contestants remaining in the competition after eight contestants had been evicted, as the pageant enters its ninth week.
The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, a television reality pageant that brings together contestants from across the country to showcase Ghana’s diverse cultures, traditions and heritage. GNA
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Ghanaian gospel music heavyweight and television personality, Empress Gifty, has been unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador for Verna Natural Mineral Water.
The unveiling ceremony was held at the premises of Twellium Industrial Company Limited in Accra on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The deal will see the award-winning musician become the face of one of Ghana’s leading mineral water brands.
Speaking at the event, Brands Manager for Verna Natural Mineral Water, Kojo Siaw, expressed delight at the partnership, describing Empress Gifty as a perfect fit for the brand due to her influence, credibility, and commitment to healthy living.
He added that management is optimistic the relationship will go beyond the agreed period and grow into a long-term partnership.
In her acceptance speech, an elated Empress Gifty said she was humbled and honoured to join the Verna family.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be unveiled as the Brand Ambassador for Verna Natural Mineral Water. Water is life, and Verna is more than just water, it is purity, it is health, it is Ghana’s pride,” she said.
“A brand that is endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association, low in sodium, with a balanced pH, and committed to changing lives through its Changing Lives initiative. As someone who believes in excellence, health, and impact, this partnership is a perfect alignment of values,” she added.
The gospel star also expressed gratitude to the management of Twellium Industrial Company for the trust reposed in her.
“I want to thank the management of Twellium Industrial Company for the trust they have reposed in me. I do not take this for granted. Together, we will promote healthy hydration and keep changing lives, one bottle at a time. Thank you. And please, stay hydrated with Verna,” she added.
Verna Natural Mineral Water, produced by Twellium Industrial Company Limited, is known for its low sodium content, balanced pH, and its endorsement by the Ghana Medical Association. The brand is also celebrated for its Changing Lives initiative, which supports various social interventions across the country.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
