Entertainment
‘Highlife music, source of livelihood and engine of socio-economic development’
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THE Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has hailed the impact of highlife music, stressing the need for the Ministry to partner relevant agencies to support practitioners and traditional communities that keep the heritage of the country alive.
According to her, highlife music and dance had created employment for many individuals, supported the economy, inspired tourism, concerts, and cultural tourism and attracted global attraction by drawing researchers and cultural enthusiasts, among others to contribute to the country’s creative economy.
As a result, her Ministry, she said, remained steadfast in promoting, preserving the genre through which the country’s cultural heritage can be advanced.
Ms Gomashie said this when she read a statement on the official recognition and listing of Ghana’s highlife music on UNESCO’s representative list for intangible cultural heritage list on the floor of Parliament on Friday.
“The highlife music and dance are not merely artistic expressions; they are sources of livelihood and engines of socio-economic development,” Ms Gomashie said.
The ministry, she stated, would therefore continue to develop policies and programmes aimed at strengthening documentation, research, and archiving traditional knowledge.
Ms Gomashie disclosed that the Ministry was working to establish a framework that protects intellectual property of practitioners and making preparation to nominate another additional Ghanaian expression for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO’s) intangible cultural heritage list.
According to Ms Gomashie, the recognition by UNESCO affirmed the country’s history, strengthens its cultural identity, and performance on the global stage.
She explained that the history of Ghana’s highlife music and dance had evolved over the years and had become a symbol of cultural pride and a cultural bridge that connected generations.
“Mr Speaker, highlife over the decades, has inspired numerous African and global music lovers, shaped the continent’s music identity, and contributed to Ghana’s International cultural footprint.”
She expressed gratitude to UNESCO for recognising and listing Ghana’s highlife music and dance on its list of intangible cultural heritage. She also praised the government for its continued support to the creative arts industry.
By Benjamin Arcton – Tettey
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Gospel musician Lady Adwoa marked her birthday in a deeply spiritual way on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the release of her latest single, ‘ASEDA,’ a powerful song of thanksgiving that reflects her personal journey of faith, resilience, and unwavering trust in God.
The new release, whose title translates as “Thanksgiving,” is more than just another gospel song. It is a heartfelt testimony of God’s sustaining grace and faithfulness through some of the most challenging moments of the singer’s life.
According to Lady Adwoa, ASEDA was inspired by her experiences over the past five years; a period she described as one of intense trials that tested both her faith and resilience. Despite the difficulties, she said every challenge became another reminder that God never abandons those who trust in Him.
“Through every difficult season, God simply came through for me. He has been faithful through it all,” she said.
She explained that the message of the song is rooted in the biblical admonition to remain thankful in every circumstance.
“The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances, so whether in the good, the bad, or the ugly, I choose to give thanks to God,” she added.
By releasing ASEDA on her birthday, Lady Adwoa said she transformed what is traditionally a personal celebration into an offering of gratitude to God for preserving her life and strengthening her through every season.
With the declaration, “ASEDA FATA NYAME” meaning God deserves all the thanks. The singer said the song encapsulates her testimony and serves as an encouragement to others to remain steadfast in faith regardless of life’s uncertainties.
The uplifting single combines a message of hope with heartfelt worship, reminding listeners that gratitude should not be reserved only for seasons of abundance but should also be expressed amid life’s trials.
Lady Adwoa has encouraged gospel music enthusiasts and the general public to stream ASEDA on her YouTube channel and follow her social media platforms for updates on her music ministry and future projects.
The release has already begun drawing attention among gospel music lovers, with many expected to connect with its timeless message of gratitude, hope, and unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness.
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.
