Entertainment
Public Figure series: UBA supports Ghanaian creative industry with US$100,000
United Bank for Africa Ghana Limited has contributed over US$100,000 to the Ghanaian creative art industry through the production of a 13 episode Ghanaian series titled Public Figure.
The bank’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, RED TV premiered the Ghanaian series on its YouTube channel on May 19, 2021.
Ahead of this, the official premiere of the series took place at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on May 14, 2021, which was attended by people of diverse background including Nigeria’s music star Wizkid.
The series shot, produced and developed by a 100 per cent Ghanaian cast and crew was directed by the award-winning Eddie Sedor.
In a speech read on his behalf, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal lauded UBA Ghana Ltd. for the initiative and used the opportunity to call on other financial institutions to emulate the worthy cause.
He said “When I heard of the US$100,000 UBA Ghana has invested in the Ghanaian creative art industry through this series, I was happy about the entire initiative and its benefits to the movie industry. “
He further added thatb “such is the holistic growth that the creative arts and tourism sector in Ghana needs and I believe its impact has the potential to transcend into the tourism sector and the country at large and eventually lead to the Ghana beyond Aid Agenda.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana Ltd., Mr Olalekan Balogun said that UBA as a lifestyle bank wanted to provide good content for its customers and Ghanaians at large besides banking.
He commended the Director of the movie for capturing the ills in the society, saying the series was a reflection of what was happening in society and advised leaders not to use their powers negatively.
The Public Figure series narrates the story of Wonder, a charming young lady, who quits the corporate life under pressure from a sexual pervert of a boss to pit herself up to be in the celebrity space. It’s a whirlwind rise to the top for her through the corridors of power, literally, more than she even bargains for.
It unravels a story of love, politics, power play and the celebrity life as we go behind the scenes from hotel meeting rooms to illicit activities in bedrooms and secret presidential villas in a quest to know the mystery behind public figures.
The movie stars Van Vicker, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku, Dela Seade, Aaron Adatsi, Cecilia Anno-Barnieh, Daisy Little among others.
Gospel artiste, Obaapa Christy has officially launched her annual concert, ‘Royal Praise 2026’, set to be held in Accra and Kumasi this August.
The maiden Accra edition comes off Sunday, August 9, at the UPSA Auditorium. She will be joined on stage by gospel heavyweights Empress Gifty, Celestine Donkor, Joyce Blessing, Kweku Gyasi, Uncle Ato, and Akesse Brempong.
The Kumasi edition follows a week later on Sunday, August 16, at the Church of Pentecost, Bantama.
Patrons there can expect performances from legendary Mama Esther, Broda Sammy, Ernest Opoku, Joyce Blessing, Kwame Gyedu, and Lady Prempeh.
Speaking at the launch at Alisa Hotel on June 12, Obaapa Christy explained that the event was christened Royal Praise, “because as a child of God, I see myself as royalty, same as you. We are all royals in the house of God.”
She urged attendees to embrace the ‘royal’ theme with their dress code and said the concert was meant to stay as an annual event to honour God for His works.
According to her, the event has come to stay, and called on all and sundry to support.
Obaapa Christy thanked fans and sponsors for supporting the launch and expressed optimism for more backing ahead of the main events.
Supporting artistes on the bill who attended the launch threw their weight behind the maiden edition and called on Ghanaians to throng the venues in their numbers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
