Sports
Agyapa Mercer unveils Ghana’s first Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi
In a significant event for World Tourism Day, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, unveiled the first-ever Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi.
This milestone celebration pays homage to Sekondi’s deep cultural roots as a musical hub, honoring the exceptional talents that have shaped Ghana’s creative sector.
The Hall, located at Duawusu in Asamansudu, a suburb of Sekondi, is steeped in folklore as the place where many Ghanaian music legends were discovered.
Modeled after renowned institutions around the world, the Creative Arts Hall of Fame recognizes the lifetime achievements of pioneers in the creative arts.
“These halls of fame stand as testaments to the power of creativity in shaping our world and driving economic growth,” stated Minister Egyapa Mercer during the unveiling.
Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, the Minister remarked, “The creative arts sector is not only a vital contributor to our economy but also fuels tourism, stimulates export revenues, and creates numerous job opportunities.”
“These legends, the first list of inductees have enriched our cultural heritage and elevated Ghana’s presence on the global stage,” the Minister said.
Egyapa Mercer also shared plans to integrate the Hall of Fame into the ongoing renovations at the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sekondi, with intentions to replicate the initiative across the country, ensuring that every region has a platform to celebrate its unique creative talents.
To keep the recognition ongoing, the Minister announced that new inductees will be added each year during the World Tourism Day celebrations, ensuring continuous acknowledgment of contributions by Ghana’s artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural icons.
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, expressed his gratitude to the various industry stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. He also thanked the Sekondi community for their unwavering support.
“Together, let us celebrate our national heroes and continue to promote the arts and culture that make Ghana truly unique,” He said.
The event was attended by industry leaders, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and youth groups. An official induction ceremony is set for October 22, 2024.
Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo says the team is determined to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with victory against Panama despite the absence of key midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey will miss Ghana’s Group L opener in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.
A Canadian court on Tuesday also rejected an emergency appeal seeking to overturn the decision. Canadian authorities ruled that he was inadmissible under the country’s immigration laws.
Reports indicate that the decision was linked to ongoing criminal charges he faces in the United Kingdom, which he denies.
Canadian officials also cited issues relating to information provided in his visa application.
His absence is a major blow for Ghana, with the experienced midfielder widely regarded as one of the country’s strongest players in the middle of the park and a key figure in the Black Stars setup.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup clash, Sibo said the players are united behind their teammate and want to deliver a positive result for him.
“Our coach always says whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Our brother has been through a lot these days, and we are always with him. He is one of our biggest stars” he said.
The midfielder noted that Partey has been part of Ghana’s journey from the beginning of the World Cup campaign, making his absence particularly difficult for the squad.
“We have to make sure we win the game for him as a family and make him happy,” Sibo said.
He admitted that it would be painful to play Ghana’s first match on football’s biggest stage without the former Arsenal midfielder but insisted the players are motivated to make him proud.
“It hurts that we are playing our first game at this big stage and he’s not with us. We are giving him our word that at the end of the 90 minutes, he will be happy,” he added.
Ghana will face Panama in its opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars seek a strong start to a group that also includes England and Croatia.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, together with the Government and people of Ghana, has sent a strong message of support to the Black Stars ahead of their opening match against Panama in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto, Canada.
In an official statement released by Presidency Communications on June 17, 2026, the President said the entire nation is behind the team as they begin their fifth World Cup appearance, describing it as a symbol of Ghana’s resilience and unity.
“Our gallant Black Stars, as you stand on the threshold of your first match against Panama in Toronto, the Government and the over thirty million people of Ghana stand firmly behind you,” the statement said.
It added that the players are carrying the hopes and dreams of Ghanaians everywhere, from Chorkor to Bole and across the entire country.
The statement also called on Ghanaians living in Canada and across North America to fully support the team in the stadium, describing them as the “12th Man.”
It encouraged them to fill the stands with national colours and support the players throughout the tournament.
At home, the Government said arrangements had been made to ensure nationwide television coverage of the tournament so that all citizens can follow the matches live.
According to the statement, this move is to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, can watch and support the Black Stars.
The message urged the players to compete not only for the national flag but also for young Ghanaians who dream of following in their footsteps.
“The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage,” the statement added.
Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign against Panama as part of Group L in Toronto.
By: Jacob Aggrey
