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Black Star Experience secretariat signs agreement with National Arts Council of South Africa
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BLACK Star Experience Secretariat (BSE), Ghana at the Office of the President, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).
This partnership reaffirms the BSE Secretariat’s mandate to position Ghana as a premier hub for cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
This partnership represents a significant step in building cross-continental platforms that celebrate Africa’s rich heritage, strengthen people-to-people ties, and expand opportunities for African creatives to thrive globally.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony hosted at the National Arts Council headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Representing Ghana was Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, while NACSA was represented by its Acting CEO, Ms Julie Diphofa.
This historic agreement underscores the shared commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and President Cyril Ramaphosa to cultural diplomacy as a vehicle for African unity, economic growth, and global influence.
The collaboration will focus on key areas such as, cultural and creative exchange programmes, Heritage preservation, Arts education partnerships and residencies, institutional exchanges, internships, and training opportunities, as well as joint research and development initiatives.
As part of the agreement, South African creatives will gain access to Ghana’s vibrant cultural platforms including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond The Return and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) among a tall list of events.
These events are celebrated across West Africa and the diaspora, providing a gateway to a combined market of over 460 million people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Presidential Staffer and BSE Coordinator, Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This is more than an agreement, it is a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, between West and Southern Africa. Our nations share deep historical bonds
According to him, Ghana, as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and South Africa, whose liberation struggle inspired the world, have always stood as beacons of resilience, creativity, and leadership on the continent.
He added that, “Through this partnership, the BSE aims to: Promote cultural and creative exchanges that allow our artists to learn from one another, showcase their work across borders, and inspire future generations.”
Mr Marfo of BSE was accompanied by a high-level Ghanaian delegation including, Mrs Charlotte Djan – Ghana High Commission, South Africa, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko – Director, Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey – Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ms Annabelle McKenzie – Director, Beyond the Return Secretariat, Mr William Ahadzi – Regional Director (Upper East), GTA and Mr Matthew Mensah – Chief Liaison Officer, BES.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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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
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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
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