Entertainment
Build national dance studio …Traditional dancer urges government
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Bukom Mama on stage
Samuel Mama Marquaye, a traditional dancer known by his stage name Bukom Mama, has called on the government and industry stakeholders to build a national dance studio to help local dancers develop their talents.
He said cultural dance would generate more revenue for the country if the necessary investment was made in the sector.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Mr Marquaye said that the governments of Senegal and Guinea had invested in Performing Arts and were reaping the benefits.
He said, “Dancing projects the aesthetic culture of the country and it could be used to preserve our heritage when the needed attention is given to it.”
“We can’t go away from our tradition and our heritage, therefore, we need sponsorship and promotion to help increase youth involvement in this rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The performer with two decades of experience in the industry, observed that cultural dancers had not received the necessary recognition over the years and that it was time to change the narrative.
According to him, Western influence on Ghanaian music and dance was killing indigenous cultural heritage. For this reason, he said the government and stakeholders should “invest in the industry so that the values of traditional dancing and drumming can be exposed and enhanced.”
He further called for equal opportunities for traditional drummers and dancers so they could drive good financial returns from their craft.
By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
It was a night of intellect, eloquence and culture as contestants of the 2026 Miss Tourism Ghana took centre stage at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel for the Debate and Culture Night last Saturday.
The event, which forms part of activities leading up to the grand finale, saw the ladies move beyond beauty to battle with ideas, facts and opinions on a topic critical to the tourism industry.
The contestants debated the topic: The Importance of Traditional and Digital Media on Promotion of Tourism.
For the debate, the contestants were grouped into two teams of four, each tasked with defending a side of the argument.
It was a fierce but respectful exchange. The team arguing for traditional media described it as the trust builder, emphasising its credibility, mass reach, and its power to tell in-depth, emotional stories through television documentaries, radio and newspaper features.
They argued that traditional media still shapes public opinion and influences policy decisions in the tourism sector.
On the other side, the proponents of digital media raised salient points about its unmatched advantages in the modern era.
They highlighted its global reach at low cost, its two-way interaction that allows tourists to share real experiences and reviews, its ability to target specific audiences, and its measurable results where clicks, views and bookings can be tracked.
After heated arguments and rebuttals, both teams arrived at a powerful consensus that drew applause from the audience.
They concluded that without traditional media, tourism promotion lacks credibility and depth, and without digital media, it lacks reach, engagement and sales.
The judges and patrons agreed that the debate underscored a crucial lesson for Ghana’s tourism drive: for a country blessed with rich cultural heritage, colourful festivals, historic forts and castles, diverse wildlife and pristine beaches, the winning formula lies in combining the storytelling power of traditional media with the viral power of digital media to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The night was not only about debate, as the contestants also dazzled in cultural wear, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Veteran Ghanaian Actress Grace Nortey has reportedly passed away on Wednesday August 26, 2026.
According to reports she passed away at University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) at age 89.
Born in 1937, she embarked on her acting journey in 1970, establishing herself as one of the pioneers of theatre and drama in Ghana.
Over four decades, Grace Nortey has been a consistent source of joy for Ghanaian TV audiences through her acting prowess.
A distinctive feature of Grace Nortey’s performances was her adept incorporation of the Ga language into her roles, adding an authentic touch to her portrayals.
Her acting journey kicked off with the 1985 release, “Nana Akoto,” and she went on to contribute to notable films such as “Sinking Sands,” “The Other Side of the Rich,” “Ties that Bind,” and “Beasts of No Nation,” where she shared the screen with Idris Elba, Fred Amugi, and Ama K. Abebrese.
She earned the Best Cameo Actress at the 2011 Ghana Movie Awards.
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You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
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