Entertainment
Celebrating Life Patrons: Pillars of Ghana Music Awards-USA
The Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) has officially recognized a select group of distinguished individuals as Life Patrons during a special announcement.
The Life Patron recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of Ghanaian music, both in the United States and globally, says Mr Emmanuel Kusi Mensah (Capito), the COO of the awards scheme.
According to the GMA-USA organizers, Life Patrons are more than supporters—they are visionaries and cultural ambassadors who have invested their time, resources, expertise, and networks to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.
Their efforts have helped position the GMA-USA as a premier event in the diaspora, connecting artists, fans, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of GMA-USA Mr Dennis Boafo (Don D), expressed his profound gratitude: “Our Life Patrons are the backbone of this awards scheme. Their passion for music and culture is truly inspiring, and their contributions ensure the continued growth and relevance of Ghanaian music internationally.”
The newly inducted Life Patrons will be celebrated throughout the year, with special features and profiles highlighting their impact.
The GMA-USA team has encouraged the public and the music community to join in honoring these champions, whose legacy will inspire future generations of Ghanaian artists and music lovers.
Below are our Life Patrons:
Ing. Isaac Ampem Darko – (CEO, DARKXLYN COMPANY LTD)
Is a highly experienced civil engineer, entrepreneur, and pastor with decades of expertise in civil engineering, earthworks, geodetic surveying, and road design. With over two decades of professional experience, he has built a strong reputation as an industry leader and an excellent consultant.
Vida Djorgee – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Essential Quality Care
Vida Djorgee brings over 23 years of dedicated healthcare experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Founder of Essential Quality Care in Portland, Oregon. She began her career with Providence Health Care Services, where she spent 17 years coordinating hospital operations before expanding her expertise into hospice and end-of-life care.
Isaac Ofori Amoako – (CEO Ike City Hotel)
Isaac Kwabena Ofori Amoako is the owner, CEO, and “Billionaire Boss” of Ike City Hotel. A prominent Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who also serves as the CEO of the Ike City Group of Companies.
Before establishing his business empire in Ghana, Amoako spent over a decade in the diaspora, where he reportedly worked multiple jobs to build his capital.
He is widely recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sabaina Dugan
Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with sixteen years of work experience. She serves as an Associate Director of Nursing, specifically noted for her leadership qualities. Mrs. Dugan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
As the CEO of Plush Media, a company involved in media production and events, Sabaina Dugan has spearheaded campaigns to integrate Ghanaian music, especially gospel music, into the American entertainment environment. Under the Plush Media umbrella, Mrs. Dugan helped organize the Shakana Experience 2024, a major gospel music event featuring many Gospel artists.
She is also the CEO and owner of Lucern Ventures, which showcases a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, media, and general entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sandra Adom, PhD, FNP-C, RN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and research professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical care and research.
She is passionate about compassionate, evidence-based healthcare and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Adom also has a deep appreciation for Ghanaian music and culture. In 2025, she served as the Advanced Practice Provider for the Ghana Music Awards USA, supporting the health and wellbeing of performers and event participants.
Multiple award-winning dancehall artiste Emmanuel Andrew Samini popularly known as Samini is set to return to his Dansoman base with the much-anticipated Samini Experience on December 24.
The musician, who has nurtured top talents from the community in the past, says this year’s edition will be held in collaboration with the Dansoman Homecoming Carnival, to make the event bigger.
Speaking to the media at Kegali Hotel during a press launch on Friday, October 16, Samini said activities including a clean-up exercise, health walk, Children’s Day and games will take place from December 18 ahead of the main event.
According to him, the choice of Dansoman is to give back to the community where it all started.
He added that the event was also aimed at nurturing future talents by giving them a platform to showcase their abilities.
He disclosed that some music legends from Dansoman and other big names in the music industry will be on the bill to thrill patrons.
Samini also revealed that the Dansoman Exhibition streets will be blocked to make way for the unforgettable night of music.
He expressed appreciation to the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly for their collaboration to ensure the success of the programme.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian musician Darlington Agyekum, popularly known as Dr Cryme, says he believes leadership is about making a lasting impact rather than holding office.
In an interview after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Studies at the Methodist University’s 2026 graduating class, Dr Cryme reflected on his student leadership journey and highlighted some of the initiatives he spearheaded while serving the university community.
“I always say this position is not a possession. People will come and go, but how you made a mark and who you helped is what we’re here for and how we’ll be remembered. Do your best, let God handle the rest,” he stated.
The rapper, who served as SRC President for the 2025/26 academic year, said his administration championed inclusiveness across the university’s three campuses under the motto, “For us, by us.”
“My motto, ‘For us, by us,’ brought inclusiveness and familiarity with all three campuses together in common goals and activities like education, health, sportsmanship and debates, which all projected the school to higher grounds and above,” he said.
According to him, the vision brought students together while strengthening unity and raising the profile of the university. He also served as a Council Member, Head of Entertainment and a face and brand ambassador for Methodist University Ghana.
Dr Cryme recounted that he was SRC President when the university celebrated its 25th anniversary and said his administration also revamped a legacy canteen project while improving seating facilities for students in classrooms and recreational areas.
He further disclosed that his administration introduced VOMUG (Voice of Methodist University Ghana), a communication platform designed to improve the dissemination of information through emails, bulk SMS, flyers and audio-visual content.
“I enhanced sitting materials for students both in the classrooms and outside for leisure and socialising. I also introduced VOMUG, which has helped in the dissemination of information through email, bulk SMS, flyers and audiovisuals, just to mention a few,” he added.
Although he and his team received citations from the university’s Tema administration in recognition of their service, Dr Cryme was quick to credit the wider university community for the achievements.
“Although we were presented with citations, myself and my team, by the administration in Tema, all these milestones wouldn’t have been attained without the support, involvement and indulgence of the beautiful people and stakeholders of Methodist University Ghana,” he said.
Beyond his academic achievement, Dr Cryme also announced that he has released a new single titled “Heat.”
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