Entertainment
Congo seeks Ghana expertise to transform film industry
In a landmark move to bridge the creative economies of Francophone and Anglophone Africa, the Republic of Congo has initiated a creative collaboration with Ghana.
The partnership was aimed at promoting Pan-African integration through film, culture, and shared storytelling.
Madam Claudia Yoka, a renowned filmmaker and Presidential Technical Advisor from the Republic of Congo led a delegation that included Ms. Monie Lek, a Congolese actress and Mr. Dymo Sow, a Francophone filmmaker for the event. 
The visit was facilitated and supported by the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP), which has been at the forefront of continental creative integration through initiatives such as the Africa Monologue Challenge and the Africa Image Ambassador Programme.
During her stay, Madam Yoka held high-level meetings with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority of Ghana, Madam Kafui Danku, as well as other key creative industry stakeholders, including veteran filmmaker Mr. Roger Quartey and award-winning filmmaker Madam Juliet Asante.
Madam Claudia Yoka revealed why the Republic of Congo turned its attention to Ghana, citing Ghana’s historic role in the development of Nigeria’s film industry as a key factor.
Ghanaian creatives, technicians, and institutions were instrumental in the early growth of Nollywood, and Congo now seeks to replicate that transformative impact.
“Ghana has proven that it knows how to build film industries. We have seen what Ghana did with Nigeria. Now we want Ghana to do the same with the Republic of Congo,” Madam Yoka said.
Madam Kafui Danku, CEO of the National Film Authority, expressed the readiness of the NFA and the Government of Ghana to facilitate any policy framework needed to ensure the success of the collaboration.
She noted that Ghana was committed to becoming a hub for continental creative partnerships and that the government would remove bureaucratic hurdles to enable seamless co-productions between Ghana and the Republic of Congo. -GNA
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
