News
Coronavirus, the Creative Art Industry & Mental Health
At a time of huge uncertainty across all sectors, many are trying to understand the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the workforce.
In the creative industry there is a strong ambition to understand the impact on public venues, freelance workers and micro businesses as these sectors are directly threatened by the pandemic.
Due to the closures and ban on public gathering, the Creative Arts Industry has become dormant. This was the result of the directive by the government to all unions and other groups to suspend their activities in the face of the outbreak of coronavirus.
Revenues of creative arts and cultural organisations reliant on ticket sales have ceased. During closure the average reported weekly revenue loss has ranged from (75 per cent -100 per cent). Without revenue organisations must cut back on hiring staff and independent artistes and professionals.
The pandemic has badly affected both inbound and outbound tourism. To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, governments have virtually shut down the entire industry.
Flights and hotel bookings have been cancelled thus negatively affecting the economy since tourism has direct impact on transportation, accommodation, food service, creative arts, trade and tourist sites just to name a few affected areas.
Today, more than ever, the importance of cultural arts and creativity for society is clear. The availability of cultural content contributes to serene mental health and wellbeing.
Fortunately, many creative institutions have created online and free content in recent weeks for that purpose. Sustainable business models during and after the initial crisis are imperative for the sector’s survival. If we chose to leave behind the more fragile part of the sector the result could cause irreparable economic and social damage.
The current challenge should motivate us to design a public support that alleviates the negative impact in the short term, and identifies new opportunities in the medium term for different public, private and non-profit actors engaged in cultural and creative art industry.
The Edem Fairre foundation for Mental Disorder, Depression & Anxiety, has recognised the outburst of negative comments on almost every platform. Truth is, most people are angry.
The little things we do to dodge some painful memories can no longer be escaped due to the impact of the three weeks partial lockdown.
Some people have lost their jobs, spouses as well as family members who are perhaps breadwinners.
The oblivion of uncertainty, of ‘what is next’ is enough to drive us crazy. In a person with anxiety thoughts such as ‘all hell is about to break loose and nothing positive will happen.’
Voicing out can drive people away or get you tagged as being ´dramatic.’
As an organisation built on the backbones of doctors and nurses who give counselling for the mental wellbeing of others, our team assures you that all hope is not lost. Any emergency case will be attended to and do not hesitate to contact us.
And if you know anyone showing consistent mood swings that could possibly lead to suicide, do get help as soon as possible to avoid serious mental injuries. Do not keep this information to yourself; educate others in languages they will understand. Stay calm, there’s nothing too big under the sun.
There’s always a solution to your problems; you just need to talk to the right person in a confidential environment whiles obeying the social distancing protocols.
I am also thrilled to see a lot of our influencers coming out to help with talks on stigmatisation on mental disorders especially, depression and anxiety.
This is an assurance that you are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. After all, we are all human.
Edem Fairre
Television Host / Multiple Award winning Model and Philanthropist.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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