Entertainment
‘Culture not just symbol of identity, but a strategic asset to drive growth’
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, has called for a strategic effort to empower young creatives to transform Ghana’s cultural resources into drivers of economic transformation and national renewal.
The NCC boss emphasised that culture was no longer just a symbol of identity, but a critical strategic asset which must be harnessed for the country to reap its full benefits.
He made the call at the official launch of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in the Ashanti Region (Amamrefie) and the opening of the 2026 Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art and Craft Exhibition.
The twin event, held at the Quarshie Idun Hall in Kumasi on Thursday, was under the theme: “75 Years of Cultural Excellence: Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future.”
Addressing the gathering, Mr Ackuaku described Kumasi as the historic seat of the Asante Kingdom, noting its massive cultural influence across Africa and the global Diaspora.
Commenting on the exhibition, he stated that Otumfuo’s visionary reign has proven that culture was the foundational bedrock of sustainable development rather than an obstacle to it.
He stated that Kumasi’s global reputation had always been built on the harmony between nature, community, and heritage and therefore, challenged stakeholders to support the structural redesign of the Amamrefie facility to become a world-class landmark destination worthy of Ghana’s cultural capital.
In a speech read on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, he praised the wood carvers, Kente weavers, potters, leather workers, and traditional musicians whose creative exploits have generated massive employment, supported local livelihoods, and projected Ghana on the international stage.
He said government was committed to supporting artists, promote cultural tourism, encourage investment in the creative economy, and position the Ashanti Region’s cultural ecosystem as a strategic pillar for youth employment and local economic development.
The Chairman of the occasion and Otumfuo’s Representative, Nana Kwabena Bonsu III (Otumfuo Suaduhene/Kanin III), made a strong case for structural financial reforms for the creative arts sector.
Events lined-up to commemorate the event includes a students’ drama festival, musical and performance arts to feature live brass band music alongside Kete, Adowa, and Fontomfrom festival among others.
The celebration would be climaxed on November 6 with a grand durbar in honor of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with guests expected to be adorned in white attires with a touch of Kente.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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