Entertainment
‘Culture not just symbol of identity, but a strategic asset to drive growth’

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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
Entertainment
Rhythms On Da Runway returns November 28 with 16th edition themed ‘Unbound’

Ghana’s biggest fashion and music showcase, Rhythms on Da Runway (RODR), will return on November 28, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre for its 16th edition.
Described by the BBC as “the biggest cultural exposé in Africa,” this year’s event is themed ‘UNBOUND’; a celebration of fashion, music and individual expression without limits.
According to organizers, the idea behind ‘Unbound’ – Because You’ve Got Style is simple: “if fashion is made for everyone, everyone should be able to see themselves in it.”
For years, the statement noted, fashion has been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, with certain body types, ages and abilities placed at the center while many others are left out. UNBOUND seeks to open that picture.
This year’s runway will welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories, influencing model casting, the collections, the stories told through clothes and the way guests experience the event.
Beyond the runway, UNBOUND will create room for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers within fashion and the wider creative industry. It will also open conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment.



Organizers say the theme also presents opportunities for sponsors, development organizations and donors to support disability inclusion, youth training, creative enterprise and accessible experiences, helping new talent enter the industry and creating practical pathways into Africa’s growing Orange Economy.
The night will bring together a formidable lineup of fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and across the African diaspora, with strong collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.
The evening will also feature the Black Star Awards, a celebration of public figures shaping Africa’s future through bold leadership, transformative development and contributions to the continent’s Orange Economy.
Participating designers, artists, award recipients and other event details will be announced in the coming weeks.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Ohemaa Mercy’s Tehillah Experience outfit was priestly regalia, not costume – Management clarifies

The management of renowned gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy has officially addressed public commentary surrounding her ceremonial outfit at the just-ended Tehillah Experience 2026.
The 13th edition of the annual worship concert, themed The Altar of Fire, was held at the Oil Dome, Royalhouse Chapel last Sunday and drew thousands of worshippers. Following the event, discussions on social media focused heavily on the distinctive costume worn by the host to lead worship.
In an official statement titled “The Message Behind The Mantle: Decoding Ohemaa Mercy’s Altar Entry at Tehillah Experience 2026,” management explained that the outfit was deeply symbolic and biblically inspired.
“At this year’s Tehillah Experience, Ohemaa Mercy did not simply mount the stage, she made an altar entry. Long before she lifted the microphone, her attire had already delivered a sermon,” the statement noted.
Management broke down the attire into four key elements:
The Cap, representing the Priestly Mitre, mirrors the Miznefet worn by the High Priest as instructed in Exodus 28:36-38, which bears the inscription “Holiness to the Lord.”
According to the team, it was not a fashion statement but a declaration of priesthood, referencing Leviticus 6:13. The cap also symbolises covering and submission to divine authority.
The Cross carried ahead with white linen was described as the heart of the Christian faith, signifying that Christ went ahead and that access to the altar is by His righteousness and resurrection, not human strength.
Citing John 19:17, Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 1:20, management said the cross had to go first to make peace for God’s presence to enter.
The Garment of white, gold and crimson reflects three biblical truths: white for purity and consecration (Revelation 19:8), gold for glory and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and crimson for sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
The Entry itself, management added, was an intentional procession likened to Esther approaching the royal courts (Esther 5:1-2) and the priest entering the Holy Place. With horns sounding and intercessory prayers, it mirrored 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, when the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
“On that night, the Oil Dome ceased to be an auditorium of fans awaiting a concert. It became a tabernacle. And her entry was a prophetic reminder that God still answers by fire when the altar is kept burning,” the statement said.
Management concluded that what was worn was not a costume but “Priestly Regalia for an Altar Assignment” and thanked all who attended and supported the mandate.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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