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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey

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• Mark Okraku Mantey
• Mark Okraku Mantey

 Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed con­cern over the manner the facility was destroyed.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.

“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the peo­ple destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.

When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.

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He said he had previously con­tacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.

The demolition of the 20,000-seat­er Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.

According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limit­ed, the action was taken after multiple notic­es were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.

Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.

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Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.

He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.

Despite this, the demolition pro­ceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.

Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his busi­ness but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.

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Exclusive Events Ghana unveil star-studded judges for 69th Miss Ghana auditions

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Exclusive Events Ghana, the organizers of the prestigious Miss Ghana pageant, have officially unveiled a star-studded panel of judges for the upcoming auditions of the 69th edition of the competition.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Oak Plaza Hotel, off the Spintex Road in Accra.

The auditions will mark the official commencement of Ghana’s longest-running beauty pageant, initiating a nationwide search for young women who possess the intelligence, confidence, leadership qualities, and purpose-driven vision required to wear the coveted Miss Ghana crown.

This year’s competition runs under the theme Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy, celebrating nearly seven decades of promoting purpose-driven leadership, cultural pride, and female empowerment.

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Leading the formidable judging panel is Inna Mariam Patty, Esq., a legal practitioner, social entrepreneur, and Miss Ghana 2004. Having served as the franchise holder and National Director for Miss World Ghana for over a decade, Patty brings a unique dual perspective as both a former queen and a veteran administrator, ensuring the highest standards for the pageant’s future.

Joining her is celebrated media personality, actress, and producer Stacy Amoateng.

With nearly three decades of experience in broadcasting and media management through landmark programs like Music Music and Restoration with Stacy, Amoateng is also a dedicated philanthropist whose foundation focuses on women’s empowerment and supporting vulnerable groups.

The panel also features the award-winning musician and renowned social advocate Okyeame Kwame. Born Kwame Nsiah-Apau, his influence spans over 25 years across music and entrepreneurship.

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A former Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year, he has consistently used his platform to champion global causes with UNICEF and the World Bank, including climate action, literacy, and youth empowerment.

Completing the quartet is Kafui Dey, one of Ghana’s most respected broadcasters and corporate communications professionals.

Known for his eloquence and commitment to mentorship, Dey’s expertise will be crucial in identifying contestants with the superior public speaking skills and leadership potential necessary to excel on both national and international stages.

At the audition stage, the four judges will evaluate contestants on a holistic range of qualities that extend far beyond physical appearance.

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Aspiring queens will be assessed on their confidence, communication skills, patriotism, poise, and understanding of contemporary social issues. Crucially, candidates will also be judged on their genuine passion for and commitment to community-driven social intervention projects.

To be eligible for the competition, prospective contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Candidates are expected to be confident, morally upright, and community-minded.

During the session, aspiring queens will have the opportunity to showcase their unique creative talents: ranging from singing and dancing to spoken word and rap, while engaging with the judges on matters relating to national development.

Established at the dawn of independence in 1957, Miss Ghana has evolved from a traditional beauty contest into a premier platform that empowers young women to become impactful advocates for social change, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

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Obaapa Christy unveils ‘Royal Praise 2026’ concert series for Accra, Kumasi

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Obaapa Christy

Gospel artiste, Obaapa Christy has officially launched her annual concert, ‘Royal Praise 2026’, set to be held in Accra and Kumasi this August.

The maiden Accra edition comes off Sunday, August 9, at the UPSA Auditorium. She will be joined on stage by gospel heavyweights Empress Gifty, Celestine Donkor, Joyce Blessing, Kweku Gyasi, Uncle Ato, and Akesse Brempong.

The Kumasi edition follows a week later on Sunday, August 16, at the Church of Pentecost, Bantama.

Patrons there can expect performances from legendary Mama Esther, Broda Sammy, Ernest Opoku, Joyce Blessing, Kwame Gyedu, and Lady Prempeh.

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Speaking at the launch at Alisa Hotel on June 12, Obaapa Christy explained that the event was christened Royal Praise, “because as a child of God, I see myself as royalty, same as you. We are all royals in the house of God.”

She urged attendees to embrace the ‘royal’ theme with their dress code and said the concert was meant to stay as an annual event to honour God for His works.

According to her, the event has come to stay, and called on all and sundry to support.

Obaapa Christy thanked fans and sponsors for supporting the launch and expressed optimism for more backing ahead of the main events.

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Supporting artistes on the bill who attended the launch threw their weight behind the maiden edition and called on Ghanaians to throng the venues in their numbers.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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