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Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture launches GACA 2020
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi last Friday launched the second edition of Ghana Arts and Culture Awards(GACA) 2020, at the Accra Tourists Information Centre.
The event which sought to honour forerunners and key players in the arts and culture circles is slated for November 14, 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi, the Deputy Minister, said to lose one’s culture is to lose cultural identity.
Ghana, he said had a competitive advantage when it comes to cultural tourism, considering the huge success of the year of return last year, where people came to learn from the heritage sites among others.
According to him, this would help explore greater opportunity in the area of culture and creative arts .
In the light of this, he urged Ghanaians to reject global imperialism, and promote what the country is endowed with, adding that by so doing Ghana would benefit immensely.
He noted that it was his hope that the programme would cause an attitudinal change in the lives of Ghanaians, urging all and sundry to be punctual.
Dr Ziblim said since the focus of the scheme is rewarding excellence, he was optimistic that recognition would be given to those who have held the torch over the years, adding that the public will have the opportunity to decide who has made the great impact.
“It is gratifying to note that those who will receive the awards will be presented with a plaque endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture,” he said.
Following this, he declared the GACA 2020 duly launched.
The Executive Director of National Commission on Culture(NCC), Janet Edna Nyame said, “We need each other more than ever to rise above the storm, hence it is a delight for her to be part of such awards.”
She cautioned the youth against endorsing other foreign cultures for it could erode the gains made.
It is in this effect that the NCC sees the event as an honour, adding that it is in line with their aims and objective.
She called on the support of all and sundry to support such initiative to attract global investors.
Acting President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons on his part said in the midst of foreign influence, traditional musicians needed to be protected, through grant schemes to be able to stay through the industry.
“There are numerous models which can be adopted, the traditional musicians should represent the country at all tourist sites and pay them,” he said.
He said his outfit has developed a proposal which is a huge source of job Creation, and would be handed over to the relevant authorities.
Some of the categories include, Honorary Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Cultural Personality of the Year, Cultural Heritage Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Support for Arts and Culture, Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Traditional Music Group of the Year.
The rest are Art Festival Event of the Year, Indigenous Caterer of the Year, Outstanding Cultural Theatre Performance of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Arts and Culture Media of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Parliament has confirmed that the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said the incident had been brought to the attention of the House leadership.
According to the statement, the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House are currently in contact with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague to gather detailed information about the matter.
Parliament, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the MP’s detention.
“The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
