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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
The Africa Investment Network has entered a new partnership with 17 Asset Management to expand investment opportunities for Africans in the diaspora.
The two organisations will work together to open more pathways for diaspora investors, provide better data on markets, and connect investors to viable projects across the continent.
The partnership will focus on mapping investment opportunities across countries and sectors, building a Diaspora Pathways Program to guide new investors, and creating a shared research platform that provides market insights, returns benchmarks, regulatory updates and sector outlooks.
The two groups will also develop a trade and deal catalogue to help match businesses with partners.
As part of the collaboration, both institutions will host investment roadshows through the Global Africa Summit series, starting with GAS Accra from December 11 to 12 at the Alisa Hotel.
The event will showcase deals, hold sector briefings and connect investors with government and private sector actors.
Africa Investment Network founder and Chief Executive Jane Reindorf Osei noted that diaspora capital remains one of Africa’s strongest advantages because it is patient, purpose driven and closely linked to local development outcomes.
She explained that the partnership will help direct more diaspora investment into areas where it can make the most impact.
Chairman of 17 Asset Management, John Morris, highlighted that the joint effort will blend strong investment design with Africa Investment Network’s networks and convening power.
He stressed that improved research and compliant market access will give diaspora investors more confidence across different markets.
The two institutions will open their diaspora investment platform in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the launch of a co investment window.
Investment roadshows will also be held in North America, the Caribbean and key African centres next year.
Africa Investment Network and 17 Asset Management invited governments, development finance institutions, family offices, asset managers and other partners to support deal creation, risk sharing and market building initiatives aimed at boosting diaspora participation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu insists that neither President Mahama nor the National Democratic Congress has filed any petition seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and her two deputies.
In a one on one Interview with GHone, he explained that the President only forwarded petitions he received, as required by law, and has not initiated any action against the EC leadership.
According to him, the identities and motives of the petitioners remain unknown to government, and the Presidency is not involved in that part of the process.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while the NDC has openly disagreed with some actions of the Electoral Commission in the past, the party has not submitted any petition asking for the removal of the EC Chair or her deputies.
He noted that comments by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, questioning the EC’s competence, do not amount to a formal petition.
He added that criticism of public officials is normal and does not automatically translate into a request for their removal.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that once a petition is received, the President’s only role is to forward it to the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice then decides if the allegations have merit. If they do, a committee is set up to investigate.
He said those named in the petitions will be officially informed by the Chief Justice, not the Presidency.
They will then have the opportunity to appear before the committee, respond to the claims, and provide any evidence in their defence.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed confidence that the process will be fair and will protect the rights of all those involved.
By: Jacob Aggrey
