Entertainment
Dwomtofohene Nana Kwame Ampadu bows out
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Ghanaian music lovers were on Tuesday morning hit with sad news of the passing of one of the iconic highlife powerhouses, Nana Kwame Ampadu, affectionately called Dwomtofohene, to wit King of Musicians.
This unfortunate demise of this legend after some weeks of sickness shocked the nation as many poured out their tributes to celebrate his amazing contribution to the music industry.
Nana Ampadu was born on March 31, 1945, and passed away at age 76.
Ampadu hails from Obo, in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region but he spent a part of his childhood a village called Adiembra.
MUSIGA
The umbrella body of musicians in the country, Musicians Union of Ghana(MUSIGA) in a release sent to The Spectator stated, “The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has learnt with regret of the passing of the legendary Nana Kwame Ampadu 1.This is huge national loss.
“As a trail blazing musician, you spawned a whole generation of musicians.
Your music was a source of inspiration, education and entertainment to many. The stories you told in your songs were veritable nuggets of wisdom and will continue to give solace to many.
“You always had a story for every occasion and every interaction with you was like an adventure into the land of wisdom.
As the current chairman of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), you were committed to the welfare of your fellow musicians and even when your health was failing, you never missed the call to duty.
Dwomtofohene, nante yie. Damirifa due.”
Music journey
Nana Kwame Ampadu was a Ghanaian musician credited with numerous popular highlife tracks. Nana Ampadu’s “African Brothers Band” was formed in 1963. he has about 800 songs to his credit.
In 1964, young Ampadu met Mr. Jerry Hansen, leader and founder of the Ramblers Dance band and cultivated his acquaintance where Ampadu gave Jerry eight songs in all for free which the Ramblers Band recorded.
Some of the songs are Ntoboase, Afutusem, Scholarship, Me Nsoromma Bepue. All these songs became hit tracks. One good turn deserves another. Mr. Jerry Hansen seeing the musical competence in Ampadu, introduced him to Phillips West Africa Ltd., a recording publishers and Ampadu was given the chance to record two single tracks for a 45 R.P.M release.
The maiden recording was done at the Ghana Film Industries Corporation (G.F.I.C) onNovember 14, 1966.
The first track recorded that day was Agyanka Dabere with Suminaso Ntonko as the flip side. This single was released on December 21, 1966.
The single album became an instant hit and served as a beginning of a new era in the guitar band sector. The thought provoking nature of the lyrics in those two title tracks, made many people feel it was some old or veteran musicians who sang these songs.
A book of condolence has been opened at the residence of Nana Ampadu.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The newly crowned winners of Miss Ghana 2026 have been officially presented to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, as the pageant prepares to mark 70 years of beauty, culture, and national pride.
The courtesy call, held recently in Accra, also marked the official unveiling of the queens to the Minister and Miss Ghana @70 Legacy Project, a year-long initiative to commemorate the pageant’s 70-year history and reposition it as a platform for tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
The delegation was led by Ms Inna Patty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of Miss Ghana.
The team presented their roadmap for the reigning queens, including preparations for the Miss World competition and a series of activities lined up ahead of the pageant’s 70th anniversary.
Commending the organisation for sustaining the pageant for seven decades, Madam Dzifa Gomashie pledged the ministry’s full support.
She assured that the queens’ activities will be aligned with national tourism campaigns and other key initiatives to project Ghana’s heritage to the world.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme: ‘Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,’ saw Rumzia Sule, an International Relations student at the University of Cumbria, crowned Miss Ghana 2026.
She emerged victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
Also honoured on the night were Fatimatu Zara Ishaku, a University of Ghana graduate, who placed as 1st Runner-Up, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, who was named 2nd Runner-Up.
Founded in 1957, the same year Ghana gained independence, Miss Ghana remains the nation’s oldest and most prestigious beauty pageant.
For 70 years, it has crowned women who have gone on to serve as ambassadors for Ghanaian culture, fashion, education, and social impact.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Award-winning reggae musician, Ras Kuuku, has released the official music video for his smash hit single, ‘Nea Aka.’
Directed and shot by Sky Gee, the captivating video features popular Ghanaian comedian, Oh Joo, and brings the song’s message of hope to life through powerful storytelling.
Performed in Twi, ‘Nea Aka’ translates to ‘What is left is far more.’ The song is an anthem of perseverance, faith, and optimism, urging listeners not to be defined by present struggles.
Ras Kuuku uses the track to remind fans that better days were ahead, blending soulful melodies with his signature reggae sound and conscious lyrics, the record speaks directly to anyone feeling discouraged or uncertain about the future.
“Life will always present challenges, but we must never allow today’s struggles to make us forget tomorrow’s possibilities,” Ras Kuuku said.
The visuals mirror the song’s theme, focusing on endurance, growth, and everyday people striving toward a brighter future.
Known for his authentic storytelling and socially conscious music, Ras Kuuku continues to cement his place as one of the most respected voices in African reggae, using his platform to inspire and uplift audiences in Ghana and beyond.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
