Entertainment
Ex-Ghana skipper Abedi Pele ranked 4th greatest African footballer of all-time
The former Olympique Marseille attacking midfielder Abedi Pele Ayew has been named as the 4th best African Footballer of all-time.The ranking was released by France Football Magazine, who were the organisers of the African Footballer of the Year.
Liberia’s President George Oppong Weah who is the only African player to win the FIFA Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or (European best at the time) topped the list, with Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Fils taking the second place, with his compatriot Roger Milla in third place.
Abedi Pele came fourth, while he was followed by former Olympique Marseille and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
Rabah Madjer, Jay Jay Okocha, Mustapha Dahleb, Salif Keita, and Laurent Pokou completed the Top 10.
Ayew who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana in 1982 joined French side Olympique Marseille un 1987 and he was a key figure in their golden generation.
Marseille reached the final of the 1991 UEFA Champions League and lost on penalties against Red Star Belgrade.
However, they made amends in 1993 with Abedi Pele in the thick of event- the Ghanaian inspired Marseille to a 1-0 win as his corner kick was head home by Frenchman Basile Boli against AC Milan.
Abedi Pele became the first African player to win the African Footballer of the Year three consecutive times- 1991, 1992 and 1993.
Abedi was also rated fifth in the Top 30 African Footballers in the last 50 years released by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in 2007.
France Football Magazine are the organisers of the Ballo d’Or, which is one of the most prestigious awards in football across the globe.
pulse.com
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
