Entertainment
Forty under 40 Awards nomination a motivation to do more – Adeline Kufour
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women’s Empowerment and Investment Group(WEIG), Mrs Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor has expressed appreciation following her nomination for this year’s Forty under 40 Awards.
According to her she feels honoured for such recognition for her contribution to women empowerment and national development.
Speaking to The Spectator, Mrs Kufour said, “this nomination motivates me to do more to support the young women.”
She stated that she would continuously support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) among others to create more opportunities for many people in the country.
She said that, the women-led Ghanaian Investment Holding Company was set up to efficiently channel capital into high-potential SMEs that prioritised female empowerment and entrepreneurship.
She explained that WEIG did this by making permanent capital investments of between $200,000 and $2 million in women-focused greenfield and brownfield businesses/business opportunities in Africa’s “KINGS” economies namely Kenya, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal of which Ghana is its launch and primary focus country.
The group has been supporting local dressmakers with contracts to produce PPE’s. The aim of this is to minimise job losses in the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WEIG in collaboration with Annan Capital Partners (ACP) and GUBA, has teamed up to offer seed investment to women-owned and Ghana-based Small and Medium Businesses.
This seed investment is part of an initiative to uplift SMBs currently affected by the pandemic.
She is the Co-founder of The Lotte Accra, an African Luxury Concept Store which curates and houses high-quality African luxury and lifestyle goods.
Adeline Kufour holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business and a Law degree.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
