Entertainment
Fusing creative arts and climate science: Okyeame Kwame and partners spearhead climate change literacy
Okyeame Kwame shares his work on climate advocacy and justice
The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), in collaboration with the Okyeame Kwame (OK) Foundation, and Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies (C3SS), University of Ghana, hosted a conversation on Art and Climate Activism as part of the Centre’s Climate Change and Sustainability Seminar Series.
The Seminar, which took place on November 25, 2023, at the C3SS premises, represents an important step in bridging the gap between science, knowledge and practice on climate change and sustainable development knowledge brokerage using creative arts.
More than seventy graduate and undergraduate students from diverse university departments—including the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), Geography and Resource Development, and the School of Performing Arts—attended the event.
CDKN Ghana’s Country Engagement Lead, Dr. Prince Ansah, underscored that this undertaking is in line with the organization’s dedication to bridging the divide between policy and technical aspects of climate change, as well as innovative arts-based strategies for climate action.
The event’s keynote speaker was the renowned Ghanaian musician, songwriter, creative director, entrepreneur, and climate activist, Okyeame Kwame.
In his address, he placed significant emphasis on the necessity of integrating climate action into popular culture, specifically concerning climate justice and climate literacy.
Okyeame advocated for student researchers to transcend academic boundaries and employ innovative channels of communication, such as photography, social media, and virtual communication, to publicize their research outcomes.
In addition to discussing the human-caused causes of climate change, Okyeame Kwame highlighted the importance of taking simple steps to reduce emission footprints.
The musician provided practical examples, such as managing household water and energy usage, and advocated for a shift in the narrative from tree planting to tree growing, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and ownership in environmental stewardship.
In closing his address, Okyeame Kwame encouraged the participants to become volunteers for the OK Foundation.
The Director of C3SS, Professor Kwadwo Owusu, expressed his excitement about the seminar and encouraged students to become change agents. He stressed the importance of maintaining the scientific and technical foundations of climate science as tools for advocacy. He also mentioned that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana lauded this cross-sectoral approach, recognizing its potential in enhancing experiential learning.
Dr. Yaw Agyeman Boafo, Senior Research Fellow and Programmes Coordinator at C3SS and moderator of the event, concluded by emphasising the significance of these seminars in fostering collaborative networks for sustainable climate action in Ghana and the sub-region.
He stated the C3SS’s effort to bring more activists and practitioners to present at the seminar.
Several students in attendance at the seminar recounted personal experiences and involvements in climate action within various institutions, including communities, schools, and churches. They ranged from livelihood empowerment, recycling, artificial intelligence, disaster risk management, and gender equity.
CDKN Ghana launched a climate advocacy prize in partnership with C3SS to recognise students who can develop inventive concepts that promote climate justice and literacy.
Accra is set this weekend as Porials Pitch 2026 makes its highly anticipated return—an event that has rapidly evolved from a social media-driven concept into one of the country most influential retail gatherings.
Set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Accra Mall (Ghud Park), the festival will open its doors at 8:00 AM, drawing a mix of bargain hunters, young entrepreneurs, and lifestyle enthusiasts eager to experience what has become a defining moment on Accra’s commercial calendar.
Dulcie Boateng—entrepreneur, influencer, and CEO of Dulcie Porium—whose ability to mobilize audiences both online and offline continues to reshape the local retail landscape. Often dubbed Ghana’s “Snapchat Queen,” Boateng has leveraged her digital influence into tangible economic impact, with Porials Pitch standing as a prime example.
More Than a Market
While at first glance the event may appear to be a conventional pop-up market, Porials Pitch has steadily carved out a niche as a hybrid of commerce, culture, and community engagement. This year’s edition will feature 100 vendors, offering a curated blend of vintage pieces, emerging fashion brands, beauty products, and mainstream goods—many at discounted prices reaching up to 50 percent.
The Business Behind the Buzz
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the event’s momentum lies behind the scenes. Vendor slots for the 2026 edition reportedly sold out in just two minutes, generating approximately GH¢600,000—a figure that speaks not only to demand but also to the growing confidence in influencer-led commerce within Ghana.
A Reflection of a Changing Retail Culture
As Ghana’s urban consumer culture continues to evolve, events like Porials Pitch 2026 highlight a broader shift toward experience-driven retail—where shopping is no longer just transactional but social and immersive.
With free entry and an open invitation to the public, this weekend’s gathering is expected to draw significant crowds, reinforcing Accra’s reputation as a hub for innovation in commerce and youth-driven enterprise.
Whether viewed as a marketplace, a cultural event, or a case study in modern entrepreneurship, Porials Pitch 2026 is poised to once again capture the city’s attention—and its spending power.
Guinness Ghana has announced a new annual prize package for winners of the Album/EP of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as part of efforts to support the country’s music industry.
The company said beginning from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the category will receive a GH¢100,000 cash prize, funding support for a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience.
According to Guinness Ghana, the initiative is aimed at promoting creative excellence and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Head of Media and Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, said the category represents the highest level of artistic work in the industry.
“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression — body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognising excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large,” she stated.
She added that the company’s support goes beyond recognition on awards night, as it seeks to create long-term value for artistes and the wider creative sector.
Guinness Ghana, a long-time partner of the awards scheme, noted that the initiative will also help increase visibility and audience engagement for the winning artiste’s future projects.
The nominees for the Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif for Iron Boy, Stonebwoy for Torcher, Gyakie for After Midnight, Medikal for Disturbation II, Wendy Shay for Ready, and Kweku Smoke for Walk With Me.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support for the music industry.
“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes,” he said.
He added that the move highlights the importance of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.
The announcement comes ahead of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, organised by Charterhouse, with Telecel as headline sponsor, media partnership from TV3, and support from Guinness Ghana.
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is one of the country’s leading beverage companies and continues to support arts, culture, and community development in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
