Entertainment
Ghana exhibited as preferred MICE destination at Meetings Africa in South Africa
The Ghana Tourism Authority has exhibited Ghana as a preferred MICE destination at this year’s 16th edition of Meeting Africa event held in South Africa.
MICE in tourism is an acronym which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions and Events.
‘Meetings Africa’ held from February 28 to March 2, is aimed at showcasing Africa as a premier business events destination that cares about its people and the natural environment.
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu, paid a surprise visit to the Ghana stand and expressed her delight seeing Ghana at the Conference and Exhibition for the first time.
She was full of praise for the Ghanaian delegation and commended the stand the display of the country’s beautiful Kente and Chocolate as well as showcase of Ghana as a preferred MICE destination in the West Africa.
It would be recalled that the Ghana Tourism Authority, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman resolved to put Ghana on the international stage through the Authority’s MICE Division in order to push more conferences, events, meetings, etc to the West African nation
The Ghana delegation was led by Ms. Betty Kobi, Director of MICE and accompanied by Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs as well as Ms. Rhodaline Boakye, an Officer at the MICE Secretariat of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Ms. Betty Kobi indicated to Ms.Nonceba the need for the African continent to bounce back in terms of MICE in order to create a conducive environment for recovery through concerted and coordinated efforts.
She stated that business tourism was critical tool for economic growth in Africa and that with continuing infrastructure upgrades, improved air connectivity, improved visa facilitation and unique cultural tourism assets, one could strongly argue that Africa was ready for business/MICE tourism growth.
The Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, also indicated that most African countries were committed to pragmatic approaches in developing their MICE tourism industry to diversify their tourism economies through public-private partnerships.
He noted that the MICE masterclass held at Meetings Africa 2022, offered capacity building and coaching programmes in business tourism and MICE product development to participants on the theme, “Forging the Power of a Common Purpose through Inspirational Solutions.”
Participating countries were full of commitment and resolved nations to revive the Tourism, Hospitality and MICE of their various economies through effective innovation, collaboration and networkingin their respective nations.
THE president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Mr Bessa Simon has described criticism against a donation made to the family of the legendary Yaw Sarpong as misleading and a means to tarnish their image.
According to him, GH¢500 donated to the family during one week observance wasn’t the final funeral contribution but a symbolic amount to help with refreshment during the one week observance.
• Yaw Sarpong
He told the Spectator Agoro that the Union will make a formal donation at the funeral to the icon in the gospel industry.
“Giving an amount at one week is a common practice and shouldn’t overshadow Yaw Sarpongs legacy” he added
Meanwhile others praised MUSIGA for showing solidarity, others condemned the amount, describing it as inadequate and disrespectful to the legacy of the veteran singer.
Yaw Sarpong, born in Accra, emerged as one of Ghana’s most influential gospel musicians and a defining voice in contemporary Christian music across West Africa.
Rising from humble beginnings and shaped by the political and social turbulence of post-independence Ghana, he transformed gospel music with a distinctive blend of spiritual depth, lyrical clarity, and disciplined musical arrangement.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, Ghana’s celebrated child prodigy and youngest achiever ever recorded in the Guinness World Records’ 70-year history is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming Ghana Independence Day celebrations in Beijing, China.
The Ghana Embassy in the People’s Republic of China will host series of events culminating on March 6, 2026, to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, with Ace Liam’s artwork prominently featured.
As part of the Embassy’s cultural initiatives, an art exhibition will showcase creative works by top Ghanaian artists including Ace Liam and renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama.
The exhibition aims to celebrate Ghana’s vibrant cultural heritage and foster closer cultural ties between Ghana and China.
At just 3 years old, Ace-Liam has earned acclaim for his innovative artistic talents. His participation in the Independence Day events highlights the role of young Ghanaian artists in promoting the country’s rich culture on a global stage.
Ambassador Kojo Bonsu, during a press soiree held on February 5, 2026, emphasised Ghana’s commitment to deepening its relationship with China through cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The planned events will also include a business forum and a fashion show by Nineteen57, blending traditional and modern Ghanaian styles.
This will be Ace-Liam’s second international art exhibition after his debut in Barbados at the GUBA Awards.
In 2025, he received an award at the UK Parliament House of Commons as a Global Child Prodigy in Arts. He was also awarded the Kid Creator of the Year at the Creators Awards Ghana 2025.
In a related development, Ace-Liam Ankrah has been recognised as a Young Achiever in the Guinness World Records Book 2026 edition, becoming the youngest achiever in the organisation’s 70-year history.
Featured in the special anniversary edition marking seven decades of global excellence, Ace-Liam joins a distinguished group of record holders and global icons such as Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and Dolly Parton. His achievements have made a lasting impact worldwide, capturing international attention through the extraordinary power of early childhood creativity.
This latest recognition by Guinness World Records marks a defining milestone not only for Ace-Liam, but also for Ghana and the African creative community. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age and demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when talent is supported and allowed to flourish.
Reacting to this news, Ace-Liam’s Mother/Manager Chantelle Kuukua Eghan remarked, ‘Ace-Liam being featured in the 2026 Guinness World Records Book as a Young Achiever is a dream come true. I feel blessed and super excited to be his mother. This is not just a win for him, but a win for all kids in the world.’’
Ace-Liam’s artistic journey began at just six months old when his mother, Ghanaian visual artist Chantelle Kuukua, laid out a canvas and paints to keep him engaged while she worked on a commissioned piece.
What began as a simple moment of curiosity quickly revealed something remarkable. Within minutes, he created his first artwork, later titled The Crawl, a vibrant expression that marked the beginning of an exceptional creative path.
Edem Mensah –Tsotorme
