Entertainment
Ghana Tourism Authority launches Heritage Month
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s culture and sensitise Ghanaians to be proud of their cultural heritage.
Heritage Month for March would be expressed through culinary, fashion, arts exhibitions, and promotion of locally made products, among others.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, March 3, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, paid tribute to the country’s fore bearers who contributed immensely to preserving the past through their unique ways.
She said that it was because of them that today’s generation could celebrate where they have come from.
According to him, GTA’s domestic marketing campaign, See Ghana, Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, Feel Ghana, and Experience Ghana, would be activated in various forms.
Against this backdrop, she touched on how the Black Star Experience would be Ghana’s unique tourism brand to impact the creative economy.
She said this would be achieved through carnivals, fashion festivals, concert party competitions, food fairs, film week, theatrical and drama performances, among others.
Outlining the activities for the Heritage Month, the Deputy CEO of GTA, Mr Gilbert Aggrey, aka Abeiku Santana, said all regional officers will go on media platforms across the country to champion the heritage month message.
He noted that the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will also have a role to play in this initiative across the country.
Additionally, he revealed that there would be a ‘Made in Ghana Rave’ at Kwadaso in the Ahanti Region on March 6. He added that Akwaaba Festival would also take place at the National Theatre from March 6-8.
He further revealed that on March 14, the maiden Taste 68 Food fair would take place at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Director, Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere-Darko said, he sees it as a laudable call as part of the Black Stars Experience which is aimed at creating an all year round calendar for the sector.
He noted that his outfit in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have urged missions abroad to wear Made-in-Ghana clothes for the entire month of March.
Mr.Kofi Okyere Darko charged the media to play at least 70 per cent Ghana music for the entire month.
Presidential Staffer for Black Stars Experience, Rex Omar, on his part, said this year’s Heritage Month is not just a celebration of the past but a call to action for the present and the future.
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025
The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
