Entertainment
Hands Across Africa team call on Deputy Minister of Tourism
• Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey (fourth right) in a photograph with Hands Across Africa team
The Hands Across Africa team paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Mark Okraku-Mantey on June 28, 2022, at the Ministry.
The Goodwill Ambassador of St. Lucia, Taj Weekes who led the delegation stated that one of the major goals of this agenda is to look at the seven pillars of the ‘Beyond The Return initiative’, which is to “Give Back to Ghana,” as well as donate to charity.
He disclosed that the Hands Across Africa Musical Festival and Expo under the banner of ‘They Often Cry Outreach’ (TOCO) in collaboration with MOTAC, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Diaspora Affairs – Office of the President, Beyond The Return Secretariat (BTR) and Yoks Investment Ltd. is set to take place on July 23, 2022, at the Accra Sports Stadium under the theme, “Re-igniting the Spirit of Emancipation”.
According to them, some of the top International and Ghana’s finest artistes who would be performing at the event include, MzVee, Brinsley Forde (Aswad), Eric Donaldson, Okyeame Kwame, DSP Kofi Sarpong, Blakk Rasta, Roc Riva, Taj Weekes and many others.
As part of his remarks, Mr.Okraku- Mantey, assured the team that the ministry and its agencies were ready to support TOCO Foundation and Hands Across Africa to achieve their stated objectives and vision in Ghana.
Hand Across Africa (Festival & Expo) leverages its platform to help the youth to expand their network for new possibilities.
Taj Weekes confirmed that the charity has provided 76 football scholarships to children in the Caribbean, and that they are in Ghana to replicate it.
The Hands Across Africa team paid also courtesy call on the Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio to formally announce the event and their objectives to him.
Present in the meeting were Mrs Angela Serieux Weekes (Co-Founder and Creative Director of TOCO Foundation – Hands Across Africa), Mr. Seth Ocran( President of Car Rentals Association, (YOKS Investments) and President, TOCO Foundation Ghana), Rev. Jones Aruna Nelson( Head, Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi( Deputy Head, Ghana Tourism Authority), Mrs Constance Adomaa Takyi (PRO, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture ), Elorm Beenie, Creative Content Director of Hands Across Africa, among others.
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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