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.
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
