Entertainment
‘Highlife music, source of livelihood and engine of socio-economic development’
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THE Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has hailed the impact of highlife music, stressing the need for the Ministry to partner relevant agencies to support practitioners and traditional communities that keep the heritage of the country alive.
According to her, highlife music and dance had created employment for many individuals, supported the economy, inspired tourism, concerts, and cultural tourism and attracted global attraction by drawing researchers and cultural enthusiasts, among others to contribute to the country’s creative economy.
As a result, her Ministry, she said, remained steadfast in promoting, preserving the genre through which the country’s cultural heritage can be advanced.
Ms Gomashie said this when she read a statement on the official recognition and listing of Ghana’s highlife music on UNESCO’s representative list for intangible cultural heritage list on the floor of Parliament on Friday.
“The highlife music and dance are not merely artistic expressions; they are sources of livelihood and engines of socio-economic development,” Ms Gomashie said.
The ministry, she stated, would therefore continue to develop policies and programmes aimed at strengthening documentation, research, and archiving traditional knowledge.
Ms Gomashie disclosed that the Ministry was working to establish a framework that protects intellectual property of practitioners and making preparation to nominate another additional Ghanaian expression for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO’s) intangible cultural heritage list.
According to Ms Gomashie, the recognition by UNESCO affirmed the country’s history, strengthens its cultural identity, and performance on the global stage.
She explained that the history of Ghana’s highlife music and dance had evolved over the years and had become a symbol of cultural pride and a cultural bridge that connected generations.
“Mr Speaker, highlife over the decades, has inspired numerous African and global music lovers, shaped the continent’s music identity, and contributed to Ghana’s International cultural footprint.”
She expressed gratitude to UNESCO for recognising and listing Ghana’s highlife music and dance on its list of intangible cultural heritage. She also praised the government for its continued support to the creative arts industry.
By Benjamin Arcton – Tettey
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Former Black Stars captain, André Dede Ayew, has called on school children to take their education seriously and look out for one another, saying they hold the future of Ghana in their hands.
Ayew made the remarks on Friday, July 10, during the Miss Ghana Foundation’s nationwide youth mentorship programme held at Martey Tsuru Presbyterian JHS in Accra.
More than 300 pupils took part in sessions focused on patriotism, empathy, resilience, and civic responsibility.
The footballer said he accepted the invitation from the Foundation’s Chairperson, Inna Patty, Esq., because he believes in initiatives that help shape the next generation.
“You are the future of Ghana. You need to take your studies seriously, be smart, work hard and care for one another. A strong nation is built when its people love and support each other,” he told the pupils.
Ayew also emphasized the link between education and good character.
“School is important, but being human and understanding other people is even more important. I see the next presidents, ministers, footballers and leaders sitting here today. The future of our nation is in your hands, so you must be willing to work hard,” he added.
The event was part of the Miss Ghana Foundation’s ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ initiative.
Contestants for Miss Ghana 2026 also addressed the students, encouraging them to embrace empathy, patriotism, resilience, and compassion as they grow into responsible citizens.
The programme received support from award-winning actress Jackie Appiah, who donated cartons of bottled water and soft drinks, while A1 Bread provided refreshments for the children.
Inna Patty thanked Ayew for his participation and said the Foundation will extend the youth mentorship programme to all 16 regions to instill positive values in Ghana’s next generation.
This year’s Miss Ghana pageant marks its 69th edition and is themed: ‘Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy.’
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The heartbeat of Ahanta Heritage Month 2026 will echo through the streets of Agona Nkwanta on Sunday, July 26, as residents and visitors converge for what promises to be one of the biggest outdoor cultural and entertainment experiences in the Western Region.
Dubbed the ‘Ahanta Heritage Street Carnival,’ the event will combine music, culture, entrepreneurship and community celebration in an atmosphere designed to showcase the vibrancy of the Ahanta people while creating opportunities for local businesses and creative talents.
Hosted by the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West Constituency, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, the carnival forms part of the broader Ahanta Heritage Month celebrations aimed at promoting the constituency’s rich cultural identity and strengthening community participation.
Beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Agona Nkwanta, the event will feature an exciting Vendors Market alongside electrifying live stage performances from some of Ghana’s most celebrated entertainers, including Keche Global, Nero X, Kweku Bany and Hyndy.
Organisers say the carnival has been deliberately designed to go beyond entertainment. The Vendors Market will provide a platform for entrepreneurs, artisans, food vendors and small businesses to showcase their products and services while connecting directly with hundreds of patrons expected to attend. It is expected to stimulate local commerce and demonstrate how cultural festivals can contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The event also reflects the broader vision of Ahanta Heritage Month, which seeks to preserve the history of the Ahanta people while creating modern opportunities through tourism, enterprise and the creative economy. As part of the celebrations, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in activities that celebrate Ahanta’s heritage and deepen appreciation for its historical significance.
With an impressive line-up of performers, an energetic street atmosphere and a marketplace that celebrates local enterprise, the Ahanta Heritage Street Carnival is expected to attract music lovers, families, tourists and members of the Ahanta diaspora from across Ghana.
For many, it will be more than an afternoon of entertainment; it will be an opportunity to celebrate identity, support local businesses and experience the warmth, creativity and resilience of the Ahanta people.
On Sunday, July 26, Agona Nkwanta will not simply host a carnival; it will become a living showcase of Ahanta’s heritage, where culture meets commerce, history inspires the present, and music brings an entire community together.
