Entertainment
‘Highlife music, source of livelihood and engine of socio-economic development’
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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Management of Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, has confirmed plans to take legal action against broadcaster and musician Blakk Rasta over comments they describe as defamatory.
In a press release issued on Monday January 19 2026, Shatta Wale’s management announced that the artiste has instructed his lawyers to file a defamation lawsuit following a series of public statements which they consider false and damaging to his reputation.
The statement noted that Shatta Wale respects freedom of expression and the role of the media in public discussion. |
However management stressed that free speech comes with responsibility and requires accuracy fairness and professionalism especially when discussing a person’s character and integrity.
According to the management the decision to go to court was taken after careful consideration.
They explained that the legal action is meant to protect the artiste’s personal and professional image and to reinforce the need for responsible broadcasting in Ghana’s media space.
Management also indicated that since the matter is now before the courts Shatta Wale will not address the issue through the media.
They expressed confidence in the judicial process and believe the courts are the right place to resolve the matter.
The statement assured fans business partners and the general public that Shatta Wale remains focused on his music ongoing projects and positive contributions to the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Christmas festivities were nothing short of fun and excitement, especially for patrons of Dodi World in Akosombo in the Eastern Region.
A major highlight was a memorable voyage aboard the famous MV Dodi Princess II, a 150-capacity pleasure boat, which sailed to the scenic Dodi Island, an 84-hectare natural haven.
Among the patrons was a vibrant social group known as ‘Weekend Day Out’, which brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and workplaces to interact, share ideas and enjoy memorable leisure experiences.
On December 26, the group joined hundreds of other fun lovers to fill the vessel to capacity for what many described as an experience of a lifetime.
The over five-hour journey from Dodi World through to Dodi Island was electrifying. Patrons enjoyed breath-taking rare views of the island’s rich natural scenery and wildlife before returning onboard for the cruise back to the starting point.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by music from DJs and a live band, complemented by an array of drinks and grilled meals, ensuring both young and old had something to cheer about throughout the voyage.
For members of the Weekend Day Out group, the trip served as a joyful reunion with friends after a year of professional commitments, while also providing an opportunity to plan future adventures in the coming year.
Speaking after the event, one of the patrons, Ms Gloria Yaa Baby, said although she had embarked on the voyage several times, the most recent experience was particularly breathtaking and memorable.
“This one was different, with more people and interactive sessions. It gave me many reasons to return and experience the fun again with the Weekend Day Out group,” she stated.
With another exciting adventure scheduled for March this year, she encouraged Ghanaians to make time out of their busy schedules to relax, unwind and enjoy life.
By Spectator Reporter
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