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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Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has pledged the support of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) towards the participation of Sesinam, the Volta Region’s representative in the 20th edition of the TV3 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) pageant.
Mr Gunu received the management team of Sesinam, led by her Team Lead, Ms Latifatu Ajals Abdul Karim, at his office to seek the support and collaboration of the Regional Coordinating Council for the contestant.
The Regional Minister assured the team of his support and the collective goodwill of the Council, and presented GH¢10,000 towards Sesinam’s participation in the competition.
He encouraged Ghanaians, particularly people who identified with the Volta Region, to support and cheer on Sesinam as she used the platform to showcase the region’s rich culture, heritage and beauty to the rest of the country.
Mr Gunu said supporting the regional representative was not only about the competition but also provided an opportunity to promote the cultural identity and heritage of the Volta Region on a national platform. Sesinam is among the eight contestants remaining in the competition after eight contestants had been evicted, as the pageant enters its ninth week.
The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, a television reality pageant that brings together contestants from across the country to showcase Ghana’s diverse cultures, traditions and heritage. GNA
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Ghanaian gospel music heavyweight and television personality, Empress Gifty, has been unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador for Verna Natural Mineral Water.
The unveiling ceremony was held at the premises of Twellium Industrial Company Limited in Accra on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The deal will see the award-winning musician become the face of one of Ghana’s leading mineral water brands.
Speaking at the event, Brands Manager for Verna Natural Mineral Water, Kojo Siaw, expressed delight at the partnership, describing Empress Gifty as a perfect fit for the brand due to her influence, credibility, and commitment to healthy living.
He added that management is optimistic the relationship will go beyond the agreed period and grow into a long-term partnership.
In her acceptance speech, an elated Empress Gifty said she was humbled and honoured to join the Verna family.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be unveiled as the Brand Ambassador for Verna Natural Mineral Water. Water is life, and Verna is more than just water, it is purity, it is health, it is Ghana’s pride,” she said.
“A brand that is endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association, low in sodium, with a balanced pH, and committed to changing lives through its Changing Lives initiative. As someone who believes in excellence, health, and impact, this partnership is a perfect alignment of values,” she added.
The gospel star also expressed gratitude to the management of Twellium Industrial Company for the trust reposed in her.
“I want to thank the management of Twellium Industrial Company for the trust they have reposed in me. I do not take this for granted. Together, we will promote healthy hydration and keep changing lives, one bottle at a time. Thank you. And please, stay hydrated with Verna,” she added.
Verna Natural Mineral Water, produced by Twellium Industrial Company Limited, is known for its low sodium content, balanced pH, and its endorsement by the Ghana Medical Association. The brand is also celebrated for its Changing Lives initiative, which supports various social interventions across the country.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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