Entertainment
Jutta Addo crowned Miss Ghana 2025
JUTTA Ama Pokuah Addo, a Law student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) was crowned the winner of the Miss Ghana 2025 edition held over the weekend at the Avenue Event Centre in Accra.
The first runner-up was Maud Anti Oduro, while Melissa A-Montah, placed third.
The national event brought together young women from each of Ghana’s regions, all vying for the prestigious title.
Jutta, representing the Central Region, beat the other contestants after weeks of intense competition.
The feat grants her the opportunity to represent Ghana at the 72nd Miss World Festival, to be held in Telangana, India, on May 7-31.
Miss Jutta Addo, who also won awards for Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Media/Voting, charmed the judges and audience with her eloquence, grace, and dedication to her advocacy.
As the new Miss Ghana, she will embark on a year of service, ambassadorial duties, and preparation for the Miss World competition which takes place in India.
The contestants were judged not only on beauty but also on their intelligence, public speaking skills, and commitment to social causes.
The finale was a glamorous occasion, graced by personalities such as Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame, who delivered a lively performance that had the audience on their feet with his great hits. Songstress Lucya, Acoustic Frey and DJ Ryna also serenaded the crowd with their soulful melodies, adding to the night’s unforgettable moments.
The night also celebrated other outstanding contestants with special awards, including Most Beautiful Skin – Miss Maud Anti Oduro; Miss Fitness – Miss Emmanuella Kudjordji; Most Disciplined – Miss Priscilla Nutornutsi; Miss Congeniality – Miss Melissa Mintah and Miss Talent – Miss Stella Saka.
Others include Miss Eloquence – Miss Theresa Weyerane; Miss Beauty With a Purpose (BWAP) went to four contestants as they touched the hearts of many with their projects.
They are Miss Melissa Mintah, Miss Jutta Addo, Miss Naa Ayeley Hammond and Miss Nana Adjoa and Miss Top Model, Emmanuella Kudjordji.
For 68 years, Miss Ghana has produced outstanding ambassadors who champion social causes and represent Ghana on global stages.
Miss Ghana was founded by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and 68 years on, celebrated beauty, intelligence, and the impactful legacy of Ghana’s most iconic pageant.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Ghanaian screenwriter Gamel Apalayine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab
Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter, Gamel Apalayine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.
The AuthenticA Series Lab is a highly regarded programme dedicated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective and the Canada Media Fund.
Gamel joins a distinguished cohort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices on to the global stage.
The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in the Western Cape, South Africa in September, followed by online sessions until mid-December.
A second residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from January – March 2026, with a final residency in Lille in March where the participants will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum to international industry players.
Gamel is no stranger to shaping some of Africa’s most compelling screen moments. He served as Head Writer on Akwaaba Magic’s hit TV drama DEDE (spanning two seasons and 560 episodes) and was a principal writer on Ghana’s first Showmax Original Series ENO, produced by Sparrow Studios.
Beyond television, he recently co-adapted Africa Arts Networks Production of HONEYMOON HOTEL staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, and through his creative company Whistling Rocks, is developing a bold slate of projects across film, television, theatre, and music.
Looking ahead, Gamel will take his creative mission even further when he begins an MFA in Film at the esteemed Columbia University’s School of the Arts in New York City in 2026, a move that places him squarely at the intersection of African storytelling and global cinema.
The AuthenticA Series Lab provides participants with the tools to bring their stories to life at an international standard, producing a pitch deck, pilot scripts, and series bibles that can attract funding and production support worldwide.
The lab will be led by Mehret Mandefro, interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, with Director of Writing Programmes, Selina Ukwuoma.
For Gamel, the opportunity represents a chance to carry Ghanaian and African narratives to global audiences. His track record of storytelling positions him as a vital voice in the future of African film and television.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Entertainment
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
