Entertainment
Kofi Kinaata honoured as Western Gospel Awards celebrates 5 years of Humanitarian Excellence
Prolific GH, the Western Gospel Awards has successfully marked its fifth anniversary with a grand celebration dedicated to honouring gospel excellence and outstanding humanitarian impact.
The milestone event, held under the theme “Humanitarian Excellence,” brought together gospel ministers, industry leaders, philanthropists, and community influencers to celebrate service, faith, and social responsibility.
Held on December 20, 2025 at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi, a major highlight of the evening was a Industry Award presented to multiple award winning Artiste Kofi Kinaata for his visible positive impact on the youth through his music and other philanthropic activities he embarks on.
Kofi Kinaata’s community driven initiatives through his Team Move Football Club and his regular donations and support for less privileged were highlighted in the citation of the award.
Receiving the award on his behalf, Kofi Kinaata’s Public Relations Officer, Nana Kwesi Coomson appreciated the organizers and also dedicated the award to the supporting Team Move fans across the world and also Kofi Kinaata’s mother, Auntie Ama.
Also at the Western Gospel Awards were Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to renowned gospel icon Empress Gifty and respected cleric Bishop Emmanuel Botwe, in recognition of their decades of unwavering contribution to gospel ministry, music development, and humanitarian service that has positively transformed lives across Ghana and beyond.
The ceremony also honoured distinguished personalities with Industry Honours for their exceptional influence and commitment to national development.
Celebrated among them were multiple award winning musician Kofi Kinaata, media and creative industry advocate Eng. Kwame Adu Mante, Mr.Theophilus Quartey (Mr. Tee) and gospel minister Bishop Bernard Ogyiri Asare, whose collective efforts continue to shape the creative, spiritual, and cultural landscape of the region and country.
In recognition of individual efforts impacting lives and communities, awards were presented to global content creator Wode Maya and humanitarian advocate Dr. Mrs. Sarah Liki Wayoe for their remarkable dedication to social development, education, and community empowerment.
The awards night further spotlighted gender empowerment and youth philanthropy. Ms. Yaa Amoako Adu was honoured with the Humanitarian Woman Empowerment Award for her outstanding work in advancing women’s development and leadership, while Mr. Nana Quasi – Wusu (Pm) and Nana Kwesi Coomson was celebrated as the Philanthropist of the Year for thier inspiring commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and community initiatives.
Mr. Maxwell Bills Ghansah express that as the Western Gospel Awards marks five years of impact, the event reaffirmed the platform’s mission to promote gospel music excellence while amplifying humanitarian values that foster unity, compassion, and national development. Organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners, churches, and the media for their continued support throughout the years.
Five years on, the Western Gospel Awards stands as a powerful symbol of faith, service, and humanitarian excellence—celebrating not only voices raised in worship, but hands extended in service to humanity.
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
