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.
Gospel artiste, Obaapa Christy has officially launched her annual concert, ‘Royal Praise 2026’, set to be held in Accra and Kumasi this August.
The maiden Accra edition comes off Sunday, August 9, at the UPSA Auditorium. She will be joined on stage by gospel heavyweights Empress Gifty, Celestine Donkor, Joyce Blessing, Kweku Gyasi, Uncle Ato, and Akesse Brempong.
The Kumasi edition follows a week later on Sunday, August 16, at the Church of Pentecost, Bantama.
Patrons there can expect performances from legendary Mama Esther, Broda Sammy, Ernest Opoku, Joyce Blessing, Kwame Gyedu, and Lady Prempeh.
Speaking at the launch at Alisa Hotel on June 12, Obaapa Christy explained that the event was christened Royal Praise, “because as a child of God, I see myself as royalty, same as you. We are all royals in the house of God.”
She urged attendees to embrace the ‘royal’ theme with their dress code and said the concert was meant to stay as an annual event to honour God for His works.
According to her, the event has come to stay, and called on all and sundry to support.
Obaapa Christy thanked fans and sponsors for supporting the launch and expressed optimism for more backing ahead of the main events.
Supporting artistes on the bill who attended the launch threw their weight behind the maiden edition and called on Ghanaians to throng the venues in their numbers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
