Entertainment
Lawyer, actress Sandra Ankobiah supports young female entrepreneurs
Ghanaian actress, legal practitioner and humanitarian, Sandra Ankobiah has provided financial support to young female entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
The move was initiated through a programme known as ‘Sisterhood’ designed by her organisation The Women Institute aimed at supporting today’s woman for tomorrow.
The winners of the support project were Bushiru Alhassan of Koowa Market, Marcia Bekoe of First Kings Crown School, Amanda Faruzia of the Skin Bar and Adadevoh Selinam Ameyo of Butter City.
Speaking to The Spectator at the event at Alisa Hotel on Wednesday,she said this was the first roll out of her initiative dubbed, Sisterhood.
According to her, many Ghanaian women were endowed with entrepreneurship spirit, drive and talent, but navigating barriers made it difficult for them to see this passion come through, but with the availability of a startup capital, some would be able to build on to the top.
Sandra Ankobiah added that the sisterhood would help connect young women to a network of successful women to guide them.
Also, she revealed they would select about 50 women occasionally and help them perfect their business plans in their areas of choice.
“We will also give out some money periodically to young ladies who present the best business proposal,” she said.
The actress noted that a society which did not recognise the challenges some working women faced would never live up to it potential.
Ms.Ankobiah advised women to give back, “it doesn’t have to be big, if each and everyone is able to give back you can inspire the next generation.”
Speaking on the winning formular, the Director General of Police Intelligence and Professional Standard Bureau(PIPS) DCOP Lydia Donkor said it was important for women to network, exhibit traits of hard work, dedication to duty and love for what one did.
Ghana’s First Female Cardiothoracic Surgeon,Dr.Penelope Adinku used the principles from the story of Joseph which she applied to her work to advise the young women.
“In life we have our own plans and dreams but you have to share your dream with people who will support you,”She said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Glitz Africa Claudia Lumor, shared her personal experience as someone who did not give up easily,adding that setting up her Magazine had been difficult but, she was able to sail through and impacted many lives through employment.
Nana Aba Anamoah, Salma Mumin, and Lydia Forson among other prominent women who graced the occasion charged young ladies to work hard and not give up on their dreams.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
