Entertainment
Meeting with IGP was impressive – Van Vicker
The meeting between the police administration led by the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare and members of the creative industry continues to be lauded by many who believe it is a step in the right direction.
Van Vicker gave his thoughts on the meeting, as well as issues that were raised.
“I think it was a great initiative having the IGP or the Police authorities meet with showbiz people. I don’t think I have ever heard about that before and I don’t know if it has ever happened before but it is a great initiative which I think can lead to a lot of other things,” he stated.
We asked Van if there was a wow factor for him at the meeting and he answered that, “there wasn’t necessarily any wow element for me except that I thought it was impressive when the IGP himself said he would work on all that we have said.
“There wasn’t any definiteness to what he was saying but the fact that they were able to listen to what we had to say and to promise that in their capacity they would work on them is impressive.”
According to Van Vicker, he spoke on three issues at the meeting; entrepreneurship, volunteerism and a protocol office.
“On the protocol office, the request is that if the police can have a showbiz or entertainment desk where when celebrities, entertainers, showbiz personalities need something with regards to their work they could turn to, it will be helpful.
“It should not only be here in Accra but in the regions as well; they should be able to approach that desk and put in their request be it police cars or uniforms and it should not just restrict it to the police but extend it to other security services such as Fire Service, Immigration, Military etc.
“If we are doing a film and we need these services, we should be able to have access to them. For instance, I have been trying to shoot something with the military, they asked me to put in a letter which I did and it’s been like forever, I have not heard from them again.
“My other colleagues are trying to reach the police for similar services but they haven’t been successful,” he said.
According to Van Vicker, one of the reasons the police refuse to give services to producers is when they sometimes bring scripts that tarnish the image of the police.
“For them, it is about branding so they will not tolerate any such scripts from producers. What this means is that independent producers should go ahead and film what they want to. Truth be told no one is perfect and no institution is perfect so they should not refuse to assist.
“The other thing was entrepreneurship; if there could be some kind of incentives for showbiz personalities who are entrepreneurs, we will be creating jobs, making sure that the youth have something to do and selling Ghana to the world.
“Just as government gets investors and gives them cuts on taxes, it is the same thing I am asking for. I know it was a wrong forum for this request but I intentionally brought that up so it will fall in the right ears,” he said.
“The last thing was on volunteerism and I am saying that the police need to leverage on celebs for education to the public. I know they have their own platforms but celebs have huge following so if they can liaise with us and leverage our following, I am sure information they want to put out there will get there faster and quicker,” he added.
Finally, Van Vicker said they were expecting feedback from the police on all the issues that came up and if done, that would help them know the way forward.
Source: www.graphic.com.gh
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
