Entertainment
Miss Tourism Ghana completes 2020 audition
The Miss Tourism Ghana Organisation has successfully ended its scouting for the next crop of young ladies to commence the 2020 competition in earnest amidst the novel coronavirus.
The audition took place at the Miss Tourism Ghana Organisation office in Accra, last Saturday.
The judges, included Celestina Obeng, Miss Tourism Ghana 2019 and Second Princess, Emmanuella Apuri, were delighted to interview some of Ghana’s brightest and most assertive and talented young ladies on Ghanaian culture, customs, and tourism sites.
According to Events & Operations Director of Miss Tourism Ghana organisation,
Mrs Delphine Brew-Hammond, “Every year, we put out a call for contestants and host auditions in each region, but this year we did things a bit differently to ensure the safety of our team and judges.”
She explained that the global pandemic has forced the world to a halt and sharply limited interaction between people to curtail the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
Mrs Brew-Hammond added that in view of the new normal, they devised a strategy to bounce back with an online registration which saw numerous young ladies around the country showed interest in participating in this year’s competition.
She noted that they ensured proper safety measures were in place before the auditions, which included handwashing materials and hand sanitisers, and also observing social distancing
“The 38 semi-finalists selected were immediately assigned tasks to whittle down to the final 16 candidates who would make it to the house and eventually win the top responsibility of representing Ghana as a premiere tourism destination both locally and globally,” Mrs.Brew-Hammond revealed.
She also expressed her appreciation to Tang Palace Hotel, Max International, Lele Foods, Voltic Ghana, Accra City Hotel, Max Beauty, Golden Tulip, Crown Apartamento, Adonko Bitters and a host of others for their continuous support.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
