Entertainment
National Film Authority holds National Film Dialogue for accelerated development

THE National Film Authority (NFA) has held a National Film Dialogue aimed at engaging all stakeholders in the sector to turn the fortunes of the industry around.
The initiative held at the Cedi Conference Hall of the University of Ghana on Tuesday brought together actors, producers, crew members corporate Ghana and all the important stakeholders in the Film value chain together.
The aim of the dialogue which was under the theme; Accelerating Industry Development was to help address the various challenges bedevilling the sector.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, on his part acknowledged the contribution of the film industry from sustainable employment to national development agenda and growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
He announced that the film sector is opened for investment urging investors to come on board as partners for development.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated the government resolve to protect Intellectual Property Rights and legislations that enhances growth of the industry.
Mr Jajah said the National Dialogue was a beginning to a brighter future for the film industry.
The board chairman of NFA, Ivan Quashiegah, who shared the strategic plan of the NFA gave a historic account of Ghana’s film industry, the current situation and measures to address the flaws.
According to him, their mission is to revive the industry by transforming distribution and exhibition into a vibrant accessible, and profitable ecosystem that inspires cultural pride and economic growth.
He reiterated that their target is to engage at least 1 per cent of Ghana’s population (350,000 people) to watch at least 10 good Ghanaian movies each year.
Speaking to The Spectator, the NFA boss, Kafui Danku, said she was satisfied with participation and the level of contributions.
She said, together with her board and other executives all the views expressed would be assessed and develop a blueprint out of it for the growth of the industry.
She urged all and sundry to come on board, adding that “for us to succeed, we need to bring everybody together.”
Kafui Danku thanked everyone for their participation and contributions to the success of the dialogue.
The panel discussion centered on issues of distribution, marketing, branding, production, access to funding, collaboration, media, infrastructure and improved storytelling among others.
Some participants expressed appreciation to the leadership for organising such dialogue.
According to them, stakeholder engagement was key to the success of the sector, adding that such a gathering should be a constant feature of the NFA.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Entertainment
Empress Gifty releases “Sunsum Ndwom”

GHANAIAN gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty, has released a spirit-filled song titled “Sunsum Ndwom.”
The song, which is already making waves shortly after its release, is delivered in three parts, each carrying a powerful message.
The first part reflects on the mystery of Prophet Elijah, where people wondered who he was after he prayed and called down fire from heaven.
The second part centres on salvation, urging believers not to celebrate only power and miracles, but to celebrate the fact that their names are written in the Book of Life, because that is what lasts forever.
The third part celebrates the beauty of God’s healing power, a song originally composed by her late mother.
The gospel star is urging Ghanaians to stream the song on all platforms and encounter its powerful lyrics.
She also stressed the need to preserve Ghana’s traditional gospel sound, expressing hope that the new generation will embrace their heritage.
Empress Gifty further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in the industry who have supported her career over the years.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Entertainment
Akumaa marks 18th Anniversary of MZF, supports thousands of widows
GHANAIAN media personality, Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, affectionately called Akumaa, has marked the 18th anniversary of her Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF).
The event was held at the Broken Yoke Ministry International at Klagon in Accra.
Thousands of widows who benefited were taken through health education for good living, business enhancement, women empowerment and legal education, among others.
In addition, they were given water, cloth, rice, noodles, oil, Noko Fine Washing Powder and other toiletries.
Mrs Dongotey-Padi noted that there is land earmarked for vocational training and gari processing for those who are unemployed and would want to make ends meet.
Against that backdrop, she expressed appreciation to gospel musician Empress Gifty for supporting her with her Noko Fine Washing Powder and Verna Mineral Water.
According to her, it went a long way to put smiles on the faces of the widows.
Akumaa Mama Zimbi further said that if she looks back on how the journey started 18 years ago, she feels fulfilled in impacting thousands of lives.
According to her, this motivates her to do even more to put smiles on the faces of people.
The Mama Zimbi Foundation is an NGO committed to motivating, empowering and supporting widows and their children, as well as educating adolescents on their sexual and reproductive health.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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