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National Theatre thrills patrons with ‘EFU PƆNKƆ’

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Theatre enthusiasts who flocked the National Theatre of Ghana last week were treated to a total Theatre Production dubbed “EFU PƆNKƆ”.

‘EFU PƆNKƆ’ is a folk story based on the music composed by the late Bob Cole entitled, “Ɛdwen ɖɛɛ ɛre yɛ me”.

This production used the folk story as a metaphor in total theatre to highlight challenges facing the country, including illegal mining popularly known as “Galamsey” which has been identified as the major source of water pollution.

The Theatre showed how sediments deposited into water bodies during illegal mining with heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and lead which is toxic to aquatic life and humans.

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The educative performance also demonstrated complications associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The act , mostly carried out on young girls and adolescents, is influenced by a mix of sociocultural factors within families and communities.

It also looked at open Defecation, improper disposal of waste, littering of plastics and sand winning which are major threat to the environment.

Another issue that was dramatized was school dropouts and the consequences on the children.

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These include premature sexual activity, early pregnancy, delinquency, crime, violence, and drug abuse.

It also highlighted different categories of continuous conflicts such as chieftaincy succession, and land disputes , which sometimes deteriorate into serious violence conflicts to destabilize the peace of the nation.

The production had a blend of percussive dance styles and dramatised sketches with narrations incorporated with aesthetic melodies.

It was presented by the National Theatre of Ghana through its residence groups – National Dance Company, National Drama Company, and National Symphony Orchestra, and in collaboration with the Ghana Concert Party.

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The production is part of efforts the National Theatre is making to fulfill its mandate, which is to develop and promote the performing arts in Ghana.

Each year, the three resident groups come together to produce a piece that is steeped in the Abibigro concept, with a high standard of artistic expression, which focused on projecting the Nation’s positive cultural values.

By Joyce Bekoe

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Rhythms On Da Runway goes ‘Unbound’ on November 28 at Palms Convention Centre 

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Organisers of Rhythms On Da Runway have announced November 28, 2026 as the date for the 16th edition of the event, to be held at the Palms Convention Centre.

This year’s edition, themed: ‘UNBOUND: Because You’ve Got Style’, is focused on breaking barriers in fashion and creating space for all.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen57 Events, Shirley Emma Tibilla, affectionately called Cookie Tee, the focus of this edition is to give everyone an opportunity to express themselves without barriers.

She told The Spectator that as a leading fashion brand in the country and beyond, they want to open doors for people regardless of their colour, size and abilities among others.

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Described by the BBC as “the biggest cultural exposé in Africa,” Rhythms On Da Runway returns this year as a celebration of fashion, music and individual expression without limits.

Organisers say for years fashion has been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, with certain body types, ages and abilities placed at the centre while many others are left out. UNBOUND seeks to open that picture.

This year’s runway will welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories. The theme will influence model casting, the collections, the stories told through the clothes and the way guests experience the event.

Beyond the runway, ‘Unbound’ will create room for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers within fashion and the wider creative industry.

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 It will also open conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment.

The 2026 edition will bring together fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and across the African diaspora, with strong collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.

The event will also feature the Black Star Awards, which will honour public figures shaping Africa’s future through leadership and contributions to the continent’s Orange Economy.

Organisers say the list of participating designers, performing artists, award recipients and other event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme 

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Bernice Offei dies at age 63

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The late Bernice Offei

Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Bernice Offei has passed on Saturday August 12, 2026.

She was 63.

The news of her demise flashed through social media on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief from musicians, fans and members of the Christian community, who have since paid tribute to her distinguished career. 

She gained strong reputation as a singer, songwriter and minister whose music transcended generations.  

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Some of her popular songs include ‘Kaa She Gbeyei,’ ‘It’s By Grace,’ ‘Nyame Kokroko’ and ‘N’adom Ara Kwa.’ 

Her contribution to the growth of gospel music in Ghana was recognised in 2009 when she won the Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year awards at the Ghana Music Awards, now known as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Beyond music, Mrs Offei distinguished herself in academia and professional life. She attended Achimota School before earning an MPhil in Crop Science from the University of Ghana and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from University College London in the United Kingdom. 

Mrs Offei was married to Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and the couple had two children.

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Her death comes days after she was reported missing but was later found safe. 

Mrs Offei leaves behind a rich music legacy that continues to inspire faith, hope and resilience among generations of listeners. -GNA

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