Entertainment
National Theatre thrills patrons with ‘EFU PƆNKƆ’
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.
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.
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.
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
Entertainment
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Osanju is dead
Popular Ghanaian content creator, Elvis Frimpong, known in showbiz circles as Osanju has been reported dead.
According to sources, he was said to have died in the early hours on Monday, September 1, 2025 after a long battle with blood cancer (Leukemia)
His death has been a shock in the Ghanaian community especially coming shortly after his last post.
His demise comes five months after he had laid his mother, Amounu, also a tiktoker, to rest, having lost her in January.
Hours before his passing, he had posted a video on Sunday with friends watching the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match, prompting many fans to initially dismiss the reports as a hoax.
Osanju’s death has been described as a huge loss by followers who admired his openness, resilience and positive outlook in the face of ill health.
However, Osanju had previously shared his battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, on his TikTok account, even eerily predicting his own demise on a couple of occasions.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
