Entertainment
NFA committed to developing successful, competitive film industry
The National Film Authority (NFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to foster a thriving and globally competitive film industry at a high-level stakeholder engagement in Accra.
The meeting marked the first official interaction between the newly appointed leadership of the NFA and key industry players, providing an opportunity to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and strengthen collaboration.
The engagement was led by Mrs Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the NFA, and Mr James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary.
The discussions focused on introducing the new leadership, gaining insights into the needs of the industry, and laying the groundwork for policies that will drive sustainable growth in Ghana’s film sector.
It drew representatives from major industry associations, including the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), Film Producers’ Association of Ghana (FiPAG), Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Women in Film and Television, Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), Film Crew Association of Ghana (FiCAG), Film Distributors and Marketers, Animators Association of Ghana (AAG), Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDGG), Northern Region Filmmakers Association, and Silverbird Cinemas (Exhibitors), were in attendance.
Their participation underscored the significance of the dialogue and the industry’s collective interest in shaping its future.
During the discussions, stakeholders raised key challenges affecting the sector, including limited financing for film productions, weak copyright enforcement, inadequate capacity-building programmes, and the need for stronger legislative support.
Industry representatives emphasized the urgency to implement the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to provide legal backing for film sector regulations, including tax incentives and funding structures.
Mr George Bosompem, PRO for GAFTA, highlighted that policy reforms must cater for these concerns to ensure a more structured and enabling environment for filmmakers.
Another pressing issue discussed was the need for a more streamlined structure for film guilds and associations.
Ken Fiati, Technical Committee Chairman of the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), stressed the importance of creating a more unified industry with clear operational guidelines.
He also advocated regular training and capacity-building programmes to enhance the skills of actors, producers, and other industry professionals.
Addressing these concerns, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher reiterated the NFA’s commitment to open dialogue, strategic policymaking, and foster an environment where all industry players can thrive.
She emphasized that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority, ensuring that industry professionals were actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives.
Mr James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured stakeholders of the NFA’s dedication to advocating policies that address their needs.
Entertainment
‘Artivism’ at TGMA27: Okyeame Kwame uses gold-themed Red Carpet look to wage war against galamsey
Renowned musician and “Rap Dacta” Okyeame Kwame transformed the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) red carpet into a platform for environmental activism, making a bold visual statement against the devastating effects of illegal mining, affectionately called galamsey.
Arriving in a striking ensemble, the artiste was draped in gold colours from head to toe, complete with a matching gold-plated sword.
However, the glamour carried a somber message. Flanked by two bodybuilders who performed as figures suffering from the physical and environmental “cancers” of illegal mining, Okyeame Kwame’s appearance served as a stark contrast between the beauty of Ghana’s gold and the destruction caused by its extraction.
Speaking to host Giovanni Caleb, the musician explained that his “glittering” look was a deliberate irony intended to spark a national conversation.
“I wanted to look like gold to remind Ghanaians that while gold glitters, galamsey destroys our rivers, our rocks, our air, and our nature,” Okyeame Kwame stated.
He further emphasised that the fight against environmental degradation transcends partisan lines.
“If we glitter like this once every year and forget that it is not the responsibility of the NPP or NDC, but the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians to stop this galamsey cancer, then we have failed,” he added.
Long recognized as an ‘Artivist,’ Okyeame Kwame has a storied history of using his public platform to champion social and environmental causes.
The 2026 TGMA, while a night of musical celebration, was momentarily refocused by the Rap Dacta’s plea for the protection of Ghana’s natural heritage, proving once again that art remains one of the most powerful tools for social change.
Okyeame Kwame is currently out with new single dubbed, “Clap,” a song encouraging communal support and celebration of others’ successes.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
