News
Sammy Rasta blasts misrepresentation of Kumawood at Ashantifest
Ghanaian film Director and Entertainment analyst Samuel Owusu known as Sammy Rasta has strongly criticized the Ashanti Regional Minister and executives of the Kumawood Ashanti Film Association (KAFA) over what he describes as a persistent misunderstanding of the film industry, particularly the use of Kumawood actors in stage productions.
Speaking with Agyeman Prempeh on Power Entertainment on Power fm/Radio XYZ and TV XYZ, Sammy Rasta expressed disappointment in what he sees as a repeated misrepresentation of Kumawood within the region’s creative arts agenda.
Although, he initially applauded the introduction of Ashantifest in 2025 as a strategic move to promote Kumawood and the broader film industry, he had reservations about attempts to equate Kumawood productions with stage plays.
He explained that while he chose to withhold criticism at the time, believing the initiative needed room to evolve, recent developments have reinforced his concerns.
Reviewing this year’s activity calendar, he noted with “utmost disbelief” that the same approach is being repeated, with Kumawood actors once again featured prominently in stage performances.
He questioned the tangible impact of the initiative, asking what specific film projects the Minister and KAFA have supported or financed since the launch of the festival.
Sammy Rasta emphasized that film and stage play are distinct creative disciplines, each requiring dedicated structures, investment, and strategic direction. He cautioned that the continued conflation of the two undermines the growth and identity of the Kumawood film industry.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to demonstrate a clearer understanding of the sector, stressing that the persistent misrepresentation of Kumawood will no longer be overlooked.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has successfully conducted constituency executive elections in 245 out of its 276 constituencies across the country.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the exercise recorded an 88.7 per cent success rate and was conducted peacefully in the constituencies where voting took place.
In an update posted on his Facebook page, he said elections in 23 constituencies were put on hold because of various disputes.
He added that four constituencies Ningo Prampram, Atwima Mponua, Obuasi West and Trobu could not hold their elections due to last minute challenges.
According to him, the party’s National Steering Committee will also review election activities in Afigya Sekyere East, Adansi Asokwa, Bantama and Asante Akyem Central.
Mr Frimpong said the National Secretariat is committed to resolving all outstanding issues to ensure the successful completion of the constituency executive elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the party for their support and discipline throughout the exercise.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all Patriots for their commitment, discipline, and support, which contributed to the successful conduct of these elections,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with the murder of a 36-year-old Nigerian man at Sanzirigu in Tamale.
The suspects, identified as Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, were arrested on Saturday, July 11, shortly after the body of Nkemujika Uzorchuku Eze was found in his bedroom.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations showed that the deceased lived in a three-bedroom apartment with his wife, Peace Uzorchuku, the two suspects and another Nigerian national, Godwin Nwafor.
The Police said officers began investigations after receiving a report that the deceased had been found lying in a pool of blood in his room.
A team that visited the scene found that he had suffered a deep cut to the forehead and had a towel stuffed into his mouth. The room had also been ransacked.
The Police said a wooden pestle believed to have been used in the attack, together with other items, was recovered from the scene for forensic examination.
The body was taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where a medical officer confirmed him dead before it was deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
According to the Police, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the two suspects at Tatale on the same day while they were allegedly attempting to escape into the Republic of Togo.
They were later handed over to the Tamale District Criminal Investigations Department to assist with investigations.
The Police said the suspects allegedly admitted during interrogation that they had conspired to kill the deceased because he had been withholding money they claimed was obtained through internet fraud.
A search conducted after their arrest led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from the deceased’s room, including mobile phones, laptop computers, a tablet, jewellery, clothing, wristwatches, personal documents and other valuables. The Police said the items have been kept as exhibits to support the investigations.
The suspects remain in Police custody and are expected to appear before court on Monday, July 13, to facilitate the ongoing investigations.
The Northern Regional Police Command said it remains committed to bringing everyone involved in the crime to justice and urged the public to provide credible information to help fight crime.
By: Jacob Aggrey
