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 Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has donated assorted hampers and cash support to mothers at Taifa Polyclinic and Ga East Municipal Hospital as part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.
The donation, which targeted nursing and lactating mothers at the two health facilities, included assorted hampers and an amount of GH¢500 presented to the women in appreciation of their sacrifices, commitment to motherhood and contribution to nurturing children in society.
Interacting with the mothers during the visit, MP Akurugu commended them for their resilience and dedication to their families despite the challenges associated with motherhood.
She encouraged the women to continue showing love, care and discipline in raising their children to become responsible members of society.
The MP also urged expectant and nursing mothers to prioritise regular health checkups and adhere to medical advice to ensure the wellbeing of both mothers and their babies.
According to her, mothers play a vital role in national development and therefore deserve recognition and support for their efforts.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the gesture, describing it as timely and thoughtful as the world celebrates mothers.
Health officials including some of the nurses at the facilities commended the MP for the initiative and called for continuous support towards maternal and child healthcare in the constituency.
During the visit to the Ga East Municipal Hospital, Madam Akurugu appealed to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and the contractor working on the Ga East Hospital road to expedite work on the stretch due to its deteriorating condition.
According to the MP, the poor state of the road has become a major concern for residents and motorists, contributing to frequent accidents and in some cases loss of lives before patients are even able to access medical treatment at the hospital.
In an emotional appeal, Madam Akurugu knelt and pleaded with the roads minister to treat the road project as an emergency to help protect lives and ease transportation challenges for residents and patients who use the facility.
She called for immediate intervention to ensure the road is completed and made safe for public use.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has come to the aid of a constituent identified as Bintu at Dome Pentecost after a severe leg condition nearly claimed her life.
According to the MP, news of Bintu’s deteriorating condition was brought to her attention after reports emerged that one of her legs had badly rotten, leaving her in critical condition and in urgent need of medical care.
Madam Akurugu immediately intervened and facilitated her admission to the Ga East Municipal Hospital where doctors began treatment to save her life.
Following medical examination and treatment, doctors reportedly advised that the affected leg had to be amputated to prevent further complications and save her life, a decision the MP supported after consultations with the medical team.
The surgery was subsequently carried out successfully, leading to an improvement in Bintu’s condition.
Speaking during a visit to Bintu’s residence, Madam Akurugu revealed that beyond paying her hospital bills and ensuring she received proper medical attention, she had also taken steps to improve her living conditions.
According to the MP, Bintu had been living in a deteriorated and partially collapsed structure at Dome, making life extremely difficult and unsafe for her recovery.
As part of the intervention, the MP fully renovated the house and upgraded it to a modern living standard.
The renovation included furnishing the home and providing essential facilities such as a bathroom, toilet and other household necessities to ensure Bintu could live comfortably and with dignity.
Madam Akurugu also donated foodstuff and an undisclosed amount of cash to support Bintu’s upkeep and recovery process.
The MP further pledged to continue supporting Bintu throughout her lifetime, stressing that vulnerable persons within the constituency deserved care, compassion and dignity.
As part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, Madam Akurugu surprised Bintu with the newly renovated home after she was discharged from the hospital, describing the gesture as a way of giving her a fresh start in life following her recovery.
She noted that the intervention formed part of her commitment to improving the welfare of constituents facing hardship and medical challenges.
Residents and some community members who witnessed the gesture commended the MP for the support and described the intervention as life changing for the beneficiary.
By: Jacob Aggrey Dome Kwabenya MP pays hospital bills of constituent on the verge of death; renovates her home to modern standard
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has come to the aid of a constituent identified as Bintu at Dome Pentecost after a severe leg condition nearly claimed her life.
According to the MP, news of Bintu’s deteriorating condition was brought to her attention after reports emerged that one of her legs had badly rotten, leaving her in critical condition and in urgent need of medical care.
Madam Akurugu immediately intervened and facilitated her admission to the Ga East Municipal Hospital where doctors began treatment to save her life.
Following medical examination and treatment, doctors reportedly advised that the affected leg had to be amputated to prevent further complications and save her life, a decision the MP supported after consultations with the medical team.
The surgery was subsequently carried out successfully, leading to an improvement in Bintu’s condition.
Speaking during a visit to Bintu’s residence, Madam Akurugu revealed that beyond paying her hospital bills and ensuring she received proper medical attention, she had also taken steps to improve her living conditions.
According to the MP, Bintu had been living in a deteriorated and partially collapsed structure at Dome, making life extremely difficult and unsafe for her recovery.
As part of the intervention, the MP fully renovated the house and upgraded it to a modern living standard.
The renovation included furnishing the home and providing essential facilities such as a bathroom, toilet and other household necessities to ensure Bintu could live comfortably and with dignity.
Madam Akurugu also donated foodstuff and an undisclosed amount of cash to support Bintu’s upkeep and recovery process.
The MP further pledged to continue supporting Bintu throughout her lifetime, stressing that vulnerable persons within the constituency deserved care, compassion and dignity.
As part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, Madam Akurugu surprised Bintu with the newly renovated home after she was discharged from the hospital, describing the gesture as a way of giving her a fresh start in life following her recovery.
She noted that the intervention formed part of her commitment to improving the welfare of constituents facing hardship and medical challenges.
Residents and some community members who witnessed the gesture commended the MP for the support and described the intervention as life changing for the beneficiary.
By: Jacob Aggrey
