Entertainment
Sarkodie barred from using Baba Yara pitch for Rapaholic – NSA warns of penalties
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has warned that Sarkodie will not be allowed to host his Rapaholic concert on the football pitch of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Director-General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, said the pitch is strictly reserved for football and other sports activities.
He warned that any unauthorized use of the field during the concert would attract serious penalties, including heavy compensation.
Mr. Ankrah explained that while the Baba Yara Stadium has been approved as the venue, Sarkodie’s stage and sound systems will be positioned behind the goalpost to protect the playing surface.
He said all measures have been put in place to ensure the pitch is not damaged.
He further disclosed that the NSA is in the process of acquiring pitch covers to make it easier to host non-sporting events without compromising the playing field.
The NSA boss also revealed that several churches and organizations had offered as much as GHS 300,000 to use the pitch, but the requests were rejected. According to him, protecting the grounds for domestic and international football is a top priority.
Mr. Ankrah stressed that although the Authority permits the use of stadium facilities for events, the football pitch itself cannot be used for performances or entertainment.
He concluded that if any condition is breached during Sarkodie’s concert, strict sanctions will follow.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ashanti Regional minister, Dr Frank Amoankohene, has welcomed Ghanaian music star Sarkodie to Kumasi ahead of his upcoming concert, Rapperholic: The Homecoming.
Sarkodie paid a courtesy call on the minister on Tuesday to personally invite him to the show, which is scheduled for 27 September at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Dr Amoankohene said the meeting gave them the chance to discuss security arrangements for the event.
He added that they also looked at ways the government and the creative industry can work together to support young artists in the Ashanti Region and across the country.
According to him, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to nurture creativity, ensure public safety and promote the arts as an important part of Ghana’s identity and economic growth.
The minister said he was happy the event would bring fans and visitors to the region, adding that the Ashanti Region “remains ready to host major events in a safe and welcoming environment.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
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THE National Film Authority (NFA) has held a National Film Dialogue aimed at engaging all stakeholders in the sector to turn the fortunes of the industry around.
The initiative held at the Cedi Conference Hall of the University of Ghana on Tuesday brought together actors, producers, crew members corporate Ghana and all the important stakeholders in the Film value chain together.
The aim of the dialogue which was under the theme; Accelerating Industry Development was to help address the various challenges bedevilling the sector.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, on his part acknowledged the contribution of the film industry from sustainable employment to national development agenda and growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
He announced that the film sector is opened for investment urging investors to come on board as partners for development.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated the government resolve to protect Intellectual Property Rights and legislations that enhances growth of the industry.
Mr Jajah said the National Dialogue was a beginning to a brighter future for the film industry.
The board chairman of NFA, Ivan Quashiegah, who shared the strategic plan of the NFA gave a historic account of Ghana’s film industry, the current situation and measures to address the flaws.
According to him, their mission is to revive the industry by transforming distribution and exhibition into a vibrant accessible, and profitable ecosystem that inspires cultural pride and economic growth.
He reiterated that their target is to engage at least 1 per cent of Ghana’s population (350,000 people) to watch at least 10 good Ghanaian movies each year.
Speaking to The Spectator, the NFA boss, Kafui Danku, said she was satisfied with participation and the level of contributions.
She said, together with her board and other executives all the views expressed would be assessed and develop a blueprint out of it for the growth of the industry.
She urged all and sundry to come on board, adding that “for us to succeed, we need to bring everybody together.”
Kafui Danku thanked everyone for their participation and contributions to the success of the dialogue.
The panel discussion centered on issues of distribution, marketing, branding, production, access to funding, collaboration, media, infrastructure and improved storytelling among others.
Some participants expressed appreciation to the leadership for organising such dialogue.
According to them, stakeholder engagement was key to the success of the sector, adding that such a gathering should be a constant feature of the NFA.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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