News
The inaugural Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival launches this November
The inaugural Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival (AAFF) launches this November as a historic hybrid (in-person and virtual) celebration of Abibitumi ‘Black Power’ and Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’ through cinema and storytelling from across the Black world.
Taking place November 28–30, 2025, the festival will be hosted at Ozone Cinema, Oyarifa Mall, Accra, with simultaneous digital screenings and live-streamed discussions connecting storytellers, audiences, and creatives from throughout Abibiman and the Diaspora.
With the unifying theme “What Abibitumi Is: Demonstration Over Conversation,” this festival signals the rise of a new creative wave — one that fuses language, film, and liberation practice.
It serves as a powerful prelude to the Abibitumi Conference (December 12–14, 2025), extending the ongoing movement of self-definition, Abibitumi ‘Black Power’, and Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’ through art, media, and collective engagement.
Honouring the Tradition of the Kmt(yw): Storytelling as Liberation Practice
Co-founded by Ɔbenfo (Professor) Ọbádélé Kambon and filmmaker Ọnụọra Abụah, the Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival showcases works from across Abibiman (Africa) and the Black world, reflecting narratives of identity, resistance, and consciousness.
The festival affirms cinema as a vital tool in the global struggle for Abibifahodie ‘Black Liberation’.
Featured Categories: Feature Films (non-competitive), Short Films (documentary, animation, and AI-infused works), Student Films (emerging storytellers from across Abibiman).
Opening night will feature the Red, Black, and Green Carpet Gala, and honouring Nii Kwate Owoo with the Legacy Award, followed by a screening of his seminal film You Hide Me — a foundational work in African cinematic resistance.
Jury & Moderators
The 2025 Jury brings together leading voices in African film and culture:
- Abraham Haile Biru (Ethiopia) – President of the Jury
- Ama K. Abebrese (Ghana) – Actor & Producer
- Selikim Geni (Ghana) – Media Professional
- Adjetey Anang – Actor
Panel discussions will be moderated by Derek Fiakpui (Ghana) and other invited professionals, ensuring dynamic conversations around film, creativity, and Abibifahodie.
Hybrid Festival Experience
The festival merges the physical and digital worlds in true Abibitumi fashion — combining in-person screenings and discussions at OzoneCinema with live-streamed sessions via the Abibitumi Film Festival Portal.
This format enables Black people across the globe to connect, create, and celebrate together in real time.
Tickets are available at filmfestival.abibifahodie.org/tickets or directly at the Ozone Cinema Box Office (Oyarifa Mall).
A Pan-Abibiman Collaboration
Organized by Abibitumi in partnership with AEA Films, OzoneCinema, and UNIMAC, with press and media coordination by SITA Communications, the Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival provides a platform for Black filmmakers to define, document, and direct their own narratives — reclaiming storytelling as a weapon of liberation.
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all party members and groups engaged in early presidential campaign activities to stop immediately.
The directive followed a meeting between the Council and President John Dramani Mahama on May 29, 2026, during which they discussed party unity, discipline and support for the government’s Resetting Agenda.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council expressed concern over reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by some individuals and groups within the party.
It noted that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate given to it by Ghanaians and urged members to channel their energy, resources and commitment towards supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of citizens.
The Council stressed that activities that could create division, distraction or unnecessary competition within the party should be avoided at this stage.
It further reminded members of Article 42 of the party’s constitution, which states that the date and venue for the election of a presidential candidate must be determined by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to the Council, no individual, group or interest bloc has the authority to engage in or promote any form of presidential campaign until the NEC officially announces the timetable and guidelines for presidential primaries.
It therefore directed all persons involved in such activities to cease immediately.
The directive covers campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity and any related activities aimed at promoting the presidential ambitions of prospective candidates.
The Council called on party members to remain united and focus on supporting the government’s transformational agenda and fulfilling the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
It added that the time for internal contests would come, but for now, the party’s collective responsibility is to serve the nation and ensure the successful implementation of the mandate entrusted to it.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Presidential staffer, Dr Sammy Ayeh has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of focusing on issues that do not address the needs of Ghanaians.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding a private family funeral of Gold board CEO, Sammy Gyamfi’s father on facebook , Dr Ayeh described attempts to politicise the event as unnecessary and a distraction from matters of national importance.
He argued that at a time when Ghana is focused on economic recovery, job creation, healthcare, education and attracting investment, the opposition should be concentrating on government policies and offering alternatives rather than discussing a private family ceremony.
According to him, the funeral was organised by a private family with relatives capable of managing their own affairs, making the political attention surrounding it unwarranted.
Dr Ayeh made the remarks while referring to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent engagement with members of the Ghanaian diaspora in London during his official working visit to the United Kingdom.
He noted that during the meeting, the President discussed Ghana’s development agenda, investment opportunities and the role of Ghanaians abroad in supporting national growth.
He indicated that Mr Mahama also highlighted measures being implemented by his administration in areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection to improve the lives of citizens.
Dr Ayeh maintained that a responsible opposition party should examine such policies, question them where necessary and provide alternative solutions.
Instead, he contended that the NPP appeared more interested in what he described as “funeral politics” than issues affecting the daily lives of Ghanaians.
While acknowledging that questioning government actions is an important part of democracy, he stressed that such scrutiny must be constructive and aimed at advancing the public interest.
He further argued that opposition should be measured by the quality of ideas and alternatives presented rather than the volume of criticism.
Dr Ayeh expressed concern that the NPP had, in his view, replaced meaningful policy engagement with sensationalism and political theatrics.
He urged the party to focus on examining government programmes, proposing credible alternatives and contributing positively to national debate.
According to him, Ghanaians deserve an opposition that addresses pressing national issues and helps strengthen democratic governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
