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The Okine family dazzles gospel world with soothing music
Mr Patrick Richard Okine is an experienced professional with varied interests, but his appetite for music and poetry seems to outweigh the rest.
Apart from writing poems of local and international appeal, he has composed and recorded a number of songs, releasing his debut album in the early 90s.
He went on a long break but has returned to the scene; this time around, with his wife and four children as backing vocalists on an Extended Play (EP) dubbed: ‘Afore’ (sacrifice).
The Media and Communications Lead at the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) recently interacted with The Spectator touching on his life and career, musical journey and the prospects of the new family music group.
He says formation of the group “is an expression of a strong desire to serve God, touch and bless lives through the God-given musical talents of his family.”
Recordings
Tracing his passion for music and art to his ‘sixth form’ days at Accra High School, Mr Okine said he used to write plays and songs for a campus theatre group known as the ‘Live Youth’.
“We had drama, poetry, cultural and contemporary music section and through this, I came out with my first cassette album titled ‘Mama’ in 1994, which was a major hit,” he recalled.
In 1995, he travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) after completing secondary and tertiary education to pursue other professional interests and returned to Ghana in 2009 to set up his own media consultancy.
Although he had recorded other albums during the sojourn, the gospel artiste had wanted to retire from music but decided to form the group considering the creativity and unique potentials of his wife and children.
Group
In December 2017, Mr Okine recorded an album titled: ‘Gratification or His Sanctification’ with backing vocals by his wife and four children. Following this release, he maintained the group which he now calls the “Patrick Richard Okine and Family Music Ministry.”
The musical group comprises Mrs Roberta Okine, Head of the Music Department at International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Eagles Temple, Gbawe, and children: Duke, Marianne, Zimran, and Henrietta.
Duke is a Pastor set to release his own songs soon. Marianne is a graduate of the University of Professional Studies (UPS), while Zimran and Henrietta are both graduates of University of Ghana.
The ‘Afore’ EP was released in February 2021, with two other tracks titled ‘How Excellent Is Thy Name’ and ‘Majie Eyi’ (I’ll Praise Him). The music video, released in October 2021, continues to receive good feedback on YouTube and other music streaming platforms.
Prospects
Expressing confidence in his new studio project, Mr Okine said the family would continue to release impactful songs as long as they were accepted in the music industry.
“We are recording ‘Aseda’ a mid-tempo track to be released in collaboration with ICGC Eagles Temple Choir. The fact that we have our music on international streaming platforms is an indication that we want our music to go international.
“We have already had requests from some churches in the US and UK to minister anytime we visit and I think the future looks promising as God pours his blessings on us,” he said.
Challenges
He identifies difficulty in getting recording deals and lack of capital for promoting music as a major setback to young and old music talents in the country.
“Music is a precarious industry where you can come out with a song with the best voice and instrumentation but it will not go far.
“Lot of talents have to manage their own music when they bring it out. Even the older ones are falling out because they cannot be their own managers and produce the music at the same time,” he said.
Education
Mr Okine attended Wesley Grammar School for his Ordinary Level (O-level) and continued at Accra High School from 1983-1985 for his Advanced Level.
He has a certificate in Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing and Master of Arts Degree in Development Communication from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
He completed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1990 with Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Art and English (minor).
Awards/recognition
While at KNUST in 1989, he won gold in three categories when he joined the National Squad of Dramatists to represent Ghana at the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students in Pyongyang, North Korea, and received also an Honourary Creativity in Literature Award.
In 1991, he composed and recorded the official anthem of the KNUST University Hall (Katanga) when he was the Entertainment Chair.
In 2015, Mr Okine, co-wrote, sang and coordinated the production of the song ‘Be the Voice’ (Oh say yeah) when IDEG nominated musicians including, Okyeame Kwame, Amandzeba, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, among others, as African Union Campaign Ambassadors.
In 2016 and 2020, he recited the poems ‘Toy Soldier’ and ‘Love Ghana’ respectively at Peace Pact Ceremonies in Accra where presidential candidates of various political parties pledged their commitment to peace before, during and after the general election.
Other Engagement
Mr Okine is a trained broadcast journalist and has written poems and plays for Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) radio and television, where he was exposed to the rudiments of broadcast journalism.
He has written two books titled: ‘Deep Thoughts from Within’ and ’Fruits of a Harvest’ — a collection of poems he had recited and performed on radio from 1983 to 2010.”
As an Elocution Expert, he holds workshops for Radio and TV presenters in correct pronunciation of English words and has contributed articles to local and international journals.
He advises young artistes to produce timeless music, be mindful of lyrics and take advice from professionals in the industry.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
