Entertainment
TOUGHA ends 7-day ‘Journey to the North’
• Members of TOUGHA
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has successfully embarked on a week-long familiarization tour of the Northern Ghana.
The trip dubbed, “Journey to the North” took participants to all the five regions of upper Ghana; Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper West and Upper East.
As has been the tradition with TOUGHA, the Journey to the North was to afford members the chance to acquaint themselves with sites and attractions in the area to help them in planning tour packages for clients.
The tour, which commenced from July 24 – July 30 proceeded with a stopover at the Kintampo Waterfall in the Bono East Region then to Tamale for a scenic tour of the Northern Regional capital.
They also went to the Paga Crocodile Pond, Navrongo Cathedral of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (the oldest Cathedral in Northern Ghana) and the Pikworo Slave Camp rounded the tour of the Upper East Region.
The group visited the Ndewura Jakpa Palace in Damango and also toured the Mole National Park, Larabanga Mosque and Mystic Stone to round up the tour of the Savannah Region.
From there, they embarked on water safari on the Black Volta which houses the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, visited the Baobab Tree House at Busa and were given a royal treat at the Wa Naa’s Palace in the heart of the regional capital where they were granted audience with the Overlord, Naa Seidu Pelpuo IV.
While at Wechiau, a delegation led by the President, Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah made a donation to the Talawona community with items consisting of clothing, assorted drinks and undisclosed amount of cash.
Capping off the tour was a night stay at the new Royal Cosy Hills Hotel in Jirapa where the touring entourage toured facilities and went on a safarithrough its private wildlife park and quad biking.
Mrs. Osei-Asamoah who led the group of over 30 tourists said the tour came at a time when operators are seeking to diversify packages to give clients more exciting choices and experiences.
According to her, the other good thing about the trip was that, they were able to negotiate with businesses within the tourism value chain, such as hotels and tourists’ sites to give operators competitive rates to convince more people to travel and discover all the amazing attractions in these parts of Ghana.
Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah further noted thatthe group will submit a comprehensive report to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) especially on some of the challenges that need immediate attention.
TOUGHA’s Journey to the North was supported by Ecobank and Special Ice.
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
