Entertainment
We have failed Castro and Janet Bandu- Lawyer Maurice Ampaw
Legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has said that Ghanaians and the relevant state institutions clothed with power to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of musician Castro and a friend, Janet Bandu, have failed them.
Castro, known privately as Theophilus Tagoe, together with Janet Bandu were in the company of former Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan and others at a resort in Ada to spend the weekend on July 6, 2014.
Unfortunately, the two disappeared during a Jet Ski cruise on the lake, and against this backdrop, Monday, July 6, marked the sixth year since the unfortunate incident, but with a year more, the way would be paved for the two to be legally declared dead.
The legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has expressed his disappointment.
According to him, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) failed in the search approach for the two.
In an interview with The Spectator, Maurice Ampaw said, initially, the country failed to take the right steps to properly investigate the case.
He said those who were with Castro on the fateful day were not properly investigated and were allowed to leave the crime scene, and rather authorities relied on hearsay as well, and later kept quiet on the case.
Maurice Ampaw added that the people of Ghana, and Parliament among other state institutions lost interest in the case, and failed to give it the necessary attention in order to resolve it.
He also apportioned some of the blame to the families of the missing individuals for not uniting to fight for the right thing to be done.
According to him, all that the country had been waiting for is the seven years, and a day legal requirement to declare them dead.
Describing the processes as very sad, he said the family could seek an order from the court to that effect next year, and go to the Birth and Death Registry to legally declare them dead, adding that it would give the necessary families permit to hold the funeral and look into the sharing of assets.
Expressing his displeasure, he said, “How can someone die and you say you’re waiting for seven years to declare him dead? We have not been serious and we don’t take the death of people serious,” Maurice Ampaw lamented.
According to section 33 of the country’s Evidence Act 1975, a person can only be legally declared dead after seven years, and one day by a court, where the person in question is not heard or seen despite measures to find the individual.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s rich culture and national identity.
The launch took place at Nationalism Park on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69),” also marked the launch of the historic Vodza Regatta.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the role of tourism, culture and the creative arts in driving jobs, empowering youth and women, and stimulating domestic tourism.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for offering to be the culture ambassador extraordinary.
According to her, the tourism and creative sector, as the biggest service provider, needs support because it has what it takes to create a lot of employment for Ghanaians.
The minister also charged schools, corporate Ghana, and everyone to visit local tourist sites across the country and enjoy the local cuisines.
She also commended the Ghana Culture Forum and the National Folklore Board for advancing Ghana’s heritage recognition efforts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that Heritage Month is both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, with activities including discounted access to heritage sites.
Mrs. Efua Houadjeto noted that there would be “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, Akwaaba Festival, Asa Baako Festival, Akple Festival, Kenkey Festival, Independence Open Mic Concert, and Ghana Day, among others.
She revealed that there would be the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal.
Present at the launch were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ghana Tourism Development Company boss, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Deputy GTA CEO, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, other sector directors, traditional authorities, diplomatic representatives, stakeholders and the media.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian gospel artist Enuonyam Akuffo Tuffour, known in the showbiz circles as Enuonyam, has released her much-awaited album dubbed ‘Jesus Given’.
The six-track album is made up of songs like Jesus Given, Be Still featuring Luigi Maclean, Kyere Me Kwan featuring Kweku Teye, I Will Not Be Moved, Holy Ghost, and Hallelujah Holy.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro during an exclusive listening session, Enuonyam said, “‘Jesus Given’ is a summary of what Jesus did on the cross for humanity and the benefit thereof.”
She added that it is an album inspired by John 15:13, which speaks of the greatest gift given to humanity: Jesus Christ, who later died for humanity.
Touching on the production process, she said it was a smooth process working on the album: “Everything worked as planned from collaboration to all those who played key roles in making the process possible.”
In a message to the public, the gospel musician said, “Everyone who is looking to experience Jesus intimately and beautifully should listen to the album.”
She was optimistic that the album would impact many lives and urged music lovers to stream Jesus Given, adding that the album is available on all streaming platforms.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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