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
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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