Entertainment
Who becomes minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture?
This is the time of the year many Ghanaian expect the president to nominate people to head some ministries and other vital state institutions in the country, following the re-election and swearing-in of President Akufo-Addo and the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on January 7.
Following this, they would need some people to help them implement the various policies of the government to the benefit of Ghanaians.
For this reason, stakeholders in the creative arts space have started mentioning some individuals to catch the eyes of the appointing authority.
Some of the emerging names include, Akwasi Agyemang, Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour), Mark Okraku Mantey, Catherine Afeku, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Socrates Sarfo, and James Korsah-Brown.
Those calling for the two former Ministers of Tourism Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, and Catherine Afeku believe that either of them should be given the nod to continue the uncompleted projects they started.
According to them, consistency was critical to the growth of the industry, and since both of them lost their re-election bid to parliament, they would fully concentrate on the activities of the ministry.
Others clamouring for the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman are of the view that considering his tremendous contribution to the country’s tourism sector over the years, he deserved to be appointed the minister of the sector.
They said, his successful organisation of the Year of Return, measures he put in place for the Beyond the Return and other initiatives for the sector were a testament of someone capable of turning the fortunes of the ministry around.
Also, those in support of Bice Osei Kuffour, Obour think that his reign as President of the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) was successful, and through his leadership the Association becomes attractive.
According to them, through Obour’s ingenuity, he was able to secure some grants for MUSIGA and created Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), among other innovations, as well as mobilsed other candidates who lost the New Patriotic Party’s primaries to campaign for the president.
For Mark Okraku Mantey, who was acting President of the Creative Arts Council, now Creative Arts Agency, some stakeholders think his exceptional qualities, led to the series of Master classes which yielded a lot of benefit for practitioners.
They believe he played an instrumental role in the passage of the creative arts bill to properly set up the sector for a prosperous future and was able to bring some stars together to set up Creative Arts for More group to campaign for the president, leading to the re-election of the NPP.
Astute Movie Director and Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture , Socrates Sarfo’s name has also come up, as they think he has what it takes and has gone through the mill to hold the top position.
Through his hard work for the party during the electioneering period and years of experience in the creative arts sector, others have tipped him for the top job.
Some stakeholders have also mentioned talent Manager, and 2020 Member of Parliament aspirant for Mfantsiman Constituency, James Korsah Brown.
Those championing for him believe that his instrumentality in 3 Music Awards, as well as other activities in the area of creative arts places him in a pole position for the job.
This year is crucial year in the life of the creative arts sector following the passage of the creative arts bill which paved way for the industry to be set up properly.
Clearly, this demands that the right human resources should be appointed to take up positions to fix the industry.
The ministry was first created in 2013 by former President John Dramani Mahama, with Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare and Abla Dzifa Gomashie as minister and deputy respectively.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
