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
Entertainment
The DebbyQueen Talk Show returns with Powerful New Seasons from today
The highly anticipated DebbyQueen Talkshow is set to premiere Season 5 this month on Lifestyle TV, promising viewers an even deeper dive into the inspiring, emotional, and transformative stories that have made the show a must-watch across Africa.
For global viewers, episodes will be available on the DebbyQueen TV YouTube Premium, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Hosted by the charismatic and insightful Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie (DebbyQueen), the talkshow has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered conversations with some of Africa’s most influential personalities. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and change-makers, each episode delivers powerful life lessons, vulnerability, and motivation.
This season’s release marks a bold step forward for the show, featuring enhanced storytelling, new segments, and even more gripping interviews. Mrs. Borketey-Tackie has curated a lineup of guests whose journeys, filled with struggle, resilience, and triumph, will leave audiences inspired and empowered.
From Pascal Amanfo (award-winning film director) to Whitney Boakey-Mensah (women’s health advocate), Mrs. Mary Amoah (an autistic mother’s journey), Atinganma Talata (an Endometriosis survivor), each guest will share untold stories of setbacks and comebacks.
Focus on Youth & Entrepreneurship, with Africa’s next generation in mind, the show will feature young innovators, startup founders, and thought leaders sharing practical advice on business, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
This season’s production is proudly supported by an impressive roster of leading brands, reflecting the show’s growing influence and commercial appeal.
La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the venue sponsor, takes center stage as the headline sponsor.
Other major sponsors include HM Life Mixture reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness, Wilmar Africa producers of Frytol cooking oil, JAMAA Detergent, and Fortune Spread showing support towards entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Bel-Aqua Mineral Water and Bel Beverages serve as the official hydration partners, ensuring premium refreshments for guests and crew. Ghandour Cosmetics enhances the glamour with professional beauty services.
Additional supporting partners include our fabric sponsors: Mabelina Fabrics, Trinity Kente, Lana Fabrics, Fabric Lot Gh. Ahlai Maadai Enterprise and Hair sponsors: Hair Logistics Gh, Look Afriq, and Hairytales.
The culinary experience is elevated by EzyGrab Gh. and Randa Cakes & More as the official food sponsors for the crew and guests.
Additional support comes from Soul Impact Family Production, the lighting and stage partner, Akenteng Furniture, providing sofas for the set, and Sweet Aroma Print, in charge of all branding and print materials.
Thanks to the backing of these premium sponsors, the show has undergone significant upgrades in production.
The set design at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring multi-camera cinematic techniques that rival international talkshows. The inclusion of professional makeup stations by Vendajules Slay World, Glorigels World, KL Makeover and Amy’s Ethicon ensures host and guests look their best.
The DebbyQueen Talkshow has become more than just a TV program, it’s a cultural movement. By blending authentic African storytelling with universal themes of resilience, the show has captured audiences beyond Ghana, including viewers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Canada, and the diaspora.
Media analysts praise its unique approach where vulnerability meets empowerment and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about success, mental health, and personal growth.
“This season is about truth, transformation, and triumph,” says Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie.
“We are not just sharing stories, we are changing mindsets. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for hope, these episodes will speak to you,” she concluded
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
