Entertainment
Ghana Police assures Creative Arts Industry of maximum support
The Ghana Police Service has assured all stakeholders in the creative arts industry of their continuous support in the line of duty.
According to them, they have acknowledged and appreciated the crucial role the industry plays in the socio-economic development of Ghana, and for that reason, they would strengthen the ties for close collaboration between the two groups.
This was made known when the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare met creative arts players on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
At the open forum, some participants raised issues of piracy and copyright as factors denying them returns from their investments.
For this reason, the chairman of the Audio Visual Society of Ghana (ARSOG) Mr.Kofi Owusu Ohemeng urged for the need for the police to be abreast of copyright issues to aid the clamping down on offenders.
President of Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Mr.James Aboagye, on his part said getting police accoutrements and other props for acting, and approval of some films scripts involving the Ghana Police Service had become difficult.
Others who also spoke called on the police to sensitise their men at various checkpoints to handle people with respect and dignity when interrogating them.
At the end of the deliberations,Dr. Akuffo Dampare emphatically said the police did not take delight in causing creative industry players pain, but the motivation for enforcing law and order was to keep the country in good shape for future generations
He noted that the police would continue to put right measures in place to regain all the trust but in the quest to do so they would automatically step on some toes for the good for the country.
IGP added that using police accoutrements and other props for films had existed but “it seems to have broken down per the contributions from stakeholders, however, the police would quickly look at the situation and resolve the lapses.”
Going forward, he said the service would be engaging various groups and organising workshops to educate people of some of the issues raised.
Dr.George Akuffo Dampare further noted that they have copiously documented every contribution made at the forum, and would take them one item at a time to address the concerns raised.
Some of the celebrities at the meeting included, Van Vicker, KiDi, Kuami Eugene,Abeiku Santana, Shatta Wale, Gloria Sarfo, Afia Schwarznegger, Fred Amugi,DBlack, Sefa,Dada KD, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah,Appiatus, Tagoe Sisters, Mercy Asiedu, Rex Omar, Bessa Simons, Samini, Daddy Bosco, KKD, KOD, OB Amponsah, Lekzy DeComic, and Jacinta among others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
