Entertainment
Kojo Preko Dankwa Writes: Misconception by Kwame Dadzie on the Relevance of CAFOG
I have read with keen interest the article by Kwame Dadzie titled “Why the Creative Arts Federation of Ghana is a Needless Formation.” While I respect your right to express an opinion, I must firmly state that your arguments are flawed and misrepresent the purpose and significance of the Creative Arts Federation of Ghana (CAFOG).
1. On the So-Called Duplication of Mandates
The notion that CAFOG is a duplication of existing bodies like the Ghana Culture Forum (GCF) is misplaced. Just as there are multiple political parties with shared objectives but different ideologies and methods, associations within the creative space may share common interests but operate with unique mandates and focus areas.
For example, the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) focuses on the tourism domain. Similarly, CAFOG is established to unify and represent the interests of creative arts associations, not cultural or tourism-focused institutions. It complements existing structures, not competes with them.
2. Differentiating CAFOG and GCF
GCF has played a valuable role in the past. However, it is fundamentally a civil society consultative forum, not a federation of creative arts associations. It serves as a platform for dialogue and advocacy, but does not speak directly for the diverse associations within the creative arts industry in a structured and federated manner.
Moreover, you mentioned executives within GCF and their sectoral representation as though this validates GCF’s claim to sole representation. Many of those individuals were appointed by GCF, not elected or nominated by their sector associations. That distinction matters greatly when we talk about legitimate representation.
3. Why CAFOG Matters: Representation Under Act 1048
Act 1048, which established the Creative Arts Agency, clearly mandates creative sector representation on its board. The law doesn’t call for individual associations to be represented—it calls for the sector to have a voice. CAFOG offers a solution to this requirement by forming a unified body capable of nominating qualified representatives through a legitimate and broad-based structure.
Who else, if not CAFOG, can take up this role? Who should speak for creatives on this legally mandated board? Fragmented associations with no collective voice, or a federation structured to coordinate and lead?
Let us not be distracted by personal preferences or rivalries. The sector needs unity, not division disguised as critique.
4. The GCF Silence and Selective Outrage
Kwame, I must ask: how many times has GCF spoken against the irregularities involving the Creative Arts Agency under Gyankroma Akufo-Addo’s leadership? Where was the loud advocacy when Act 1048 was being rendered ineffective? GCF’s silence in the face of political interference and agency stagnation was loud and telling.
You accuse CAFOG of redundancy, yet you ignore the existence of overlapping associations like the Art Writers Association, Bloggers Association of Ghana, and the New Media Association—all operating in similar spheres with shared membership. If CAFOG is a duplication, then by that logic, these associations are too.
Even Minister Dzifa Gomashie’s recent inauguration of the Culture and Creative Arts Committee—headed by Nanahemaa Adwoa Awindor—shows another layer of representation. Was this committee formation not a duplication? Were all associations consulted? Why was there no public outcry?
5. Clarifying the Misleading Claims of Dissociation
It is especially disappointing to see names like Mr. Bessa Simons disassociating themselves from CAFOG after having formally accepted roles within its interim leadership. If indeed he was not consulted, why submit an acceptance letter? These contradictions only feed confusion and suspicion within the industry.
6. Support the Vision, Not the Personalities
This is not about who leads. It is about building a viable, united front for the creative arts sector in Ghana. The CAFOG leadership is interim; there will be room for elections, reorganisation, and collective decision-making. But it begins with support and belief in the purpose, not sabotage driven by personal biases.
Let’s stop tearing down what we refuse to understand. Let’s build together for the future of Ghana’s creative arts industry.
Kojo Preko Dankwa
Communications Officer
Creative Arts Federation of Ghana (CAFOG)
📞 0550077040 / 0575655656
Entertainment
“Go to Lumba’s house and exhume his body” — Counsellor George Lutterodt incites Ga youth
Popular marriage counselor, Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counselor Lutterudt has incited Ga youth to go to the residence of the late Daddy Lumba and exhume his body.
According to the outspoken counselor, it is against the traditions of the Gas to bury someone in the house, and so as the custodians of their culture, he urged them to take the matter into their own hands and exhume the late singer’s body to deter others from doing the same.
“If it’s true that Lumba, as it’s alleged, has been buried in the house, I want to ask the Ga boys in Accra that we shouldn’t wait for the police. Let’s move to the residence of Lumba.
“And I’m calling for action now, for the desecration of the land. Walk to the house with pickaxes. We are not fighting any human being, and let’s find where the body was buried and let’s exhume it,” he said.
When the presenter told him to leave it at the discretion of the police, the self-acclaimed pastor and counselor questioned where the police had been all this while when the news broke that Lumba had been buried in his house.
“Where are the police? Where are the police?
Do you remember when the guy spoke? How many days now? He quizzed.
“Let me tell you a secret you don’t know. The Ghana Police Service, one of the good things they are doing now is that anything that happens on social media, they react. The guy has spoken; has anybody reacted?
Number two, if anything happens and a policeman is involved, very soon we see the evidence of arrest. Those who killed Sammy Gyamfi’s father-in-law, they’ve gotten the people. So anybody who tells you the police are not sufficient enough…”
Counsellor George Lutterodt warned that minimal force may be necessary if persuasion fails and said he was ready to lead the Ga youth to act. He criticized authorities for their slow response and called for urgent action to address what he described as a desecration of the land.
“But I’m saying that when persuasion fails, force, minimum force is applied. And the Ga boys I will lead…
“Accra is not for you, Accra is not for you. Agyemang, Accra is not for you. How many hours has this guy’s video gone viral now?
I’m telling the boys, no fight, no quarrel. I’m going to lead you to the house because the land has been desecrated we’ll look for the body and exhume it,” he emphasized.
He continued “If not, then the Ghana Police, the AMA, whoever ordered the permit whoever ordered the permit should, in common sense, do something because this nonsense must stop.”
He made these statements during an appearance on Agyemang Prempeh Agyingo’s show “Power Entertainment” broadcast on Power 97.9 FM, Radio XYZ 93.1 FM, and TV XYZ.
Entertainment
WHEN THE STREET CROWN IS ON YOUR HEAD, THE BURDEN OF Charles Nii Armah Mensah – Socrates Safo
Quiet Generosity Behind the Fame, Socrates Safo Shares Insights on Shatta Wale’s Leadership
By Socrates Safo
Ghanaian entertainment figure Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, is often described as a man who carries the “street crown.” With fame, influence, and controversy constantly surrounding his brand, new revelations suggest there is a quieter dimension to his leadership that rarely makes headlines.
In a recent late night conversation described by filmmaker and creative personality Socrates Safo, the focus was not publicity or media attention, but responsibility, strategy, and what he calls silent generosity.
A Private Conversation, Not a Public Interview
According to Safo, the discussion was a family style exchange held behind closed doors. It followed his earlier public suggestion that the artiste should consider establishing structured, long term support systems for loyal fans who have stood by the Shatta Movement brand over the years.
What emerged from the conversation was an assertion that many of the musician’s contributions have intentionally been kept out of the public eye. The reason, Safo explains, is rooted in personal conviction rather than showmanship.
Across religious traditions, including biblical teachings such as Matthew 6 verses 3 to 4, acts of charity are encouraged to be done without seeking applause. Safo suggests this philosophy resonates strongly with the artiste’s approach to giving.
Support Systems Beyond the Spotlight
Safo disclosed that behind the scenes, the artiste has reportedly sponsored university education for some supporters, assisted in establishing pubs, supported the creation of hairdressing salons and eateries, and opened pathways for self employment.
These interventions, he claims, were not accompanied by press conferences or media campaigns. Instead, they were handled privately, with what he describes as screenshot evidence shared with him for personal viewing.
Business Empowerment Through HOTWAV and Shaxi
The conversation also touched on business expansion. With the HOTWAV phone brand, plans are reportedly underway to build a distribution network that allows loyal supporters to become agents and retailers, earning income through direct sales and digital promotion.
In addition, Safo highlighted the Shaxi transport platform. Drivers on the platform reportedly pay twenty cedis daily to activate the app, a structure the artiste considers fair within an industry often criticized for high commission deductions. Some drivers operate under a “Work and Pay” system, eventually owning the vehicles they drive, a model described as practical empowerment.
Addressing the Cash Throwing Controversy
One of the most debated aspects of the artiste’s public appearances is the act of spraying or throwing cash into crowds. Critics have frequently questioned the practice.
Safo recounts that the defence offered during their discussion was pragmatic. In his view, small sums of money can provide immediate relief to individuals in desperate situations. In certain chaotic environments, what appears theatrical to critics may be seen by supporters as urgent assistance or even a security strategy to disperse crowds and allow safe movement.
Industry Relations and Forward Plans
Safo also referenced comments directed toward industry colleagues such as Bullgod and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, along with a special mention of Ansah Addo Halifax. The overarching message, he noted, centered on promoting constructive causes and building rather than destroying within the creative industry.
Plans to host media personalities for direct engagement were also hinted at, though Safo emphasized that certain aspects of the conversation remain undisclosed as some initiatives are still in development.
The Weight of the Street Crown
Safo concludes that leadership in entertainment, especially one rooted in street credibility, carries expectations that can become both responsibility and burden. In a culture driven by visibility and constant media scrutiny, he argues that some of the most significant actions occur quietly.
For members of the Shatta Movement and supporters such as Samuel Atuobi Baah, the message is clear. The crown may be visible, but the weight it carries is often unseen.
Entertainment
Patricia Asiedua Asiamah Speaks After Release, Describes Prison Term as Spiritual Test of Faith
Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has spoken publicly for the first time following her release from prison, describing her time in custody as a profound spiritual journey anchored in prayer, scripture, and steadfast faith in God.
Addressing the media after regaining her freedom on March 3, the controversial evangelist recounted the anxiety and uncertainty she experienced upon being taken into custody. According to her, the initial moments were filled with fear and a sense of the unknown.
She revealed that on her way to prison, she felt as though she was heading toward death. Standing at the prison gate, she said she surrendered herself completely to God, admitting she had no idea what awaited her inside. Clutching her Bible, she prayed for mercy before walking through the gates.
Nana Agradaa said the announcement of a 15 year sentence was difficult to process. She described the moment as overwhelming, questioning how she could face such a lengthy term behind bars. The reality of the sentence, she noted, forced her to reflect deeply on her circumstances.
With what seemed like a daunting future ahead, she said she turned entirely to prayer and the Word of God for strength. According to her, faith became her only source of hope during that period.
While in custody, she immersed herself in biblical accounts of imprisonment and divine intervention. She cited stories from the Book of Acts, including the imprisonment and subsequent release of Peter, as well as Paul and Silas, who were freed after praying while in chains. She said these accounts strengthened her belief that prayer and faith could bring deliverance even in the most difficult situations.
She also reflected on the opening verses of the Gospel of John, emphasizing the power of the Word through which she believes God created the heavens and the earth. In her view, if divine power could shape creation, then a 15 year sentence was insignificant before God.
Nana Agradaa further referenced the story of Jonah, who repented after disobedience and received mercy, and King Nebuchadnezzar, who, according to the Bible, regained his kingship after humbling himself before God. She explained that these examples reinforced her conviction that repentance and humility could lead to restoration.
According to her, she made a personal vow during her incarceration, promising to dedicate herself fully to God’s service if granted mercy and freedom. She said she reminded God of His unchanging nature and asked for the same intervention shown to biblical figures in the past.
Her release comes under Ghana’s remission policy, which allows eligible inmates to benefit from a reduction of up to one third of their sentence for good behaviour while serving their term.
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