Connect with us

Entertainment

A Missed Opportunity in Diplomatic Symbolism: The German President’s Visit and Ghana’s Lost Historical Moment

Published

on

DR. HOLLYWOOD WRITES…

The recent visit by the German President to Ghana could have been a historic bridge between the past and present — a chance to honor the shared history between Germany and the Volta Region, which once formed part of German Togoland. Yet, that symbolic chapter was left unread.

 

The German President’s visit, might be diplomatically productive yet overlooked the power of historical remembrance. The Volta Region, with its remnants of German architecture, trade routes, and colonial landmarks, stands as a living museum of Ghana’s pre-independence past. A brief visit there could have sent a powerful message of reconciliation, mutual respect, and cultural appreciation — a moment that would have echoed far beyond Ghana’s borders.

 

But that opportunity was missed — not only by the government of Ghana but especially by those who have long claimed to be the guardians of the Volta Region’s political and cultural interests. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), which proudly calls Volta its “world bank,” should have championed the inclusion of this historic region in the President’s itinerary.

 

Even more striking is the silence of members of parliament and Ministers who hails from the Volta region especially prominent Voltarian leaders like Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is the Foreign Affairs minister and MP for North Tongu, and Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, MP for Ketu South and Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Both hold a strategic ministries and should understand the historical weight of their homeland and its significance in Ghana’s relationship with Germany. Their voices could have guided this visit toward historical diplomacy, yet the silence was deafening.

 

This lapse stands in sharp contrast to the vision recently articulated by President John Dramani Mahama at the United Nations general Assembly, where he passionately called for the recognition of the transatlantic slave trade’s enduring impact and the return of Africa’s stolen cultural artifacts. President Mahama’s message underscored the importance of confronting history not hiding from it — as a foundation for genuine international respect.

 

If Ghana’s leaders truly believe in this message, then they must also apply it at home. Honoring regions like Volta, which carry the imprints of colonial legacy, is not an act of nostalgia — it is an act of national dignity.

 

Diplomacy without cultural memory is hollow. The next time world leaders visit our land, let them not just see the conference halls of Accra and the Menhya Palace alone, but also the historical heartbeat of Ghana — where stories of pain, resilience, and rebirth still whisper through the walls of forgotten places like the Volta Region.

 

It’s time our leaders remember: history unacknowledged is diplomacy undone.

 

Author. Frankquophy Awuku Hanyabui (Dr. Hollywood)

An African cultural moral activist, a filmmaker and a social commentator with a passion for Pan African historical and diplomacy. (Email: fawukuhanyabui@gmail.com)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028

Published

on

Musician Shatta Wale

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.

 

He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.

 

According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.

 

“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.

 

Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.

He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.

“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.

The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.

“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.

He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.

“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.

 

==

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft

Published

on

Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.

According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.

Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.

“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.

He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.

When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.

However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.

“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.

Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.

He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.

“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.

==

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba

Published

on

Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.

The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.

In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.

“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.

Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.

Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.

Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).

The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.

Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.

Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 KPDOnline. Powered by AfricaBusinessFile