Ghanaian writer Eric Akomanyi has called for a rethinking of the country’s education system, using the life story of celebrated musician Shatta Wale as a powerful example of resilience, creativity and self-belief.

In a reflective social media post, Akomanyi described the award-winning artiste, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, as “a possibilist” who refused to allow his environment or academic struggles to define his future.

According to him, a recent video involving the musician reignited the long-standing debate over whether individuals are shaped by their environment or by their own choices and determination.

Referencing Winneba Secondary School Old Students Association, Akomanyi noted that despite not fitting into the traditional academic mould during his school days, Shatta Wale’s talent eventually earned him national recognition and admiration.

He argued that many young people possess extraordinary gifts outside conventional academics, yet society often sidelines them because they do not excel in examinations.

“Talent development should not be limited to sports alone,” he wrote, stressing that music, film, writing, arts and innovation deserve equal attention within the educational system.

Drawing on African proverbs and literary references, including works associated with Chinua Achebe, Akomanyi urged schools and society to create more room for creative talents to flourish.

He concluded by calling on educators and policymakers to embrace diverse forms of intelligence and nurture the next generation of creatives capable of shaping society through art, storytelling and innovation.

FOCAP Vice President, Enock Agyepong, has been crowned National Pundit of the Year at the 2026 Foklex Media Awards, using his acceptance speech to deliver a strong warning against what he described as the growing “criminalization of free speech” in Ghana through the Cybersecurity Act.

It is worrying how a Criminal Libel Law which was repealed in 2001 will find its way back into our law books in 2020 via a Cyber law.

Our laws have provided Civil ways of resolving Free Speech offenses and we don’t need any form of Free Speech CRIMINALIZATION.

If we’re really practicing democracy and being governed by a tolerant President then we should give the citizens the freedom to speak but if we’re not ready for the consequences that comes with democracy then let’s CRIMINALIZE speech so we go back to the Military days where the security agencies were used to intimidating citizens.

Ghana has come a long way especially with regards to the media practice and we don’t need any form of gaging lest we lose the Essence of our Democracy.

He expressed gratitude to the organisers of the media Awards scheme and commended Foolex for keeping the media space competitive.

Thanks to everyone who voted and dedicated the award to FOCAP the strongest Creative Arts Advocacy Group in Ghana.

The 6th edition of the Ghana Minister of the Year (MOTY) Awards is set to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the La Palm Beach Convention Centre in Accra.

The annual event, which has become one of the country’s notable governance recognition platforms, seeks to honour Ministers of State whose performance and policy delivery made significant impact within the past year.

Organisers say this year’s awards come at a time when government institutions are under increasing public scrutiny over economic recovery efforts, sector reforms, and service delivery.

Six ministers have been shortlisted for the ultimate Minister of the Year 2025 award after what organisers describe as months of public nominations, stakeholder consultations, and performance assessments.

The nominees are:
Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture
Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance
Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Industry and Agribusiness

All six ministers are expected to receive recognition on the night, with one eventually emerging as the overall Minister of the Year 2025.

According to organisers, the awards are aimed at promoting accountability and excellence in public service by recognising ministers whose policies and leadership contributed positively to national development.

The event is expected to attract government officials, diplomats, private sector players, civil society organisations, and members of the media.
The ceremony will begin at 6:00pm at the La Palm Beach Convention Centre in Accra.

The awards scheme is powered by Big Events Ghana.