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Creative Diplomacy in Limbo as PanAfrica–Ghana Awaits Government Response on Healing Africa Tour

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PanAfrica–Ghana has formally expressed disappointment over what it describes as the government’s prolonged silence and lack of engagement regarding the proposed Healing Africa Tour (HAT) project a Pan-African cultural and creative initiative aimed at promoting unity, healing, and socio-cultural dialogue across the continent.

According to the organisation, the HAT project was submitted to relevant state institutions with the expectation of collaboration, policy support, and strategic endorsement, particularly given the project’s alignment with Ghana’s long-standing Pan-African identity and its positioning as the gateway to Africa.

The HEALING AFRICA TOUR (HAT) Project is envisioned as a multi-country and continental cultural and wellness movement that seeks to promote healing, unity, mental well-being, and cultural reconnection across Africa through music, arts, dialogue, and heritage engagement. PAG maintains that the project aligns strongly with Ghana’s historic role as a beacon of Pan-Africanism and cultural diplomacy.
According to the Founding President, Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, PanAfrica–Ghana (PAG) noted that the silence from government institutions is particularly troubling, given the country’s stated commitment to leveraging the creative arts and culture as tools for national development and international engagement.
PAG revealed that proposals and appeals were directed to key institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and other allied bodies, seeking collaboration in areas such as policy alignment, logistical support, funding facilitation, and international coordination.
The organisation stressed that government partnership would significantly enhance the project’s scale, credibility, and impact while also creating opportunities for youth engagement, creative sector growth, tourism development, and global visibility for Ghana.
PanAfrica–Ghana (PAG) further cautioned that the continued absence of response risks undermining confidence among cultural practitioners and Pan-African stakeholders who view Ghana as a natural home for continental initiatives rooted in history, identity, and shared values.
Despite the disappointment, PAG reaffirmed its commitment to the “Healing Africa Tour”, stating that it remains open to dialogue and collaboration with government and institutional partners who share the vision of using culture as a force for healing and unity.
As debates around public-private collaboration in the creative sector intensify, the situation once again highlights a recurring challenge within Ghana’s cultural ecosystem: the gap between cultural vision and institutional responsiveness.
Below is the open letter from PAG Executives to His Excellency, the President of Ghana.
OPEN LETTER TO H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA
———————–
Date: January 19, 2025
The President’s Office,
Republic of Ghana, Accra.
Attention: His Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama,
President of the Republic of Ghana, Jubilee House, Accra.
Dear Mr. President,
RE: PROPOSAL FOR SUPPORT AND PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PANAFRICA-GHANA (PAG) AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA (GoG) FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “HEALING AFRICA TOUR (HAT)” PROJECT
————————-
I am writing to express my disappointment and concern regarding the lack of response to my previous letters to your office, dated March 7, 2025, and October 6, 2025, regarding the above-mentioned project. Copies of these letters were also sent to relevant government officials, including the Vice-President, Chief of Staff, Speaker of Parliament, and several Ministers.
Due to the silence from your office, I have been compelled to hold a press conference to bring this matter to your attention, hoping that it will prompt a response and consideration of the proposed partnership. I feel that my efforts to work with your government have been met with indifference, which is why I am taking this step.
I look forward to hearing back from you and your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi,
Founding President, PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG)
P.O. Box GP 1161, Accra.
https://youtu.be/eopQNt8EUXo?si=ZMCv9mMJ5m_pJ7qC

Culture

“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga

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Broadcast journalist Lilly Mohammed has descended on Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to American streamer IShowSpeed.

 

Speaking on GH Today, GHOne TV’s morning show, the host expressed strong dissatisfaction with the minister’s action, questioning the justification for granting Ghanaian citizenship to the internet personality after a brief visit to the country.

 

“Let’s get serious as a country. It’s like we’re not serious at all. Somebody comes to Ghana, he’s a streamer, he’s putting Ghana on the global map, he’s doing whatever. He comes for a day or two, and then you shove a Ghanaian passport into his hands. You’re not serious,” she said.

 

Lilly Mohammed stated that she could not see the importance of IShowSpeed’s visit that warranted the issuance of a Ghanaian passport.

 

“You’re not serious. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, you were somebody we had high expectations of. You shoved a Ghanaian passport into the hands of somebody who came here streaming and embarking on his own personal thing. Coming to step on our jollof, jumping on the Black Stars Square, what has that done to our GDP? What has it added to our economy?” she questioned.

 

The media personality further compared the situation to Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who has consistently promoted Africa on the global stage, asking whether any country had rewarded him with citizenship for his efforts.

 

“Wode Maya has been putting Ghana on the map globally. Have you seen America give him an American passport? Even Nigeria, has Nigeria given him a Nigerian passport? You entertain stupidity so much. You’ve given him a Ghanaian passport for what achievement? What has he done for Ghana?” she asked.

 

She also criticised the public reaction surrounding the visit, particularly an incident where some Ghanaians reportedly ate jollof rice that IShowSpeed had stepped on during his visit.

“You give him a Ghanaian passport because he sat on our jollof, and the moment he steps away, Ghanaians rush to eat it. You are not serious. With the greatest respect, let’s put some value on our passport. Let’s put value on this country,” she stressed.

Lilly Mohammed further lamented the difficulties faced by Ghanaian citizens in acquiring passports, contrasting it with the ease with which the streamer was allegedly granted one.

 

“Meanwhile, Ghanaians are queuing for passports. Ghanaian citizens born in this country, who by the Constitution are entitled to citizenship, are struggling. You say you have opened the passport system to eliminate goro boys, yet people are still finding it difficult to get a basic passport,” she said.

 

While clarifying that she had no personal issue with the streamer, she maintained that the decision to issue him a Ghanaian passport was unjustified.

 

“I have no problem with him. I didn’t even know him until he came to Ghana. It’s a beautiful thing what he’s doing, and it’s risky. For a young man, he’s very bold and deserves a pat on the back. However, to give him a Ghanaian passport, what has he done to deserve it? Let’s get serious in this country, for real,” she concluded.

 

Background

 

On Tuesday, January 27, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the Ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed. According to the minister, the decision followed confirmation of what he described as the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.

IShowSpeed, an American streamer currently on an African tour highlighting the continent’s culture and lifestyle, arrived in Ghana on Sunday. He was officially welcomed on Monday, January 26, with a traditional Akan naming ceremony held in the Eastern Region.

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Ghana Music Awards Europe Appoints Mona Gucci as Chief Operations Officer

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Ghana Music Awards Europe has officially announced the appointment of Abigail Monalisa Semaha, widely known as Mona Gucci, as its new Chief Operations Officer.

The announcement, made in Accra and Europe, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership as it expands its footprint across Europe and the global Ghanaian music community.

According to the organizers, the appointment reflects Ghana Music Awards Europe’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership. Mona Gucci brings with her extensive experience in media, branding, communications, and creative industry management. She is widely respected for her deep understanding of entertainment culture, audience engagement, and strategic leadership.

In her new role, Mona Gucci will oversee the day-to-day operations of Ghana Music Awards Europe, lead strategic planning, manage partnerships, and supervise the execution of key initiatives aimed at elevating the awards scheme’s brand. Her leadership is expected to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen industry relationships, and enhance the overall experience for artists, stakeholders, and audiences.

Speaking on the appointment, organizers of Ghana Music Awards Europe expressed strong confidence in her ability to drive growth and innovation within the organization. They noted that her professionalism, experience, and insight into the entertainment landscape make her a valuable addition to the executive team.

Mona Gucci also expressed her excitement about the new role, stating that she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the celebration and global promotion of Ghanaian music and culture.

Ghana Music Awards Europe remains dedicated to recognizing and honoring Ghanaian musical excellence while creating platforms that connect artists to international audiences. The annual awards scheme was established to celebrate and promote Ghanaian music and creatives in Europe and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and global recognition for Ghana’s vibrant music industry.

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High Court Confirms No Will on Record for Late Highlife Icon Daddy Lumba

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The High Court in Accra has confirmed that there is no record of a last will belonging to the late highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely known as Daddy Lumba, at the Probate and Administration Division’s registry.

This confirmation followed an official search conducted as part of the legal process surrounding the administration of the musician’s estate.

According to court documents, the registry search was initiated to determine whether Daddy Lumba had deposited a will with the High Court. The request also sought details such as the date of deposit, the individual who submitted the document, and the lawyer who prepared it, should such a will exist.

However, a formal response from the registry, dated January 19, 2026, at 2:37 pm, stated that no will associated with the late musician is on record. The document, signed and stamped by the Registrar of the Probate and Administration Division, confirmed that the court’s registry holds no such record.

The absence of a registered will indicates that Daddy Lumba’s estate may be administered under Ghana’s intestate succession laws, unless a valid will is produced from another source. This development introduces additional legal considerations for the family and legal representatives managing his affairs.

Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most influential and celebrated highlife musicians, left behind an extensive musical catalogue that continues to shape the country’s music industry. Since his passing, public attention has remained focused on the handling of his estate, reflecting both his stature and the enduring impact of his legacy.

 

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