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Kojo Preko Dankwa Criticises Tourism Minister Over Delayed Theatre and Amphitheatre Projects

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President of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Kojo Preko Dankwa, has criticised the Minister responsible for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts over what he describes as the lack of progress and communication on stalled theatre and amphitheatre projects across Ghana.

Speaking on GBC Spectacle with host Hegar Owusu, Kojo Preko Dankwa said the creative arts industry continues to suffer because critical infrastructure promised to support the sector has been left abandoned.

According to him, while government continues to announce plans to build new theatres and amphitheatres, existing projects initiated under the previous NPP administration have seen little or no progress.

“They can promise us one theatre in Kumasi, they can promise us amphitheatres and all those things, but for them to materialise is another matter,” he said.

The FOCAP President expressed disappointment in the current minister, stating that stakeholders have not received any updates regarding the status of theatre and amphitheatre projects already under construction.

“I am seriously disappointed in the minister. We are not getting any updates when it comes to the amphitheatres and theatre projects that the previous government started. We have not been given any information on what is happening to them,” he stated.

Kojo Preko Dankwa further alleged that some of the abandoned project sites are deteriorating due to neglect.

“When you go there, weeds have taken over the sites and the iron rods are being stolen. The infrastructure is simply being left to waste,” he claimed.

He stressed that the creative arts industry cannot achieve meaningful growth without investment in performance venues and cultural infrastructure.

“We are always calling for infrastructure on the ground. We are also the same people asking for spaces where we can organise events and other creative activities, yet we are still not getting anything,” he lamented.

While acknowledging that the government has its own priorities, Kojo Preko Dankwa maintained that he remains disappointed with the handling of infrastructure development for the creative arts sector.

“So for me, I think government will do what it wants to do, but I am disappointed in the Tourism Minister,” he concluded.

His comments add to growing calls from stakeholders in Ghana’s creative arts industry for the completion of abandoned theatre and amphitheatre projects, arguing that modern performance venues are essential for promoting Ghanaian culture, creating employment and supporting the country’s entertainment industry.

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They Destroyed My Business Without Letting Me Pack My Things: Itz Tiffany

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Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Itz Tiffany, owner of the popular Box Bar, has expressed frustration and disappointment following the demolition of her three-storey beach bar at Laboma Beach.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, shared on X on September 17, 2026, the musician said she was informed about the demolition after receiving a phone call and immediately contacted members of her staff.

She said she and her workers proceeded to the location but were unable to enter the premises because of the heavy security presence.

According to Itz Tiffany, the situation became more frustrating when their pleas to retrieve valuable items from the facility were rejected.

She disclosed that there were about seven trucks at the site and that she specifically appealed to the soldiers to allow her to enter her office to retrieve money kept in a safe.

“I had about seven trucks there, and I even pleaded with the soldiers that I had a safe in my office that contained money, so they should allow me to go for it.”

The musician said she was eventually allowed into the premises only after the demolition machinery had already brought down the structure.

“By the time they allowed me in, the machine had already razed my place. They didn’t even allow me to pack my things.”

Itz Tiffany argued that she could have salvaged several items if she had been granted access earlier, mentioning drinks and other belongings that were still at the bar.

She also put the financial value of the project at more than US$200,000.

“Are you there to tell me I couldn’t have packed some things there? I could have, because I had drinks there. Even the project is worth over $200,000,” she said.

The musician also disputed an account attributed to the Ghana Armed Forces, suggesting that affected property owners had been given time to remove their belongings before the demolition.

She insisted that this did not happen in her case, describing the claim as false.

Itz Tiffany said the business had already closed for work and that she and her employees were at home when they received information about the operation.

“We had closed for work and were at home, and you guys came there to destroy our business.”

She revealed that nearly 28 workers were associated with the business, highlighting the number of people whose livelihoods were connected to the facility.

She further criticised what she said was an inaccurate account circulating in the media, particularly a claim that soldiers had allowed occupants to remove their property.

“In the news, I heard the soldier saying that when they came, they allowed us to pack our things, and that is a blatant lie.”

According to her, she called her workers immediately after receiving the demolition alert, and they went together to the site.

However, she said they were stopped at the entrance.

“When I got the call, I called my workers, and we all went to the place. When we got there, we couldn’t even enter the gate because the soldiers were there.”

Itz Tiffany claimed that the operation involved a large number of security personnel, estimating that more than 100 soldiers and about 200 police officers were present.

She said the security personnel refused to allow her group into the premises to retrieve their belongings.

The demolition has left Itz Tiffany facing the loss of her three-storey Box Bar, which she says represented an investment of more than US$200,000.

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 MzGee stunned by BECE aggregates at SHS placement centre

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Media personality MzGee has reacted with surprise after hearing students and parents mention BECE aggregates of 28, 33, 39 and 45 during the ongoing 2026/2027 SHS placement exercise.

MzGee’s reaction came after she watched footage of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu touring the National Resolution Centre, where he engaged students and parents seeking help with their school placements.

During the interaction, some of the students and parents disclosed the BECE aggregates of the candidates, with scores ranging from 28 to 45 being mentioned.

The figures appeared to shock MzGee, who questioned whether such results had become normal.

Reacting to the footage, she wrote:

“Eeeiii!!! Just watching the Education Minister tour the School Placement Center, and the aggregate of these students and parents are mentioning PAA! Ah, how did we get here or ebi normal? 28, 33, 39, 45?”

https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1JH5ycHjn7/

Her comments have since sparked discussion around BECE performance, school selection and the challenges associated with the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

The 2026/2027 placement exercise has seen students and parents visit the resolution centre to seek assistance with placement-related concerns, including requests for changes to assigned schools.

 

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Wendy Shay raises fresh concerns over treatment of women in Ghana’s music industry

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Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay has reignited conversations about the challenges confronting women in the country’s music industry, expressing concern over what she says is a lack of support for female artistes.

The Uber Driver hitmaker said she has always been aware that the industry does not provide equal opportunities and support for women, but revealed that something she recently heard has made her even more concerned about the situation.

Wendy Shay shared her thoughts in a post on her X account where she criticised the music industry for what she described as its unfavourable treatment of women.

She wrote:

“This music industry does not favour women AT ALL!!! I always knew this, but after hearing what I just heard, it’s SERIOUS!!!”

However, the singer did not explain what she had heard or reveal the specific incident that prompted the strong reaction.

Her comments have since generated interest among social media users, with some seeking further clarification about the issue she was referring to and what may have triggered her latest concerns.

 

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Management Explains Biblical Meaning Behind Ohemaa Mercy’s 2026 Tehillah Costume and Entry

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Ghanaian gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy’s management has explained the biblical symbolism behind the elaborate outfit and ceremonial entrance she used at the 2026 Tehillah Experience, saying the presentation was designed as a visual expression of the event’s spiritual theme rather than simply a stage costume.

The 13th edition of the annual worship gathering was held on 13 September 2026 at the Oil Dome of Royalhouse Chapel International in Accra, under the theme “The Altar of Fire.” Thousands of worshippers and gospel-music enthusiasts attended the event.

Ohemaa Mercy launches 10th Tehillah Experience 2023 themed 'Fire and Fragance' | GhHeadlines Total News Total Information

Ohemaa Mercy launches 10th Tehillah Experience 2023 themed ‘Fire and Fragance’ | GhHeadlines Total News Total Information

A message before the music

In a statement titled “The Message Behind the Mantle: Decoding Ohemaa Mercy’s Altar Entry at Tehillah Experience 2026,” management said the singer’s appearance was intended to communicate a message before she began leading worship.

The team described the presentation as an “altar entry” and said the clothing and procession were deliberately connected to biblical imagery of priesthood, consecration, sacrifice and worship.

Management ultimately described the outfit as “Priestly Regalia for an Altar Assignment.”

The cap: symbolism of the priestly mitre

One of the most noticeable elements was the distinctive cap worn by Ohemaa Mercy.

According to her management, it was designed to resemble the mitre worn by the High Priest in the Old Testament, drawing particularly on Exodus 28:36-38 and its reference to a gold plate bearing the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”

The team said the symbolism was intended to represent priesthood, holiness, consecration, covering and submission to divine authority.

Management also connected the imagery to Leviticus 6:13, which describes the altar fire as something that should continually burn.

My entry at Tehillah invoked the heavens - Ohemaa Mercy - Graphic Online

My entry at Tehillah invoked the heavens – Ohemaa Mercy – Graphic Online

Why the cross went ahead of her

The procession also featured a cross carried ahead of Ohemaa Mercy, accompanied by white linen.

Management said the positioning was deliberate. The cross was presented as representing Christ going before believers, while the white linen was associated with righteousness and resurrection.

The explanation drew on several New Testament passages, including John 19:17, Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 1:20, connecting the cross with Christ’s sacrifice, death to self and reconciliation with God.

Management therefore said the cross was placed first to signify that access to God was through Christ rather than human strength.

White, gold and crimson

The flowing garment itself contained several colours that management also interpreted through biblical imagery.

Element Meaning given by management
White Purity and consecration
Gold Glory, kingship and royal priesthood
Crimson Sacrifice
Cross + white linen Christ, righteousness and resurrection
Priestly cap Holiness, priesthood and submission to divine authority

The explanation linked the white garment to Revelation 19:8, gold to the biblical concept of a “royal priesthood” in 1 Peter 2:9, and crimson to the theme of sacrifice in Romans 12:1.

These are management’s theological interpretations of the design; they are not independent findings about what the colours objectively mean.

2018 Tehillah Experience: Ohemaa Mercy Sets Stage Ablaze

2018 Tehillah Experience: Ohemaa Mercy Sets Stage Ablaze

The entrance as a procession

Management said the entrance itself was planned as part of the message.

The procession included horns and intercessory prayers, which the team compared with biblical accounts involving worship, priestly service and the presence of God.

It specifically referenced Esther 5:1-2 and 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, drawing parallels between Ohemaa Mercy’s entrance and biblical scenes of approaching sacred or royal spaces and worship preceding the manifestation of God’s glory.

The team said the intention was to shift the atmosphere from that of a conventional concert toward one centred on worship and prayer.

Tehillah’s history of symbolic entrances

The elaborate presentation also fits a pattern associated with earlier Tehillah Experiences.

In 2021, Graphic Showbiz reported that Ohemaa Mercy entered the venue in a procession featuring a horn blower, candlestick, ark and cross. At the time, she explained that the presentation was intended to illustrate biblical ideas surrounding access to God’s presence and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

That earlier presentation provides context for why the 2026 entrance was similarly designed around biblical imagery rather than being treated simply as concert choreography.

The wider Tehillah Experience

The 2026 event brought together several gospel performers, including Francis Amo, Ceccy Twum, SK Frimpong, Michael Mahendere, Petra Odubayo and Kofi Peprah, according to reports.

The annual event has developed into a major gospel worship gathering in Ghana, combining music, prayer and preaching rather than functioning solely as a conventional concert.

Ohemaa Mercy has previously described the development of Tehillah as part of a broader spiritual direction for her ministry. In an August 2026 interview with Starr FM, she recalled saying she received what she understood as a message in 2012 about her ministry entering a new phase and subsequently began pursuing a vision centred on gathering people for worship.

Independent perspective

The 2026 costume and entrance were therefore deliberately constructed around the event’s “Altar of Fire” theme, according to Ohemaa Mercy’s management. The explanations draw extensively on biblical passages and traditional Christian imagery, particularly the Old Testament priesthood, Christ’s crucifixion and New Testament ideas of consecration and sacrifice.

The key distinction is that these meanings come from Ohemaa Mercy and her management’s own explanation of the presentation. They should be understood as the intended symbolism behind the performance, rather than as universally agreed interpretations of every element of the costume.

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All Support Acts on Ed Sheeran’s US Tour Quit After Macklemore Dropped

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Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour has lost all of its remaining scheduled supporting acts after rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made during performances in New Jersey.

The departures involve Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk group Beoga, with the artists citing concerns about artistic expression and solidarity with Macklemore.

Ed Sheeran Tickets - Concert Tour Dates - AXS AU

Ed Sheeran Tickets – Concert Tour Dates – AXS AU

Macklemore removed from remaining dates

Macklemore was scheduled to appear on several of Sheeran’s remaining US stadium dates. During Sheeran’s September shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, he made comments supporting Palestinians, including a call to “Free Palestine”, while performing his protest song Hind’s Hall.

The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, subsequently announced that Macklemore would not perform the remaining support dates.

The promoter said venues on upcoming dates had indicated they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the bill, creating the possibility that shows could be cancelled.

New Macklemore Single 'Growing Up (Sloane's Song)' Entrenches Old Camps

New Macklemore Single ‘Growing Up (Sloane’s Song)’ Entrenches Old Camps

Sheeran says the decision was not his

Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy, saying that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision rather than his own.

He said venues had communicated that they would withdraw their shows if Macklemore remained on the bill and that he had spoken with venues and other parties in an attempt to find a solution.

Sheeran also said he did not want to turn his concerts into a public political debate and emphasized his concern for fans, touring staff and musicians whose livelihoods depend on the shows.

First look at Ed Sheeran’s new Loop Tour stage in Auckland

First look at Ed Sheeran’s new Loop Tour stage in Auckland

Four supporting acts leave

Following Macklemore’s removal, the remaining support artists announced their departures.

Artist Role on tour Development
Finneas Supporting performer Withdrew from the tour
Lukas Graham Supporting act/replacement Withdrew
Aaron Rowe Supporting act/replacement Withdrew
Beoga Sheeran’s touring band Withdrew

Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking about people they believe are being oppressed. Beoga, meanwhile, had been performing alongside Sheeran during his shows.

Dispute involving Robert Kraft

Macklemore has said that billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, played a role in efforts to prevent him from appearing at some of the remaining shows.

Kraft has defended his opposition to Macklemore’s continued participation, citing what he described as the rapper’s broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Those characterizations are disputed, and Macklemore has framed his comments as criticism of Israeli government policies and support for Palestinians rather than hostility toward Jewish people.

The promoter’s public explanation has focused on the positions taken by venues and the potential effect on the wider tour rather than attributing the decision solely to one venue owner.

Macklemore pledges tour earnings to Palestinian aid

The controversy has continued beyond the tour itself. Macklemore has said he intends to donate approximately $1 million in net earnings from his time on the Loop Tour to organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.

He has also challenged Kraft to match the donation.

What happens to Sheeran’s tour?

The Loop Tour is scheduled to continue despite the departures. The immediate change is that Sheeran no longer has the group of support acts originally planned for the remaining dates.

The episode has also opened a broader debate within the music industry over the boundaries between concert entertainment, political expression and the commercial interests of artists, promoters and stadium operators.

The facts surrounding the dispute are relatively clear — Macklemore was removed, the other supporting acts subsequently withdrew, and Sheeran says the removal was made by the promoter. The competing explanations for why the decision was ultimately made remain contested.

Independent assessment

The incident illustrates how political statements made from a major concert stage can have consequences extending beyond an individual performer. It also raises questions about who ultimately controls the content of large commercial tours when artists, promoters and venue operators hold different positions.

The departures by the other artists make the dispute unusual because the consequences have extended across almost the entire remaining support lineup, rather than being limited to Macklemore’s own performances.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, The Guardian, ITV News, Variety and Al Jazeera.

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