Entertainment
Lydia Forson Talks Against Replacing Ghanaian Names with Foreign Cultural References
Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has expressed concern over what she describes as a growing habit among Ghanaians of replacing local names, expressions and cultural references with terms borrowed from other countries.
The actress believes the seemingly minor changes in everyday language could have wider implications for Ghana’s cultural identity, particularly if the trend continues without efforts to preserve indigenous names, traditions and expressions.
In a social media post, Lydia pointed to the increasing use of puff puff instead of the Ghanaian name bofrot as one example of the trend.
She also cited the growing use of Ankara to refer to ntoma, questioning whether such changes could gradually cause Ghanaians to lose connection with their own cultural heritage.
“You might think it’s a small thing, but it doesn’t stop with food. We’re even calling ntoma Ankara now. But that’s how we slowly erase who we are,” she stated.
Lydia, who has consistently spoken about the importance of embracing Ghanaian culture, said the development was worrying, especially at a time when the country is already facing challenges in preserving indigenous languages and traditions.
She acknowledged that language and culture are not static and will naturally change over time, but argued that such evolution should not come at the expense of things that are uniquely Ghanaian.
“Look, I know language and culture evolve, and I also have no issues with other cultures. In fact, I love and appreciate them. What would there be to appreciate if they were the same as us?” she asked.
The actress also questioned why Ghanaians often appear more willing to embrace foreign names, trends and products while showing comparatively less enthusiasm for their own cultural expressions.
“I want to know: why are we so quick to set aside what is ours? Why don’t we appreciate our own?” she asked.
According to Lydia, the issue extends beyond food and clothing and can be seen in different areas of Ghanaian life, including music, food and drinks.
She suggested that Ghanaians sometimes appear more enthusiastic about promoting foreign products and cultural influences than celebrating and promoting what originates from Ghana.
The actress further expressed frustration over the involvement of some leaders in the same behaviour, despite their calls for citizens to take pride in the country, support local products and promote Ghanaian culture.
“What makes it more frustrating is that even some of our leaders do this, then turn around and tell us to be proud of Ghana, support Ghana and promote Ghana,” she said.
For Lydia, the matter is not simply about whether people choose one name over another when referring to everyday items.
She believes that repeatedly replacing indigenous cultural expressions with foreign alternatives could eventually influence how younger generations perceive, understand and value their heritage.
“How do we expect people to value our culture if we keep treating it as something to replace?” she asked.
The actress connected her concerns to her work with Kinky Matters, explaining that the brand was created partly from her desire to preserve aspects of Ghanaian identity while still engaging with and appreciating the wider world.
She described Kinky Matters as being more than products to her and said the same motivation informed the creation of the Kinky Experience, which she established as another platform for celebrating Ghanaian culture.
“I’m determined to hold on to as much of us through whatever means possible while adapting and appreciating the world around us,” she said.
Lydia, however, clarified that her position should not be interpreted as criticism of other cultures or countries.
She stressed that appreciating cultural influences from elsewhere and preserving Ghanaian identity can happen at the same time.
“Again, this isn’t against other cultures or countries. We can appreciate others and hold on to ours,” she stated.
Source: Graphics Online
Entertainment
I Was Eating with Him That Day – Joint 77 Claims Shatta Wale Hid Beyoncé Shoot
Former SM Militant member Joint 77 has recounted what he describes as a betrayal of trust by dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, particularly over the artiste’s collaboration with global music star Beyoncé.
Speaking in an interview on Max TV, shared on X on September 28, 2026, Joint 77 claimed that Shatta Wale failed to inform him or other members of the group about his trip to shoot a music video with Beyoncé, despite their close relationship at the time.
According to Joint 77, he was with Shatta Wale on the day the artiste travelled and even shared a meal with him shortly before his departure.
He alleged that Shatta Wale did not disclose the actual purpose of the trip and only informed him about the music video shoot after he had already travelled and encountered difficulties.
“I was with him like the other guys were there when he was going to shoot a video with Beyoncé. I was eating with him like this at the same table. He left that evening without telling anybody anything,” Joint 77 said.
He further claimed that members of the crew were unaware of the trip because Shatta Wale allegedly believed they might interfere with or spoil the work.
“Nobody in the crew knew because he thought we were wizards and would want to spoil his work. He went there alone to face the consequences before he called me, telling me a whole lot,” he added.
Joint 77 said the incident made him feel that his love and trust for Shatta Wale had been taken for granted.
He also alleged that Shatta Wale would sometimes perform songs they had recorded together without inviting the group to his events.
“I moved because the way I held Shatta Wale, he wasn’t able to help us. Even travelling alone with the Militant to perform was a problem for him. He goes alone to perform ‘Taking Over’. He performs all of our songs, our verses. When he’s going, sometimes he will not even tell you,” Joint 77 stated.
The comments highlight the grievances Joint 77 says contributed to his decision to distance himself from Shatta Wale and the SM Militant group.
Entertainment
Pete Edochie arrives in Ghana for major legacy project
Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie has arrived in Ghana as part of plans to launch the Pete Edochie Legacy Project, an initiative aimed at celebrating his decades-long contribution to African cinema and storytelling.
The legendary Nigerian actor’s arrival has generated excitement among Ghanaian movie lovers, many of whom have followed his career for decades.
The project is expected to focus on Edochie’s life, career, experiences and contribution to African film, while also creating an avenue for younger generations to learn from his journey.
The actor had earlier announced his intention to visit Ghana, telling Ghanaians that his trip would involve them directly.
“I’m gonna be in Ghana and what I am coming for involves you, and I’m not going to be in a hurry to go home,” he said in a message to Ghanaians.
Edochie also expressed his affection for Ghana and said he had missed the country.
The Pete Edochie Legacy Project is being presented as a celebration of an acting career that has stretched across several decades and made him one of the most recognisable faces in African cinema.
Edochie became internationally known for his portrayal of Okonkwo in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, a role that helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.
Beyond that performance, he has appeared in numerous Nigerian films and television productions and has become known for playing authoritative, traditional and complex characters.
His arrival in Ghana also carries a cultural dimension because of the long-standing connection between Ghana’s and Nigeria’s film industries.
The two countries have shared actors, producers, directors and audiences for decades, with Ghanaian and Nigerian productions frequently crossing national borders.
The legacy project is expected to provide an opportunity to revisit Edochie’s career while highlighting the lessons and experiences he has accumulated during his years in the creative industry.
The exact programme of activities surrounding the Ghana leg of the project has been subject to updates, with organisers promoting the initiative as a celebration of the veteran actor’s enduring influence.
Edochie’s Ghana visit comes after he personally appealed to Ghanaians to look forward to his arrival, telling them that he was coming with a project that would involve them.
The actor has also previously faced recurring false reports about his death, which he has publicly addressed while reflecting on the impact such rumours can have on him and his family.
His current visit to Ghana instead places the focus on his career, legacy and contribution to African entertainment.
Source: Adom Online
Entertainment
Daddy Lumba Remembered: Odo Broni Supports Mothers at Korle Bu
The family of late highlife icon Daddy Lumba has commemorated what would have been his 62nd birthday with a charitable gesture at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
On Tuesday, September 29, Daddy Lumba’s wife, Odo Broni, joined his sister, Faustina Fosu, as well as relatives and close associates of the late musician to extend financial assistance to patients and new mothers at the hospital.
As part of the initiative, medical bills for mothers who had delivered at the hospital but were unable to settle their expenses were paid. Odo Broni also covered the hospital bills of mothers who gave birth on September 29, in memory of her late husband.
The family further donated to support mothers whose children are receiving treatment for cancer, with each beneficiary receiving GH¢3,000.
Odo Broni explained that the decision was deeply connected to Daddy Lumba’s personal experience with cancer through his mother, Comfort Ama Saah Gyamfi, who died after battling leukaemia.
She said memories of his mother remained emotional for the late musician, who would often become tearful whenever he spoke about her.
“My mother-in-law had leukaemia and died, and anytime my late husband spoke about her, he wept. That’s why I have come to donate money to mothers whose children are battling cancer,” she said.
The gesture formed part of activities to honour Daddy Lumba’s memory while offering practical support to people going through difficult circumstances.
Reflecting on her husband’s legacy, Odo Broni said his physical absence had not diminished the impact of the music he created.
She noted that Daddy Lumba’s songs continue to bring happiness, comfort and cherished memories to listeners, with his musical works remaining relevant across generations.
According to her, the legacy he built throughout his career would continue to live on and influence people even in the years ahead.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, was one of Ghana’s most celebrated highlife musicians. He died on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60.
Entertainment
Kofi Ajorlolo reveals how Ghana producers banned him from acting
Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Ajorlolo has revealed that a group of movie producers once imposed a two-year ban on him, preventing him from working in Ghana’s film industry.
Ajorlolo disclosed the experience in a recent video posted on Instagram by CelebrityBlogg55, where he reflected on some of the challenges he encountered during his long acting career.
According to the actor, the ban was initially expected to last for two years. However, the decision was eventually abandoned after about six to eight months.
“I was banned from acting in Ghana for 2 years by a group of producers,” Ajorlolo said.
He explained that despite the restriction, the ban did not prevent him from securing acting opportunities because producers from Nigeria continued to approach him for roles.
“Finally, I think they themselves went back, and they realised that no, it was not worth it because as they were banning me in Ghana here, Nigerian producers too were calling, fighting for me to come perform. So it didn’t affect me,” he explained.
Ajorlolo said the situation eventually forced the producers to reconsider their decision, leading to the ban being withdrawn.
“After six months or eight months or so, they themselves just pulled that thing out that I should come back,” he disclosed.
Reflecting on the incident, the veteran actor described himself as a sacrificial lamb, suggesting that his experience formed part of a broader situation within the Ghanaian movie industry at the time.
“So they used me as a sacrificial lamb. That was the first time,” he said.
The revelation offers a glimpse into some of the tensions that existed within Ghana’s film industry and the influence producers had over actors and local productions.
Ajorlolo has enjoyed a career spanning several decades, featuring in both Ghanaian and Nigerian film productions. His work across the two industries has also made him a familiar face to audiences in Ghana and Nigeria.
Entertainment
Sarkodie applauds Mahama over US health compact decision
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama following the government’s decision to reject a proposed health compact with the United States.
In a post on his X page, Sarkodie praised President Mahama for refusing to accept what the government considered problematic conditions contained in the proposed agreement.
“Thank you, Mr President… Hopefully one day we gain back the full respect deserved,” Sarkodie wrote.
His reaction followed comments by President Mahama explaining why Ghana declined the proposed compact, which was presented as an alternative arrangement after the country lost funding previously provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026, President Mahama said the Health Ministry had initially examined the proposed agreement before preparing a Cabinet Information Paper for consideration.
According to the President, Cabinet identified several provisions that raised concerns and ultimately decided against accepting the agreement.
One of the issues he highlighted was a requirement for Ghana to submit its pathogen profile, which would contain information relating to diseases endemic to the country.
President Mahama said Cabinet also questioned a provision that appeared to require Ghana to provide medical records.
He further pointed to conditions concerning Ghana’s financial contribution to the programme and restrictions that would have affected the Food and Drugs Authority’s ability to inspect medicines and other medical products entering the country under the arrangement.
The President described the terms as unacceptable and said Cabinet rejected the compact shortly after it was presented.
He described the decision as one of the fastest rejections of an agreement he had witnessed in Cabinet.
Sarkodie’s post has since drawn attention to the government’s position, with the rapper framing the decision as part of efforts to restore Ghana’s dignity and international respect.
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