Ghanaian actor and New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporter Prince David Osei has joined growing calls for the release of NPP communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye following his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

In a post shared on his X account on Monday, July 13, 2026, the actor expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of state institutions, warning that such actions could weaken Ghana’s democratic principles and erode public trust in governance.

According to David Osei, public confidence in state institutions is threatened when citizens begin to question the fairness, openness and constitutionality of government actions. He argued that democracy is endangered when fear, intimidation and threats are used as tools of control.

“Public confidence in institutions can be shaken when citizens question the fairness, openness, and constitutionality of government actions.

“Democracy suffers when fear, intimidation, and threats are used to control. It’s essential to uphold due process, no matter the issue,” he wrote.

He further stressed that every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or the nature of allegations against them, deserves to be treated in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional due process.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent NPP communicator and spokesperson for former Vice President and the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has been an outspoken critic of the Mahama administration since the NPP lost the 2024 general elections.

His arrest follows an investigation launched by EOCO into the alleged misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds estimated at approximately GH¢55 million.

In a statement dated Monday, July 13, 2026, EOCO confirmed that Aboagye is under investigation over financial and procurement-related irregularities linked to his tenure as the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).

EOCO explained that the investigation was initiated after receiving a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, requesting further investigations into the findings of a forensic audit conducted at the secretariat. The audit examined the institution’s financial and administrative activities covering the period between 2022 and 2025.

The anti-graft agency stated that the ongoing investigations are intended to determine whether public funds were improperly managed or diverted during Aboagye’s time in office.

The Nollywood Africa Network has announced the appointment of Ms. Ramatu Gumah as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Head of Africa Diaspora Affairs, and Brand Ambassador for the Nollywood Africa in Diaspora Film, Food Festival and Awards, in a move aimed at deepening collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora while advancing the continent’s creative economy.

The appointment is being hailed as a significant milestone for the organisation as it seeks to expand its continental and international reach through strategic partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and creative industry development.

With years of experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and creative industry advocacy, Ms. Gumah is expected to play a central role in positioning the Nollywood Africa Network as a catalyst for Pan-African collaboration, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

A STRATEGIC APPOINTMENT

As Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Gumah will provide strategic leadership for the Network’s programmes, oversee its operational activities across Africa, and guide initiatives designed to strengthen the film, television, tourism, fashion, food, and cultural sectors.

In her capacity as Head of Africa Diaspora Affairs, she will lead the Network’s engagement with African diaspora communities, building partnerships that connect governments, creative professionals, investors, cultural institutions, tourism organisations, and development partners.

Her mandate includes promoting knowledge exchange, encouraging investment in Africa’s creative industries, and creating opportunities that enable African talent to compete more effectively on the global stage.

In addition, her appointment as Brand Ambassador for the Nollywood Africa in Diaspora Film, Food Festival and Awards places her at the forefront of one of the Network’s flagship initiatives dedicated to celebrating African storytelling, cinema, cuisine, tourism, and cultural heritage.

PROMOTING AFRICA THROUGH CREATIVITY

The Nollywood Africa in Diaspora Film, Food Festival and Awards is designed to be more than an entertainment event. It seeks to serve as an international platform that showcases Africa’s rich cultural diversity while creating business opportunities for filmmakers, actors, producers, chefs, tourism operators, fashion entrepreneurs, visual artists, musicians, and other creative professionals.

The initiative also aims to strengthen ties between Africa and people of African descent around the world through cultural exchange, networking, investment, and collaborative projects.

By combining film, food, tourism, and cultural experiences, the festival is expected to contribute to economic development while promoting a positive and authentic image of Africa on the global stage.

According to the Network, her appointment represents a renewed commitment to promoting African excellence, supporting creative entrepreneurship, and strengthening collaborations that will unlock new opportunities across the continent and within the diaspora.

The organisation noted that Africa’s creative industries have become an important driver of economic growth, youth employment, tourism, and cultural diplomacy, making strong leadership essential to sustaining this momentum.

LOOKING AHEAD

Industry stakeholders believe Ms. Gumah’s appointment comes at a time when African content is attracting unprecedented global attention through film, music, fashion, literature, digital media, and tourism.

Her leadership is expected to support stronger institutional partnerships, increase international visibility for African creatives, and reinforce the Network’s mission of using the creative industries as tools for economic empowerment and cultural diplomacy.

As preparations continue for future editions of the Nollywood Africa in Diaspora Film, Food Festival and Awards, the appointment signals a new chapter in the Network’s efforts to connect Africa with its diaspora through innovation, collaboration, and shared cultural identity.

With Ms. Ramatu Gumah at the helm, the Nollywood Africa Network is positioning itself to play a greater role in shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy and strengthening the continent’s presence in the global cultural landscape.

Ghanaian entertainment pundit Derrick Manny has criticised state institutions for what he describes as a recurring culture of celebrating creatives only after their death, using the late Guinness World Records title holder Dede Padiki as a prime example.

Speaking on Kessben Entertainment on Kessben FM with host Kojo Preko Dankwa, Derrick Manny questioned why institutions such as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) failed to publicly celebrate and support Dede Padiki during her lifetime despite her historic achievement.

According to him, many Ghanaians have attempted various Guinness World Records challenges over the years, but only a few have successfully secured official titles. He argued that those who actually win deserve recognition and support from the country’s institutions.

He contrasted Dede Padiki’s situation with that of Afua Asantewaa, who attempted the Sing-a-thon but did not secure a Guinness World Records title. Despite that, he noted, Afua Asantewaa was appointed a Tourism Ambassador by the Ghana Tourism Authority and received widespread national recognition.

Derrick Manny said it is difficult to understand why Dede Padiki, who successfully earned a Guinness World Records title as the world’s longest individual painting marathon holder, did not receive similar recognition, endorsements or support from institutions within Ghana’s creative arts sector.

He questioned where the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Creative Arts Agency were when Dede Padiki needed encouragement and recognition, adding that both institutions have now issued condolence messages following her passing.

“I’ve seen a statement from the Ghana Tourism Authority mourning Dede Padiki, and the Creative Arts Agency has also sympathised with her family. But where were these institutions when she was alive and had made Ghana proud?” he asked.

The entertainment pundit lamented what he described as Ghana’s tendency to overlook the achievements of creatives while they are alive, only to celebrate and honour them after they have passed away.

He urged stakeholders in the creative industry to develop a culture of recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements while artistes and creatives are still alive so they can benefit from the appreciation and inspire others.

Dede Padiki, celebrated for setting a Guinness World Records title in painting, passed away recently, prompting tributes from several institutions and personalities across the country. Her death has reignited conversations about how Ghana honours its creative talents during their lifetime.