Entertainment
SONA: GH¢20m for Film Sector, GH¢20m for Creative Industries — Mahama Announces Major Investment
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major financial boost for Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sector, allocating GH¢20 million to the film industry and an additional GH¢20 million to other creative sectors as part of efforts to position creativity as a key driver of economic growth.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address to Parliament, President Mahama underscored the growing importance of the creative economy, stating that Ghana’s development would not depend solely on traditional sectors.
“Our economy will not be built only by traditional sectors, but also by human creativity — sectors that will absorb those who will be displaced from the shop floor by the new AI technologies being rolled out,” he said.
GH¢20m for Film — Kumawood, Ghallywood to Benefit
The President revealed that GH¢20 million has been earmarked specifically for the film sector to support players across the industry, including Kumawood, Ghallywood and other emerging production hubs.
“Government has allocated 20 million Ghana cedis to the film sector alone. This is going to support Kumawood, Ghallywood and all the woods,” he announced.
He noted that the investment is intended to strengthen production capacity, improve quality, create jobs and enhance the global competitiveness of Ghanaian films.
Additional GH¢20m for Creative Arts
Beyond film, another GH¢20 million has been committed to the broader creative industries, including music, fashion, arts and digital content creation.
“Another 20 million cedis has been given for the other creative sectors. I believe that this injection of money will bolster our creative sectors,” President Mahama stated.
He praised creatives leveraging new media platforms, saying they are giving Ghana international visibility beyond what traditional outlets could achieve.
“Creatives using the new media are giving our nation greater prominence than we could have achieved through any first-class traditional media outlet,” he said.
Tourism and Culture at the Centre of Growth
President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s appeal as a tourist destination is rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
“Ghana has become a favourite tourist destination because of our history, culture, our arts, our music, our fashion and our food,” he said.
He pledged personal commitment to promoting the sector.
“I wish to assure the creative industry and the Ministry of Tourism that I will be your personal ambassador for the promotion of tourism and the creative sector.”
Creative Economy as Future Job Engine
The President stressed that the creative arts sector will play a crucial role in job creation, particularly as technological advancement reshapes traditional employment patterns.
By investing in the creative space, government aims to build a resilient economy powered by innovation, talent and cultural capital.
The GH¢40 million combined investment signals what the President described as a deliberate shift toward harnessing Ghana’s “brand equity” and unlocking the economic potential of its creative talents.
Entertainment
‘I Saw Abu Trica Die in My Dream’ – Kumchacha Calls for Prayers After FBI Arrest
Founder and leader of Heaven’s Gate Ministries, Prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has called on Ghanaians to pray for socialite Abu Trica following his arrest and extradition by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Speaking in a video shared on social media on July 13, 2026, Kumchacha revealed that he recently had what he described as a disturbing dream about Abu Trica. According to him, he saw the socialite collapse and die after becoming overwhelmed by his situation.
Despite describing the dream as frightening, the outspoken preacher said he remains committed to praying for Abu Trica and believes the matter should be left in God’s hands.
“I’ve not dreamt about Abu Trica all my life. I recently had a dream about him. I saw him die in my dream, but I would keep praying for him and put him in God’s hands,” Kumchacha said.
Kumchacha also stated that the FBI does not arrest people without first carrying out extensive investigations. He argued that the agency only takes action after gathering substantial evidence against suspects.
According to him, anyone arrested by the FBI faces an extremely difficult legal battle because of the thoroughness of the bureau’s investigations.
“Before the FBI leaves its country and comes to Ghana, arrests someone and takes them away, it’s not that easy. It means they’ve done their investigations thoroughly. After you’ve been arrested and you’re taken to court abroad, if you should win the case there, it means the state has lost,” he explained.
He further claimed that because governments could be required to pay huge compensation if they lose such cases, investigative agencies ensure they have solid evidence before making arrests.
“The amount of money you can charge the state to pay can tie Ghana. Because of that, they make sure their investigations are solid, and you can’t defend yourself anymore before being arrested in another country,” he added.
Using Abu Trica’s case as an example, Kumchacha advised Ghanaians—particularly young people—not to compare themselves with others or pursue wealth at all costs.
He stressed the importance of living within one’s means and being content with what one has, warning that an unhealthy desire for riches could have devastating consequences for individuals and their families.
“Let’s all pray for Abu Trica. Life is not a competition, so be content with what you have. If not, you will leave your wife and kids, and you wouldn’t like how your life will end,” Kumchacha cautioned.
Entertainment
“Is It Legal?” – Nollywood Producer Questions Alleged Piracy of Nigerian Films in Ghana
Nigerian film producer Uchenna Mbunabo has raised concerns over the alleged unauthorised airing of Nigerian movies by some Ghanaian television stations, questioning whether such practices have become acceptable within Ghana’s broadcasting space.
The filmmaker made the remarks during a discussion with Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, in the presence of Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah.
The conversation, which was shared on Instagram, focused on growing concerns about copyright infringement and the challenges facing filmmakers across the African film industry.
According to Uchenna Mbunabo, some television stations in Ghana are allegedly downloading newly released Nigerian movies from online platforms such as YouTube and broadcasting them without seeking permission or acquiring the necessary rights from producers.
He questioned why such actions continue to happen without consequences.
“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations, the way they are stealing our films and showing them for free with impunity. Is it legalized in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s sweat and show it for free?” he asked James Gardiner.
The producer added that he is disappointed whenever he sees television stations showing films without the consent of the creators who invested time, money and resources into producing them.
Responding to the concerns, James Gardiner explained that Ghana has copyright laws in place, but enforcing them has become increasingly difficult due to changes in the television broadcasting landscape, particularly with the growth of digital platforms.
He noted that some digital television stations now operate remotely from outside Ghana, making it harder for regulatory authorities to monitor their activities and hold them accountable for copyright violations.
“There are copyright laws, but they are not effective because a lot of the TV stations don’t have offices. Most of them are now digital, so they operate from anywhere. They can even have a Ghanaian TV station but be operating from Austria simply because it is digital,” Gardiner said.
He revealed that the National Film Authority has begun engaging key institutions and stakeholders to address copyright challenges affecting filmmakers and develop long-term solutions.
According to him, the Authority has held discussions with the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the National Media Commission (NMC), institutions responsible for regulating Ghana’s communication and broadcasting sectors.
Gardiner further explained that while Ghana’s copyright framework exists, the rapid transformation of the media industry has created new challenges for regulators, especially as more broadcasters move online and operate without traditional physical structures.
Entertainment
“Mind your own business” — KiDi refuses to entertain Kuami Eugene rift claims
Ghanaian Afrobeats singer KiDi has dismissed rumours suggesting that he is no longer on good terms with fellow musician and former label mate Kuami Eugene.
The “Lomo Lomo” hitmaker reacted after some social media users began speculating that the two artistes had fallen out, with some claiming that their once-public friendship had gone sour.
The rumours gained attention after fans observed that KiDi did not actively promote Kuami Eugene’s latest EP, despite previously supporting the works of other artistes. Some netizens interpreted the move as a sign that there could be tension between the two former Lynx Entertainment signees.
In a video shared by Pulse Ghana, KiDi was seen going through a number of comments from social media users questioning the current state of his relationship with Kuami Eugene.
Some of the comments suggested that the friendship between the two musicians was only for public attention, while others blamed outside influence for creating a supposed misunderstanding between them.
One comment read:
“I told you, KiDi and Kuami Eugene weren’t cool. Y’all thought it was just for Elon Money.”
Another user questioned why KiDi supports the projects of other musicians but did not do the same for Kuami Eugene’s EP, adding that it raised questions about their friendship.
Another comment stated:
“One woman has turned them into enemies forever. Mmaasem nnyɛ oo.”
However, KiDi chose not to give a lengthy explanation or engage in a back-and-forth discussion over the claims. Instead, he responded briefly with the Twi expression “Di wo fie asem,” which translates to “Mind your own business.”
The statement appeared to signal that KiDi was not interested in entertaining speculation about his personal relationship with Kuami Eugene.
The two artistes, who rose to prominence under Lynx Entertainment, have often been linked because of their close friendship and successful music careers. Although they have pursued separate paths after leaving the label, both musicians have previously maintained that they share a strong bond.
KiDi’s latest response suggests that he prefers to keep their relationship private rather than allow social media rumours to define their friendship.
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