Entertainment
Vice-president Opoku-Agyeman Calls for Stronger Support to Grow Africa’s Film Industry
Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has urged stakeholders to build a strong and supportive environment for the film industry, describing the sector as a sustainable long-term opportunity for investors and sponsors.
She called on public and private institutions to promote creativity through education, training, funding, and infrastructure, while also ensuring the protection of intellectual property to safeguard creative work.
The Vice-President made these remarks at the maiden Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA), held on Saturday, December 13, at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra. She commended filmmakers, investors, and sponsors for their dedication to advancing the industry.
According to her, the film industry deserves sustained support not only for its artistic value but also for its social and economic impact. She noted that when festivals such as REFFA prioritize quality, professionalism, and strong market connections, they can become an essential part of national infrastructure.
Ghana recorded an impressive performance at the awards ceremony, winning seven awards on the night. Ricky Adelayitar won Best Actor (Male) for his role in The Fisherman, while Clemento Suarez claimed Best Supporting Actor (Male) for the same film. Ghana also secured awards for Best Animation with The Guardians – The Chosen Ones, Best Student Film for Ebu, Achievement in Editing for Jasmin Way – The Fisherman, and Achievement in Visual Effects.
In the female acting categories, Fat Toure, Osas Ighodaro, and Maud Guerard collectively won Best Actor (Female) for 3 Cold Dishes. Mercy Aigbe received Best Supporting Actor (Female) for My Mother Is A Witch. Zimbabwean child actor Sikhanyiso Ngwenya earned Best Young Actor for his role in the award-winning film Rise.
Professor Opoku-Agyeman praised the young actor and encouraged emerging creatives across the continent to focus on sustainability. She reminded them that their talents are valuable national and continental assets.
The Vice-President was among several dignitaries who attended the festival, which celebrated African cinema and its contributors. Following a rigorous screening process after entries opened in September, the 2025 REFFA nomination list was released in November, featuring 112 nominees across 23 categories.
She expressed appreciation to the organizers for hosting the festival in Accra, noting that it has expanded Ghana’s cultural reach across the continent. She expressed hope that the festival would continue to grow and amplify African storytelling.
The event was also marked by lively musical performances from Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Empress Gifty, Nene Narh, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa Band, and Patchbay Band.
Entertainment
Osebo Cautions Mourners Over Bottled Water at Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s Funeral
Osebo Cautions Mourners Over Bottled Water: Ghanaian fashion entrepreneur and prominent Kristo Asafo Mission member, Osebo the Zaraman, has advised mourners attending the final funeral rites of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka to exercise caution before drinking bottled water served at the event.
Speaking at the funeral grounds in Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, Osebo demonstrated what he described as a simple method for determining whether bottled water is safe to drink.
According to him, mourners should first squeeze the bottle before opening it.
He explained that if the bottle compresses easily, it should be discarded. However, if it remains firm and does not collapse, people should still clean the mouth of the bottle with a clean handkerchief before drinking.
“If you’re given bottled water to drink, squeeze the bottle first. If it compresses easily, throw it away. If it doesn’t, clean the mouth of the bottle before drinking it because some people are cobras,” Osebo said.
His remarks drew attention from mourners gathered at the funeral as thousands continue to pay their last respects to the renowned inventor, industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
Funeral Continues Despite Court Injunction
The final funeral rites of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka are currently underway at Gomoa Mpota despite a 10-day interim injunction issued by the Accra High Court.
The court order, granted on July 29, 2026, temporarily restrains former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo from proceeding with the funeral arrangements until a legal dispute before the court is resolved.
The injunction followed objections raised by Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, who described the announced burial date as “null and void” due to unresolved disagreements surrounding the funeral arrangements. He indicated that a new burial date would be announced after the legal issues are settled.
Despite the court order, preparations at the funeral venue have continued, with friends, relatives, members of the Kristo Asafo Mission and sympathisers arriving in large numbers, many travelling in chartered buses to honour the late spiritual leader.
Entertainment
Okyeame Kwame “No Hep” Song Released to Support Ghana’s Fight Against Hepatitis
Okyeame Kwame’s ” No Hep” song has been released by Ghanaian rapper and National Hepatitis Ambassador, Okyeame Kwame, as part of efforts to support the country’s campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The new song, titled “No Hep,” is aimed at raising awareness, encouraging Ghanaians to get tested, reducing stigma, and promoting vaccination against hepatitis.
Speaking during an interview on World Hepatitis Day, Okyeame Kwame, popularly known as “The Rap Doctor,” explained that he chose music as a tool because of its ability to reach a wider audience and communicate health messages effectively.
According to him, the Okyeame Kwame No Hep song will help make hepatitis education more relatable and easier for people to understand.
“I made this song because I want to help the ministry promote the elimination of hepatitis from Ghana. Music has the power to drive messages home quickly. If people begin singing ‘No Hep, no more,’ they will be encouraged to go for testing, and the stigma around the disease will reduce,” he said.
The musician revealed that the song will be available on digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and other major streaming services, while radio stations across the country will also broadcast it to reach more Ghanaians.
Okyeame Kwame also shared that his involvement in hepatitis advocacy started over two decades ago when he discovered the high cost of hepatitis B testing and vaccination while preparing for marriage.
He explained that the situation motivated him to establish an initiative that provided free hepatitis testing to help people access important health services.
The rapper expressed optimism about the progress Ghana has made in the fight against hepatitis, noting that treatment costs have reduced significantly compared to previous years.
He highlighted that hepatitis C medication is now available for free in Ghana, while testing services have also become more accessible.
As part of activities marking World Hepatitis Day, Okyeame Kwame encouraged Ghanaians to take personal responsibility by getting tested, receiving vaccination when necessary, and seeking medical attention if they test positive.
He believes that increased awareness, early detection, and access to treatment will help Ghana achieve its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis in the coming years.
Entertainment
Okyeame Kwame Named Ghana Health Service Ambassador to Fight Hepatitis
Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has been appointed as the Ghana Health Service Ambassador to support the country’s national campaign against hepatitis.
The appointment forms part of efforts by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to strengthen public awareness about hepatitis, encourage preventive measures, and educate Ghanaians on the dangers of the disease. As one of Ghana’s most influential entertainers, Okyeame Kwame is expected to use his platform to reach millions of people with life-saving health messages.
The Okyeame Kwame Ghana Health Service Ambassador initiative seeks to increase public understanding of hepatitis, promote regular screening, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. Health experts believe that greater public engagement is essential to reducing the burden of hepatitis and preventing avoidable deaths.
According to the Ghana Health Service, effective public education remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against hepatitis. By partnering with respected public figures like Okyeame Kwame, the service hopes to inspire more people to seek testing, vaccination where applicable, and timely medical care.
Okyeame Kwame has built a strong reputation for supporting public health campaigns over the years, making him a suitable choice to champion the fight against hepatitis in Ghana. His appointment is expected to strengthen nationwide advocacy efforts and encourage more communities to participate in hepatitis prevention initiatives.
Health authorities continue to urge Ghanaians to learn about hepatitis, get tested, and seek professional medical advice when necessary, stressing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Video credit@ChannelOne Tv
Entertainment
FOCAP Welcomes New Cultural Attachés, Hails Boost for Ghana’s Creative Diplomacy
Entertainment
Endurance Grand Takes Ghana to Hollywood With Role in ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
Endurance Grand’s role in Children of Blood and Bone has sparked excitement among Ghanaians after the talented dancer and actress was featured in newly released footage from the upcoming Hollywood fantasy blockbuster, marking another major milestone in her rapidly growing international career.
The appearance has attracted widespread praise from fans, who have celebrated Endurance Grand for securing a place in one of the most anticipated international movies scheduled for release in 2027.
Children of Blood and Bone, a Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, features a star-studded cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Damson Idris, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Amandla Stenberg.
The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, is expected to premiere in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
Endurance Grand’s role marks another major achievement in her growing acting career. Although she is best known for her exceptional dancing skills, she has gradually established herself as a promising actress.
She made her acting debut in the internationally recognised short film The Fisherman, where she played the character Shasha. The movie, directed by Zoey Martinson, received major recognition after winning Best Director and Best Narrative Feature at the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
The Fisherman also gained attention during its Ghanaian premiere at Silverbird Cinemas, where it attracted a strong audience response.
With her latest appearance in Children of Blood and Bone, Endurance Grand has taken another important step onto the global entertainment stage. Many Ghanaians believe her achievement represents a positive moment for Ghana’s creative industry and a sign of the growing influence of Ghanaian talent in international cinema.
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