Entertainment
GTA and TOCO gear up for Hands Across Africa Festival today
• Hands Across Africa team
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) have expressed their preparedness to deliver an outstanding event today at “The Pre-Emancipation Day Festival” dubbed Hands Across Africa.
The event is scheduled to take place today, Saturday July 23, 2022 at the National Theatre, Accra.
Patrons of today’s event will witness wonderful performances from Taj Weekes, Eric Donaldson, Okyeame Kwame, MzVee and Black Rasta among other amazing musicians.
Hands Across Africa is an initiative by the Ghana registered foundation; TOCO of H.E Taj Weekes, a Goodwill Ambassador of the Government of Saint Lucia and UNICEF Ambassador for children in the Eastern Caribbean, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Beyond the Return Secretariat, GTA Diaspora Affairs (Office of the President) and YOKS Investments.
The initiative focuses on changing the life chances of the marginalised and under-privileged youth using engagement and mentorship through sports, creative arts and other educational enrichment and support programmes.
It also carries cultural exchange and a social agenda to raise funds to help close the gaps in education, youth at risk public health across the African continent.
This involves a group of international reggae and local artistes collaborating to stage series of festivals, mass concerts and expos, to raise funds that will go directly to support non-profit programmes for human empowerment, poverty alleviation and social support by vetted agencies of state among others.
Another objective of the initiative is to foster collaboration between international and local artistes and ultimately broaden the professional network of our African counterparts.
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
