Entertainment
Kofi Kinaata addresses UN on migration and his role as IOM Ghana Goodwill Ambassador
At the ongoing ‘International Dialogue on Migration’ held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on May 21, 2024, renowned Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata delivered a compelling speech to high-level delegates from around the world.
In his address, Kinaata reflected on his journey as the Goodwill Ambassador of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ghana, a role he has passionately embraced since 2017.
Kinaata shared what motivated him to accept the ambassadorial position, highlighting the significant influence of IOM’s work.
“IOM has helped a lot of returnees. They always end their stories by saying ‘IOM reintegrated me, IOM helped me to come back,’ so when I was contacted by IOM in 2017, I immediately accepted the offer,” he recounted.
His words underscored the deep impact of IOM’s initiatives on the lives of countless individuals who have been successfully reintegrated into their communities.
The musician also opened up about the personal challenges he faces when writing songs about migration. He revealed that his conversations with returnees played a crucial role in shaping his understanding and empathy, allowing him to compose meaningful and impactful music.
“Speaking to returnees helped me understand their experiences, which I then used to create songs that resonate with their stories,” he explained.
In a poignant moment, Kinaata shared a personal anecdote, revealing that he could have easily fallen victim to the dangers of stowaway if not for his career in music. This revelation highlighted the precarious choices faced by many young people in search of better opportunities and underscored the importance of IOM’s mission.
Kinaata’s speech was met with admiration and respect from the international delegation, many of whom recognised the power of music in raising awareness about migration issues. His dedication and efforts as a Goodwill Ambassador have significantly contributed to the ongoing dialogue on migration, making a profound impact both in Ghana and internationally.
As a proud representative of Ghana, Kofi Kinaata continues to use his platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of migrants. His work exemplifies the transformative power of music and storytelling in fostering understanding and driving positive change.
Known for songs like ‘No Place like home,’ ‘Thy Grace,’ and the latest on his Kofi oo Kofi EP, ‘Saman,’ the multiple award winning has demonstrated his commitment to addressing irregular migration.
Entertainment
Maiden AshantiFest held on Easter
The AshantiFest, instituted to mark Easter in the Ashanti Region, was marked a lot of entertaining activities.
According to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the idea to stage a festival was conceived after a request from some youth at a clean-up exercise.
“The whole concept of the Ashanti Festival is to bring out our various sectors, showcase what we have as a region and see how best we will be able to promote inter-sectorial support for each other,” he said.
The festival, which kick-started on April 12, commenced with a clean-up exercise in all the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts in the Ashanti Region.
A football game between sports presenters and Kumawood actors sparked excitement in the region, and a boxing night followed at the Parade Grounds of KNUST.
There was also a stage play featuring Kumawoood All Stars in ‘Kejetia vs Makola was a highlight , offering both entertainment and though provoking moments.
At the Food Fair and Bazaar held at the Kumasi Cultural Centre, a variety of indigenous Ashanti food was on display, attracting many patrons within the city.
It offered the stage for other cultures to promote their cuisine. The Ghanaian traditional fabrics and locally manufactured clothing featured prominently at the event grounds.
A Science and Technology Fair was also featured as part of the education activities.
A blood donation exercise featured alongside the health screening exercise, which was also opened to the public.
Among the celebrities that graced the occasion were The CEO of the National Film Authority ,Kafui Danku, Actress Nana Ama Mac Brown, Nana Hayford, Funny Face and Kweku Manu.
Others were Bukom Banku, Vivian Jill, Wayoosi, Oboy Siki, Oheneba Jude and Sumsum Ahuofe.
Source; Myjoyonline
Entertainment
Europe Edition of ‘The Journey” show is impacting lives- Abena Ghana
Ghanaian actress and television personality, Cecilia Gyase Konamah, known in showbiz as Abena Ghana, has disclosed that her Europe edition of ‘The Journey Show’ is impacting lives.
The new edition, which focused on Ghanaians in Belgium, started airing on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m on Adom TV.
The Journey Show throws the spotlight on the stories of people who have had great life experiences worth sharing to motivate others.
Speaking to The Spectator, Abena Ghana said, she has received a lot of feedback within a short time the new edition started airing.
Abena Ghana further noted that these people are either living abroad or in Ghana preparing to relocate abroad.
“They told us the programme has educated, inspired and motivated them to succeed in their journey abroad. Others were of the view that if they had seen this earlier, their situations abroad would have changed for the better.” she added.
The brain behind the programme, Abena Ghana added that they encouraged her to keep sharing such experiences to serve as a guide to people in their journey of life.
The stories in the Europe edition range from how hard it was for them to travel outside the country, how some of them got their passports as citizens in Belgium and the hustle they went through to achieve all they have now.
“Special thanks goes to Adom TV for being with us all these years, also to all my sponsors on the show, Time Herbal Mixture, Medimafo Herbal Hospital, Givers Clean Care, Nyadua Herbal Mixture, Konamah entertainment and CEO Noks Tv Africa in Belgium for Making this season possible,” she added.
Abena Ghana also expressed appreciation to Queenie Shipping, Dennaac travel consult, Anniluv Shapewear, King Solomon Trading, Macdens electrical in Belgium who made this season possible.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
