Entertainment
Shatta Wale, manager accept out-of-court settlement of defamation case
Dancehall artist, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, also known as Shatta Wale, and his former manager, Lawrence Asiamah Mensah Hanson, have agreed to settle an ongoing defamation case out of court.
This was after counsel for Hanson, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, told the Accra High Court that the parties agreed an out of court settlement.
Hanson sued Shatta Wale for allegedly making defamatory publications against him and asked the Accra High Court to award cost in damages against the defendant.
In 2022, Shatta Wale allegedly published on social media that Hanson knew about the murder of the late George Fenec Okyere, a musician.
In the writ filed in 2022, the plaintiff stated that the publications by Shatta Wale were not only false, but they were actuated by malice to tarnish the hard won reputation of his client.
The court presided over by Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu, had already ordered the parties to file written submissions, but the lawyers could not do so because of the agreement to settle the case out of court.
“We wish to pray for one more adjournment to attempt settlement and depending on the outcome we may apply formally for extension of time to file our witness statement,” Dr Justice Srem-Sai told the court.
The case has been adjourned to April 18, 2023.
The plaintiff wanted a declaration of the court that the series of publications made by the defendant were defamatory to the plaintiff.
He asked the court to declare that the series of publications made by the defendant were also malicious.
The plaintiff urged the court for an order directed at the defendant to retract the publications from all on his social media accounts and render an unqualified apology for the defamatory words that the defendant has published about the plaintiff.
The plaintiff said such retraction and apology should be vetted and approved by the plaintiff ’s lawyers.
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.
