Entertainment
Ghana Police assures Creative Arts Industry of maximum support
The Ghana Police Service has assured all stakeholders in the creative arts industry of their continuous support in the line of duty.
According to them, they have acknowledged and appreciated the crucial role the industry plays in the socio-economic development of Ghana, and for that reason, they would strengthen the ties for close collaboration between the two groups.
This was made known when the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare met creative arts players on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
At the open forum, some participants raised issues of piracy and copyright as factors denying them returns from their investments.
For this reason, the chairman of the Audio Visual Society of Ghana (ARSOG) Mr.Kofi Owusu Ohemeng urged for the need for the police to be abreast of copyright issues to aid the clamping down on offenders.
President of Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Mr.James Aboagye, on his part said getting police accoutrements and other props for acting, and approval of some films scripts involving the Ghana Police Service had become difficult.
Others who also spoke called on the police to sensitise their men at various checkpoints to handle people with respect and dignity when interrogating them.
At the end of the deliberations,Dr. Akuffo Dampare emphatically said the police did not take delight in causing creative industry players pain, but the motivation for enforcing law and order was to keep the country in good shape for future generations
He noted that the police would continue to put right measures in place to regain all the trust but in the quest to do so they would automatically step on some toes for the good for the country.
IGP added that using police accoutrements and other props for films had existed but “it seems to have broken down per the contributions from stakeholders, however, the police would quickly look at the situation and resolve the lapses.”
Going forward, he said the service would be engaging various groups and organising workshops to educate people of some of the issues raised.
Dr.George Akuffo Dampare further noted that they have copiously documented every contribution made at the forum, and would take them one item at a time to address the concerns raised.
Some of the celebrities at the meeting included, Van Vicker, KiDi, Kuami Eugene,Abeiku Santana, Shatta Wale, Gloria Sarfo, Afia Schwarznegger, Fred Amugi,DBlack, Sefa,Dada KD, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah,Appiatus, Tagoe Sisters, Mercy Asiedu, Rex Omar, Bessa Simons, Samini, Daddy Bosco, KKD, KOD, OB Amponsah, Lekzy DeComic, and Jacinta among others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
