AGP Executive Report

Live Music: AratheJay brings his Nimo Live Experience to Cape Coast on October 11, his first performance in the city, as part of a tour leading to an Accra headline show in December. Telecel Ghana has also launched Project X with Black Sherif, promising monthly fan surprises, while Shatta Wale has pushed back at Fameye’s call for wider recognition of Ghanaian artists. Artist Collaborations: King Promise’s new Chelsea anthem, “Can’t Tame Us,” arrives with a mini-documentary filmed in Accra and celebrates the club’s African supporters. Tribute: A memorial concert for highlife legend Daddy Lumba is slated for December 19. Arts and Film: An Accra exhibition brings together 40 Ghanaian and Italian artists, and the European Film Festival is returning to Ghana after a five-year break. “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play,” meanwhile, has extended its Broadway run.

Creative Investment: National Theatre Acting Executive Director Henry Herbert Halm urged businesses to move beyond sponsorship and invest in Ghana’s arts, saying the sector can create jobs and grow cultural tourism and intellectual property. Music & Memory: Bisa Kdei has announced “The Convention,” a new annual Highlife event in Accra, while Daddy Lumba’s son plans a December 19 concert at UPSA to mark the singer’s first death anniversary. Ghanaian Sound: A new commentary argues Hiplife and Azonto could help Ghanaian music reconnect sound, identity and commerce for a fresh global breakthrough. Visual Arts: “Beyond Creation” brings 40 Ghanaian and Italian artists together for an exhibition at Accra Art Centre. Entertainment & Privacy: Actress Nana Akua Addo says viral videos linked to an alleged domestic dispute were shared without her consent; police say her husband is expected in court after his hospital discharge.

Showbiz & Privacy: Police say Harold Norman, husband of actress and fashion personality Nana Akua Addo, will face court after his hospital discharge over abuse allegations. Addo’s lawyers have urged media to protect her children’s privacy and stop sharing videos said to have circulated without consent. Music: King Promise says he had hoped to bring John Terry and other Chelsea legends to Ghana for the “Can’t Tame Us” video, but the plan could not be realised; he pushed for Ghana to feature in the project. Gospel singer Alex Acheampong’s “Nyame Baako Pɛ,” featuring Obaapa Christie, is due out October 9. Bisa Kdei has also announced his first “The Convention” concert in Accra. Film: The European Film Festival returns to Ghana after a five-year break. Jackie Appiah says Ghana’s film industry could learn from Nollywood’s behind-the-scenes talent, while veteran actor Pete Edochie has appealed for urgent action to revive local cinema.

Domestic Violence & Privacy: Actress/fashion icon Nana Akua Addo says viral assault videos were leaked without her consent, urging media to stop sharing footage that includes her minor children, as police handle the matter and it remains before authorities. Public Safety & Scams: ECG warns customers about fake meter sales and MoMo extortion, stressing payments must go through the ECG Power App or *226#—not personal MoMo numbers. Football Governance: GFA confirms the 2026/27 FA Cup final will be played over two legs for the first time, with dates set for June 2027. Black Stars Coaching: Mohammed Polo backs Karim Zito for the vacant Black Stars job after Carlos Queiroz’s exit, with a new coach expected before November qualifiers. Sports Integrity Debate: Swedru All Blacks’ Nathaniel Obeng says Kurt Okraku’s resignation won’t fix Ghana’s Black Stars’ “system” problems. Disability & Media: GFD calls on journalists to stop mocking disability with derogatory proverbs, urging responsible reporting that supports inclusion. Culture & Tourism: Hogbetsotso 2026 is set for Anlo with a theme focused on heritage, unity and local economic empowerment. Arts & Music: Mr Eazi returns with “Comfort” featuring Moliy, continuing his Ghana-rooted Afrobeats sound.

Domestic Violence & Celebrity News: Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo was hospitalised after alleged assault by her husband, Harold Norman, with viral injury videos sparking outrage; Norman was arrested and is assisting police investigations, while lawyers for Norman dispute the assault narrative and point to ongoing criminal and civil cases. Ghana Film & Nollywood Lessons: Jackie Appiah and Pete Edochie both urge Ghana’s movie industry to revive by building stronger behind-the-scenes ecosystems, drawing inspiration from Nollywood’s wider production support. European Film Festival Returns: The European Film Festival is back in Ghana after a five-year break, spotlighting peace, tolerance and inclusion, and pushing platforms for emerging filmmakers. Sports—Black Queens & Olympics Roadmap: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says the full squad will be in camp for the Mauritius qualifier, while the Ghana Olympic Committee meets Black Queens and Black Meteors to map 2028 qualification pathways. Music & Creative Advice: Team Eternity Ghana releases “The Promise – Phase 1,” and Skrewfaze advises upcoming artistes to build a distinct identity instead of chasing trends. Science & Conservation: HTU, CSIR and partners launch mapping of Ghana’s baobab population to guide conservation and sustainable use.

GJA Awards: Daily Graphic’s Gilbert Azeem Tiroog won two Upper East Regional GJA Awards in Bolgatanga—Best Peace and Conflict-Sensitive Reporter and Best Mining and Natural Resources Reporter—highlighting the human cost of the Bawku conflict and the plight of farmers amid illegal mining. Media Freedom in the Sahel: Reporters Without Borders flags Mali’s case where a publisher was jailed after a neighbour’s insult, warning that journalism is being criminalised across the region. Music & Culture: Lasmid urged Ghanaians to “give DJs their flowers,” stressing how DJs help songs travel and shape artistes’ careers. Women in Tech: GIFEC’s African Girls Can Code Initiative is set to train 500 girls in 2027 after a pilot that trained 150 across Ashanti, Bono East and Northern. Health & Society: The Breast Society of Ghana marks Pinktober with a push for early breast screening, saying survival exceeds 90% when detected early. Sports & Entertainment: Ghana’s Black Bombers add experienced fighters ahead of their Detroit Golden Gloves clash in Accra on 10 October. Economy Watch: On Oct 6, the cedi eased against the dollar at forex bureaus, trading around GHS12.30 for dollar sales.

Black Star Experience: Ghana’s Office of the President has launched a Black Star Choral Music Contest, starting at regional level and feeding into national finals in Accra, with Rex Omar pitching choral music as a grassroots bridge to the “Black Star spirit.” Entertainment & Culture: Veteran actress Maame Dokono received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pete Edochie Legacy Project gala, celebrating decades of Ghanaian screen and stage work. Music: Lyrical Joe says reggae—especially Bob Marley—fuels his songwriting, while Ladé explains her viral success comes from staying true to her own story. Sports: Team Ghana has departed for Angola for the 2026 Karting Africa Trophy; locally, Bibiani Gold Stars settled for a 0-0 draw with Vision FC. Health & Society: Pink October was launched in Ho with a push for early breast cancer detection and stronger support for patients. Tech & Industry: MTN is backing Ghana’s gaming industry and also ran a customer appreciation float as it marks 30 years. Policy & Space: Cabinet approval clears the way for Ghana to establish a Space Agency to coordinate national space activities.

Ghana Premier League: Port City coach Christopher Ennin says his side will “go all out” against Hearts of Oak after bouncing back with a 3-1 win over Bechem United, with the debutants now sitting third on 10 points. Music & Culture: Kojo Antwi donates a piano to the Aburi Arts and Crafts Centre, backing local creativity and tourism. Entertainment Buzz: Nollywood stars Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson’s candid Ghana “boyfriend” exchange goes viral, while Wendy Shay explains her viral Lasmid thigh-hand moment as a misunderstanding during a shoot. Film Industry Talk: Kanayo O. Kanayo urges Ghanaian actors to negotiate their own fees based on value and experience, not match Nigerian pay. Public Policy & Religion: Ghana bans preaching on moving buses, with offenders facing jail or fines. Money & Media: Bank of Ghana clarifies the Heritage Series is an upgrade, not a redenomination, and existing notes remain valid. Tech & Society: A study highlights Kenya’s phone and data costs as key barriers to mobile internet use.

Music & Pop Culture: Wendy Shay finally explains the viral Lasmid “hand on thigh” moment, saying she was simply adjusting her position during a shoot. Film & Acting Industry: Nollywood veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo tells Ghanaian actors to stop demanding the same fees as Nigerian stars, urging them to negotiate their own rates based on their value and experience. Sports & Football: Ghana’s Black Stars coaching search is set in motion with a five-member committee after Carlos Queiroz’s exit, while Kurt Okraku faces mounting pressure amid a tough AFCON 2027 qualifying start. Tourism & Media: Ghana Tourism Authority begins sensitising taxi drivers under the “Know Ghana” campaign, pushing them to sell Ghana’s culture, music and attractions to visitors. Arts & Entertainment: Praye lights up Adom FM’s Y2K Jam with a nostalgic set, while GBC Lifestyle TV announces TRekGh 2026: Volti Vibes for late October. Public Life & Governance: Bank of Ghana clarifies Heritage Series cedi notes are an upgrade (not a redenomination), with no new denominations above GH¢200. Community & Health: Stakeholders in Upper East call for more investment in early childhood education as WASH gaps threaten maternal care quality.

Nollywood & Pay Dispute: Kanayo O. Kanayo has hit back at Ghanaian actors demanding equal fees with Nigerian stars, insisting there’s hierarchy in the industry and urging them to negotiate their own rates. NPP Leadership: Justin Kodua dismissed fears of tension with newly elected NPP Chairman John Boadu, saying both are focused on winning 2028; Boadu’s acceptance speech also doubles down on grassroots rebuilding and youth-focused communication. Black Stars Pressure: Alhaji Grusah called for GFA boss Kurt Okraku to resign after Ghana’s poor AFCON 2027 qualifying start, while the team’s restructuring plans and coach search continue. Creative Tourism on TV: GBC Lifestyle TV announced TRekGh 2026 “Volti Vibes,” a four-day road trip across Volta and Oti from Oct 29–Nov 1. Sports Development: Ghana Boxing Federation outlined plans to build the “Black Bombers” toward LA 2028, including a Detroit Golden Gloves friendly at Bukom on Oct 10. Arts & Culture Tech: EchoWave says it’s raising the bar in live event sound after handling audio production for Women in Worship’s 10th anniversary. Environment & Heritage: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie urged Ghanaians to protect nature and cultural heritage, warning that failing to preserve the environment threatens future generations.

Health Journalism: Upper East GJA honours ApexnewsGh editor Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen as Best Health Reporter for “Pains of the Forgotten,” spotlighting leprosy stigma and resilience in communities like Bongo and Talensi. Media Leadership: Ignite Media Group appoints broadcaster Emmanuel Kwasi Afriyie as Acting MD, taking over from Klaus Komla Vonbackustein. Music & Community: Kacstone Records’ MD Wenawome Aborah Duriyem receives GJA recognition for youth empowerment, peacebuilding and local music promotion in the Upper East. Film & Nollywood Links: Veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo warns Ghanaian actors not to demand Nigerian actors’ fees, while Lil Win’s “A Journey to Africa” brings Nollywood stars to Ghana and highlights cross-border production dynamics. Entertainment & Welfare: Creative Arts Agency board meets Lands Minister to push a welfare plan for aged, needy creative practitioners. Sports & Culture: GFA launches its third breast cancer awareness campaign since 2023, using football for education, screening and action. Public Space & Tourism: SSNIT outlines plans to redevelop Labadi beachfront into a planned tourism hub, with jobs for local youth.

Creative Arts Welfare: The Creative Arts Agency board has met Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to push a welfare project for aged and needy creatives, tied to President Mahama’s legacy plan for better care and shelter. Regional Integration & Culture: Ghana launched the ECOWAS for All campaign in Accra to bring ECOWAS opportunities closer to traders, students and border communities. Performing Arts Spotlight: Ghana’s National Symphony Orchestra dazzled audiences at the National Theatre during the 2026 Theater Festival, mixing classical works with local compositions and Afrobeat medleys. Film/TV Watch: Netflix’s Hillman College reboot, A Different World, returns with a new cast while tackling big social issues in a lighter touch. Entertainment & Health: Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie spoke on his health struggles after visiting Ghanaian actor Emmanuel Armah. Sports (Arts-adjacent): Hearts of Oak chase a quick bounce-back against Dreams FC as Ghana Premier League action heats up. Tech for Youth: GIFEC will train 500 girls in coding in 2027 after expanding the African Girls Can Code initiative. Society & Justice: EOCO says it will bring Manhyia South MP Nana Baffour Awuah before court and urges the public to ignore claims of GH¢50m bail.

Black Stars Coaching Shake-up: Carlos Queiroz has left Ghana after a disastrous AFCON qualifying start, with the GFA and Sports Ministry now setting up a five-member technical search committee to recommend a new head coach by Oct 9. Premier League Focus: Dreams FC coach Winfred Dormon urges his young squad to “step up” ahead of the Oct 3 clash with Hearts of Oak, while Ashantigold prepare for a tough away trip to Heart of Lions in Kpando. Fashion & Sustainability: H&M, Inditex, BESTSELLER and adidas have launched an Apparel Recovery Coalition at Kantamanto Market to boost reuse, upcycling and responsible waste management. Media, Health & Accountability: Ghana’s GHS and partners are pushing journalists to use community scorecards to amplify patient voices, while AMMREN/ALMA back the same push. Pinktober 2026: The Breast Society of Ghana urges early screening, citing a 90%+ survival rate when detected early. Culture & Heritage: Anlo chiefs and people announce Hogbetsotso Za 2026 activities leading to the Grand Durbar on Nov 7. Entertainment & TV: DW Africa and Channel One Media unveil “Under the Baobab,” a weekly current affairs show starting with migration and belonging. Cyber Awareness: Deputy Communications Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu warns about sophisticated scams after a constituent was accused of “greed” for calling out a suspected fraud.

Veteran Actors & Film: Nollywood legend Pete Edochie visited Ghanaian actor Emmanuel Armah in Accra, offering financial support and urging public prayers after Armah’s long-term stroke left him with speech and mobility challenges. Creative Industry Leadership: Actor Oscar Provencal says institutional leadership is a major drag on Ghana’s creative industry, calling for qualified, non-political leadership and better engagement with policy and administration. Music & Culture Discourse: M.anifest pushes back on the “Afro” label trend, arguing African genres don’t need to be branded that way to evolve. Sports (Football): The Ghana Football Association confirmed Carlos Queiroz has left as Black Stars head coach after a poor AFCON qualifying start, while Sports Minister Kofi Adams says government can’t dissolve the GFA. Sports (Badminton): Ghana’s Golden Shuttlers joined a BWF development camp in Cairo to build skills for upcoming junior competitions. Health & Ageing: CRF Global’s Dr Edward Danso calls for a dignity-first, decolonised approach to healthcare for Ghana’s ageing population. Arts Education: NCC and African Poems of Our Time launched a national inter-school poetry recital competition to celebrate African heritage through spoken word. Media & Design: The Herald’s lead graphic designer Frank Akorsah (44) is set for burial after his death, with mourners expected to gather in Tema.

Black Stars Fallout: Carlos Queiroz rejects calls to resign after Ghana’s 4-2 collapse to Gambia in the AFCON qualifier, while former FA chair Nyaho-Tamakloe and other voices demand Kurt Okraku’s exit and even GFA dissolution. National Theatre Honors: Uncle Ebo Whyte and nine others are celebrated by the National Theatre for shaping Ghana’s creative industry. Sports Media Win: Benny Bonsu’s “Champions of the Golden Valley” lands a 2026 Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Documentary: Long. Public Health Access: Ghana launches an online HIV self-testing platform (selftestghana.online) for private, confidential kit requests. Anti-Galamsey Pushback: A Rocha Ghana and One Ghana Movement leaders say enforcement is too weak and Ghana “missed the boat” in earlier crackdowns. Arts & Culture: The National Theatre recognition drive runs alongside the Ghana Garden and Flower Show’s closing call to turn green spaces into business and livelihood engines. Youth Against Disinformation: LetsDebunk is launched to help young people verify and challenge misleading content.

Constitutional Continuity: A British High Commission governance adviser urged Ghanaians to lock in a framework so constitutional reforms keep moving regardless of government changes, warning that restarting the process with each administration could kill momentum. Cocaine Concerns: A global organised crime report flags worries that political protection may be behind Ghana’s drop in visible cocaine trafficking, even as Ghanaian groups remain key players and Brazil is cited as a major source by sea. Judiciary Under Pressure: Martin Amidu accused Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie of acting as a “surrogate” for President Mahama, while the Association of Magistrates and Judges asked for better protection, staffing and wellness support for judges. Transport Debate: Accra’s contra-flow Ayalolo plan drew pushback from a Roads and Transport MP, who said the city needs a new integrated transport plan, not a short-term initiative. Health & Care: World Heart Day coverage highlighted cardiovascular disease and stroke as leading hospital causes, and autism experts called for early screening and tailored intervention. Local Arts & Media: Vanguard Multimedia launched in Tamale with new radio/TV and digital platforms, while EchoWave raised the bar for live event sound in Ghana. Football & Sports: Bibiani Gold Stars coach Petros Koukouras promised a turnaround ahead of Vision FC, and Ghana Premier League match officials for the next round were announced. Legal & Society: Accra Airports MD Yvonne Afriyie Opare sued a Facebook user for alleged defamation, seeking damages and takedown orders. Fashion Spotlight: Black Star Fashion Week was announced, set to spotlight Ghana’s fashion talent through summit and workshops.