Ghanaian media personality Kojo Manuel has joined EIB Network’s Starr FM as the new host of the station’s afternoon drive programme.
Kojo Manuel will host the show Monday to Friday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, bringing his distinctive personality, energy and experience to Starr FM’s programming lineup.
Known for his work across radio, television and entertainment, Kojo Manuel has built a reputation as an engaging presenter with a strong connection to Ghana’s youth and pop-culture audience. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Starr Drive with a mix of entertainment, conversations, music, current affairs and audience interaction.
The move marks a new chapter in Kojo Manuel’s broadcasting career as he joins one of Ghana’s prominent radio brands. His experience in the entertainment and media space is expected to complement Starr FM’s focus on news, entertainment and engaging conversations.
On his first day, Ghanaian superstar Camidoh popped in to surprise him, and they had a fun moment on air.
Listeners can look forward to Kojo Manuel’s signature style and energetic approach as he takes on his new role at the station.
A new festival experience is coming to Accra as Ibiza 233 Festival takes over GHUD Park on 30 December 2026, bringing together music, food, drinks, games, fashion, entertainment and culture for a full-day experience.
Inspired by the carefree energy and social spirit associated with Ibiza, the festival brings that sense of escape to the 233 reimagined with a distinctly Ghanaian flavour.
This is not simply a concert. It is the whole experience. From daytime into the evening, festival-goers can expect live performances, DJs, food and drinks, games, fashion, interactive experiences and spaces created for people to meet, connect and enjoy themselves beyond the main stage.
Ibiza 233 is designed to be as much about what happens around you as what happens on stage.
MORE THAN A PARTY
Food vendors, drinks brands, fashion and product businesses, creatives and other experiences will form part of the festival, creating a space where entertainment, lifestyle, culture and community come together. Media houses, bloggers, photographers, videographers and content creators are also invited to document the inaugural Ibiza 233 Festival.
TICKETS: GET ON THE LIST
Tickets will be released soon, and the official Ibiza 233 ticket waitlist is now open.
Join the waitlist to be among the first to receive ticket information and access when sales open.
Join the waitlist: https://www.veetickets.com/waitlist?event=ibiza233festival
Highlife singer RCee performed with the Blackcode Band at the Red Room at Bella Dolce Vita, in a show his team said was sold out.
The set ran through songs from across his catalogue, including “Agenda”, “Money Makes the World Go Round”, “My Dear”, “Atiaa”, “Serious” and “Knees & Bend”, rearranged for a live band. According to his team, “Agenda” and “Money Makes the World Go Round” drew the loudest response from the crowd.
RCee, whose real name is Austin Antwi Boakye, grew up in Bremang, Kumasi, and is now based in Accra. He blends highlife with Afrobeats and Afro-fusion, and draws on vintage Ghanaian sounds.
He first drew attention with “Knees & Bend”, “Amazing” and “Blessings”, then followed with “Agenda”, “Atiaa” and “Knees & Bend II”, which features rapper Joey B. Apple Music has featured him in its Up Next programme for emerging artists in Ghana. He released his “Young Daddy” EP in April 2026.
Playing with a full band is still uncommon for young Ghanaian acts, many of whom perform over backing tracks. The Red Room show is part of RCee’s push to build a reputation as a live performer.
Apple Music has released this month’s Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring SALT THE DJ. For her Africa Now DJ Mix, SALT THE DJ delivers a fun, carefree and energetic selection of contemporary African music, bringing together different sounds, energies and artists while maintaining a distinctly African identity. Designed to soundtrack everything from getting ready and driving to parties and casual hangs, the mix keeps the energy high while moving listeners through a range of moods.
Featuring music from artists including Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Rema, Davido and Focalistic, the mix moves across Afrobeats, Amapiano and other contemporary African sounds, reflecting the breadth and energy of the continent’s current music landscape.
“I picked these songs because they’re a good reflection of what I love about African music right now. There’s a mix of different sounds, energies and artists, but everything still feels very African,” SALT THE DJ tells Apple Music. “I wanted songs that would flow well together and take you through different moods while still keeping the energy up.”
Speaking about the evolution of African music, SALT THE DJ adds: “African music is constantly changing, and I love that. We’re seeing artists experiment with different sounds, mix genres and take inspiration from different parts of the world while still keeping their African identity. There’s so much talent coming out of the continent, and I think we’re only going to see more new sounds and styles.”
“The curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale. My mix is a little taste of the sounds and energy I’m feeling right now,” SALT THE DJ tells Apple Music. “Just good African music, good vibes and a lot of energy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.”
Check out Apple Music’s Africa Now dedicated space, including its weekly radio show and companion playlist.
Africa Now October 2026 (DJ Mix) mixed by SALT THE DJ – Tracklisting
Apple Music is the ultimate hub for an eclectic array of independently curated DJ Mixes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. Apple Music’s African DJ Mix curator partners also include a wide variety of top-tier names like Balcony Mix Africa, iMullar Sound System, KUNYE, Life Of The Party, Obrigado, Pan African Music, Party In The Jungle, Soul Candi, Spin With Engage and Turntable Entertainment.
Apple Music has released its latest Isgubhu DJ Mix, featuring an exclusive mix from South African DJ, producer, and Stay True label head Kid Fonque, available exclusively on Apple Music from Friday, 2 October 2026.
Isgubhu continues to serve as Apple Music’s home for African dance music culture, spotlighting the producers, DJs and underground innovators shaping the continent’s club scenes. Each month, Isgubhu highlights the boundary-pushing sounds redefining Afro house, 3-step, gqom and electronic music across Africa.
Scottish-born and South African-raised, Kid Fonque has spent more than two decades immersed in South Africa’s electronic music and club culture. Beginning his career in Johannesburg, he went on to establish himself as a DJ, producer, broadcaster and tastemaker, founding Stay True Sounds in 2016 as a platform for South Africa’s deep house and Afro house talent. His musical approach draws on deep house, Afro house and Afro tech, combining local rhythms with global influences.
Kid Fonque’s exclusive Isgubhu DJ Mix is a snapshot of the South African underground right now, moving between house, Afro, 3-Step and the spaces in between. Featuring a mix of established artists and newer names, it reflects the sounds he champions through Stay True Sounds and in his DJ sets across the country. “There’s lots of different flavours from South Africa’s underground scene,” he tells Apple Music about the mix. “It touches on House, Afro and 3-Step. It’s a mix about discovery, where the scene is right now and where it’s heading next. The future of electronic music in South Africa is incredibly bright.”
Speaking about the artists and tracks selected for the mix, Kid Fonque says: “The music I chose for this mix is very much in line with what I’m excited about sonically in South Africa right now. It moves from the raw, untapped talent of artists like Spotz, through to the colourful and forward-thinking sounds of Chronical Deep, as well as PAGEZ, Dr Feel and Beekay Monalayzzar. Ultimately, the mix is about discovery and sharing the music and producers that are moving me right now.”
Kid Fonque describes the mood of the mix as “bright and colourful, with some darker moments along the way,” with warmth and soul sitting alongside deeper and more electronic passages. For him, however, the overriding feeling is all about discovery: “That has always been a huge part of DJing – finding something that excites me and then being able to introduce that record or artist to somebody else.”
Speaking about the evolution of African dance and electronic music, Kid Fonque says South Africa’s music scene “constantly reinvents itself,” with new genres and sounds emerging year after year. “What excites me most is that producers here aren’t afraid to experiment. They take influences from house, Afro, jazz, soul and electronic music, but then interpret them in a way that feels completely South African. There’s also so much young, untapped talent coming through, so I genuinely feel like we’re still only scratching the surface of where African electronic music can go.”
Listeners can stream the Isgubhu DJ Mix by Kid Fonque exclusively on Apple Music, alongside the Isgubhu playlist, which continues to spotlight the best in African dance and electronic music.
Listen to the Isgubhu playlist now on Apple Music.
Isgubhu September 2026 (DJ Mix) mixed by Rosey Gold Tracklisting
Spotz — When She Left
Buddynice — Nothing Special
umuntfuNje — Rush Hour
Kudbeu & Kana — My Love / E Samba (Kid Fonque Edit)
China Charmeleon & Brandon Dlhudhlu — Birds Sings (Ed-Ward Remix)
Herbert & Momoko Gill — Babystar (Kid Fonque Refix)
Thabo Tonick — Listen To The Kids
Charles Webster & Atmos Blaq — Free
PAGEZ, Dr Feel & Beekay Monalayzzar — Was You ft Kali Mija
On the cover this month is FKA MASH, whose debut album EXITECHNO presents a new kind of expression for the DJ and producer. Released on his record label, September Bloom, the project ties disco, techno and deep house together over the backdrop of Soweto, with FKA MASH bringing influences from outside electronic music, from classical to jazz as he continues to push the boundaries of his sound.
Isgubhu also houses a collection of alumni playlists, editorial playlists, exclusive DJ mixes, and additional content from the best dance and electronic acts on the continent.
Check out Isgubhu only on Apple Music: http://apple.co/Isgubhu
Ghanaian-German-Cameroonian singer-songwriter Malaïka has released “Place I Go To,” a new single featuring Ghanaian-Burkinabé singer-songwriter Ria Boss, marking a years-in-the-making collaboration and continuing Malaïka’s reflective, self-exploratory songwriting.
“Place I Go To” is built from soul and jazz, the music Malaïka loves most and the influence that shapes her melodies and compositions. The song began with no instrumentation at all, just her voice, growing out of her habit of writing melodies in silence and singing a cappella.
What started as a single line grew over time: first as an interlude on Malaïka’s debut EP, 27, then into a guitar and piano arrangement performed live; then a full-band version debuted at her headline show in Accra, before finally evolving into the rich, textured production heard today.
Producer Enid Blekk and creative director/A&R Kafui Offori developed the song’s arrangement, with Tronomie handling vocal production and recording for both Malaïka and Ria Boss. Malaïka describes the result as “really rich, really soulful,” the kind of sound that “instantly puts you at ease.”
Speaking about the song, Malaïka says, “The song is about finding a home or resting place, somewhere you feel safe. For me that’s the ocean, for others it’s the people they love or a higher power, but most importantly, you can find it within yourself. I hope anyone who hears this song is reminded that they can find a resting place within themselves, too.”
Malaika has admired Ria Boss since seeing her perform live in 2019, and the two later became friends through the Black Girls Glow residency. When the song was ready for a second voice, Ria Boss was the only choice. Describing the collaboration, Malaika calls it simply: “Made in heaven.”
Earlier this year, Malaïka previewed the song for a blindfolded audience, an experiment that revealed how powerfully the track lands when listeners close their eyes. She hopes fans will do the same on first listen.
“Place I Go To” ft. Ria Boss is available now on all streaming platforms.
The Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mr. Edmond Kombat, has expressed his profound appreciation to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, and the entire leadership and staff of the Ministry for their continued support and confidence in the Board, Management and staff of Tema Oil Refinery.
Mr. Kombat was recognised as the “Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) Champion of the Year, 2026” at the 2026 Annual Retreat of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, in the Volta Region of Ghana.
The Annual Retreat provided an opportunity for the Ministry to review its performance and achievements for 2026 and strategise and set priorities for 2027, bringing together key leadership and stakeholders within the energy sector.
The recognition of Mr. Kombat was in acknowledgement of his leadership and contribution to the recovery of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and the restoration of TOR’s refining operations.
The citation highlighted the successful completion of critical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), the resumption of crude oil refining after several years of operational inactivity, and the progress made in repositioning TOR towards its core mandate of domestic crude refining and local value addition.
It further recognised TOR’s successful processing of locally produced Jubilee Medium Sweet Crude, including the significant milestone of processing one million barrels by August 2026.
Gratitude to the President and Energy Ministry
In expressing his appreciation, Mr. Kombat said the recognition was a reflection of the collective efforts of the Government, the Ministry, the TOR Board, Management, staff and other stakeholders who have contributed to the refinery’s recovery.
He expressed particular gratitude to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama for the policy direction and support being provided by Government towards the revival of strategic national assets and the strengthening of Ghana’s energy security.
Mr. Kombat also thanked Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, and the entire Ministry for their continued guidance, engagement, encouragement and support for the Board, Management and staff of TOR.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition. I receive it not simply as a personal honour, but as recognition of the collective effort of the Government, the Ministry, the TOR Board, Management and staff, and all our partners who have contributed to the progress we are making at Tema Oil Refinery.”
He added:
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President, the Honourable Minister and the entire Ministry of Energy and Green Transition for their continued confidence and support for Tema Oil Refinery. Their commitment has provided the encouragement and direction needed for us to pursue the recovery of this important national asset.”
Recognition as a Motivation to Do More
Mr. Kombat said the recognition, coming at the Ministry’s Annual Retreat as the sector reviewed its performance for 2026 and charted the course for 2027, was particularly significant.
He noted that the award should serve not as a reason for complacency, but as a motivation for the Board, Management and staff of TOR to do more and deliver even greater results in the coming year.
“This recognition is a great motivation for us to do more. As the Ministry reviews what we have achieved in 2026 and looks ahead to 2027, we at TOR are equally encouraged to raise the bar, consolidate the gains we have made and pursue even greater achievements.”
He stressed that the refinery’s focus would remain on operational excellence, safety, reliability, efficiency, accountability and financial sustainability, while continuously improving its capacity to contribute to Ghana’s energy security.
Recognition of the TOR Team
Mr. Kombat also acknowledged the Chairman and Members of the TOR Board, Management and the entire staff of the Refinery, particularly the technical teams, engineers, operators, artisans and support staff whose dedication and resilience have contributed to the refinery’s ongoing recovery.
“This recognition belongs to the entire TOR family. Our people have worked with dedication, resilience and a strong sense of national duty. I commend the Board, Management and staff for their commitment, and I encourage everyone to see this award as a call to work even harder.”
He said the achievements recorded so far demonstrate what can be accomplished when Government commitment, strong institutional leadership, technical expertise and dedicated staff come together around a common national objective.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As the Ministry looks ahead to 2027, Mr. Kombat reaffirmed TOR’s commitment to working closely with the Government, the Ministry, the Board and all stakeholders to consolidate the gains made and position the refinery as a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable strategic asset for Ghana.
“We are grateful for the recognition, but we recognise that there is still much more work to be done. The award strengthens our resolve to deliver more, improve continuously and ensure that Tema Oil Refinery fulfils its strategic role in Ghana’s energy sector.”
Mr. Kombat once again expressed his profound gratitude to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the TOR Board, Management, staff and all partners and stakeholders for their continued confidence, support and commitment to the recovery and transformation of Tema Oil Refinery.
After years of building a catalogue filled with some of Ghana’s most recognisable records, Lasmid is finally giving his fans what they have been asking for; his own concert.
The Ghanaian singer and songwriter has officially announced Lasmid Live In Concert, themed The Legacy Begins, marking a defining new chapter in a journey that started in Takoradi and has grown into one of contemporary Ghanaian music’s most consistent runs.
Lasmid first captured national attention after winning MTN Hitmaker Season 8 in 2019, but it was the release of Friday Night in 2022 that introduced him to a much wider audience and became one of the defining records of his breakthrough.
Rather than allowing that moment to define his career, Lasmid continued to build.
Records including Puul, Running, Olivia, Bad Boy, Atele, Biggest Nathaniel and Liquor Store have steadily expanded his catalogue, while his distinctive voice, melodies and songwriting have made him an increasingly sought-after collaborator.
That run has seen him work across Ghana and the wider African music scene, appearing on records with the likes of King Promise, KiDi, Tml Vibez, Kweku Smoke, Wendy Shay and JZyNO, whose Butta My Bread featuring Lasmid became a major continental success.
Through each era, Lasmid’s audience has grown with him.
And as the catalogue grew, so did one request.
Across social media, performances and fan interactions, audiences have repeatedly called for a headline Lasmid concert; a chance to experience not only the records currently dominating their playlists, but the songs and collaborations that have soundtracked different stages of his journey.
Lasmid has been listening.
The announcement film for Lasmid Live In Concert reflects on that journey, revisiting moments from his MTN Hitmaker days through his breakthrough, subsequent releases, collaborations and evolution into the artist he is today. At the centre of it all are the listeners who have supported the music, sung the records back to him and, increasingly, asked for a night of their own.
Now, he is answering them.
Rather than simply another performance, Lasmid Live In Concert is being positioned as an intimate experience between Lasmid and the audience that has grown alongside him, bringing together the hits, fan favourites, collaborations, memories and surprises in one room.
The concert’s theme, The Legacy Begins, speaks directly to the significance of the moment.
For Lasmid, the milestones achieved so far are not being presented as the finished story. They are the foundation for what comes next.
From a young artist in Takoradi with hopes that people would hear his music, to an artist whose songs now reach audiences across Ghana and beyond, the concert represents both a celebration of how far he has come and the beginning of the next phase of his career.
And fittingly, the moment belongs just as much to the people who asked for it. They asked. Lasmid listened. Now, The Legacy Begins.
Lasmid Live In Concert
The Legacy Begins
Date: 5th December, 2026
Venue: The Palms Convention Centre (La Palm Royal Beach Hotel)
MTN Ghana has launched its digital entertainment platform, MTN One TV, as part of efforts to transform Ghana’s creative industry, expand the global reach of local productions, and create sustainable revenue opportunities for filmmakers, broadcasters, and digital content creators.
The initiative is aimed at addressing longstanding challenges confronting Ghana’s creative sector, particularly limited distribution channels, inadequate financing, piracy and the difficulty many content producers face in generating meaningful income from their work.
The platform brings together Ghanaian films, television productions, live television channels and international entertainment, offering audiences flexible viewing options while providing content owners with opportunities to distribute and monetise their productions.
The launch formed part of an inaugural industry conference held under the theme, “Empowering Ghana’s Creative Industry Through Collaboration and Digital Innovation,” which attracted government officials, filmmakers, producers, actors, broadcasters, media executives, technology professionals and other key stakeholders.
Chief Digital Officer Of MTN Ghana Mr Ibrahim Misto
MTN Targets Ghana’s Untapped Creative Potential
The Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Ibrahim Misto speaking at the launch explained that the introduction of One TV represented a significant step towards building a commercially sustainable digital entertainment ecosystem capable of connecting Ghanaian creativity to larger markets.
He said Ghana possessed enormous creative potential, with talented filmmakers, actors, producers, writers, musicians and digital content creators producing compelling stories that reflected the country’s identity, history and cultural heritage.
However, he observed that the absence of adequate distribution opportunities and strategic partnerships continued to limit the commercial success of many productions.
According to him, producing quality content was no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive digital environment, as creators also required access to audiences, technology and reliable revenue opportunities. “This is where MTN One TV comes in,” he stated.
Mr Misto explained that the platform was designed to bridge the gap between content creation and consumption by connecting producers, broadcasters, advertisers, technology partners and audiences within a single digital entertainment ecosystem.
He said partnerships with content owners would help improve the visibility of Ghanaian productions, broaden their distribution and create opportunities for emerging talent to gain recognition.
He emphasised that the economic impact of the initiative could extend across the creative value chain, supporting writers, directors, actors, editors, technicians and production crews whose livelihoods depended on the industry’s growth.
The Chief Digital Officer stressed that MTN’s ambition went beyond attracting viewers to creating an environment in which Ghanaian creators could earn sustainable income, expand their businesses and compete effectively in the global entertainment market.
He further highlighted the importance of protecting Ghana’s cultural identity through digital storytelling. “Our stories carry our history, languages, traditions and values,” he said.
Mr Misto maintained that providing Ghanaian productions with stronger digital visibility would not only promote local talent but also preserve indigenous languages, traditions and cultural values for future generations.
He noted that the initiative coincided with MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You.”
Reflecting on the company’s journey, he said MTN had evolved from a telecommunications operator primarily offering voice and data services into a digital platform business supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and broader economic development.
He described One TV as another milestone in that transformation, demonstrating the company’s determination to leverage its technological capabilities to create opportunities beyond traditional telecommunications.
Mr Misto called for stronger collaboration among filmmakers, content creators, broadcasters, telecommunications operators, investors, regulators and technology providers to build a competitive and sustainable entertainment industry. “We want to hear from you. We want to understand your challenges,” he assured industry stakeholders.
He said the company’s objective was to develop commercially meaningful partnerships that would deliver value to creators while improving entertainment choices for consumers.
“Together, let’s use technology to give Ghanaian stories greater reach, create new opportunities for our creative talent, and build an industry that is competitive, sustainable, and proudly Ghanaian,” he urged.
Senior Manager For Digital Services And Verticals at MTN Ghana Dr Bless Sefenu
One TV Must Deliver Real Earnings for Creators — Dr Bless Sefenu
The Senior Manager for Digital Services and Verticals at MTN Ghana, Dr Bless Sefenu, reinforced the company’s commitment to building an inclusive entertainment platform that would respond directly to the needs of Ghanaian content producers.
He said Africa’s rich storytelling heritage presented enormous opportunities for digital innovation, commercial expansion and international recognition.
Tracing the evolution of storytelling from traditional fireside gatherings, folklore, music, dance and talking drums to radio, television and modern streaming services, he observed that technological advancement had transformed the delivery of stories without diminishing their cultural significance.
Dr Sefenu stressed that Africa had never lacked compelling stories or talented storytellers, but the challenge remained how to distribute African content effectively and generate greater economic value from it.
He said the digital revolution had created an opportunity for African creators to take ownership of their narratives, reach wider audiences and build sustainable businesses around their creative works.
According to him, MTN One TV was intended to strengthen the connection between quality content and audiences while providing creators with greater visibility, wider distribution and additional earning opportunities.
He cautioned, however, that attracting large audiences would be meaningless if the people producing the content continued to struggle financially.
A thriving creative industry, he explained, required more than viewership figures; it demanded sustainable revenue, consistent investment in quality productions and deliberate support for talent development. “That is why we want to build MTN One TV with you, and not simply for you,” he declared.
Dr Sefenu said MTN had deliberately positioned its inaugural One TV industry conference as a platform for open dialogue to ensure that filmmakers, producers and other stakeholders played an active role in shaping the initiative.
He encouraged participants to raise difficult questions, identify industry challenges and propose practical solutions capable of strengthening the platform and the wider creative ecosystem.
He also urged stakeholders to take advantage of the networking opportunities to establish partnerships that could translate into long-term commercial relationships.
Deputy Minister For Communication Digital Technology And Innovations Hon Mohammed Adams Sukparu
Government Challenges MTN to Finance Ghanaian Films
The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, challenged MTN Ghana to demonstrate its commitment to the creative industry by investing in the production of original Ghanaian films and television programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the sector minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, he said the launch of One TV was a welcome development but insisted that digital distribution must translate into measurable economic benefits for Ghanaian creators.
He noted that although the internet had revolutionised the entertainment industry and opened global markets to local productions, many content owners continued to face serious financial and structural challenges.
He identified piracy, inadequate financing, the collapse of traditional CD and VCD distribution markets and dependence on international digital platforms as major obstacles to sustainable growth.
According to him, the increasing consumption of digital entertainment should create corresponding financial opportunities for the people responsible for producing the content.
He therefore urged MTN to move beyond licensing existing productions and explore direct investment in new Ghanaian films, television programmes and other creative projects.
Such investments, he explained, would stimulate local production, generate employment, support emerging talent and strengthen the country’s creative economy.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that the government had established a GH¢20 million Film Development Fund as seed funding to support the growth of Ghana’s film industry.
He stressed that public funding alone could not meet the industry’s investment needs and called for stronger private-sector participation.
He maintained that companies generating commercial value from creative content had a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the development of the ecosystem producing it.
He further called for deliberate efforts to promote Ghanaian languages and indigenous productions to prevent local storytelling from being overshadowed by foreign entertainment.
Judge One TV by Creators’ Earnings, Not Viewership — Deputy Minister
The Deputy Minister stressed that the ultimate measure of One TV’s success should be its economic contribution to Ghana’s creative industry rather than merely the number of people watching content on the platform.
He said industry stakeholders must assess the revenue earned by creators, jobs generated, investments attracted and the proportion of economic value retained within Ghana.
According to him, Ghana’s creative industry could become a major driver of employment and economic transformation if digital platforms were structured to provide fair returns to content owners.
He also called for stronger measures to combat piracy and the unauthorised distribution of creative works, warning that weak intellectual property protection continued to undermine the commercial viability of local productions.
Hon. Sukparu also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the policy and regulatory environment, expanding digital infrastructure, improving affordable connectivity and supporting skills development.
He cited the One Million Coders Programme as part of the government’s efforts to prepare Ghanaians for opportunities in the expanding digital economy.
Touching on artificial intelligence, he acknowledged its growing influence on film production, editing, animation, audience analysis and content distribution. However, he cautioned that technological advancement must not come at the expense of artists’ rights.
He stressed the need to protect the voices, images, identities and intellectual property of creators against unauthorised exploitation through artificial intelligence.
He said the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations would collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to promote responsible and ethical AI adoption within the industry.
Deputy Minister For Tourism Culture And Creative Arts Hon Yussif Issaka Jajah
Ghana’s Creative Talent Must Translate Into Economic Wealth — Deputy Tourism Minister
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, said the introduction of MTN One TV offered a major opportunity to reposition Ghana’s creative industry as a commercially viable sector capable of generating employment, attracting investment and contributing to national development.
Delivering an address on behalf of the sector minister, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, he said Ghana’s storytelling tradition had produced remarkable creative works over the years, but the economic benefits had not always adequately reached the individuals responsible for their production.
He cited celebrated Ghanaian productions, including Osofo Dadzie, Obra, Inspector Bediako and Love Brewed in the African Pot, as examples of the country’s rich cultural and entertainment heritage.
He observed that despite their contribution to national identity and cultural preservation, many creative professionals continued to face difficulties in converting their talent into sustainable livelihoods.
Hon. Jajah stressed that Ghana must move beyond celebrating its creative achievements and establish practical systems that allow artists, filmmakers and producers to benefit financially from their intellectual property.
He explained that the government’s revised cultural policy sought to position culture as an economically productive sector, with digital innovation and strategic collaboration playing central roles.
He commended MTN Ghana for its contributions to the creative economy through initiatives such as caller tunes and cultural festivals, describing One TV as another opportunity to deepen private-sector investment in Ghanaian entertainment.
According to him, a strong digital distribution platform could help connect local productions to new markets while strengthening the international competitiveness of Ghanaian storytelling.
The Deputy Minister identified intellectual property protection, professional training, quality content production and access to markets as critical areas requiring sustained attention.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders, development partners and technology companies to establish an environment conducive to innovation, investment and creative entrepreneurship.
Hon. Jajah urged filmmakers and other creative professionals to embrace digital technology without compromising the authenticity of Ghanaian stories.
He also challenged participants to develop practical proposals that would address the industry’s structural challenges rather than allowing the conference to end without concrete outcomes.
He expressed optimism that MTN One TV would create new opportunities for emerging talent, expand the reach of Ghanaian productions and contribute to building a stronger and more competitive creative economy.
A New Test for Ghana’s Digital Creative Economy
The launch of MTN One TV represents a significant expansion of MTN Ghana’s digital business ambitions and introduces another potential distribution channel for an industry seeking greater investment, visibility and financial sustainability.
For Ghanaian filmmakers, producers and content owners, the platform presents an opportunity to reach wider audiences and explore new revenue streams in an increasingly digital entertainment market.
Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari has warned that children who grow up in homes affected by domestic violence may be left with the damaging belief that violence is a normal part of family life.
Buari raised the concern in a post on X as she spoke against domestic violence and child abuse in the home.
She said a home should provide children with safety, protection and love, but warned that violence can turn that environment into a place of fear.
According to the actress, domestic violence involving children should not be treated simply as a family disagreement because it constitutes abuse and can have serious consequences for young people.
“When they are hit too, the harm is even deeper. They learn that home is not safe and that the people who should protect them can hurt them,” she said.
Buari identified physical, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse as forms of domestic violence. She noted that children exposed to such situations may struggle with fear, anxiety, guilt and anger, while some may experience sleep difficulties, withdrawal or noticeable behavioural changes.
She urged victims not to stay in abusive situations while hoping that the violence will eventually stop on its own.
“Abuse rarely stops without help. Apologies and promises do not erase violence,” she warned.
The actress also advised against staying in abusive relationships simply because of children, saying that doing so could unintentionally expose children to harmful ideas about relationships and conflict.
She maintained that marriage, cultural expectations and concerns about what people might say should not compel anyone to tolerate abuse.
“Love is not fear,” Buari said.
She encouraged victims and members of the public who notice signs of domestic violence to take action by seeking help, making reports through the appropriate channels and placing the safety of victims and children first.
