Buzz
Graphic Showbiz forum discusses political parties and their promises for the creative arts and tourism sectors

Panellists and guests who made it to the maiden Graphic Showbiz forum on the creative arts and tourism have called on the paper to hold more of such events.
According to them, more fora will give industry players more opportunities to let their voices be heard and also give the creative arts and tourism sectors the relevance they deserve.
The forum, which came off on Monday, November 23 at the Executive Theatre of TV3, was on the theme: “Moving from promises to action, a discussion of party manifestos on the creative industry,” and aimed at reviewin or assessing manifestos by the political parties as it pertained to the creative and tourism industries.

Akosua Adjepong
It attracted a lot of big names on the arts and entertainment circuit including President of the Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku Mantey; Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Rex Omar; Highlife musicians, Amandzeba and Akosua Adjepong, Chairman of the National Film Authority, David Dontoh and filmmaker/Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Juliet Asante.

CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyemang making a point
Others were poets Nana Asaase and Rhyme Sonny; tourism advocate, PaJohn Bentsifi Dadson; former Editor of Graphic Showbiz, Nanabanyin Dadson; CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyemang; former MUSIGA President, Diana Hopeson; Gospel musician, Bernard Amankwah and CEO of 3Music Awards, Sadiq Abdulai Abu.

Francis Doku
There was also representation by some political parties including Ekow Jones from the Progressive People’s Party (PPP).
With a strong panel made up of CEO of Glitz Africa, Claudia Lumor (fashion); veteran actor/playwright (Abeiku Sagoe); producer/director and NAFTI lecturer George Bosompim (Film); rapper, Edem (Music), poet, Oswald Okaitei (poetry) and Senior Expert on Communications in Africa at the World Tourism Organisation, Kojo Bentum-Willams (tourism) and ably moderated by Graphic Showbiz columnist and General Manager of Media General Television, Francis Doku, the discussions were lively and insightful and contributions by panellists very informative.

Nana Asaase
Graphic at 70 Loyalty Promo
Actor and Chairman of the National Film Authority, David Dontoh, also speaking at the forum
After initial statements concerning their areas and how well or not they have been represented by the political parties as well as follow up questions, the floor was open for contributions and the guests did not miss the opportunity to express themselves, chronicling the years of neglect and what can be done going forward.
Structures
One of the major issues that were highlighted at the forum was the need for structures for the creative and tourism sectors.
A bane of the industry has been the lack of structures and this was raised by several speakers including Abeiku Sagoe and Akwasi Agyemang who reiterated that point during their submissions.
Akwasi Agyemang asked industry players to be organised as it was a way they could effectively fight to get their issues addressed.
Abeiku Sagoe urged that there should be a more harmonious relationship among the tourism, creative arts and culture sectors, a point which Akwasi Agyemang agreed with.
“When the Ghana Tourism Authority introduced the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, and Feel Ghana” initiative, industry people thought it was just something we were doing on our own so they didn’t take advantage of it,” he disclosed.
Others like musician Edem urged creative arts players to come together and present a document of action that any political party that comes into power would follow.
More platforms
In the course of the two-hour event, the panel members and guests expressed excitement at the event and asked that Graphic Showbiz should organise more of such events.
According to them, such platforms were important to enable them to free their minds and seek solutions to the problems bedevilling the creative and tourism sectors.
In her welcome remarks, Editor of Graphic Showbiz, Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu indicated that from 2021, there would be a forum every quarter that would tackle pertinent issues.
Graphic Showbiz columnist and General Manager, Media General Television, Francis Doku, moderated the forum
The forum was in partnership with Media General and Cheezzy Pizza.
Buzz
Nigerian senator and wife found guilty of organ trafficking in UK

A Nigerian senator was found guilty of plotting to harvest organs on Thursday, at the UK’s Old Bailey Court, the Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement. (more…)
Buzz
Akuapem Poloo marks first Ramadan; encourages Muslims to fast

Ghanaian actress cum social media influencer, Rosemond Brown, popularly known as ‘Akuapem Poloo’ has taken to her Instagram page to express her joy as she begins fasting today, March 23, 2023. (more…)
Buzz
Ghanaian designer Papa Oppong awarded the first Graduate Award by the Fashion Trust U.S.

The Fashion Trust U.S. Awards has awarded emerging Ghanaian designer, Papa Oppong, with the first Graduate Award. (more…)
Buzz
Fred Nuamah has successfully filed his nomination following minor hiccup

Ghanaian actor Fred Nuamah has revealed that he has successfully completed the filing of his nomination ahead of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries. (more…)
Buzz
Omotola shares selfie with husband to mark 27th wedding anniversary; his tattoo steals the spotlight

Award-winning Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has gotten the internet talking with a mouth-watering birthday/anniversary post for her pilot husband, Capt. Mathew Ekeinde. (more…)
- Buzz1 week ago
My wife frequently praises my sexual performance – Adjetey Anang
- People & Lifestyle2 days ago
Mobilemoney Limited And Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited Partner To Enable Merchant Interoperability
- People & Lifestyle6 days ago
A Trailblazer In The Field Of Montessori Education In Ghana: Celebrating A Celebrity Montessorian At 37 Years
- Buzz1 day ago
Mawuli Gavor and his wife are expecting their first child
- Buzz7 days ago
Why Stephanie Benson’s kids did not want her to take a reality tv contract about their family
- Buzz1 week ago
Medikal reaffirms his love for his wife, Fella Makafui
- People & Lifestyle3 days ago
Four Foods to Avoid to Protect Your Prostate Health
- People & Lifestyle1 week ago
Zipline Unveils New Autonomous System Capable of Quiet, Fast and Precise Home Delivery
- World News1 week ago
Man serving 400-year prison sentence exonerated after new probe finds wrongful conviction
- Buzz1 week ago
Shaggy, Angélique Kidjo, Dexta Daps, DJ Maphorisa featured on Stonebwoy’s forthcoming album?
- Buzz1 week ago
The Big Announcement – Nominees of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards
- Buzz7 days ago
KiDi’s absence from social media causes fans to worry about his health