Culture

MultiChoice Ghana to commit millions of dollars to original African content

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2023

MultiChoice Ghana, the company behind the popular satellite television service, DStv and GOTV, has revealed that it will be committing millions of dollars to the production of original African contents to cater to viewers’ needs.

The Managing Director of Investments for the Ghanaian branch of Multichoice, Alex Okyere, disclosed this during the MultiChoice Ghana Media Showcase held in Accra. He said notable local productions had been earmarked for premieres before the end of the year.

Okyere added that some of the movies outlined for the premieres on the Akwaaba Magic chamnel included “Market Queens”, “Ekaw Danfo”, “Madam”, “To Have and To Hold”, “Leg Work”, “Kasa no y3 more” and “Husband Material”.

The MD, who highlighted MultiChoice’s reputation as the “home of African content,” stressed the company’s dedication to showcasing the finest talents from across the continent, while consistently delivering superior production value.

“GOtv, in particular, has played a significant role in energizing the local movie industry in Ghana. By offering a diverse range of Ghanaian content, it has introduced new leading characters and generated considerable buzz,” he said.

“MultiChoice, being Africa’s most loved storyteller, is not just about amplifying amazing stories from across the continent but also about creating, writing, and producing authentic and original programs that resonate with our clients on our local channels Akwaaba Magic and Akwaaba Magic Abusua.

“MultiChoice’s status is the largest investor in production in Africa, which highlights our unparalleled investments in content, broadcasting infrastructure, talent, and contributions to the workforce in the industry. This aligns with MultiChoice’s brand promise of enriching lives”, he added.

Related Topics:Akwaaba DSTV Featured Ghana MultiChoice

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”