Entertainment
Ghana Fails to Secure Black Travel Summit as Benin Wins Hosting Rights for 2027
Benin is positioning itself as a major destination for African diaspora tourism after securing the opportunity to host the 2027 Black Travel Summit in Cotonou, a development that could intensify competition with Ghana for visitors of African descent seeking to reconnect with the continent.
The announcement marks another step in Benin’s efforts to strengthen its tourism industry, attract international travellers and promote its historical connections with the African diaspora.
According to a report published in The Hawk Newspaper on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the summit will be held in Cotonou, making Benin the first African country to host the international event.
The development is being viewed as a significant boost for Benin, which has been expanding its tourism ambitions and seeking to establish itself as a leading destination for cultural, historical and heritage tourism.
The Black Travel Summit brings together entrepreneurs, travel professionals, content creators, cultural advocates and members of the African diaspora to explore tourism opportunities, business partnerships and connections with Africa.
Benin’s selection comes at a time when Ghana has established itself as one of the continent’s best-known destinations for diaspora tourism, particularly following the launch of the Year of Return initiative in 2019.
Ghana’s Year of Return campaign, launched in 2019, marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia, United States, in 1619.
The initiative encouraged members of the African diaspora to visit Ghana, reconnect with their ancestral roots and explore the country’s historical sites, particularly the forts and castles associated with the transatlantic slave trade.
The campaign attracted international attention and helped position Ghana as a leading destination for heritage tourism.
It was followed by the Beyond the Return initiative, which sought to sustain the momentum by encouraging members of the diaspora to establish lasting relationships with Ghana through investment, business, cultural exchanges and other activities.
These initiatives helped strengthen Ghana’s international tourism profile and encouraged visitors to explore the country’s historical landmarks, cultural festivals and hospitality industry.
Benin’s decision to host the Black Travel Summit in 2027 is therefore significant because it places the country in a stronger position to compete for a share of the growing market of diaspora travellers interested in African history and cultural identity.
The summit is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, tourism operators and cultural advocates, creating opportunities for partnerships and exchanges between Africa and its diaspora communities.
Benin’s growing tourism ambitions come as African countries increasingly seek to attract visitors interested in heritage, culture and ancestral connections.
For Ghana, the Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns have provided an important foundation for promoting the country internationally.
However, Benin is seeking to build its own identity within the same tourism market by drawing attention to its historical significance, cultural heritage and links to the transatlantic slave trade.
The country has a number of historical attractions that could appeal to visitors exploring the history of slavery and the African diaspora.
By hosting the Black Travel Summit, Benin will have an opportunity to showcase its tourism products to an international audience and encourage visitors to consider destinations beyond those that have traditionally dominated African diaspora tourism.
The event could also create opportunities for local businesses, hotels, tour operators, restaurants, cultural organisations and transport providers to benefit from increased visitor numbers.
For Ghana, the development presents a reminder that the success of the Year of Return cannot be sustained through historical recognition alone. Continued investment in tourism infrastructure, cultural experiences, heritage preservation and international marketing will be important in maintaining the country’s competitive position.
Beyond tourism, Benin has taken steps to strengthen its relationship with people of African descent living abroad by introducing a citizenship pathway for members of the diaspora who can establish qualifying ancestral links to the country.
According to the newspaper report, approximately 155 members of the African diaspora were sworn in as Ghanaian citizens in March 2026 after completing a process connected to Ghana’s diaspora citizenship programme.
The report contrasts Ghana’s approach with Benin’s efforts to make citizenship more accessible to people seeking to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
In Benin, the initiative is linked to a law adopted in September 2024 that establishes a framework for granting Beninese nationality to descendants of Africans deported during the transatlantic slave trade.
The newspaper reported that three people were officially recognised in July 2025: Wilson Ciara Princess, Joseph Gabendy and Esmeralda David Romuald.
It further reported that French broadcaster Claudy Siar received Beninese nationality in Ouidah, a historic coastal town associated with the slave trade, in May 2026.
The initiative reflects Benin’s efforts to strengthen its connections with the African diaspora through formal recognition of ancestral ties.
However, the process has also generated debate over eligibility requirements, application procedures and the costs involved.
The newspaper report noted that a commentary published in April raised concerns about the citizenship process, with nearly 2,000 members of the diaspora reportedly expressing interest.
Of that number, only about 150 were said to have qualified.
The commentary questioned the financial and administrative requirements associated with the process, including application fees and other expenses.
It argued that the costs could make the initiative more accessible to wealthy applicants than to ordinary members of the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
The concerns raise broader questions about how African countries can balance the need for transparent citizenship procedures with the desire to make diaspora engagement more inclusive.
For countries pursuing heritage tourism, citizenship programmes can provide a means of encouraging deeper connections with international communities of African descent. However, their success may depend on the accessibility, transparency and credibility of the application process.
Benin has also sought to simplify its citizenship process by introducing DNA testing as a means of helping applicants establish African ancestry.
According to the report, applicants can undergo testing through La Nouvelle Tribune, an organisation identified in the newspaper as facilitating the process.
The report said the organisation’s founder, Mr Siar, confirmed that the test had been scrapped.
This development was presented as part of Benin’s effort to make the process easier for applicants seeking recognition of their ancestral connections.
The use of DNA testing in diaspora citizenship programmes has the potential to provide additional evidence of ancestry, although genetic testing alone cannot necessarily establish a person’s connection to a particular country or determine legal eligibility for citizenship.
The effectiveness of such programmer ultimately depends on the legal framework, documentation requirements and procedures adopted by the relevant authorities.
The country has also established Benin Influence, an organisation designed to promote Benin’s image and encourage engagement with diaspora communities around the world.
The organisation is expected to contribute to Benin’s international visibility by promoting its culture, history and tourism opportunities.
Such initiatives could complement the Black Travel Summit by helping the country build relationships with travel professionals, cultural organisations, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora.
The strategy reflects a broader effort to present Benin not only as a destination for short visits but also as a country with which members of the diaspora can establish lasting cultural, economic and personal relationships.
For Ghana, which has spent several years promoting itself as a destination for people of African descent, Benin’s approach signals the growing importance of coordinated tourism promotion and sustained diaspora engagement.
The newspaper report argued that Ghana still has a major advantage in diaspora tourism because of the recognition built through the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives.
However, it warned that Benin is moving with purpose by combining its citizenship initiative with a dedicated diaspora organisation and international tourism promotion.
The central question is whether Ghana can maintain its position as a leading destination for diaspora travellers while other African countries develop similar programmer.
Ghana has already established an international reputation through its historical sites, cultural festivals and diaspora-focused tourism initiatives. Maintaining that position, however, will require sustained attention to the quality of visitor experiences, tourism infrastructure, heritage preservation and the ease with which visitors can engage with local communities.
Benin’s selection to host the 2027 Black Travel Summit provides an opportunity for the country to attract international attention and strengthen its tourism industry.
It could also encourage greater competition among African destinations to develop more attractive programmes for members of the diaspora.
Ultimately, the competition may benefit travellers if it leads to better tourism services, stronger cultural exchanges and greater investment in heritage sites across the continent.
For Ghana, the challenge will be to build on the achievements of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return while ensuring that the country continues to offer compelling reasons for visitors to choose Ghana over emerging destinations.
With Benin preparing to welcome the Black Travel Summit to Cotonou in 2027, the contest for the attention of the African diaspora is becoming increasingly competitive.
Entertainment
Daddy Lumba’s Widow Sues TikToker Maa Lizzy for GH¢10m Over Alleged Defamatory Claims
Akosua Serwah Fosu, widow of late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, has dragged TikTok personality Elizabeth Opuni, popularly known as Maa Lizzy, to court, demanding GH¢10 million in damages over alleged defamatory publications.
The professional nurse, who is based in Germany, accuses the social media commentator of making and circulating a series of false and damaging allegations about her following the death of her husband, Charles Kwadwo Fosu.
The suit was filed at the High Court in Accra on October 15, 2026, under suit number GJ/0050/2027.
Court documents indicate that Fosu is pursuing the action through her lawful attorney, Rachel Kissiwaa Akwuah, with legal representation from Kliemn Law Office, led by Francis Yaw Adiasani.
In her statement of claim, the plaintiff maintains that she has established a respectable reputation as a professional, wife, mother and member of society in Ghana, Germany and beyond.
She contends that the publications attributed to Maa Lizzy have injured her dignity, family standing and professional reputation.
Fosu further points out that she has become widely identified as the “Team Legal Wife” amid public discussions and controversies surrounding Daddy Lumba’s death and family.
The defendant is described in the court documents as the operator of a TikTok account bearing the name Maa Lizzy, which allegedly had more than 320,000 followers as of October 12, 2026.
According to the plaintiff, the defendant embarked on a sustained campaign of publishing offensive and fabricated claims about her. She alleges that some of the videos were subsequently shared by other bloggers, extending their reach to audiences in Ghana and abroad.
Among the statements outlined in the lawsuit are allegations relating to Fosu’s sexual conduct, personal character and previous relationships.
The court documents also attribute to the defendant claims that the widow was connected to the deaths of previous husbands and that she employed witchcraft and promiscuity against the late musician.
Fosu has denied the allegations, describing them as entirely false and defamatory.
She is asking the court to declare that the publications are defamatory and capable of exposing her to hatred, ridicule, humiliation and public disrepute.
Beyond the GH¢10 million compensation, the widow is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Maa Lizzy, her agents and assigns from publishing the disputed statements or making further similar allegations against her.
She also wants the court to compel the defendant to retract the publications and issue an unqualified public apology. The apology, she argues, should receive prominence and visibility comparable to the original content published on TikTok and other platforms.
The GH¢10 million claim includes general and aggravated damages, alongside legal costs and any additional relief the court may consider appropriate.
The writ of summons further directs Maa Lizzy to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the court documents. Failure to comply could allow the court to proceed with the case and enter judgment in her absence.






Entertainment
Kwame Dzokoto’s Family Announces November 20 for One-Week Observation
The family of late Ghanaian actor and broadcaster Seth Kwame Dzokoto has announced November 20, 2026, for his one-week observation.
The ceremony, which will take place nearly a month after his death on October 22, will be held at the Roman Catholic School Park, close to St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
Dzokoto, aged 51, reportedly collapsed after suffering a medical emergency while taking part in a live morning radio discussion on Owass FM in Tarkwa. His sudden passing left many in the entertainment and political circles mourning the loss.
He became a household name through his role as Judge Koboo in the popular television series Efiewura, where his humorous performances and distinctive delivery endeared him to viewers.
He also made significant contributions to broadcasting, notably as the presenter of TV3’s food programme Edziban, which focused on Ghanaian cuisine and promoted the country’s diverse food traditions.
Aside from his work in the media and entertainment industry, Dzokoto ventured into politics, building a public profile that extended beyond the creative arts.
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and well-wishers, many of whom acknowledged his impact on Ghana’s entertainment and broadcasting landscape.
The one-week observation will bring together relatives, friends, colleagues and sympathisers to pay their respects and celebrate the life and legacy of the late entertainer.

Entertainment
I Didn’t Mean to Disrespect You – Bobie Ansah Apologises to Stonebwoy
Ghanaian broadcaster and political commentator Kwabena Bobie Ansah has publicly apologised to dancehall musician Stonebwoy following comments he made about his preference between the Jejereje hitmaker and his long-time industry rival, Shatta Wale.
In an apology message shared on his official Facebook page, Bobie Ansah expressed regret over his earlier remarks, insisting that he never intended to take a swipe at Stonebwoy or disrespect his contribution to the Ghanaian music industry.
Addressing the musician as bruv, he acknowledged Stonebwoy’s achievements and described him as a legend in his own right, adding that he would not deliberately undermine or disrespect him.
“Hi bruv, I send you my sincere apologies concerning comments I made with respect to my choice between you and Shatta. Respectfully, I did not intend to take a swipe at your person,” he wrote.
Bobie Ansah stressed that his apology was not prompted by insults from Stonebwoy’s fanbase, popularly known as the Bhim Nation, but rather by his desire to address the musician’s displeasure over the comments.
He further referenced his personal experiences confronting a political party and former President Nana Akufo-Addo, claiming that he had endured years of insults, spiritual attacks and even physical threats without backing down.

According to him, his earlier comments were based on what he considered a genuine observation and were not intended to create hostility between the two entertainers.
The broadcaster also disclosed that he rarely listens to Ghanaian music, mentioning Black Sherif and Kofi Kinaata among the few local musicians he regularly listens to. He further made it clear that he is a fan of Black Sherif.
Despite this, Bobie Ansah assured Stonebwoy of his continued support, saying he was ready to support the musician at any time.
He concluded his message by appealing for forgiveness and emphasising the need for unity rather than hostility.
“It takes you and I to make Ghana a better place; practically, we cannot live under the roof of hostility,” he added.
Entertainment
Ghana Urged to Establish Convention Bureau, Build 20,000-Capacity Facility to Boost MICE Tourism
Ghana has been urged to establish a fully operational national Convention Bureau and invest in a world-class convention facility with a minimum capacity of 20,000 participants as part of efforts to position the country as one of Africa’s leading destinations for business events.
The call was made by Architect Ekow Sampson in an article titled A Case for MICE Tourism in Ghana: From Hosting Conferences to Becoming Africa’s Leading Business Events Destination, in which he argued that Ghana must move beyond relying on its traditional tourism attractions and take advantage of the growing global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism market.
According to him, MICE tourism presents a major opportunity to increase tourism revenue, create employment, attract foreign exchange and stimulate economic activities across several sectors.
He noted that MICE tourism is no longer a niche segment but has become a significant component of the global travel economy.
Citing estimates from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Sampson said global business travel spending reached approximately US$1.47 trillion in 2024 and is projected to exceed US$2 trillion by 2028.
He also referenced the 2024 WTM Global Travel Report, which found that international business visits increased by approximately 19 per cent in 2024, compared with about 11 per cent growth in leisure visits.
The report further projects that international business visits could grow by around 50 per cent between 2024 and 2030, significantly outpacing leisure travel.
Sampson believes these developments present an opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its position in the international tourism market.
He pointed to figures from the Ghana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) 2025 Tourism Report, which recorded 1,306,962 international arrivals, with business travel accounting for 31 per cent of the total arrivals.
He further noted that the entertainment and conference segment recorded 14.3 per cent growth, indicating increasing demand for conferences and related events in the country.
According to him, these figures demonstrate that business travel is already a major contributor to Ghana’s international tourism and should be treated as a strategic area for further investment.
He cited events such as the Global Assemblies of God Conference and the 2026 Call to the Ghana Bar ceremony at the IGCC Auditorium as examples of Ghana’s ability to host significant gatherings.
However, he stressed that such achievements should not remain isolated events, arguing that the country must develop a deliberate strategy to attract and compete for major international conferences, conventions and exhibitions.
Explaining the economic importance of the sector, Sampson said the benefits of MICE tourism extend beyond the venues where conferences and exhibitions are organised.
He explained that business visitors spend money on accommodation, international air travel, ground transportation, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and other tourism experiences.
Citing GBTA estimates, he said a business traveller spends an average of approximately US$834 per trip.
This includes about US$312 on accommodation, US$176 on air travel, US$153 on food and beverages, and US$103 on ground transportation.
He said attracting major international conferences could therefore generate economic opportunities for hotels, airlines, restaurants, transport operators, event management companies, tour operators, retailers and local communities.
Sampson also highlighted the potential of what is known as bleisure tourism, a concept in which business travellers extend their trips to enjoy leisure activities.
He observed that Ghana could use international conferences and business events to encourage visitors to explore the country’s cultural heritage, cuisine, festivals, natural attractions and creative industries.
Sampson identified political stability, democratic credentials, international air connectivity, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, strong diaspora connections and the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra as some of Ghana’s major advantages in developing its MICE tourism industry.
He also acknowledged the foundation established by the Ghana Tourism Authority, which is a professional member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
However, he argued that Ghana must move beyond participating in international industry platforms and position itself as a leader in attracting major business events to the continent.
One of his major recommendations is the establishment of a fully operational Ghana Convention Bureau to coordinate the country’s efforts to attract international conferences, conventions and exhibitions.
He explained that the proposed institution should be responsible for identifying international events, preparing competitive bids, coordinating hotels, airlines and conference venues, supporting event organisers and promoting Ghana as a business-events destination.
The Bureau would also be expected to measure the economic impact of events hosted in the country.
Sampson said it should work closely with the Ghana Tourism Authority, relevant government institutions, local authorities and private-sector stakeholders to develop a coordinated national business-events strategy.
Beyond institutional arrangements, Sampson called for significant investment in modern infrastructure to enable Ghana to compete for large international gatherings.
He proposed the development of a world-class convention facility with a minimum seating capacity of 20,000 participants.
He also called for the accelerated redevelopment of the Accra International Trade Fair Centre into a modern hub for conventions, exhibitions and international trade events.
According to him, such facilities would enable Ghana to compete for major international congresses, religious conventions, professional association meetings, exhibitions and corporate events that may exceed the capacity of existing venues.
He stressed that institutional capacity must be supported by the necessary infrastructure if Ghana intends to attract larger and more prestigious international events.
Sampson also commended President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to develop an Accra Convention Centre, describing it as a step in the right direction towards strengthening Ghana’s position in the international business-events industry.
He, however, urged the government to translate the vision into concrete action by establishing the proposed national Convention Bureau, developing a world-class convention facility with a minimum capacity of 20,000 participants rather than the proposed 3,000-capacity facility, and accelerating the redevelopment of the Accra International Trade Fair Centre.
He maintained that Ghana could no longer afford to treat MICE tourism as a peripheral activity, particularly when business travel already accounts for 31 per cent of international arrivals.
Sampson argued that the 14.3 per cent growth recorded in the entertainment and conference segment in 2025 further reinforces the need for a more deliberate national approach.
He called for aggressive international marketing, modern convention infrastructure and strong public-private partnerships to help Ghana attract a greater share of the growing global business-events market.
He concluded that Ghana must shift its focus from simply hosting conferences to actively competing for them, insisting that MICE tourism could become a powerful engine for tourism growth, employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and national development.
Entertainment
EL– Talent Alone Won’t Take Ghanaian Musicians to Billboard
Ghanaian rapper EL has identified inadequate financial investment as one of the major obstacles preventing Ghanaian musicians from making significant breakthroughs on international music charts such as Billboard.
The award-winning musician believes Ghana has enough talented artistes capable of competing on the global stage, but the financial commitment required to achieve that level of success remains a major challenge.
Speaking in an interview shared on social media by Ameyaw Debrah, EL explained that the country’s music industry was growing but needed to move at a faster pace to maximise its potential.
“I don’t think anything is lacking. I think it’s growing at its own pace,” he said, adding that greater financial support could help accelerate the industry’s development.
Addressing suggestions that musicians need approximately $1 million to push their songs onto major international charts, EL indicated that such an amount could significantly improve an artiste’s chances of achieving the feat.
“If you have a million, you will definitely end up on the Billboard. Yeah, if you want it to,” he remarked.
Beyond financial investment, EL also expressed concern about the growing emphasis on branding, publicity and the entertainment side of the music business.
He argued that the industry has increasingly shifted towards image-building and marketing, sometimes placing less attention on the actual musical contribution of artistes.
“These days it’s become a lot more smoke and mirrors. It’s become a lot more about the showbiz aspects as opposed to what the talent is bringing to the table,” he explained.
Meanwhile, EL revealed that Bow Legge, a song from his collaborative project Dancing Machine with rapper D-Black, is currently his favourite track.
He also spoke about efforts to revive Azonto, explaining that although the popular Ghanaian music genre never completely disappeared, he and D-Black were working to bring it back on a bigger scale.
On his personal music preferences, EL mentioned legendary American entertainer Michael Jackson and British singer Sam Smith as two artists he enjoys listening to.
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