The Nollywood–Africa in Diaspora Film & Food Festival and Awards (NADFFA) 2027 has officially been launched in Accra, setting the stage for a Pan-African celebration of cinema, cuisine, culture and creative excellence.

The festival was unveiled at a Corporate and Media Launch held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-African Culture in Cantonments, Accra.

The event, which attracted more than 250 distinguished personalities from Ghana, Nigeria and the Diaspora, was held under the theme, Uniting Cultures. Celebrating Excellence.

The initiative is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Head of Diaspora Affairs and Brand Ambassador, Ms Ramatu Gumah.

Addressing guests, Ms Gumah explained that although Nollywood features in the festival’s name, NADFFA has a broader Pan-African vision aimed at creating a homecoming experience for Africans in the Diaspora through film and food.

She noted that the initiative would also serve as a platform for economic promotion, investment networking, corporate visibility, tourism development and cultural diplomacy.

The launch featured cultural performances from soldier Kofi San, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, Gumahlites Damba Dancers and celebrated Ghanaian songstress Sherifa Gunu.

The ceremony was chaired by H.E. Rev. Dr Lilian Sally Addo, Global President of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250.

The Special Guest Speaker was H.E. Mrs Fidelia Graand-Galon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname to Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Other speakers included Mr Gideon Aryeequaye, Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, and Ing. Dr Bright Sogbey, President of the Africa Development Council (ADC).

The event also attracted prominent figures from the creative arts and corporate sectors, including Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and Dr Lucky Enehita Inegbehehi, Managing Director of the Edo State Management Board in Nigeria, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.

Nollywood actor Yemi Blaq was among the personalities present, alongside Ghanaian screen icons Kofi Falconer, Adwoa Smart, Pascaline Edwards, Eunice Banini and Kwame Brother.

Other special guests included Mr Romaric Ababio Dankwa, Convener of the Ghana Digital Trade Summit and Executive Chairman of Seedway Group, as well as Mr Mohammed Zafar Yab Anjum, Director of KNZ Enterprise/BQA Cosmetics, a co-sponsor of the event.

Members of the African Ancestral Wall, NADFFA and PanAfrica-Ghana teams were also present. They included Mr George Walton Robertson, Mr Isaac Kofi Arthur, Christabel Nana Akosua Yeboah, Mr. Ampong Derrick-Macbell, Janet Akosua Adepa Amissah, Destiny Zan, Abdulai Ali Jajah (B-BABS), Babylow Darrick, Kofi Adam Bukari, King Benjah, Kromah Mishkini of Massboss Entertainment, Ajah Cletus, Putogo (Comedian), Autentiq Gh, Min. Rebecca and Mr Qizill.

Victoria Agblanya of DELVIC Travel Quest also attended, alongside representatives from the Turkish Embassy, NIB Bank, PanAfrica-Ghana and other organisations.

The programme was hosted by Chief Sir Chike Vitalis Okafor (Odui of Umudioka) and Ms Anita Barakat, Founder of the Rediscover Africa Organisation, USA. The opening prayer was delivered by Shieck Husein Hassan Yeboah.

During the launch, the organising committee announced March 12 to 14, 2027, as the official dates for the main festival activities.

The two-day Film and Food Festival will take place on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, 2027, at the forecourt of the State House in Osu, Accra.

Activities will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day and include film screenings, food presentations, culinary exhibitions, cultural displays, masterclasses and business networking sessions.

The festival will conclude with the NADFFA 2027 Awards Night on Sunday, March 14, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

The awards ceremony, scheduled to run from 7:00 pm to 1:30 am, will honour outstanding film personalities and creative legends from Africa and the Diaspora.

The organisers expressed appreciation to the media organisations, corporate bodies and institutional partners who supported and participated in the launch.

Among those acknowledged were Studio 502, GBC/GTV, UTV, Atinka TV, TV3, GHOne TV, Onua TV, Max TV, Kessben TV, Bullet TV, Woezor TV, Graphic Showbiz, The Spectator, KPD Online, Kessben 92.9 FM and PBSA.

Other acknowledged partners included the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, Africa Development Council and PanAfrica-Ghana.

The organising committee has called on corporate organisations, media partners, creatives and members of the Diaspora community to support, sponsor and become partners in the Pan-African initiative.

The festival is expected to provide a platform for showcasing African creative talent, promoting the continent’s culinary heritage and strengthening cultural connections between Africans on the continent and those in the Diaspora.

Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko has appealed to the public, particularly fans and friends of his estranged wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, to give her space to recover, warning that individuals spreading false information about her could face legal action.

Nwoko appealed in a statement shared on his Instagram page, expressing concern over the circulation of fabricated death announcements, misleading reports and hurtful content about the actress.

He said his appeal was not only for Daniels but also for their children, who deserve to see their mother supported and given every opportunity to recover.

“I want to make a sincere appeal to the public, particularly Regina’s fans, friends, bloggers and social media commentators, to please give Regina some breathing space,” he stated.

The senator said Daniels had been through a lot and needed love, support and an opportunity to heal rather than public criticism and judgment.

“Regina has been through a lot, more than many people may realise, and right now, what she needs most is love, support and the opportunity to recover,” he said.

Nwoko also referenced a video Daniels shared on her birthday, explaining that it offered a glimpse into some of the health challenges she had been dealing with.

He stressed that her situation should not become an opportunity for people to judge or vilify her.

The lawmaker further stated that Daniels’ well-being had always been important to him, adding that concerns about her welfare contributed to his decision to make certain aspects of their private situation public.

He expressed particular concern over reports falsely announcing the actress’s death, as well as other misleading claims about her health and personal circumstances.

“These things are not harmless social media engagement. Regina sees many of these posts, and they are deeply distressing. They do nothing to support her recovery; rather, they add to the burden she is already carrying,” he said.

Nwoko urged the actress’s fans and supporters to discourage the circulation of such reports instead of amplifying them.

He also cautioned bloggers and social media users against deliberately publishing false information about Daniels, particularly claims concerning her death, health and personal life.

“We are documenting these publications, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable through the appropriate legal channels,” he warned.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has commissioned a 12-room guest lodge at the premises of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in Accra, describing the facility as an important addition to Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure.

The facility is designed to provide accommodation and meeting spaces for GTEC stakeholders as well as members of the general public.

It is expected to support various institutional activities, including official engagements, conferences, workshops, retreats, meetings and other programmes, while improving accommodation options for visitors who use the Commission’s facilities.

In a statement shared after the commissioning, Ms Gomashie said the project aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure and improving service delivery to make the country a more competitive destination for both domestic and international visitors.

She stressed that efforts to attract more visitors to Ghana must be supported by adequate accommodation facilities and quality hospitality services that meet the expectations of tourists and other visitors.

According to the minister, developing the country’s tourism sector requires investments in facilities and services that can provide visitors with comfortable and convenient experiences.

Ms Gomashie also used the occasion to encourage Ghanaians to embrace and promote their cultural identity by patronising locally made clothing and other cultural products.

She emphasised the importance of supporting indigenous products as part of efforts to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture.

In his welcome address, GTEC Director-General, Professor Jinapor, said the newly commissioned guest lodge would help reduce the Commission’s dependence on commercially rented accommodation for faculty members.

He described the project as an investment in staff welfare and institutional standards, noting that it would provide a more convenient accommodation arrangement for faculty members and other stakeholders engaged in the Commission’s activities.

Professor Jinapor added that the facility would also demonstrate GTEC’s commitment to improving its operations, enhancing the welfare of its staff and providing better support for its stakeholders.

The commissioning marks an addition to the accommodation and hospitality facilities available within the Commission’s premises in Accra.

Source: AdomOnline

Rapper Teephlow has described his association with legendary music producer Hammer of the Last Two as a defining moment in his career, saying the experience played a significant role in shaping his growth as a musician.

Teephlow, who joined Hammer’s Last Two Music Group in 2014 after finishing as the first runner-up in the Next Big Thing in GH Hip-hop competition, said working with the renowned producer offered him much more than an opportunity to make music.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the rapper described the experience as a rare privilege, highlighting the level of guidance, understanding and passion he benefited from during their time together.

“The experience was amazing. I think that is one of the biggest privileges I’ve had in my journey in terms of the quality of the ear I had around me, and not just the ear, the heart, because the heart is where the passion lies,” he said.

According to Teephlow, Hammer’s influence extended beyond music production, as the celebrated producer also helped him develop his songwriting abilities and build a stronger sense of discipline in his craft.

He explained that although their agreement was mainly a management arrangement rather than a traditional record deal, he was more interested in the opportunity to learn from someone with extensive experience in the music industry.

The rapper noted that some musicians are introduced to the industry, given the opportunity to release songs and eventually left to find their own way. His experience, however, was different, as working with Hammer exposed him to valuable knowledge and practical lessons about the profession.

Teephlow added that the impact of the mentorship continues to reflect in his music, even when he is no longer physically around the producer.

“My pen game is at a certain level because of the experiences I had with Hammer. I don’t just think of the first thing and say it,” he added.

Architect Ekow Sampson has called for increased investment and a coordinated national strategy to position Ghana as a leading cruise tourism destination in West Africa.

He believes the country has the potential to transform cruise tourism into a major contributor to its tourism economy, citing its Atlantic coastline, ports at Tema and Takoradi, historic forts and castles, vibrant culture, beaches and natural attractions.

In an article titled Cruise Tourism: Unlocking a New Economic Frontier for Ghana, Sampson argued that Ghana must take advantage of the growing global cruise industry to generate foreign exchange, create employment and expand opportunities for local businesses.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 37.2 million passengers took ocean cruises in 2025, highlighting the industry’s growing economic significance and the opportunities available to destinations capable of attracting international cruise operators.

Sampson, who highlighted his professional involvement in promoting Ghana’s cruise tourism potential, disclosed that he led a Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) delegation to explore the cruise tourism market in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2023.

He also led another GTA delegation in 2024 to participate in the Seatrade Cruise Global Exhibition in Miami, Florida, where the team engaged industry stakeholders and explored strategies to position Ghana within the international cruise market.

Despite these engagements, he noted that Ghana’s cruise passenger arrivals have experienced fluctuations.

The country recorded approximately 12,600 cruise passengers in 2024. However, the figure declined to 5,488 passengers across 18 cruise ship calls in 2025.

He said the decline highlights the need for sustained international marketing, stronger industry partnerships and deliberate efforts to develop Ghana’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

Sampson identified the ports of Tema and Takoradi as strategic gateways through which Ghana could attract cruise passengers and connect them to the country’s major tourism attractions.

He explained that Tema provides access to Accra’s historical landmarks, cultural experiences, gastronomy, shopping centres and entertainment activities.

Takoradi, on the other hand, offers opportunities to develop tourist excursions around historic forts and castles, beaches, Kakum National Park and other attractions in the Central and Western regions.

However, he stressed that attracting cruise ships to Ghana’s ports should not be the only priority, arguing that the country must also invest in facilities that provide passengers with a comfortable and welcoming experience.

He called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to establish dedicated and well-equipped cruise tourism reception facilities at both Tema and Takoradi ports.

According to him, such facilities should include passenger reception centres, tourist information and excursion desks, organised parking spaces for tour buses and taxis, efficient immigration and customs services, clean public toilets, comfortable waiting areas and adequate security arrangements.

He further recommended the provision of designated spaces for Ghanaian crafts and retail businesses to enable local entrepreneurs to benefit directly from cruise passenger arrivals.

Sampson also emphasised the need for GPHA to collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority, security agencies, tour operators and local assemblies to ensure a seamless, safe and welcoming experience for visitors.

He maintained that Ghana’s ports must be developed into professional tourism gateways capable of creating positive first impressions of the country.

Beyond increasing international visitor arrivals, Sampson believes cruise tourism could generate significant economic opportunities for individuals and businesses across the tourism value chain.

He explained that cruise passengers spend money on excursions, transportation, food, souvenirs and entertainment while visiting destinations.

Some passengers also choose to extend their visits before or after their cruises, creating additional business opportunities for hotels and other tourism establishments.

He noted that a positive experience during a cruise stopover could encourage visitors to return to Ghana for longer holidays in the future.

Sampson, however, stressed that local communities must become direct beneficiaries of the industry.

He identified tour guides, artisans, craft sellers, restaurants, cultural groups and transport operators as some of the groups that could benefit from increased cruise tourism activities.

To achieve this, he called for investment in workforce training, sanitation, security, access roads, visitor facilities and environmental protection.

He argued that developing the necessary infrastructure and improving service delivery would be critical to ensuring that cruise tourism contributes meaningfully to local economic development.

Sampson further called for the development of a comprehensive national cruise tourism strategy involving key public institutions and private-sector stakeholders.

He identified the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Forestry Commission, District and Municipal Assemblies, tour operators and private investors as essential partners in the process.

He outlined several priorities for the proposed strategy, including stronger engagement with international cruise lines, improved international marketing, the development of attractive shore excursions, modernised port facilities, workforce training and increased community participation.

According to him, collaboration among these institutions would help Ghana address existing gaps and establish a more competitive cruise tourism industry.

Reflecting on his engagements with international cruise tourism stakeholders in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 and Miami in 2024, Sampson said the experiences had strengthened his conviction that cruise tourism deserved a more prominent position in Ghana’s tourism development agenda.

He maintained that the industry presents an opportunity for Ghana to generate foreign exchange, create jobs, support local enterprises and promote its cultural and natural attractions to the international community.

Sampson concluded that with strategic investment, improved infrastructure and effective collaboration, Ghana could capture a greater share of the global cruise tourism market.

He stressed the need for the country to move beyond being merely a port of call and work towards becoming a destination of choice for international cruise passengers.