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Editorial: Until Mahama Cracks The Whip, Accra Will Continue To Flood

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

For years, residents of Accra have endured the devastating consequences of flooding whenever heavy rains fall. Once again, persistent downpours over the past few days have left homes submerged, roads inaccessible, businesses disrupted, and frightened residents scrambling for safety in communities such as Dansoman, Mallam Junction, and parts of the Weija Gbawe Municipality.  Sadly, what should be an emergency situation has now become a predictable yearly occurrence.

But beyond the rainfall itself lies a more troubling question: who must be held accountable for Accra’s worsening flooding crisis? For far too long, authorities have treated flooding as though it is solely a natural disaster caused by heavy rains. The truth, however, is that much of the destruction witnessed across the capital is the result of human failures, institutional neglect, and weak enforcement of laws. Flooding in Accra is no longer just about rainwater; it is about poor governance, indiscipline, and years of planning failures.

This is why Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Assembly Members, city authorities, and sanitation agencies must all be questioned seriously about their roles in this longstanding crisis. Residents deserve answers. Why are drains still heavily choked despite annual desilting exercises? Why are illegal structures allowed to spring up on waterways and wetlands? Why are sanitation by-laws rarely enforced until disaster strikes?

Across many communities, drains remain blocked with plastic waste, sand, and debris. In some areas, drains have virtually disappeared under unauthorized structures and unregulated development. Yet these developments do not happen overnight. Buildings are erected in full view of local assemblies, assembly members, physical planning departments, and traditional authorities. The unavoidable question therefore is: where were the authorities when these illegal activities were taking place?

Assembly Members, who are closest to the communities, cannot escape responsibility. They are expected to identify sanitation challenges, report illegal developments, and engage residents on environmental cleanliness. Unfortunately, in many electoral areas, enforcement appears weak or non-existent until flooding exposes the consequences.

Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives must also be held accountable. Every year, assurances are given about preparedness ahead of the rainy season, yet the same communities continue to flood repeatedly. If drains are still choked and waterways obstructed despite these promises, then authorities must explain what exactly has been done differently over the years.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other local assemblies across the capital cannot continue operating in a reactive manner. Rushing to affected communities only after homes are submerged is not enough. Leadership must focus on prevention rather than public relations after disasters occur.

Equally concerning is the culture of poor waste disposal by some residents. Many gutters have become dumping sites for refuse, especially plastics, which eventually block the free flow of water. Citizens also have a responsibility to protect the environment and maintain cleanliness within their communities. Flood prevention cannot succeed if people continue to dump waste indiscriminately into drains and waterways.

However, while citizens must change their attitudes, authorities must enforce the law without fear or favour. Sanitation offences must attract strict punishment. Illegal structures on waterways must be removed decisively, regardless of the influence of those involved. Selective enforcement only encourages more indiscipline.

Another critical issue is long-term urban planning. Accra’s population continues to grow rapidly, but infrastructure development has not kept pace. Many drainage systems are outdated, narrow, and unable to handle the increasing volume of water during heavy rains. This situation is further worsened by climate change, which is contributing to more intense rainfall patterns.

The time has come for government and city authorities to move beyond temporary measures and invest in modern drainage infrastructure, improved waste management systems, and effective urban planning. Flood prevention should become a continuous national priority and not merely a seasonal conversation whenever disaster strikes.

Accra’s flooding crisis has persisted for far too long because too many warnings have been ignored and too many responsibilities have been neglected. The suffering of residents cannot continue to be treated as normal. Authorities, including MMDCEs, Assembly Members, sanitation agencies, and city planners, must all be held accountable for their roles in this crisis.

If decisive action is not taken now, the destruction will only worsen with every rainy season. Preventing floods will always be far better, safer, and cheaper than repeatedly counting losses after the damage has already been done.

 

 

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To What Degree Can Universities Alone Save Africa?

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George Asamani, MD, PMI SSA

The first is scale. Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, with more than 400 million people aged 15–35 and is expected to have the world’s largest workforce by 2040. Yet tertiary enrolment remains around 9%, far below the global average of 38%.

Despite growth in university enrolment, higher education capacity is still struggling to keep pace with demographic demand, with some estimates suggesting capacity would need to expand nearly twelvefold by 2035.

The second crisis is a crisis of expectation. It is not difficult to see why many African families place such a high premium on university education. A degree has long been associated with a life-changing opportunity and a pathway to better job prospects, higher income, and social mobility.

This belief has quietly become a burden African youth carry, because when university becomes the only door to success, young people who don’t get in don’t just lose a place; they feel as though they have lost a future.

Universities are globally recognised as producers of knowledge that contribute significantly to national economic development. Consequently, university graduates are strongly associated with a pipeline of emerging professionals, researchers, and innovators who are essential to national progress.

This is evident in rapidly developing nations such as China and South Korea, where knowledge, innovation, and higher education policies remain central drivers of national development strategies.

Therefore, Africa absolutely needs strong universities, and we must continue investing in them. But we must also confront a hard truth: when access remains limited, a single-pathway mindset amplifies pressure, anxiety, and a sense of failure among young people who are simply navigating a persistently high-demand, limited-supply system that has become increasingly competitive.

 

Across the continent, there are far too many young adults competing for too few seats, and South Africa shows what that looks like in real terms: for the 2026 academic year, the public university system could only offer about 235,000 first-year places, while more than 245,000 candidates obtained bachelor-level passes in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. That gap shut the door of the future on at least 10,000 young people.

The situation at South African private universities is even more acute, with more than 100,000 applications competing for fewer than 10,000 coveted spots. This is before accounting for the structural and socio-economic challenges of affordability, limited student accommodation, and other barriers to access.

Societal pressure has resulted in generations of young people believing that university admission is the primary proof of potential and that anything else is second best. This belief has sustained and continues to fuel the growing appeal for higher education. That narrative is deeply out of step with where the global economy is heading.

Today, the world is being shaped by volatility, rapid technological change, geopolitical, and geoeconomic uncertainty. The future demands flexibility, particularly as advances in AI continue to reshape the nature of work. Traditional knowledge-based careers are giving way to a skills-based economy, where individuals increasingly apply their expertise across multiple projects and dynamic work environments rather than remaining in fixed, long-term roles.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 captures the mood of this moment, noting that 50% of global leaders anticipate a turbulent or stormy outlook over the next two years, which is expected to rise further over the next decade. The report also highlights the lack of economic opportunity and unemployment as major risks shaping the global outlook.

In that context, preparing young people for a future where everything depends on a single pathway is not only outdated but also risky. The goal cannot simply be “to get into university.” The goal must be to build employability, enabling young people to earn an income, grow, and adapt to changing conditions.

The defining career advantage in the decade ahead will not be one based on a higher education qualification only. It will be the ability to re-skill and re-enter the economy repeatedly, moving between roles, industries, and opportunities in a technology-based, radically transforming labour market.

There are alternative, non-linear avenues to success, and Africa must begin to treat them as first-class pathways, requiring a fundamental national shift in mindset and focus.

Across the continent, the countries that will succeed are those that build strong skills-based ecosystems, where young people can advance through multiple credible routes, including TVET and technical qualifications aligned to jobs, apprenticeships, learnerships linked to real work experience, entrepreneurship, work-integrated learning programmes, and globally recognised professional certifications that signal competence and portability.

In project management, for example, young people can build a career through certifications straight out of high school. They can begin with the foundational Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as an early-career professional certification. The certification can open doors to employability or entrepreneurial opportunities.

The pursuit of a higher education qualification can be targeted for a later phase, informed by a real-world knowledge base requirement. As they gain experience, they can progress toward globally recognised advanced certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP).

The reality is unavoidable: even the best universities cannot admit everyone. Expanding and legitimising alternative pathways has the potential to equip the continent’s youth with the skills needed to drive innovation, accelerate economic growth, and advance sustainable development. Africa’s future will not be built by a single educational route, but by an ecosystem of pathways that recognise skills, competence, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

 

Authors: George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa & Dr. Sanele W Nhlabatsi, Senior Lecturer, Project Management, UNISA

 

About Project Management Institute (PMI): PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organisations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve. Join PMI in elevating our world – one project at a time. Connect with us at www.pmi.org, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and on X.

 

PMI Trademarks: Project Management Institute and PMI are trademarks and/or registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc., in the US and/or in other countries.

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Technical Universities Ready to Drive Ghana’s Industrial Transformation -Appiah Adinkrah

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Prof Appiah Adinkrah (right)

The Chairman of Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities in Ghana, Prof. Appiah Adinkrah, has made a passionate call for greater national investment in technical and vocational education, describing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the cornerstone for Ghana’s industrial transformation, innovation, and sustainable development.

Delivering a powerful address at the opening of the Fourth Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana, Prof. Adinkrah said the country’s growing infrastructure deficits, low industrial productivity, and rising demand for employable skills require urgent research-driven and technology-oriented solutions.

The conference, hosted by the Technical University sector and attended by President John Dramani Mahama as Special Guest of Honour, brought together researchers, academics, students, captains of industry, policymakers, and development partners from Ghana and beyond.

Speaking under the theme “Advancing TVET for Innovation, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,” Prof. Adinkrah stressed that technical universities remain strategically positioned to help solve Ghana’s developmental challenges through practical education, applied research, and industry collaboration.

“Technical universities are not only centres for knowledge transmission. Our responsibility extends to developing skills, innovation, practical solutions, and entrepreneurship in ways that directly impact society and industry,” he said.

Prof. Adinkrah noted that the Technical Universities Act, 2016, and its subsequent amendment, mandate technical universities to provide competency-based training, practical-oriented teaching, industrial collaboration, innovation, and applied research tailored towards national development.

According to him, the conference represents the practical execution of that mandate.

He explained that the conference seeks to showcase applied research and innovation emerging from Ghana’s technical universities while strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and government institutions.

“The conference promotes the translation of research into practical solutions that support national development and industrial transformation,” he said. The chairman further highlighted the increasing global recognition of TVET as a critical driver of economic growth, citing UNESCO’s position that technical and vocational education remains central to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in quality education, decent work, and economic growth.

Prof. Adinkrah said Ghana’s technical universities must, therefore, reposition TVET as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and industrial competitiveness.

He also underscored the broad scope of discussions at the conference, covering areas such as engineering, STEM education, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, FinTech, maritime studies, agriculture, entrepreneurship, tourism, environmental management, creative arts, and media technology integration into technical education.

Describing the conference as a major intellectual and national platform, he revealed that participation had exceeded expectations, with thousands of delegates expected to engage in research presentations, networking, and policy discussions.

Prof. Adinkrah used the occasion to commend President Mahama for his commitment to technical and vocational education and for personally attending the conference. He described the President’s presence as a strong signal of support for TVET and national transformation.

“This conference gives technical universities the opportunity to tell their own story and demonstrate their impact over the years,” he declared.

He expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would produce evidence-based solutions, deepen innovation, and strengthen partnerships capable of accelerating Ghana’s industrial and technological advancement.

The Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities has increasingly become one of Ghana’s leading academic and innovation gatherings, serving as a platform for bridging the gap between research, industry, and national development priorities.

 

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Kejetia Phase II Market Project suffers another hitch…as 150 workforce laid off

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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The stalled Kejetia Phase II project

About 150 workers comprising engineers, technicians and labourers, representing nearly two-thirds of the total workforce on the Kejetia Phase II Market Project in Kumasi have been laid off by construction firm.

Mr. Emmanuel Danso, the Community Liaison Officer of CONTRACTA, the construction firm, who confirmed this said the decision follows months of inactivity at the project site.He said Workers have stayed home while still receiving monthly salaries despite construction works being halted.

He said an agreement existed between the Government of Ghana and Contracta Construction UK Limited for government to subsidize part of the workers’ salaries during the downtime.

According to Mr. Danso, the agreement is yet to be honoured, placing a heavy financial burden on the company. The Kejetia Phase II Project, designed to complement the redeveloped Phase I market, has remained stalled since 2024.

The Kejetia Phase Two Project was slightly above 58 percent complete when construction was suspended, with certified interim payments exceeding €27 million still unpaid. Early this month, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, disclosed the prolonged suspension and contractor demobilisation significantly increased the overall project cost.

The Minister said the sharp increase in cost was caused by mounting suspension-related claims and delays in payments to contractors following the halt of work in 2024.He said delays, unpaid contractor claims and project suspensions have driven up costs on the project to over €305 million.

The redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market at €248 million is being financed by the Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).

The second phase of the project is expected to house 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 closed stores; 800 kiosks, 50 restaurants and 210 fishmonger and butcher stores, 40 livestock stores, among others as well as provide 900 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs to improve the lot of residents.

Residents, traders and workers feel frustrated and have appealed to government to release funds for work to resume to enable workers earn decent livelihoods for their families.

 

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KMA vows to ensure occupation of official residence by MCEs

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Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi addressing the Assembly

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has held its First Ordinary Meeting of the 3rd Session of its 9th Assembly, at Prempeh Assembly Hall, which proposed a resolution  to compel Mayors to reside in their official residence.

Last Monday’s Meeting, which coincided with the unveiling of the newly elected Town Council Chairpersons of the various electoral areas, was presided over by Mr Patrick Kwame Frimpong, who doubles as the Assembly Member for Krofrom East Electoral area.

The Presiding Member proposed a resolution to force Mayors to reside in their official residence when renovation works are  completed in two weeks’ time.

Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong – KMA Presiding Member

The No. 7 Ellis Avenue at Nhyiaeso in Kumas, the official residence of the Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has undergone several renovations since 2000.

The three-bedroom No 7. Ellis Avenue apartment had accommodated past mayors including Maxwell  Kofi Jumah, Miss Patricia Appiagyei under Kufuor-led NPP, Samuel Sarpong  and Kojo Bonsu under the NDC.

In most cases the facility had been renovated at huge cost to the assembly before occupation by each of the mayors. In 2014, some members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly were  angry about the Chief Executive’s continuous stay outside his official residence.
According to them, GHc95,000 out of GHc110,000 voted in the 2013/2014
budget had already been spent to renovate the residence yet then mayor Kojo Bonsu declined to move into the official bungalow. The residence has not been occupied since 2017.

The newly elected Town Council Chairpersons

It is the hope of Presiding Member Patrick Frimpong that this time round after the renovation in two weeks’ time, the Mayor, King Zuba as he is known, would reside there hence the proposition to compel all mayors to occupy the official residence on assumption of office.

The General meeting also deliberated on roadblock issues within the Metropolis and recommended that   Sub-Metro Engineers must inform/notify various Assembly members upon issuing a permit to keep them (Assembly Members) in the known and that the engineers must ensure that the blocked streets are cleaned after every event by the acquirer of the said permit.

The meeting also discussed  absenteeism by some government appointees and MPs from KMA General meetings, sanitisation issues at Kumasi Secondary Technical School, redevelopment of Santasi market, revenue improvement,  ban on tricycle in CBD core areas, extension of contracts and competence of contractors, maintenance of Prempeh Assembly Hall and the Sokoban Wood village, among others.

Delivering the Sessional address, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, the mayor, indicated that  in line with KMA’s commitment to deepening decentralization and strengthening sub-structures for improved service delivery, the assembly  had reconstituted the Town and Sub-Metropolitan District Councils. This, according to him, was in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Government (Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly) (Establishment) Instrument, 2017 (L.I. 2260) and the Sub-Metropolitan District Councils of Metropolitan Assemblies Instrument, 2015 (L.I. 2223).

He said a two-day workshop was organised in April 2026 for members to equip them with the requisite knowledge, skills, to enhance their legislative and oversight responsibilities.

Touching on security and public safety, the Mayor disclosed that while the Metropolis remains generally peaceful, certain areas are experiencing an increase in street robberies and thefts for which police patrols have been intensified in these hotspots.  The Assembly is also engaging with relevant stakeholders to support the adoption and rehabilitation of dilapidated police posts and containerised stations, thereby strengthening police visibility, improving rapid response, and enhancing overall security.

Boadi indicated that during the year under review, KMA-NADMO recorded a notable reduction in disaster incidents, particularly flooding, despite the heavy rains experienced.

He said the Assembly, through the Metro NADMO and in collaboration with the Regional NADMO, provided relief support to affected victims, and directed the Metro NADMO Director to undertake regular weekly monitoring of major market centres as a proactive measure to minimise the incidence of fire outbreaks and other related emergencies.

As part of proactive flood mitigation efforts, major drains across the Metropolis, including Airport Roundabout, Moshie Zongo, Akwatia Line, WAEC area, Ahodwo, Nhyiaeso, Atafoa and Duase, were desilted, in partnership with the Regional NADMO, contributing significantly to the decline in flood cases.

The Mayor indicated that the Assembly remains committed to strengthening its Internally Generated Revenue (IGF) through innovative, transparent, and technology-driven revenue mobilisation strategies.

The Assembly, he disclosed, has adopted measures aimed at improving revenue collection efficiency, minimising leakages, and enhancing public confidence in the management of KMA’s revenue sources to build on the gains made in 2025

As part of these measures, the Assembly successfully implemented an electronic billing system, under which bills were dispatched to businesses within the Metropolis by the second week of January 2026.

This initiative, the mayor noted, has improved accuracy in revenue administration, minimised challenges associated with boundary disputes, and reduced unauthorised revenue collection activities.

The digital platform also provides rate payers with convenient channels to engage the Assembly on billing, payments, and business information updates, thereby strengthening trust and voluntary compliance.

Hon. Boadi disclosed that while significant progress had been made, behavioural change remains the most persistent and difficult challenge confronting the Assembly. Indiscriminate littering and the illegal disposal of waste at unauthorised sites continue to undermine sanitation efforts.

To address this, intensified monitoring, during early morning and late-night operations, led to the apprehension of 26 individuals who were prosecuted before the Prempeh Assembly District Court and fined between 100 and 120 penalty units (GHC1,200 to GHC1,440), noting that The Assembly would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement, intensify public education campaigns, and collaborate with stakeholders to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

From Oswald P.  Freiku, Kumasi

 

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CUTS extols BoG for suspending proposed MTN new charges

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Appiah Kusi Adomako, Esq, the Director, West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International.

CUTS International Accra, a leading public policy think tank on consumer protection and competition policy advocacy organisation commends the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for its prompt intervention in suspending the proposed 0.75 percent wallet-to-bank transfer fee announced by Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL), the operator of MTN Mobile Money (MoMo). The fee, which was scheduled to take effect on 1 June 2026, has been placed on hold pending further consultation.

Speaking on the development, Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, Accra, stated:

“We applaud the Bank of Ghana for acting swiftly to protect consumers. This is exactly the kind of proactive regulatory oversight that builds public trust in our financial system. The regulator has sent a clear signal that changes to charges in the mobile money ecosystem must be introduced fairly, transparently, and in a manner consistent with the law.

“CUTS wishes to make clear that it does not, in principle, oppose the intention of MMFL to review and adjust its fees. Businesses operating in a competitive marketplace have a legitimate interest in pricing their services in a manner that ensures sustainability. However, such adjustments must be made in strict consistency with the applicable regulatory framework and in a manner that is fair to consumers.”

Dominance, Market Power, and the Duty of Care

According to CUTS Ghana, MMFL commands approximately 75 percent of the mobile money market in Ghana, making it an unambiguous dominant player in the industry. It noted that Competition law around the world does not prohibit dominance itself, it is the abuse of a dominant position that is prohibited. As a dominant player, MMFL possesses significant market power, that is, the ability to raise prices above competitive levels and sustain them without facing the risk of customer attrition or meaningful loss of market share.

“Giving consumers barely one week’s notice about such a significant new charge is, in our view, a textbook example of the kind of conduct that constitutes an abuse of dominance. It is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a fundamental breach of the principle of fair notice.

Consumers deserve adequate time to understand a change, assess its implications, and make an informed choice about whether to continue with a provider or switch to an alternative,”, said Mr. Adomako

The Doctrine of Fair Notice

A notice period of just seven days, according to CUTS is wholly inadequate for a change of this nature and magnitude. The doctrine of fair notice, it argues, is a cornerstone of consumer protection and a basic tenet of ethical commercial conduct. By providing sufficient and reasonable notice, service providers enable consumers dissatisfied with new terms to exercise their right to switch to competing providers, such as Telecel Cash or AT Cash. The truncated notice period offered by MMFL effectively denied consumers this fundamental right.

Protecting Mobile Money’s Role in Financial Inclusion

“Mobile money is a critical pillar of Ghana’s financial inclusion agenda. The ability to transfer funds seamlessly between a mobile wallet and a bank account has transformed how millions of Ghanaians manage their finances. It has reduced congestion at banking halls, lowered transaction costs, extended financial services to the unbanked, and empowered ordinary citizens to participate more fully in the formal economy.

“Mobile money has come to stay. It is central to our financial inclusion story and the daily lives of millions of Ghanaians. Any changes to its fee structure must, therefore, be handled with the utmost care, transparency, and respect for the consumer. We call on MMFL to engage meaningfully with regulators, consumer advocates, and the public during the consultation period to arrive at a fair and sustainable outcome.” The statement added.

 

 

 

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Burna Boy was my small boy -Captan brags

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Captan, former confidant of the richest musician in Ghana, Shatta Wale has shared that once upon a time, he was Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy’s boss.

Speaking in a recent interview on Afropodstudio, Captan took Ghanaians back to when Burna Boy was close to Shatta Wale, noting that he watched the beginning of the musician.

The former member of Shatta Movement recounted that “I was in the studio when Burna Boy and Shatta Wale were recording”.

According to Captan, “We’d take them to the club… police would catch us and we’d go to jail”, adding that “At that time, Burna Boy was my small boy.”

Credit: ghpage.com

Being a graduate in an industry many are not gives me pride – Davido

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Davido

Celebrated Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said the university shaped his life and career.

He stated this during a recent visit to his alma mater, Babcock University in Osun State.

Davido explained that being a graduate in an industry where many are not gives him a sense of pride.

“Babcock University shaped my career. I always brag to colleagues that I went to school and graduated. Not everyone who started school got to finish,” he said.

Davido graduated with a degree from the musical department of Babcock University.

He previously revealed that his dad set a condition: he had to go to university to be allowed to do music.

Davido also disclosed that he met his wife, Chioma Adeleke, at Babcock University.

He released a lot of his hit songs while still in school.

 

Diana Hamilton opens up about using other people’s songs

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Diana Hamilton

Gospel musician Diana Hamilton has opened up about the importance of seeking permission before performing or reproducing songs by other artistes.

“I remember quite recently I did a Pentecostal Praise with Sofo Kyei Boate and there was a song by Francis Agyei that I sang with him on that wasn’t my song. I was a backing vocalist for him. But before I felt like it, I picked a phone and I called him and told him I was doing a medley of songs and wanted to start with his, and he said I should go ahead.

When I did Nsenkyerene Nyankopon, which is a Pentecost song, after I had sought permission and the song had already come out, and we were going through to perform it live at Experience Concert, I felt led to include a song by a Nigerian artiste,” she noted.

She said to be able to include it in the recording after the event, her management called to seek permission but the owner of the rights declined.

“So we cut that portion out as I had done it on stage without her knowing because I don’t want trouble,” Mrs. Hamilton added.

The gospel musician also cited another example involving the song Days of Elijah.

“When you go on YouTube now, we have a song, ‘These Are the Days of Elijah’. Old song, somebody has done it. I did it on stage not because I wanted to reproduce it or monetise it. But I felt on the night of Experience concert that song fit in beautifully. And I didn’t have the chance to go ask her before putting it in my set. But my point was, if they allowed me to do it, great. If they didn’t, I just sang it on the night and let it go away.”

She added that there was also a song by Jesse Dickson she intended to use, but has been unable to release the performance because she has not reached the rightful owner of the song.

“I have been turned down, I have been allowed. I have both experiences. But I will always make sure that I had sought permission before I do that,” she said.

Diana was part of a panel that delved into the debate on whether copyright laws should be relaxed when it comes to gospel music which is meant for evangelism and exaltation. This discussion comes on the back of instances where some churches and gospel musicians have taken other gospel artistes on for infringing on their intellectual property.

Late-night performances take a toll on my body – Sarkodie to event organizers out of Accra

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Sarkodie

Ghana’s decorated Rapper, Sarkodie has appealed to event organisers outside Accra to schedule his performances earlier, saying performing deep into the night takes a toll on his body and affects the quality of his delivery on stage.

In a post shared on Facebook, the rapper explained that although he appreciates the party culture in many towns outside the capital, he performs best before 1 a.m. and struggles to maintain the same energy levels when made to perform around 4 a.m.

“To my people in most towns outside Accra, I get that you guys love to party till morning. But as a performer, my energy is at its highest level until about 1 a.m. max,” he wrote.

“Any moment after that, my body starts to shut down (which is natural). So I’ll plead with you guys to try to have me on stage much earlier so you can get the best out of me.”

The rapper further stressed that performing at dawn is physically demanding and unnatural for performers.

“I be tired performing around 4 a.m. in the morning … that is not normal for the human body,” he added.

Sarkodie’s comment reinforces conversations about how concerts and entertainment events in some parts of Ghana are often delayed, forcing headline artistes to perform in the early hours of the morning. Known for his energetic performances and stagecraft, Sarkodie has headlined numerous concerts across Ghana and internationally over the years, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most consistent live performers.

His remarks are expected to reignite discussions among event organisers on the need for better scheduling and time management at entertainment events.

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