The CEO of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Jackson Brefo, has made a shocking revelation regarding the failure of most media houses in the country to honour their obligations when it comes to paying royalties to musicians.
Speaking on GhanaWeb’s X Space on May 23, 2025, Jackson Brefo stated that nearly 90 percent of broadcasting networks in Ghana have deliberately refused to pay royalties owed to musicians for the airplay of their songs.
“Government does not do any business with GHAMRO. The only relationship government has with GHAMRO is as a regulator. The government does not support GHAMRO in any way. What we do in the public performance space is license musical works by collecting royalties from radio and TV stations,” he explained.
“More often than not, when you hear that musicians received GH¢100 or GH¢300 from GHAMRO, it’s because royalty generation is not static. Since we collect royalties from TV and radio stations, we can only distribute what we collect. And as a matter of fact, 90 percent of Ghana’s broadcasting networks have deliberately refused to pay,” he added.
Jackson also revealed that GHAMRO has been in a legal battle with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for the past eight years over its failure to pay royalties.
“We have been in court with GBC for the past eight years. And not a dime has been paid from 2014 till date,” he stated.
However, he noted that GHAMRO is currently engaging with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to find ways to compel media houses to fulfil their royalty obligations to musicians.
“We are speaking with the NCA to include provisions in their regulations that would require a media house to settle its public performance obligations with GHAMRO before being allowed to generate revenue under the NCA,” he said.
A judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s plan to strip Harvard University of its ability to enrol foreign students.
The ruling came after Harvard filed a lawsuit – the latest escalation of a dispute between the White House and one of America’s most prestigious institutions.
The university said the administration’s decision on Thursday to bar international students was a “blatant violation” of the law and free speech rights.
The Trump administration says Harvard has not done enough to fight antisemitism and change its hiring and admissions practices – allegations that the university has strongly denied.
US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order in a short ruling issued on Friday.
The order pauses a move that the Department of Homeland Security made on Thursday to revoke Harvard’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) – a government database that manages foreign students.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,” Harvard argued in the lawsuit.
“We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action,” Harvard President Alan Garber said in a letter.
“The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence and to submit to the federal government’s illegal assertion of control over our curriculum, our faculty, and our student body,” he wrote.
In response, White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson said: “If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.
“Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits,” Jackson said in a statement.
After the restraining order was issued, Ms Jackson accused the judge in the case of having a “liberal agenda”.
“These unelected judges have no right to stop the Trump Administration from exercising their rightful control over immigration policy and national security policy,” she said.
There are around 6,800 international students at Harvard, who make up more than 27% of its enrolled students this year.
Around a fifth of those international students are from China, with significant numbers from Canada, India, South Korea and the UK. Among the international students currently enrolled is the future queen of Belgium, 23-year-old Princess Elisabeth.
Leo Ackerman was set to study education and entrepreneurship at Harvard beginning in August, with the hopes of helping children “fall in love with learning”.
He heard the news on Thursday during a Zoom call with other international students, he told the BBC.
“I’ve had this dream of studying in the US and experiencing that amazing college system, which I just think is one of the best in the world. I was really excited, and I’m still really excited if I manage to go there,” Mr Ackerman said.
“Having it taken away feels like a really sad moment for a lot of people,” he added, though he still held out hope that Harvard’s legal action would allow him to continue his studies there.
Eliminating foreign students would take a large bite out of Harvard’s finances. Although foreign students are eligible for financial aid, they are generally not able to access US federal grants and loans.
Experts say international students are more likely to pay full tuition, essentially subsidising aid for American students.
Undergraduate tuition – not including fees, housing, books, food or health insurance – will reach $59,320 (£43,850) in the coming academic year, according to the university, and the total cost of a year at Harvard before any financial aid is usually significantly more than $100,000.
Watch: ‘It’s not right’ – Students react to Trump freezing Harvard’s federal funding
The Trump administration has taken aim at Harvard and other elite institutions, not only arguing that they should do more to clamp down on pro-Palestinian activists but also claiming they discriminate against conservative viewpoints.
It has launched investigations into dozens of universities across the country and wrung concessions from other major US institutions like Columbia University in New York.
On Friday, speaking from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said “Harvard is going to have to change its ways” and suggested he is considering measures against other universities as well.
Harvard, one of eight elite Ivy League universities, is located just outside Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
While Harvard leaders have made concessions – including dismissing the leaders of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies, who had come under fire for failing to represent Israeli perspectives – the latest lawsuit indicates the university is willing to fight the Trump administration in court.
The university has enlisted several high-profile Republican lawyers in its battle, including an advisor to the Trump Organization and Robert Hur, a former special counsel who investigated Joe Biden’s retention of classified documents.
Foreign students currently attending Harvard have expressed worries that the row between their institution could force them to transfer to another university or return home. Being logged on the SEVP system is a requirement for student visas and, if Harvard is blocked from using the database, students could be found in violation of their visas and potentially face deportation.
Chinese student Kat Xie, who is in her second year in a STEM programme, told the BBC she is “in shock”.
“I had almost forgotten about [the earlier threat of a ban] and then Thursday’s announcement suddenly came,” she said.
Several British students who are enrolled at Harvard, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity because they fear being identified by immigration authorities, expressed concerns that their US education could be cut short.
“Getting into Harvard was like an absolute dream. I had worked very hard to get in,” said one student.
“I definitely think freedom of speech is a problem on campus, but it’s being actively worked on… it was an absolute shock when yesterday’s announcement happened.”
“There’s a lot of anger, people feeling like we’re being used as pawns in a game,” she said.
The family of former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has expressed gratitude to the government and people of Burkina Faso for the naming of a street after him, describing it as an honour not only to the family, but to the people of Ghana.
In a statement read on behalf of the family by Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Executive Director of the JJ Rawlings Foundation, during the ceremony in Ouagadougou on Sunday May 18th, she said: “This is a huge recognition of the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to social justice, a man who gave his life in service to the ordinary people.”
“For Jerry Rawlings the pursuit of a just society; the pursuit of the socio-economic liberation of the ordinary African, from poverty, from food insecurity, from under development and from global marginalisation was not a political ambition. It was a calling, it was a duty. In the same vein, Thomas Sankara dedicated his life to the ideal of a self-sufficient Africa, free from the shackles of neo-colonialism. They both envisioned an Africa where these principles would flourish- a vision still necessary today.” Ms. Asantewaa Rawlings stated.
The naming of the avenue came a day after the grand inauguration of a mausoleum in Ouagadougou, housing the remains of Thomas Sankara and his twelve companions who died on October 15, 1987, of which H.E. JJ Rawlings played a significant role in the project. He was the honorary Chair of the Sankara Memorial Committee until his passing in 2020.
Ms. Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of Flt Lt Rawlings, who was accompanied by her brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, said the naming of the avenue marked a significant milestone as it serves as a reminder of the values both Sankara and Rawlings stood for – values deeply rooted in the fight for justice, equality and the conscious awakening of African people.
She reminded the audience of Flt Lt Rawlings’s address at the launch of the Thomas Sankara Memorial Project in October 2016 when he said:
“The journey of emancipation must continue. There is no easy road ahead. The power of imperialist control is almost like a noose around Africa’s neck. The stark inequalities of globalisation, the force-feeding of economic partnership agreements with the attendant imbalance in trade mean we must fight a new political battle against neo-colonialism.”
The naming of the avenue and unveiling of a plaque which was administered by Burkina Faso’s Minister for Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr. Gilbert Ouedraogo on behalf of the country’s Prime Minister, was also attended by the Mayor of Ouagadougou, Maurice Konaté, a delegation from the Thomas Sankara Memorial Committee and members of the public.
Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo paid tribute to the memory of a great fighter for the emancipation of our continent, a voice of Pan-Africanism, a worthy son of Africa, and a great friend of Captain Thomas Sankara and Burkina Faso.
“In our history, we recognise the multifaceted and selfless support that President Jerry John Rawlings once provided to Captain Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara, father of the Burkina Faso Revolution. We cannot ignore the willingness he demonstrated in his time to uncover the truth during the investigation into the assassination of President Sankara,” he declared.
The Spokesperson for the Burkinabe government said: “For our country, where the integration and unity of peoples are already a reality in daily life, the naming of an avenue in memory of President John Jerry Rawlings is an invitation to consolidate everything that unites our two peoples and to ensure that present and future generations pursue our common goal of building a united and prosperous Africa.”
Spanning more than two kilometres, the avenue named after the late President John Jerry Rawlings begins in the north with Avenue Jean-Paul II and ends in the south with Boulevard Capitaine Isidore Noël Thomas Sankara.
Earlier on Saturday a high-powered delegation from Ghana representing President John Mahama attended the inauguration of the Mausoleum. The delegation included Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security, Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, Lt Col Gbevlo Lartey (rtd), Naval Captain Asaase Gyimah and Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi.
Nineteen57 Events, the creative force behind Ghana’s premier fashion and music showcase, Rhythms On Da Runway, has announced the appointment of Shirley E. F. Tibilla, affectionately known as Cookie Tee, as its new Chief Executive Officer.(CEO).
A leading figure in Ghana’s media and entertainment landscape, Cookie Tee brings to the role a wealth of experience, bold leadership, and an unmistakable flair for creativity.
Her appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Nineteen57 Events, as the brand continues its mission to innovate, inspire, and elevate its global influence in fashion, music, and cultural storytelling.
About Cookie Tee
Cookie Tee is a celebrated Ghanaian media personality, actress, television host, and philanthropist, whose vibrant presence has graced screens and stages nationwide. A proud alumna of the University of Ghana, where she studied Theatre Arts and Political Science, she has established herself as one of Ghana’s most respected and admired media icons.
She is best known as co-host of TV3’s flagship morning show, New Day, and has headlined some of the nation’s most prestigious events, including the 3Music Awards, Ghana Club 100 Awards, Radio and Television Personality Awards, and the Ghana Event Awards.
Beyond the spotlight, Cookie Tee is the visionary founder of Mabel’s Angels Foundation, a nonprofit committed to empowering underprivileged youth through education, mentorship, and outreach. Her passion for impact-driven leadership aligns seamlessly with Nineteen57 Events’ mission to fuse culture with purpose.
A style icon and trusted brand ambassador, Cookie Tee is poised to lead Nineteen57 Events into a vibrant new era defined by innovation, authenticity, and excellence.
Nineteen57 Events has extended its warmest congratulations to Cookie Tee on this remarkable milestone and looks forward to a transformative journey under her leadership, where fashion meets purpose, and culture takes centre stage.
Ghanaian trap artiste Beeztrap has won the “Best New Artiste of the Year” award at the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The accolade, which recognises outstanding new talent in the Ghanaian music industry, was a highly contested category.
Notable nominees included Lali X Lola, Arathejay, Team Eternity and Kwesi Amewugah.
Beeztrap took to the stage amidst roaring applause to accept his award.
Upon receiving his award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, the newly crowned Best New Artiste of the Year expressed heartfelt gratitude to key supporters in his life and career.
He began by thanking God and dedicating a special message to his mother in honour of Mother’s Day.
He also gave shoutouts to the Way Up Gang, Paradise, who played a role in promoting his song on social media and the Asakaa collective.
“A big thanks to the almighty God, happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. Mummy, you are watching me; I love you so much. Big shout out to way up gang, big shoutout to Paradise, big shoutout to Asakaa,” he shared.
Ghanaian Afrobeats sensation King Promise delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his journey in the music industry after being crowned Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).
Taking the stage to accept the night’s most coveted award, King Promise described his rise as a testament to resilience and perseverance.
Recalling previous years in the industry, he shared a humbling experience where he received seven nominations but went home empty-handed.
“I just want to say a big thank you to the best fans in the world. If anyone is watching me right now have a dream, use me as an example of resilience. When I broke out on the scene, I had seven nominations and I left with zero.
“While some people laughed, I just worked harder because I believe in God’s timing. Today I am the chosen one,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
King Promise dedicated part of his speech to his parents, particularly his mother, in honour of Mother’s Day.
“I want to say thank you to my parents and siblings. I’m so proud that on a day like this, I get to spend it with my family. Mommy, thank you for believing in me. You never stopped me when I started making music while still in school,” he added.
In addition to the ‘Artiste of the Year’ award, King Promise also took home ‘Best Afropop Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Afrobeat/Afropop Artiste of the Year’, solidifying his place as one of Ghana’s leading afrobeat icons.
Afrobeat artiste King Promise has been named Artiste of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), held on May 10, 2025, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.
The Paris hitmaker secured the top honour after edging out stiff competition from fellow nominees Stonebwoy, King Paluta, Kweku Smoke, Team Eternity Ghana, Joe Mettle, and Black Sherif.
This marks the first time King Promise has won the prestigious title, following several nominations in past editions.
After narrowly missing out on the award last year, King Promise took a more strategic approach this year by ramping up his campaign efforts.
He officially named media personality Tilly Akua Nipaa as his spokesperson in the lead-up to the event.
The 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) is currently underway at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre and as expected, it has been a night of glitz and celebration.
The event, which has established itself as a key event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar, honours excellence in music across multiple genres and categories.
The 2025 edition has featured thrilling live performances, award presentations and unforgettable red carpet moments.
From fan-favourites to rising stars, the night has seen several acts walk away with some of the industry’s most coveted awards.
Below is a full list of winners at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards:
Unsung Artsite – Yaw Darling
Best Hiplife Song of the Year – Bad feeling by Tulenkey
Best Male Vocalist – Joe Mettle
Best Female Vocal Performance – I Choose to Praise by Esther Godwyll
Best Highlife Song of the Year – King Paluta
Best Hip-hop Song of the Year – Holy Ghost by Kweku Smoke
Collaboration of the Year – Lomo Lomo by KiDi featuring Black Sherif
International Collaboration of the Year – Doing of the Lord by Diana Hamilton featuring Mercy Chinwo
Best Afropop Song of the Year – Paris by King Promise
Lifetime Achievement Award – Yaw Sarpong
Best Traditional Gospel Song – Watch Me by Empress Gifty
Best Afrobeat Song of the Year – Asylum by Olivetheboy
Best Music Video – Jejereje by Stonebwoy directed by Banini
Gospel Artiste of the Year – Joe Mettle
Producer of the Year – Kendybeats and King Paluta
Best Afrobeat/Afropop Artiste of the Year – King Promise
Best Urban Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year – Defe Defe by Team Eternity
Best African Song – Tshwala Bam by TitoM, Yuppe & Burna Boy
Highlife Artiste of the Year – Fameye
Songwriter of the Year – Kofi Kinaata
Rap Performance of the Year – Kweku Smoke (Holy Ghost)
Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Stonebwoy
Group of the Year – Team Eternity Ghana
Best Hiplife/Hip Pop Artiste of the Year – Kweku Smoke
Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year – Psalm 23 by Stonebwoy
Album/EP of the Year – True to Self by King Promise
Record of the Year – Can I Live by Ayisi
Best New Artiste of the Year – Beeztrap
Most Popular Song of the Year – Aseda by King Paluta
Nsuomnam, a seafood and fish restaurant, launched its Sunday buffet today, May 11, 2025, in celebration of Mother’s Day.
According to the General Manager, Lamine Sylla, this is the first time the restaurant is offering a buffet service. Surrounded by women in his professional life, he chose to honor mothers in a special way.
The event featured free cocktails for the ladies and a variety of Pan-African and European meals. The Pan-African dishes included finger-licking specialties from Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ghana.
To ensure a family-friendly experience, Nsuomnam also introduced a dedicated play area for children, which includes a trampoline, bouncy castle, and a nanny service, allowing parents to dine with peace of mind.
As Mr. Sylla stated during his press briefing, “Food at Nsuomnam is not just for the elite.” This philosophy was reflected in the Mother’s Day buffet pricing: 250 cedis for children under 12 and 500 cedis for adults.
The multiple award-winning Harmonious Chorale of Ghana has concluded its triumphant 10-day, 3-nation tour across Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, leaving audiences captivated and reaffirming music’s power to bridge cultures, inspire unity, and celebrate Africa’s shared heritage.
The tour, held from April 25 to May 5, 2025, showcased the choir’s unparalleled artistry, blending classical, traditional, and contemporary African choral music with resounding success.
From Lomé to Lagos, the choir’s performances were met with standing ovations, emotional tributes, and collaborations with local artists, proving that music transcends borders.
In Togo, a stirring repertoire featuring Ewe masterpieces like “Esrom Miele” (Ephraim Amu) and “Eleagbe Lo” (T.W. Kwami), earned a thunderous standing ovation. Special Guest Madame Marie-Josée Trenou (President, AEA Foundation) praised the choir for fostering continental unity and youth empowerment.
Diplomats, corporate leaders, and citizenry graced the sold-out event held at the Grand Rex Auditorium.
A historic collaboration in Benin with La Chorale Paix Divine De Godomey, delivered a breathtaking rendition of “Oye” (James Varrick Armaah). French classical pieces (“La Nuit” and “Duo Des Fleurs”) showcased the choir’s linguistic dexterity, while a surprise birthday tribute to the ace composer and music legend James Varrick Armaah electrified the crowd.
Sir Olu Okeowo of Nigeria hosted an intimate evening of Yoruba hymns (“Agbo Ju O”) and gospel classics (“My Help Comes from the Lord”), moving Nigeria’s elite to tears, while the Shell Hall Grand Concert was the venue of a sold-out spectacle featuring Nigerian-Ghanaian fusion, including “Messiah Baba Mi” (Dr. Ayo Oluranti) and the pidgin anthem “Una Hear Me So” (David Aina), which brought the audience to its feet. Archbishop Dr. Daniel Okoh (CAN President and member of the Choir’s Board of Governors) lauded the choir’s mission, pledging continued support for its vision.
Commenting on the tour, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Harmonious Chorale, who is also the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, reflected as follows.
“This tour was more than concerts; it was a movement. Harmonious Chorale has shown that Africa’s cultural wealth, when shared, becomes a catalyst for unity and progress. We return with hearts full of gratitude to God, our hosts, and every soul touched by this journey.”
About Harmonious Chorale
Founded in 2007, Harmonious Chorale is Ghana’s premier gospel and classical choir, renowned for its technical brilliance, cultural authenticity, and global collaborations. Under the baton of James Varrick Armaah, the choir has won multiple awards, including the World Choir Games in South Africa and Ghana Gospel Music.
President John Mahama has inaugurated a re-constituted 13- Member governing board of the National Peace Council.
The President, after inaugurating the re-constituted governing board of the National Peace Council on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 tasked them to go the extra mile in building public trust to sustain Ghana’s peace and development.
“Ghanaians are calling on you to rise above partisanship, resist manipulation and become the custodian of our peace and the nation’s conscience”
He added – “The re-constituted must deepen its collaboration with the Electoral Commission, the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) and the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE traditional and religious authorities. Pre-election dialogue platforms must become institutionalized” –President Mahama emphasized.
On Chieftaincy disputes, the President cited the protracted Bawku conflict and other flash points and called on the National Peace Council to compliment ongoing mediation talks to secure a lasting solution.
“As we speak, violence in Bawku has claimed numerous lives and displaced several households. Chieftaincy conflicts are also rife and it calls on the National Peace Council to work assiduously if we are to maintain Ghana’s image as oasis of peace in our sub-region.
Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak disclosed that the Council is engaging stakeholders to thoroughly review the 2024 elections and adopt strategies towards more effective cooperation to build a future that is resilient to sustain the peace.
He also announced Ghana’s readiness to Chair and host the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC)
Members of the Reconstituted National Peace Council
The Council is chaired by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD
Other members are; Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, Ph.D., Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, Bishop Dr. Victor Osei, Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Sheik Salman Mohammed Alhassan, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Numo Blafo Akotia Omaℇtu III.
The rest are Linda Teye, Dr. Abubakar Umar Alhassan, Georgette Francois, Susan Aryeetey and Nana Effah-Apenteng.
President John Mahama has indicated that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers must reflect the declaration of the stands public office holders must live by
President Mahama Monday launched the Code of Conductfor his Ministers and appointees.
He says the code of conduct is a framework that will be binding on all public office holders and government officials.
Speaking at the launch at the Presidency, President Mahama said it must be applicable to everyone who holds public office including Members of the council of state
“Though the document often uses the term Minister, it applies broadly to Deputy Ministers, to Presidential Staffers, Chief Executive Officers and their Deputies, to Members of the Council of State, Board Members, and other political appointees within the Executive Arm of Government” he said.
Adding that senior government appointees and the vice President are not exclusive of the code of conduct
“Myself , the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, the Executive Secretary and all advisors were bound by this Code of Conduct”
President Mahama said code represents a bold declaration of the standards they must uphold as servants of the public.
“It reflects our commitment to build a government that is ethical, responsive, and worthy of the people’s trust,” he said.
“Let me be clear. This document is not a ceremonial one. It is a living and enforceable framework that outlines what is expected of every individual appointed under this administration” he emphasize
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