Odunowo (1st L), Nana Dr. Agyenim Boateng I (M) and Mrs. Tina Weisinger (2nd R) addressing the press
Ghana has been urged to intensify efforts to project its rich culture and traditions on the global stage to deepen international understanding and appreciation of its heritage.
The call was made at the media launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Hollywood and Africa Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards), scheduled for October 7 to 9, 2026, at the Jubilee Hall of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Addressing journalists, the Executive Producer and African Representative of HAPAwards, Adeola Odunowo, described the milestone as historic, bringing the global awards experience to a country that holds a unique place in the story of Africa and the African diaspora.
While Accra remains a key centre for diplomacy, business and international engagement, he explained that organisers deliberately chose Kumasi as the heart of the anniversary programme.
“Kumasi represents history, culture, leadership, craftsmanship, enterprise, and the enduring strength of African heritage,” Mr. Odunowo said.
He noted that hosting the Road to HAPAwards at the Manhyia Palace was a strategic decision to connect the global entertainment and creative economy with Ghana’s revered traditional institutions.
The three-day event will serve as both a cultural and economic bridge. It will open on October 7 with the African Showcase, continue on October 8 with Creator’s Night, and climax on October 9 with King’s Night in honour of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Twenty-five distinguished individuals will be honoured for their contributions to society during the celebration.
According to Mr. Odunowo, the gatherings will create vast opportunities for dialogue, networking, cultural exchange, business engagement, and celebration of African creativity.
He said the initiative aims to inspire young people to see the creative industry not just as entertainment, but as a viable pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and global opportunities.
Following the Ghana leg, the celebration will move to Los Angeles in November 2026 for the American Royal Experience. That segment will showcase African excellence within the global entertainment ecosystem, uniting African and African-American creatives, business leaders, celebrities, media investors and cultural stakeholders.
Mr. Odunowo expressed gratitude to journalists, editors, broadcasters, bloggers, photographers and digital creators who have supported the HAPAwards journey over the past decade, urging them to amplify the expanding narrative.
He also called on corporate organisations and development partners to collaborate with the platform to connect culture, creativity and a global audience.
Founder of HAPAwards, Tina Weisinger, reflecting on the journey, said the awards began 10 years ago with a simple belief that Africa’s extraordinary stories and talent deserve global recognition.
“Over the past 10 years, that vision has expanded into a global platform celebrating the connection between Africa, Hollywood, and the international community,” she said.
She noted that since 2017, HAPAwards has provided a platform for actors, filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, comedians, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and cultural icons.
Mrs. Weisinger added that the African creative economy has evolved into one of the most exciting opportunities of this generation, with music going global, films crossing borders and fashion influencing world culture.
On behalf of the Asantehene, Chief of Amoaman Traditional Area, Nana Dr. Agyenim Boateng I, announced that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has welcomed HAPAwards to Manhyia.
The announcement followed a briefing to the King during the third Awukudae.
He said the initiative aligns with Ghana’s long-standing efforts to welcome the diaspora home.
“For over 400 years, members of the diaspora have contributed immensely to their host nations but many have not been adequately recognised,” Nana Boateng said, noting that HAPAwards seeks to address that gap.
He added that the King’s invitation forms part of a broader initiative to encourage the diaspora to return not only for emotional connection but to invest in the land of their forefathers, with Ghana uniquely positioned to lead that drive.
By Janet Odei Amponsah