The 7th edition of the Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards took place on September 19, 2026, and brought together personalities from across Ghana's entertainment and creative industries. The event was a colourful celebration of Ghanaian talent, creativity, and excellence. Cecilia Gyaase Konamah, CEO of the Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards, described the 2026 edition as a memorable night that successfully celebrated the hard work and contributions of people within Ghana's creative sector.
According to Cecilia Gyaase Konamah, the 2026 edition was designed to go beyond simply presenting awards, with greater emphasis placed on recognising the people working behind the growth of Ghana's creative industry. The event included exciting musical and dance performances, a vibrant red carpet, and strong support from guests, sponsors, and media partners. Konamah said the nomination process for the 7th edition was one of the most competitive in the history of the awards.
The organisers ensured that the judging process was handled objectively, with the jury assessing nominees based on established criteria rather than personal relationships or popularity. The jury considered several factors, including talent, consistency, quality of work, impact, professionalism, and achievements within the eligibility period. This approach made the selection of winners challenging, but ultimately, the recipients reflected excellence, consistency, hard work, and impact in their respective fields.
Among the notable winners at the 2026 Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards were Jeneral Ntatia, who was named Man of the Year, and Mabel Okyere, who won Woman of the Year as well as Best Female Vocalist. Other winners included Ellawan for Best Actress, Kwame Trigga for Best Actor, Linglow for Best Entrepreneur, and S A Glamor for Best Makeup Artist. The Baraka Ibrahim Foundation received the award for Best Humanitarian Project.
The ceremony also honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to Ghana's entertainment and creative space. Cecilia Marfo, Mr Samuel Owusu, Prophet Ogyaba, and Kwesi Ernest were recognised for their contributions. Special awards were presented to Mr Daniel Yeboah and Roselyn Akosua Mantey. The event celebrated the achievements of various individuals and organisations in Ghana's creative industry.
Reflecting on the journey of the awards over the past seven years, Konamah said the initiative has helped provide visibility and recognition for talented people across Ghana's creative industry. The platform has allowed entertainers and other creative professionals to build credibility, gain exposure, and potentially access new opportunities. Konamah also acknowledged the contribution of the awards' headline sponsor, Nana Otafregya Owusu Agyeman.
Despite the successful event, the organisers faced several challenges during the planning and execution of the ceremony, including logistics, production, coordination of nominees and guests, and securing sponsorship. Konamah said the team overcame the challenges through teamwork, proper planning, and constant communication. The organisers are already looking forward to the 8th edition, which is expected to be "bigger, more inclusive," and designed to create even more value for people working within Ghana's creative industry.
Key points
- Jeneral Ntatia was named Man of the Year, while Mabel Okyere won Woman of the Year and Best Female Vocalist.
- The event celebrated the achievements of various individuals and organisations in Ghana's creative industry.
- Cecilia Marfo was honoured for her contributions to Ghana's entertainment and creative space.
