Manhyia Palace Endorses HAPA Awards @10: Committee Set Up For October Celebration

Story by Fada Amakye

The Manhyia Palace has confirmed its support to host the 10th anniversary of the *Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPA) in Ghana.

This was disclosed by Chief Nana Agyanim Boateng, Chief of Anwomaso in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, speaking on behalf of the Palace at a press conference.

He said a team led by former CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Kwasi Agyeman, first came to Manhyia to seek the blessings of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to host the awards in Kumasi at the Jubilee Hall.

The King requested that we contact the Chief of Staff and form a committee to get to know more about them, he said.

Chief Boateng explained that in May, he followed up to the HAPA Secretariat in Atlanta, USA. After returning, letters were sent to relevant ministries, institutions and organizations in charge of arts and culture.

He noted that the celebration ties into Ghana’s efforts to bring the diaspora home, referencing the Year of Return under President Akufo-Addo and the Diaspora Desk set up by President John Mahama.

It is about coordinating and getting our brothers and sisters in the diaspora to come back home, he said.

According to him, the King also visited Brazil, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and other places where many descendants of Asantes live, and felt it was important to connect with them.

He said the organizers have released their program for October 7 to 9 with the final day, October 9 being the main awards and dinner for 720 people, with celebrities and institutions expected from abroad.

We are here because you the press are the mouthpiece. We have about six weeks to October to let Ghanaians know what is happening and what we need to do to make it a success, he added.

He said the team will now follow up with the institutions that received letters to coordinate their activities and itinerary for the celebration.