Renowned filmmaker and CEO of Sparrow Studios, Shirley Frimpong Manso, has emphasized the transformative power of films in shaping societal perspectives. Speaking at the launch of her company’s YouTube channel, SparrowStation, she highlighted how movies do more than entertain—they challenge norms and inspire change.
“We are not just storytellers; we are catalysts for change,” she stated, stressing the impact of the creative arts on cultural development.
The launch event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on February 25, 2025, also saw Shirley reflecting on her 18-year journey in the film industry. She recalled the uncertainty she faced when releasing her first feature film, Life and Living It, but noted how audience reception fueled her passion and career growth.
Sparrow Studios is now shifting its distribution model to YouTube, recognizing the platform’s evolution and potential reach. Shirley introduced a Watch to Create strategy, where audience engagement directly influences future content production.
As part of this new approach, Sparrow Studios will premiere its latest film, For Love and Country, on SparrowStation on March 6, 2025. The movie stars Naa Ashorkor, Lydia Forson, Caroline Sampson, Jackie Appiah, and Melvin Dain.
About the author
62-Year-Old Businesswoman Remanded Over $13K Fraud
Nana Ama Nwurueze, a 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman, Dorothy Asare, of $13,000. Nwurueze reportedly posed as a wealthy businesswoman with substantial properties, including Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house at Airport, to deceive the complainant.The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, has charged Nwurueze with defrauding by false pretenses. She was arrested after a bench warrant was issued against her in December last year. Despite pleading not guilty, her bail application was denied, as the court determined she was a flight risk. The case was initially reported to the Airport Police Station in 2021, but attempts to arrest her were unsuccessful until her eventual arrest in March 2024. Following her arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but went […]
President Mahama Nominates 71 New DCEs Pending Approval
President John Mahama has nominated 71 new District Chief Executives (DCEs) across various districts in Ghana, pending approval by local Assembly members. This move is aimed at strengthening local governance as these executives are expected to play a crucial role in the management of their respective districts.An official statement detailing the nominations was signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.While most districts have their nominees, the nomination for the Kpando district is still pending. The new DCEs will need to be confirmed by the Assembly members in their respective districts before they officially take up their roles.
FIC Freezes Accounts of Bills Micro-Credit Founder, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts associated with Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the founder of Bills Micro-Credit. This includes accounts linked to Bills Micro-Credit, Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit, as well as an account of Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, the Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit.The action follows a letter from the FIC, in line with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), and applies to all accounts connected to the named individuals, pending further instructions. The FIC’s role involves analyzing suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.The move comes after a statement from the Ghana Revenue Authority revealing that Nii Armah Quaye is undergoing a personal income tax assessment for over GHS 30 million in unpaid taxes. This freeze is part of regular regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with […]
Over 1,350 ECG Containers Missing from Tema Harbour Amid Procurement Breaches – Energy
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised significant concerns over the disappearance of more than 1,350 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour. A committee tasked with investigating the matter has uncovered serious procurement breaches that have been ongoing for several years.Jinapor shared a 103-page report on the matter, describing the findings as alarming, with a clear indication of irregularities that have affected the country’s energy sector. The Minister emphasized that law enforcement agencies would be involved to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers and procurement violations are held accountable.The disappearance of the containers and the associated procurement irregularities have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within Ghana's energy sector, urging the government to take swift action.
Ex-FIFA Chief Blatter and Platini Cleared in Corruption Case
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court. The pair were accused of authorizing a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini in 2011. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the payment was fraudulent, acknowledging their consistent account of an oral agreement for the payment.The decision marks the end of a long-running legal battle, which began in 2015 and resulted in their suspension from football by FIFA. Both Blatter and Platini expressed relief following the verdict. Platini declared that his honor had been restored, while Blatter described the case as a burden that had hung over him for years.Swiss federal prosecutors are reviewing the decision and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.
Idris Elba Honored as a Son of Ga Land, Announces Film Studio Project in Accra
On March 25, 2025, renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba was honored as a son of Ga Land in a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The event, under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his dedication to developing Ghana’s creative industry.Elba’s visit included an exciting announcement: he plans to build a world-class film studio and school on 22 acres of land near Osu Castle. This project aims to provide training, employment, and a creative hub for young Ghanaian talent, with a focus on African cinema.King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to guide the youth and advance the creative arts. The announcement was met with applause and marked a significant moment for Ghana’s growing role in the global […]
Related
Mayorkun reunites with Davido on new song B4 B4
Nigerian singer Mayorkun has teamed up again with Afrobeats star Davido on a new track titled “B4 B4,” ahead of its release on July 31.bellanaija+1 :Mayorkun announced the collaboration on his Instagram page, sharing a promotional photo of himself and Davido with the caption, “New Music! This Friday! ‘B4 B4’ #Oriade.” The song also features Fola and appears on Davido’s 13-track album Oriadé, which is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026. The reunion has generated excitement among fans because it marks another major link-up between the two artistes after previous collaborations that helped shape their careers in the Nigerian music scene. Davido’s tracklist also includes features from Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Leon Thomas, Llona, NO11, Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay
BBNaija: ‘Step up your game’ — Sheba mocks Tram’s toasting skills
Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate, Sheba, has told fellow housemate and admirer, Tram, to improve his toasting skills after he admitted he’d been trying to flirt with her since they entered the house During a late‑night conversation, Sheba showed Tram photos of her son, prompting him to ask if she had a child. On learning she is a single mother, Tram jokingly said, “I have been toasting someone’s mother?”dailypost+1 Sheba responded by teasing him about his weak flirting game, saying: “If that thing you’re doing is toasting, you need to step up your game.” She added that his moves had been so subtle, she didn’t even realise he had been trying to woo her since the show began.dailypost+1 The light‑hearted exchange has already started trending among fans, who see it as one of the early highlights of the “Show […]
US singer D4vd to stand trial in killing of teenage girl
American singer D4vd will stand trial on charges of killing and dismembering a 14-year-old girl, after a judge ruled there was enough evidence to proceed. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered in his name. Prosecutors say the teen threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship, prompting the deadly attack.abc+3 At Monday’s hearing in Los Angeles, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient incriminating evidence to send the case to trial. The ruling followed a five-day preliminary hearing in which investigators presented text messages, purchase records and other evidence they say links Burke to the crime. According to prosecutors, Hernandez was 13 when the relationship began and 14 when she was killed. They also allege that Burke purchased […]
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]
Mercy Eke regrets participating in BBNaija
Former Big Brother Naija winner Mercy Eke has said she regrets participating in the reality show, even though it brought her fame and several benefits. Speaking on Toke Makinwa’s Toke Moments, Mercy said life in the spotlight has taken a toll on her peace of mind and made it harder to build a stable love life. She explained that the pressure of public scrutiny has been overwhelming, adding that she often finds herself comparing her progress with that of people who are not in the public eye. Mercy also said financial imbalance has been a recurring issue in some of her past relationships, noting that she has helped some men financially. Despite her regret, the reality star admitted that BBNaija changed her life positively by opening doors and creating new opportunities for her. Her comments have sparked fresh reactions online, […]
RMD appointed male feminist ambassador
Veteran Nollywood actor, writer and producer Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has been appointed as an ambassador for the Male Feminists Network. The appointment was made by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence. RMD will work alongside other ambassadors to help lead a national campaign aimed at ending violence against women and promoting gender equality. Speaking after the announcement, the actor said the issue of gender-based violence requires urgent attention and collective action from all levels of society. He added that more men must speak up and support the campaign against abuse, discrimination and harmful social norms. The organisers said RMD’s influence and public standing will help spread awareness and encourage more people to join the movement.