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
Actor Vitalis Ndubuisi warns against oversharing personal struggles
Veteran Nollywood actor Vitalis Ndubuisi has urged people to be more careful about how much they share about their personal struggles.He advised that not everyone needs to know the details of one’s pain, failures or regrets. In a reflective message that has been widely shared online, Ndubuisi said one of the biggest lessons he has learned in life is to stop telling people everything.According to him, some people may appear to listen, but they do not always care, understand or wish others well. The actor explained that constantly talking about one’s problems can sometimes make things worse.He warned that personal stories can be twisted, mocked or used against a person, especially in moments of conflict or envy. Ndubuisi encouraged people to build a small circle of truly trusted friends, mentors or professionals instead of running to the public with every […]
Roby Ekpo apologises for emotional interview about failed marriage to Mayowa Lambe
Media personality Roby Ekpo has apologised to those who felt uncomfortable watching his emotional interview about his failed marriage to his ex wife, Mayowa Lambe.The on air personality recently went viral after he broke down in tears while speaking about the collapse of their relationship on The Honest Bunch podcast. In a statement shared on his social media pages, Roby said he feels lighter and freer after finally opening up about his experiences.He thanked fans, friends and colleagues for their messages, calls and support, describing their encouragement as a source of strength during a difficult period. Roby, however, acknowledged that his tears and emotional outburst may have offended or unsettled some viewers.He apologised to anyone who felt that way, saying that pain leaves the body in many forms and that crying was his own way of releasing hurt. The broadcaster […]
I’d rather be single than settle for bare minimum, says Diiadem
Nigerian businesswoman and beauty entrepreneur Adeola Diiadem Adeyemi says she would rather remain single than settle for men who are intimidated by her success or offer the bare minimum in relationships.She made the comments while speaking about her love life and relationship standards during a recent house tour session. Diiadem explained that many men seem afraid of financially independent and accomplished women.According to her, some men approach such women with insecurity or entitlement, instead of seeing them as partners they can build with. She noted that she is single not because she lacks options, but because she refuses to lower her standards or tolerate half hearted effort.She stressed that peace of mind and mutual respect mean more to her than just being in a relationship for appearances. Diiadem also said she expects emotional support, honesty and genuine commitment from any […]
Talent is not enough in music industry, says Tiwa Savage
Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage says talent alone is not enough to succeed in today’s music industry, stressing that opportunity, access and industry knowledge are just as important. The 46 year old singer made the point while speaking about the vision behind her Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative created to support emerging African creatives with training, exposure and professional guidance. “Music changed my life but talent alone isn’t enough especially when access is limited,” she said, adding that many gifted youths struggle because they lack structure and support. Savage said the foundation, run in partnership with the prestigious Berklee College of Music, is designed to “open people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music”, beyond just singing or performing. Over 100 participants are set to showcase what they have learned at a grand finale concert in Lagos […]
Kachi Offiah launches ‘Open Spaces’ podcast
Media entrepreneur and TV presenter Kachi Offiah has launched a new long form conversation series titled ‘Open Spaces’, a podcast that explores defining life moments when people step into purpose through uncertainty, faith and personal transformation. Inspired by the biblical verse Genesis 26:22, Offiah describes ‘Open Spaces’ as more than a podcast, but a reflective platform that documents the emotional, spiritual and creative journey of becoming. The show features honest, thought provoking conversations with voices from culture, film, media and faith who have navigated transitions, redefined their identity and embraced new seasons with intention. Explaining her motivation, Offiah said ‘Open Spaces’ was created to capture the moments when “everything shifts”, when people leave behind what is familiar and step into who they are becoming, guided by clarity, courage and trust in the growth process. She stressed that the podcast is […]
How I learned special effects in my dreams – Hakeem Effect
Popular Nollywood special effects artist Onilogbo Hakeem, widely known as Hakeem Effect, has revealed that he first learned his craft through a series of vivid dreams. Hakeem, regarded as one of the industry’s leading prosthetics and special effects creators, said the journey began when a mysterious tall, white figure appeared to him in a dream, placed a hand on his shoulder and asked him to follow. He recalled that the figure asked what talent he had, and when he replied that he could draw, the stranger promised to “announce” him to the world if he was willing to follow. According to Hakeem, the same dream kept recurring as he joined a church choir and later a drama group, where he was unexpectedly assigned to provide special effects despite not knowing what the term meant at the time. While he worried […]