The Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards (GAEA) has officially unveiled the nominees for its 2026 edition. This announcement sets the stage for the seventh annual celebration of excellence within Ghana's vibrant entertainment industry. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Estees Bee Event Centre, located in East Legon Underbridge.
The GAEA scheme has grown into a respected platform over its seven-year history. It is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of entertainers and creative professionals across the country. The awards aim to highlight both those in the spotlight and the many individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.
This initiative reflects a broader trend of formalizing and celebrating the creative arts in Ghana. The entertainment sector contributes significantly to the national economy through job creation, cultural export, and tourism. Recognizing industry players helps to professionalize the sector and attract further investment, aligning with Ghana's long-term economic diversification goals beyond traditional sectors.
Abena Ghana, the founder of the awards, stated her inspiration for establishing the GAEA. She believes that individuals working in entertainment, both front and back of camera, deserve recognition. "Entertainment is a powerful industry, and I wanted to create a platform that shines a light on talent, dedication, creativity, and the impact people are making," she explained. Her goal is to honor excellence and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
The awards have evolved from a simple idea into an established scheme with expanded reach and credibility. Abena Ghana noted that while categories and processes have improved, the core vision of recognizing and inspiring talent remains unchanged. The GAEA plays an important role in providing visibility to deserving talents. It also motivates industry players to continue striving for excellence in their respective fields.
Organizers reported that the 2026 nomination process was highly competitive. The jury assessed nominees based on talent, excellence, consistency, professionalism, achievements, influence, and overall contribution during the eligibility period. Abena Ghana confirmed that nominees are selected based on these criteria, with careful evaluation of work quality and impact in each category.
Notable personalities nominated this year include Abena Kyei Boakye, Maybel Okyere, Odehyieba Priscilla, and Jeneral Ntatia. Other nominees are Quecyofficial, Kwaku Power, Ama Oduma Odoom, Oheneba Jude, Rosegold, and Afia Sikapa. These individuals represent the diverse talent thriving within Ghana's entertainment landscape.
The red carpet event will commence at 6:00 p.m. on the awards night, followed by the main ceremony at 8:00 p.m. Organizers expressed gratitude to Nana Otafregya Owusu Agyeman, CEO of Time Herbal Mixture. He has served as the event's Headline Sponsor for the past seven years. His unwavering support and generosity have been crucial to the event's sustained success and continued impact on the industry.