(Okomfo) Priestess Dr Patricia Asiedu aka Nana Agradaa

Mօnᥱy doubler and spiritualist, Dr Patience Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has been arrested.

Nana Agradaa, known for her moneymaking ritual, ‘sika gari’, was arrested by a joint team of Police and National Security Intelligence Operatives, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority on Tuesday night.

Two TV channels – Thunder TV and Ice1 TV – that allegedly broadcast money doubling content at Kasoa in the Central Region, were also shut down for operating without licenses.

The team seized two pieces of equipment each used in the alleged illegal transmission from both premises.

This was announced by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful on her social media page on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Information available suggests the TV channels owned by the self-styled traditional priestess have been operating without authorization for years leading to their closure.

The state’s action follows recent concerns about the broadcasting of inappropriate content in the media space by persons parading themselves as spiritualists

It is on the heels of the gruesome killing of an 11-year-old boy allegedly by two teenagers for money ritual purposes.

Below is the Minister’s full post:

“At about 2200hrs on 20/04/2021, a joint team of Police and National Security Intelligence Operatives, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority, stormed the premises of two satellite television stations, namely, Thunder TV and Ice1 TV, who were illegally transmitting without licenses, at Kasoa in the Central Region

The team arrested the offenders among which included the owner of Thunder TV, Patience Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, and seized two (2) pieces of equipment each used in the illegal transmission from both premises. Nana Agradaa advertises her “Sika Gari” on her TV station, which she claims is her personal god that multiplies money with some rituals she makes. She has hence admitted to this illegality and is currently in custody assisting with further investigations.

The influx of unregulated television stations on air has led to the promotion of certain content which may affect public order, public morality, and the rights and reputation of others. As such, efforts are underway to rid the system of this canker and reduce overcrowding on Ghana’s airwaves.”

Credit: CitiNewsRoom

Ghana’s Gen Zs are energetic and motivated. They’re also cosmopolitan, keen to better themselves, and as welcoming of international influences as local ones and those from the wider African continent.

That’s true until the end of the day, when they’re more willing to embrace their melancholy side. At least, that’s the story told by their Spotify music and podcast listening tastes.

From a local music perspective,  Tema’s very own rap and freestyle artist Kwesi Arthur rules the roost, followed by Highlife and Afrobeats singer-songwriter King Promise, with Sarkodie, Black Sherif, and Gyakie rounding out the top five most streamed local artists by Ghanaian Gen Zs.

The list of top artists meanwhile, has a much more American and Nigerian flavour with Burna Boy, Asake, Drake, and Lil Baby all claiming spots in the top five. It shouldn’t be surprising then that Burna Boy also has two songs in the list of most streamed recordings, the megahits “Last Last” and “It’s plenty”. The top song, however, belongs to local artists Agbeshie and EpiqMenz with “Downtown Guy”. Here too, though, Nigerian artists have a strong presence. Bandana by Asake and Fireboy DML and Overloading (OVERDOSE) by Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce, Crayon, LADIPOE, Magixx, and Mavins both feature in the top five most streamed tracks among Ghanaian Gen Zs.

When it comes to the most popular albums among Ghanaians aged between 18 and 25, , meanwhile, Burna Boy again tops the list with Love Damini. Fellow Nigerians Fireboy DML, with Playboy and Asake with Mr. Money With The Vibe take the next two slots in the top five. Rounding out the list of top albums are local offerings 5 star by King Promise and Son of Jacob by Kwesi Arthur.

Knowing all this, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Rap, Afropop, Nigerian pop, Azontobeats, and Pop are the most heavily favoured genres among young Ghanaians. It also shouldn’t be too surprising that the top five Spotify curated playlists in Ghana include African Heat, Hot Hits Ghana, Ghana Party, Afro Hits, and Afropop.

It’s also interesting to take a look at the mood playlists the country’s Gen Zs listen to throughout the day. During daylight hours, energy and motivation clearly play a big role.

In the early morning, for instance, their top three playlists are Morning Motivation, Wake Up Happy, and Mood Booster. The only deviation comes in the shape of the Villain Mode playlist, featuring tracks themed around heartbreak and being vengeful.

The upbeat theme picks back up later in the morning when Wake Up Happy is replaced by Confidence Boost. Energy Booster: Hip-Hop and Songs to Sing in the Shower round out the top five. In the afternoon and evening Feelin’ Myself and Happy Hits! join the party.

Things take a more melancholy tone once the day draws to a close, however. The most listened-to mood playlists in the late evening and at night, include Sad Songs, Life Sucks, Sad Guitar Instrumentals, and Lowkey. There is still space for love though, with 100 Best African Love Songs, Goosebumps, and Chilled R&B proving popular.

Moving away from music and to podcasts, things have a more spiritual feel, especially when it comes to those produced locally. The top-rated local podcast, Sincerely Accra covers life in the capital, as does number five in the top five Stay By Plan. The second-most listened to local podcast CEYC Airport City Podcast is, however, religious as are number three and four, the Mensa Otabil Audio Podcast, and Pastor Agyemang Elvis.

These are just a few of the insights that Ghana’s Gen Z listening tastes provide. One thing that should be clear is that, as their influence grows, they’ll have an exciting role to play in shaping Ghana’s future and that they’re definitely up for it.