Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra has firmly denied claims that it is sponsoring the Israeli Film Festival, scheduled to take place from September 16 to 20, 2025, at Silverbird Cinema, Accra Mall.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 16, the hotel clarified that it has no involvement with the event and was unaware that its name and logo had been used in promotional materials.
“Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is not a sponsor of the Israeli Film Festival,” the statement said. “The hotel only recently became aware that its name and logo were included on the event’s advertisements. This information is inaccurate and was published without our knowledge or consent.”
Management added that it has contacted the Israeli Embassy and festival organisers to correct the error and ensure that all publicity materials are immediately updated to reflect the hotel’s non-involvement.
The clarification comes amid growing backlash from nearly 400 individuals and organisations calling for the festival’s cancellation, arguing that it seeks to “whitewash genocide and apartheid” amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The coalition—made up of public figures, academics, artists, faith-based groups, and activists—has urged Silverbird Cinema to withdraw as host and called on all sponsors and partners to pull their support.
“We cannot stand by while the genocide of Palestinians is laundered through art and culture. Ghana has always stood with the oppressed; today we must stand with Palestine,” the group said in a statement.
The campaign has received backing from notable voices including journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, former CHRAJ Commissioner Justice Emile Short, filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, and academics such as Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo and Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo. The coalition says it plans to picket at the Accra Mall today as part of its protest.
Source: Adomonline
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