Starting from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the coveted category will receive a GH₵100,000 cash prize, funding support for the production of a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience powered by Guinness Ghana.

The initiative forms part of the company’s renewed commitment to investing in creative excellence and supporting the long-term growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem. Beyond recognition on awards night, the package is designed to deliver lasting value to artistes and the broader creative industry.

Head of Media & Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, underscored the significance of the category.

“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression—body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognizing excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large.”

A long-time partner of the TGMA, Guinness Ghana says the intervention further elevates the importance of the Album/EP of the Year category while reinforcing its broader support for Ghana’s creative arts sector.

In addition to the financial reward, the curated listening experience is expected to deepen audience engagement, create industry connections, and boost visibility for the winner’s next body of work.

Nominees in this year’s Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif (Iron Boy), Stonebwoy (Torcher), Gyakie (After Midnight), Medikal (Disturbation II), Wendy Shay (Ready), and Kweku Smoke (Walk With Me).

Also commenting on the initiative, Head of Public Events & Communications at Charterhouse Productions, Robert Klah, described the move as timely and impactful.

“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes. It sends a strong signal about the value of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.”

The transaction however includes a long-term licensing and royalty agreement that allows Guinness Ghana to continue producing Diageo’s key brands, including Guinness, Malta, Orijin, Smirnoff Ice and Alvaro.

Diageo will focus on marketing and brand strategy for Guinness while leveraging Castel’s extensive distribution network across West and Central Africa.

The deal also strengthens Castel’s footprint in Africa’s beverage market while ensuring Diageo retains influence over its flagship Guinness brand.

Guinness Ghana will maintain its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange, with no immediate changes to its operations or workforce.

The sale is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals.

Dayalan Nayager, President of Diageo Africa and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed optimism about the deal, stating, “Guinness Ghana is performing strongly, powered by a fantastic team of people. Through this transaction, I look forward to the Guinness brand thriving and delivering further growth. I am excited to extend our partnership with Castel, a long-term regional partner with a proven track record.”

Gregory Clerc, Castel’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition. “This exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Castel and marks a new milestone in our growth ambition. It reflects our ability to go where we are least expected, exploring new horizons on a continent full of opportunities. With this acquisition, we reaffirm our dynamism, boldness and confidence in Africa’s potential,” Clerc noted.

Castel, a prominent player in Africa’s beverage industry, views the acquisition as an opportunity to deepen its reach in Ghana, building on its decades-long presence in the region.

The deal marks Castel’s entry into its 22nd African market, underscoring its commitment to expansion across the continent.

It also highlights Diageo’s evolving strategy in Africa, shifting from ownership to partnerships that emphasise brand management and market presence.

The campaign, which kicked off with a safety forum at the Alisa Hotel on June 26, includes promotional events, in-app notifications, and training sessions to encourage responsible drinking and safe driving practices.

Over 150 participants, including Yango’s partners, drivers, passengers, and safety authorities, attended the forum.

The initiative underscores Yango and Guinness’s commitment to fostering a safer transportation environment and raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of passengers and drivers,” the Country Manager of Yango Ghana said.

“This partnership with Guinness aims to equip the community with the knowledge to make responsible choices.”

The campaign also features a series of safety measures for Yango drivers and passengers, including training on road ethics and crime prevention, and a variety of in-app safety features to enhance security.

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