Ghanaian gospel musician Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, widely known as KODA, has sadly passed away at the age of 45 after battling a short illness. The news was confirmed by Metro TV and has led to an outpouring of condolences and tributes from fans and fellow musicians.
KODA was a prominent figure in the Ghanaian gospel scene, known for his soulful voice, infectious enthusiasm, and the messages of hope and perseverance embedded in his music. Born on December 15, 1978, in Takoradi, he began his musical journey at a very young age. His mother enrolled him in a music class when he was just 10 years old, which helped him develop his skills on the guitar. He went to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where he became the mass choir director of the university.
KODA was also the music director and instrumentalist of the “Music Wing of Baptist Students Union”, “KNUST’s Simply Jazz Crew”, “God’s Instruments” and a leading member of “Da Project” which was a legendary Ghanaian contemporary gospel group then. After tertiary education, he co-wrote, mixed, mastered and produced the exceptional album, Awurade Ei for KNUST’s “God’s Instruments” at KODED studios, Takoradi, Ghana. The album received massive recognition in the country. It had great hits such as “Awurade Ei” (“Se Woma Wonsa Soa”), “Tumi” and “Onyame” Ye D’awase”.
Throughout his career, KODA worked with many gospel artists both in Ghana and internationally. He was not only a singer but also a songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His contributions to the gospel music scene earned him numerous accolades, including the Africa Gospel Music Awards Producer of the Year in 2014 and nominations for the Christian Community Music Awards Song with a Cause in 2013 and the Africa Gospel Music Awards Producer of the Year in 2012.
KODA released several albums, including:
“Nyame Beye” (God will do it) in 2006
“Waye Wie” (He’s done it) in 2008
“My Passion – Christian Jazz”
“Joy – Christian Jazz” in 2008
“Black & White” in 2013
“Oxygen” in 2016
“Hosanna” in 2018
His most recent album, “Keteke,” released in January 2021, was a critical and commercial success.
The news of KODA’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his fans and the music industry. He will be remembered for his talent, passion, and the impact he made through his music.
On December 1, 2025, the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) platform, led by Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International, launched its highly anticipated “December Prayer Wave” under the resounding theme: “And El-Roi Settled Me in the 12th Month!”
Subtitled “Everything Written Concerning Me in 2025 Must Manifest Before 31st December!”, this initiative has ignited a global fire among millions of “NSPPDians,” transforming the final month of the year into a season of radical expectation, prophetic declarations, and supernatural breakthroughs.
El-Roi—the Hebrew name for “The God Who Sees Me” from Genesis 16:13—serves as the divine anchor, symbolizing God’s intimate awareness of every struggle, tear, and unspoken prayer throughout 2025. Faithful participants are “embracing” El-Roi through fervent intercession, viewing December not as a mere close to the year but as a divine “settlement hub” for pending miracles, closures on delays, and launches into 2026 abundance.
Key elements include:
Daily 7 AM Fire Prayers (Monday–Friday): High-energy sessions on YouTube and social media, featuring worship, prophetic decrees, and “Strange Acts of God” segments showcasing real-time miracles.
Prayer Bulletins and Decrees: Downloadable guides with 120+ points, urging NSPPDians to fast (6 AM–1 PM), partner with three prayer warriors, and declare verdicts like “El-Roi, hurl my December sins as far as east from west!”
Weekend Impartations: Glory-Friday services and global celebrations, including Streams of Joy’s 12th Anniversary countdown, amplifying the wave’s reach.
Thematic Focus: Building on November’s “Throne Room Verdict & Wonders of El-Roi” series, December emphasizes manifestation—health restorations, financial floods, marital settlements, and kingdom advancements.
The wave has trended across socials with hashtags like #NSPPD, #7amFirePrayers, and #DoYouKnowElRoi, amassing millions of engagements as participants share “IT IS DONE!” declarations.
The euphoria builds; December is Western Region, Sekondi-Takoradi (Made in Taadi Love)
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Sekondi-Takoradi, the twin coastal city in Ghana’s Western Region (often called “Taadi” by locals), transforms into a whirlwind of energy, culture, and joy every December. Declared an official “Christmas City” in 2019, the festivities officially kick off around December 19 and stretch until January 2, blending Christian traditions with deep-rooted local customs. It’s a magnet for Ghanaians from the diaspora, tourists, and locals alike, drawing thousands with its street parties, music, and community spirit. With the current date being December 10, 2025, preparations are in full swing—expect traffic jams, brass bands warming up, and early hype building toward the peak on Christmas Eve and Day.
Key Traditions and Celebrations
Christmas here is less about quiet family dinners and more about explosive public revelry. Here’s what makes it unique:
Ankos Festival (Masquerade Carnivals)
Scenes from 2024 Masquerade festival
The heartbeat of Taadi’s Christmas. Over 30 groups (known as “Ankos” or “Fancy Dress”) think vibrant masks, feathered headdresses, and sequined outfits—and parade the streets with brass bands blasting highlife and Afrobeat tunes. It’s a competition of creativity, dance, and energy, often starting December 24 and peaking on Christmas Day and New Year’s.
Groups like Anchors (over 60 years old) and Yankee Masquerade lead the charge, funded partly by diaspora members who return home for the event. The Westside Carnival and Taadi Fest on Liberation and Old John Sarbah Road are must-sees, with crowds spilling into the night.
Street Carnivals and Concerts
Scenes from 2024 brass band competition
Principal streets like European Town, Beach Road, and around Takoradi Market Circle grind to a halt for non-stop processions. Expect dances, crafts, food stalls (jollof rice, fried plantains, and kelewele), and pop-up parties. The Potomanto Festival in Sekondi features musical lineups, while Takoradi Mall hosts family-friendly events with over 60 activities citywide.
Religious and Family Vibes
Amid the chaos, churches host midnight masses, nativity plays, and carol services—like the recent “Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony” with nine lessons and carols at Western Serene Atlantic Hotel. Families reunite for feasts, gift exchanges (kids get toys and new clothes), and beachside gatherings, reflecting Ghana’s blend of faith and fun.
Local artist Kofi Kinaata’s “Made in Tadi” is technically the official anthem, capturing the pre-Christmas buzz and how the city “pulls you in” with its infectious energy.
What’s Happening in 2025 (As of December 10)
Business in Takoradi During Christmas: A Festive Economic Surge
As of December 10, 2025, Takoradi (the heart of Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana’s “Christmas City”) is buzzing with pre-holiday prep, turning its streets into a goldmine for entrepreneurs. The influx of locals, diaspora returnees, and tourists—fueled by the iconic Ankos Festival and street carnivals—spikes consumer spending on gifts, food, outfits, and services. Retail sales often double in the Central Business District (CBD), with markets like Takoradi Market Circle overflowing with pop-up stalls. While challenges like traffic and competition exist, the season creates ripe opportunities for quick wins.
Pre-Christmas Hype: Brass bands are already practicing (as seen in viral videos of Davido’s “With You” remixes blasting through speakers). Traffic in the Central Business District is notorious plan for delays!
Events to Watch
Cosmos 3×3 Basketball Fiesta: Cosmos Masqueraders Club, one of the major players in the masquerade business are known for their vibrant masquerade performances and participation in the famous Westside Masquerade Festival. As part of their 25 years in the masquerade space the city of Sekondi-Takoradi will be turned into a buzzing hub of 3×3 basketball fiesta, drawing team from across the Western Region to compete for an ultimate prize.
Cosmos Basketball Fiesta is set to entertain the people of Western region with a buzz of 3×3 basketball fiesta.
Effiakuma to the world 2025: the 5th edition promises to be an exciting one as DJ Ashesz Concept in collaboration with Jelvis Foundation ones again gives back to the people of Effiakuma and beyond an exciting series of activities from December 12 to December 18.
All Set for Effiakuma to the world 2025
Made In Taadi 2025: the crown jewel of Takoradi’s Christmas season. Headlined by hometown hero Kofi Kinaata (the “Fante Rap God” behind hits like “Susuka” and “Made in Taadi”), this annual free event celebrates Western Region pride, storytelling vibes, and electrifying highlife-Afrobeats fusions. Launched in 2017, it’s a cultural anchor that draws 40,000+ fans, blending music, community, and giveback—Kinaata funds it personally despite losses, calling it “meant to give back to the people of Takoradi.” After a triumphant 2024 comeback at Takoradi Sports Club (over 40,000 attendees), 2025 promises even bigger energy.
Supreme Ankos Village: the flagship Christmas carnival event organized by the supreme masquerade society transforms Takoradi into a festive “village” of music, dance, and revelry. It’s not a literal village but themed pop-up celebration that captures the essence of Ankos culture-think immersive street parties with Supreme’s members leading parades in dazzling outfits. The 2025 edition marks the society’s 25th anniversary and scheduled for December 24-26, 2025.
Ankos Village by Supreme Masquerade Society
Recent buzz from socials and traditional media makes it “the best place to be every Christmas,” with locals urging visitors: “You need to visit Takoradi this Christmas ooo.” One user summed it up: “December in Takoradi… it’s lit during Christmas.”
Why Visit?
Sekondi-Takoradi’s Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cultural explosion that celebrates Ghanaian resilience, from its fishing village roots to oil-boom modernity. It’s affordable (street food under GH₵20), inclusive, and unforgettable. If you’re in Ghana, hop on a trotro; if abroad, join the Year of Return vibe. Merry Christmas from Tadi—Made in Taadi, eh!
That Sekondi-Takoradi energy is an undeniable love. One of the city’s finest putting the Western Region on the map from the streets of Effiakuma to global stages, a multiple award winner and the official DJ of Kofi Kinaata and holding it down as the ultimate club, pub, and event king is set to officially set the tone for this festive season; December is Western Region.
Yo, DJ Ashes! The Effiakuma Baddest DJ is set to host his loyal jammers to a mouthwatering curtain raiser of a concert dubbed; “Effiakuma to the World.” The event, which is organized every year brings together industry players, fans, and people from all works of life to partake in a series of activities including a clean up exercise, free health screening, football gala which is climaxed with a concert.
A section of pupils from Effiakuma
This year’s event takes a new twist as it marks a historic partnership with Jelvis Foundation.
The ground breaker will begin with a ‘bonfire night’ on Friday December 12, 2025, from 19:00 preceded with a donation to the aged on December 14th 2025, a float and many other activities.
Eugenia F
July 13, 2024 at 3:09 am
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