By Issah Olegor
In a marked shift from past editions, the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) will feature a more exclusive red carpet experience, as organisers implement strict new access protocols aimed at restoring the glamour and professionalism associated with the event.
This year’s ceremony, slated for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, will see a bifurcated red carpet structure.
According to sources from Charterhouse, the event producers, only individuals with official invitations will be permitted onto the main televised red carpet, where high-profile interviews and fashion showcases — including the iconic “Who are you wearing?” segment — will take place.
The decision to limit access stems from increasing criticism in recent years over what many industry observers have called a deterioration of the red carpet’s standards.
Commentators and fans alike have raised concerns about “random” appearances by lesser-known personalities, uncoordinated interviews, and questionable fashion choices that often overshadowed the ceremony’s core purpose of celebrating musical excellence.
To address these issues, organisers have created two distinct red carpet zones: one for general media interviews and photo ops, and another exclusive section for invited celebrities, nominees, and dignitaries.
This curated approach, they say, will ensure better production quality, shorter wait times, and a more polished image for one of Ghana’s most-watched entertainment events.
“This is to bring sanity and orderliness to the red carpet,” an official from Charterhouse said adding that “It’s not about gatekeeping, but about delivering a well-produced experience that reflects the significance of the night.”
Over the years, the TGMA red carpet has drawn as much attention as the awards themselves, often sparking fashion debates and social media trends.
But with this year’s revamped format, the organisers appear committed to protecting the integrity of the spectacle and enhancing the event’s international appeal.
The TGMA, now in its 26th edition, is sponsored by Telecel — under the theme “Connecting Energies” — and supported by Guinness, British Council, Close-Up, KPMG, among others.
