Organisers of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have confirmed the Palms Convention Centre at Labadi as the venue for the main awards night on May 9, 2026, following days of public uncertainty over the unavailability of their traditional home.
Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, admitted earlier this week that the team faced significant challenges securing a venue. Speaking on a recent show, with hosts Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio, Klah made a submission of the venue unavailability.
“The only thing left now is the venue. Unfortunately, the Grand Arena is not available. What I know is that the owners of the land would like to have their place back, so we don’t have access to it and we have to look for another venue”
Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse
The Grand Arena at the Accra International Conference Centre, which has hosted the TGMA since 2019, sits on government land currently being reclaimed as part of renovation plans for the Centre and National Theatre. Charterhouse, which built and managed the dome (capacity 4,000–4,500), must now relocate the structure.
In a follow-up interview, Klah confirmed the shift to the Palms Convention Centre (capacity 2,500), describing it as the fallback option.
“That is our Plan B. Our Plan A was where we have always been, the Grand Arena, but for now we have to use our Plan B,” he noted.
The smaller venue is expected to impact ticket numbers, guest lists, and media access. Klah has acknowledged that logistical constraints, including parking and production space, will require adjustments to deliver the usual high-standard show.
Nominations Buzz Continues Unabated
Despite the venue drama, excitement around the nominations remains high. Black Sherif leads with the highest number of nominations (reportedly nine), making him a frontrunner in the Artiste of the Year category alongside Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Medikal, Wendy Shay, and Diana Hamilton.
Rapper Kwesi Arthur threw strong support behind Black Sherif during a recent Twitch stream with MadeInGhana, declaring,
“Looking at the year under review, I think Black Sherif should be Artiste of the Year. If he no win, we go riot.”
Black Sherif himself has advocated for more recognition of female artistes, stating he dislikes how Wendy Shay’s name is often omitted from top conversations and urging the industry to “empower women.” Voting is still open, and fans continue to campaign actively on social media.
Industry Implications
The last-minute venue change has drawn mixed reactions. Some industry observers have described the situation as “unacceptable” for an event of TGMA’s stature, just weeks before showtime. Others view it as a test of resilience that could lead to a more intimate experience at the Palms.
Charterhouse maintains that preparations are on track and the core mission is celebrating Ghanaian musical excellence and it will not be compromised. The recent successful TGMA Xperience Concert in Koforidua has boosted confidence in their ability to adapt.
As ticket sales begin and final production details emerge, all eyes will be on whether the Palms Convention Centre can deliver the glamour Ghanaian music lovers have come to expect from the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The countdown to May 9 continues, with the venue shift adding an extra layer of drama to what promises to be one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
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