Entertainment Desk Report
The Agape New Testament Church was filled with vibrant worship and a collective call for justice as the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana hosted the 5th edition of the ARISE Concert on April 13, 2025. Under the theme “Echoes of Freedom,” the event brought together hundreds of attendees from diverse backgrounds, including faith leaders, artists, survivors, advocates, and young people, all united against human trafficking.
This year’s concert held special significance, marking a decade of IJM Ghana’s mission to protect the vulnerable and restore dignity to victims. IJM’s West Africa Director, Anita Budu, emphasized the importance of collective action during her remarks: “As we gather for the Arise Concert, we are not just celebrating our progress; we are calling the nation to rise in action. Justice is a responsibility for everyone who values human dignity.”
The evening featured powerful performances from some of Ghana’s leading gospel artists, including Pastor Eugene Zuta, Christ Life Music, Heart Song, Ruthie Boat, and the Bethel Revival Choir, making their second appearance at the concert. A special highlight was the participation of German artist SOBI, who ministered songs from her debut album, Beloved Child.
A major highlight of the night was the launch of the “Echoes of Freedom” album, featuring original songs by IJM Ghana’s in-house choir, Sound of Justice (SOJ). This album, inspired by stories of resilience and faith, aims to serve as a spiritual soundtrack for the movement against human trafficking.
Pastor Eugene Zuta, co-producer of the album and winner of the 2024 Music for Good category at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, remarked, “Worship is more than a song. It is a powerful declaration of truth and justice. At the Arise Concert, we lifted our voices not just in praise, but in solidarity with those who need freedom.”
The event also featured a compelling documentary spotlighting survivors who are now leading the charge through the Ghana Survivor Network. IJM Ghana’s National Director of Advocacy and Partnerships, Worlanyo Forster, expressed gratitude for the concert’s success, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to every patron, partner, church, artist, and survivor who made this year’s ARISE Concert a powerful and unforgettable experience.”
Forster highlighted the necessity of collective effort in the fight against human trafficking, urging attendees to continue using their diverse gifts for advocacy, prayer, and policy change. “Ending human trafficking requires all of us and every resource we have to offer,” he added.
Reflecting on the past decade, IJM Ghana calls upon all Ghanaians to renew their commitment to the cause, emphasizing that ARISE 2025 was not just an event but a movement. “Justice is worship, and when we rise together, freedom becomes possible,” Forster concluded.
The ARISE Concert is IJM Ghana’s flagship program, designed to harness the power of music and art to promote justice and inspire collective action. It unites corporate and faith communities, amplifying the call to defend the vulnerable and uphold dignity in society.
As the fight against human trafficking continues, the ARISE Concert serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and the transformative power of faith-driven advocacy.
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