The planning committee for the Wawa-Aba Academy Awards, which aims to identify and reward creative excellence in the arts, has announced a new date for the awards which were previously advertised for March 23.

The committee, which is chaired by Mr. John Abeiku Sagoe changed the date during its last sitting on February 20 to allow for better planning of the maiden event.

The committee plans to hold the event on the eve of the African Union Day, May 24. The committee also agreed on a change of name from Ghana Academy Awards to Wawa-Aba Academy Awards to reflect the ideals of the awards.

The new name is coined from the Adinkra symbol, Wawa Aba "seed of the wawa tree, a symbol of hardiness, toughness and perseverance. The seed of the wawa tree is extremely hard.

In Akan culture, it is a symbol of someone who is strong and tough. It inspires the individual to persevere through hardship.

The award thus hopes to inspire individuals who are doing excellent works within the creative industry to persevere, in spite of being in an industry that is still largely ignored. Mr. John Abeiku Sagoe comments, “This event will hopefully raise standards in the industry and will foster industry cohesion and unity”.

The Wawa-Aba Academy Awards 2013 is organised by Kaydm and it is recognised and supported by the Ghana Actors’ Guild, Film Producers Association of Ghana and the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

The Wawa-Aba Academy Awards will recognize creative works and individuals in 18 categories including: Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Actor/Actress, Best TV Series, Best Movie, Best Movie Producer, Best Music Producer, Comedian Of The Year. Best Music Artist, Best Music Video, Best Actor/Actress Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Music Album, Best Music, Best Stage Actor, Best Lyrics, Best Original Story, Best Choral Group, and Best Band.