Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, has pledged his country’s and that of the European Union’s support towards all efforts to entrench democracy in Ghana, including the provision of free and fair elections.
President Mattarella said this when he called on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House yesterday, as part of a three-day state visit to Ghana.
He said the future of the world lies in how individual countries cooperate with each other because the success and growth of each country enriches the growth of all others.
He observed that there is a strong bond that exists between Ghana and Italy, and his country is looking forward to stepping up the relations and improving the same.
President Akufo-Addo, on his part, promised to ensure that the upcoming 2024 general elections are held in a very free, fair and transparent manner.
This, he said, would ensure a smooth transfer of power from himself to whoever gets elected as the next President of the Republic.
“This December, we are going to have the 9th presidential and parliamentary elections of the 4th Republic of Ghana, and I want to assure you and through you, all our friends in Europe that we as a government led by me, will make sure that the conditions of the elections are impeccable, that we have transparent, free, credible elections in Ghana to give the Ghanaian people the opportunity and the right to choose who will be their leader four years from now,” was how he put it.
By January 7, 2025, President Akufo-Addo would have served the constitutionally mandated two terms of four years given to any person as President.
He would therefore bring his eight-year term to an end.
For him, that should be enough for any single individual, and would therefore not do anything that will affect the smooth transition of power.
He has assured not only Ghanaians but the international community that his government will do everything within its mandate to ensure the country’s enviable democratic credentials are maintained and improved after the December 7 general elections.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent
Jordan Roberts scored the only goal as Stevenage edged past managerless Cambridge to move back into the play-off places in Sky Bet League One.
Roberts put the hosts in front 10 minutes before the break, firing past U’s goalkeeper Jack Stevens from the edge of the box.
But Stevenage’s opener could have come earlier had it not been for Stevens saving Cambridge on two occasions.
The first stop came after Jamie Reid raced away before Kane Hemmings’ header forced Stevens to parry a second chance.
Boro finally took the lead when Roberts collected the ball and struck on the swivel for his fifth league goal of the season in the 35th minute.
Cambridge, who saw manager Neil Harris depart for Millwall last week, managed to get a foothold in the second half and Jack Lankester hit a volley just over the crossbar.
But Stevenage held on for a vital boost to their play-off hopes, reclaiming a place in the top six after a second successive 1-0 home win.
In their quest to dodge relegation for the third time in consecutive seasons, King Faisal Babies have secured the services of Coach Ignatius Fosu, formerly of Mediema SC and Dreams FC.
He has been tasked to take the team from its current standing on the league table. It is quite dicey for the coach since the caretaker in the shape of Godwin Ablordey has secured maximum points for the Insha Allah boys in their last two matches.
Many believe that Ignatius will not succeed looking at the task at hand.
It is always cagey when playing a derby as your first match and most especially against one of the best clubs in the league.
Note that the rival will not only be on the pitch. Immediately it was announced that Ignatius will be in the dugout, some Kotoko supporters went on Twitter to comment. And guess what, a new name has been given to Ignatius.
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In a shocking turn of events, South African songstress Kelly Khumalo finds herself embroiled in a deeply tragic incident involving the late soccer star Senzo Meyiwa. Adv. Teffo, the legal representative for Khumalo, has made a startling declaration, asserting that an eyewitness will come forward to testify that the fatal shot that claimed Meyiwa’s life was accidentally fired by Kelly herself. Compounding the complexity of the case is the revelation that the revolver gun used in the incident allegedly belonged to Longwe, another individual linked to the Meyiwa family.
The unfolding narrative suggests that on that fateful day, the lives of these individuals became intertwined in a web of events that would change everything. Adv. Teffo’s assertion challenges the prevailing assumptions surrounding Meyiwa’s death, bringing to light the possibility of a grievous mistake rather than a premeditated act. If proven true, this would undoubtedly shift public perception of Khumalo’s role in the tragedy.
The introduction of the revolver gun’s ownership by Longwe further deepens the mystery surrounding the incident. This revelation raises questions about how the firearm ended up in Khumalo’s possession, and whether it had any bearing on the events that transpired that day. With the intricate intertwining of individuals, emotions, and circumstances, the true story behind Senzo Meyiwa’s tragic demise appears to be far more complex than initially believed.
As the case unfolds and the eyewitness testimony is brought to light, the South African public is left with a mix of shock, confusion, and a glimmer of hope for clarity. This shocking revelation offers a new angle on a case that has captured the nation’s attention for years. With the legal proceedings underway, the truth behind Kelly Khumalo’s alleged involvement in Senzo Meyiwa’s shooting is poised to come to light, potentially rewriting the narrative that has haunted the country for so long.
The Volta Regional Caucus of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sent a strong caution to the government ahead of the appearance of its Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in court on February 21, 2023.
The MP has been sued by the Secretary of the National Cathedral, Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng citing several publications and allegations of impropriety the lawmaker has leveled against him.
According to the Volta Caucus of the NDC, the entire case is an attempt by the government to gag and witchhunt their legislative representative.
In a statement signed by the party’s regional communication officer, Sorkpa Agbleze, the NDC has warned that the government would be held responsible if the North Tongu MP is treated unjustly.
“We intensely call on this government not to embarrass this nation further by doing anything untoward to Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa because currently its popularity is extremely low and that burning desire for the ordinary Ghanaian to vent their anger is ubiquitous.
“We want to loudly and clearly once again warn that should anything unjust happen to Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa in his bid to heed the invitation to appear in court on 21st February, there certainly will be a furious spark of reactions, not only in the Volta Region, but across the Country”, portions of the statement read.
Supporters of the NDC in North Tongu have also backed their leaders and warned that they will not take lightly any harm done to their MP.
According to them, there is an attempt by the government to heckle the MP over his quest to hold the government accountable and fight corruption.
Source: ghanaweb.com
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Legendary Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artiste, General Marcus, has stated that it is wrong for award-winning afro-dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, to say he projected afro-dancehall to the world.
While speaking in an exclusive interview with AJ Sarpong on Citi FM, Stonebwoy had said: “I have been on the same stage with Shaggy, I have done Bounty Killer, Richard Stevens, Alpha Blondy, etc… I am doing a lot to project afro-dancehall…realistically I am the one who sold afro-dancehall to the world… Oh, yes, I am the one.”
But reacting to Stonebwoy’s comment in an interview with ghanaweekend.com, General Marcus stated without mincing words that it is wrong for the ‘Therapy’ hitmaker to make such a statement.
“It’s very wrong for Stonebwoy to make such a statement… In fact, it doesn’t make sense at all… What if we got up one day and Fela Kuti’s son also said his father projected afrobeat?”
“There are other artistes who are also doing so well… It is a mixture of artistes coming together,” he added.
General Marcus came into the limelight in the mid-nineties with an explosive album, ‘Shida’, which was received by the Ghanaian music fraternity with utmost reverence for his blending of Jamaican style with indigenous Ghanaian languages.
Hashim Amla scored 28 centuries in Tests and a South Africa record 27 in one-day internationals
Hashim Amla, South Africa’s second highest Test run-scorer of all time, has retired at the age of 39.
Amla scored 9,282 runs – second only to Jacques Kallis’ 13,206 – at an average of 46.64 in 124 Tests.
He amassed 18,672 in all formats for the Proteas from 2004 to 2019, and no-one has scored more than his 27 one-day centuries for South Africa.
Amla’s 311 not out against England at The O in 2012 remains the highest Test score by a South African.
He was part of the Surrey team that won the County Championship in 2022, having retired from international cricket three years earlier.
Amla averaged 49.46 in 181 one-day internationals and 33.60 in 44 T20 internationals, and ends his first-class career with 19,521 runs at an average of 48.55.
Former England captain Alec Stewart, who worked with Amla at Surrey, described him as “a great of the game”.
He said: “Everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club will be sad to see Hashim retire, but we all applaud what has been a phenomenal career.
“Hashim is a fantastic cricketer and a wonderful person. He has been an incredible resource for the team to learn from on and off the field.”
President Akufo-Addo has said Ghana is only a secular state by the constitution of the Republic of Ghana but in reality it is a Christian state.
According to Akufo-Addo, the constitution identifies Ghana as a secular state but “practically” Ghana is a Christian nation.
The President made this point when he received a Christian delegation from the Global Christian Forum (GCF) at the Jubilee House to brief him on the 25th anniversary celebration of the GCF and its 4th forum scheduled to take place from April 15 to 20 in Accra.
The forum, to be held for the first time in Africa and hosted by Ghana on the theme “That the world may know”, and will attract about 300 global Christian leaders of various churches across the world to Accra.
Akufo-Addo welcomed the choice of Ghana as host of the important global Christian event.
“I appreciate it very much the work that you’re doing. Ghana is a Christian nation practically, constitutionally we are a secular nation but the majority, the overwhelming majority of our people… we are looking at something like 70 to 72 per cent are Christians, self-professed Christians of which I am one and we feel very strongly about our attachment and to have an organisation that has its focus of bringing together all the various families within the Christian polity is an exceptional praise-worthy endeavour,” he stated.
For his part, the President of GCF, Reverend Dr. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, said the GCF and the government had something in common in the area of reconciling political division in the country and the different Christian denominations.
“We want to make space for those new voices in the Church to balance that with the old historic voices. There is no other place within global Christianity that we are able to gather the whole diversity from Catholic, orthodox evangelical Pentecostal, African instituted and the others to gather in the spirit of solidarity under oneness in Christ and this is our unique calling and we do this not to argue about dogma or argue about doctrine, but by establishing common relationship that we have in God’s spirit and in Christ,” he emphasised.
Fighting off societal pressure can be a challenging but important endeavor for personal growth and well-being. Here are some strategies that may help you navigate and overcome societal pressure:
Understand your values and priorities: Take time to reflect on your own values, beliefs, and priorities. Knowing what truly matters to you will give you a strong foundation to resist societal pressures that conflict with your authentic self.
Cultivate self-awareness: Develop a deep understanding of yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. This self-awareness will enable you to recognize when societal pressures are influencing your decisions or self-perception, and empower you to make choices aligned with your true self.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out individuals who respect and accept you for who you are. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help counterbalance societal pressure and provide a supportive network to lean on when facing challenges.
Challenge societal norms: Question and critically examine societal norms and expectations. Understand that societal pressure often stems from deeply ingrained beliefs that may not necessarily reflect universal truths or align with your values. By challenging these norms, you can forge your own path and live a more authentic life.
Practice assertiveness: Develop assertiveness skills to confidently express your thoughts, opinions, and boundaries. Learning to say “no” when necessary and advocating for yourself can help you resist societal pressure and make choices that are right for you.
Embrace self-acceptance: Accept yourself unconditionally, recognizing that you are unique and deserving of respect and happiness. Embracing self-acceptance will strengthen your resilience against societal pressures and help you cultivate a positive self-image.
Set realistic goals: Establish goals that are meaningful to you rather than pursuing others’ expectations. Focus on personal growth and achievements that align with your values, rather than seeking validation solely from external sources.
Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Taking care of yourself will enhance your resilience and provide you with the strength to resist societal pressure.
Remember, fighting off societal pressure is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. It’s your life, and you have the power to shape it according to your own values and aspirations.
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Presidential hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Kwabena Duffour has promised to bring back Ghana’s economy to the path of growth and prosperity within just two years of his administration should he win the 2024 election under the ticket of NDC as its presidential candidate.
He said Ghana’s economy has deteriorated under the Akufo-Addo led administration and that the time had come for Ghanaians to join him to rescue the country from the clutches of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“What Ghana is experiencing today is a complete departure from what we have held in the past as appropriate and reasonable.
“Non-stop corruption, arrogance, maladministration, lack of empathy with the suffering of Ghanaians, and the puzzling, lack of understanding of our economic crisis by our political leaders attest to this fact”. He said
Therefore, Duffour has promised that “the first year will be the restoration, the second year will be a complete recovery and we will see prosperity in two years”, he said.
Dr Duffour made these remarks at his Ahoto Office in Osu after he received his nomination form from the Ashanti Regional Organizer of the NDC, Gloria Huze, who picked the forms on his behalf.
He further used the occasion to tout his achievements and remind Ghanaians of his competence when he served as the Finance Minister under the administration of the late Professor Mills between 2009 and 2012.
“Our dear country, Ghana is sinking at a faster rate than we can all imagine. Between 2009 and 2012, Ghana was an enviable nation across the world.
“Within four years GDP Growth rate of 14.5% was achieved through well thought-out governance anchored on economy prudence and planning”
NDC Opens Nomination
NDC on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, opened nominations for the election of its presidential and parliamentary candidates for the forthcoming elections in 2024.
Gloria Huze and Antonio Edem Asinyo, the Spokesperson for the Campaign Team of Dr Kwabena Duffour, picked the forms on his behalf.
Dr Kwabena Duffour is the fourth person to pick the form to contest for the presidential candidate position of the party, hotly following the heels of former President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Kojo Bonsu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Ernest Kwaku Krobeah, a Businessman based in the United Kingdom.
The presidential election has been scheduled to take place on May 13, 2023.
Promise to the Grassroots
Dr Duffour says he seeking to lead the NDC as its flagbearer to financially empower and give power back to the grassroots of the party
“At the foundation and the formation of the National Democratic Congress, its cardinal pillar was and remains power to the people.
“The power that allows every NDC member and Ghanaians from all walks of life to participate in politics, governance, and the economy of Ghana.
“Ours shall be a governance system where members of the NDC and every Ghanaian shall be brave and courageous, to express themselves, to add ue to the political discourse of his party and the country”’.
He added that under his leadership, the grassroots of the party “will own their political decisions devoid of imposition from the top, and reject efforts to usurp the power that belongs to the grassroots”’
Dr Duffour further expressed optimism of winning the flagbearer race of the NDC, adding that surveys conducted indicate that the people of Ghana want something different.
“Extensive Surveys carried out across the country and among the grassroots revealed that the people of Ghana want change in the direction of our governance.
“The people want that change to be led by a new face. A new face and a new man who has the practical know-how, who has a traceable track record, and who will lead Ghana from the front with integrity and love for his people”, he added.
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Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has eulogized the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.
Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son were among six individuals on board a helicopter that crashed in the United States early Saturday, February 10, 2024.
The deadly crash occurred near the California-Nevada border, with no survivors.
NDC’s flagbearer reminisced about Herbert Wigwe’s time in Ghana somewhere in 2009, during the establishment of Access Bank Ghana.
Mr. Mahama on his Facebook page, eulogized Herbert Wigwe’s contributions to the finance and banking sector and said he will always be remembered.
Below is Mahama’s Facebook post.
It’s difficult coming to terms with the tragic accident that claimed the lives of my dear friend Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, along with three others.
My sympathies go out to the families of those who perished in the tragic accident and our thoughts are with Herbert’s surviving children and the families of all who died.
I had the privilege of knowing Herbert more closely from 2009 during his setting up of the Access Bank branch in Ghana. He came across as a brilliant and determined young man who was on a swift upward trajectory. This is evident in the growth of Access Bank into a widely recognised global brand.
Herbert’s legacy in the finance and banking sector will always be remembered. RIP.
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The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to activate diplomatic channels with the military authorities in Burkina Faso to locate and return seven residents of the Bador and Tampizua communities in the Bawku Municipality.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ayariga said that the seven men, who are believed to have been arrested by the Burkinabe military, had crossed into the Bittu District of Burkina Faso to claim their cattle after they had been driven there.
This followed an alleged attack on nomadic herdsmen grazing the cattle of the missing men.
The seven men are Abdulai Bagre, Mumuni Seidu, Issaka Nyikabo, Abu Kadir Salifu, Jebrilu Braimah, Bande Mamudu, and Bande Shaibu.
Ayariga said that he had already asked senior Ghanaian military personnel to investigate the matter, but all efforts had been unsuccessful.
He also said that he had contacted former Burkina Faso members of the ECOWAS Parliament, but they had been unable to provide any positive results.
“I hereby formally write to seek your assistance to locate and secure the release and return to Ghana seven residents of the communities of Bador and Tampizua in Bawku Municipality who are believed to have been arrested by the military authorities in Burkina Faso and despite every effort we have been unable to locate them and secure their return back to Ghana,” Ayariga wrote in the statement.
The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has tasked Ghanaians to hold him accountable should he fail to execute his promises to them if he gets elected in the 2024 elections.
He expressed certainty that he will be able to fulfill every promise he has made and called on Ghanaians to support his bid for the presidency.
The NDC flag bearer said this when he addressed party supporters at his formal acceptance speech ceremony in Tamale.
Mr Mahama said the next NDC government will restore stability, inclusive growth to the economy and rejuvenate the almost collapsed banking and financial sector, adding that it will include the Bank of Ghana.
He added that the party prioritizes local participation in all sectors of the economy to create jobs.
“Prioritize local participation in the banking, financial, telecommunications, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors to generate more jobs for the youth,” he said.
The NDC flag bearer added that the next NDC government will complete abandoned and ongoing projects dotted across the country.
“We will carry out an inventory of all hospitals, schools, electrification, water, and road projects which have stalled or been abandoned and make annual budgetary allocation for completing them,” he said.
Mr Mahama said he will run a lean but efficient government with not more than 60 ministers and deputies adding that they will also work to abolish the payment of ex-gratia and cut out waste in government.
One other promise he made was to set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the issues of stolen state lands and also make recommendations on how to resolve the vexed issue of expropriated Ga-Dangbe lands.
Mr Mahama who raised concerns over freedom of speech in the country said a conducive and collaborative atmosphere would be created to allow the media work without threats, harassments, and assassinations.
He said the NDC delegates have shown the way by electing him with an overwhelming 99% valid votes cast which is an indication of their conviction in his ability to provide honest, visionary, and responsible leadership and urged Ghanaians to vote the NDC into power in 2024.
All is set for the vetting of 25 aspirants who filed their nominations to contest the parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the nine constituencies where the party has sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Western Region.
The vetting exercise is in accordance with the party’s constitution to ensure that candidates conform to basic constitutional requirements of the NPP.
The aspirants are expected to go through the vetting process in the region, scheduled between Wednesday January 3, and Friday, January 5, 2024.
The aspiring candidates, who would be cleared by the vetting committee would vie in the NPP’s January 27, 2024 parliamentary primaries in the nine constituencies in the region.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE in an interview, the Regional Secretary of the party, Okatekyie Amankwaa Afrifa said the vetting would be held at the Kingstel Hotel at Apollo near Takoradi from 10am each day.
On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the aspirants in three constituencies including Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Ahanta West and Essikado-Ketan would be vetted.
In the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, the incumbent MP, George Mireku Duker and two other aspirants, Gordon Opoku Boateng and Francis Ellison would go through the vetting.
In the Ahanta West constituency, the incumbent, Kojo Kum who is unwell did not file. However, four party members who filed their nominations are expected to go through the vetting process. They include the District Chief Executive, John Agyare, Francis Eric Pobee, Benedict Appau and John Kwesi Yankey
In Essikado-Ketan, three aspirants including Charles Bissue, Anna Horma Akaisie Mieza and Giovanni Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman would be vetted.
On Thursday, January 4, 2024, two aspirants in the Kwesimintsim Constituency will be vetted. They include the incumbent, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, and Dr. Yaa Pokua Baiden.
After that, the two aspirants in Effia-Joseph Cudjoe, the incumbent, and Lawyer Isaac Boamah Nyarko will also go through the vetting process.
The aspirants in the Takoradi constituency including the incumbent MP, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Frederick Sam Incoom and Richard Essuman Addison as well as those who filed in the Sekondi constituency—Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the incumbent and Benjamin Paa Kwesi Moses, would also be vetted on Thursday.
On Friday, January, 5 2024, the aspirants in the Mpohor and Shama constituencies would go through the vetting process. In Mpohor, the aspirants include John Aboah Sane, the incumbent, Alex Kofi Agyekum, former MP for the area and Philip Asirifi Cobbinah.
In Shama, the incumbent MP, Samuel Ericson Abekah, Joseph Amoah and Isaac Kwamena Afful filed their nominations.
The Regional Secretary of the NPP added that members of the Regional Executive Committee and the various Constituency Executive Committees are to be present as observers during the vetting sessions.
It is a joyous time for Nollywood couple, Stan Nze and his beautiful wife, Blessing Obasi as they welcome their first child.
The actor made the good news known on the couple’s YouTube page, where he revealed that contrary to the report that they were expecting twin girls, they welcomed a baby boy, who they have since named Jayden.
He disclosed that it was during their gender reveal that they found out they were expecting a boy. Stan Nze admitted that he and his wife were expecting two girls and had laid out their family plan, but God works in mysterious ways.
Despite it all, they are grateful and hopeful that the twins’ girls will follow suit in the coming years.
Speaking on being a new dad, he stated that he lacked words as he couldn’t explain his feelings.
“It was on our gender reveal that we got the shock of our life that we were expecting a boy. We believed God for two girls but he gave us one boy. That’s how God does his things – that’s why He is God and He would do his things the way he wants to. I don’t think we can question Him. We wanted two girls and then a boy later but God gave us a boy first. We are still believing God for our girls. This is still good news but it’s a different kind of good news.
I can’t even explain the feelings, you can never know until you feel it”.
Many took to the couple’s comment section to congratulate them on their bundle of joy.
In a post on his Instagram page, he welcomed his son into the world, describing him as his bundle of joy from heaven above.
“Jayden Chimebuka Nzediegwu. A gift of love. An absolute joy. Precious, charming, shining. Our bundle of joy from heaven above. Welcome home son”.
Kemi Filani reported in September that while celebrating their 2nd anniversary, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.
The post, which was accompanied by a heartfelt video, showed the actor’s wife touching her baby bump tenderly.
Opening up on their pregnancy journey, the couple, in an emotional video on their YouTube channel, recounted the moment they found out about their new bundle of joy.
They gave their fans and followers a sneak peek into their pregnancy journey while recounting how they found out about the pregnancy individually.
The couple later held an intimate gender reveal party which had in attendance some of their colleagues like Efe Irele.
The Paramount Chief of Gwollu and a former member of the Council of State, Kuoro Kuri Buktie Limann IV has died.
Kuoro Abdul Rahman Kasim Baata, the Vice President of the Gwollu Traditional Council, disclosed his death to the GNA in Gwollu on Saturday.
“I wish to announce with deep sorrow the demise of the Paramount Chief of Gwollu, Kuoro Kuri Buktie Liman IV, whose sad incident took place on May 02, 2024, at about 1700 pm and he has since been buried according to custom,” he said.
He said funeral arrangements would be announced later.
He said, “Usually, when a chief dies, you often see a lot of people from the family struggling to come around and seek leadership,” and advised the public to note that it could disturb the unity of the family in this period of grief.
Kuoro Buktie Limann was enskined in 1998 after the death of his brother, Dr Hilla Limann and occupied the seat until his demise in 2024.
PROFILE OF KUORU KURI-BUKTIE LIMANN IV, PARAMOUT CHIEF OF GWOLLU (1943-2024)
Kuoro Kuri-Buktie Limann IV was born on 22nd November 1943 at Gwollu in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region. He had Seven (7) children and two grand children.
EDUCATION RECORD
He attended the Tumu Primary School in 1948
The Wa Middle Boarding School in 1954
He was admitted into the Tamale Nursing Training School in the Northern Region in January 1961, and obtained the Ghana Qualified Registered Nurse Certificate in August 1964
He undertook the Rapid Results Correspondence Course College, London UK and passed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) O’Level (Private) in July 1969 and A’ level in November 1970-(Private).
He gained admission into the University of Ghana, Legon and obtained Certificate in Ward Management in Nursing in 1974.
Admitted into Radcliffe School of Nursing University of Oxford, Oxon. United Kindom in 1974 and obtained Diploma in Nursing–May1977
Awarded the Oxford Shire County Council Scholarship FOR: BACHELOR OF LAW DEGREE AND BAR COURSES IN THE (U.K.) and obtained:
i. The University of London Law Bachelor (L.L.B) Hons. London. (1977-1980)
ii. Admitted to do the English BarattheInn’s of Court School of Law-London (1980-81) and obtained the Utter Barrister at Law of England & Wales–July1981.
Was inducted into the Lincoln’s Inn of Court–August 1981 and became a Lincoln’s Inn, Barrister-at-Law, U.K & Wales.
NIGERIA:
Admitted into the Nigeria School of Law: 1982-83-Passed the Nigeria Bar Examination, and inducted into the Nigeria Barin July 1983 as a Barrister–at-Law & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1983.
GHANA:
i. Completed the Ghana School of Law Supplementary Course (January 1994 September 1994) and Inducted as Barrister-at-Law & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana
ii. Returned to Ghana from Nigeria in April 1998 after 16 years Law Practice in April 1998 and was enskinned and installed the Gwollu Paramount Chief as Limann IV of the Gwollu Paramountcy in the Sissala West District of Upper West Region on 18th April 1998.
iii. Awarded the Judicial Notary Public–Ghana Judicial Services and was inducted in May 2007 by the Chief Justice of Ghana as NOTARYPUBLIC of Ghana.
LEGAL PRACTICE–RECORD
U.K
I. GraysInn U.K (1981-1982) as Barrister-at-Law, -England and Wales
NIGERIA ii. Akinjide & CoLegal Practitioners Lagos, Federal Republic Nigeria, (1983-1984)
iii. Principal Partner: J.B Limann & Co Barristers-at-Law & Solicitors of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lincoln Chambers, Lagos. (1984-1998)
GHANA
iv. Principal Partner: Limann Law Consult & Associates, Barristers-at-Law & Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Ghana, England & Wales, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
OTHER IMPORTANT POSITIONS HELD
i. General Secretary: Ghana Registered Nurses Association-1974
ii. Executive Chairman: Gwollu Heritage Museum and Tourism Centre-1998–2024
iii. General Secretary: The Northern Ghana Students Union of Great Britain & Ireland 1978-1981
iv. National Chairman of Ghana Cotton Farmers Association (1999-2004)
v. Member of Ghana Food & Drugs Board-(2004-2007)
vi. Elected in February 2005 as Member of Ghana Council of State– (2005-2008) for Upper West Region.
vii. Member of Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 2006–2024
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
I. Member: Ghana Registered Nurses Association.
II. General Secretary Ghana Registered Nurses Association–1974.
III. Member: Registered Nurse of England & Wales–U.K…1977 IV. Member: GhanaBarAssociation1994.
V. Member: The Federal Republic of Nigeria Bar Association1983.
VI. Member: Utter Barrister of Lincoln’Inn & Barrister of the Supreme Court of England & Wales–U. K1981.
VII. ANotary Public of Ghana Judicial Services 2007.
CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS
i. Paramount Chief of Gwollu Traditional Area U.W.R-18th April 1998 to date. ii. Member of Regional House of Chiefs 1998 Wa-U.W. R¬¬¬¬-to Present.
iii. President Upper West Regional House of Chiefs Wa-U.W. R¬-September 2004– November 2008.
iv. Member of National House of Chiefs, November 1998 to date.
v. Chairman of National House of Chiefs, Judicial Panel-Kumasi (2000-2004).
Vi) FARMER with AGROPRODUCT PROCCESING INTERESTS
VII. Cotton Farmer–Chairman Ghana National Farmers’ Association
Agro–Shea–Nuts, Groundnuts, Cotton & Sunflower Seeds Processing into edible Oil for local Consumption & for Exports Since 2005. Business registered with Ministry of Trade and Industry.
viii) Selected Takhilla Farms Estate Limited by M.O.T.I in 2017 as One-District-One Factory (1D1F) to process Shea Nuts, Groundnuts for Joint Partnership to establish an
Oil Refinery in the Sissala West District and to add value to them for export to AFRICA
Market and for local consumptions, and for the instituting the creation of the Dr. Hilla Limann Senior High School–Gwollu, U.W.R
Has been instrumental since becoming the Paramount Chief in 1998, in the Creation of the new Sissala West District in the Upper West Region, and in matters of Health, Energy, Water and Sanitation Development in the Gwollu, Paramountcy and the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region, Ghana.
PUBLICATIONS
I. Streamlining the Nursing Profession in Ghana–September 1973
ii. Ward Management in Hospital –June1974.
iii. The Alleged Policy of free Education in Northern-Ghana; -Reaction of the Northern Ghana Students in Great Britain & Ireland 1980.
v. The impact of British Legislative Instrument on Land Tenure in (Northern Territories) Northern Regions of Ghana 1980.
vi. The Right to REPARATION for the Trans-Atlantic Chattel Enslavement of Ghanaian
Victims between 15th to 19th centuries under the 2001 United Nations Human Right Commission Declaration–2006. (GERRF) Ghana Enslavement Reparation and Repatriation Foundation.
Viii. The Executive Chairman of Takhilla Farms Estate Nuts Seed’s Oils limited.
GHANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DELEGATIONS THAT VISITED CHINA & INDIA
i) Member of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry Delegation that visited China for Africa-China to the S.M.E Development forum and Trade Fair-Oct 2008.
ii) Member of Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry Delegation that was invited to the S.M. E at Exportech Project Fair by the M.Pof Gwailor State of India 18–21st January 2013.
iii. Member of Ghana Cotton Development Authority, April 2010-2015.
Iv. Member of the Upper West Regional Peace Committee, 2015-2018.
V. Member of Upper West Regional Mental Health Committee, 2015-2017.
vi. Member of the Association of Ghana Industries, since 2015.
viii. Member of the Upper West Regional Health Council, 2016-2020.
ix. Awarded CITATION of the Northern Ghana National Achievers Award, October 2016, at Tamale-N/R by the Northern Youth for Peace and Development (NYUPED).
x. Gwollu Paramountcy; President of the Gwollu Traditional Council–Since April 18, 1998, to date.
Madonna put on a free concert in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night with throngs of fans flocking to see the pop idol on Brazil’s famous Copacabana beach.
“Rio, here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” she declared, as the performance got under way.
The show was the final stop on the 65-year-old’s Celebration Tour, celebrating her 40 years in music.
More than 1.6 million fans were estimated to have attended the show.
“Are you ready?” Madonna posted on her Instagram account seven hours before the show.
Getty ImagesHuge crowds attended Madonna’s performance at Copacabana beach
Crowds of fans were seen dancing along to Madonna’s songs played from speakers on the stage, hours before the American superstar arrived.
In what many have called a “historic” show, Madonna impressed the audience with multiple set and costume changes and light displays.
The signer performed some of her greatest hits, including Nothing Really Matters, Like a Prayer and Vogue, and was joined on stage at one point by Brazilian singer Anitta.
Getty Images
There were giant screens located along the beach, to ensure the largely Brazilian crowd was able to see the event unfold. Some watched from apartments or hotels, others from boats.
There was also a large police presence to ensure the safety of all those in attendance.
T-shirts, souvenirs and billboards with Madonna’s face decked the neighbourhood as excitement built ahead of the concert.
Since she burst onto the UK charts with Holiday in 1984, Madonna has scored another 71 hits, including 13 number one singles.
Some, like Vogue, Like A Prayer and Ray of Light, are era-defining anthems. Others, like Live To Tell and Don’t Tell Me, are beloved fan favourites.
Getty ImagesFans had been anticipating Madonna’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Last year, the superstar was found unconscious in her New York apartment in June and rushed to hospital, where she received treatment for a serious bacterial infection.
But she has since returned to full strength and her tour has been marked by her characteristically energetic performances.
The Rio concert was the final touch on a tour made up of 80 shows across Europe and North America.
Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed that one of her greatest hurdles in life was venturing into Nollywood at a young age.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Doreen Avio after the Women of Valour event, on March 7, the actress said she faced opposition from her mum and struggled sometimes for transport fare to go for auditions.
“I got into entertainment very early in life. The image of people going into entertainment at the time was really bad. It was even unheard of. I went through a lot of beatings from my mum,” Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde said.
“She didn’t want me to go into entertainment and certainly not acting. So I had to struggle. It was a lot of struggle, times when I was not supported, not given transport fare to go to the audition,” the Blood Sisters actress added.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde at the Women of Valour event held on March 7
Omotola encouraged others to venture into a career they believe in as it will pay off stating, “sometimes it is very hard, but if you believe in what you’re doing, with time everyone will come around.”
The ‘Women of Valour’ event organised by Nana Aba Anamoah is a project aimed at bringing together strong, courageous women to share their stories of triumph, loss and everything in between.
The event saw Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, former Electoral Commission boss Charlotte Osei, Ghanaian entrepreneur Eugenia Baffour Bankoh, Business executive and communication professional, Obuobia Darko-Opoku and others tell their stories under the theme “Untold stories of courage”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Just when you think you have heard it all about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there comes this US influencer who does quite a unique job.
As mental health research has advanced, it has become commonplace for psychiatrists or doctors to recommend that individuals who have mental struggles get an emotional support pet such as a dog.
Emotional support animals give company, reduce loneliness, and can occasionally aid with sadness, anxiety, and certain phobias, but they do not have particular training to assist individuals with disabilities. Dogs are not the only emotional support animals.
According to reports by the “New York Post”, the controversial woman is a 33-year-old named Fan-Pei Koung and originates from Houston in the state of Texas.
“I am the sexy girl in Ukraine who wants to volunteer, and will probably put out,” she is quoted as saying by “The Daily Beast.”
She now works an “emotional support stripper.” Her content supposedly includes striptease videos with air raid sirens blaring and shirtless photographs with rocket launchers.
Koung reportedly has an OnlyFans account that is free to access for Ukraine troops. She is said to describe herself as “a globe-trotting girlfriend, now volunteering in Kharkiv.”
“I provide free emotional breastfeeding to soldiers and volunteers,” Koung wrote on her OnlyFans profile.
Koung has gone viral and though her OnlyFans is free, she has purportedly received lots of money which she gives back to the country’s war and humanitarian efforts.
Although she has voluntarily opted to do this, one X user compared her to a “comfort woman.”
Comfort women, circa 2023..
“Still, she believes she’s providing a vital service to soldiers that’s often overlooked.
“People don’t talk about the sexual needs of the people of country at war,” she said with a laugh.”https://t.co/CNP3Q9c4dN
The term “comfort women” alludes to the Imperial Japanese government’s system of sexual enslavement, which existed between 1932 and 1945 during World War Two.
It is the most extensive example of state-sponsored human trafficking and sexual slavery in contemporary history.
“Comfort women” were held in brothels known as “comfort stations,” which were set up to boost the morale of Japanese soldiers.
Although numerous women from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, East Timor, and the Dutch East Indies were forced into sexual slavery, the bulk were from Korea and China.
A pregnant lady who visited her boyfriend caught him cheating after she came to see him so they could go for a third abortion at the hospital.
The lady who was narrating her ordeal while standing in front of her boyfriend’s apartment recounted her ordeal to concerned neighbours who came out at the sound of the commotion that was happening outside.
According to her, her boyfriend had impregnated her twice before and they had had to abort the two, only for him to impregnate her the third time.
She said that she and the guy were meant to meet at his place and when she came to his house, she found him in the company of another woman.
The lady could be seen blowing hot as she kept hurling curses at the man and his mistress.
Watch the video below:
Lady laments that after doing two abortions for her boyfriend, he now gave her another Belle again and told her to abort it again, she went to his house to tell him to follow her to the hospital for abortion but caught him with another woman.. pic.twitter.com/SHESviHIZ8
Chiefs and people of Akokoaso, a farming community in the Akyemansa District rich with mineral deposits have given final appro to Jia Xin Industrial Mining Company to operate in the area.
This appro from the people comes after the community demonstrated to prevent the Chinese mining company who were earlier using prospecting licenses to mine for gold in the area.
The Minerals commission after receiving a petition from the community subsequently halted the activities of the company in the area.
Jia Xin industrial mining company after securing all necessary mining documentation and having satisfied all needed requirements with community stakeholders engagement has been given the appro to begin work in the area.
Speaking at a community stakeholders engagement organized by the Minerals Commission, the Queen Mother of Akokoaso Nana Agyeiwaa Kodie II appreciated the mining company for securing all necessary documents.
“We want to appreciate the Minerals commission for intervening in ensuring that the right thing is done and sanctioning them. We thought they were engaging in galamsey but that is not the case because the president despises illegal mining so this company will not be given documents to engage in illegal mining.
“We are grateful to them because we know they will employ community members to work in the company so I want to tell the company that out of the number of workers who will be employed, the community should be given a 70 percent ratio and the 30 percent for foreigners, so all abled members of the community should get ready to work”.
The Manager of the mining company speaking to the media after the community engagement denied claims that the company is into illegal mining
“We are not engaging in galamsey, we are looking forward to employing competent members of the community who are willing and ready to work. Our structures here at the site can never be referred to as galamsey because we are doing legitimate work, we do not use chemicals and you can see from the green around the site.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility to the community we have already dug two boreholes for them with pumping machines, now that we are resuming work here we will put the overhead tanks on it and provide another water system for them”.
“It’s a fact that they have some legitimate concerns and I want to assure you that we are going to sit with them and get it all addressed”.
On his part, the Akim Oda Divisional Police Commander ACP Rev. Dr Adane Ameyaw cautioned the youth of the community to leave in harmony with the workers and desist from creating unnecessary tension in the community.
“I want to caution all of you to stay away from trouble because the law will not shield anyone not even children or women if they come in contact with it”.
Amaarae, a Ghanaian-American polymath, returns to the music scene on Friday, March 17 with the highly anticipated single “Reckless & Sweet.” and teases fans with news of her next album – Fountain Baby – coming soon via Interscope.
Amaarae expertly combines Arabic and Indian melodies with African drum beats on a captivating solo return that explores a toxic kind of love, launching with a refreshingly new sonic perspective on this first single.
She poetically expresses the heartbreak you feel when you know someone is taking advantage of you, making her a seductive piece of ear candy.
Along with the single, she has also released a video that takes the listener on a journey through a series of highly stylized vignettes. The video is as visually compelling and intentional a storyteller as she is musically.
The captivating video is a subtle story with Amaarae as the main character and models Leomie Anderson and Monyjok Ngor Deng playing her two main love interests. It is lush with lowlights, spotlights, and blue lights against monochrome styling, creating an undertone of mysterious sensuality.
The video is full of memorable moments, a post-millennium nod to the fashion industry. This most recent release is a sonic and visual departure from TAYDK and the beginning of a new chapter for Amaarae. More music and information about the album will be coming soon.
Amaarae says these things about the single: Returning after so lengthy, I had a ton of time to think and consider what I maintained that my message should be last time it was about certainty, this time it’s about adoration and confidence. The fact that young black women and men are about to see what our new energy is for 2023 and beyond makes this my sexiest video to date. We’ve grown up and are now sexy.
She continued, We will ensure that we always speak and walk our best, look our best, and most importantly, we will restore love and romance! Crazy and Sweet is a provocative tune. It all comes down to making and giving love with care. It’s about exposing one’s inner sensuality and self-assurance to the rest of the world. As an artist, that is precisely where I am right now.”
Amaarae has been in all the right places over the past few years.
She has been working on her next project in recording studios in London, Los Angeles, Lagos, and Accra. She has also performed live for a sold-out KOKO, Pitchfork Festival Chicago, The Governors Ball New York, We Love Green Festival, and The Roxy with Tems.
She has shared pivotal releases such as “A Body, A Coffin” from the “Wakanda Forever Prologue” and her appearance on “THIS IS WHAT I MEAN” from Stormzy’s 2022 #1 album alongside Black Sherif, Jacob Collier, Ms. Banks, and Storry. She has also shared front row seats at London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks for Coperni, Jacquemus, Diesel, and Mowalola.
Delivered toward the finish of 2020, her widely praised debut full length THE Holy messenger YOU DON’T KNOW including singles ‘Escaping’ ft. The songs “FANCY,” “Leave Me Alone,” and “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” by Kojey Radical and Cruel Santino (feat. Amaarae became a global breakthrough artist as a result of MOLIY).
Spilled over 50M times, this type mixing project that saw her endeavor to variety beyond the afro-pop boundaries and yet again characterize for herself creating African music has been perceived and lauded in all cases from The Watchman (Cover Star for first Jan 2021 G2 Film and issue), Pitchfork (Best New ), The FACE, Highsnobiety, I-D, Elle, Bewildered, The FADER, DJ Target, Sian Anderson and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Numerous advice have emerged from this project; Apple ’s Africa Rising Artist for the year 2021, BET’s Amplified International Artist of the Month for the month of February 2021, Times Square Billboard’s Cover Star for her Spotify playlist takeover for Black History Month titled “Black to the Future,” and Amazon ’s Ones to Watch for the year 2022 are just a few of the accolades that have been bestowed upon her.
Her “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix” with Colombian-American Kali Uchis and Ghanaian-American Moliy garnered more than 360 million global streams and peaked at #80 on the Billboard 100, #18 on the Global Chart, #28 in the UK, and #40 in the US. It also peaked on the main Apple All Genre Chart in 133 countries, with 3.3 million Shazams.
It reached number one on the Global Shazam Chart, number one in the United States, number 29 on the UK TOP 40 Singles Chart, and number 35 on the US Rhythmic Radio Chart.
After that, Tik Tok had over 7 million video creations, peaked at number 22 on the global Spotify chart, and was played on national radio stations (BBC Radio 1 B List, BBC 1Xtra, Kiss FM, Kiss Fresh, Capital Xtra, Apple 1).
This truly organic moment of viral global recognition, sparked by a soundtrack by Mugler, established Amaarae’s place in the zeitgeist—influencing culture rather than following it.
Amaarae’s cross-cultural upbringing in the Bronx, as well as her upbringing in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, and Accra, Ghana, are the driving forces behind her deeply experimental outlook.
Amaarae is all about female empowerment and puts her West African heritage and influences at the core of everything she does – while challenging the views on gender norms, female sexuality, artistic self-expression, and more. She is embraced and endorsed by the exciting melting pot of exuberant creativity that is Nigeria’s Alté scene.
Amaarae is one of the most exciting artists in the world. He has a cult following on the African continent and in the diaspora. On his 2019 EP Cashmere Tears, he collaborated with Cruel Santino on the song “Rapid Fire,” Stonebwoy on the song “Pepper Dem,” and Kojey Radical on the song “Sugar.”
The arrival of her presentation EP Passionfruit Summers in 2017 and following singles including the hot option R&B jam ‘Like It’, the sweet Afro-disco roused ‘Invest A few Energy ft Wande Coal’ and a strong element on Odunsi’s collection cut ‘body count’, started this excursion of brave self articulation where TAYDK got and refined it.
Amaarae is a songwriter, singer, producer, and engineer who does everything herself. From selling mixtapes to her highschool schoolmates, to hurling herself entirely into learning the intricate details of the creation and designing cycle and establishing her own free record name – the Ghana-based Prodigy Diversion Ltd – Amaarae is an uncommon, genuine and rousing ability.
Amaarae has elevated her vision and flavor for what pop music really is, and she is ready to take over the world as she embarks on her second album in 2023. She has become a master architect of her own unique brand of cultural alchemy.
The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has berated President Akufo-Addo for not categorically denying the allegations by Alistair Mathias in Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia investigative documentary.
Sammy Gyamfi says President Akufo-Addo’s response of not recalling any such legal service rendered the alleged money launderer gives credence to same and proves his complicity in the matter.
In contributing to a panel discussion on Accra-based Metro TV on Thursday, April 27, the outspoken politician called for investigations into the allegations by the busted gold smuggler.
“I was shocked when I heard the answer President Akufo-Addo gave when he was contacted and his attention was drawn to these damning statements that Alistair Mathias had made about him.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo when he was contacted by Al Jazeera could not deny the assertion by Alistair Mathias that he is his friend and accomplice to his smuggling and money laundering schemes in Ghana.
“President Akufo-Addo’s answer was that he doesn’t recollect ever being a lawyer or a friend to anyone like that,” he said.
A gold trader exposed in Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia investigative documentary has alleged that President Akufo-Addo is his friend and lawyer.
Al Jazeera’s latest investigation, Gold Mafia, has uncovered a band of criminals driving gold smuggling and money laundering worth billions of dollars in Southern Africa.
However, those involved in this gold smuggling syndicate have business networks that stretch across the continent and operate in many other countries including Ghana.
Alistair Mathias, described by the investigative reporters as a financial architect who builds money laundering schemes for corrupt politicians, was approached by undercover journalists posing as Chinese criminals to help them launder money from China.
Speaking to the undercover reporters while trying to strike a deal, he alleged that President Akufo-Addo is his friend and was his lawyer too.
Alistair had earlier revealed that he has been smuggling $40 million worth of gold from Ghana monthly, which is $480 million worth of gold annually.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Bullgod has appealed to former president John Dramani Mahama to prosecute corrupt NPP government officials and discontinue the incessant trend of squandering the taxpayer’s money.
According to him, the country needs a leader who will dedicate his tenure to prosecuting the perpetrators of such acts.
In a discussion on United Showbiz, Bullgod said such rots have been prevalent within the current administration in particular and at this point, need not be overlooked.
“We need a leader. One leader has to just come and do four years and correct things. Look at how the government in power is spending our money anyhow. They spend our money and are left to go unpunished. I am appealing to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. When he comes to power, he should prosecute these people. Because we cannot keep doing this forever. We waste money anyhow. What kind of foolish act is that?” he fumed.
Some of the panelists, including Socrates Safo and Evangelist Diana Asamoah, disagreed with Bullgod’s submission.
These individuals who are well-known as NPP sympathizers condemned him for projecting Mahama as the rightful candidate to pursue such a task.
“As for Mahama, he won’t come again,” Diana Asamoah said.
“We were all here when the Guinea fowl issue happened. Or have you forgotten? How can you even mention Mahama?’ Socrates also retorted.
Bullgod who seemed irritated by the many objections replied,
“Whether Mahama, Kennedy Agyapong, or whoever, these people need to be punished.”
Outspoken Ghanaian actress and social activist, Lydia Forson has stated that she doesn’t consider herself as a top actress.
Lydia Forson started her career in acting over eighteen years ago. The Ghanaian actress, writer, and producer, in 2010 won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a leading role.
Born on October 24, 1984, in Mankessim, the 38-year-old is regarded as one of the best actresses of our time.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, was International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is a global day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The outspoken actress while on Citi TV to mark the day astonishingly postulated that even though she has been in the movie industry for close to two decades she said, “I feel like I am not there yet…I feel like an up-and-coming actress…The years still don’t add up to me”.
Talking about some of the challenges she encountered on her journey to stardom, the top-levelled actress said: “I always say I am privileged, I am coming from a home where I have amazing support—As the youngest girl in my family… my cousins, most of them are male, so I really entered the industry from a place of privilege in how I saw myself. I naively believed women could have it all”.
She emphasised that she never for once saw herself different from other people “because with my brothers – I knew they were men, I knew they were different, but I also knew we were equal and I think that people confuse the fight for equality—they feel you want to be a man; no, I just want to be treated with the same respect.”
Lydia Forson shot to fame after starring in the award-winning movie, ‘Perfect Picture’ in 2009. She has also starred in other conventional movies such as ‘A letter from Adam’, SideChick Gang, Phone Swap, Scorned, A Sting in a Tale’ and Borga.
Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike, also known as Michael Render, was arrested shortly after clinching three Grammy Awards at the ceremony on Sunday.
The arrest came in connection with a physical altercation at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the Grammys took place.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest through a social media post, aserting that Killer Mike was booked on a misdemeanour battery charge and was subsequently released.
Representatives for the rapper have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the Recording Academy directed inquiries to the police.
Video footage posted by a journalist for The Hollywood Reporter showed the rapper in handcuffs, being led through the arena by a police officer, less than an hour before the Grammys telecast began.
The incident left fans and observers puzzled, considering that Killer Mike had just graced the Grammys stage, celebrating his victories for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance.
The rapper, who is not only a prolific musician from Atlanta but also an activist and organizer, had shared inspiring words during his Grammy acceptance speech.
However, the abrupt arrest raised questions on social media about the reasons behind the detainment.
Meanwhile, Killer Mike’s X and Instagram accounts continued to stay active, commemorating the Grammy wins despite the unexpected turn of events.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale has extended a warm greeting to the sixth floor in honour of her 60th birthday today.
The King of Boys actress shared some beautiful photos of herself on her Instagram page, declaring herself a King who was born today.
She wrote a sweet letter to herself, ushering herself to the sixth floor.
She stated that she has always been a good sister and prayed for God’s upliftment and never-ending blessings.
Sola Sobowale wrote: “Today, a King was born…
“Happy birthday Oba🎂 @solasobowale. Sola you have always been a darling sister. May the good lord continue to uplift you and I pray he continues to bless you abundantly. Welcome to the 6th floor🎉🎊.”
Her friends, fans and colleagues took to her comment section to celebrate with her.
READ MORE: Emeka Ike Reacts After Yul Edochie Coached Him On How To Treat Critics
See comments below:
rukkubaby04 penned: “Happy birthday to my ageless screen goddess 🙌…may your days be long and blessed in good health mama 🙏 continue to age gracefully 🙏 love you oba 🙌🙌🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️”
mide_of_Lagos wrote: “They can’t gave birth to a child on a boxing day may he or she no get vibes and be a tough one .. am happy you are a living legend mummy, OBA ILUKAN ❤️🔥🤣 @solasobowale”
iambimpeakintunde said: “OBA!!!!!!! Happy Birthday Iya mii Alalubarika 👑✨❤️❤️ more Life in Good Health 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️ congratulations ma 😍😍😍😍”
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has attributed the intermittent power outage in parts of the country on Friday, March 22, to a system glitch at the Tema facility.
Parts of Accra including Tema, Lapaz, Weija, Mallam, Kasoa barrier and other places experienced power outages on Friday.
In a statement dated Saturday, March 23, 2024, WAPCo explained that its Tema facility completely shut down due to a system glitch at about 10.30 pm.
It added that gas delivery resumed at the Tema facility for its customers in Tema at around 6.30 am Saturday.
“The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has resumed gas delivery at its Regulating and Metering Station at Tema, Accra, after a system shut down. At about 10.30 pm last night, WAPCo’s Tema facility completely shut down due to a system glitch.
“Our engineers worked assiduously through the night, and we resumed gas delivery to our customers in Tema at around 6.30 am this morning,” Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, General Manager, Corporate Affairs said in the statement.
It expressed its commitment to delivering safe and reliable services.
“WAPCo is committed to delivering safe and reliable services and is investigating the root cause of the problem to prevent a recurrence.”
Information reaching this publication indicates that villagers from the area Chief Ngomani in Lilongwe are protesting the burial site of well-known musician Thomas Chekhumba Chibade.
The villagers want Chibade to be buried in Lilongwe and not in his home village in Zomba as earlier announced.
Chiefs and bereaved family representatives are currently in a meeting.
Chibade died on Wednesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
Ankara is a very well-liked cloth all over Africa, but especially in Nigeria. The bold patterns and bright colors of this fabric make it perfect for use in the production of sophisticated and eye-catching designs. The increased popularity of Ankara has led to many women adopting fashions that take inspiration from it.
Here are some elegant and captivating Ankara designs that every woman can wear:
Midi-length Ankara Dresses
Ankara midi dresses are trendy and adaptable. Because of their versatility, they are the perfect option for any woman to wear to a variety of occasions. They are suitable for pairing with either high heels or casual flats.
Dresses with Sleeveless Tops
Ankara fabric is a great option for an off-the-shoulder top for women who want to show off their shoulders without sacrificing sophistication. They look well with both high-waisted skirts and pants.
Women’s Flared Ankara Dresses
Women who want to exude an image of refined sophistication can wear flared dresses made of Ankara fabric. They are suitable for pairing with either high heels or casual flats.
Women’s Ankara Wrap Dresses
The Ankara shift dress is perfect for those who want to look put-together without putting in much effort. They are suitable for pairing with either high heels or casual flats.
Cropped Ankara Tops
Women who are confident in their bodies and want to show off their midsections will love wearing crop tops made from Ankara fabric. They look well with both high-waisted skirts and pants.
Content created and supplied by: Sumayah01 (via Opera News )
There have been reported cases of parents complaining that their kids teachers’ eat the food given to them to take to school.
While they remained as allegations in the past, a video which surfaced online, captures the rare moment a teacher was caught in the act.
In the viral clip, a male teacher could seen eating his student’s food in class and he was completely oblivious of the fact that he was being filmed.
The moment he raised up his head with a mouthful, he felt embarrassed when his eyes met the camera focusing on him.
The tutor immediately turned his back in a bid to hide his face from being exposed even though it was too late. The incident stirred reactions from netizens who found his action amusing.
In a self-recorded video, the controversial TikTok star, Asantewaa lamented about how her fellow women called her barren for not giving birth despite being married for 7 years as reported by Ghpage.com.
According to her, she had decided to accept the fact that she is a barren woman as a result of all the trolls that she was receiving.
But it seems cybernauts and netizens think otherwise as the claim that Asantewaa was heavily pregnant when they saw her in town a few days ago.
They wondered why she would accept her fate as a barren woman when she was heavily pregnant.
The TikTok influencer is known for always seeking for attention and validation from the public.
As a result, some people suggested that since she hasn’t been in the news for a while now, she is doing whatever it takes to become famous.
Shatta Wale’s manager, Sammy Flex has explained why the Dancehall artiste pulled down his Konekt album from his YouTube channel.
This comes after Shatta Wale unexpectedly removed his album from YouTube on March 22, 2024, causing a stir among fans.
The album, featuring collaborations with artistes like Tekno and Bounty Killer, was taken down by Shatta Wale himself, leading to speculation about financial disagreements with producer Bankulli Entertainment and Mad Solutions from Nigeria, as a possible reason for the deletion.
Taking to his YouTube channel on March 23, 2024, Sammy Flex explained that the decision was made due to dissatisfaction with the partnership dynamics, particularly concerning financial discussions.
Flex highlighted that while Shatta Wale is an independent artiste who has invested heavily in his projects, he felt the need for equal energy and commitment from his partners.
According to him, the removal from YouTube is seen as a step towards resolving these issues, with the hope of returning to normalcy after fruitful discussions.
“As an artiste, at every point in time, he has the way he wants his things to go. At every point in time. If these things change, definitely the artiste will not be happy. The artiste will not be happy. Knowing the investment that he has also put in, he would want the other partners to also come in with the same energy. He would want the other partners to also come in with the same force. So that when our powers all come together, it will combine to give us the necessary results that we are looking for.
“But as an independent artiste, as someone who is funding all his projects, he wasn’t seeing that. And I’m sure like I said, there is a process for achieving some of these objectives. And to him, he thinks this is one of the first processes to handle that. So to avoid any back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, let me first put the one on YouTube down. When I put the one on YouTube down and we can have some conversations and it works, I’m sure we can get back to normal,” he explained.
Despite the album’s absence on YouTube, fans can still access Shatta Wale’s music on other digital streaming platforms such as Audiomark, Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and more.
Sammy Flex assured that this move does not signify the end of options for the artiste, as the team continues to explore solutions behind the scenes.
“There are still some options that we can explore, and that is what the team will try to do behind the scenes before we move forward. But like I’m saying, it does not take away the songs from online markets. It takes the song from only the YouTube app, on Shatta Wale’s page.
“As much as I know, the rest of the marketing, the digital platforms, they also have their songs there. All the rest of their DSPs, also have their songs there. So beyond having it on YouTube, you can also access their songs on the rest of the platforms,” he said.
Photo shows the China-aided headquarters building of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Photo provided by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation)
By He Yin, People’s Daily
The first phase of the China-aided Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) headquarters project was recently completed, becoming a new landmark symbolizing the friendship and solidarity between China and Africa.
The Africa CDC headquarters was a flagship project of China-Africa cooperation announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2018.
The timely delivery of the reliable building mirrors the high standard and level of China-Africa cooperation and explains the demeanor of China, a country that always ues its promises.
This year is the 10th year since Xi put forth, in 2013, the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and of pursuing the greater good and shared interests for China’s relations with Africa.
Photo shows a China-aided photovoltaic power station built by Tianjin Electric Power Construction Company under China Energy Engineering Corporation in Central African Republic. (Photo provided by Tianjin Electric Power Construction Company)
Over the past decade, with the joint guidance and commitment of Chinese and African leaders, China-Africa relations have made historic achievements that impressed the whole world, and entered a new era of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
The two sides always follow the spirit of sincere friendship and equality, win-win for mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, and progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness. China and African countries have always been good friends who stand together through prosperity and adversity, good partners who share weal and woe, and good comrades who fully trust each other in a shifting international landscape.
China and Africa offer mutual assistance on their way to achieve economic progress and national rejuvenation, and are constantly expanding the areas of cooperation.
China-Africa cooperation has progressed with the times and deepened its connotation, from the 10 major cooperation plans adopted at the 2015 FOCAC Johannesburg Summit to the eight major initiatives proposed at the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and to the nine programs for cooperation announced at the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC.
Chinese and Ugandan engineers discuss construction plans at the construction site of the Karuma Hydro Power Plant in Uganda, which is built by Power Construction Corporation of China. (Photo provided by Power Construction Corporation of China)
China has maintained the largest trading partner of Africa for the past 13 years. The two sides’ bilateral trade in 2022 is expected to exceed $260 billion. Fifty-two African countries and the African Union (AU) Commission have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China. Landmark projects like the AU Conference Center, the Africa CDC headquarters, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway keep emerging.
These cooperation outcomes are tangible and play an important role in promoting the economic and social development of Africa and improving people’s livelihoods on the continent. They fully demonstrate the vision of China-Africa relations and the defining feature of China-Africa friendship.
China is the largest developing country in the world, and Africa is the continent with the largest number of developing countries. As changes of the world, of the times, and of history are unfolding today in ways like never before, the importance of strengthening China-Africa solidarity and cooperation is self-evident.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, green economy, agriculture, and industrial park construction has been exemplary and produced remarkable results, helping Ethiopia rank among the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco said that the airports, hydropower stations, roads, ports, and many other landmark projects built with China’s support have progressed smoothly in Angola and played an indispensable role in the country’s post-war reconstruction and socio-economic development.
China is the first country to support the AU in joining the G20. It supports boosting the representation and voice of African countries in the UN Security Council and other international organizations. This helps safeguard the common interests of developing countries and will make the global governance system more just and equitable.
Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat noted that Africa ues China’s strong support for African integration, connectivity, and the development of a free trade area, and looks forward to working with China to jointly advance the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
For some time, a few countries have intentionally provoked bloc confrontation in Africa, forcing African countries to take sides, which is against the will of African countries and the trend of the times.
Africa should be a stage for international cooperation, not an arena for major-force riry. Only the countries that sincerely help Africa achieve peace and development and strive for bigger representation and stronger voice of the continent in global governance can receive the support from African countries.
South Africa’s think tank, Institute for Global Dialogue, said in a recent report that a few countries have never adopted practical measures to help Africa cope with development challenges, and they only want to make African countries a tool that contains the influence of other countries.
Compared with such hegemonic diplomacy, China’s diplomacy, which never interferes in other countries’ domestic affairs and always pursues win-win cooperation, is welcomed by African countries.
China has always prioritized Africa in its diplomacy, and inheriting and carrying forward the China-Africa friendship has become a glorious tradition and defining feature of China’s diplomacy.
Upholding the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China and African countries will stay committed to strengthening unity and cooperation and working with each other along the path of win-win cooperation and common development. The two sides will join hands to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
Content created and supplied by: People’sDaily (via Opera News )
Erik ten Hag lauded “unstoppable” Marcus Rashford, identifying him as one of Manchester United’s most inventive players.
The Manchester United forward scored his 10th goal in as many games as The Reds easily defeated Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Rashford has scored 18 goals so far this season after emerging as Ten Hag’s star player following the World Cup.
After United’s 3-0 victory at The City Ground, Ten Hag said, ““There are more players who are playing really well but I am happy with Marcus’s performance and his development.”
“From the start of the season he is growing and he keeps doing that and what we have to aim for with him, and he is responsible for that, is to keep this process going. If he is in this mood, this spirit he is unstoppable and it’s about the team to get him in the right positions.”
In addition to his threat in front of the net, Ten Hag believes Rashford is one of United’s six creative hubs.
“Also, in possession, we have a plan but finally is also the intuition, the creativity of an individual like Rashy is to create chances.
“We have some of it like Rashy, Bruno (Fernandes), Antony definitely as well, Jadon Sancho is one, (Anthony) Martial is one. We need such type of players. Christian Eriksen, don’t forget him.
“Be creative in the final third and do something no one expects, some crazy stuff that has to be also in a team’s fantasy and adventure.”
United’s number 10 has registered 63 assists since his 2016 debut.
Eriksen currently leads United in assists this season with nine, seven in the Premier League. Only Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne has more assists with 11.
Content created and supplied by: SportsLight12 (via Opera News )
The world’s two biggest diamond miners are selling stones again after the industry all but halted supplies in a desperate attempt to stop a collapse in prices.
This year’s rout that was driven by swelling inventories forced the sector to take radical steps to support the market. Russia’s Alrosa PJSC in September halted all sales for two months, and was followed by buyers in India — the dominant cutting and trading centre — voluntarily banning imports. De Beers allowed its customers to refuse all gems they’re contracted to buy.
There are now signs that the market is starting to pick up. Alrosa began selling rough diamonds again at the end of November, offloading more than $100-million, according to people familiar with the matter. De Beers, which held its last sale of the year at the start of December, sold a similar amount, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the details are private.
The industry has been whipsawed since the start of the pandemic. It had been one of the great winners as stuck-at-home shoppers turned to diamond jewellery and other luxury purchases. But demand quickly eased as economies reopened, leaving many in the trade holding excess stock that they’d paid too much for.
That cooldown rapidly became a slump as the US, by far the industry’s most important market, wobbled under rising inflation. Plus key growth market China was hit by a property crisis that hurt consumer confidence. And to make things worse, lab-grown diamonds started making big gains in some key markets.
That left the industry with little choice but to choke off supply. Those efforts so far seem to be working, with some price gains for rough diamonds, though concerns still linger that fresh supplies from miners’ large stockpiles could test the recovery.
Alrosa’s recent sale saw it sell to just a handful of mostly India buyers, the people said. Many in the industry refused to deal with Russian gems following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine as Western retailers said they didn’t want to buy the stones. Before the war, Alrosa sold to about 50 customers each month.
And while De Beers has resumed sales, it still allowed buyers to reject goods they’re contracted to buy, the people said. The unit of Anglo American has a long history of managing supply by stockpiling goods to prevent prices falling.
De Beers and Alrosa declined to comment.
India’s diamond industry earlier this month also announced that it would lift the voluntary ban on imports on expectation that demand will recover and prices of polished items to stabilize.
The miners’ sales have been small compared with what the dominant producers usually expect to sell at this time of year. The rebound has also been driven by buyers who are short of stones and need new supplies to keep factories open, rather than strong demand for polished gems, the people said.
A more lasting recovery will demand on how robust jewellery sales are during the crucial holiday season, which spans from Thanksgiving to the Chinese New Year.
The leader and founder of Great Fire Pentecostal church, Bishop Bonegas, has recounted a tragic moment in his life when he lost his second-born child due to his inability to raise money for medical care.
According to him, things were difficult for him at the beginning of his ministry; this made it difficult for him to raise GH¢ 5 to take the child to the hospital.
He indicated that after embarking on a two weeks evangelism, he was not able to get such a trivial amount of money, and when he borrowed from someone, it was too late.
Speaking in an interview with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom FM monitored by GhanaWeb, Bishop Bonegas noted that his child died in his hands the moment he got to the hospital.
“There was a time when my second-born got sick with malaria. I needed just GH¢ 5, not GH¢50 to take my child to the hospital but it was difficult. I preached in town for almost two weeks but I didn’t get the money. The day somebody borrowed me GH¢5, the moment we got to the hospital my child died in my hands,” he recounted.
Bishop Bonegas further stressed that he did not become who he is today by fluke, adding that he has encountered challenges in his ministry work.
“I have been through a lot in life before getting to this stage,” he added.
Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League to two points with a dominant 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring early on before Gabriel Magalhaes put the ball into his own net just before the break to level proceedings.
But the Gunners pushed on in the second half with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard netting to seal the win.
Here are five key talking points from a cagey affair in North London.
Superb Saka
In a match where Arsenal could make a statement, one of their own stood up to be counted.
Saka’s opener was no more than the Gunners deserved after a blistering 15 minutes and the England international did not hesitate to exploit the space left by Joe Gomez at the back.
Jurgen Klopp’s insistence on using Gomez in an inverted role meant the home side’s top scorer was constantly at the heart of their attacks and his goal was a reward for Arsenal’s pressing against the league leaders.
Defensive disaster
For all Arsenal’s dominance in the match, their title credentials were called into question with another disaster at the back.
Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in the first half but a clear lack of communication between Gabriel, William Saliba and David Raya handed the Reds a lifeline going into the break.
The former’s own goal was a needless error and one that stunned the Emirates into silence in what had otherwise been a comfortable first period for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Repaying the favour
It was an afternoon to forget for defenders from both teams after Virgil van Dijk had a nightmare moment in the second half to hand Arsenal the advantage again.
The experienced captain did his best impersonation of Saliba’s shielding technique for Liverpool’s leveller and goalkeeper Alisson failed to clear the ball, leaving Martinelli with the simplest of finishes.
Considering these are the two teams closest to challenging Manchester City for their crown, the defensive issues are perhaps the clearest indication yet that Pep Guardiola’s side are hot favourites for the run-in.
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson had a mix-up at the back for Arsenal’s second goal
Finishing touch
There was a clear lack of quality in the final third for both teams but it is not surprising considering Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Salah were both missing.
The Gunners had chances to kill the game and eventually did but they clearly lacked the finesse of their Brazilian forward while the Reds could have done with their Egyptian king to act as a link in the final third.
And with the result tightening things up at the top of the table, the challengers will need their star men back if they are to compete with Erling Haaland’s return at City.
All to play for
Ahead of City’s clash with Brentford on Monday night, only five points split the top four and a win for Kevin De Bruyne and Co would send the champions to within two of leaders Liverpool.
Victory for Arsenal means they remain in the fight and their return to form comes at the perfect time ahead of a favourable run.
And after three years of dominance in Manchester, it is brilliant to see such a tightly contested battle at the summit.
A three-story building under construction in Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, on Tuesday night, collapsed.
The collapsed building is located adjacent to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA 1).
It was gathered that workers on-site are still trapped while one victim has been rescued and rushed to the hospital.
The building reportedly belongs to Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (P-Noble), a member representing Afikpo North East in the State House of Assembly.
The state Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Development, Hon Sunday Inyima, who briefed journalists on Wednesday morning, described the incident as sad and confirmed that one of the workers has been rescued.
Narrating the cause of the collapse, Inyima said that the structure was “illegal and did not pass the approval of the Head of Department of the Ministry,” but the owner went ahead with the building.
One of the labourers, who escaped from the collapsed building, narrated that he escaped because he went to wash his hands.
READ ALSO: Kano: Federal, Industrial Courts Lack Jurisdiction On Chieftaincy Matters — Falana Speaks On Emirate Tussle
“I was loading a bag of stones and the owner of the house was here with me, telling me to park it very well. He has finished paying us.
“The building did not give any sign that it was about to collapse. I was lucky because my tools were inside. I just said let me wash my hands here before I will go inside the building to collect my tools,” he stated.
The State Commissioner for Works, Lebechi Mbam, called on developers and homeowners to patiently follow the due process of getting approval from the concerned state ministry in order to save lives.
The state chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers and Chairman of Engineers Regulation Monitoring of the Council of Engineering of Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Eni Enyinnaya, described the incident as a monumental economic loss and an embarrassment to the Ebonyi State government.
Enyinnaya warned against quack engineers and added that measures would be taken to sanction the site engineers.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining workers.
Ankara styles are popular and fashionable outfits that suit all body types, plump women. With the right fabric, design, and pairing, plump women can rock Ankara styles and look gorgeous. Here are some tips to consider when selecting Ankara styles for plump women.
1. Choose Ankara fabric with small to medium-sized prints that do not add extra weight to the body.
2. Select styles with empire waistlines, A-line cuts, or flared bottoms that help to create a flattering silhouette.
3. Avoid fitted styles that may accentuate body flaws or draw attention to unwanted areas.
4. Pair the Ankara outfit with high heels to elongate the legs and create a slimmer look.
5. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a clutch purse to add a touch of elegance to the outfit.
6. Consider adding a jacket or cardigan to create a layered look that helps to conceal problem areas.
In conclusion, Ankara styles are suitable for plump women and can be worn to any occasion. With the right fabric, design, and pairing, one can create a flattering and stylish look. These tips will help you choose Ankara styles that complement your body type and make you look gorgeous. Try them out and make a fashion statement at your next event.
Content created and supplied by: FavourofGod (via Opera News )
Gospel singer Empress Gifty has expressed her concern about what she calls the growing trend of young women lusting after married men.
She has questioned what it is about married men that entices young women nowadays. She also wondered whether sex with married men is any different from sex with their boyfriends.
She made these comments in reaction to news of a police officer in Kumasi, said to be married with children, who allegedly shot and killed his 26-year-old girlfriend.
The singer advised women against engaging in such relationships with married men.
She warned that such men could become obsessed and insecure, leading to them killing their mistresses.
She advised women to be careful and leave such relationships, as they are unlikely to end in marriage.
Empress Gifty also cautioned that when the married man becomes insecure, the women need to leave the relationship before they become abusive.
For those women who want to leave such relationships, Empress Gifty advised that they should be careful and take it slowly.
She suggested that they start with fasting and prayers, immersing themselves in the blood of Jesus and asking God to help the married man take his eyes off them. They must also stop giving the men sex.
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Alexis Mac Allister has established himself as the driving force in Liverpool’s midfield.
The World Cup winner scored his first goal for the Merseysiders last Sunday, rifling a stunning strike home against Fulham.
Signed from Brighton in June, the 24-year-old has been excelling in a deeper role for the six-time European champions.
Ahead of Liverpool’s match at Sheffield United tonight, we take a look at how he has adapted to life at Anfield.
Sweetest of strikes
Mac Allister’s confidence will have received a massive boost after netting one of the goals of the season against the Cottagers.
Struck from distance, the Argentine’s first-half shot rocketed into the top corner, leaving Bernd Leno clutching at thin air.
After the match, Mac Allister said: “I scored a nice one against Leicester [for Brighton] but it was disallowed.
“So I think it was the best goal I scored in my life. Not a bad start to my career in Liverpool as a goalscorer!
“As soon as I hit it, I knew that it was going to be a goal.
“Very nice goal but as I always say, when I play as a No6 I am not very worried about goals and assists. I have other work to do but it’s always nice to score.”
Role change
Alexis Mac Allister has been thriving at Liverpool
Liverpool fans may have expected Mac Allister to be among the goals sooner, having scored 12 for Brighton last season.
But as he mentioned, attacking returns have not been on the midfield maestro’s mind of late due to the role that he is being used in by Jurgen Klopp.
It is another example of Mac Allister’s time at Liverpool having confounded expectations.
Most assumed that he would be used in a more attacking midfield position, rather than as a No6.
After the win against Nottingham Forest in October, Klopp gave his reasons as to why he has used the summer signing in this way.
He said: “I think today everybody could see the benefit of a player who comes rather from the offensive side of the game than from the other side.
“In a game where you have to create things where you have to pass, switch sides, that’s how it is, because not all balls reach the target.
“But if you try something in tight spaces, that’s completely normal. I have no problem at all with losing balls around the box because that’s where we should be then for the counter-press.”
Read more: Enzo getting up to speed for Chelsea after Brighton brace
Problem solver
Jurgen Klopp has been using Alexis Mac Allister in a different position to Roberto De Zerbi
Mac Allister has given his own thoughts on being tasked with shielding Liverpool’s defence.
He said: “Jurgen is playing me there, is giving me his support and I try to do the best I can.
“I think I improved a lot in the last couple of years, defensively, and I think it’s a job I can do well.
“So I feel good, I feel that my team-mates and the coaching staff are supporting me.”
The key to the tactical move has been Klopp making sure Liverpool have additional players in close attendance — including Trent Alexander-Arnold when he inverts from full-back.
Liverpool tried to sign defensive midfield specialists Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia during the summer but both ended up joining Chelsea.
That suggests Klopp may not see Mac Allister’s long-term future in that role but for now, he is solving an important problem for the manager.
90min rounds up the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip circulating around the world…
Manchester United are ready to make a move for Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller if he chooses to walk away from the German champions over his lack of minutes this season. (BILD)
Chelsea have opted against a bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney for a number of reasons, including the belief that he actually wants to join Arsenal. (LondonWorld)
Dutch defender Ian Maatsen could sign a new contract with Chelsea before departing on loan in January. The 21-year-old is a target for Manchester City. (Football Insider)
A midfielder is high on Juventus‘ list of January priorities and are eyeing moves for Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. (Foot Mercato)
Coming in at Manchester City could be Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz or Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves. (Football Insider)
Luiz is on Man City’s radar / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
Barcelona are hoping to sign Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara for a low fee when the January transfer window opens. (Sport)
Liverpool are leading the chase for Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo and have already held talks over a transfer. (Sunday People)
Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Atletico Madrid winger Samuel Lino with a view to a potential bid. (Todo Fichajes)
The Magpies are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike on loan but the French giants only want Newcastle to pursue a permanent sale in January. (Ben Jacobs)
Atletico are also prepared to rival Real Madrid for the signature of 20-year-old Argentinos Juniors midfielder Federico Redondo, the son of the legendary Fernando. (Defensa Central)
Tottenham and Brentford could go head-to-head for the signature of PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko. (Sky Sports)
An expert in international relations, Farouk Al Wahab, has warned the Dormaahene Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II to stop creating animosity with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over their status and influence.
He said that the Dormaahene must respect the Asantehene as his big brother, and avoid any public dispute that could undermine the unity and stability of the Ashanti and Dormaa kingdoms, and the nation as a whole.
Al Wahab, in an interview with Okatakyie Afrifa on Angel FM, dismissed the concerns that the recent verbal exchange between the two traditional rulers could escalate into a wider crisis. He said that history has shown that such rifts hardly lead to confrontations, given the democratic safeguards and the general awareness of the people.
However, he said that the Dormaahene should extend the needed respect to the Asantehene, citing two grounds that he said were central to Ghanaian culture: age and size of the area the Ashanti overlord controls.
“The Ashanti Nation has fought enough, it is the one kingdom in Africa aside eSwatini, that has arranged its affairs properly,” Al Wahab said.
He stressed that the Dormaahene still goes through the Asantehene’s territory when travelling from Accra to Dormaa, and has never been impeded or stopped. “There is a civilisation,” he said.
He added: “Nothing will make some of Dormaahene’s own subjects agree with what he is doing…. Whatever you do, Otumfuo is a big brother to you, are you then using your position to abuse him? I will tell you no… that respect must be given, at least age wise.
“In the post-colonial era, conquests are over but look at age, size of domain and keep the politics at bay because you get it wrong by engaging in that. You are creating animosity,” the expert added.
The Otumfuo recently restated how the Dormaa traditional area became a paramountcy, saying that it took a decision of a former occupant of the Golden Stool for that to happen.
Addressing his people at an Asanteman Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace on October 19, 2023, the Asantehene said there was the need to revisit history to combat efforts from some quarters to distort history.
He said that a former predecessor of the current Dormaahene, Agyeman Badu I, who was his uncle, took his oath at the Manhyia Palace before going to assume his throne. He said that he was a teacher at the Government Boys School in Kumasi.
“It is because of these notorious ones that I am recounting this issue. What at all is it?” he emphasised, before outlining a historical sequence of relations and how the royal politics has evolved over time.
The Dormaahene, on the other hand, has challenged the level of influence of the Asantehene, saying that there was “no King in Ghana” as the 1992 constitution does not make any reference and room for that.
He also warned chiefs under the Dormaa jurisdiction from going to pay allegiance to any paramountcy aside the one that gave them their throne.
Absa Bank has taken its flagship education and skills programme – ReadytoWork – to the northern part of Ghana, as part of a concerted effort to empower the Ghanaian youth with financial, entrepreneurial and work skills.
Representatives of the bank, led by Head of Citizenship, Priscilla Yeboah, engaged more than 250 final-year students at the Tamale Technical University on a diversity of topics, including financial management, leadership, workplace culture, career strengths and how to start a business.
The ReadytoWork curriculum utilizes modern tenets of entrepreneurship, leadership and financial management to empower today’s youth in navigating the challenging work environment. The initiative also has a webinar series, which has become a leading platform for empowering and equipping the Ghanaian youth with modern skills to transit from school into the world of work.
In an age of fast-paced economic transformation and dynamism, access to employment has become a game of intense competition. New skills are required in a world where digital technology, buoyed by artificial general intelligence, is at the forefront of creativity and innovation. What the ReadytoWork initiative seeks to do is give the youth an early start in the job market.
Head of Citizenship at Absa Bank Ghana, Priscilla Yeboah said “Empowering the youth with cutting-edge skills to win in the marketplace is a crucial construct of our educational and skills initiative in Ghana. With a brand promise that empowers Africa’s tomorrow, together with a strong storytelling ethos and support, we see this programme as a game changer that will contribute to sustainable youth empowerment in the country. We always want to play a crucial part in helping the youth to fulfil their career and leadership aspirations, and we are happy to see this come to life.”
Last year, Absa donated 50 computers and accessories to the same University, following an urgent request from the school’s leadership for support.
Nollywood actress, Anita Joseph has reacted to the heavy criticisms she received for clout chasing with God.
Kemi Filani reported that Anita Joseph had shared a video of her and her husband in deep worship.
The wife of comedian MC Fish uploaded the video to advise her followers on what to look out for when choosing one’s potential suitor.
She told them to look out for a partner who is spiritual and knows how to pray.
“For the Lord has been our shield and buckler. When praying for a Life partner, also pray for a praying one. Shallom. Thank you Jesus”.
The video, didn’t sit well with many as the dragged her for clout chasing with God’s name.
Reacting to it, Anita Joseph called out their hypocrisy in bashing for recording her prayer time with her husband, yet applauding churches who upload videos of their worship online.
She told her followers to be prepared to be sick of her.
“So that prayer Video with my Husband is making some people. You dey ask who dey record am. Na your papa dey record am Ndi Ala. I go post note just wait. Prepare to be sick of me maka you go vex tire”.
Anita Joseph replies fan who shaded her for not having kids for her husband
Just days back, Anita responded to the troll via her Instagram page after the troll took to her comment section to react to a post she shared in celebration of her husband’s birthday today.
The troll told Anita to bear kids for her husband and then went on to sarcastically pray for her.
The troll wrote: Please get pregnant form him and bear him sons and daughter ma’am. I pray God will make it come to pass.
Another concerned fan reacted to the comment by shading the troll for making such insensitive comments. The actress then commented with a prayer saying, “it is well”.
After dominating the musical streets with his recent ‘High’ song, Kweku Flick is set to unleash another mind-blowing single, ‘Rastaman’, on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Fresh off the back of a successful ‘King of Melodies’ EP, Kweku Flick has a new message for the street in his first single of the year.
The upcoming release has kept social media buzzing, with some netizens highly anticipating the song by Kweku Flick, who always drops astounding tunes.
The ‘Rastaman’ single connotes a tale of pure lyrical masterpiece from the music gem who is known for his vocal prowess.
Produced by Ghanaian Stallion, the song unlocks the real life happening on the streets and has been expertly crafted to create a soothing and uplifting vibe for the soul and mind.
Kweku Flick has in the past few years thrilled Ghanaians with some music masterpieces, including ‘Money’, ‘No Sleeping’, ‘Ewiase’, and ‘Black Stars’, among others, which have received accolades.
The song will be released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Chelsea’s Fan Advisory Board have hit back at accusations from the Supporters’ Trust accusing the club’s owners of creating a major divide among fans.
The CST recently penned a letter to Chelsea’s owners warning them of “irreversible toxicity” and accusing Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital of failing to meet their pledge of involving fans in the future of the club.
In response to the letter, Chelsea chief executive Chris Jurasek pointed to the creation of the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) – a group set up by the current owners comprising of seven fans – for evidence of the owners’ desire to involve supporters, and the FAB themselves have now spoken out to clarify the situation.
“Bluntly, we don’t recognise the suggestion that fans are not being involved in the future of the Club,” the FAB wrote. “This goes directly against our experience.
“Significantly more resources have been allocated to fan liaison than at any point in the club’s history. Before the FAB was created there was one part-time employee devoted to supporter liaison. There is now a department which will number four full-time members of staff. Contrary to what has been suggested, these facts give a full and proper picture of what is going on.
“Chelsea’s FAB is a pioneering effort, created around a year ago, to ensure that the fan’s voice is listened to across the Club. FAB ensures it is very broadly in touch with supporter sentiment, to collect and present these views very directly to the club and its board members.
“The club is aware that, while the FAB is constructive and understands the realities, we are also challenging. We make our views known forcefully. We achieve real change. We work and will continue to work on the relationship.”
Eghbali & Boehly have faced plenty of criticism / Clive Rose/GettyImages
The FAB, who regularly invite fans to drop-in sessions to voice their opinions on the management of the club, also rejected claims supporters had been forgotten in the decision to raise matchday prices.
“At Chelsea Football Club’s last main Board meeting (on March 11th), (co-owners) Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali directly (and in-person) asked the FAB to help shape the Club’s proposals in relation to ticketing and we have been working on exactly that,” they continued.
“We have had multiple sessions with club executives to work through potential proposals and provided with data to help substantiate any potential changes. So whilst the precise content of these meetings must remain confidential until any decisions and changes can be communicated with supporters, the idea that fans are not involved and not at a decision-making level, could not be further from the truth.
“Football is a matter of opinion and expressing emotion is part of that. But we have to get behind our team and make our contribution to victory rather than seek chaos and division through attacks and campaigns.
“The only people who benefit from Chelsea fans turning on Chelsea are fans of other clubs. If we’re pulling in the same direction then ‘every little thing gonna be alright’.”
Tottenham will have to put their disappointing FA Cup exit behind them as they prepare for Brentford’s visit on Wednesday night.
Manchester City kept Ange Postecoglou’s side at arm’s length on Friday night and scored their first-ever goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium late on to progress into the fifth round.
The defeat will likely ensure another trophy-less season for the Lilywhites unless they put together a quite remarkable run in the Premier League. Spurs are fifth and eight points behind leaders Liverpool.
Brentford recorded a mammoth 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last time out having endured a lengthy winless run. The Bees are still without multiple first-teamers for various reasons, but the return of Ivan Toney has undoubtedly emboldened Thomas Frank’s side. Brentford’s win over Forest saw them climb up to 14th in the table.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League clash.
What time does Tottenham vs Brentford kick-off?
Location: London, England
Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Date: Wednesday 31 January
Kick-off Time: 19:30 GMT / 14:30 ET / 11:30 PT
Referee: David Coote
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Tottenham vs Brentford H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Tottenham:1 win
Brentford: 1 win
Draws: 3
Last meeting: Brentford 2-2 Tottenham (13 August 2023) – Premier League
Current Form (all competitions)
Tottenham:LWWDL
Brentford:LLDLW
How to watch Tottenham vs Brentford on TV and live stream
Country
TV channel/live stream
United Kingdom
discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 2
United States
nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO NOW, UNIVERSO
Canada
fuboTV
Tottenham team news
James Maddison made his first appearance since November on Friday night / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
James Maddison made a cameo appearance off the bench on Friday night and could be in contention to start on Wednesday night. Giovani Lo Celso could also return after recovering from a muscle strain.
Alejo Veliz and Alfie Whiteman are peripheral squad members sidelined.
The hosts are still without Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Son Heung-min due to their international commitments.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Brentford
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3):Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Werner.
Brentford team news
Toney is back in action following an eight-month suspension. The English striker will once again lead the line on Wednesday, although he won’t have Bryan Mbeumo (injured) or Yoane Wissa (AFCON) alongside him.
Saman Ghoddos and Frank Onyeka are also away on international duty.
Kevin Schade, Christian Norgaard, and Aaron Hickey are all injury doubts, while Rico Henry is out for the rest of the season.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Tottenham
Brentford predicted lineup vs Tottenham (3-5-2):Flekken; Collins, Pinnock, Mee; Roerslev, Damsgaard, Janelt, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Maupay, Toney.
Tottenham vs Brentford score prediction
There was an anti-climactic sense regarding Tottenham’s FA Cup exit on Friday, with City comfortably superior without being outstanding.
Spurs have had an issue with their front three as a collective in Son’s absence, but the return of Maddison will smooth over any problems. The playmaker’s inclusion should see Dejan Kulusevski start wide right and add a sense of control to their play in the final third.
The hosts will have to be patient against a stubborn Brentford side who now boast a greater threat going the other way with Toney back involved. However, Spurs are well-equipped to tame the Bees’ sting, and they should return to winning ways.
A young Nigerian lady has incurred the wrath of finically struggling young men on the internet after revealing that she can never date a guy who has less than 2 million naira which is equivalent to Ghc 52,000.
Speaking in a short interview, the lady claimed that although she’s not a gold digger but she won’t settle for less.
Talking about what she has in her own bank account, the lady disclosed that she has just 3000 naira in her bank account.
READ ALSO: Lady dumps boyfriend who invested Ghc70,000 in her for a much richer guy
3000 naira is equivalent to Ghc 78. As set of social media users who have come across the video have applauded the lady for her sincerity.
Others are also slamming her for putting a price on her love which is very bad and unacceptable.
Watch the video below to know more…
READ ALSO:Video of a heavily pregnant lady seriously smoking with her boyfriend receives mixed reactions
@Mufac24 – I just like her sincerity, she has only 3k in her bank account. A man should be financially stable before thinking of dating and getting married but 2m is too much.
@Westwave_ – Hmm person with 3k Dey find person with 2m in his account?? Eyin Obinrin e de beru oloun aah Well no body fit pressure me sha.. pata pata I go remain single ni cus this 5k in my account I no dey share ham with anybody. Make relationships rest Abeg
@Mr_don_melody – After now you go expect make me share property with this kind person,this one no be thief like this so ?????
@youngsammysoft – Can you imagine 3k in your bank account and you want the man that want to date you to have 2millions? e easy na him no know do am mumu
READ ALSO:I waited 10 years to kill my best friend who snatched my boyfriend – Lady confesses
A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court constituted by the Lord Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo will later today Wednesday, March 27, 2024, hear a writ filed by a Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor which is asking the Apex Court to restrain the Parliament of Ghana from approving newly appointed ministers of state.
The NDC Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, is at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, while Dela Sky is seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, also known as the anti-gay bill.
The Plaintiff in a writ filed on March 18, 2024, against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General is contending that a declaration of any Ministerial appointment which has not been subject to prior Parliamentary approval is in direct violation of Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution which states that “a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament” hence the failure of the President to refer some of his re-assigned Ministers to Parliament violates provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
In the writ, the NDC MP is also seeking 11 reliefs which comprised of seven declarations and four orders.
“An order directing the President of the Republic of Ghana to submit to Parliament for approval, the names of the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked or terminated on the 14th of February, 2024 and who were subsequently supposedly re-assigned to other Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices for purposes of appointment as Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers of State.
“An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Speaker of Parliament, the 1st Defendant herein, from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the nominees of the President submitted to Parliament until the requirement that a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament is satisfied in respect to the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked on the 14th of February, 2024 have been re-assigned new Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Speaker of Parliament, 1st Defendant herein, from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the nominees of the President submitted to Parliament until the requirement that a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament, satisfied in respect to the Ministers of State and the Deputy Ministers of State whose appointments were revoked on the 14th of February, 2024 and have been re-assigned new Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices.”
The legal action taken by the Member of Parliament described by many as “unnecessary” is a result of a letter sent to Parliament by the Secretary to the President preventing Parliament from submitting the anti-gay bill for the President’s assent.
The bill since passed by Parliament has raised several concerns with some international and local organizations urging the President not to assent.
However, the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame who is the second defendant argues that the substance of Dafeamekpor’s suit is a challenge to the power of the President to relieve ministers serving in his government of their portfolios and reassign them to different Ministries, adding that it has no bearing on the approval of persons newly nominated by the President as Ministers and Deputy Ministers and duly presented to Parliament for approval in accordance with articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the Constitution.
The Nigerian Air Force has put up the Falcon 900B aircraft for sale, calling on interested persons to submit their bids for the purchase of the aircraft, which is a part of the presidential air fleet.
Details about the sale was contained in a flyer shared on the X page of the NAF late Monday.
According to the flier, the aircraft was put up for sale following the approval of the Federal Government.
The announcement partly read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the sale of Falcon 900B aircraft owned by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
“In compliance with provisions of the public procurement Act 2007, the NAF hereby invites all interested parties to submit bids for purchase of the aircraft. The bids can be submitted by email or physically.
“If submitted by email, the bids are to be password protected and sent to [email protected] while the password is to be sent separately to d proc2@ airforce.miI.ng.
“For physical submission, the quotations are to be enclosed in an envelope and sealed while the envelope is to bear the name and address of the interested company/entity as well as the description and reference to the request.
“It should also bear the statement, ‘DO NOT OPEN BEFORE 24 DECEMBER 2023’.
“Please note that the bids would be processed immediately after expiration of the deadline for submission.”
The Chairman of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress of South Africa and the Group Chairman of Allied Consortiums, Benjamin Kofi Quashie has revealed that, President Mahama’s decision to contest the 2024 elections has given them some respite.
According to him, the rank and file of the NDC are very much enthused and encouraged by the former President’s decision to lead the party in the 2024 elections. “He is the person who has decided to carry through all good programmes and policies of Nana Akufo-Addo’s government”, he said.
“I and many others in our party have always known President Mahama to be our presumptive leader. The official declaration yesterday was the icing on the cake which has energized the rank and file of the NDC party”, Mr. Quashie stated.
Speaking to Nana Otu Darko on “Dwabre Mu” on CTV, Friday, 3rd March, 2023, he expatiated that, taking into consideration the economic doldrums the country finds itself in, President Mahama who has demonstrated his nation-building skills is the only person to rescue our country.
When he was asked why President Mahama did not give the opportunity to someone else to lead the party, Benjamin Quashie contended that, it is at this time that we need an experienced hand to steer the ship of state. “The country needs someone who has been tried and tested, someone we can trust to handle the affairs of Ghana at this crucial moment”, he noted
“He has come through the ranks–being a member of Parliament, Deputy Minister, Minister, a Vice President and President. He’s only coming back to finish what he started, simple. Some of his projects–the E-Blocks, Saglemi Housing Project and many others–are left uncompleted”, Mr. Benjamin Quashie explained.
Touching on the ex-gratia cancellation as put out by President Mahama, the Allied Consortiums chair, argued that Ghanaians need to be clapping for President Mahama, because he has promised to scrap it when he comes into power. This would save the country some funds for development.
Explaining further, the SA Council Chair added that, President Mahama would be able to scrap ex-gratia by amending the law or expunging same from our statutes.
“I think we should be thankful for a man of vision; somebody who is coming to protect the public purse and not to be criticising him unnecessarily” he shared.
In conclusion, Mr. Benjamin Quashie averred that, President Mahama is a good leader who would carry through all good policies and programmes by the Nana Akufo-Addo government. “We would ensure that there is proper review of the Free Senior School Policy. It would never be cancelled and we would ensure ue for money”, he ended.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Ghana Prisons Service has stated that the actions of two officers who assisted Wang Xiao, a Chinese convict at Nsawam Medium Prison, in escaping do not reflect the service’s standards.
The service maintains that its officers receive thorough training and adhere to a professional code of conduct.
Two prison officers, Joseph Oteng and Sergeant Isaac Boateng Bonsu, have been charged with conspiracy and aiding escape. They appeared in an Accra Circuit Court on these charges. The officers allegedly informed their superiors that after a hospital visit, a Toyota Vitz car approached them and drove away with the convict.
However, CCTV footage from a hotel contradicted their account. The footage showed the officers escorting the Chinese convict to a hotel room to meet his wife. The convict and his wife reportedly escaped over the room’s balcony while the officers waited in the hotel reception area.
The officers have pleaded not guilty. The court presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, granted them bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 each, with two sureties to be justified.
They are scheduled to reappear on April 9, 2024. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, stated that the complainant was the third in command at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, and the accused were serving under his supervision.
In an Eyewitness News interview with Selorm Adonoo on Citi FM on Tuesday, the Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prisons Service, Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu, described the incident as unfortunate.
He emphasized that the service does not condone such behaviour and that officers are well-trained and guided by a professional code of conduct.
He added that the service will continue to educate and sensitize officers on the need for professionalism in their line of duty.
“Our organization, as I mentioned, has standards. We have our training protocols and our behavioural codes. It is rather unfortunate that this happened, and I can assure you that it is because of issues like this that we have sanctions for workers who may act contrary to the codes of conduct of any organization. So for now, I wouldn’t want to comment on that because the case is still in court, and we want to see what the outcome of the case will be before we can actually comment on it.”
“Like the military will always tell you, in any given situation, there are some levels of casualties allowed. So I don’t think the behaviour exhibited by these two officers is a true representation of the behaviours of prison officers in general because these are only two out of thousands of prison officers who are behaving and going about their daily duties professionally.
“So yes, we don’t condone that. We frown on that. But we can assure you that our officers are professional, and we will also continue to educate them so they can be more professional in their line of duty,” he stated.
Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam urged stakeholders to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI to propel African innovation to new heights. His remarks came during the inauguration of the Accra AI Summit themed ‘AI as a Catalyst to Transform Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa’.
“I only ask that Governments, the private sector, development partners, and academia continue to prioritize working together to ensure we unlock an independent, wealthy future for Africa where technology removes the obstacles that preclude our people, and indeed our Nations from realizing their potential,” said Dr. Amin Adam.
He emphasized the critical role of AI in accelerating productivity and reimagining economic growth in Africa. “Viewed within that lens, AI technologies present a unique opportunity for Africa to accelerate productivity and reimagine its economic growth, which is, more than ever, vital for the welfare of the world,” he added.
Citing the World Bank’s projection that AI could potentially increase global GDP by up to 14% by 2030, Dr. Adam highlighted Sub-Saharan Africa’s significant prospects in this regard
“We are a rapidly growing population of 1.4 billion people, with 70% under the age of 30. Already we missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions. Quite frankly, there is no time to wait,” remarked Dr. Adam at the Summit.
He stressed the urgency for seizing AI opportunities to achieve long-term economic sustainability and resilience. “Given the exigencies of the moment, we cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities that AI present to make a significant leap toward achieving long-term economic sustainability and resilience,” stated Dr. Adam.
“In Ghana, we want to leverage AI to harness the ingenuity and talents of our people so we can build a self-sufficient, safe, and prosperous society capable of delivering jobs and a dignified future for our people,” he added.
Highlighting Ghana’s initiatives in leveraging AI, Dr. Adam mentioned pragmatic innovations such as the GhanaCard, mobile money interoperability (MMI), National Digital Addressing System, and the Ghana.gov platform for payment of government services.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance is exploring AI applications in Public Financial Management through automated budgeting, predictive revenue forecasting, and real-time expenditure tracking.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, echoed the transformative potential of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa during a panel discussion at the AI Summit.
“Nearly 800 million people are hungry. So we do have inequality before AI, and the question is would AI reduce or increase inequality?” emphasized Ms. Georgieva.
She outlined three fundamental investments essential for ensuring that AI contributes to reducing inequality, emphasizing the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence.
“The first one is in human capital, investing in people,” asserted Ms. Georgieva, stressing the indispensability of education, technology access, and digital rights.
She advocated for rethinking social safety nets as the second critical investment, empowering individuals to help themselves by ensuring access to technology and the internet.
Lastly, Ms. Georgieva underscored the significance of ethics and strong democratic institutions in fostering inclusive decision-making processes.
“By far our best chance is in investing in the green transition and in the adoption of artificial intelligence,” Ms. Georgieva stated, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing investments in AI and green transition initiatives.
Addressing the readiness of nations to embrace AI, Ms. Georgieva identified digital infrastructure, investment in human capital, innovation, and regulatory frameworks as key factors. She cited Singapore and Denmark as exemplary models of preparedness.
During the panel discussion, Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, provided insights into Ghana’s efforts to prepare for the AI revolution through investments in digital infrastructure. She affirmed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging AI to drive economic growth and development.
In a new video posted by comic actor Lilwin on his Instagram page, he claims he is being threatened after he came out to say he will release a song for his favourite political party ahead of the December 2024 presidential elections.
Somewhere in October, he announced that on December 1, 2023, he would reveal the political party he would support in 2024 and compose a campaign song for them at no cost. Quite unfortunately, the actor has made a shocking revelation, where he went on to explain that he had received several threatening messages and phone calls from unknown persons who warned him against endorsing any political party.
According to the actor, three anonymous people have issued threats to him not to record any song that endorses any political party.
He has refused to back down from composing the song, saying the only thing that can make him stop his plan to record a song for the political party he will support in 2024 is if the anonymous people refund his studio fee and other production costs.
The actor’s bold declaration in the video was a clear indication of his unwavering determination to pursue his plans, regardless of the potential risks and threats that may come his way.
He appeared to be undeterred by any obstacles that may arise and was willing to take on any challenges that may come his way.
His confidence was evident in his tone and demeanor, as he spoke with conviction and assurance.
He seemed to have a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve and was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.
Zimbabwe’s government has introduced restrictions to control a cholera outbreak that is suspected to have killed more than 100 people.
The measures include suspending some social gatherings and restricting the number of people allowed to attend funerals in areas affected by the outbreak, which include many districts across the country and parts of the capital, Harare. Shaking hands and the serving of food at the funerals have also been banned.
The health ministry had on Wednesday announced 100 suspected cholera deaths, 30 of which had been confirmed through laboratory tests.
The ministry also confirmed 905 cholera cases out of more than 4,600 suspected cases.
Zimbabwe is prone to frequent cholera outbreaks.
One of its worst outbreaks between 2008 and 2009 killed more than 4,200 people and infected nearly 100,000 others.
In August, the UN children’s agency Unicef attributed the outbreaks to poor sanitation infrastructure, unstable water supply, regular sewer bursts and poor waste management, amid a rapid growth in the country’s urban population.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has strongly criticised the decision by the Akufo-Addo government to increase the farmgate price of cocoa beans for the 2023/2024 season.
President Akufo-Addo on September 9, announced a 63.6% upward adjustment of the farm gate price of cocoa beans from GH₵800 to GH₵1,308 per bag for the new cocoa season.
According to the President, the increment is the highest in West Africa in the last 15 years.
The President made this announcement at Tepa in the Ashanti Region during the opening of the 2023/2024 cocoa season.
However, the former President, who thinks otherwise, in a statement said it is a total rip-off as cocoa farmers will remain worse off than they were seven (7) years ago under the National Democratic Congress government.
“The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has once again shortchanged Ghanaian cocoa farmers. The announced increment in the farmgate price of cocoa to GH₵1,308 is a total rip-off as cocoa farmers will continue to remain worse off than they were seven (7) years ago under the NDC/Mahama government. The Spot Price of cocoa on the international market has surged to a record high of about $3,600 per metric ton as of 31st August 2023. This price is the highest since 1977- that is, in the last 46 years,” the flagbearer of the NDC said.
He further slammed the government for being ‘insensitive and wicked’ to the plight of Ghanaian cocoa farmers.
“This means that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is retaining a whopping GH₵1,516 while giving the poor cocoa farmer only GH₵1,308 per bag of cocoa. This reality further highlights the insensitivity and wickedness of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government which has dealt a raw deal to cocoa farmers since coming into office.
“The evidence points to the fact that the Akufo-Addo administration has the worst record in terms of increases in cocoa prices in Ghana as they are the first government in the history of the Fourth Republic which refused to increase the farmgate price of cocoa for three consecutive seasons – 2019/2022, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cocoa seasons”.
He insisted that the government should have given the cocoa farmer 65% of the international F.O.B price as promised in the 2023 mid-year budget review statement.
“Given the fact that this government failed to increase the farmgate price for all these years despite high inflation, we hold the view that this government should have given the cocoa farmer at least 65% of the international F.O.B price as they promised in the 2023 mid-year budget review statement,” he pointed out.
Read below the full statement by Mr. John Dramani Mahama
SPEAKING POINTS ON THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED FARM-GATE PRICE OF COCOA FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON:
1. Intro; The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has once again shortchanged Ghanaian cocoa farmers. The announced increment in the farmgate price of cocoa to GH₵1,308 is a total rip-off as cocoa farmers will continue to remain worse-off than they were seven (7) years ago under the NDC/Mahama government.
2. The Spot Price of cocoa on the international market has surged to a record-high of about $3,600 per metric ton as at 31st August, 2023. This price is the highest since 1977- that is, in the last 46 years.
• One would have expected that with this historic increase in the international market price of cocoa, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government would have given our hard-working farmers their fair share. Sadly, this government has once again decided to shortchange the already-impoverished cocoa farmer
3. The announced farm-gate price of GH₵1,308 per bag of cocoa constitutes a paltry 52.7% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) Price of cocoa on the international market, as against the 66% of FOB Price which was given to cocoa farmers for the 2016/2017 cocoa season by the NDC/Mahama government.
Government’s formula for Cocoa Price Determination – 2023/2024
• F.O.B Price per ton (World Market) $3,600
• Exchange rate GH₵11.03 as at 08/09/2024
• F.O.B per ton (16 bags of cocoa) GH₵39,708
• F.O.B per bag GH₵2,481.75
• Farmer’s share per bag GH₵1,308.00
• Government’s share GH₵1,173.75
• Farmer’s share 52.7%
• Government’s share 47.3%
Formula for cocoa price determination – 2016/2017 under the erstwhile NDC/Mahama administration
• F.O.B Price per ton (World Market) $2,950
• Exchange rate GH₵3.90
• F.O.B per ton (16 bags of cocoa) GH₵11,505
• F.O.B per bag GH₵719
• Farmer’s share per bag GH₵475
• Government’s share GH₵244
• Farmer’s share 66.06%
• Government’s share 33.94%
NB: Thus, whereas President Mahama and the NDC gave cocoa farmers a farm-gate price of 66% of the international FOB price in 2016, the insensitive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government government has given the impoverished cocoa farmer a paltry 52.7% of the international FOB price for the 2023/2024 cocoa season.
4. It is also noteworthy that apart from the high international spot price of $3,600 per ton, Ghana by virtue of our best quality cocoa received the highest premium of $497 per metric ton in June 2023, compared to $344 for the same period last year.
* When this premium is factored into the farmgate price determination formula, the F.O.B price per bag increases from GH₵2,481.70 to GH₵2,824.35.
* This means that, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is retaining a whopping GH₵1,516 while giving the poor cocoa farmer only GH₵1,308 per bag of cocoa.
* This reality further highlights the insensitivity and wickedness of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government which has dealt a raw deal to cocoa farmers since coming into office.
5. The evidence points to the fact that the Akufo-Addo administration has the worst record in terms of increases in cocoa prices in Ghana as they are the first government in the history of the Fourth Republic which refused to increase the farmgate price of cocoa for three consecutive seasons – 2019/2022, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cocoa seasons.
* Given the fact that this government failed to increase the farmgate price for all these years despite high inflation, we hold the view that this government should have given the cocoa farmer at least 65% of the international F.O.B price as they promised in the 2023 mid-year budget review statement.
6. Despite, the recent increase in the farmgate price, the cocoa farmer is worse-off today due to the alarmingly high rate of inflation which currently stands at 43.1% as at July 2023. The ever-rising rate of inflation has eroded and continues to erode the purchasing power of cocoa farmers.
* For instance, the evidence shows that with a farmgate price of GH₵475 per ton of cocoa in 2016 under the NDC/Mahama government, a cocoa farmer could purchase 18 bags of cement at an average unit cost of GH₵26.00. Yet today, that same cocoa farmer even with the recently-announced price of GH₵1,308 can only purchase 15 bags of cement at an average unit cost of GH₵85.
* In similar vein, the 2016 farmgate price of GH₵475 could purchase for the cocoa farmer two packets of roofing sheets at an average unit cost of GH₵220 and leave him with a change of GH₵35 for incidental expenses. However, even with the recently-announced price of GH₵1,308, the farmer can only afford just one packet of roofing sheet at an average unit cost of GH₵1,200.
* Similarly, with a farmgate price of GH₵475 in 2016, the government of President Mahama and the NDC was giving the cocoa farmer free fertilizer. Sadly today, the cocoa farmer has to buy fertilizer at an average unit cost of GH₵500.00.
* In addition to this, prices of Weedicides have gone up astronomically such that today the price of “Akate Master” which used to be about GH₵30.00 in 2016 is today being sold at GH₵100.00, while “Condemn” which used to be sold at about GH₵10.00 is now selling at about GH₵45.00.
* Even worse is the fact that, unlike the NDC/Mahama government, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has canceled the payment of bonuses to cocoa farmers since it took office in 2017. Rather, government has been paying bonuses to staff of Cocobod at the time Cocobod is incurring huge losses.
* It is an incontrovertible fact from this comparative analysis, that the cocoa farmer is far worse off today than he/she was seven years ago.
7. Ironically, whereas government continues to retain a higher percentage of the international F.O.B price of cocoa, while giving farmers a paltry pittance, COCOBOD has been recording huge losses and indebtedness as a result of crass mismanagement in the last six (6) years.
* Below are details of the losses incurred by COCOBOD under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration:
Year Losses 2017 GH₵395 million 2018 GH₵78.2 million 2019 GH₵320.6 million 2020 GH₵426 million 2021 GH₵2.4 billion
* It is sad to note, that for the first time in the history of Ghana, COCOBOD has defaulted on its short-term obligations since the introduction of Cocoa bills by the Bank of Ghana in 2002. Payment of cocoa bills amounting to almost GH₵8 billion has been postponed as part of the Domestic Debt Exchange Program currently being rolled out by Cocobod.
8. Even more worrying, is the significant drop in cocoa production volumes from 969,000 metric tons in the 2016/2017 cocoa season to just about 650,000 metric tons currently, the lowest in the last fifteen (15) years.
* The sharp decline in cocoa production volumes under the watch of President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia is largely due to the increased spate of galamsey and the gross mismanagement of the cocoa sector.
* This reality of declining cocoa production volumes translates into less disposal income for cocoa farmers which eventually reduces the quality of life of the cocoa farmer.
* Recent reports indicate that about 81% of farmlands in the Eastern region, 74% in the Western region and 68% of farmlands in the Ashanti Region have all been affected by illegal mining. This situation is fast collapsing the cocoa sector and must be addressed urgently to salvage the cocoa industry.
9. Today, the gross mismanagement of the cocoa sector which has occasioned huge indebtedness to COCOBOD, has made government unable to secure a syndicated loan facility for the 2023/2024 season.
* What this means is that, Licenced Buying Companies (LBC’s) who are already owed huge sums of money by COCOBOD are being starved of the needed funds to purchase cocoa beans from cocoa farmers.
* This has created a situation where the already impoverished cocoa farmer is compelled to sell their cocoa beans on credit to LBC’s and wait until these companies receive funding from COCOBOD before the poor farmer gets paid for his toil. Even with the newly-announced farm-gate price, cocoa farmers will have to largely sell their cocoa beans on credit.
* This credit purchase system will further impose untold hardships on the already burdened cocoa farmer.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, has appointed 273 lawyers as aides.
In a statement released at the weekend, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the aides are honorary and technical advisers.
“Upon assuming the position of Honourable Attorney General of Ondo State, a total of 273 lawyers, comprising both seasoned professionals and junior colleagues, eagerly presented a multitude of ideas to lend their support to me in serving the government and people of Ondo State.
“I have graciously appointed all the 273 lawyers, dividing them into two categories: Honorary Advisers and Technical Advisers to the Honorable Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice of Ondo State,” the statement read.
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Ajulo said the terms of engagement for the advisers are “remarkably innovative”, adding that they will enhance excellence and ethical legal services to Ondo state.
According to him, the names of the appointees will be revealed soon, noting that they are lawyers who have “distinguished themselves” in law practice, government, academia, and social work, among others.
“They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce the vision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ondo State to be the best public law office in Nigeria,” he added.
Renowned Kumawood actor, George Berthou has descended heavily on persons who are criticizing Kwadwo Nkansah well known as LilWin for using Nollywood stars like Ramsey Nouah and others in a movie project.
According to him, the criticisms aimed at LilWin for collaborating with Ramsey Nouah and other Nollywood stars are unjustified, considering the amicable relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
He strongly criticized those who are mocking LilWin’s movie project, emphasizing that it is ‘disgraceful’ to subject the comic actor to such backlash.
Speaking in a TikTok live session monitored by GhanaWeb, Goerge Berthou said: “I don’t understand why people are making a mockery of LilWin for inviting Ramsey Nouah and other Nollywood actors for a movie project. Is this foolishness or madness? Ghana is not developing due to some of these attitudes.
“This disgraceful act would even discourage Nigerian actors from acting in Ghana, which is not good for the industry. People are sharing the poster of the movie project and likening it to the Avengers movie. What kind of nonsense is this?” he fumed.
He expressed his displeasure after some personalities in the creative arts sector including Mr. Logic raised concerns about LilWin’s decision to use Nigerian actors for the ‘A Country Called Ghana’ movie at the expense of Ghanaians.
LilWin, in justifying his decision to indulge the Nollywood actors stated that it would help to foster an amicable relationship between Ghana and Nigeria’s movie industry.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commended the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for organising what he described as very peaceful and transparent primaries in the orphan constituencies.
He also congratulated the elected parliamentary candidates, stating that their victory isn’t the end but the beginning of a new chapter of service and responsibility.
In a statement, the Vice President, who is also the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 presidential election, said for Ghanaians to have confidence in the NPP, they ought to be humble.
“To win the confidence of the Ghanaian people, we must adopt humility and grace. Special thanks to the aspirants who couldn’t make it for your determination and courage. The party is indebted to you.”
Read the full statement below:
I commend the New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom) national leadership, particularly for supervising very peaceful and transparent primaries in the orphan constituencies. On behalf of the party, I offer my sincere congratulations to all our newly elected parliamentary candidates for our beloved NPP in the just-ended Parliamentary primaries in the orphan constituencies across the country. I would like you to remember that your victory isn’t the end, but the beginning of a new chapter of service and responsibility. To win the confidence of the Ghanaian people, we must adopt humility and grace. Special thanks to the aspirants who couldn’t make it for your determination and courage. The party is indebted to you.
Our party’s preparedness and determination to take a majority of these seats from the National Democratic Congress has been definitively demonstrated by today’s events. With the upcoming 2024 general elections in sight, I am very impressed by the quality of candidates chosen to represent our Party in these constituencies. In the coming election, I am confident that we will succeed in securing these seats through our sustained unity and collective efforts.
With great determination and collective working spirit, we are going to win a majority of these orphan seats during the 2024 general election. To keep our momentum and to accomplish victory, we need to stay united from the grassroots down to the highest levels of leadership.
I also offer sincere thanks to party executives at all levels for their meticulous organization and successful elections.
For us in the NPP, we have a fundamental commitment to our goal of breaking the 8 in 2024 and I call upon all dedicated party members and supporters to step up their efforts to achieve this noble objective.
Together, we are going to continue in our quest for a brighter Ghana’s future with unshakable determination, unity in purpose, and determinedness.
Okada Riders Association petition government for reduction in Emissions Levy
The Okada Riders Association is gearing up to formally petition the Ministry of Transport on Monday, February 5, 2024, seeking a reconsideration of the recently implemented emissions levy.
The Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), which came into effect recently, imposes a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for internal combustion engine vehicles.
The levy is tiered based on vehicle type and engine capacity. Motorcycles and tricycles are required to pay an annual fee of GH₵75, while motor vehicles, buses, and coaches with an engine capacity up to 3000 cubic centimetres must pay GH₵150 per annum. Larger vehicles, including those above 3000 cubic centimetres, cargo trucks, and articulated trucks, are subject to an annual levy of GH₵300.
Expressing concerns over the high levy amounts, Secretary of the Okada Riders Association, Majid Amidu, emphasized the economic strain on riders and announced their intention to submit a petition to the government.
In an interview with Citi News, Amidu stated, “It is too much. People are suffering. You did not give us jobs, you did not do anything for us and yet you want us to pay GH75. We will hold another meeting and write a petition to the government and the whole of Ghana that enough is enough.”
He warned of potential demonstrations if the government does not heed their call for a reduction in the levy.
“If they do not reduce the levy, we will go out and demonstrate against this government. By Monday, the petition will be ready, and we will send it to the Minister.”
University of Ghana’s (UG) Caleb Aryettey and Abubakari Yakubu-Lea have been invited by the Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF) to represent Ghana at the International Tennis Federation (ITF)/Confederation of African Tennis Closed Junior 18 and U-18 Championships – J200 scheduled for February 6 to 11, 2023 in Cairo, Egypt.
The duo, both beneficiaries of the University of Ghana Policy on the Admission of Athlete Students (UG-PAAS) and the University of Ghana Sports Fund (UG-SF), started their training mentorship at the Sports Directorate while in senior high school.
This was made possible through the UG-PAAS policy which identifies talents at the senior high level and in some instances even at the junior high level through a wide network of coordinators spread out in the various regions across the country. Such gems are provided the platform to train at UG with student athletes as a way of developing them to reach their full potential.
Caleb and Lea, both Level 100 students, are reading Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource, Psychology and Information Studies and Diploma in Public Administration respectively.
They indicated to the Sports Directorate media that they will seize the opportunity to make the university and the nation proud while improving their prospects of qualifying for future tournaments on the African continent and other international tournaments.
The coach in charge of tennis at UG Sports Directorate, Mr. Philip Gbedife, stated that the competition will afford Caleb and Lea the platform to hone their tennis skills and the confidence to compete at the highest level. “As a coach, I share in their joy. I am very certain that this competition will give them the platform to further develop their skills and build their confidence at such a level. I have observed their training and I believe they can pass at least the quarter-final stage. The experience they will gain will rub on their teammates here at UG, and that will be a plus for us as a university in the competitions we will participate in this year. The management and staff of the Sports Directorate wish them the very best in the championship.”
Jon Batiste‘s wife Suleika Jaouad wore a stunning dress to the 2024 Oscars, and it was designed by an Academy Award winner!
The couple attended the event held on Sunday (March 10) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Jon gave a live performance of “It Never Went Away” during the show!
If you didn’t know, the fashion designer behind Suleika‘s shiny dress is none other than Angelina Jolie!
The Oscar-winning actress helped design the silky gold gown under her fashion company Atelier Jolie.
It also featured a painting of Jon on the skirt inspired by their documentary American Symphony, which follows the couple amid Suleika‘s cancer battle.
Suleika took to Instagram on Monday (March 11) to share more photos of her dress and express her appreciation for Angelina.
“My gown was designed by the one and only Angelina Jolie, complete with an American Symphony-inspired painting on silk by the brilliant artist Chaz Guest,” she wrote. I typically dread getting dressed for this kind of thing. After being in treatment for the last two years, I have a real love-hate relationship with clothes. But Angelina made me feel so beautiful and so seen that my eyes kept welling up during our fitting.”
Suleika continued, “To have the story of American Symphony emblazoned on the literal fabric of my gown feels like a map of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. It’s an embodiment of the love and the creative forces that have seen us through.”
Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui has stated that support and investment are necessary for the advancement of the film industry in the country.
Speaking on the DayBreak Hitz show on Hitz FM on April 30, she emphasised the need for both fan and investor backing to aid filmmakers.
Fella Makafui pointed out that increased public engagement with Ghanaian cinema could lead to more revenue, which in turn would fund future productions.
“I feel it all boils down to the support. Because if I invite you to my movie and at the end of the day, we premiere it and people come in their numbers, we are going to get our returns to produce another movie,” she said.
The ‘Yolo’ actress called on Ghanaians to invest more in the arts, including corporate investments through product placements and other means.
“I think that’s the only thing we will urge Ghanaians to channel more energy into – support the craft.”
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Makafui said she remains hopeful about the industry’s future.
She cited recent positive experiences, such as the support from musician Kuami Eugene for her co-produced series “Serwaa” with Farmhouse.
“I am seeing changes in the industry. Last year, when I co-produced Serwaa, the series with Farmhouse, it was massive. Even for this movie, I am so grateful; the support is so massive,” she said.
Ekow Smith Asante has openly acknowledged that no Ghanaian actor can afford to acquire a home in the affluent East Legon neighbourhood given the unappealing pay permeating the halls of the Ghanaian film business.
The seasoned actor pointed out that due to the low pay in the industry, actors and actresses are unable to purchase homes in desirable areas like East Legon.
The financial challenges that actors and actresses in the industry face are numerous. According to Ekow Smith, it is difficult for actors and artists to build a home in East Legon since they rely on favours and gifts to live in such wealthy regions.
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Contrary to popular opinion, he indicated that the money made by Ghanaian artists and actresses is insufficient to support an opulent lifestyle in an interview with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom FM.
“I think building a house in East Legon would be difficult. It is very dicey because actors and actresses, for instance, get favours”, Ekow Smith shared.
He stressed that although actors might receive gifts from people in exchange for their parts in movies, it would take a long time to amass enough money without such backing.
He asked how much actors are paid, stressing the discrepancy with their Nigerian counterparts who are earning millions of dollars by approaching the field more commercially. Ekow Smith added that because the profession paid so little compared to Nigeria, many actors from his day were unable to engage in their skills.
He said;
Somebody can give me something because of my particular role in a movie. With gifts from people, it can support you to build, but I think it will take a very long time without it.
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How much are you paid, GHc10, 000, Ghc20, 000, Ghc30, 000 or what? Nigerians are doing business and we are doing the show; that is why we don’t progress…that is the truth. The money we get can only display our show, not the business.” Mr Ekow Asante observed.
He pointed out that actors of his time have ventured into other businesses, such as operating restaurants, due to the industry’s inability to provide substantial financial returns.
“If you realize, many actors of my time are branching into their private businesses. Some are operating restaurants, among others. Who is investing in show business? Who? How many of us, I don’t know”, Ekow Smith Asante disclosed.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, has suggested that the governor of the Bank of Ghana is using the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as a smokescreen to mask his alleged mismanagement of the central bank.
The NDC Flagbearer’s comment comes after the Bank of Ghana explained that GH¢53.1 billion out of the GH¢60 billion losses it posted in its 2022 financial results were a direct result of the government’s domestic debt restructuring exercise, both the first and second phases.
A statement from the BoG on Wednesday said the domestic debt exchange (DDE), which was a major plank of the corrective action required for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, did not achieve the required target.
The target was for the stock of government debt to be halved from 105 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 55 per cent of GDP by 2028.
“Despite the losses inflicted on households and banks, the threshold of 55 per cent of GDP was not met”.
“The Bank of Ghana was used to close the gap to enable Ghana to meet the debt threshold that qualified Ghana for the IMF programme.
The Bank of Ghana, therefore, acted as a loss absorber,” the statement added.
But in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 10, the former President accused the Finance Minister of damaging the economy and using and using Covid-19 and Ukraine/Russia war as cover-ups while the governor of the BoG is also using the DDE after destroying the Central Bank.
Famous TV personality Frank Edoho vehemently attacked a man who had condemned artist Ayra Starr over her recent meeting with renowned musician King Sunny Ade, without holding back.
It should be noted that Ayra Starr was heavily attacked on social media for casually approaching King Sunny Ade and shaking hands with him.
Ayra Starr apologised, stating that she was unable to identify King Sunny Ade due to the event’s lighting.
She continued by saying that she went back to make amends after realising her mistake.
One of the criticisms Ayra Starr faced caught Frank Edoho’s attention, a netizen had labelled the singer as “overrated.”
The singer was body shamed by the internet user on Twitter, who also declared that he would never date someone like her.
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In response the famous Tv host wrote,
“You insulted her over nothing, if someone told you that your nose looks like the muzzle of a double barrel shotgun, you will start complaining”
In a sensational display of skill and dominance, English-born Ghanaian midfielder Hiram Kojo Boateng showcased his prowess on Wednesday as Mansfield Town delivered a crushing blow to Harrogate Town in the English League Two.
The 28-year-old football maestro was in scintillating form, netting an impressive hat-trick to spearhead Mansfield’s remarkable 9-2 triumph at the One Call Stadium, a victory that equalled the club’s historic league win record from 1932.
The onslaught began with English veteran forward Lucas Akins, who broke the deadlock by converting a penalty in the 13th minute, setting the tone for Mansfield’s relentless attack.
Boateng quickly asserted his dominance, notching two goals within a span of 10 minutes, significantly extending the home side’s lead.
Tom Nichols and Davis Keillor-Dunn further compounded Harrogate’s woes by adding their names to the scoresheet before halftime.
After the break, Boateng wasted no time in securing his hat-trick, capitalizing on a precise pass from Will Swan to stretch Mansfield’s advantage to an astonishing 6-0.
Despite a brief resurgence from Harrogate with goals from George Thomson and Abraham Odoh in the 54th and 55th minutes respectively, Mansfield remained relentless.
Akins, demonstrating his prowess once more, found the net again in the 61st minute, while Swan capitalized on the momentum, scoring two consecutive goals to seal Mansfield’s historic victory.
With this resounding win, Mansfield Town surged closer to the top spot in the League Two standings, leaving an indelible mark as they matched the club’s all-time record league victory, cementing their dominance over an in-form Harrogate side.
A former Ghana international, Michael Essien, has said that he is currently not interested in taking over as head coach of the Black Stars.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder has completed his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A licenses.
Essien works as the assistant coach with Danish topflight side, FC Nordsjaelland.
However, the 40-year-old is not prepared to manage the senior national team soon.
In an encounter with Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewuyi during his travels to cover a UEFA Champions League match between Napoli and AC Milan, Essien expressed his lack of interest in the position.
“On my way to Naples, had a long layover in Denmark where I met a legend of the game, Michael Essien. He’s now a coach at FC Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga,” Adewuji tweeted.
“He recently got his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth Coach licenses. Future Black Stars coach? He said not interested.”
On my way to Naples, had a long layover in Denmark where I met a legend of the game, Michael Essien. He’s now a coach at FC Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga. He recently got his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth Coach licenses. Future Black Stars coach? He said not interested. pic.twitter.com/2Oigt1LSQw
Essien played for the Black Stars at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups in Germany and Brazil, respectively
He won numerous titles with Chelsea, including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. He also played for AC Milan and other clubs.
Jamaican vocalist, songwriter and producer, Hezron, has released his latest single ‘Natural Woman’ to celebrate women on International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day was observed on Friday, March 8, under the global theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”.
This collective day has been recognised since 1911. On the day, women unite their voices for recognition of gender parity and in celebration of the achievements of women.
The song, currently available on all digital music platforms, is a reggae groove which is targeted to hit all reggae music lovers across the globe.
Hezron, who was recently named Kwame Bonsu by the Asantehene during his visit to Manhyia Palace, said the song was inspired by the instinctive nurturing and resilience possessed by the strong women in his life, including his wife and mother, female friends and colleagues, and women all over the world, who struggle for equality in education, healthcare, and the workplace.
The singer, who traces his roots to Ghana, added that ‘Natural Woman’is an uplifting, sensitively considered tribute to women’s remarkable traits, including their ability to give life.
Hezron also announced future collaborations with Ghanaian musicians such as Kojo Antwi, Rocky Dawuni, and Afriyie Wutah, and describes his music as “enchanting, mesmerising, soothing, yet militant and hard hitting.”
He has over the years captivated his fans with exceptional talent and powerful renditions such as: “Hello Jamaica, Treat Her Better, Live It Up, Warriors Heaven.”
Hezron was born and raised during his earlier years in the District of Moy Hall District, St. James, Jamaica, before migrating to the USA.
While in Jamaica, he developed his talent being an ardent member of his church choir. His musical gift was evident to his family and friends who facilitated its development.
He continued to expand the dexterity of his vocals by naturally transitioning into singing RnB, but was not entirely satisfied within that genre, as his calling was deeply embedded in the rich reggae music of his homeland.
He returned to Jamaica to start producing energetic and soothing renditions that continue to win the hearts of his fans home and abroad.
Dela Gomey, a Ghanaian nurse and makeup artist who recently attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the Most Lipstick Applications in 30 Seconds, has had his attempt rejected by the World Records body.
In a spirited attempt made in January, Gomey managed to apply lipstick to eight models within the allotted time, surpassing the current record of four applications in 30 seconds set in 2018 by Chinese makeup artist Li Jiaqi.
However, according to graphic.com.gh, his effort was not recognised by the Guinness World Records due to non-compliance with certain guidelines.
The report stated that the official response from the record-keeping organisation pointed out that the lipstick was not applied evenly across both the upper and lower lips of the models.
Moreover, some models were seen adjusting the lipstick themselves, and in one instance, the application strayed outside the lip area.
Confirming the news to GhanaWeb Entertainment, Gomey says he remains undaunted by the failure and has already submitted a request for a new attempt.
“I have reapplied for the record attempt. The current holder made the attempt three consecutive times before getting the certificate,” he said.
Dela Gomey’s determination to set a new record is unwavering, and he is preparing diligently for his next attempt which he says will be “immediately after I receive approval from them.”
Dela joins the many Ghanaians who have attempted to secure a world record for the country.
He joins other personalities, including Afua Asantewaa (sing-a-thon) and Chef Failatu Abdul Razark (cook-a-thon) who have had their attempts disqualified due to one infraction or another.
The science about climate change is unequivocal and attributable to human activity. Climate change is a threat to humanity and requires urgent action.
This crisis affects every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, and weather events are becoming extreme. Saving lives and livelihoods is key.
The Paris Agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise above pre-industrial levels of below 1.5° Celsius. This includes a rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to transition to a society of net-zero emissions.
Climate change is a priority for the United Nations. The UN agencies UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation are jointly responsible for climate knowledge and its promotion.
IPRA and climate change communications IPRA’s consultative status with the United Nations connects us to the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). We take our lead on climate change communication from SDG 13 to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”.
IPRA members have a responsibility to use their skills to improve public awareness of climate change and efforts to stop it. As David Attenborough said in 2020, “Saving the planet is now a communications issue.” Communicators play a pivotal role in the required transformation because they are the link between organisations and stakeholders.
According to a 2022 IPRA survey, climate change is a key PR topic. Most respondents, 81%, expect climate change to become increasingly important in their work over the next two years. Almost 90% believe that the PR profession has a responsibility to tackle climate change. Finally, PR professionals indicated that engaging with clients on climate action is a key responsibility. IPRA believes these results are a call to action to the communications profession. IPRA is uniquely positioned to make an impact worldwide and that is what we intend to do.
These guidelines take 7 of the 18 articles of the IPRA code of conduct and interpret implementation with respect to climate change communication. The implementations reference a PR practitioner’s personal, organizational, and societal responsibilities.
The IPRA Climate Change Guidelines
RECALLING the United Nations sustainable development goals and in particular goal 13 to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”;
RECALLING that public relations practitioners through their communication skills possess a unique means of influence;
RECALLING that public relations practitioners play a pivotal role to combat climate change because they are the link between organisations and stakeholders;
In the conduct of climate change communications public relations practitioners will implement:
1. article two of the IPRA code to act with honesty and integrity by ensuring honesty in climate-related communications translating the science into communication that can be understood in the public arena
2. article three of the IPRA code establishes the moral conditions for dialogue by fostering an internal culture in which colleagues feel safe to voice concerns partnering with external advocates of positive climate action promoting climate education in the professional and public arena
3. article four of the IPRA code to be open and transparent by reporting on their own organization’s emissions and reductions pathway
4. article five of the IPRA code to avoid professional conflicts by thoughtful consideration of work undertaken ensuring that work is in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals advising clients and management about societal expectations
5. article seven of the IPRA code to ensure truth and accuracy by encouraging reference to science-based sources in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change encouraging clients to reference sources contrary to the client’s position calling-out inaccurate communication in the public arena
6. article eight of the IPRA code to not disseminate misleading information by preventing greenwashing in communication by referencing science-based data
7. article ten of the IPRA code to not use organisations serving undisclosed interests by not using institutes that are funded by organisations which are significant contributors of emissions or that deny climate change.
Source:
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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi Constituency, Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah, has emphasised that under no circumstances will the delegates of his constituency, elect another aspirant to lead the NPP when the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is in the race.
Delivering a speech during a visit of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to the Takoradi Constituency, Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah minced no words as he sent a clearer message that the delegates would not settle for less.
According to him, Dr Bawumia has been faithful to him and his delegates.
“Those of us on the ground and working with the grassroots know that Dr Bawumia is the one who has cared about us all these years. We will not exchange him for anyone,” he stated.
He also indicated that several other factors have accounted for their choice of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s candidate for the 2024 elections.
Mr Kobby Mensah also mentioned the fact that Dr. Bawumia is someone one can easily reason with, and that is a factor that endears the Vice President to many of the party’s members.
“Dr. Bawumia is someone we can reason with, Dr. Bawumia is humble so I am urging you, he knows the power of power, the power of using power to raise people up, the power of power to make sure that Ghana would be better.”
The Vice President began his campaign tour in the Western Region on Sunday, July 23, 2023, where he met delegates of Takoradi and Effia constituencies.
Colonel Assim Goita, the interim president of Mali, received a special message from President Akufo-Addo on Thursday in Bamako through National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah.
He headed a delegation from Accra that engaged Col. Goita in lengthy conversations about security in West Africa and the Sahel behind closed doors.
Following the meeting, Mr. Kan-Dapaah told the media that Ghana and Mali have had close historical ties stretching back to the early post-colonial years and that as a result, Ghana is concerned about the welfare and advancement of the Malian people.
Mali receives a special message from Akufo-Addo
We did discuss how we can assist one another because a fire in your neighbor’s home must worry you, he remarked.
He added that Col. Goita sent President Akufo-Addo “warm welcomes” and said Ghana was looking forward to more interactions with Mali.
Maj. Gen. Adu-Amanfoh, Ambassador Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Special Advisor to the Foreign Ministry, Benedict Dere, Executive Secretary of the Accra Initiative, and Napoleon Abdulai, Ambassador of Ghana to Mali, were all present in the delegation.
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A teacher who was kidnapped along with the Kuriga pupils in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Area died while being held captive.
Senator Uba Sani, the state governor, revealed this on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, saying all of the pupils kidnapped by terrorists were freed by the military in coordination with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara state.
On March 7, 2024, the abducted Kuriga pupils were abducted from the Government Secondary and Primary Schools in Kuriga 1, Chikun LGA of the state, and held captive for 17 days.
However, Sani expressed concern that the teacher did not survive due to health difficulties while in captivity.
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“It’s only one person that has not returned, and that is the teacher. That is the fact of the matter, but all of the 137 children are safely back.
“We had the unfortunate incident that the teacher couldn’t make it because he had some complications; he was sick — that was the report we got from the military and the security agencies but the rest of the children, all of them are back with us,” he said.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt are co-stars in a new thriller, Wolfs!
The Sony Pictures film is set to hit theaters on September 20, directed by Jon Watts.
Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams and Poorna Jagannathan all star in the cast of the movie, which centers around two lone-wolf professional fixers hired to do the same job.
Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home) wrote and directed Wolfs. Clooney and Grant Heslov produce for Smokehouse Pictures, while Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner produce for Plan B Entertainment. Watts and Dianne McGunigle are also producers.
In a previously released teaser, the two A-listers are seen sitting silently in a car as the windshield wipers move back and forth.
Director Jon Watts is known for directing Marvel’s Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland and Zendaya.
Ghana’s political and entertainment luminaries gathered to pay their respects at the final funeral rites of the late Mrs. Antoinette Veronica Ama Ampona Dumelo, mother of actor, politician, and farmer John Dumelo.
Mrs. Dumelo’s farewell began at the break of dawn on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, served as the backdrop for her file past, an intimate moment when friends, family, and notable personalities paid their respects between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Among those who attended the funeral were former President John Mahama, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, Nigerian actor Desmond Elliot, and Ghanaian gospel singer Sonnie Badu.
In a tribute to his mother, Dumelo said, “My mother was my everything. She was my biggest cheerleader and my strongest supporter. I am so grateful for the time I had with her, and I will cherish the memories we made together forever.”
Dumelo’s mother passed away in August 2023 after a long battle with illness. She was 71 years old.
Today Sunday was the last matches of the week three league games in the Kintampo zone, Division Two league. At the Game Center, other teams such New Vision FC, Top Talent FC, Ampomah FC, Mucus FC, Great United FC and Kintampo FC played their games yesterday but all at draw. What a wonderful football.
As Kintampo Fighters FC appeared today to play the first match of the day at 12:00pm, and against Jema FC from Kintampo south was believed to continue the chain.
Football is a game and has three outcome, win, draw or lost. The assistant captain of Kintampo Fighters FC in the eleventh minute took a through pass and maneuver within the defenders of the opponent’s team to find the back of the net.
Jama Marvelous FC mounted pressure in order to equalize but that made the game more beautiful to the spectators.
A lone goal for Kintampo Fighters FC scored by Yularg Hassan and assisted by Awal Musah took the game to the end with three points.This brought the team to the top of the league table this week again.
It is again not surprising that the last match also ended a 1:1 draw between Kintampo Sharp Arrows and Super Eagles.
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A Nigerian skitmaker known as Churchill has reportedly passed on.
According to reports, the skitmaker passed away while shooting a content.
Churchill was claimed to be a Nasarawa State University student who met his untimely end while doing what he was best at.
He was seen in the viral video putting his phone down on the floor and then jumping to touch a basketball net. He sadly missed the net and collided with his head hitting the floor as he fell.
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The skitmaker was reportedly rushed to the hospital, but he tragically passed away on the second day of his stay.
Businessman Mutua Mwanzia has been convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Wanjiku Waweru, and staging the scene to appear as suicide.
The verdict, delivered by High Court Judge Anne Ong’injo at the Mombasa High Court, marks a significant legal conclusion to a case that has been ongoing since 2016.
The court found Mwanzia guilty based on circumstantial evidence, despite no direct witnesses to the crime.
According to Judge Ong’injo, Mwanzia was the last person seen with the deceased, and his movements on the morning of the incident(May 13, 2016) could not be fully accounted for.
“The only inference that can be drawn from the circumstances is that Mwanzia was involved in the murder of the deceased and made the scene look as if she had committed suicide,” the judge said.
The prosecution’s case hinged on compelling evidence of malicious intent. The court highlighted Mwanzia’s use of a pesticide and a cable to simulate suicide by hanging the deceased from a window grille. This deliberate staging pointed to premeditated malice on the part of the accused.
Moreover, toxic substances found in the deceased’s system, as analyzed by government experts, further supported the prosecution’s argument that her death resulted from foul play.
Judge Ong’injo emphasized that the presence of poisonous substances and the position of the deceased at the crime scene strongly indicate that her demise was due to an unlawful act committed by someone.
In reaching the guilty verdict, the court dismissed Mwanzia’s defense that his wife’s death was a suicide.
“In conclusion, the court finds that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is found guilty of the offence of murder and is accordingly sentenced,” the judge said.
The judge also observed that although pathologists believed the deceased died from possible neck compression and asphyxia due to hanging, the court examined photographs of the deceased and concluded that it was not feasible for someone to die by hanging from a height significantly less than their own body height.
“It does not make sense that the deceased could have ingested pesticide and then hanged herself,” she said.
The pictures depicted the deceased tied to the lower grille of the bedroom window, leaning on the bed with her legs extended on the floor.
Despite conflicting testimonies and allegations of marital discord, including reports of domestic violence witnessed by their children, the judge concluded that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to murder.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented 16 witnesses, including the deceased’s children, who recounted a history of parental discord and violence.
The minor children testified to witnessing their father’s abusive behavior towards their mother, providing crucial testimony that contributed to the court’s understanding of the family dynamics.
Mwanzia denied killing his wife. The charge sheet indicated that he allegedly committed the offense on May 13, 2016, in the Ushindi area of Likoni sub-county.
Mwanzia’s defense attempted to portray him as a victim of circumstances, alleging financial disagreements with his wife related to their business ventures. He claimed they operated several businesses together, including an M-Pesa outlet and a hairdressing salon, where financial discrepancies had caused friction between them.
The courtroom also heard of previous incidents where the deceased had reportedly attempted self-harm, adding complexity to the case.
Mwanzia recounted an incident from 2008 when his wife allegedly overdosed on medication after accusing him of infidelity. However, these accounts did not sway the court’s assessment of the current charges.
The sentencing phase now awaits, where Mwanzia faces a lengthy prison term for his crime.
A researcher named Dr Amanda Odoi has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, seeking sanctions against the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for allowing the House to proceed with the anti-LGBTQ+ bill despite pending legal actions.
In her suit, Dr Odoi argues that the Speaker has shown contempt and disregard for court processes.
The court documents state that Alban Bagbin has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process.
T“The respondent has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process.
“That the respondent’s clear, intentional and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court,” the Court documents state.
“That by his conduct in directing or causing Parliament to proceed to a Second Reading of the Bill, in full knowledge of the pending suit and related interlocutory injunction application, the Respondent has disregarded and disrespected the authority of this Court.
“That such disregard interferes with the outcome of the pending litigation, brings the administration of justice into disrepute and undermines public confidence in the judicial system.”
Dr Odoi is one of two citizens who have sued the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General over the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
This legal action adds to the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, with stakeholders expressing differing opinions on the proposed legislation.
Click here to read the Dr Amanda Odoi’s Application For Commital For Contempt
Former Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has faulted people criticizing the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within few months.
Bolaji disclosed that it would be wrong to rate President Tinubu’s performance within seven months of assuming office.
INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the ex-minister made this known in an interview with The PUNCH, on Saturday, urging Nigerians to give the President, state governors and senators elected into office time before commenting on their performance.
Bolaji also urged Tinubu to seek the help of economic experts in confronting the country’s current challenge.
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He said: “The budget is an indication of what the government has to do. But President Bola Tinubu was sworn in May, we still need to give him sufficient time.
“This is someone who has always been President. Yes, the initial decision that he had to take was very hard, but I believe we need to give sufficient time to the people we have elected, including the senators, House of Representatives members, governors, and others. I don’t think it is fair to determine their performance within seven months.
“Though I have not had time to look at the details of the budget, the important thing is the effectiveness of its implementation. The budget showed there are deficits. This implies that the government will be involved in more borrowing. You can see that there is a structural quagmire that has been carried over the years. What the government needs to do is bring in people who are experts in this kind of situation.
“This country is blessed with such people. It may not be people in government. We have people in the Diaspora and the private sector. Bring in anybody who has very important conditions in dealing with the economic situation of this country. The economic situation is very serious. The budget indicates that the government is aware that we are in a very serious situation.
In a powerful alliance that bridges continents and empowers communities, Ghanaian-owned FinTech leader PayAngel, announces a ground-breaking partnership with NFL line-backer Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
This collaboration unites Owusu-Koramoah’s inspiring story and global influence with PayAngel’s innovative financial technology to unlock a new era of financial inclusion and prosperity for the African diaspora and the continent itself.
Owusu-Koramoah’s journey, from his Ghanaian roots to the pinnacle of American football, mirrors PayAngel’s unwavering commitment to building a borderless financial ecosystem and spreading smiles. This partnership is a perfect match, bringing together Owusu-Koramoah’s dedication to his community and PayAngel’s vision for a future where everyone has access to basic financial tools needed to thrive.
Diaspora Connection, Real Impact
Through this partnership, the diaspora gains a champion. Owusu-Koramoah’s platform will amplify PayAngel’s mission, ensuring that people across the globe can send money home to Africa with zero transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, and secure, user-friendly options. This includes a first of its kind revolutionary feature: free life insurance for Ghanaians sending money home through PayAngel.
“I’m honoured to collaborate with a phenomenal Ghanaian-owned company like PayAngel, a leader in global financial inclusion,” says Owusu-Koramoah. “Just like success on the field requires teamwork, PayAngel’s platform is a game-changer. I’m excited to empower the diaspora with secure, affordable money transfers and support initiatives that uplift African communities.”
Shared Values, Tangible Results
Jones Amegbor, CEO of PayAngel, echoes Owusu-Koramoah’s enthusiasm. “Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah embodies the values of hard work and dedication, both on and off the field. His influence extends far beyond sports, aligning perfectly with our mission to provide accessible and secure financial solutions,” says Amegbor. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the PayAngel family and leverage his platform to drive financial empowerment for all.”
The differences between the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority Caucus in Parliament over the reshuffle have been resolved.
The misunderstanding was triggered by the reshuffle which the Minority leadership said they were not consulted.
Graphic Online’s Parliamentary correspondent reports that the party has thrown it’s weight behind the new Minority leadership with Cassiel Ato Forson as leader.
The resolution came after a meeting that was jointly called by the national leadership, the Council of Elders and the Minority Caucus in Parliament today.
The meeting attracted the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; the General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey as well as members of the Council of Elders.
Those from the Council of Elders included its Chairman, Mahama Iddrisu, Christiana Amoako Nuamah.
Already, the former Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has said an intervention by former President John Dramani Mahama “has brought an end to all the brouhaha associated with the reshuffle.”
Muntaka’s reaction
To all our supporters within and without. I had a lengthy meeting with my big brother, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday evening over the parliamentary reshuffle. I want to first of all thank him for the words of advice and encouragement to me as a younger brother.
His Excellency’s intervention has brought an end to all the brouhaha associated with the reshuffle. We are for the interest of our party NDC. We need to move on as a party and channel all our energies towards 2024 elections.
I thank all our chiefs, Queen Mothers Imams, supporters for your prayers and solidarity. I pray for Allah’s guidance in all our affairs. Long live NDC long live Ghana.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has told delegates that he is the only aspirant with presidential experience amongst the other three aspirants vying to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections.
“The November 4 election is a presidential election and when you look amongst we the four aspirants, I’m the only aspirant with presidential experience. I have experienced presidential elections four times,” he stated.
According to him, he has toured and campaigned in the entire 275 constituencies across the country.
He indicated that he has won two elections, both 2016 and 2020, for the New Patriotic Party, making him the best candidate to lead the party in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing party supporters at Mion during his tour of the Northern Region, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that he would beat John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections with experience should delegates vote for him to lead the party.
“I will beat John Mahama in 2024 because I know him and we have beaten him twice, so it won’t be a problem beating him in 2024,” he pointed out.
Dr. Bawumia stated that his track record as Vice President is unmatched.
“Everybody can agree that from Nkrumah till date, no Vice President has a track record than Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. I introduced Ghana Card, No Guarantor Student Loan, Digital Address System, Mobile Money Interoperability, One Constituency One Ambulance, Agenda 111, Zipline Drones among other policies,” he stressed.
The Vice President told delegates that should they elect him as the presidential candidate for the NPP, he will introduce more policies to transform the country.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh are aspiring to lead the NPP in the 2024 general elections.
On November 4, 2023, about 200,000 delegates of the New Patriotic Party will cast their vote to elect a presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections.
Olabode George, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the Party is working on reconciling its members including the Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, PDP does not want to start ‘firing’ but reconcile all aggrieved members by settling the rift created from the 2023 general election.
He spoke against the backdrop of Wike attending PDP National Executive Council, NEC, meeting despite serving under the All Progressives Congress, APC, government.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, George said: “There is a standing committee. They are going to add more members to do a post-mortem analysis.
READ ALSO: Ayu Withdraws Suit Challenging Removal As PDP Chair
“We don’t want to start firing because there are one or two people that are still thinking about the past. The party must move on.
“It is an issue in the party. It should not be resolved in the marketplace,” the PDP chieftain said, insisting “We are going to settle our own matters like a family.”
Wike fell out with the PDP hierarchy during the 2023 presidential election.
The Minister and his G-5 group chose to work for other presidential candidates other than PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.
Wike’s action brought a divide in the Party with his insistence on Southern candidate leading to the removal of former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the procedures for transferring votes, applying for proxy voting, and replacing lost or damaged voter ID cards begins on Thursday May 30, 2024.
According to the EC, the period for transfers and proxy applications will last until June 14.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 28, the EC informed all voters wishing to replace their missing Voter ID Cards to make a payment for the replacement using the shortcode 2221067#.
The EC noted that individuals who have recently registered are not eligible to transfer their votes or apply for proxy voting, as per Clause 91.
For those seeking to replace their voter ID cards, a fee of GH₵10 is required.
Also, the EC has declared that individuals affected by the Akosombo flooding will have their ID cards replaced at no charge.
Additionally, the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, has emphasised the importance of removing the names of minors from the voter register.
“In some places, you saw visible minors who were attempting to register. The EC holds the view, as do the political parties that the Ghana card will help to curb the busing of minors and the infiltration of minors unto our register.
“So we still have the avenue of exhibition to expunge minors from the system and from the register.”
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A lady named Stevanna Elexus has recently shared her disappointment online after being fired on her first day of work at an airport.
In a short TikTok video, Stevanna can be seen removing her work vest in her car while explaining the circumstances behind her unfortunate experience.
According to Stevanna, during their initial meeting, her bosses emphasized a single request for employees not to bring firearms to work.
They expressed their stance clearly, stating, “We ain’t having this no more, no guns on the premises.”
It appeared that the management had grown tired of workers bringing guns to the workplace, prompting them to issue a warning of felony charges for anyone violating the policy.
Stevanna expressed her confusion about the situation, questioning why such an important matter was addressed on the first day rather than during an orientation session. She found it surprising that the issue of firearms was the main focus of their initial meeting.
Shortly after this meeting, to Stevanna’s astonishment, all of the employees were sent home by their employer.
She exclaimed, “What the… I only worked three hours!” This sudden decision left her feeling frustrated and disappointed.
In response to inquiries from netizens seeking clarification about why everyone was sent home, Stevanna explained that she didn’t receive any specific information.
Some major roads and markets, in Asaba and Okpanam in the Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of Delta State were taken over, on Monday, by aggrieved motorcycle riders protesting the death of their colleagues.
It was gathered that the group of motorcycle riders took to the streets in anger, destroying properties.
An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, told PUNCH that the deceased motorcyclists were killed in a clash between the Okada riders and officers of the task force over the weekend, in a raid of a makeshift bar where they usually hung out.
According to him, the task force officers raided the place because motorcycles were banned in the area.
He said: “I was informed that two people were killed by the police last night at a makeshift bar where Aboki people always come to hang out every weekend.
READ MORE: Army Captain, Two Majors, 12 Soldiers Killed In Delta Communal Clash
“I heard the gunshot last night, so, they came protesting this morning. I suspect that they tried to fight the officers who went to bust the place because bikes are not allowed in that area.
“Yes, I was at the front of my estate gate when I noticed a sea of Aboki guys protesting the killing of their person by the Nigeria police.
“They were violent, but in front of my estate, which is Agu mega city estate by GRA police station area, the police did not open fire on any protester.”
Also reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the killing.
He said: “The incident happened yesterday night. It was between the task force and the Okada riders.
“Two were killed, and this morning the people started protesting but we are on top of the situation. We are investigating the killing.”
The son of Ghana’s 3-time world champion, Dalvin Azumah Nelson Junior, staged a dramatic return to the ring as he clinched a split decision victory over fellow boxer Philip Quansah in their lightweight amateur fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena on May 4, 2024.
Quansah gave Dalvin a tough duel with his father, Azumah Nelson, observing the bout keenly.
In three rounds, Dalvin managed to box his way to a 2-1 victory, much to the delight of the fans and his father.
The fight was Dalvin’s first fight since 2017 when he took on Prosper Dzidzor at the same location.
Weeks before his bout on May 4, his dad, Azumah Nelson, had announced that his son had quit boxing to pursue other interests after realising the sport was not for him.
“He realised that boxing is not for kids from well-to-do homes. It’s a sport for hustlers and people from not-too-good backgrounds. I’m not worried that he quit the sport because I wasn’t the one receiving the blows. He was the one receiving it and realized he could not take the blows,” Azumah Nelson said on Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV.
With this win, Dalvin is set to revamp his career as he hopes to engage in more bouts to inch closer to winning a title and follow in the footsteps of his father.
The fight was an undercard bout on the Diplo Rumble, which saw Azumah Nelson fight against Irchad Razaaly, the European Ambassador to Ghana, on the night.
Renowned entertainment pundit, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has lambasted persons criticizing gospel artistes, Cecilia Marfo and Diana Asamoah over their recent public spat regarding church issues.
According to him, there is nothing wrong with two gospel artistes engaging in a feud in the public domain over a misunderstanding concerning the near-collapse state of Cecilia Marfo’s church.
The entertainment pundit cited several instances in the Bible where some individuals who are known to be staunch Christians were engaged in controversies hence Diana Asamoah and Cecilia Marfo’s controversy cannot be condemned entirely for tarnishing the image of gospel music.
Speaking as a pundit on the United Showbiz programme, hosted by MzGee on United Television (UTV), Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo slammed critics of the two gospel artistes for their public exchanges on sabotage accusations.
“People are complaining about two gospel musicians fighting. If you go to the Bible, Jacob and Esau fought, Noah’s children also fought. Aaron and Miriam fought over Moses. Job called his wife foolish because of a misunderstanding but nothing happened.
“So if two gospel artistes are fighting, you are not now coming to tell me it is a problem. That’s not true, there is no problem,” Arnold said.
This comes after Diana Asamoah responded to fellow artiste, Cecilia Marfo after accusing her of being responsible for the predicament of her church that made her cry on TV.
According to her, she did not do anything wrong by criticizing Cecilia Marfo’s religious practices in her church because it was not in alignment with the word of God.
The gospel musician advised Cecilia Marfo to stick to the work of God and desist from certain acts such as spitting in people’s mouths and other uncouth practices for her ministry to thrive.
Speaking in an interview with Angel FM and monitored by GhanaWeb, Diana Asamoah lambasted Cecilia Marfo for crying on TV and added that it will not change the fortunes of her church but she should rather work with the word of God.
“She was relying on spitting in people’s mouths and using bread that had been smeared with sweat to run her church. If you don’t give God the necessary prestige He deserves, He will leave you to the world and you will be crying immensely, in fact, you will cry blood.
“With the 40 church members left, God has even favored her because if I knew, I wouldn’t have stopped criticizing her. This is a boot for boot, we are ready to stand for God,” she said.
Diana Asamoah continued: “Even when Jesus started his ministry, He had 120, then it reduced to 70 and finally He settled with 12 but He didn’t cry because He knew the word of God and was not surprised. Even with the 40 members, she might lose unless she changes her mind and sticks to the word of God.
“Who am I to collapse your church if you were doing the right thing? How can the Kennedy Agyapong do so? It is not about crying, if she wants her members to come back she should work according to the Bible.”
GoStudent — the late-stage tutor marketplace that has raised $686.3 million so far – has now raised another $95 million in what it calls as strategic fundraise from Deutsche Bank, and other investors including Left Lane Capital, DN Capital, Tencent, Prosus, DST, Coatue and Softbank Vision Fund 2. The raise was described as a mix of equity and debt capital.
The company has been on something of an acquisition roll, using its war-chest to roll-up complimentary products, such as its acquisition of Germany-based Studienkreis, a traditional tutoring company last year.
The EdTech unicorn (which has attained an estimated €3 billion valuation) says the raise will be used to bring “enhanced hybrid learning solutions to the DACH region”. In plain English, that means more online and offline educational support and an expansion of the use of its GoVR – GoStudent’s newly-launched virtual reality language learning platform.
And of course, the company now says it has an “AI vision” and plans to “prioritise the creation of AI-driven tools”. Join the AI queue…
It now has around +23,000 tutors on its platform and will develop an “AI lesson plan generator”, trained on the local curriculum. The idea is that it will save each tutor an average of 15 minutes per lesson.
In a statement GoStudent CEO and co-founder, Felix Ohswald said: “We see daily the impact that tailored learning can have on a child’s confidence. By offering AI-driven study support or virtual reality lessons in group environments, alongside traditional tutoring, a truly bespoke learning path can be created for each individual child – readying them for their future.”
Harley Miller, CEO and Managing Partner at Left Lane Capital added: “As GoStudent doubles down on its existing VR capabilities, introduces smart AI tools, and drives synergies with Studienkreis, we see even further potential to complete its vision of hybrid offline and online tutoring.”
Robert Downey Jr is among the early winners at the 2024 Oscars, which are taking place in Los Angeles.
The star won best supporting actor for his portrayal of US government official Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer.
Accepting his award, Downey Jr joked: “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood, and the Academy, in that order.
“I needed this job more than it needed me,” he continued. “I stand here before you a better man because of it.”
The star also paid tribute to his wife Susan Downey, who he said had found him as a “a snarling rescue pet”, adding that she “loved me back to life, that’s why I’m here”.
The actor, best known for his run as Marvel’s Iron Man, has enjoyed a hugely successful Hollywood comeback after serious drug addiction issues which saw him serve a prison sentence more than two decades ago.
He concluded his speech by telling the audience: “What we do is meaningful and what we decide to make is important.”
Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, also won best editing and cinematography and is the firm favourite to win best picture. However, it has lost several other technical categories.
Instead, the unusual steampunk drama Poor Things won best production design, costume design and make-up and hairstyling.
The Emma Stone film follows an infant whose brain has been implanted into the body of an adult woman, who then goes on an adventure of discovery across the world.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph earlier won the best supporting actress for her portrayal of a school chef who is trying to cope with the death of her son in The Holdovers.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph won best supporting actress for her performance in The Holdovers
In her acceptance speech, Randolph told the audience: “For so long I have always wanted to be different. And I now I realise I just needed to be myself, and I thank you for seeing me.
“I didn’t think I was supposed to be doing this as a career, I started off as a singer, and my mother said to me, go across that street to that theatre department, there’s something for you there.
“And I thank my mother for doing that, I thank all those people who have been there for me, ushered and guided me, I am so grateful to you beautiful people out there.”
The Zone of Interest won best sound and became the first British film ever to win best international feature. The critically acclaimed Holocaust drama follows a German family who live next to an Auschwitz camp.
In his acceptance speech, director Jonathan Glazer criticised Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.
“Our film shows where dehumanisation leads at its worst, it shapes all of our past and present,” he said. “Whether it’s the victims of 7 October in Israel or of the ongoing attack on Gaza, all are victims of this dehumanisation.”
Earlier in the evening, the start of the Oscars ceremony was delayed by five minutes as pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Anatomy of a Fall writers Justine Triet and Arthur Harari won best original screenplay
Elsewhere, Anatomy of a Fall won best original screenplay. The film’s director and co-writer Justine Triet joked the Oscar would “help me through my mid-life crisis”.
The film follows a woman accused of killing her husband, with the only nearby witness her visually impaired son.
American Fiction was named best adapted screenplay. Its writer Cord Jefferson said: “I’ve been talking a lot about how many people passed on this movie when discussing it, and I’m worried that sounds vindictive, but it’s more a plea to recognise there are many people out there who want the opportunity I was given.”
The writer said he understood Hollywood “is a risk-averse industry”, but said studios should commission more smaller-scale movies. “Instead of making one $200m movie, try making 20 $10m movies,” he said.
Japanese fantasy film The Boy and the Heron also notched an early win, taking best animated feature film and holding off competition from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Other films vying for prizes at the ceremony include Barbie, Maestro and Killers of the Flower Moon.
For the fourth time, the ceremony is being hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. The US chat show host opened with a monologue which reflected on the past 12 months in the film industry.
Recalling the strikes that brought Hollywood to a standstill, Kimmel paid tribute to the efforts made to get a fair deal for actors and writers.
US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel is presenting the Oscars for the fourth time
He joked that actors could now stop worrying about “being replaced by AI, and could go back to worrying about being replaced by younger, more attractive people”.
Turning his attention to Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, he said: “If neither of you wins an Oscar tonight, I would like to say you won something much better, the genetic lottery.”
Kimmel also suggested the nominated movies “were too long this year”, adding: “When I went to see Killers of the Flower Moon, I had my mail forwarded to the theatre.
“Killers of the Flower Moon is so long,” he continued, “in the time it took you to watch it, you could drive to Oklahoma and solve the murders yourself.”
Picking out more nominees sitting in the audience, the comic poked fun at Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster, who he observed “were both nominated for Taxi Driver in 1976 and they are both nominated again tonight”.
“In 1976 Jodie Foster is young enough to be Robert De Niro’s daughter, now she is 20 years too old to be Robert De Niro’s girlfriend.”
The maiden edition of the Film Investment Breakfast Meeting was held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The Film Investment Breakfast Meeting, organised by the National Film Authority, provided a unique platform for businesses to explore mutually beneficial partnerships and insights into the investment opportunities available within Ghana’s dynamic film landscape.
Highlights of the meeting included: presentations on investment opportunities in the Ghanaian film industry; exploring collaborative ventures between investors and film industry stakeholders and opportunities in other sectors available to the film industry and film development.
Emceed by celebrated broadcaster and host of Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, Bernard Avle, the meeting attracted a number of personalities from the industry.
Some of the personalities include Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Minister Designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, Jackie Appiah, Shirley Frimpong Manso, Chris Attoh, Martha Ankomah and Adjetey Anang, among others.
Juliet Asante (CEO, National Film Authority), Danny Damah (Filmmaker, TD Afrique Films), Shirley Frimpong Manso (CEO, Sparrow Productions), and Nii Amah Dagadu (Corporate Affairs, Multichoice Ghana), Funmi Onuma, (Country Director, Silverbird Cinemas) and Ivan Quashigah (CEO, Farmhouse Productions) took to the stage as main speakers, sharing their expertise with the audience.
During his keynote speech, Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer urged investors of the film industry to prioritise digital platforms.
The superhero quartet — the first characters created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby — will be played by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing).
As part of the casting announcement, Disney has swapped the release dates of “The Fantastic Four” (now set for July 25, 2025) and “Thunderbolts” (now set for May 2, 2025).
Those are two of four Marvel tentpoles currently set to open in 2025, along with “Captain America: Brave New World” in February and “Blade” in November. Four Marvel films are also scheduled for 2026, including “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” That’s a ramp up from 2024: Marvel only has “Deadpool & Wolverine” for theaters, on July 26.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Marvel’s First Family! Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn are The Fantastic Four.
Per usual with Marvel, story details remain scant. But in the comics, the Fantastic Four are astronauts who are remade into superheroes after they’re exposed to cosmic rays in space. Reed gains the ability to stretch his body to astonishing lengths. Sue, Reed’s girlfriend (and eventual wife), can manipulate light to become invisible and cast powerful forcefields. Johnny, Sue’s brother, can turn his body into fire which gives him the ability to fly. And Ben, Reed’s best friend, is totally transformed into, well, a Thing, with giant, orange boulders for a body, giving him super strength — and a perpetual heavy heart about his seemingly monstrous appearance.
Matt Shakman (“WandaVision,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”) will direct “Fantastic Four,” from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. News of Pascal’s casting first leaked in November, but Marvel had otherwise tried to keep a tight lid on who would play Marvel’s First Family, considered widely to be among the most significant superhero characters ever created. Filming is expected to begin by the summer.
One of the most in demand actors in Hollywood, Pascal will likely first shoot Season 2 of HBO’s “The Last of Us” before stretching into shape to play Richards. After several standout performances in British TV, Quinn broke out as the wily and heartbreaking Eddie Munson on Season 4 of “Stranger Things.” And Moss-Bachrach recently won an Emmy for his performance as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich on FX’s “The Bear.”
Kirby — who first rose to prominence as Princess Margaret in “The Crown” before earning an Oscar nomination for her performance in 2020’s “Pieces of a Woman” — previously teased her desire to take on the Invisible Woman role. “It would be an honor to play Sue Storm,” Kirby told Variety at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” in 2023. “She’s amazing.”
Until now, however, the Fantastic Four had not been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie rights belonged instead to 20th Century Fox, which produced three films with the characters. “Fantastic Four” and “Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer,” released in 2005 and 2007 respectively, starred Ioan Gruffudd as Reed, Jessica Alba as Sue, Michael Chiklis as Ben and Chris Evans, pre-Captain America, as Johnny. Fox’s attempt to reboot the franchise in 2015 — with Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Michael B. Jordan in the respective roles — was a critical and box office bomb. Four years later, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, finally bringing the characters into the Marvel Studios sandbox.
The MCU got its first peek at Reed Richards in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” when John Krasinski played a multiverse variant of the character in a cameo, as a nod to an online fan campaign to cast him in the role.
Typically, the central villain for the Fantastic Four is Victor von Doom, one of the most important and fearsome villains in the Marvel canon. But Marvel has yet to announce who the quartet will battle in this movie.
By anointing the full foursome, however, Marvel Studios is securing the new anchor for the MCU, following the departures of Evans’ Steve Rogers and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame.”
On every September 21, 2023, the entire populace of Ghana commemorates and celebrates the memory of the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah with different events and activities by various sections of the country.
As part of the memorial, Ghana’s State Broadcaster, GBC set up a live TV show to discuss the dreams of the widely known Pan-Africanist in the history of the world, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his achievements since his return from the United States of America in the year 1948.
According to former People’s National Convention’s Chairman and a Social Commentator, Bernard Monarh, the smock worn by Dr. Nkrumah on the day of his independence speech declaration on March 6, 1957 has its origin from Lawra in the Upper West Region of Ghana. He disclosed this while sharing some of the memories of Ghana’s first President on GBC’s Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Dream show.
Monarh shared that, after the 1948 riots incident, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was detained and put under house arrest at a house in Lawra. He was detained by the Colonial masters for the fear of politically conscientizing the Ghanaian people. He stated that, on the day of his release, Dr. Nkrumah in his usual white over-white apparel got his shirt stained by a flying bird’s poop and had to be changed.
He stressed that the landlord of the house that kept Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had to give him a smock to cover his stain. He, therefore, bemoaned how the people of Lawra do not support the party of the man who attained independence for Ghana and also whose independence declaration smock hails from their town.
Source: GNA
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RYTHM Foundation (Raise Yourself to Help Mankind), the global corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of QNET, the prominent wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has impacted more than 80,000 lives in 30 countries over the last decade. The Foundation has collaborated with more than 135 partners for more than 75 sustainable community development projects benefiting around 17,000 youth and children. This was revealed by the Head of RYTHM Foundation at the 10th edition of the National CSR and Sustainability Conference organized by the Centre for CSR, West Africa at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana on 25 July 2023.
The Head of RYTHM Foundation, Madam Santhi Periasamy said: “We align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and our mission is to empower lives and transform communities around the world through grant-making, volunteer engagement and human development programmes. Our core values are built on the principles of engagement, volunteerism and sustainability.”
She continued: “RYTHM has made considerable strides in ensuring Education for All (SDG 4), encouraging Gender Equality (SDG 5), safeguarding Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), providing access to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), helping Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10), and strengthening Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).”
In Ghana, RYTHM Foundation has partnered with the ANOPA Project to use sports interventions like swimming, football, and basketball as instruments for entrenching personal development, promoting gender equality, peacebuilding, improving school retention and inclusion among 1,300 children with visual and hearing loss in Cape Coast, the capital city of the Central Region of Ghana. This intervention has enabled more than 300 children to enroll in school, 382 parents and peers sensitized, and 14 children selected for World Deaf Swimming Championship.
Prominent sustainability-inclined businesses and organisations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, (PwC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), World Vision, Volta River Authority, Vodafone and VIVO Energy delivered speeches and presentations on their social responsibility mandate and how they are contributing to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the betterment of society.
Prof. Martin Gyambrah, Director of the University of Applied Management, Germany (Ghana campus) delivered a research-backed practical presentation on a new world imperative for business sustainability, post-COVID-19. He encouraged businesses to re-think, re-align and commit to sustainable business practices so they can cope with the challenges of a new fast-paced world.
Since 2013, the Centre for CSR, West Africa, a leading CSR and sustainability advocacy organisation in the region, has been at the forefront of creating awareness on CSR and sustainability issues and matchmaking companies to create sustainable impact. The National CSR and Sustainability Conference brought together, companies, business associations, regulatory agencies, international aid organisations, academia and the media.
RYTHM Foundation is in the process of expanding its partnership with the Anopa Project to support more children with disabilities in schools in Accra and surrounding regions.
Source:
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Singer and saxophonist Queen Asabia and her bassist brother Kenteman, continue to showcase the authentic and distinctive sound of highlife.
Their performance on April 20, 2024 at the well-known Zen Garden at Labone in Accra was another crowd-pleaser.
Dressed in their trade mark colourful Kenteout fit, the audience which comprised both the young and oldas well as international guests and local fans were treated to a relaxing evening of traditional Highlife.
The pair performed a mixed bag of their music with high energy dance rhythms as well as relaxing and emotional love songs.
The crowd had the opportunity to taste a blend of the old and the new as the Zen Garden band rose to the occasion and delivered the amazing sounds of Highlife that make it so captivating and entertaining.
After therecent amazing performance at the +233 Jazz Bar &Grill at North Ridge in Accra for a special fundraiser, Queen Asabia and Kenteman have become an active part of the entertainment scene once again. All indications are that they are getting ready for the highly-anticipated anniversary tours to celebrate their 50 years in the music andentertainment industry.
It is the pageantry in their fashion and how comfortable they feel on stage interacting with audiencesthat set them apart from other performers. Not only do they entertain with amazing sound and style, they share the meaning of the songs they sing as well as the messages behind their fashion.
It is this special spirit that has carried them through so many years and sees them still performing with passion. They are preparing to also make their rounds throughout West Africa before taking once again to the international stage.
One thing is certain and that is they still have the gift that set them apart and gave rise to their long-standing entertainment career. What many will soon find out is that the new songs they will be releasing shortly are as powerful and dynamic as their well-known hit, ‘Womaya’.
It has become apparent to their following that the dynamic duo of Highlife and Kente fashion are back on the block.
The Zen Garden was at capacity and the long-time fans of the Queen of Highlife and Kenteman are now following them on social media to know where they would perform next.
Getty ImagesHuge crowds attended Madonna’s performance at Copacabana beach
Getty Images
Getty ImagesFans had been anticipating Madonna’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some elegant and captivating Ankara designs that every woman can wear:
Dresses with Sleeveless Tops
Women’s Flared Ankara Dresses
Women’s Ankara Wrap Dresses
Photo shows a China-aided photovoltaic power station built by Tianjin Electric Power Construction Company under China Energy Engineering Corporation in Central African Republic. (Photo provided by Tianjin Electric Power Construction Company)
Chinese and Ugandan engineers discuss construction plans at the construction site of the Karuma Hydro Power Plant in Uganda, which is built by Power Construction Corporation of China. (Photo provided by Power Construction Corporation of China)
In conclusion, Ankara styles are suitable for plump women and can be worn to any occasion. With the right fabric, design, and pairing, one can create a flattering and stylish look. These tips will help you choose Ankara styles that complement your body type and make you look gorgeous. Try them out and make a fashion statement at your next event.
Businessman Mutua Mwanzia has been convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Wanjiku Waweru, and staging the scene to appear as suicide.
