The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has issued a reminder to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of baby diapers that baby diapers, popularly known as bale diapers, are not permitted into the country.

According to the FDA, the importation of unregistered, poor-quality, and unhygienically packaged baby diapers into the country will be seized and disposed of.

The authority said it has noted with great concern the continuing practice where disposable baby diapers are still imported into the country, either unhygienically packaged or hidden in bales of used clothing.

“Importers are strongly cautioned that this practice goes against the FDA Guideline for Registration of Medical Devices (Appendix II) and the Ghana Standard Authority’s specifications for single-use disposable baby diapers (GS 1166:2017). The public is to note that materials used for baby diapers are tested by the Authority during the product registration process,” a statement from the FDA warned.

It noted that “this ensures that any dyes, skin irritants, or toxins are absent so as not to cause harm to babies. In addition, handling bale diapers frequently repacked and relabeled under unsanitary conditions can cause germs to enter the genital region of a child, especially a girl child, further posing great danger to their health and well-being.

“Imported finished baby diapers should be registered before importation with an approved label and ready for sale. A finished registered baby diaper is a diaper that has been duly evaluated by the FDA and conforms with GS 1166:2017. All registered diapers imported into the country must be well packaged and properly sealed to protect the product from moisture, soiling, contamination, and damage during transportation, storage, and distribution throughout the product’s shelf life.”

The authority said it also allowed the importation of raw materials for the manufacture of baby diapers, but the importer should have a licensed facility for the manufacture of baby diapers.

“All facilities, both local and foreign, for the manufacture of baby diapers are subjected to Good Manufacturing Practice inspection. The relevant fees apply,” parts of the statement read.

The FDA commits to continuing to collaborate with the GRA (Customs Division) to ensure that disposable baby diapers on the market are safe and meet the required standards.

Source: kasapafmonline.com

A taste of identity: how effective branding can put Ghanaian jollof on the global map

During a delightful Jollof rice date with Josephine Kumi, a passionate Jollof enthusiast, our conversation ventured beyond the meal’s aromatic flavours. We pondered a captivating notion: Could Ghana leverage Jollof’s appeal to create a global brand? In this article, lets delve into the potential of this beloved West African dish as a potent tool for Ghana’s international branding, revealing tantalising possibilities within its grains and spice blend to shape Ghana’s global identity.

Ghanaian Jollof rice is a harmonious amalgamation of flavours and traditions, a culinary masterpiece that resonates with the very essence of Ghana’s cultural identity. It’s not just a dish; it’s a canvas upon which the vivid colors of the nation’s history, diversity and unity are painted. With each fragrant grain of rice and every savoury bite, one can taste the centuries-old influence of indigenous ingredients, colonial legacies and the vibrant spirit of a people who have preserved their culinary heritage through generations.

Ghanaian Jollof also serves as a cultural bridge, connecting Ghanaians to their roots and welcoming visitors to experience the nation’s rich heritage. It’s a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Ghana’s people, who have infused traditional recipes with modern flair while retaining the soul of their cuisine.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, gastronomy has emerged as a powerful means of cultural exchange. People from diverse backgrounds are eager to explore new flavours and culinary traditions, and Ghanaian Jollof rice has seized this opportunity to shine. With the right branding and exposure, it has the potential to not only tantalise taste-buds but also beckon travellers to Ghana’s shores.

The key to this transformation lies in branding and exposure. By crafting a compelling narrative around Ghanaian Jollof, emphasising its historical roots, cultural significance and the passion behind its preparation, the dish becomes more than just a meal – it becomes an experience. This narrative can be shared through a myriad of platforms, from visually enticing videos and social media campaigns to well-curated blog content that tells the story of each grain of rice and every aromatic spice.

The Essence of Branding Ghanaian Jollof

Branding Ghanaian Jollof is more than just marketing; it’s an opportunity to showcase the very essence of Ghana itself. This iconic dish embodies the warmth, diversity and inclusivity of a nation that welcomes the world with open arms. It’s a flavourful bridge that connects cultures, a symbol of Ghana’s rich history, and an invitation to savour the unique flavours of its culture and heritage.

At its core, branding Ghanaian Jollof is about storytelling. It’s about narrating the centuries-old history that shaped this dish, the cultural significance it holds and the passion that goes into every pot. It’s a story that needs to be shared globally to create a lasting impression.

Ghana’s Jollof rice has come a long way from being a cherished local gem to emerging as a dish with the potential to become a global icon. To transform it into a powerful brand that generates positive tourism attention, Ghana must follow a strategic roadmap:

1. Culinary ambassadors: Identify and collaborate with renowned chefs and culinary influencers who can champion Ghanaian Jollof on the international stage. These ambassadors can create buzz, host culinary events and share their experiences, making the dish more appealing to a global audience.
2. Digital presence: Leverage the power of digital media. Establish a dedicated online platform or website that tells the story of Ghanaian Jollof through visually captivating content, recipes and cultural insights. Engage with food enthusiasts and bloggers to spread the word.
3. Culinary tourism: Create immersive culinary tourism experiences that revolve around Ghanaian Jollof. Offer tourists the opportunity to learn how to prepare the dish, visit local markets for ingredients and dine in traditional settings. These experiences offer a tangible connection to the culture.
4. Jollof festivals: Organise and promote annual Jollof festivals, not just within Ghana but also in major cities worldwide. Invite chefs, food critics and foodies from various countries to participate. These festivals can become a global stage for Ghana’s Jollof.
5. Global Partnerships: Forge partnerships with international culinary organisations, food festivals and travel agencies to include Ghanaian Jollof in their offerings. This expands the brand’s reach and encourages travellers to explore Ghana.

Savouring the success

As Ghana embarks on this flavourful journey of branding and promoting its Jollof rice, it must remain faithful to its cultural roots and authenticity of the dish. By implementing these strategies effectively, Ghana’s Jollof has the potential to become more than just a culinary delight – it can evolve into a beacon that beckons the world to experience the warmth, diversity and inclusivity of Ghana’s culture and heritage.

So, as we look to the future, let us anticipate a time when Ghana’s Jollof is not just a well-loved dish but a global sensation drawing travellers, food enthusiasts and cultural explorers to the heart of West Africa. In this culinary adventure, Ghana’s Jollof will shine as a symbol of the nation’s open arms and rich traditions, inviting everyone to savour the unique flavours of its culture.

Marketing communication is key

Effective marketing communication is the lynchpin in turning the plan to make Ghanaian Jollof rice a globally recognisable brand into a resounding success. In today’s interconnected world, where information travels at the speed of light and consumer choices are influenced by powerful narratives, the role of marketing communication cannot be underestimated. Here’s why it is essential for the success of this gastronomic endeavour:

1. Crafting a compelling narrative: At the heart of marketing communication lies storytelling. To make Ghanaian Jollof a global brand, we need a captivating narrative that goes beyond mere culinary details. It should resonate with people on a personal and emotional level, evoking curiosity and stirring their senses. This narrative should convey the essence of Ghanaian Jollof, its cultural significance and the passion that goes into its preparation.
2. Establishing a distinct identity: Effective marketing communication can help Ghanaian Jollof stand out in the crowded culinary landscape. It should not be seen as just another rice dish but an iconic representation of Ghana’s rich heritage and warm hospitality. It’s about creating a brand identity that is instantly recognidable and unforgettable.
3. Reaching a global audience: The power of marketing communication lies in its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. Through various channels such as social media, traditional advertising, content marketing and public relations, the message of Ghanaian Jollof can reach every corner of the globe. It can pique the interest of food enthusiasts, chefs, travellers and culinary influencers from diverse backgrounds.
4. Educating and inspiring: Effective marketing communication should not only promote Ghanaian Jollof but also educate the global audience about its origins, ingredients and cultural significance. It should inspire them to not only taste the dish but embark on a culinary adventure to Ghana, where they can savour its authenticity and experience the nation’s vibrant culture.
5. Fostering engagement: Interaction and engagement are key components of successful marketing communication. It’s not just about pushing a message; it’s about creating a two-way dialogue. Engaging with the audience, listening to their feedback and addressing their inquiries can foster a sense of connection and loyalty to the Ghanaian Jollof brand.
6. Leveraging influencers: Collaborating with culinary influencers, celebrity chefs and food bloggers can amplify the reach of marketing communication. These influencers can provide authentic reviews, share their experiences and create a buzz that resonates with their followers, generating excitement around Ghanaian Jollof.
7. Measuring and adapting: Effective marketing communication is data-driven. It involves tracking metrics, analysing consumer behaviour and adapting strategies accordingly. By closely monitoring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, Ghana can fine-tune its approach to maximise impact.

In essence, effective marketing communication is the bridge that connects the rich tradition of Ghanaian Jollof with the world’s curious palates. It transforms a beloved local dish into a global culinary icon, inviting everyone to savour the unique flavours of Ghana’s culture and heritage. As this branding effort unfolds, the success of Ghanaian Jollof as a globally recognisable brand will depend significantly on the effectiveness of its marketing communication strategies.Top of FormBottom of Form

Conclusion

The journey to transform Ghanaian Jollof rice into a globally recognised brand is a remarkable endeavour that transcends the boundaries of cuisine. It is a cultural voyage that celebrates the essence of Ghana itself – its warmth, diversity and inclusivity. As we’ve explored, this transformation hinges on the synergy of entertainment, tourism and, most importantly, effective marketing communication.

The allure of Ghanaian Jollof rice lies not only in its tantalising flavours but also the stories it tells – stories of tradition, history and the vibrant spirit of a nation. To succeed in this ambitious quest, it’s imperative that Ghana crafts a compelling narrative, establishes a distinct identity, and reaches out to a global audience through diverse channels.

Moreover, marketing communication should educate and inspire, fostering engagement and connection with a broad spectrum of individuals eager to embark on a culinary adventure to Ghana. It’s about leveraging influencers and measuring the impact of campaigns, all the while staying true to the dish’s cultural roots.

As we look ahead, the success of Ghanaian Jollof as a globally recognised brand is not just a culinary aspiration; it’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, tourism growth and nation-building. By effectively communicating the essence of Ghanaian Jollof to the world, we extend an open invitation for everyone to savour the unique flavours of Ghana’s culture and heritage. In this exciting culinary odyssey the future is indeed flavourful, and the world eagerly awaits a taste of Ghanaian Jollof rice.

The post A taste of identity: how effective branding can put Ghanaian jollof on the global map appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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Dancer and content creator, Official Starter has disclosed that he compensates all of the market women he collaborates with for his viral dance videos.

He emphasized that it was imperative to pay the market women for their contributions because they sacrifice their various business schedules for his content.

Official Starter made this comment during a recent discussion at the Pulse Chat Session at the African Music Business Dialogue.

“Right now I am working with them so I have to pay them because they are not professional dancers, they are market women, and because they are not professional dancers, creating a choreography takes like 10 minutes with someone like Endurance, but with them, it might take like 2 to 3 hours.

“They have to leave whatever they are doing to join me, so I have to pay them; I’m wasting their time,” Official Starter said.

Official Starter expressed appreciation for the chance to work with market ladies and highlighted the challenges associated with working with the women who are not professional dancers.

“Working with them, I feel like I have to do more,” he said. “The people out there, some don’t even know me. My content is crossing borders. Getting to that part is crazy. Me working with mothers… You have to be calm. Working with 20 market women, you have to arrange them. It’s not easy,” he added.

Official Starter’s commitment to compensate the market women is an appreciation to their sacrifices and contributions towards his viral content.

Born Ernest Raja Nettey, Official Starter rose to fame with his catchy dance videos featuring market ladies in the city’s busy marketplaces.

Their passionate performances have won over hearts all around the world, and Afrobeat superstar, Burna Boy even gave them a shout-out.

3 news.com

Ghanaian singer and LGBTQ advocate, Sister Derby, has called out politicians for their “dishonest” and “insensitive” stance on LGBTQ rights.

In a recent social media post, she criticized politicians, including former president John Mahama, for using religion and culture to appeal to anti-LGBTQ sentiments while avoiding offence to queer acquaintances and business partners.

“Our politicians always choose their words carefully because they all have acquaintances and business partners who are queer so they would never say they are against LGBTQ people but they would rather say carefully that they are against marriage between persons of the same sex,” Sister Derby stated.

Sister Derby emphasized that politicians are sidestepping the crucial issues faced by the LGBTQ community in Ghana, such as discrimination, violence, and the denial of basic human rights.

She argued that politicians carefully choose their words to maintain a delicate balance, opting to express opposition to same-sex marriage rather than addressing the broader challenges confronting LGBTQ individuals.

Asserting that LGBTQ individuals in Ghana are not demanding marriage, which is not legally recognized in many countries, Sister Derby urged politicians to focus on respecting the basic human rights and dignity of the LGBTQ community.

“LGBTQ persons in Ghana NEVER asked for marriage. They only ask for basic human rights and to be left in peace.

“Politicians ride on the wave of homophobia and transphobia to get the masses who are brainwashed with religion to vote for them.”

She called on politicians to refrain from exploiting homophobia and transphobia to secure votes, emphasising that religion should not be weaponized against the rights of LGBTQ people.

Sister Derby, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights in Ghana, has actively engaged in campaigns and music projects to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of queer individuals.

Despite facing backlash and threats for her stance, she remains defiant and outspoken in her commitment to promoting LGBTQ rights in the country.

TIGpost.com

Answering questions under cross-examination by the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, embattled businessman, Richard Jakpa admitted that the international business agreement signed with a Dubai based company, Big Sea General Trading LLC, did not receive parliamentary approval as required by article 181(5) of the Constitution.

The businessman however explained that it was up to the Ministers for Finance and Health of the day to have submitted the agreement to Parliament for approval.

Mr Jakpa also admitted that Big Sea was not mentioned in the business proposal he submitted to the Ministry of Health for the supply of the ambulances. Big Sea was also not mentioned in the joint Memorandum submitted by the Ministers for Health and Parliament to Cabinet. The company was again not mentioned in the Cabinet approval for the transaction.

Mr Jakpa tried to explain to the court that Parliament’s Committee of Health had examined the specifications required for an ambulance whilst the Finance Committee examined the contract. However, the Attorney-General asked him to look at the Parliamentary approval and tell the court whether Big Sea was even mentioned.

Jakpa answered that he could not see Big Sea in it.

On the registration of Big Sea as a company licensed to convert vehicles into ambulances, the Attorney-General asked Jakpa to look at documents tendered by Jakpa himself and indicate when Big Sea was registered.

The Attorney-General indicated that per Jakpa’s own documents, Big Sea was registered as licensed to convert vehicles into ambulances originally on 9th April, 2015.

Jakpa replied that the registration is annual and renewed each year.
This is instructive as the Ambulance Contract was signed in 2012 and the importation of the ambulances itself was in 2014

ghanaweb.com

Popular Nigerian actor cum comedian, Charles Awurum, has lambasted persons who are criticizing Kwadwo Nkansah well known as LilWin for using Nollywood stars in the movie project called ‘A Country Called Ghana.’

Awurum questioned why some individuals would subject LilWin to criticisms for featuring Nigerian movie stars in his [LilWin’s] project and described the situation as “stupidity and foolishness.”

He argued that LilWin’s decision to involve Nigerian movie stars will help to revive the Ghana movie industry which is said to have been on the decline rather than impacting it negatively.

“Some jealous people who don’t want LilWin to progress are the ones castigating him for using Nigerian actors. The whole thing is stupidity and foolishness. LilWin is trying to uplift the movie industry in Ghana and they are sabotaging him. I think those people should be queried by the authorities.

“Although criticism is allowed, it should be constructive in the sense that it should not destroy one’s progress in life,” Awurum said in a video shared by Ghana Page on Youtube and sighted by GhanaWeb.

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.

Ramsey Nouah and Awilo Sharp Sharp are part of the Nigerian actors who will be featured in LilWin’s movie project.

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.

Watch the video below

ghanweb.com