Renowned Nigerian entertainment journalist and media personality, Adesope Olajide, recently expressed admiration for the accomplished Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, hailing him as a source of inspiration for numerous artists and music enthusiasts across Africa.
During an interview with Joy News at the Rapperholic Exhibition in Accra, Adesope lauded Sarkodie’s resilience, success, and significant impact on the African music scene.
He also praised the team responsible for the exhibition, acknowledging their efforts in spotlighting Sarkodie’s achievements.
“Sarkodie has always been a very special artist to me, an inspirational artist who represents people and uses his talent. He’s one of the very few examples in rap in Africa that’s found a way to do what brings everybody in, either by his instrumentation, his choruses or by what he’s talking about.
“We’ve all spoken to Sakordie over the last decade, and watched interviews, he talks about his start in the industry, Tema, music etc But to come into this exhibition and see the incredible work that the team has done to actualize, to put a picture together of how that man has started and carried on in his career. From humble beginnings to the biggest awards in the world, seeing it physically touching the outfits that we’ve seen on stage completely brings a whole new meaning to Sarkodie’s journey,” he said.
The ‘Rapperholic Exhibition,’ a pioneering event, was organized through a collaboration between Sarkodie’s Sarkcess brand, Eagle Plug, and Mix Design Hub. This exhibition, drawing creative influence from the ‘Book of HOV’ showcase, strategically highlighted an artist of immense acclaim, Sarkodie. The timing of the event was meticulously planned to coincide with the lead-up to the 10th-anniversary celebration of the ‘Rapperholic Concert,’ aptly themed ‘Rapperholic: The Rebirth.’
The Mix Design Hub in Osu played host to the exhibition, welcoming attendees for a concise five-day period. Among the distinguished guests were notable personalities like Dr. Osei Kwame, Dr. Ofori Sarpong, Nadia Buari, and members of Sarkodie’s family.
The esteemed Amakye Dede added to the grandeur of the exhibition on Tuesday, engaging in a tour and captivating the audience with a performance. The event schedule encompassed a Student Tour, Fireside Chat, Curators Dialogue, and a Podcast session.
In the world of comedy, 2023 has proven to be a year marked by an abundance of talent that has left audiences in stitches with razor-sharp wit and ingenious humor.
These comedic geniuses have become beacons of respite, offering a much-needed escape from the daily struggles and financial stresses of life.
Through their creative comedic content, these entertainers not only brought joy but also resonated with audiences by addressing the quirks and nuances of contemporary life.
Join us in this GhanaWeb retrospective glance at the comedic landscape of 2023 as we explore the Ghanaian comedians who not only entertained but also wowed audiences with their top-notch and witty content, solidifying their places in the gallery of humor.
The list is in no particular order.
1. Clemento Suarez
Although he is modest, he is an excellent entertainer who does his job with ease. His expressions and silence alone are enough to make people laugh, especially if they’ve seen him at one of the stand-up comedy shows or as a stage actor. For example, his performance at Nacee’s KAVOD was excellent. Oh, and he also raps!
2. Bismark the Joke
From screen acting to stage, Bismark the Joke has proven to be a force to reckon with in the comedy space. His #bissycabi and Nii Amu skits available on various social media platforms have entertained many considering the reactions he gets from the people who watch his content on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other platforms. He has performed on stage and played some comedic roles including being a landlord in Cos 90.
3. OB Amponsah
He is arguably the most sought after standup comedian in Ghana and his performances are simply flawless. OB exudes charisma and will always excite the audience with his introductory dance moves even before tells his jokes. OB is politically incorrect; he is blunt and could be described as a snipper. He does not censor his jokes. In 2023, he staged ‘A Journey to the South’ with colleague Lekzy DeComic and was a success. His 5th comedy special – JSS was also fun. Beyond being on stage, OB has entertained people with his social media posts.
4. Jacinta
She is the ‘woman on top,’ and it’s not surprising she named her 2023 comedy special as such. The event name, being a sequel to her maiden edition ‘One Night Stand,’ connoted sexuality of a sort, but that obviously was her niche – capturing their attention and keeping them mesmerized with witty content! To say Jacinta’s show was sold out is an understatement, and that will not be hyperbole. She nailed it.
5. Oliver Khan the Ship Dealer
He is not your regular comedian. Not at all! He doesn’t do skits nor standup; instead, he takes a seat on Pure FM’s radio waves, entertaining people with his braggadocious nature. His aggressive style of delivering the English language the way he thinks is top-notch, coupled with his self-aggrandizing nature, has made him the toast of the radio and comedy market. Anytime he engages in conversation with show host Bright Kankam Boadu, rest assured, pain, sadness, etc. will vanish. Oliver Khan has won the hearts of former president John Agyekum Kufuor, Shatta Wale and a host of other personalities.
6. Jeffrey Nortey
Undoubtedly, he is one of the people whose talents became very visible in 2023 despite being in existence for a while. His skits are nicely produced and his ability to infuse wordplay in his craft has been one of the factors for his success. He is known as the ‘Bar King’ because he drops bars upon bars! He is versatile and it is evident in how he is able to play the role of ‘Dragon’, troubled friend of Brown, among others. In December, he put together a show dubbed 3FacesOfJeffreyNortey and the audience who occupied every single seat at Snap Cinema were blown away.
7. Lekzy DeComic
Aside showcasing his talent on the ‘Journey to the South’ stage, Lekzy showed class during his comedy special ‘Can Pain Message’. The comedian is a good impressionist and does not deny the audience that side of him at the event. In fact, that has been one of his strengths. He was the emcee of Jeffrey Nortey’s event and handled the show very well serving some of his funny jokes to the crowd.
8. Putogo
Having been on many stages as a curtain raiser and supporting act, Putogo took a bold step to host his maiden comedy special in May 2023 at the Snap Cinema and it was a huge success. The event dubbed ‘Everything is Funny’ connoted with its title because indeed, everything was funny. Putogo has never left the stage without leaving a lasting impression on the audience. There has never been a dull moment with him on stage and like OB Amponsah, Putogo is uncensored.
9. Oh Joo
Some know him as Professor Liar-nel because of a segment he controls on GHOne TV’s Half Serious Show. With a calm yet interesting posture, he tells lies in a way that evokes laughter, hence, the name. Many know him as Oh Joo and 2023 has been his best year by far. After working on his scripts and garnering a solid fan base, Oh Joo staged his debut comedy special at the Snap Cinema in April 2023. It was dubbed ‘Timid and Crazy’ – a title that was a depiction or summary of his being. Yes, he may come across as timid but he is crazy when it comes to content.
10. Foster Romanus
He is a stage actor, an emcee and a standup comedian; undoubtedly one of the older folks who knows his onions. In 2023, he was never missing in action despite being in the University of Ghana Business School for his masters degree. His role in gospel musician Nacee’s KAVOD, for instance, was nicely executed as it elicited laughter from the audience. As an event emcee, he seizes the opportunity to throw in some of his content to entertain people. His delivery during the MTN Festival of Nice Lessons & Carols in December was impressive.
11. Comedian Unknown
“I am Unknown; if you don’t know me, I don’t know you” – that is how he introduces himself on stage. “I didn’t come here to tell jokes; I came to share my problems,” he would add in some cases. He is slim and unassuming – very tiny, if you like. But when he grabs the microphone, he justifies his inclusion. Comedian Unknown has been a curtain raiser and supporting act for many comedy events, and his calm way of telling his jokes makes him exceptional, leaving audiences wondering how such a quiet presence can wield humor with such profound impact.
12. Afia Barcelona
It would not be farfetched to describe her as the female version of Comedian Unknown, except that she has relatively been in the game longer than Unknown. Afia Barcelona is unpredictable, unaggressive but dangerous, literally. Mostly plying her trade in Kumasi and sometimes in Accra, Afia is a comedian whose unpretentious demeanor conceals a comedic prowess. She effortlessly weaves humor into the fabric of everyday life, surprising audiences with a delivery so smooth, yet appealing.
13. Jerry Ashinyo
Jerry made a notable entry into the realm of comedy specials in 2023, presenting “Out of my Mind” at Snap Cinema on August 5. The lanky comedian, known for his gentle delivery, had previously served as a supporting act and showcased his undeniable wit and humor, proving that he is indeed out of his mind in the best way possible.
Ebenezer Dwomoh, an architect by profession, stepped into the spotlight with his comedy special, “Architect Without A Plan.” Following the success of his previous shows, ‘Seriously Joking’ in 2019 at KNUST and ‘I’m Not Fooling’ in 2022 at the Kumasi City Mall, Dwomoh continued to earn praise for his witty content. Despite his reserved demeanor offstage, his transformation on stage captivates audiences with his clever portrayal of characters, often featuring speech impediments, and demonstrating that humor can be found in unconventional cadences of speech. His skits, particularly one ending with the phrase ‘Twa so’ in Asante Twi, meaning ‘it’s okay; let’s end it here,’ have added to his comedic repertoire. Collaborating with Boss Majoy in skits has also proven to be entertaining.
DKB, often referred to as the ‘headmaster’ due to the size of his head, has played a significant role in the success of the Ghanaian comedy industry. Organizing a monthly comedy show featuring a diverse lineup of acts, both young and old, DKB has consistently entertained patrons, earning commendation for his contributions to the industry. His performance at 3FacesOfJeffreyNortey is a testament to his comedic prowess.
While the Ghanaian comedy industry has seen growth in content, patronage, and support, challenges threaten its progress. In September, OB Amponsah issued a warning about the potential collapse of the Ghanaian comedy industry, citing inadequate funding and a lack of interest from stakeholders as critical issues that need attention.
Without mincing words, the popular comedian stated that “the standup comedy industry in Ghana is a struggling one”, explaining that it is “severely lacking funding even with exceptional talents that can sell anywhere.”
“The standup comedy industry is standing on wobbly legs. Don’t be surprised when it comes crumbling down,” he mentioned.
It is crucial to provide the necessary support to the comedy sector, not only to enable comedians to alleviate people’s pain through laughter but also recognizing it as an ecosystem. This sector plays a vital role in employment, contributing to the reduction of unemployment rates in the country.
Renowned Nollywood actress Ebube Nwagbo has shared a surprising revelation, admitting that she once harbored a crush on Emeka Ike.
However, Ebube disclosed that she never had the chance to express her feelings for the actor.
The revelation came during an interview at the premiere of Toyin Abraham’s latest film, ‘Malaika,’ held at Imax Cinema in Lagos.
Expressing her excitement about Emeka Ike’s return to cinema with the movie, Ebube Nwagbo provided a candid glimpse into her past admiration for the actor.
“I had a crush on Emeka Ike but wasn’t given the opportunity to express my feelings,”.
“I didn’t come on the internet space to clarify the allegations against me because it’s difficult to clarify because the same people that were bullying me on the internet, they were still there. They are gonna say, ‘Don’t mind him. He is still missing her. Move on.’
“And if you’re not prepared to handle it, you will be crushed. My secondary school, St. Nicholas College, on CMD road, Magodo, was shut down. Over N480 million investment that year was shut down. And all I heard was constant battery. I was like, ‘I don’t beat this lady. What’s going on? Babe, what’s going on? They said I beat you, do I?”
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo delves into the intriguing aspects of some of his movie roles, specifically those that involve him inside a coffin.
The seasoned thespian reveals that when tackling roles that require him to be in a coffin, he does not undergo any purification rituals or engage in binding unseen spirits.
According to Kanayo, he believes that the gift bestowed upon him by God eliminates the need for such preparations to portray these unique and challenging characters.
He said: “God gave me a talent. When I’m playing a role in a movie that involves going into a coffin. I do not sanctify myself or start binding unseen forces. I just play my role and get out. #KOKisOK”.
His statements have since sparked massive reactions from the public.
A Romanian court has turned down Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan’s request to see their mother in the UK following her heart attack.
Writing on X, Andrew said: “The Romanian state decided she must be alone at Christmas, if she is alive.”
The Tate brothers, facing charges of rape and human trafficking, both vehemently deny the accusations. Presently, they are restricted from leaving Romania.
The recent hearing was conducted in private, and the judge is expected to provide the rationale for the decision in the coming days.
Although the brothers were granted freedom to move within Romania after a period of house arrest, international travel remains prohibited.
Arrested in December 2022, they spent time in jail until March, after which house arrest was imposed.
The charges, filed in June against the Tate brothers and two co-defendant women, allege the exploitation of seven women through the “loverboy method,” a deceptive strategy promising relationships or marriages.
Andrew Tate maintains his innocence, contending that prosecutors lack evidence and dismissing the case as a political conspiracy aimed at silencing him.
He has recently sought legal efforts to reclaim confiscated assets, including luxury cars and watches valued at millions of euros.
In a tragic incident in Prague, the police reported that a gunman responsible for the deaths of 14 individuals at Charles University took his own life.
The shooting, which occurred in the university’s Faculty of Arts building, marks the darkest chapter in Czech mass shooting history.
There is also unverified information suggesting the same individual may have been involved in the earlier killings of a man and his daughter in a nearby forest.
During a press briefing, officials detailed how students had to barricade themselves within the university building while the police methodically searched each level to secure their safety. Bodycam footage from the operation was released, showing the tense moments leading up to the discovery of the gunman’s body on the building’s roof.
As a precaution, during the evacuation, police instructed everyone to exit with raised hands due to initial uncertainties regarding potential accomplices of the gunman.
The city’s police director, Petr Matejcek, added that there were “piles of ammunition in the corridors” and said he believed the quick arrival of police prevented more bloodshed.
This was echoed by Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, who told the BBC that the gunman had bought a lot of guns into the university and that he was “ready to kill a lot of people”.
Mr. Rakusan clarified that one person passed away later in a hospital and that thirteen people had died at the university.
Although women make up the majority of the injured and dead, it is believed that the killings were random.
“To speak about motives is not easy for this type of crime,” Mr Rakusan said, adding that he thought it might have something to do with the killer’s life and his mental state.
“We don’t have particular proof or info from him why he decided to do something so terrible.”
All of those killed in Thursday’s attack have now been identified, but only one person so far has been named officially. Lenka Hlavkova was head of the Institute of Musicology at Charles University.
“It’s extremely cruel news for all of us,” reads a Facebook post from the institute.
A total of 25 individuals sustained injuries in the attack, which included one Dutch citizen and two individuals from the United Arab Emirates. The assailant, identified as 24-year-old David Kozak, is believed to have also murdered his father at a different location.
Prior to the shooting, law enforcement had received a warning about the suspect’s intention to travel from a nearby town to Prague with the aim of taking his own life.
Authorities are now on high alert for potential individuals inspired by the recent attack, focusing on immediate threats, including monitoring social media channels. Ballistic evidence is awaited to confirm the connection between the university shooter and the murders of a man and his two-month-old daughter in the Klanovicky forest on December 15.
In response to criticism regarding the timing of weapon use, the head of Prague Police’s murder department stated that the university shooter had been a suspect in the earlier killings, emphasizing that the police prioritized minimizing harm in their response.
“It would be unfortunate if police used a gun and if there was an accident, and people… were killed or injured as a result of that accident,” he said.
Vit Rakusan told the BBC he thought the reaction of police was “really professional” based on the information they had, which was about a suicidal man and not a mass killer.
“When I see the timeline of this crime, I don’t see any empty places where the police could have worked better,” he said.
A mother’s refusal to let her son pursue further education, despite his impressive academic achievements, has left many people stunned and questioning her motives.
In a social media post, it was revealed that the boy, having excelled in his Junior High School (JHS) exams, secured admission to the prestigious Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec) in Legon. However, attempts to enroll him in the school have been unsuccessful.
The post highlighted that the boy was among the top students from Tema. His teachers, recognizing his potential, prepared everything needed for his enrollment, including purchasing items listed on his prospectus.
Yet, the boy’s educational journey hit a roadblock due to his mother’s firm stance against education, influenced by her religious beliefs. Her pastor has instilled in her the idea that education is futile, leading her to deny her son the opportunity to continue his schooling.
Read the full post below:
“I need your help here.
A brilliant boy called Evans has been placed in Presec, Legon. He is apparently one of the best in his JHS at Tema.
His JHS teachers have already shopped the boy’s prospectus, but failed to convince the mother to enroll him. Social welfare at Tema is aware and involved.
The mother will not enroll the boy because her new faith does not approve of education. Immediately you call to convince her, you receive a block. I am in touch with her on my other lines and with my other voices and names.
I hear she attends a church called “God’s Kingdom at Last”. I saw a handsome young man as the leader on facebook. I am struggling to establish contact with the church leader.
While I respect their faith, I believe I can have a conversation with the church leader and intercede for the boy. Someone here can also talk directly with the church leader for us.
Its been two weeks of persuasion. Let’s hope it works.
Compulsion through the law courts should be the last option. It can take forever to litigate on matters like this, as we want the boy in school early January, yet have no idea where he is being kept.
Any help?
Ghana Education Service, please preserve the boy’s placement. He will surely report next year.
Social media users are expressing deep sorrow as a young Ghanaian man named Kofi Miller tragically loses his life just before Christmas.
The 26-year-old reportedly lost his life in a car accident on the Kumasi-Accra highway.
Disturbing images of the crash have emerged on social media, prompting heartfelt reactions from fans.
Although the cause of the collision is unknown, his car was irreparably damaged.
She was asked to go on the trip with a close friend, who was fortunate enough to have the accident revealed, but she declined.
She wrote on social media, ‘My bestie was in the civic, he died, all his legs got broken. He told me he’s going to Kumasi will I join? And I told him to go and come, But he never returned 🙏🙏🥹 rip @dink_mill‘.
This holiday season, let’s all exercise caution. To him, RIP.
In an effort to lessen the financial burden of holiday travel, the Nigerian government has reduced public bus fares by 50% and provided free train rides throughout the nation during the holiday season.
According to Mr. Alake, who also serves as the head of the inter-ministerial committee on presidential intervention, the reduction in inter-state fares and complimentary train rides will be implemented from Thursday to January 4.
The agreement, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was reached in collaboration with companies that operate luxury buses across 22 routes nationwide, as stated by Mr. Alake.
He said air transportation was not part of the arrangement because the target of the president “is the masses”.
Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali said the substantial reduction in bus fares and the free train rides would ensure “every Nigerian can partake in the joy of the season without the burden of exorbitant transportation costs”.
Segun Falade, the spokesperson for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, stated that the bus operators would commence implementing the fare subsidy as agreed, as reported by local media.
December is typically the peak month for travel in Nigeria, witnessing the highest number of air, road transport, and railway passengers.
As dawn broke over Prague on Friday, the lights continued to glow within the Arts Faculty, where a grim crime scene unfolded overnight.
While the police cordon has been lifted, the Charles University building stands as a poignant reminder of the worst mass shooting in Czech history, with the removal of the 14th victim’s body marking a somber morning.
Meanwhile, across town, a makeshift shrine has emerged at the gates of another university building, honoring the 14 staff and students who lost their lives.
Amidst falling sleet, a gathering of mainly young individuals, including university and school students, pays tribute by leaving small candles and flowers on the cobblestones.
Lucy, holding a significant bunch of white roses, expresses, “It’s the least we can do.” She recounts being at the law faculty just a couple of hundred meters away when the shooting commenced.
She shares, “They locked up and told us not to leave. There were lots of emergency cars and police. We didn’t really know what was going on. Now, all we are talking about is that it could have been anybody. It could have been my friends. Anyone could have been a victim, and that’s horrifying.”
Professor Radek Samik found himself in the midst of danger while teaching a class at Charles University.
The tranquility of the lecture was shattered when a gunman entered the building, firing shots indiscriminately. Trapped on the first floor, he distinctly heard the chilling sound of single gunshots.
Meanwhile, Jakob Weizman, a journalist and student, was taking a language exam in a small room on a higher floor. The sudden eruption of “gunshots” and “screaming” threw him into a state of panic. Seeking safety, Weizman and his teacher locked themselves in the classroom.
The situation took a terrifying turn when, five minutes later, the assailant attempted to open their classroom door. Weizman recounted the assailant’s methodical approach, going through each classroom in search of victims.
Eventually, the police intervened, rescuing Weizman and his teacher from the building. The aftermath revealed a gruesome scene, with blood staining the faculty as a grim testament to the tragedy.
Every individual has their unique fashion sense that makes them look stunning and feel both comfortable and confident. However, in the realm of celebrity fashion, some choices can seem perplexing.
Ghanaian celebrities, in particular, have been noted for embracing unusual fashion choices, ranging from street style to red carpet appearances. These distinctive styles have become their trademarks, evident through their consistent use.
The year 2023 continued to showcase these celebrities flaunting unconventional outfits at various events, social media, and red carpets. While the public usually expects celebrities to dazzle on the red carpet or exhibit elegance on social media, a specific group of celebrities has adopted a non-traditional fashion approach that often garners mixed reactions.
These fashion statements, whether self-styled or crafted by designers, represent a significant investment in creating these unique looks.
These are the Ghanaian celebrities of 2023 who have the most peculiar appearances.
BLark Sherif
Some call it street fashion, but to many, it is one of the rarest styles to ever debut in the showbiz industry.
All through the year, the Ghanaian musician hasn’t only been consistent with making huge strides but also with his unusual wardrobe that has got many fans talking.
The ‘Kweku the Traveler’ hitmaker has a simple yet sophisticated sense of fashion which many have described as weird.
GAMBIA WAS SHAKING pic.twitter.com/FOZR8jybrc— BLACKO (@blacksherif_) November 26, 2023
He frequently exudes ‘retro’ vibes, often donning bootcut jeans paired with either a slim-fitting long-sleeved shirt or a matching tee.
Despite Black Sherif’s slender physique, he effortlessly embraces both fitted and loose-fitting outfits.
The standout moment of the year was Blacko’s ‘Kankurang’-infused costume, prominently featured during his concert in Gambia.
Despite being regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in Ghana, Cheddar consistently captures attention with his distinctive attire.
Throughout 2023, Cheddar has been frequently photographed wearing outfits reminiscent of military regalia, and on other occasions, he adopts fits inspired by a ‘crown prince’ aesthetic.
Resembling an army general, the military-inspired ensemble typically consists of a two-piece with a sash and a beret.
Adding to the flair, the outfit features numerous badges, and the Ghanaian ‘Coat of Arms’ is prominently embroidered on specific parts.
Cheddar’s outfits, though undoubtedly expensive, generate considerable discussion, especially when he makes a grand entrance at events.
However, criticism arises, particularly in the case of the military-inspired attire, with some expressing disapproval for what they perceive as a lack of respect for the country’s coat of arms and military office.
What started as child’s play or ‘madness’ as some see it has finally transformed into a trend and signature in the Ghanaian fashion industry.
The C.E.O of Zaraboutique, Richard Brown popularly known as ‘Zaraman’ has each year, made weird fashion choices and 2023 is no exception.
His weird and sophisticated fashion sense is one of a kind. For instance, his infamous ‘skirts’ have now become popular in Ghana.
He often pairs blazers with skirts, wears shirts that look cut for women, and sometimes wears dresses that the average man wouldn’t dare to wear.
DJ Azonto
DJ Azonto, a Ghanaian Amapiano musician, popularly known for his hit single, ‘Fa Ne Fom, is well noted for his controversial choice of rocking womenswear, a development that has since not been acknowledged in this part of the country.
From brassieres, and blouses, to heels and makeup, DJ Azonto rocks every outfit an average woman would wear.
In his case, his choice of style has been described as utterly irritating and extremely unconventional.
Ben Brako
A look at Ben Brako’s social media pages captures him in weird-looking traditional attires that usually stir discussion among netizens.
Attention was drawn to his weird-looking styles when half-naked pictures of him and his wife went viral on social media.
The highlife veteran usually adorns himself in plain white or red kaliko and local prints.
He usually pairs the attire with long feathered earrings, a nose stud and layered chains.
In most of his pictures, he paints his face with coded symbols and marks, leaving netizens confused.
The affirmation by the World Bank Country Director, Pierre Laporte, supports Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s statement on the positive trajectory of the Ghanaian economy, noting that it has indeed “turned the corner.
“When you look at where Ghana’s economy was a year or two years ago and you look at the macro-economic numbers now, like inflation, you may come to accept that things have improved”.
But he didn’t hesitate to point out that much more work must be done to guarantee the continuation of this marginal stability.
Speaking on PM EXPRESS BUSINESS Edition, which airs tonight on Joy News at 9 p.m. on December 21, 2023, with host George Wiafe, was the Country Director of the World Bank.
He did, however, emphasize that more may need to be done by the government to guarantee the maintenance of the existing stability, saying, “We still see the election year as one of the biggest threats to the marginal stability that we are witnessing. We have to do a lot to ensure that fiscal discipline is maintained”.
The World Bank Country Director also said “maybe the reforms should have been early enough to deal, with the challenges with the economy then”.
Building resilience to withstand COVID-19 shocks and Russian-Ukraine war
The government previously contended that the economic challenges faced by Ghana, considered one of the most significant shocks in recent history, were largely due to the Russian-Ukraine War and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This view, however, has been dismissed by several economists and analysts.
They argue that the government’s failure to develop sufficient buffers led to the economy’s vulnerability to such shocks. In response to these critiques, the World Bank Country Director acknowledged that while there may be some truth to these views, “We didn’t do well in the area of mobilising the required revenue to support the economy”.
But Mr. Laporte praised the nation for improving its economic standing.
“I am responsible for other countries in the region, and I still see how they are still struggling to recover”
He added “It has been very difficult in Liberia, in Sierra Leone. Things are very tough, these economies that were hit by COVID-19 are also struggling”
In a shocking turn of events, Safina Diamond, the young woman facing trial for the alleged murder of her Canadian boyfriend, has been found dead in her room.
This tragic outcome was confirmed by reports of her apparent suicide, accompanied by disturbing images circulating on social media.
Diamond’s case has been a topic of public intrigue since her arrest in 2022. She was accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend in the neck and stomach, an act she claimed was in self-defense.
The incident took place shortly after her boyfriend’s return from Canada to Ghana, sparking widespread media attention.
However, the revelation of her death has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and conspiracy theories. While many are mourning the severe nature of her demise, there are emerging suspicions suggesting that her death could be a strategic move to escape trial.
Some theorize that she may have been secretly smuggled out of the country to avoid imprisonment, implicating the involvement of influential figures.
The controversy surrounding Safina Diamond’s case and her untimely death highlight the complex interplay of justice, public perception, and the impact of social media on high-profile cases.
As the community grapples with this unexpected turn, questions about the truth behind her death and the circumstances leading up to it continue to linger.
Stonebwoy has been praised by BullGod of Bullhaus, formerly known as Bull Dog, for the successful execution of his Bhim Concert, which took place tonight.
The former manager of Shatta Wale claims that anyone who misses tonight’s Bhim Concert will be missing out on history because, judging by the acts on the lineup, it promises to be an unforgettable event.
Stonebwoy IS AN INSTITUTION NOT AN ARTISTE.” he posted on his his Facebook page.
According to Ghpage.com, the trinity concert at the Accra Sports Stadium has reportedly sold out of its 40,000 seats.
It’s unfortunate that Jamaican artists Jahmiel and 10tik will be the main attraction, with many local acts joining them as support acts.
Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown recently faced public scrutiny for her choice of attire at a high-profile music event.
Attending the Zaama Disco concert on December 21, 2023, at La Palm Beach, McBrown chose a form-fitting, daring outfit that became the center of controversy.
The event, headlined by Black Sherif, featured performances from various artists, including Kuami Eugene and Oseikrom Sikanii. However, it was McBrown’s fashion statement that captured significant attention. As she made her entrance, her body-hugging dress was deemed inappropriate by some attendees and social media commentators.
Criticism quickly surfaced online, with one user referring to her as a ‘Grandma’ and suggesting that her attire was not suitable for her age. Another comment advised that she should rather spend time at home with her husband instead of frequenting concerts.
This backlash highlights the ongoing debate over age-appropriate dressing and the societal expectations placed on women, particularly those in the public eye. McBrown, known for her vibrant personality and bold fashion choices, found herself at the center of a conversation about age, fashion, and personal freedom.
“Mbrewa make u sleep by ur husbands small,” a fan opined.
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into a shocking incident at a hospital, where a surgeon is accused of physically assaulting a patient mid-operation.
The incident, which occurred in 2019 but only recently gained public attention, involved the surgeon allegedly hitting an 82-year-old female patient several times in the head during an eye surgery. Captured on video, the incident quickly spread on Chinese social media, causing widespread indignation.
The hospital in question, part of Aier China’s network of eye hospitals, is located in Guigang, a city in southwestern China. According to Aier China, the patient experienced discomfort from the local anaesthesia, leading to involuntary head and eye movements during the procedure. Communication issues arose, as the patient spoke a local dialect and seemingly did not understand the surgeon’s Mandarin warnings, prompting the surgeon’s aggressive response.
Following the surgery, the hospital management offered an apology and compensated the patient’s family with 500 yuan. However, the patient’s son revealed that his mother suffered from bruises and, more alarmingly, is now blind in her left eye, although it is unclear if this resulted from the incident.
Aier China has taken disciplinary actions, suspending the surgeon, who also served as the hospital dean, and dismissing the hospital’s CEO. These actions were taken for “serious violations” of the group’s regulations, which also included other unmentioned offenses.
The case resurfaced when Dr. Ai Fen, a prominent Chinese doctor known for her early warnings during the Wuhan Covid outbreak, shared the CCTV footage on her Weibo account, where she has over two million followers. Dr. Ai has been in legal conflicts with Aier China since 2021 after she claimed to have nearly lost sight in one eye following a surgery at one of their facilities, a claim the hospital group denies.
Dancehall musician Stonebwoy has declared that, in light of everything he has endured over the years, his life is a miracle.
Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Stonebwoy said that although he has experienced a lot, he is a successful person by the grace of God.
“If you want to see the greatness of God in everything, look at my life. We started at Ashaiman, a ghetto youth. People don’t remember that I used to walk one and a half. Because my kneel got tattered in an accident as a teenager. I used to walk stiff and yet I have to win artist of the year,” Stonebwoy stated.
He claimed that in spite of all the obstacles, God had enabled him to succeed and win numerous honors both in Ghana and abroad.
“So my life is a miracle that’s why tomorrow is going to be another miracle,” he reiterated.
He claims that working in Ghana’s creative sector is not simple.
“The industry that I believe loves you and it gets to the point that they have to give you a special amount of hate that you need to deal with. When you go through that then it seems that you become untouchable,” he stated.
A significant development has emerged from yesterday’s events, as highlighted in our previous update.
Hamas has declared that it will not consider any further hostage releases unless Israel commits to a complete halt in hostilities.
Following a truce agreement last month, Hamas released over 100 hostages. However, approximately 120 Israelis, abducted on October 7, are reportedly still held captive in Gaza.
Hamas issued a firm statement, asserting, “There is a Palestinian national decision that there will be no discussions regarding prisoners or exchange deals until there is a full cessation of aggression.”
The exact Palestinian factions to which this statement applies remain unclear, although Islamic Jihad, another active group in Gaza, is known to hold some Israeli hostages as well.
This development presents a challenging scenario for the Israeli government. While Israel’s strategy has been to exert military pressure on Hamas and conduct rescue operations, these efforts have only successfully liberated one hostage, Ori Megidish, to date.
Rastafarian student at Achimota School, Tyrone Marhguy, is celebrating his outstanding performance in the 2023 WASSCE.
Marhguy achieved an impressive feat by securing 8As in various subjects.
The news of his exceptional results has quickly spread across the internet, with fans and well-wishers extending their congratulations. A video capturing Marhguy’s reaction as he checked his results at a cafe with friends has also surfaced.
In the video, Marhguy is seen entering his details into the system, eagerly anticipating his scores. The outcome is nothing short of remarkable, with 8As achieved in subjects such as Science, Core Maths, Elective Maths, Chemistry, English, Social Studies, among others.
Witness his jubilant reaction upon viewing his outstanding results in the video below.
The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has announced the release of provisional results for the 2023 Ghana-specific WASSCE for school candidates. As per the press release dated December 18, 2023, WAEC will be providing school heads with login credentials to access the results of their students.
The latest results mark a significant achievement, recording the best performance in the past four years, from 2020 to 2023, as per WAEC’s performance statistics.
Candidates eager to view their results can do so via the Council’s official website, where the results have been made available.
It is important to note that WAEC has withheld the results of 4,878 candidates. This action is due to these candidates not returning learning support materials issued by their schools. Those impacted are encouraged to reach out to their schools for resolution.
WAEC also wants to alert all stakeholders about the rise of fraudulent schemes promising result upgrades for a fee. The Council strongly advises against engaging with such frauds and reminds everyone to use only official channels for any queries or concerns related to examination results.
“Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.”
In an explanation, WAEC stated that 3,647 candidates’ subject results had been canceled because they had brought printed materials, text books, and prepared notes into the testing rooms.
Furthermore, 839 candidates’ entire results have been nullified due to their possession of cell phones during the exam.
For a variety of suspected offenses, the full results of 1,005 candidates and the subject results of 4,280 candidates have been withheld.
A total of 448,674 candidates participated in the examination, comprising 212,453 males and 236,221 females from 975 schools. This entry figure reflects a 5.8% increase compared to the 2022 entry figure of 422,883.
Here is the list of the top 20 ranking schools in the 2023 WASSCE in Ghana.
St James Seminary Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 98.80%
ST Francis Xavier Junior Seminary – Average Percentage of Passes: 94.97%
Opoku Ware Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 88.23%
Wesley Girls Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 87.60%
Holy Child Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 87.53%.
Adisadel College – Average Percentage Of Passes: 86.31%
St Peter’s Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 84.81%
Augustine’s College – Average Percentage Of Passes: 83.06
St John Teye Memorial Institute – Average Percentage of Passes: 81.96%
Notre Dame Seminary Snr. High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 81.64%
St Rose’ Senior High School – Average Percentage Of Passes: 81.59%
St Louis’ Snr. High School – Average Percentage Of Passes: 81.25%
Saviour Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 80.79% 14.
Mfantsipim School – Average Percentage Of Passes: 79.03%
Presec Legon Boys’ Snr. High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 78.08%
Galaxy International School – Average Percentage Of Passes: 77.46%
Prempeh College – Average Percentage Of Passes: 76.63%
Berekum Star Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 75.94%
Pope John Senior High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 75.83%
Aburi Girls’ Snr. High School – Average Percentage of Passes: 74.46%
The Gaza Strip’s health ministry, under the control of Hamas, reports that almost 400 people have lost their lives in the past two days.
According to their statement, the total death toll is 390, with an additional 734 individuals injured.
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, the health ministry asserts that over 20,000 people have been killed. It’s important to note that the BBC has not independently verified this death toll.
In the vibrant world of Ghanaian music, the topic of collaboration often leads to discussions about the renowned rapper, Sarkodie. His name often surfaces, not just for his musical prowess but for the dream-like challenge many artists face in securing a collaboration with him.
Mr. Logic, the Chief Executive Officer of Red Panther Music, shared his repeated yet unsuccessful attempts to feature Sarkodie in some of his compositions. Despite sending several verses to the rapper, Mr. Logic’s efforts were met with silence, echoing a familiar narrative among his peers.
This situation isn’t unique to Mr. Logic. Other notable Ghanaian artists, including Samini, Kwaw Kese, Edem, and even Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, have voiced similar experiences. These artists recount how their attempts to collaborate with Sarkodie remained unfulfilled, painting a picture of an almost unreachable dream when it comes to working with the celebrated rapper.
Mr. Logic, driven by his ambition, even considered the option of financial compensation to secure a feature with Sarkodie. Yet, despite his willingness to pay, his dream of a collaboration remained just that – a dream, elusive and unattained. This scenario underscores a wider sentiment among artists who admire Sarkodie’s talent but find collaboration with him an elusive goal.
He said the “U Go Kill Me” hitmaker requested the verses but he never got back to him.
In a discussion with Andy Dosty on Hitz 103. 9 FM shared on Twitter, he said: “I was ready to go the business way. I was ready to make an offer but Angel told meSarkodie does not care about the money. I approached Angel and told him I was ready to pay for a feature from Sarkodie. I was ready to pay 10,000 dollars. I called DJ Mensah and informed him about my decision. DJ Mensah told me that the money won’t be enough but I should send him the song so he could forward it to Sarkodie. I did that and followed up on the song and till now, the song never came. The songs were very good”.
“It hurts. I am not an industry kid; I am an industry guru. I have been doing this work for twenty years both in Ghana and abroad. I am not a kid. I was here when Sarkodie came into the limelight. I know Sarkodie so I have every right to feel this way”, he added.
On the onset of December, during the renewed hostilities in Gaza, the family of five-month-old Palestinian infant Muhammad Hani al-Zahar experienced a tragic loss.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, images circulated online showing Muhammad’s mother and grandfather cradling his lifeless body outside a hospital.
These poignant scenes, however, were met with skepticism on social media, where numerous users incorrectly asserted that Muhammad was not a real child but a doll.
This misinformation gained further traction when the Jerusalem Post, a prominent Israeli newspaper, published an article featuring an image of Muhammad in a post-mortem state, erroneously claiming it as evidence of him being a doll.
Following significant criticism, the Jerusalem Post retracted the article and acknowledged the mistake on X (formerly Twitter), citing unreliable sources for the report.
In a separate incident, a video of Israeli siblings Rotem Mathias, 16, and his sisters, Shakked and Shir, became widely shared.
The video emerged after the tragic death of their parents, who were killed by Hamas gunmen on October 7th while seeking shelter in their home near the Gaza border.
The footage, which included edited excerpts from the siblings’ interviews with American media outlets ABC and CNN, was misleadingly used to promote the false narrative that they were “crisis actors” pretending to grieve and struggling to suppress laughter during the interviews.
In the digital landscape of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the proliferation of social media has become a battleground for divergent perspectives, with denial of atrocities and human suffering taking center stage in the online discourse.
One prominent term contributing to this phenomenon is “Pallywood,” a portmanteau of “Palestine” and “Hollywood.” Proponents of this term allege that staged or fake footage, featuring Palestinian “crisis actors” posing as genuine civilian casualties, is regularly disseminated online to shape public opinion and mislead global media. According to a BBC Verify analysis, the term “Pallywood” has experienced a significant surge in mentions on X over the past decade.
During previous escalations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2014, 2018, and 2021, “Pallywood” consistently peaked at either 9,500 or 13,000 mentions in a single month on X. However, after the Hamas attack on October 7, the term reached a peak of 220,000 mentions in November.
The analysis also revealed that among those sharing the term “Pallywood” on social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram, were Israeli officials, celebrities, and popular bloggers from Israel and the United States.
Conversely, supporters of the Palestinian cause lack a singular term to deny atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 in Israel. However, posts making such claims routinely garner millions of views on social media, falsely asserting that Hamas did not kill civilians on that day or exaggerating the scale of civilian casualties. Some go as far as making unfounded claims that most victims were actually killed by the Israel Defense Forces, not Hamas.
Experts specializing in reconciliation efforts express concern that the viral dissemination of disinformation, which denies the suffering of the other side, can be dehumanizing. They fear that this may have lasting impacts on the prospects of rebuilding relations between the affected communities in the long term.
“The biggest risks, I think, are the erosion of trust and the erosion of empathy,” said Harriet Vickers, programme lead at the Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, a charity that supports victims of conflict, political violence and acts of terror.
“It undermines the ability to even begin approaching reconciliation efforts.”
She added that false narratives and dehumanising rhetoric can also “have a profound effect beyond those that are directly impacted by violence, and can actually further the hurt that is being done to those individuals”.
False narratives about “crisis actors” or atrocity denial are not new to those who study disinformation.
The concept of “crisis actors” in particular – that is people who pretend or are paid to act out some particular tragedy or disaster – has been popular among promoters of conspiracy theories for years.
But the volume of dehumanising rhetoric posted during this war has surprised even those who deal with such content on a daily basis.
Eliot Higgins, the founder of the investigative website Bellingcat that has covered the wars in Syria and Ukraine in recent years, says the volume of disinformation in the current Israeli-Gaza war is “unique to this conflict”.
“I’ve seen the kind of same intensity of toxicity and vile responses and disinformation, the way they treat women and children and that kind of stuff, with Syria, with Ukraine and so many different topics – just there are more people doing it,” he told the BBC.
Image caption,Images of a child actor in behind-the-scenes footage of a Lebanese video were used to discredit claims of Palestinian suffering
Mr Higgins added that because many people have had very strong opinions about either side of the conflict for years, “there are more people who are sharing stuff because it is resonating with them emotionally”.
“They don’t really care if it’s true or not, it just feels true to them.”
Back in November, a video showing makeup and fake blood being applied to a child actor’s face was posted on X by Ofir Gendelman, the Israeli prime minister’s spokesperson to the Arab world.
“See for yourselves how they fake injuries and evacuating ‘injured’ civilians, all in front of the cameras. Pallywood gets busted again,” Mr Gendelman said in a post that was viewed millions of times before being deleted.
The video was, in fact, behind-the-scenes footage from a 45-second Lebanese film made in tribute to Gazans and posted online in October.
Director Mahmoud Ramzi, who took to Instagram to personally debunk the false claim made about his film, told the BBC that in the end, the misinformation might have backfired, with the controversy helping his film reach a much bigger audience.
The BBC approached Mr Gendelman for comment but he has not responded.
Image caption,Israeli spokesman Ofir Gendelman initially shared footage of a Lebanese film claiming it showed Palestinian injuries were faked
Others have expressed concern for the real people who find themselves in the middle of online disinformation wars. James Longman, the ABC correspondent who interviewed Rotem and his sisters, says watching Rotem recount the death of his parents brought him and his cameraman to tears.
“He was in tears, his sister was in tears, their grandfather, who was with us. Our cameraman, the hospital porters, the nurses, the doctors, and I was in tears. I mean all of us sitting there listening to what he had to say,” he told the BBC.
“It was extraordinary to hear him say it, to watch his reactions as he explained what had happened.”
Mr Longman said he was shocked when he saw false claims about the siblings being shared online and took to X to debunk it. His post was shared widely, and led to at least one of the viral messages about the siblings being subsequently deleted by the person who posted it.
“But it doesn’t make it any less horrible for Rotem’s family,” Mr Longman said
Deborah Vanessa, popularly known as ‘Sister Derby,’ has offered a response to Sam George’s assertions that he has never been involved in an extra-marital affair.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram made this claim during an interview with Bola Ray on the StarrChat show, challenging any woman to provide evidence of being his alleged side chick.
Sam George boldly asserted that his wife fulfills both roles as a wife and a side chick, describing her as a complete package.
This, he explained, is the reason why he has no desire for any other woman outside of his marital relationship.
“My life is work, house and church. If you know any girl anywhere, I am dating, just call her to the show, I am waiting. I am throwing a challenge out there. Anybody should bring evidence. You won’t ever see me sitting at a spot alone or with some random girl. If you see me anywhere, especially at +233, my wife is always sitting by me,” he told Bola Ray on the StarrChat show.
The remarks made by Sam George have ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with numerous netizens expressing skepticism.
Deborah Vanessa, who has a history of disagreement with the lawmaker, didn’t shy away from joining the conversation. She took to the comments section of a blog to criticize the parliamentarian.
In her response, Deborah Vanessa suggested that in his next interview, the discourse should move beyond just ‘side chicks’ and include a discussion on ‘side boys.’
“Next time ask him same question about side boy. His answer might be different,” she wrote.
Sister Derby finds herself at odds with Sam George, a clash fueled by the parliamentarian’s fervent advocacy in Parliament for the passage of an anti-LGBTQ bill.
The Ningo-Prampram MP has been outspoken in his commitment to seeing the bill through, drawing sharp criticism from Sister Derby, who serves as a spokesperson for the LGBTQ community in Ghana.
Francis Tetteh Nutakor expresses concerns about the future of producers, fearing that they may cease production due to what they perceive as excessive government levies and minimal returns.
Nutakor conveyed his apprehensions during an interview with Prince Benjamin (PB) on the entertainment segment of the Class Morning Show on Class 91.3 FM, aired on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
In his lamentation, Nutakor highlighted the oppressive impact of taxes on the theatre industry, emphasizing that despite substantial financial contributions, the sector receives insufficient support from the government.
He specifically pointed out the absence of tangible initiatives such as infrastructural development and capacity building, which are crucial for the growth and sustainability of the theatre community.
“We don’t know it all but if the government is taking 21 per cent [in taxes from us] and the next week you come to the theatre and there is some improvement in the AC condition, chairs, we’d then know that our taxes are being used for our sector. But we don’t see that,” Nutakor said.
Meanwhile, the officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) “are always at the gate,” he noted.
He claimed that at the production venues’ gates, GRA representatives frequently get confused with ticket sellers and customers.
Nutakor said: “Sometimes, they come late and they go and count the people inside. There are a 1000 people in the venue and your tickets are selling at 150.
“They do the 21 per cent of the 150, and then they ask you to come and pay. And it’s huge money.
“The taxes are more expensive than the auditorium, the light, the set and, sometimes, the payment for the crew combined.
“So you’re paying for auditorium, you’re paying for light, you’re paying for sound, you’re paying for security. When you combine all these things, the tax you’re paying is even more than that.
“I’m telling you. You can pay taxes, probably 30,000 or 40,000, and you ask yourself: ‘What’s the point of all this?’”
Romanus Incomplete V, starring comic actor Foster Romanus, is the most recent work by Francis T. Nutakor.
Ghana’s beloved international sensation, Black Sherif, brought the La Palm Royal Beach to life with his extraordinary Zaama Disco Concert last night.
The star-studded event featured performances by other luminaries such as Kuami Eugene.
Black Sherif’s on-stage presence set the audience ablaze, with fans enthusiastically chanting his name and singing along to his chart-topping tunes.
To culminate the night, the affectionately nicknamed Blacko decided to unveil his latest dance move to the delight of his fans.
However, the unconventional nature of the dance sparked widespread discussions. Some speculated that he might have consumed a significant amount of weed, given the peculiar way he behaved.
It’s no secret that one of Blacko’s inclinations is to use weed to achieve a heightened state.
Within the realm of music and entertainment blogs, these online platforms are strategically crafted for the distribution of entertainment news and the showcasing of musical content. Typically, music bloggers sift through a diverse range of content, including recent music releases, upcoming concerts and festivals, and noteworthy happenings in the music industry.
Beyond event coverage, these bloggers delve into detailed reviews of albums, singles, and live performances. Some blogs may focus on specific music genres, while others present a wide array of musical styles.
These platforms play a crucial role as a gateway to discovering new music, gaining insights into favorite artists, and staying updated on the latest developments in the dynamic music industry. Africanmusic has compiled a list of the top music blogs in Africa to guide music enthusiasts in exploring the diverse musical landscape of the continent.
PlusNaija: Plusnaija is a widely acclaimed Nigerian blog website that acts as a comprehensive hub for music enthusiasts, presenting the freshest and most noteworthy tunes from across the globe. Going beyond catering to African music lovers, the platform also boasts an extensive collection of foreign music available for download. Plusnaija ensures users have effortless access to a varied spectrum of content, including political news, diverse musical genres, and BBNaija updates, ensuring they remain well-informed about the latest trends in the industry.
Audiomack: Audiomack stands out as an all-encompassing platform, offering an extensive music streaming and audio discovery experience. It serves as a conduit for artists and creators to share their music and podcasts with a worldwide audience, accessible through both its mobile apps and website. Founded in 2012 by a team that includes Dave Macli, David Ponte, Thomas Klinger, Ty Wangsness, and Brian Zisook, Audiomack provides the flexibility of unlimited uploads for music and podcasts, guaranteeing users constant access to a rich and diverse range of content.
Naijacreep: Positioned as a leading Nigerian music and entertainment hub, Naijacreep, spearheaded by visionary Adebiyi Sodeeq, caters to the discerning tastes of music enthusiasts. Focused on delivering both streaming and downloadable music, along with captivating entertainment content, Naijacreep has emerged as the go-to destination for aficionados seeking the latest releases and updates.
NaijaGizmos: Recognized as a trending website covering music and entertainment news in South Africa and Nigeria, NaijaGizmos is revered for its continuous updates on Amapiano, Hip-hop, Gqom, RnB, Afro-house, and more. Noteworthy for engaging effectively with the South African audience, it stands as a prominent player in the music website landscape.
Heartlandngr: A celebrated Nigerian website, Heartlandngr, caters to the insatiable appetite of news enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of updates from Nigeria. Covering political and entertainment news, Heartlandngr has become the preferred destination for those seeking comprehensive news updates.
The36vibes: A prominent entertainment platform, The36vibes specializes in providing comprehensive updates on movies, including news and trailers. The platform caters to movie enthusiasts across various categories, solidifying its status as a preferred destination for those seeking the latest releases and updates from Nollywood, Hollywood, Korean Drama, and beyond.
Thelensng: As one of Nigeria’s most visited websites, Thelensng captivates users with its outstanding content. Serving as a comprehensive source for news-related needs, it provides informative resources and regular updates, making it a go-to destination for individuals seeking reliable information.
Zamusic: Positioned as South Africa’s premier website for music, news, and entertainment, Zamusic delivers daily updated content, earning acclaim from prominent entertainment sites in the country. With effective engagement with the South African audience, Zamusic stands out as a reliable source for the latest updates in the entertainment scene.
Zatracks: Recognized and esteemed as a prominent South African website, Zatracks caters to the diverse interests of music enthusiasts. Renowned for its extensive offerings, the platform consistently informs its audience about the latest releases in South African and African music, positioning itself as the primary destination for those seeking the latest tracks from the region and beyond.
These music and entertainment blogs play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the art form. Offering features like album reviews, artist interviews, and explorations of music history, these blogs provide enthusiasts with a platform to actively engage with their favorite artists and delve into the intricacies of the music world. Whether guiding decisions on purchasing a new album or attending a concert, turning to these blogs enriches the overall music experience.
Award-winning Afropop, dancehall, and reggae musician, Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name Stonebwoy, has declared he will not tolerate his children being gay or lesbian.
The BET award winner, who boldly identified as straight, claimed that because of the upbringing he and his wife are providing for their kids, he expects them to follow in their footsteps.
“I believe that people will take after you most often. I am straight, my dad was straight, my mother was straight. My family line majority of them showed straightness as far as I am concerned. So I believe that, I am straight and I can put my hands on that. My wife is straight. My daughter has got to be straight, my son has got to be straight because they are continuing in that certain. So they are going to learn that,” Stonebwoy said in an interview with Bola Ray on Starr Chat on Starr FM.
In mid-June 2021, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Alban Bagbin stated that LGBT+ rights “should not be encouraged or accepted by our society” and that “urgent actions are being taken to pass a law to eventually nip the activities of [LGBT+] groups in the bud.”
“Later that month, eight MPs in the Parliament proposed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021. The eight MPs were Sam Nartey George, Della Sowah, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Alhassan Suhuyini, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Helen Ntoso, and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, all of the National Democratic Congress, as well as John Ntim Fordjour of the New Patriotic Party. On 1 July, Alban Bagbin stated that he expected the law to be passed within six months, telling a prayer meeting of Ghanaian MPs that “the LGBT+ pandemic is worse than COVID-19.”
The bill successfully underwent its initial reading in the Ghanaian Parliament on 2 August 2021, subsequently being forwarded to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.
On 13 October 2021, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the majority leader in Parliament, affirmed the commitment of the legislative body to meticulously evaluate the bill, emphasizing the importance of achieving a thoughtful balance in the process.
On November 5, 2021, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin disclosed that the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee would commence hearing petitions within a week, estimating that the hearings would span approximately 15 weeks.
Subsequently, on November 12, 2021, public hearings on the bill commenced in the Parliament of Ghana. During the initial hearings, Henry Kwasi Prempeh from the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development voiced opposition to the bill, emphasizing that being part of a temporary majority does not grant the authority to impose one’s will on any individual in society. Kyeremeh Atuahene of the Ghana AIDS Commission expressed concerns that the bill could criminalize anti-HIV/AIDS efforts in the country and jeopardize donor funding.
On November 30, 2021, Akwasi Osei of the Mental Health Authority Ghana voiced support for the bill, asserting that homosexuality was abnormal and claiming that a majority ofLGBT+individuals in Ghana identified as such due to peer pressure. On the same day, Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice of Ghana, cautioned the Parliament to exercise caution with the bill, stating that the commission neither endorsed nor opposed it but highlighted the potential risk of subjecting human rights advocates to criminal prosecution.
December 6, 2021, saw Moses Foh-Amoaning of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values expressing support for the bill, contending that LGBT+ individuals were “not well,” and the law provided health authorities with the power to intervene.
Fast forward to July 5, 2023, the Parliament of Ghana unanimously voted to grant the bill a second reading and approved minor amendments proposed by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Ben Duker, a renowned Ghanaian Radio and TV producer, is advocating for a more diversified approach from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Instead of solely concentrating on event taxes, Duker suggests that GRA should also engage in promoting events through their social media platforms.
Speaking on Angel 102.9 FM in Accra, Ben Duker noted that, despite monitoring the GRA’s activities over the years, he has not observed active promotion of artists’ events by the authority.
While acknowledging the importance of tax payments as a form of responsible citizenship, he proposed that GRA could further contribute by supporting the events they tax.
The experienced producer, known for his work with Adom FM and Kasapa FM before joining Angel FM, expressed concern about the substantial tax burdens faced by event organizers, especially when the financial returns are not evidently beneficial.
“I have checked the social media handles of the Ghana Revenue Authority to see if they make efforts to promote any kind of event,” Ben Duker remarked.
He pointed out the usual practice where the GRA establishes tables at events to gather taxes linked to ticket sales.
While recognizing the significance of tax payment, Ben Duker urged the GRA to extend their role beyond mere collection. He emphasized the need for the GRA to actively support event organizers by utilizing their social media platforms to promote artists and programs.
Duker proposed the posting of event flyers to boost program visibility, instilling confidence in potential attendees.
Ben Duker pleaded with the GRA, stating, “I’m begging Ghana Revenue Authority, event organisers suffer before they are able to promote one event, including the money involved.”
” I’m begging you, this will take nothing from you. Just post the upcoming events like Black Sheriff and Stonebwoy’s programs on your page, and I believe it will spoil nothing so that when someone sees it, they will have faith in it with the reason that they have seen it on the GRA page,” he added.
He clarified that the GRA’s promotion of events would help both the organizers and the general public, drawing more people to the events and ultimately increasing the authority’s tax income.
Shatta Wale’s recent romantic partner, known as Maali on social media, has expressed her affection for her beloved, Charles Nii Armah Mensah.
Sharing a heartfelt message on her Snapchat account, the social media influencer posted a cherished photo with Shatta Wale, captioning it “till death do us part.”
The couple gained attention when Shatta Wale introduced her several months ago on his social media platforms. Maali is one among the many women associated with the acclaimed Reggae dancehall artist.
While some on social media are skeptical about the longevity of the relationship, Shatta Wale’s fans express optimism and wish the couple success in their love journey.
In a recent escalation of tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the Catholic Church, Bishop Isidoro Mora was arrested by police.
His arrest followed his expression of unity in prayer for his fellow bishop, Rolando Álvarez, who is currently serving a 26-year prison sentence for criticizing President Daniel Ortega’s government.
This incident is part of a broader campaign against the Catholic Church by President Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo, who have been targeting church officials speaking against their administration.
The regime has jailed and expelled several clerics, with 12 priests among the 222 opposition figures deported to the US in February.
Notably, Rt Rev Álvarez, the bishop of Matagalpa, had previously refused to go into exile, stating he would only do so if instructed by the Pope.
After his refusal, Bishop Isidoro Mora of the Siuna diocese in Nicaragua faced charges of treason, undermining national integrity, and spreading false news.
Bishop Mora had referenced Bishop Rolando Álvarez during a homily in Matagalpa, stating that Nicaragua’s Episcopal Conference, representing the Catholic bishops in the country, “was always united, praying for Monsignor Rolando.”
This statement is believed to be the cause of Bishop Mora’s arrest. The Catholic Church in Nicaragua has been a source of tension with the government since it sheltered students during widespread anti-government protests in 2018.
The authorities have targeted religious figures, including canceling the legal status of the Jesuit religious community and seizing assets of the Jesuit-run Central American University.
The government has also taken action against non-governmental organizations, charging the organizer of the Miss Nicaragua beauty pageant with treason, and shutting down numerous NGOs.
A fresh attempt will be made at the UN Security Council today for a vote on a resolution urging a halt to the conflict in Gaza.
Diplomatic negotiations are underway to finalize the wording of the resolution to prevent a US veto. The main point of contention revolves around the inspection and monitoring of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates, the author of the draft resolution, stated that high-level discussions are ongoing to achieve a resolution with significant impact.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized efforts to ensure that UN actions don’t complicate the delivery of aid to Gaza.
In an earlier vote this month, the majority of the UN Security Council favored an immediate ceasefire, but the US vetoed the demand, and the UK abstained. Israel maintains its opposition to a permanent ceasefire, insisting on the dismantling of Hamas before ending the conflict.
Blakk Rasta criticized wealthy Ghanaian businessman Freedom Jacob Caesar for keeping ‘exotic’ pets, specifically White Lions, at his residence.
Neighbors have been engaged in a legal battle to compel Caesar to relocate the Lions due to concerns about noise, fear, and the animals’ unpleasant odor.
Despite a court order to remove the Lions, Caesar has not complied.
Blakk Rasta expressed his disapproval, labeling Caesar as a wicked man, despite having received compliments from him during a recent encounter.
However, despite losing in court and being ordered to remove the animals from his property, Freedom Jacob Caesar has refused to do so.
Blakk Rasta, reacted to the incident, slamming Cheddar for being a wicked man.
He said he had met the man recently and Chedda had complemented him yet, there is no question that he is a wicked man.
Former beauty queen and media personality, Akua GMB, has stirred a significant response on social media after showcasing her posterior in a bodycon dress.
In a video that quickly went viral, Akua GMB flaunted her butt during the launch of a clothing shop. However, social media users couldn’t help but notice a perceived change in the shape and weight of her well-known prominent derriere.
Speculation arose that Akua may have undergone buttock augmentation, but opinions are divided as some feel the outcome appears somewhat deformed.
The video has triggered discussions and reactions across various online platforms as netizens share their thoughts on Akua’s altered appearance.
Israel’s military has reported the discovery of a new network of tunnels in Gaza City, linked to the residences of senior Hamas leaders.
These tunnels, covering around 300 miles (500 kilometers) under Gaza, are believed to be up to 260 feet (80 meters) below the surface with entrances located on the bottom floors of houses and public buildings.
The Israel Defense Forces assert that these tunnels serve as hideouts for Hamas to plan operations against Israel.
Initially used for smuggling goods, the construction began before Israel’s withdrawal of troops and settlers in 2005.
Everything was fine in my marriage until the last eight hobbling years.
Unfortunately, divorce proceedings started in the 25th year of our union. Once the dissolution was finalized, I told people how I was happily married for 15 years, yet married for a decade more than that. And though I found my response somewhat cheeky, somewhat humorous, it is indeed sad upon further reflection. Let’s add the word ‘delusional’ into the mix.
The term ‘happily married’ is subjective. Of course, the word ‘fine’ is subjective, also. So, too, is the word ‘blame.’
The first 15 years were filled with proper distractions. I loved raising our three kids and found being a wife and mother all I could ask for out of life. My days were busy managing the household, the kids’ schooling, activities, volunteering in a couple of different capacities, and working outside the home upon need. One child had consuming mental health challenges, and juggling appointments became second nature.
I lived what I knew marriage to be without knowing that I could redefine the areas that mattered to me, my soul, and even my personality.
Successful marriages are not built on a cookie-cutter concept. One size does not necessarily fit all.
As long as I fell in line, didn’t make waves, and played the dutiful wife, everything was just fine. We had fun and some great experiences as a couple and as a family.
I blame myself for following those unwritten rules, though, year after year. Through time, I lost my voice. Funny how a behavioral pattern can become so habitual that you stop seeing it. The difference melts into the commonplace.
Until, one day, you recognize that you are no longer recognizable. To yourself.
The awareness in me was not earth-shattering but more of a slow-growing light inside.
Painstaking measures were taken by me each year, on Father’s Day, his birthday, or Christmas, to surprise him with something that he could cross off his bucket list. From a bi-plane ride to driving a race car on a speedway, a hot air balloon ride, and even flyboarding with water jetpacks were all celebrations of him and his desires.
One day, I surprised myself by asking him a single question, out loud, that I didn’t realize had rattled around in my brain.
“When do we start working on my bucket list, and do you even know what’s on it?”
I startled both of us. He had no answer. Then I realized, neither did I. I no longer remembered what I wanted to do. Somewhere, under the pile of taking care of everyone else’s dreams, I had forgotten my own.
Once I had cracked open the seal and found my voice again, I slowly started bringing my head back up to the surface of the water.
I wanted the air; the fresh breathing of my past was calling me, teasing me, and inviting me to rejoin the invigorating life I once knew.
Self-discovery and rediscovery are very personal. Everyone who finds themselves on this journey knows it comes with individualized timing.
I slowly created boundaries and watched the calendar. I set milestones, by months or years, for regaining self-respect and reclaiming my voice. Reminding myself that I have value beyond what I can do for others was a painstakingly slow process. Year by year, I was diligent in gaining traction. Slow and steady, and non-threatening was my preferred method. Communication is my forte so guessing games didn’t exist. Yet, I smelled stagnation. Not from me, but from him.
There was a missing component to the assurances my husband was throwing my way. The missing element was action.
Words are powerful and can also be meaningless. Empty promises are easy to believe when you want them to be true. Eventually, even the most dimwitted will have to face reality.
My future was screaming in my face. It became impossible to disregard the truth. There would be no reciprocation of behavioral changes. His words and actions would not be marching hand-in-hand. The expectation was that we would still prioritize him the way we always did. The old way that had suffocated me, excluding my wishes and thoughts and disregarding my desires, would stay as the norm. I should be happy with gifts that flashed and sparkled and had nothing to do with what I wanted or needed. Talking about caring should be enough for me.
It wasn’t.
It became glaringly apparent that emotional support would not be forthcoming. My choices were obvious and I would have to pick one.
I could assume the role of a martyr and carry on stifled, or I could make a break for it and start celebrating ‘me.’
We both are responsible, for very different reasons, for the demise of our marriage.
I set the pace, as a natural caretaker, to see to my family’s wants, needs, and desires. I waited so long, inadvertently grooming my husband I suppose, that once I asserted myself as a human there were repercussions.
He was incapable of letting go of the control. He was quite comfortable with our routine. Not only did he resist meeting me halfway, he simply wasn’t capable. I should be content sitting on the shelf until he wanted me to dress up and play happy wife. After all, he worked hard to buy that really nice shelf.
We both lost balance, and neither way was healthy.
What did I learn?
Better yet, what do I want my adult kids to understand about their value and the keys to finding happiness?
1. Being a woman does not equate with being a victim.
2. No one is lesser than another or incapable of having and achieving goals.
3. Never build your house on sand.
4. Authenticity matters.
5. Marriages are a partnership.
6. If you don’t value yourself, you cannot expect others to value you.
7. Boundaries are healthy. The people that balk are usually the reason you created them.
8. Be true to yourself, your heart, morals, values, and your integrity.
9. No one is required to conform to another just to keep them happy.
10. It is okay to let go and move on.
11. It is better to be alone and healthy than sick with someone else.
12. The people who love you will understand and support you. They will want the best for you and support your wellness.
13. The people who respond with anything less than love and support were never your people anyway.
I’m okay. You’re okay.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
As Afua Asantewaa gears up to potentially set a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous singing marathon, she has made a request to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the event.
Scheduled to perform incessantly from the 24th to the 27th of December at Akwaaba Village, Asantewaa voiced her appeal during her second media briefing at Akwaaba Park. The briefing was attended by notable figures including Akwesi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority; Agnes Adu, CEO of Ghana Trade Fair; and music producer Kwesi Ernest.
A video posted by ZionFelix on Instagram captured the singer mentioning that her team has arranged for backup power solutions.
Nevertheless, she has sought ECG’s support in maintaining a stable power supply to facilitate her record-breaking attempt without any disruptions.
“Preparations are far advanced and we are making standbys, generators, and plants available. I am even told there is something called UPS but please ECG, like during this period, please spare me. Let’s pile it up for the second week in January. So, I am pleading, ECG, from the 23rd all the way to the end of December because we do not know when we are stopping this. We could get carried away. Please hold the power for us. I am pleading with ECG,” she said.
The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority has urged the Ghanaian community to unite in support of Afua Asantewaa’s endeavor to break the Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon. Asantewaa aims to surpass the current record held by Indian singer Sunil Waghmare, who set the milestone in 2012 with a remarkable 105-hour singing marathon.
Facing the Achimota School controversy over his denied admission due to dreadlocks, Tyrone Marhguy triumphed with an outstanding performance in the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), securing 8 As.
In an interview with Citi TV, Marhguy highlighted his academic dedication despite the admission setback.
He stated, “I don’t know if it was supposed to [be], but what I told myself was that, that was not the time. Because I know that certain things can be changed. If you sit around telling yourself this and that, do you want to cry or what? That was one. And I also think that the support from my parents and family was very essential.”
Describing the moment he checked his results, Marhguy revealed, “At the point of checking, I was like maybe I should check this alone and then later I could process and tell them. But I could tell from the eyes that I didn’t even try.”
“We kind of pride ourselves on the schools we went to, so they will come and tell you some guy from my school that Bencher got 8 As. So they came to call me and when I went, they were all ready and cameras were on.
“Even in the BECE, I kind of write the scores I think I will get and then hope to get because I wrote it. So to be honest, I got 7 As; there was a B somewhere, English,” he continued.
A recent video showing Kennedy Agyapong’s son, Ken Agyapong Jr., imitating his father’s unique dance moves has become a hot topic among netizens.
This clip echoes a moment from 2018 when the Assin Central MP became a viral sensation for his dance at a birthday party in the United States, where he energetically moved to Bisa K Dei’s ‘Mansa.’
Fast forward four years, and his son, at 33, has been caught on camera replicating those same moves to the identical song.
Ken Agyapong Jr.’s performance, which included him getting on his knees and swaying his waist in circles, much like his father, has drawn humorous and intrigued reactions from several Ghanaian celebrities, including Ayisha Modi, Elikem Kumordzie, and DKB.
The resemblance in their dance styles has prompted speculation among many: is it a case of genetic inheritance, or a playful imitation of his father’s moves?
Confession: I’m a huge hypocrite when it comes to marriage. I don’t believe in it, first of all. I think it’s a bizarre, outdated tradition that tries to slap structure on something as intangible and fluid as love. Lifelong monogamy is unreasonable from a psychological and biological standpoint.
And I don’t think a relationship is any more or less valid just because both parties sign some paperwork and start wearing special rings.
And yet, here I am, eight years into a thriving marriage that somehow has only become healthier and more stable with time. Hypocrite alert!
None of this was ever in my “5-Year Plan” (I don’t believe in those, either) and the method I took to get here is not one I’d recommend if I heard anyone else considering it.
When my boyfriend and I learned we were expecting a child together the week before college graduation, we objectively looked at the situation and said, “Okay, how do we want to do this?” We loved each other a lot but had never even brought up hypothetical plans regarding our future as a couple; our time together had mostly been spent finding moments of reprieve from the academic rigors of senior year.
Realizing we both wanted to be parents together, we went ahead and got engaged both as a means of curbing the input of “concerned” busybody relatives and, mostly, as a symbol of commitment to giving this thing a real try. Our 18-month engagement consisted of moving in together, having a baby, getting five separate jobs between us, moving again, and surviving a global economic crash.
After weathering all that and still excited to snuggle at the end of the day, I got the feeling that he and I were probably going to be together for a while. We figured we might as well get a tax break for being in love and got married in the autumn of 2008.
Despite what some people had to say about it, I went into this union with complete earnestness and shaky optimism. However, an older relative gave me some sound advice that we’ve always kept in mind, which is to always have our divorce papers ready to file. That sounds fatalistic, but it ensures that we are always making a conscious choice to stay together and keep working through our issues.
Along with exchanging vows, my husband and I solemnly promised each other that, the minute we realize we are unhappy together and have exhausted our efforts to improve the situation, we’re walking away without resentment.
This doesn’t mean that every day has been blissful in the years since. We’ve had a few phases in our marriage when I was positive we wouldn’t make it, but somehow the knowledge that we were both actively choosing to wake up next to the other gave us each the optimism to keep working on our problems. It sounds like something out of a gross rom-com but at the moment, we are having a bit of a reverse 7-year-itch in which we like each other more than ever.
I’m still a bit bewildered by all of it, to be honest. Marriages as a result of a surprise pregnancy don’t statistically work out so great, especially when the couple was as young as we were. Even now, when my early 30-something friends tell me they’re getting married, my internal knee-jerk response is, “NOOOO!!!! WHY!?!?!?”
But I always attend weddings with a smile, a gift, and my well-wishes to the bride and groom, because if my being a giant marital hypocrite all these years has taught me anything it’s this: Sometimes, a completely illogical scenario has the potential to work out if love is involved.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
Experiencing a sense of being unwanted in a relationship often translates to feelings of neglect or a perceived lack of priority. In such instances, particularly for women, there can be a sensation of shouldering all the emotional burdens within the relationship.
This sentiment of feeling unwanted can give rise to tensions in the relationship, prompting reactions from both men and women. When hurt, let down, or unloved, individuals may resort to verbal attacks as a means to elicit emotional engagement from their partners. Unfortunately, this can result in a harmful pattern, with exaggerated words like “never” or “always” characterizing the partner’s perceived unfeeling behavior. The critical tone and intense emotions may unknowingly come across as harsh or manipulative.
In the midst of such attacks, it’s crucial to recognize that the individuals involved might not fully grasp the impact of their words and actions. The attacking partner may not realize the fear instilled in the loved one. The partner, in turn, might react by shutting down or withdrawing, leaving the attacker feeling ignored and unimportant.
This triggers a primal survival response— the fight-or-flight instinct. While one partner takes flight to preserve their well-being, the other engages in a fight to uncover the underlying issues of perceived indifference.
Romantic relationships hold immense significance for our emotional and physical well-being, and any perceived threat to them can lead to regression. Unfortunately, this cycle of feeling unwanted and reacting with verbal attacks can become a daily occurrence for many couples. Resulting in frustration, confusion, and pain, this lose-lose scenario tends to weaken the marital bond instead of fortifying it.
7 avoidable mistakes that may cause a woman to feel unwanted
1. Greeting her in an emotionally flat tone.
Even though you are tired and stressed out, she wants to know that you look forward to seeing her. In fact, psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini told Fox 26 Houston that it takes just 60 seconds to set the tone in your relationship.
“Whether they’re meeting you for lunch or they’re meeting you at an event or when they come home, it’s important you stop what you’re doing at least for 60 seconds and greet them,” Rapini encouraged. “Smile at them, act happy that you see them there with you.”
What to do instead: Acknowledge that it is great to be home with her before you unpack your emotions from the day.
2. Leaving her alone at a social event.
Whether they’re an introvert or extrovert, women do want to be with their guy at a social event. While no one expects you to be glued to each other’s side at all times, ditching your wife for the entire duration of the night can leave her feeling neglected.
“Good relationships are like good teams,” relationship expert and licensed psychologist Susan Orenstein, Ph.D, told PsychCentral. “you’re a couple; you chose each other and you need to be emotionally supportive in private and public.”
What to do instead: There may be times when it makes sense to separate to get caught up with an old friend or to a business network. If you check in before you separate and then circle back, she will feel connected rather than rejected. Orenstein also suggests making an effort to make eye contact and smile throughout the night, so even if you aren’t by each other’s side, you know you’re still on each other’s minds.
3. Invalidating her feelings.
There may be occasions when you don’t understand or agree with your partner’s feelings in their entirety. It may be simple to brush them off at those times. But doing so would be the equivalent of telling her that her feelings are unimportant.
Over time, this can lead her to stop trusting you, chipping away at the very foundation of your relationship.
What to do instead: In an article for PyschCentral, licensed psychologist Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP gives some suggestions for how to break the cycle of invalidation, including watching the tone you use when speaking to your partner and making an honest effort to understand where she is coming from.
4. Being more animated and having more fun with friends than with her.
This sends a signal that she is not as interesting to you as other people are.
What to do instead: Bring her into fun conversations with others. Find creative ways to keep the fun alive between the two of you.
5. Not standing up for her in front of your children.
This makes her feel disempowered and can cause the kids to play favorites, and may even lead them to start disrespecting her.
What to do instead: Always stand with her in front of the children. Discuss disagreements behind closed doors. Apologize to the kids together when you are wrong.
6. Drinking more than she feels comfortable with.
If she feels embarrassed or unsafe by your drinking, it is too much — even if it is only two drinks.
What to do instead: Learn to listen to her and pull back when she says you are no longer pleasant.
7. Betraying her.
Not telling her the truth or becoming emotionally or physically involved with another person fractures every relationship. Trust is the foundation of all love relationships. This causes a deep wound of insecurity that leads her to become hyper-vigilant and question your every move.
What to do instead: Humbly admit your betrayal, ask for forgiveness and compassionately respond to her need for reassurance. Eventually, the relationship may be able to heal on its own. If not, find a therapist who can help the two of you process this strong emotion.
What to do if you’re feeling unwanted in a relationship
1. Figure out what’s causing the feeling.
First, it’s important to understand what aspects of your relationship are making you feel unwanted. Zero in on the things that trigger this feeling in you.
2. Express your feelings to your partner.
When speaking with your partner about feeling unwanted, it’s important to avoid doing so in a way that makes them feel attacked. Instead, focus on naming what you’re feeling and give specific instances and examples of what makes you feel that way using “I” statements.
3. Spend more quality time together.
Try to carve out some time for you to spend with each other. When you’re together, be mindful and present so you have the chance to re-form your emotional connection.
4. Do more of what makes you happy.
If you have the tendency to base your emotions on what your partner is feeling, focus on taking some time away for yourself to do the things that you enjoy.
5. Consider seeing a therapist.
Whether you find it hard to express your feelings or just want an unbiased and professional opinion of your relationship, try seeing a couples therapist who can help guide you back to a healthy relationship.
All relationships require a great deal of tender loving care.
Without it, they can easily spiral into boredom, disconnection, and betrayal. Loving compassion holds the bond of marriage together. Without it, the relationship will feel like an empty business arrangement.
Your love relationship is your most important source of stability, self-esteem, and prosperity. If you put your relationship with your partner as the priority, you will profit in more ways than you can imagine.
As the year 2023 approaches its conclusion, various stakeholders in the music industry, including streaming platforms, media outlets, listeners, and artists, are spotlighting their standout songs of the year.
International pop sensation Rihanna has identified Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ featuring Musa Keys, as her favorite song of the year. The track is part of Davido’s record-breaking fourth album, ‘Timeless.’ Rihanna, sharing her preference in a recent interview, disclosed that ‘Unavailable’ has been on repeat throughout the year.
In the interview, the musician, now a billionaire entrepreneur, also acknowledged Tyler ICU’s hit single ‘Mnike’ as one of her favorite songs of 2023.
Rihanna’s admiration for Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ resonates globally, as the single has garnered immense popularity worldwide.
It topped the TurnTable Top 100 and secured a position in the top 10 of Spotify and Apple Music’s top Nigerian songs by the end of the year.
The international success of ‘Unavailable’ led to several remixes, including collaborations with Jamaican Dancehall legend Sean Paul and American rapper Latto.
As the anticipation builds, ‘Unavailable’ is set to compete for the Grammy award for Best African Music Performance on February 5, 2024. This marks a significant milestone for Davido, who has received three Grammy nominations and is hopeful to secure his first Grammy win with this nomination.
The Africa Centre for Retirement Research (ACRR) foresees a rise in pensions payments come January 2024, with an expected increase of at least 25%, based on the fixed rate, per pensioner.
In a pensions index released by its Executive Director, Mashud Abdallah, the Center emphasized the importance of increasing minimum pensions in January 2024 to sustain the economic well-being of pensioners.
ACRR urged the government, represented by the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations and Pensions, along with the NPRA, to work towards this enhancement in line with prevailing global trends and best practices in Social Security Administration.
“As you may recall, price inflation averaged 31.47% in 2022 and each pensioner was awarded a fixed rate 19% in 2023.Price Inflation averages 42% as at November 2023.
Based on the provisions of Act 766, and the practice of SSNIT over the years, coupled with the economic and demographic trends in 2023, ACRR is projecting that pensions in payment could increase by at least a Fixed Rate of 25% for each Pensioner in January 2024,” the Centre explained.
It therefore urged the SSNIT to enact thoughtful and creative policy measures to enhance low-earners’ benefits and to mitigate the widening socioeconomic divide between the rich and the poor.
“Generally, if the level of benefits provided by a pension system is insufficient in terms of minimum living standards, or are not deliberately designed to protect the poor, the efforts to reduce old age poverty will be jeopardized,” the ACCR pointed.
The Center also urged those involved in the pension industry to make sure that reviews of pensions are conducted annually in accordance with legal requirements and not at the whim of the government or on an as-needed basis.
“In particular and as best practices require, pension increment rates must be in lock-step with the general changes in prices of goods and services (inflation). This will guarantee that the socio-economic well-being of retirees is sustained,” it concluded.
The World Health Organization reports that northern Gaza is now devoid of a functional hospital, primarily due to a shortage of fuel, staff, and essential supplies.
“There are actually no functional hospitals left in the north,” Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in Gaza, tells reporters via video link from Jerusalem, according to Reuters news agency.
“Al-Ahli (Hospital) was the last one but it is now minimally functional.”
Hospitals and medical facilities in the region are grappling with the intense conflict, facing challenges such as shortages of supplies and power outages.
Following a visit to al-Ahli on Wednesday, teams from the WHO and the UN reported an overwhelming influx of people in need of emergency care. Tragically, bodies were arranged in rows in the courtyard.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a Wednesday post on X, stated that until two days ago, al-Ahli was the last facility performing surgery in northern Gaza. Regrettably, the operating theatres are now non-functional.
He added that only four hospitals remain in northern Gaza, offering very limited care.
Afia Schwarzenegger has endorsed the Ghana Immigration Service’s decision to repatriate Ms. Shalimar Abbuisi to her home country.
The Belgian national, who served as a spokesperson for the recently established political party, The New Force, faced charges of falsifying documents for a Ghana resident permit.
After several court appearances, Ms. Shalimar was granted bail but subsequently deported back to Belgium, a move criticized by some netizens.
However, Afia Schwarzenegger argues that Shalimar, who did not adhere to the law, had no moral authority to represent a political party and make promises of ‘good systems’ to Ghanaians.
“What do you even know about those people? Someone is saying you have been robbed so he or she is coming to save you. The rescuer also stole from another person. She is calling the government corrupt, yet she did all the wrong things. What does it tell you about the movement she is advocating for? So, you people don’t think? Upon all NAM1 did to you? What kind of country are we in? this has also become a national discussion. Radio stations are granting interviews on this.
“Someone can come into this country and become a spokesperson for anybody if you have the right documents. the youth of this country should read and acquire proper information. Ghana youth should learn. You think this country is without rules? Someone doesn’t have the right papers and has been deported, and so what? Go to the immigration and check the number of people Ghana deports on daily basis. And here we are wasting energy on this.?” she stated during a Tik Tok live.
Venting even more, Afia claimed that if the “New Force” spokesperson had tried this in an Arab nation, she would have been slain.
“If she had sat quietly at home, nobody would even check her papers. Can she practice this in any Arab country? She would’ve been killed by now.”
Background
The spokesperson for the Belgian political party ‘New Force,’ Ms. Shalima Abbuisi, faced arrest and charges for falsifying documents to obtain a Ghana resident permit.
She was accused of obtaining a student permit through ‘fraudulent misrepresentation,’ deemed unconstitutional and punishable by law.
The Ghana Immigration Service, in a statement, announced the revocation of Ms. Abbuisi’s residence permit by the Comptroller-General, citing Section 20 (2)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2000.
This provision empowers authorities to revoke permits obtained through fraudulent means.
As a result, Ms. Abbuisi was repatriated on December 19, 2023, via Air Brussels Flight No. SN 319, returning to her home country, Belgium.
The White House has confirmed the release of the notorious fugitive billionaire known as ‘Fat Leonard’ in a prisoner exchange with Venezuela. Leonard Glenn Francis orchestrated a $35 million (£30 million) fraud against the US Navy and had escaped US custody in 2022.
As part of the deal, ten US citizens held in Venezuela were also freed, while the US released Alex Saab, an aide to Venezuela’s president.
Leonard Glenn Francis, a Malaysian businessman, was detained in September 2022 while attempting to board a flight from Venezuela to Russia.
He had escaped house arrest in California earlier that month after admitting to his involvement in a massive scam that defrauded the US Navy of tens of millions of dollars and implicated numerous navy officers.
Prosecutors revealed that Francis used his Singapore-based business, which serviced US naval vessels, to defraud the US Navy while offering cash and gifts as bribes to American officers. His plea agreement documents accused him of providing US officials with millions of dollars worth of gifts, including extravagant trips, high-end alcohol, Spanish suckling pigs, Cuban cigars, and access to prostitution services.
First arrested in 2013, Francis pleaded guilty to offering $500,000 (£444,000) in bribes in 2015. Journalist Tom Wright, who collaborated with Francis on a podcast titled ‘Fat Leonard,’ highlighted how Francis amassed considerable wealth by overcharging the US Navy in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Mr Wright added that Francis had agreed to do the podcast as he was “furious” over what he saw as a cover-up. “Admiral after admiral who were involved with him were not taken to court criminally. In the US, it was more lower level officers [who were taken to court].”
In a statement, President Joe Biden said Francis will now be “sentenced for his lead role in a brazen bribery and corruption case”.
Alluding to the other US nationals released by Venezuela, he added: “I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more.”
The swap deal will also see Mr Saab, a close aide of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, returned.
He faced allegations of laundering money on behalf of the Maduro government, which he denied.
Mr Saab was extradited to the US in 2021 after being arrested during a stopover in Cape Verde.
Image caption,The agreement sees the US release an aide close to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
The Maduro regime in Venezuela has consistently called for the release of Mr. Saab, considering him a ‘diplomat.’
Mr. Saab, a Colombian-born businessman, was apprehended while his plane stopped for refueling in Cape Verde in 2020, following an Interpol ‘red notice.’ He was en route to Iran at the time.
Venezuela’s government labeled him an ‘envoy,’ asserting that he was on a mission to procure medical supplies for the Covid-19 crisis in Iran.
However, Cape Verdean authorities determined that he did not possess diplomatic immunity and subsequently extradited him to the United States. In the U.S., he faced accusations of money laundering and bribery.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Mr. Saab diverted $350 million (£276 million) from Venezuelan state contracts by exploiting advantageous exchange rates fraudulently.
Image caption,Alex Saab’s wife, Camilla Fabri, is in Venezuela as her home country of Italy has issued an arrest warrant for her
He then allegedly laundered the money in the US before finally transferring it to accounts controlled by him and his alleged associate.
The US treasury department has described Mr Saab as a “profiteer orchestrating a vast corruption network” that it says enabled “President Nicolás Maduro and his regime to significantly profit from food imports and distribution in Venezuela”.
Mr. Saab refutes the charges, and the Maduro government, in solidarity, withdrew from U.S.-backed talks with the Venezuelan opposition in 2021 to protest Mr. Saab’s extradition.
The White House disclosed the release of individuals, including Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, and Savoi Wright, with six of the 10 Americans termed as ‘wrongfully detained’ by Venezuela.
Furthermore, the White House mentioned Venezuela’s commitment to releasing 20 Venezuelan political prisoners, including opposition figure Roberto Abdul, and suspending arrest warrants for three others.
This recent agreement isn’t the first prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela. In October 2022, Venezuela released seven jailed U.S. citizens in exchange for two nephews of Mr. Maduro’s wife, known as the ‘narco-nephews,’ who were serving 18-year sentences in the U.S. for attempting to smuggle cocaine.
Relations improved when the U.S. eased sanctions on Venezuela in October in exchange for President Maduro allowing international observers for the upcoming presidential election. However, the U.S. reiterated its demand for the release of ‘wrongfully detained’ U.S. citizens in Venezuela, threatening to reimpose sanctions if not addressed.
In response, human rights groups in Venezuela are calling for the release of approximately 300 individuals listed as political prisoners in Venezuelan jails.
Throughout 2023, Ghanaian celebrities have experienced both triumphs and tribulations. However, for some, the year has been particularly poignant due to the heart-wrenching experience of loss.
Numerous well-known personalities in the entertainment industry have sadly bid farewell to cherished family members and loved ones. This has prompted a flood of sympathy and condolences from fans and colleagues alike.
In this piece, we’ll take a moment to remember and pay tribute to some of the Ghanaian celebrities who faced the pain of losing someone dear in 2023.”
Ahuofe Patri
On January 30, actress Priscilla Opoku Agyeman, popularly known as Ahuofe Patri, shared the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing on Instagram.
Alongside pictures of her radiant mother, Patri expressed her loneliness with the caption, ‘I know you are resting.
But I feel so lonely.’ The news left fans and fellow celebrities stunned, prompting an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt messages of support.
SDK Dele
On January 31, Comedian SDK took to Twitter to share the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing:
Rebecca Oppong, his beloved mother, departed just one year after the burial of her husband, Francis Sule, also known as Oldgee, who passed away at the age of 73.
In a poignant tweet, SDK expressed his grief, writing, ‘Lost my lovely mom… Rest in peace, Mama,’ marking a second profound loss for the family within a year.”
Fantana
Musician Francine Koffie, popularly known as Fantana, grieved the unexpected loss of her boyfriend on January 31.
She poured out her heart on Instagram and Snapchat, sharing a heartfelt post and videos showcasing their time together.
In her emotional tribute, she identified him as Ayanle Husein, a young Muslim, highlighting the strength of their bond despite religious differences.
Though uncertain about the circumstances of his passing, Fantana suggested that he was tragically killed.
Kuami Eugene
Kuami Eugene, a Highlife musician, made headlines this year when he revealed the 2023 deaths of two loved ones.
He announced the tragic news of his grandmother’s passing on social media on May 27.
Eugene carried a special place in his heart for the 100-year-old matriarch, Obaapanyin Grace Adomah, and expressed his profound sadness over her passing.
“This is the first time losing someone really dear and close to my heart,” Eugene wrote in an emotional post, “and it’s not a pretty feeling at all.”
In honor of his grandmother’s legacy, Eugene has announced a thanksgiving concert scheduled for Sunday, June 4th, 2023, at the Akyem Oda Public Park in the Eastern Region.
Taking a temporary break from social media, Eugene has requested privacy and space to grieve.
Following this hiatus, Kuami Eugene returned to share the heartbreaking news of his father, Mr. Alex Marfo’s passing, on both Twitter and Instagram.
In a heartfelt post, Eugene expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to his late father, sharing a poignant picture and acknowledging his significant role in his life.
John Dumelo
Actor and politician John Dumelo, in an August 15 Facebook update, shared the sad news of his mother’s passing, Mrs. Antoinette Ama Ampomah, who celebrated her 71st birthday in January 2023.
“My heart is broken. My dear mother passed away yesterday…my number one supporter. Heaven has gained an angel,” Dumelo wrote.
D-Black
Rapper and entrepreneur Desmond Kwesi Blackmore, widely known as D-Black, faced the sorrow of losing a dear one in 2023.
On October 4, he shared the heart-wrenching news of his brother’s passing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“Terrible day for me. Just lost one of my big brothers. 10 of us, 1 gone too soon,” he shared.
The announcement sparked an overflow of condolences, with well-wishers and fans expressing heartfelt sympathies, extending their support and comfort during this challenging period.
Despite the shadows cast in 2023, these Ghanaian celebrities have confronted the harsh reality of loss with resilience and dignity.
In a significant move by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s new government to address what it deems politicized media outlets, Polish state TV channel TVP Info was taken off air.
Journalist Adrian Borecki interrupted programming to inform the audience that Polish media had been ‘taken over.’
The Parliament in Warsaw supported a resolution on Tuesday night, advocating for independence, objectivity, and pluralism in public TV and radio.
As part of these changes, the new culture minister has dismissed the heads of TVP, Polish Radio, and the Polish Press Agency.
Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused the new government of violating its “supposed care for the rule of law… at every step”.
Glynn Simmons, 70, who spent 48 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, has been officially exonerated by an Oklahoma judge.
Released in July after a district court discovered that crucial evidence had not been disclosed to his defense lawyers, Simmons faced the longest known wrongful sentence in the United States.
On Monday, a county district attorney concluded that there was insufficient evidence to justify a new trial. In an order issued on Tuesday, Judge Amy Palumbo formally declared Mr. Simmons innocent.
“This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offence for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned… was not committed by Mr Simmons,” said Oklahoma County District Judge Palumbo in her ruling.
“It’s a lesson in resilience and tenacity,” Mr Simmons told reporters after the decision, according to the Associated Press. “Don’t let nobody tell you that it can’t happen, because it really can.”
Glynn Simmons spent 48 years, one month, and 18 days in prison for the 1974 murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers during a liquor store robbery in an Oklahoma City suburb. At the age of 22, Simmons and co-defendant Don Roberts were convicted and initially sentenced to death in 1975, with their punishments later reduced to life imprisonment due to US Supreme Court rulings on the death penalty.
Maintaining his innocence, Simmons asserted he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the murder. In July, a district court vacated his sentence after discovering that prosecutors failed to disclose crucial evidence to defense lawyers, including a witness identifying other suspects.
Simmons and Roberts were convicted based partly on testimony from a teenager who had been shot in the back of the head. The National Registry of Exonerations reported that the teenager pointed to several other men during police line-ups and later contradicted some of her own testimony. Roberts was released on parole in 2008.
Individuals wrongfully convicted in Oklahoma are eligible for up to $175,000 (£138,000) in compensation. Simmons, currently battling liver cancer, has a GoFundMe campaign that has raised thousands of dollars to support his living costs and chemotherapy.
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