Nana Aba Anamoah has agreed to be a guest on Blakk Rasta‘s radio show on the condition that Sarkodie’s appearance on Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up” tune would not be discussed.
The media personality instead asked Blakk Rasta to prepare explanations for portions of a track he put together with lyrics purporting to be in Chinese.
“Bro, on the Marley-Sark feature, I’ve said what I have to say to you. Marley’s children & his estate managers are doing what they deem fit for his legacy. Keep catching feelings. I’d however, be happy to come on your show to discuss this song instead. Mentease3!!” she tweeted at Blakk Rasta on February 5.
The ‘Barack Obama’ singer had challenged Nana Aba to appear on his show to discuss his views on the Sarkodie-Bob Marley feature, which he described as a desecration of the legend’s status accusing Sarkodie of putting in a sub-par performance.
“Awww.. As if you’re stranger to Blakk Rasta. I have never hidden my true feelings and agenda. Could you, please say which of the reasons I intimated is HOGWASH. Honey, disagree with me but FACTS still SACRED. Ready to come on my #URBANBLEND show on @3fm927 so we compare facts?” Blakk Rasta’s ‘invitation’ tweet read.
Bro, on the Marley -Sark feature, I’ve said what I have to say to you. Marley’s children & his estate managers are doing what they deem fit for his legacy. Keep catching feelings.
The nation joins the DCO, an international organization that was established to help nations create their digital economies as a crucial component of sustainable growth and development, becoming the twelfth nation to do so.
Well-established as a leader in utilising the power of communications and digital technologies to support economic growth, Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to launch a cellular mobile network, in 1992, and one of the first countries in Africa to be connected to the Internet and also introduce ADSL broadband services.
The country is also a leader in digital payments and mobile money, with the second-highest data penetration rate and fastest-growing mobile money market in sub–Saharan Africa which has greatly enhanced financial inclusion; and as the newest member of the DCO, Ghana is expected to bring that experience and expertise to share with the other member-states.
The two West African countries’ accession therefore means the DCO now represents 13 nations and serves around 600 million people with a collective GDP of more than US$2trillion.
Commenting on the development at a press conference, Communications and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu Ekuful said: “Ghana shares the DCO’s vision of using technology to create opportunities for economic diversity and growth, and to empower our people – especially the youth, through digital and financial inclusion. We look forward to working with our fellow DCO member-states and DCO Observers to share our experience and collaborate in the fields of e-government, infrastructure and entrepreneurship, and to foster investment in Ghana with member-states”.
On her part, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General, said the DCO was pleased to welcome Ghana to the organisation, saying: “Ghana is one of the leaders among African nations in adopting new technology and in the wise use of policies, such as its Digital Finance Policy that supports new areas of development and brings positive benefits to the community”.
She said the DCO was created to encourage knowledge-sharing and exchange for the good of all nations, and that she believes Ghana has many lessons to share with the DCO and our ecosystem of nations.
The DCO focuses on digital economy initiatives supporting youths, startup entrepreneurs and women.
With 70 percent of future economic growth set to be digital, DCO member-states provide a valuable market opportunity to investors and entrepreneurs alike; and it is focused on empowering youth, women and entrepreneurs; leveraging the digital economy’s accelerative power; and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity.
Through cooperation, dialogue and the creation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation, the organisation further seek to establish within its member-nations the optimal infrastructure and policies needed for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses and societies can innovate and thrive.
Beyoncé surpassed the record for the most Grammy awards ever, which solidified her status as one of the greatest musicians of all time. According to the BBC, the pop diva has now surpassed Georg Solti’s record of 32 Grammy victories, which he had held for more than 20 years. The late conductor of classical music won 31 Grammy awards.
The 41-year-old pop star won four Grammys at this year’s event. But the highlight of the night came when she won the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album for her Renaissance album. That feat made her the artist with the most Grammy wins.
“Thank you so much. I’m trying not to be too emotional, and I’m trying to just receive this night. I wanna thank God for protecting me… thank you God. I’d like to thank my Uncle Johnny, who’s not here, but he’s here in spirit. I’d like to thank my parents, my father, my mother, for loving me and pushing me,” the Crazy in Love singer said when she accepted the award.
“I’d like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children who are at home watching. I’d like to thank the queer community for your love, and for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys, thank you.”
Veteran actress Viola Davis also became an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winner after she won her first Grammy for the best audiobook for her Finding Me autobiography. That feat made her the fourth Black person to earn the coveted status, NBC News reported. She adds up to 17 other people who have achieved EGOT status.
“It has just been such a journey,” Davis, 57, said when she accepted the award. “I just EGOT!” The actress also said she wrote the book “to honour the six-year-old Viola.” “To honour her life, her joy, her trauma, everything,” she added.
Four African artists – including fast-rising Nigerian singer Tems – also took home awards at the event. Tems, 27, won the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s Wait For U hit song. South African musicians, Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode, and Wouter Kellerman won the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance.
“Thank you so much to God because I once gave a song to the world that took the world by storm, but I didn’t get this award and he then said don’t worry my daughter, I will give you Bayethe,” Zikode, who was featured on the Jerusalema hit song, said. “Your support is amazing and thank you so much to my team.”
Lizzo edged over the likes of Beyoncé and Adele to win the Grammy for Record of the Year for her About Damn Time hit song. “We are good inherently,” she tearfully said when she accepted the award. “And anybody at home who feels misunderstood or on the outside looking in, like I did, just stay true to yourself.”
“I promise you, you will find people, you will attract people in your life who believe in you and support you.”
He emphasized the urgency of moving quickly since further setbacks might severely strain and stress the economy, notwithstanding recent changes to the DDEP’s framework and agreements with important parties. The debt operation is still essential for the government to complete a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In an economic update yesterday, the finance minister said significant amendments have enabled government reach an agreement with key domestic creditor categories including banks, insurance companies, capital market players and foreign holders of domestic debt in relation to their participation in the DDEP.
“Frankly, non-participation or a lower-than-expected turnout for the DDEP will prolong efforts to resolve the current economic crisis. In addition, the prospects of international financial support and other financial assurances would be jeopardized. This development could further put strain and stress on the government’s capacity to honour key commitments. This is not what we want for our economy,” the Minister said.
“Undoubtedly, the participation of the banks, insurance companies and the securities industry, under the enhanced DDEP is a significant milestone which represents a response to a call to national duty. It is a critical step to restore macro-economic stability; accelerate Ghana’s economic growth under an IMF Programme; and leverage other international financial support,” Mr. Ofori-Atta emphasised.
In December 2022, the government invited all holders of Ghana’s bonds to voluntarily exchange their holdings for new bonds whose terms were compatible with its desired downward debt trajectory, within the context that, for Ghana to reach the required debt sustainability threshold of debt-to-GDP of 55 percent, it was important to review the interest rates and maturities of the existing bonds.
However, there were emerging concerns by bondholders about the nature of the debt operation, forcing the government to recalibrate the framework of the DDEP.
On the back of these recent developments, the comprehensive agreement with the key stakeholders and the enhancement of the DDEP, the government expects the full participation of institutional stakeholders and the mobilisation of all qualified investors, to ensure the success of the debt exchange operation.
The Minster further encouraged eligible individual bondholders to voluntarily tender their holdings.
The updated memorandum for the debt exchange programme has reclassified eligible bondholders into three categories with different terms for each category. Category A bondholders include all investment schemes, such as mutual funds or unit trusts, and all individual bondholders below the age of 59. Investors in this category are eligible to hold two bonds which will mature in 2027 and 2028, with principals in a ratio of 50:50 ratio and 10 percent interest per year.
Category B bondholders include all individual bondholders aged 59 or older. Category B holders have similar terms as Category A; however, they will receive 15 percent interest per year.
The last group is the General Category bondholders. These are bondholders who are neither Category A or Category B bondholders. These bondholders will still tender their old bonds for 12 new bonds as per the previous terms, but with a slight change in the interest payment structure.
The objective of this is to ensure that individuals, especially retirees, who put their hard-earned savings in the domestic market, are not left in hardship as a result of the DDEP and yet contribute to the resolution of our current crisis.
“What we want is an economy that is back on track, stable, vibrant, productive, dynamic; meeting the needs of individuals, households, and enterprises; delivering shared and inclusive growth; and improving incomes and livelihoods,” the Minister said.
Former Black Stars player Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble in the earthquake ravaged Turkish city of Hayat.
“Christian Atsu has been pulled from the wreckage alive!” journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who broke news of his trapping, tweeted early Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
He further confirmed to a Ghanaian journalist that Atsu was doing well before promising to share updates as and when they come in.
How club debunked news of rescue on February 6
Hatayspor official Mustafa Özat during an update to the media on the club’s missing employees, late Monday (February 6) said they were still searching for Atsu and their club director.
Local news outlet, Haberturk quoted Özat as saying: “Unfortunately, Christian Atsu and our sporting director Taner Savut are still under the rubble.”
He also addressed widespread reports by A Bola, a Portugues media outlet which reported extensively that Atsu had been rescued and that he had sustained injuries and had been transported to a hospital.
“(We are aware what) a Portuguese source says about Christian Atsu, but we cannot reach him. We cannot reach anyone. We cannot reach that area,” Özat stressed.
“We are waiting for help. It’s the hardest place to reach. Hatay is the place that needs the most help right now. Everyone needs help in earthquake zones, but there is a great need for help in Hatay,” he added.
Five students have suffered multiple fractures and are under intensive care and the injuries of the remaining students are being managed by medics on campus.
The incident occurred Monday evening after a rainfall.
The Ejura-Sekyeredumasi Municipal Fire Commander, Isaac Adu Yaw, suspects some structures were weakened by torrential rain in the area last Friday.
“To avoid any interference over there we have cordoned the place. We don’t want anyone to go there until further investigations to find the cause of the disaster and make recommendations. But so far we have recorded 40 people who have been injured.
“Five of them have had multiple fractures and are receiving intensive care treatment. The injuries of the 35 are being managed, so everything is under control.
“The health workers are doing their utmost best to ensure everyone is safe,” he said.
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and his fellow rapper Black Sherif have been spotted in a video together as what might be a music video shoot.
Many Ghanaian fans are anticipating that it could be the official music video shoot for their currently trending song ‘Country Side’.
In the video that sought to tease fans about what the video would entail, Landlord as Sarkodie is affectionately called was spotted walking towards an old-school salon car.
Closer to the car, Black Sherif was spotted standing as he leaned towards the engine bonnet. Sarkodie then gave him a handshake which was then followed by a manly hug.
They were captured walking away towards the end of the video which increased the suspense.
The video was shot in black and white and edited with the ‘Country Side’ soundtrack playing in the background.
Media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has advised Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of gifting their loved ones with books, particularly on Valentine’s Day.
Addressing netizens on Twitter ahead of Val’s day which falls on February 14, Nana Aba has urged them to try as much as possible to shift from giving out the usual presents.
She said regular gifts such as the chocolates, flowers, teddy bears, money, cars, and so on could be replaced with books.
“Buy story books for your partners this Valentine. T for thanks”, her statement read.
Nana Aba Anamoah’s statement has since stirred massive reactions from scores of individuals on social media.
Concerns have been divided among netizens who have either sided or disagreed with her comments.
“Just try it the way these ladies will insults you, they don’t like reading”, A social media user replied.
“That is how Third World War is going to start,” said another.
Check out Nana Aba Anamoah’s post and some social media reactions below:
The 65th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles overnight, with awards going to everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Adele to Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.
Harry Styles’ picked up the coveted best album prize, Viola Davis completed an EGOT, and Beyoncé became the most decorated artist in Grammy history.
Here are five of the high and low points of a ceremony that had more twists and turns than a helter skelter in a hall of mirrors.
1) What does Beyoncé have to do to win best album?
Media caption,
Watch: Beyoncé gets emotional on stage accepting record-breaking award
Every time Beyoncé releases a new album, she rewrites the rule book for everybody else.
From her self-titled visual album in 2013, and the confessional masterpiece that was 2016’s Lemonade, to last year’s disco fantasia Renaissance, she has changed the way that pop music is written, produced, released, presented and promoted.
She does so with awe-struck admiration from her peers. “You clearly are the artist of our lives!” declared Lizzo at tonight’s ceremony, echoing words Adele said in 2017.
During the ceremony, Beyoncé picked up a record-breaking 32nd trophy. She was already tied with her husband Jay-Z as the most-nominated artist of all time (they have 88 each).
But for all that love, the big prizes have eluded her. Of the 16 times she’s been nominated in the major, all-genre categories, she has won just once: Song of the year in 2010, for Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).
This year, Renaissance was the presumed front-runner for album of the year. A deep and affectionate dive into black and gay dance culture, it was the most critically-acclaimed release of 2022.
But, for the fourth time in her career, Beyoncé was beaten to the top honour. This time Harry Styles took the crown. Previously, it was Beck, Adele and Taylor Swift.
What’s the message the Grammys are trying to deliver here? Because it seems to be: “Stop being so impressive and write music we feel comfortable with”.
It’s a sentiment that’s not entirely out of character. The industry created the awards in 1958 to promote “good” music amid the terrifying onslaught of rock and roll and, ever since, the Grammys have lagged behind every major movement in music.
Famously, The Beatles won more awards after they split up than they did together; and there were no rap categories until 1989.
So maybe, one day, when she’s in her 60s, Beyoncé will get her dues.
2) Everyone needs to work on their speeches, except Lizzo
Warning: Lizzo’s speech contains strong language
Figure caption,
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It wasn’t a great night for speechmaking.
Ozzy Osbourne made me laugh with a brusque, “Thank you and [expletive] off”, but otherwise, there was a lot of thanking your mum and being “so inspired” by all the other nominees.
Luckily, Lizzo was on hand to give everyone a big old pep talk.
“Let me tell you something,” she began, as she picked up Record Of The Year.
“Me and Adele are just having a good time, enjoying ourselves and rooting for our friends.
“But now that I’m up here… I want to dedicate this award to Prince.
“When we lost Prince I decided to dedicate my life to making positive music. This was at a time when positive music and feel-good music wasn’t mainstream and I felt very misunderstood. I felt on the outside looking in. But I stayed true to myself because I wanted to make the world a better place.
“And now I look around and there’s all these songs that are about loving our bodies and feeling comfortable in our skin and I’m just so proud to be a part of it.
“Because in a world that is a lot of darkness and a lot of scary [stuff], I’d like to believe that not only can people do good, but we just are good, we are good inherently.”
Special mention to Wet Leg’s drummer Henry Holmes, who gave the night’s most honest speech.
“This is just a magical evening. My mind has gone blank, and I feel like I might wet myself.”
3) Ben Affleck was not impressed
Image caption, Ben Affleck awaiting the sweet embrace of oblivion during the 112th consecutive hour of the Grammys ceremony
Don’t be confused by the look that he’s got / He’s just Benny from the block.
The newly-married Mr J. Lo attended the Grammys to support his wife and looked thoroughly, unequivocally bored with the whole thing.
Shots of him staring, unmoved at Stevie Wonder (Stevie Wonder!) while Jennifer Lopez danced in her seat quickly trended on social media.
“However bad of a day you’re having, I promise you’re not as miserable as Ben Affleck at the Grammys right now,” wrote one observer.
“You can see his batteries draining in real time,” added another.
4) The Grammys belatedly realised hip-hop is pretty good!
Image caption, Salt-N-Pepa were there, and they were in effect, wanting you to push it back
This August marks 50 years since DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy threw a party in the Bronx that’s considered the birthing ground of hip-hop.
To mark the occasion, the Grammys threw a special performance that crammed the stage with legend after legend after legend.
Kicking off with Grandmaster Flash’s Flash to the Beat and The Message, the 12-minute medley made room for Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Public Enemy, De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff (scratching his way through Rock The Bells) Rakim, Ice-T, Method Man, an exquisitely-choreographed Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah and The Lox.
Busta Rhymes stole the show with a rapid-fire, syllable-spewing verse of Look At Me Now, while Nelly upped the fun factor with the goofy Hot In Herrre.
Everything was brought up to date with Lil Baby’s Freestyle and GloRilla’s F.N.F. (Let’s Go) before Lil Uzi Vert closed the set with a snippet of Just Wanna Rock.
“We started in the Bronx,” declared LL Cool J over the closing bars. “And ever since, we’ve gone everywhere,”
It was the undoubted highlight of the night… but there was a glaring absence from Drake and Eminem, both of whom are boycotting the Grammys, saying it sidelines hip-hop from the major categories.
To date, Childish Gambino’s This Is America is the only hip-hop song to win song of the year; while Outkast’s Speakerboxxx / The Love Below was the last rap album to scoop album of the year, back in 2004.
A tribute is one thing, but the Grammys still have a long road to travel.
5) It was a big night for Kim Petras
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Sam Smith and Kim Petras won best pop duo/group collaboration for their campy sex melodrama Unholy – which they also performed, with Smith dressed as the devil for good measure.
But the British singer ceded the microphone to Petras at the winner’s podium, watching with pride as she delivered her speech,
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” Petras said, her face covered in a red satin veil.
She went on to thank the pioneers and activists who “kicked the doors open” – a list that would include Wendy Carlos, the first transgender woman to win a competitive Grammy back in 1970, for her pioneering synth album Switched-On Bach).
Backstage, she still couldn’t get over the sense of occasion.
“All these years are going through my head of people saying I’d be a niche artist because I’m transgender, and my music would only ever play in gay clubs – and what’s wrong with that, because I love gay clubs – but now I got a Grammy for making gay club music with my friend,” she said.
Here’s a look at the most memorable outfits on the red carpet.
Roses are red, violets are blue, Lizzo won an award and performed on stage too.
Sam Smith and their colour-coordinated entourage, including Unholy collaborator Kim Petras, turned heads ahead of the main ceremony – where they put on a firey musical display.
Taylor Swift sparkled on arrival wearing a sequinned blue gown, while also showing off her midriff.
The star picked up four nominations ahead of this year’s event, including song of the year for the expanded, re-recorded version of All Too Well, but missed out on the award once again.
Harry Styles had his inkwork on display as he arrived in stylish patterned dungarees.
The northern Englishman took home the night’s big prize for best album for Harry’s House.
“This doesn’t happen to people like me very often, and this is so nice,” he said onstage.
Styles graced the Grammys performance stage on Sunday night, as did R ‘n’ B icon Mary J Blige, who was also nominated for several big awards.
Rap stars Cardi B and Offset stepped out in their finest glad rags.
Brandi Carlile was up for many of the night’s biggest honours, including album and record of the year.
Collecting an early award for best rock performance, the suited and booted singer-songwriter noted how she had succeeded by rejecting her mother’s advice.
“Mom, I gotta thank you for telling me to stop singing so angry, because I obviously ignored that like I ignored everything you ever told me to do,” she said with a smile.
“But I cut my hair, I learned how to scream, and I just won a Grammy for a rock and roll song that I wrote with all my heart.”
Bebe Rexha was nominated for best dance/electronic recording for her David Guetta collaboration I’m Good (Blue). Despite that, she wore this pink, plunging gown on the red carpet.
It was all white on the night for Shaggy, who was nominated for best reggae album for Com Fly Wid Mi – a collection of Sting-produced Frank Sinatra covers.
Leather-clad Doja Cat was nominated for a handful of awards including record of the year for Woman.
Singer and songwriter Anitta said she was “making history” as the first Brazilian artist to be nominated for best new artist at the Grammys in nearly half a century.
Speaking to journalists on the red carpet, she said: “My whole country is watching and Brazil is waiting for this. For me, the victory is to be here tonight, to be honest.”
Elvis Costello’s album The Boy Named If was nominated for best rock album and, like all self-respecting rock stars, he wore sunglasses indoors.
Mick Fleetwood’s outfit was accessorised with a pair of dangling metallic balls – a nod to the cover of his band’s classic album Rumours.
He was there to pay tribute to his late bandmate Christine McVie.
Five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain’s hair matched the red carpet at she arrived in a “fun” polka dot suit and towering hat by British-American fashion designer Harris Reed.
Twain collected the award for best country album on behalf of winner Willie Nelson.
“I am here to represent country music and I am excited,” she said beforehand.
Rap legend LL Cool J introduced a segment marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
“It feels like yesterday I was just a little kid in the basement listening to Cold Crush tapes and now here we are all these years later on, on the biggest stage in the world in hundreds of countries around the world, presenting hip hop the way I think it should be seen by the masses,” he reflected before the show.
Adding: “For a long time hip hop has been served in a brown greasy paper bag but tonight we’re going to serve it on a silver platter, so it feels good.”
Pharrell Williams looked happy to be there, rocking up in a fur coat over the top of a matching red jacket and trousers combo.
Italian Eurovision winners Maneskin looked sharp but missed out on the best new artist award, which ultimately went to Samara Joy.
The same can be said for DJ Khaled, who was nominated for song of the year for his track God Did, losing out to Bonnie Raitt.
Though he did get to perform the track on stage alongside collaborators such as Jay-Z, John Legend and Lil Wayne.
Ghanaian Highlife star Bisa Kdei has given a hint about a new song with British rapper Vanessa Mahi, known professionally as Ivorian Doll, through some photos he shared on social media.
The award-winning Highlife musician is gradually making waves with his fourth studio album, “Original,” which has racked up impressive streaming numbers across various social media platforms.
Bisa Kdei, who is currently on an album tour in the United Kingdom, met up to record a song with the Ivorian Doll, who is an Internet personality of Ivorian descent.
According to Bisa Kdei, he had a lot of good music to offer his fans, and they should be on the lookout for numerous international collaborations.
“I am very glad with how my current album has been received, and I am very thankful to all my fans who made this a success.
“I have great plans for all Highlife lovers, and linking with the Ivorian Doll is one of the projects coming up, so they should all be on the lookout and continue to stream my new album,” he said.
Bisa Kdei’s “Original” album features some of the best musical artistes from the African continent, including Stonebwoy, Kidi, Teni, Camidoh, Sefa, and football star Memphis Depay.
Ghanaian musician and radio personality, Blakk Rasta has reacted to some comments from artiste manager Bullgod that Ghanaians should not take the former serious because he is stressed out.
Bullgod was reacting to an earlier comment from Blakk Rasta about rapper Sarkodie being featured on Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up” song.
The “Daaro Daaro” musician, responding to Bullgod’s assertion about him in a tweet, said that if he is stressed as the artiste manager claims, then he (Bullgod), who spent time in jail for irresponsibility and making bizarre comments is more stressed.
“Even he who has been locked up severally by the police for careless, deranged utterances and, bears the middle name of a castrated DOG is not stressed. What a world!” he said.
On February 6, 2023, Bullgod revealed that mental health is not taken seriously in Ghana, which is why Blakk Rasta has been making headlines for expressing that Sarkodie’s feature with Bob Marley is a desecration to his song, ‘Stir it Up’.
According to the artiste manager, a close examination of the “Black Pot show host” reveals that Blakk Rasta is going through so much.
“Blakk Rasta is stressed. We do not take mental health seriously. There is a lot of stress in this country. Blakk Rasta is stressed,” he said.
The 65th annual Grammy Awards took place in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday evening.
Here’s how the action unfolded.
The awards kicked off with an explosive performance from Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny (pictured above), which – set against a tropical background – featured pyrotechnics and scores of Latino dancers.
It got the star-studded audience, including Taylor Swift, up on their feet.
Image caption, Taylor Swift hanging out with Bad Bunny at the Grammys
“Thank you so much. This album, from start to finish, has been the greatest experience of my life,” said the star on stage.
His album, Un Verano Sin Ti, went on to win the award for best Música Urbana album; and Bad Bunny went on to pose with fellow Grammy-winner Taylor Swift.
Referring to Bad Bunny’s opening number, host and comedian Trevor Noah joked: “That album is so fire it makes [Donald] Trump want to learn Spanish.”
He also poked fun at Harry Styles’ fashion sense, joking: “Women throw their panties at this man, then he puts them on and looks better in them.”
Noah went on to formally introduce another pop superstar, Adele, to one of her biggest fans (quite literally in this instance) in the form of actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
“Adele meet The Rock, The Rock meet Adele,” said Noah, drawing laughter from the audience, as the two shared a rather cute if not slightly embarrassing impromptu embrace.
Harry Styles scooped the first major gong of night – best pop vocal album for his latest LP Harry’s House.
“This album from start to finish has been the greatest experience of my life. Thank you so much,” said the British star, accepting the award from Jennifer Lopez.
Styles later took to the stage for an energetic performance of his double-Grammy nominated track As It Was.
Wearing a long tasselled silver shirt and matching trousers, he shimmered as he charged around the stage, joined by a troupe of dancers on a rotating platform.
His night was capped by being handed the coveted album of the year award by a septugenarian super-fan.
Beyoncé then tied with conductor Georg Solti as the most decorated artist in Grammys history, after winning best R&B song for Cuff It.
She was not on hand to collect the award in person, after getting stuck in traffic. But she did arrive in time to collect her next award for best best dance/electronic music album.
Image caption, Beyoncé celebrated becoming the most decorated artist in Grammys history
The win made her the most decorated Grammys artist of all time, with 32.
Another British star, Sam Smith, shifted the spotlight onto their collaborator Kim Petras after she became the first transgender woman to win a Grammy.
The pair took home best pop duo/group performance, for their erotically-charged track Unholy – which they later performed on a devilishly flame-filled stage.
“Sam, I love you so much and this song has been such an incredible journey for me,” said the German singer.
She went on to thank the “transgender legends” who had “kicked open the doors”, as well as Madonna – who introduced them on stage – and her own mother.
Kendrick Lamar thanked his family too after winning the Grammy for best rap album, for Mr Morale & The Big Steppers.”
First and foremost I want to thank my family for giving me the courage and vulnerability to share my truth with this album,” he said, accepting the award.
He went on to thank his fans too for “trusting me with these stories”, describing it as “one of the toughest records” he had made.
After Shania Twain accepted the award for best country album on behalf of 89-year-old absentee Willie Nelson, the Grammys remembered some of the famous faces we lost over the past 12 months – including Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie, guitarist Jeff Beck and Migos rapper Takeoff.
The soundtrack to the emotional on-screen tribute was provided by Kacey Musgraves, Mick Fleetwood and Sheryl Crow, as well as Takeoff’s uncle Quavo.
Adele got emotional as she won the award for best pop solo performance, honouring her hit song Easy On Me.
“Well thank you. I really was just looking forward to coming tonight,” said the singer, after accepting the award from her new “best friend” Dwayne Johnson.
The biggest live performance of the night came courtesy of Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Grandmaster Flash and dozens of other figures from the rap world, who combined on stage to herald the 50-year history of hip-hop.
The special segment, which charted the evolution of the genre from its roots in New York City to the most popular genre in the world, was clearly appreciated by the likes of Adele, Jay-Z and Lizzo, who rapped along from the front rows.
After winning the award for record of the year, for About Damn Time, US singer Lizzo singled out Beyoncé for having “changed my life”.
Addressing the star directly, Lizzo said she had once skipped school to watch her perform.
“The way you made me feel,” she said, “I wanted to make people feel the same way with my music.”
Image caption, Bonnie Raitt with Taylor Swift
Country, blues and folk singer Bonnie Raitt won the song of the year award, for her track, Just Like That.
“I’m so surprised,” said the 73-year-old. “I don’t know what to say. This is just an unreal moment.”
Earlier in the evening, at the “premiere” show before the main event, folk rocker Brandi Carlile scored three awards.
“Oh my God, this is amazing. Oh, I’ll never be the same,” she said on stage. “I cut my hair and I learned how to scream and I just won a Grammy for a rock and roll song!”
She went on to rock out at the main show.
Image caption, Viola Davis accepted her prize as the Grammys kicked off in LA
Also during the premiere ceremony, actress Viola Davis became the 18th person to achieve the EGOT – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.
Davis completed her collection by winning best audio book for her autobiography Finding Me.
“I wrote this book to honour the six-year-old Viola,” said the star. “To honour her life, her joy, her trauma, everything.”
Image caption, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers of Wet Leg
Isle of Wight indie duo Wet Leg, meanwhile, swept the board with the alternative music categories, but ultimately lost out to Samara Joy for the best new artist prize.
“This is so funny, thank you so much. What are we doing here? I don’t know,” shrugged singer and guitarist Rhian Teasdale, while accepting their first award. “But here we are.”
Beyoncé won a record-breaking 32nd Grammy Award, while Harry Styles won album of the year, at this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles.
Beyoncé made history as she won best dance/electronic album for her euphoric dance opus, Renaissance.
In doing so, she overtook Hungarian-British conductor George Solti, whose record of 31 Grammys had stood for more than 20 years.
“I’m trying not to be too emotional,” said the star, accepting her prize.
“I’m trying to just receive this night.”
She went on to thank her family, including her late uncle Jonny, who helped make her stage outfits before she became famous.
Beyoncé has previously said his battle with HIV influenced her interest in dance music, and its historical ties to the LGBTQ community, on Renaissance.
Overall, Beyoncé won four prizes at the ceremony – but missed some of the early presentations after getting stuck in gridlocked downtown Los Angeles.
“I’m surprised traffic could stop you,” joked host Trevor Noah. “I thought you travelled through space and time.”
Image caption, Beyoncé’s historic achievement was celebrated at her table – with Adele and Jay-Z among those toasting the singer
Despite her success, Beyoncé was once again locked out of the coveted album of the year award.
She has now lost the prize four times, most notably in 2017 when her confessional masterpiece Lemonade was beaten by Adele’s 25.
At the time, Adele used her acceptance speech to say Beyoncé was the more deserving winner (although she held on to the trophy).
This year, Harry Styles took the crown, with Grammy voters recognising the slick, radio-friendly pop of his third record Harry’s House.
In his speech, the British star downplayed the importance of the prize.
“On nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as best in music,” said the singer.
“I don’t think any of us sit in the studio, making decisions based on what is going to get us one of these.”
Image caption, Harry Styles also gave an energetic performance of his hit single As It Was
However, he was visibly moved by the honour, adding: “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often, and this is so, so nice.”
Earlier in the night, the star also won best pop album – receiving his award with a kiss from Jennifer Lopez.
“This album from start to finish has been the greatest experience of my life,” he said. “From making it with two of my best friends to playing for people has been the greatest joy I could have asked for.”
British artists triumph
Billed as “music’s biggest night”, the Grammys are the industry’s most prestigious awards.
Sunday’s show was attended by Adele, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Shania Twain and Stevie Wonder, with performances from Lizzo, Steve Lacy and Brandi Carlile.
British artists had a good night, with indie duo Wet Leg winning two prizes, including best alternative album; and Sam Smith receiving best pop duo/group performance for Unholy, a duet with Kim Petras.
Smith’s prize was their first Grammy since 2015, when they won four trophies, including best new artist.
However, the singer let Petras take the microphone to mark another historical achievement.
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” said the German-born singer.
Image caption, Sam Smith and Kim Petras shared their award
She went on to thank the late, transgender pop artist Sophie for “kicking these doors open”, and Madonna “for fighting for LGBTQ rights”, before dedicating the award to her mother.
“I grew up next to nowhere in Germany and my mother believed me, that I was a girl,” she said, as Smith looked on with pride. “I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.”
The duo later gave a sultry, BDSM-inspired performance of their ode to infidelity, introduced by Madonna.
“If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative, or dangerous you’re definitely onto something,” said the star.
Tributes and memories
Adele also won best pop vocal performance for Easy On Me, dedicating the prize to her son Angelo.
The singer told the audience she had written the first verse “in the shower when I was choosing to change my son’s life”, by divorcing her then-husband, Simon Konecki.
She added: “I love a piano ballad winning any kind of award because it’s very old school and very brave.”
Image caption, Adele has now won 16 Grammys across her career
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt was the surprise winner of song of the year – beating favourites Taylor Swift and Beyoncé with her sorrowful ballad Just Like That.
Voters were undoubtedly moved by Raitt’s tender lyrics, in which a woman mourning the death of her son finds comfort from the man who received his heart in a transplant.
“I’m so proud that you appreciate this one,” said the 72-year-old, accepting her trophy.
Image caption, Bad Bunny’s performance brought a carnival atmosphere to Los Angeles
Bad Bunny opened the show in an explosion of colour, replicating a Puerto Rican fiesta in the aisles of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com arena.
His medley of El Apagón and Después De La Playa was enhanced with pyrotechnics, dozens of dancers and a troop of cabezudos, the “bighead” puppets that march down the streets of San Juan every January.
He later won the prize for best Música Urbana album, in recognition of Un Verano Sin Ti, which spent 13 weeks at number one in the US last year.
“I made this album with love and passion, and when you do things with love and passion, everything is easier,” said the singer.
Other performances came from Americana star Brandi Carlile and Lizzo, who gave a gospel-infused take on her current single, Special.
She later won record of the year for About Damn Time, and used her speech to honour Prince, who gave her an early break on his song Boytrouble.
“When we lost Prince, I decided to dedicate my life to making positive music.” She also paid tribute to Beyoncé, calling her “the artist of our lives”.
Image caption, Public Enemy were among the acts marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop
The in memoriam section gave an emotional send-off to stars like Olivia Newton-John, Irene Cara, David Crosby and Jeff Beck.
Kacey Musgraves played a heartfelt version of Coal Miner’s Daughter in tribute to the “Queen of Country” Loretta Lynn; while Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie was honoured with a performance of her signature hit, Songbird, by Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood.
And Migos rapper Quavo played Without You – a song he wrote after the tragic death of his nephew and bandmate Takeoff last November.
In a more celebratory moment, the stage was taken over by more than two dozen rap icons, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.
Turntable pioneer Grandmaster Flash kicked off the set with Flash Was On The Beat, cueing up an almost 12-minute trawl through the genre’s greatest hits.
Run-DMC played Rock The Bells, Public Enemy delivered a verse of Yo, Bum Rush The Show, Missy Elliot swept in for Lose Control and Busta Rhymes gave a show-stopping performance of his high-velocity rap from Chris Brown’s Look At Me Now.
Ghanaian Media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has admonished lovers to gift their partners “story books” this Valentine’s Day.
Addressing netizens on Twitter ahead of Val’s day which falls on February 14, Nana Aba has urged them to try as much as possible to shift from giving out the usual presents.
She said regular gifts such as the chocolates, flowers, teddy bears, money, cars, and so on could be replaced with books.
“Buy story books for your partners this Valentine. T for thanks”, her statement read.
Nana Aba Anamoah’s statement has since stirred massive reactions from scores of individuals on social media.
Concerns have been divided among netizens who have either sided or disagreed with her comments.
“Just try it the way these ladies will insults you, they don’t like reading”, A social media user replied.
“That is how Third World War is going to start,” said another.
Residents of Sepe-Boukrom, a town in the Ashanti Regional Capital, Kumasi have been thrown into a state of shock following the death of a 61-year-old woman.
The deceased, Rose Gyaah, was stabbed eight (8) times with a knife by the suspect, a 21-year-old man.
Body of the deceased was discovered in her bathroom in a three-storey building after she was stabbed by the suspect on Monday, February 6, 2023.
The suspect, identified as Koo Baah, according to eyewitnesses, threatened to eliminate any person who attempted to arrest him with a gun after committing the heinous act on Monday morning.
However, the fearless angry youth in the Buokrom Community overpowered the suspect and handed him immediately to Kumasi Airport Police Command.
Narrating how the incident occurred, a co-tenant to the deceased, Hamidu Issah explained,
“We heard the deceased Maa Rose shouting while mentioning the name Koo Baafi who happens to be an errand boy for her, so we thought it was a normal call which she normally does, but we realized the deceased’s voice was getting faint, so we rushed to her room at the last floor of the three-storey building.
“When got there, we saw blood stains all over the place, so we began following the blood stains and discovered the woman had been dragged to the bathroom by the suspect.
“We immediately called the police for assistance but the woman was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.”
The unfortunate incident has thrown the entire community into a state of shock and mourning.
Former Chief Whip of the minority Caucus in parliament, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has conceded to the decision of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following talks with former president John Dramani Mahama.
His meeting comes amidst the brouhaha associated with the reshuffle of the minority in parliament.
In a Facebook post, he said John Mahama’s intervention has brought an end to the disagreement with regards to the reshuffle.
Muntaka further said that there is the need for the party to move on as a party and channel energies towards 2024 elections.
“To all our supporters within and without. I had a lengthy meeting with my big brother, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday evening over the parliamentary reshuffle.
“I want to first of all thank him for the words of advice and encouragement to me as a younger brother.
“His Excellency’s intervention has brought an end to all the brouhaha associated with the reshuffle. We are for the interest of our party NDC. We need to move on as a party and channel all our energies towards 2024 elections,” he wrote on Facebook.
Background:
The change in the leadership of the minority caucus of Parliament has led to some confusion in the NDC, with some members of the party, including some Members of Parliament, saying that the party’s parliamentarians should have been consulted before the move.
The NDC leadership has appointed the former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as the minority leader in the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He replaced the MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.
According to the NDC, Kofi Armah Buah, MP for Ellembele, will take over as the Deputy Minority Leader.
While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, he will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip.
Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First Deputy Minority Whip, while Comfort Doyo Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is the Second Deputy Minority Whip.
This was contained in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, from the National Democratic Congress, dated January 23, 2023.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been hnoured by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
He was awarded a medal of honour and a citation “for his contributions to the advancement of the health sector in the Volta Region.”
In a series of tweets shared on Sunday, February 5, 2023, the MP said that he is humbled and inspired by the gesture.
He expressed his gratitude to the GMA and his special public health advisor, Dr. Momodou Cham, who he said played a key role in his intervention in the health sector in the Volta Region.
“Sincerely, it is really humbling and deeply inspiring to know that the professionals and practitioners at the heart of health delivery have returned a positive verdict on my health interventions.
Last night I received a medal of honour and a citation from the prestigious Ghana Medical Association (Volta/Oti Division) for what they described as my “outstanding contributions to the advancement of the health sector.”
“This isn’t an individual accomplishment but a collective recognition; there wouldn’t be this award without my special public health advisor, Dr. Momodou Cham, our dynamic volunteers, our numerous donors both home and abroad, patients and healthcare workers who boldly tell us their needs, the many doctors and nurses who accept our outreach invitations, community leaders, party activists and strategic partners,” parts of the tweet read.
The tweets included a video of the MP receiving the award amid resounding applause and a standing ovation.
A former National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) ‘shark’, “Dr” Ninwie Leonard Lanyeli, will be treated by the Ankaful Hospital, following a promise by the hospital to provide free psychiatric treatment to him.
In the first month, the hospital will conduct a complete evaluation of Leonard’s health to analyse his existing condition and check for any new issues that might have developed while he was out of hospital.
According to Dr Kwadwo Marfo Obeng, the Director of the Hospital, the one-month period would allow them to really examine Leonard’s condition.
“The one month will give us an opportunity to actually assess his condition and develop proper treatment plan,” Dr. Obeng said.
The psychiatrist told JoyNews Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen that the facility will monitor Leonard’s medication compliance until he is stable.
He says, because Leonard isn’t causing any major problems for anyone in society, he may not need to be admitted for a very long time.
“It is very probable if the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is confirmed, we will start medication for him. Differs from a different point in the illness – usually, people respond to medication faster while for others, it takes longer for them to respond. We start the treatment and see how well he can respond to the treatment,” he stated.
The Hospital, according to Dr Marfo, is trying to figure out the best way to get him back into some sort of career or schooling.
When asked how long he believes Leonard can stay in school to finish his programme, Dr. Marfo responded, “we have to see how he can respond to treatment before I can speak with confidence when Leonard can return to school.”
He added, “we have to see how he can respond to treatment. However, with bipolar disorder, his chances of recovering enough to go back to school are higher.
Leonard’s mother
Leonard’s family has been made aware of the Hospital’s intervention, thus on Wednesday he will go to Ankaful to begin the treatment.
The story of the 33-year-old, who had to discontinue his doctor of optometry education at KNUST due to bipolar disorder 2, was first published by myjoyonline.
But for his health issues in 2012, Leonard ought to have been a working optometrist like many of his schoolmates.
What next after the Psychiatric Hospital’s intervention?
Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital’s intervention is just one of the many supports Leonard requires at this critical moment.
Leonard has two female and two male siblings. Both sisters are married, but neither is working.
Ninwie Nancy, who is 42 years old, is the first female child. She has completed junior high school. Ninwie Noella, the second child, is 38 years old, married, and unemployed with a senior high school diploma.
Ninwie Libanus, 30 years old, graduated from Jirapa Nursing Training College in 2017 with a diploma in Registered General Nursing.
His certificate is currently being held by the school since he was unable to pay his fees.
Libanus owes more than GH₵6,400 as fees as of 2021. After making a payment of GH₵4,000 cedis, he received official approval to sign up for the National Service.
“They haven’t officially given me the certificate. They only permitted me to register for the National Services in 2021,” he lamented.
Libanus still owes over GH₵2,400 four years after completion. In order to survive unending life challenges, he was forced to spend valuable time travelling to the southern part of the country and occasionally performing menial jobs.
“The only thing that kept me alive and strong was self-encouragement,” he said.
Libanus won’t likely get his certificate unless he pays all the outstanding fees.
In 1980, their mother, Ninwie Gladys, a ‘form four’ leaver, was employed as an ‘orderly’ at St. Joseph Hospital in Jirapa. She was laid off in 1993. Since then, she has been unemployed.
She fell from a height in 2018, breaking both of her hands, and had local treatment.
The father, Ninwie, served as the family’s rock. He made sure Leonard received the greatest care possible both at the university and the senior high school. He knew Leonard could replace him as the family’s rock.
He spent more than 35 years as a professional teacher, but his passing in 2011 made things worse for the family.
The family says that in order to restore Leonard’s health, they require any kind of financial, medical, and/or physical support. They believe that if he is healed, the family’s burden will reduce.
The National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) asserted that effective corporate structures can hasten the creation of a single African market and the associated benefits for the private sector by being built on the fundamental pillars of accountability, integrity, responsibility, transparency, and efficiency.
In order to gather data on corporate governance compliance and challenges in the nation, NAPRM-GC stated that it will coordinate various stakeholder engagements with businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME), state enterprises, civil society organizations (CSOs), and family-owned businesses.
The data, which will then be presented to African Heads of State for peer review and recommendations, will guide state actors in strengthening corporate governance practices among businesses in the informal sector to be able to participate in cross-border trade, and harness the benefits of AfCFTA.
“APRM realised that if we are able to harness corporate governance to support the continental free trade area objective, we will be able to propel economic development,” he said.
Contrary to widely held perception that corporate governance practices are a reserve for big firms and multinational entities, he said it is equally important for small enterprises and start-ups to imbibe the culture of good corporate practices in their businesses.
Executive Secretary, NAPRM-GC, Winniefred Akoto-Sampong, indicated that Ghana’s first peer review was done in 2006 under the leadership of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Touching on reasons for the long pause between the country’s first review and the second targetted review, she cited lack of financial commitment from the government and politics.
“Research has shown that the dominant businesses in our country are those in the informal sector – family businesses and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. These categories do not have corporate governance structures; some do not even know what it means, and so we want to use this medium to help them understand its importance and use it to grow their businesses so that the country can benefit from AfCFTA,” she said.
In August 2022, President Nana Akufo-Addo inaugurated the targetted review for Ghana, themed: ‘Corporate Governance as a Catalyst for the Implementation of AfCFTA in Ghana’.
Twitter appears to have more goodies for its users as it has announced a new package for Blue subscribers.
In a tweet CEO Elon Musk noted that effective February 4, 2023, “Twitter will share ad revenue with creators for ads that appear in their reply threads.”
“To be eligible, the account must be a subscriber to Twitter Blue Verified,” he added.
The billionaire tech mogul announced on Friday that the platform would start sharing ad revenue with eligible users. Musk said those who are subscribed to Twitter Blue Verified will receive a cut of the revenue from ads that appear in their reply threads, but failed to provide additional information on how the program would work.
Twitter currently offers a few monetisation options, including its Super Follows and Tips features.
The COSI is devoted to tracking developments in child online safety globally and provides real-time updates. It measures a country’s level of online safety for children across six pillars, including the children themselves, families, schools, businesses, and soft and hard infrastructure of government.
Each nation is given a COSI score, which was published last year and ranges from 10 (the lowest) to 100. (the best). Ghana, which is currently ranked 79th, is doing admirably. The aim of the nation is to rank in the top 90%, nevertheless.
The inaugural report of COSI, which examined six major pillars of support for children’s online safety across 30 countries through data from 145,426 children, was published on Safer Internet Day in 2020.
This time around, the report broadened and increased its measurement to examine and compare countries’ performance on COSI across the six pillars using data from 329,142 children and adolescents in 100 countries.
GISF’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Adinkrah, is also calling for more stakeholder engagements and education on child Internet safety issues.
According to Mr. Adinkrah, issues related to child online protection must be given serious consideration by major stakeholders in the country as they impact the country’s future.
“GISF is raising awareness for Safer Internet Day 2023, emphasising the importance of digital parenting in protecting children from online dangers.
“There is a need for stakeholders in Ghana to do more to improve on our Internet safety issues in order to rank creditably on the global index of Child Online Safety,” he stated
He said children require protection not only in physical space, and their digital lives/persona must also be protected.
They will be able to interact with experts from GISF and other organisations dedicated to Internet safety and get answers to their questions on how to keep their children safe online.
He added that: “GISF is proud to join the global community in the celebration of Safer Internet Day 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Together for a better Internet, highlighting the role of parents and caregivers in creating a safer online environment for children and young people’.
He also lamented that most Ghanaian parents grew up in a completely different technological age without social media, multi-player games, online porn, video streaming, cyberbullying, or sexting.
Mr. Adinkrah indicated that: “Some of us even remember the good old days of dial-up connections. Back then, digital parenting meant getting the kids off the phone so you could send an email.
“In today’s world, our kids are connected 24/7 – even in the classroom – so much so that the distinction between online and offline is less and less meaningful.”
He further noted that with more young people accessing and consuming digital content, good cyber hygiene must be emphasized right from schools to places of worship and our homes.
“Several interventions by government through the Cybersecurity Authority are very commendable. However, more resources are required to create the necessary awareness, provide support to the victims of these cybercrimes, and create alternative digital spaces/programmes for our teeming netizens in Ghana,” he said.
Some Ghanaian celebrities have reacted to the sad news coming in about Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, who has been reportedly trapped under rubbles after Turkey was hit by an earthquake.
Christian Atsu and his club director, Taner Savut, are said to have been left under piles of ruins, following the incident which is currently being reported by global news outlets today, February 6, 2023.
However, the development has stirred massive reactions on social media, while igniting fear and panic among scores of netizens.
Some Ghanaian celebrities have since flooded social media to express their concerns about the situation, while hoping that God saves the Black Stars winger.
The likes of Abeiku Santana, Guru, Menaye Donkor, Amanda Jissih, OV, and many others have offered prayers for the footballer.
Meanwhile, CNN report says the death toll has since risen to more than 1,900.
A school in New York has apologised after students were served Chicken and Waffles for Black History Month.
The incident reportedly took place on Feb. 1 at Nyack Middle School, when students were offered a chicken-and-waffles lunch with a side of watermelon. According WABC, the school’s principal, David Johnson, placed the blame on food-service vendor Aramark, claiming the company had changed the hot lunch menu without informing the school. Officials said the original menu for Feb. 1 was Philly cheesesteak, broccoli, and fresh fruit.
“We are extremely disappointed by this regrettable situation and apologise to the entire Nyack community for the cultural insensitivity displayed by our food service provider,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am disappointed that Aramark would serve items that differed from the published monthly menu. Especially items that reinforce negative stereotypes concerning the African-American Community.”
This isn’t the first time Aramark has been accused of perpetuating racial stereotypes. In 2018, New York University cut ties with the company after it included ribs, collard greens, and Kool-Aid on a special menu for Black History Month.
The vendor apologized for the incident at Nyack Middle School, claiming it was not intended to be a “cultural meal.”
“We apologize for the unintentional insensitivity shown on February 1, the first day of Black History Month,” it wrote in a statement. “… We acknowledge that the timing was inappropriate, and our team should have been more thoughtful in its service. This was a mistake and does not represent the values of our company, and we are committed to doing better in the future.
“We will be partnering with the District so employees who work in the schools participate in training that aligns to the Nyack School District’s vision and commitment to equity-driven work. We believe this will provide a good learning opportunity to deepen understanding on the impact of systemic biases and negative stereotypes concerning the African-American Community.”
Armie Hammer has opened up about a sour encounter with a pastor that nearly maimed him for life.
He alleges that he was sexually abused, among other things, by the said pastor.
In 2021, Hammer sparked backlash after a woman who says she had an intimate relationship with him created an account on Instagram to share gruesome details of the bizarre sexual interactions she says they used to have, which contained BDSM fantasies and cannibalistic fetishism.
Per the Hollywood Reporter, Hammer has denied any criminal wrongdoing, though he admits he was emotionally abusive toward the victims.
“I’m here to own my mistakes, take accountability for the fact that I was an asshole, that I was selfish, that I used people to make me feel better, and when I was done, moved on,” Hammer shared. “I’m now a healthier, happier, more balanced person. I’m able to be there for my kids in a way I never was. I’m truly grateful for my life and my recovery and everything. I would not go back and undo everything that’s happened to me.”
The most damning of the sexual assault allegations against Hammer were courtesy of Efrosina Angelova, a woman who Armie claims he had a years-long relationship with him. Back in 2021, Angelova shared screenshots of explicit conversations that allegedly occurred between Hammer and multiple women via Instagram DMs. While most people wouldn’t be surprised at the nature of dirty talk or sexting in 2021, the alleged conversations included talk of rape fantasies, the desire to inflict pain on his partners, and one in which the actor reportedly said he was “100% a cannibal.”
Hammer maintains that Angelova was complicit in the sexual fantasies that played out between them.
“She planned all of the details out, all the way down to what Starbucks I would see her at, how I would follow her home, how her front door would be open and unlocked and I would come in, and we would engage in what is called a ‘consensual non-consent scene,’ CNC,” Hammer said. “Every single thing was discussed beforehand. I have never thrust this on someone unexpectedly. Never.”
Elsewhere in his conversation with writer James Kirchick, Hammer spoke about being molested by a youth pastor when he was 13.
“What that did for me was it introduced sexuality into my life in a way that it was completely out of my control,” he said about the abuse he suffered. “I was powerless in the situation. I had no agency in the situation. Sexuality was introduced to me in a scary way where I had no control. My interests then went to: I want to have control in the situation, sexually.”
He also revealed he attempted suicide while swimming in the Cayman Islands in February 2021, shortly after the allegations against him surfaced.
“I just walked out into the ocean and swam out as far as I could and hoped that either I drowned, or was hit by a boat, or eaten by a shark. Then I realized that my kids were still on shore, and that I couldn’t do that to my kids.”
As for what’s going on in his life currently, Hammer is focused on his sobriety journey, as the actor has been helping other addicts on their path of rehabilitation.
“I’m going to move in with him and live with him, get him on a healthy routine, get him into a good schedule of [recovery] meetings, take him to the gym, cook healthy food for him,” he said. “It feels like my recovery has taken a turn from me being the one who needs help staying sober, to me being able to help others.”
A Michigan woman who discovered a sum of $15,000 on her way to work has returned the money.
Diane Gordon walks almost three miles to work every day for the past year and has made headlines after she returned the bag she found containing the money.
As she explained, she had been walking 2.7 miles to work at VC Fresh Marketplace five days a week for about a year after her car broke down in February, 2022. When she was walking back home after a shift on Jan. 21, she stopped by a gas station when she noticed a plastic bag with a large amount of cash in it.
“I looked down on the ground and found a plastic bag with a large sum of money in it,” she said. “When you turned it over there was even more money.” When she made the discovery, she immediately took it to the police. “This doesn’t belong to me,” she noted.”
According to Lt. Matthew Ivory of the White Lake Police Department, “It never really crossed her mind to do anything other than turn it over.” Police launched an investigation into where the money came from shortly after, and discovered it belonged to newlyweds. “Inside the bag was also wedding cards, these were gifts from a wedding that occurred that day,” added Ivory. “I think it was $14,780 worth of cash.” Ivory said that Gordon’s act is even more kind-hearted because she could’ve done with the money herself to get a new car.
After the money was safely returned to its original owners, Ivory said that someone connected to the department set up a GoFundMe to make sure Gordon can get a new car.
“Dianne does not have a vehicle, and walks back and forth to VC’s daily, regardless of the Michigan elements, where she works in the deli. She self admittedly ‘needed the money’ and ‘it would be life-changing’ for her, but that she didn’t think twice about not turning it in,” reads the fundraiser, which has already surpassed its $25,000 goal with over $45,000 in donations. There ultimately was found to be $14,780 along with wedding cards in the bag which were the gifts of a newly married couple that day. Dianne is a perfect example of integrity and selflessness even in her own time of need. We will be working with Szott Automotive to get Dianne a vehicle with the funds raised.”
This isn’t the first time the baby daddy of the actress has been caught cheating and certainly wont be the last.
A few hours ago, a lady on Snapchat named Akua leaked her chat with Yaa Jackson’s baby daddy, Manuel GH.
In the chat, Manuel GH didn’t beat around the bush to confess that he has no future plans with her Yaa Jackson and Akua is the lady he loves and wants to marry.
He also emphatically stated in the chat that he hasn’t married Yaa Jackson contrary to the reports which went rife on social media a couple of months ago and the actress-cum-sing is only her baby mama and nothing serious.
Yaa Jackson has obviously gotten hold of the trending leaked chats and reacted to them in a very angry yet sad manner.
Apparently, Yaa Jackson has confronted Manuel GH, her baby daddy and he’s yet to reply to her texts to either affirm or deny being the one in the screenshots.
In a circulating audio, Yaa Jackson described her baby daddy as a madman and later told the person she was chatting with to briefly hold on with her as she awaits Manuel GH’s reply.
In another Snapchat post, Yaa Jackson slammed her baby daddy for disgracing her outside but always sneaking back to beg for forgiveness – Making it seem that she’s the one forcing herself on in the eyes of social media users.
The two lover birds who recently welcomed their first child together have reportedly parted ways and it’s evident on social media as they have both unfollowed each other on Instagram.
A simple search on both of the pages of the former lovers confirms that they are not following each other anymore which gives us a clue about what is going on behind the scenes concerning the current state of their affair.
Yaa Jackson on the other hand has been ranting and throwing indirect shades at Manuel GH through her recent posts on both Instagram and Snapchat.
In one of her posts on Instagram, she slammed her critics who claim she’s ugly and asked why men are drooling over her if what they are saying is true.
On Snapchat also, she described men as scum and very wicked and additionally lamented that it’s going to take her decades to narrate how men have mistreated her.
She also wished for Karma to deal with the man who has broken her heart and we all know she’s talking about her baby daddy, Manuel GH.
Somewhere last week, reports went rife that Yaa Jackson and her baby daddy, Manuel GH have gone their separate ways after welcoming a son together.
The two lovebirds allegedly unfollowed each other on social media and Yaa Jackson proceeded to throw indirect jabs supposedly at her baby daddy amidst the breakup rumours.
In one of her posts on Instagram, she slammed her critics who claim she’s ugly and asked why men are drooling over her if what they are saying is true.
On Snapchat also, she described men as scum and very wicked and additionally lamented that it’s going to take her decades to narrate how men have mistreated her.
She also wished for Karma to deal with the man who has broken her heart and we all know she’s talking about her baby daddy, Manuel GH.
Addressing the reports, the ‘Ehwe Papa’ hitmaker stormed the internet to claim that the viral reports are false and that she and her baby daddy are happy together.
According to Yaa Jackson, she is fond of posting memes on social media and cautioned her followers not to use her social media posts to determine her personal life.
“I post memes and sometimes I don’t even read them…I post for screenshots and all that so if you see it and think I have broken up then. You people should know me by now”, Yaa Jackson stated.
We all thought the issue has been solved only to wake up this morning to find screenshots of Manuel GH’s chat with another lady trying to woo her and dissing Yaa Jackson to her in the process.
In the chat, Manuel told the lady named Akua that she should forget about her baby mama (Yaa Jackson) and the child they share together because it’s she’s the one he wants.
Although the lady insisted she was not interested in dating Manuel GH but he kept harassing her inside her DMs and I’m sure this is the reason she decided to leak their chats online.
A nine-year old girl has been honoured by Yale University.
Yale University has honored the work of Bobbi Wilson, a 9-year-old Black girl who was wrongly reported to the police while catching insects in her neighborhood.
According to NBC News, the New Jersey fourth-grader became fascinated with spotted lantern flies after learning about the invasive species in school. Though the insects don’t directly harm humans or animals, they pose a serious risk to trees, plants, and crops. So, in an effort to curb the insects’ presence, Bobbi turned to TikTok and found a homemade recipe for bug repellent, which consisted of soap, dish water, and apple cider vinegar. She then went around her neighborhood, sprayed every lantern fly she could find, and placed them in a plastic bottle.
While going from tree to tree, Bobbi was approached by a police officer who was responding to a report of a “suspicious person.” It turns out the call had come from one of her neighbors, former town council member Gordon Lawshe.
“There’s a little Black woman walking, spraying stuff on the sidewalks and trees on Elizabeth and Florence,” Lawshe told the dispatcher, according to October 2022 audio obtained by outlets. “I don’t know what the hell she’s doing. Scares me, though.”
Bodycam footage captured officer Kevin O’Neill’s interaction with Bobbi as well as her mother, Monique Joseph.
“Am I in trouble?” the girl asked.
“No,” the adults responded.
“How many trees did you save?” her mother asked.
Joseph later said that the incident was another example of racial profiling.
“You know, you hear about racism; you kind of experience it in your peripheral if you’re lucky in your life,” she said, according to Yale University. “It doesn’t come knocking on your door. That morning when it happened, my world stopped.”
Fast-forward to Jan. 20, when the Yale School of Public Health honored Bobbi for her efforts to improve her community’s environment. The school also thanked the student for her donating 27 spotted lantern flies to Yale’s Peabody Museum, where they will be used for future research.
“Yale doesn’t normally do anything like this … this is something unique to Bobbi,” said Ijeoma Opara, an assistant professor at School of Public Health. “We wanted to show her bravery and how inspiring she is, and we just want to make sure she continues to feel honoured and loved by the Yale community.”
Co-owner of the popular Atlanta nightclub Republic Lounge, Michael Gidewon, has been fatally shot.
He was shot outside the establishment on Saturday morning, according to a report by complex.com.
11Alive reports police arrived at the scene around 7 a.m. Saturday, and found Gidewon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was not responsive. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. According to a security guard at Republic Lounge, someone who was kicked out earlier in the night returned with a gun and killed Gidewon.
The Atlanta Police Department has not spoken on the events which led up to the shooting, and has not yet identified anyone involved.
Gidewon owned Republic Lounge with his brother, Alex, and would frequently be seen hanging out with established rappers such as T.I., Young Jeezy, Usher, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Baby, and Ludacris. Michael’s brother Alex now heads AG Entertainment, before owning and operating the now-defunct entertainment club Compound.
Gidewon leaves behind his wife and four kids, all in middle and high school.
“His family meant the world to him,” a family friend of Gidewon’s told 11Alive. “I know that he loved his wife, his children. He wanted to make sure that he could provide for them regardless of what was happening.”
Michael and Alex emigrated to Atlanta to escape violence in their home East African of Eritrea. “That takes on a whole different dynamic because you’re really taking work home at that point,” the source said. “They were able to overcome all of that and still come here and be successful and still become a very integral part of the city from the standpoint of not just employing, having nightclubs, but they also had a foundation.”
American singer, actress, and talk show host, Jennifer Hudson, paid a glorious tribute to the late American singer and actress, Whitney Houston at the Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party, with an outstanding performance of “The Greatest Love of All.”
The crowd collectively roared and clapped in tribute to Whitney Houston—the singer who made the song famous.
Hudson was one of a stellar lineup of performers during Davis’ pre-Grammy party which has been a tradition since 1976. Saturday’s event is the first time the party has happened in person since the pandemic.
In 2012 when Houston passed during Grammy weekend, Hudson performed the late singer’s biggest hit “I Will Always Love You” at the Award’s ceremony. This weekend, the Dream Girls alum was tasked once more to tribute “The Voice.”
More actors attended Davis’ pre-Grammy party than in previous years per Variety. That list included, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Sharon Stone, Adrien Brody, and new mother Paris Hilton. Red carpet regulars Lizzo, Offset and Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, and Janelle Monae were all present as well.
But there was an eerie silence in the room when Kevin Costner took to the microphone.
“Neither one of us, in the end, could protect your beloved Whitney,” Costner said speaking directly to Davis. Both Houston and Costner famously starred together in the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard.
“But your fingerprints on her life are clean my friend. You were a miracle in her life. Thank you for being her bodyguard, Clive. Everyone in this business has a mom, but not everyone has a Clive,” Costner added.
In I Wanna Dance with Somebody, it was revealed that Costner brought the Dolly Parton hit, “I Will Always Love You” to Davis, who brought it to Houston. To date, it is the best-selling single of all time from a female vocalist.
At 90, Davis told Vanity Fair that he still had things to do, including making sure that I Wanna Dance with Somebody made it to the big screen. In the big-budget biopic, Stanley Tucci plays the iconic music mogul. Davis said the two Zoomed twice. “We’ve become quite friendly.”
Davis signed the singer when she was 19, and though the producer had many iconic moments in the industry, his new-gen claim to fame was the fresh-faced church girl from Newark, N.J. with the musically connected family that included ties to Dionne Warwick (her cousin), and Aretha Franklin (for whom her mother sang background).
Houston was 49 when she was found dead in the tub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She’d been in rehearsals to perform at Clive’s pre-Grammy party that weekend, but she never made it. Her last public performance was an impromptu rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” at Kelly Price’s pre-Grammy celebration.
In an interview Davis did on Friday with the official publication for the Grammy’s, he said, “I’m gratified that she was not a one-hit wonder or a passing fad, but she’ll be a permanent influence and inspiration to young artists forever because she was that unique. So it’s been very gratifying.”
The 2023 Grammy Awards is set to take place on Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
He claims that the current administration has been consumed by greed and incompetence working against the interests of the country, which has prevented the growth of the oil and gas industry.
John Mahama condemned the development as “wasted years” in a tweet from February 6, 2023, despite the fact that his [NDC] administration had given the Akufo-Addo administration two new oil fields in 2017—TEN and Sankofa.
Meanwhile, the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) in a recent assessment report on Ghana’s petroleum revenue management spanning a 10-year period showed that an amount of US$31.22 billion in value was generated from three producing oil fields between 2011 and 2022.
PIAC’s report which was released on March 1, 2022, said the generation comprises both entitlements due to the contracting parties and the Ghana Group.
The Ghana Group, according to the report earned US$6.55 billion in total petroleum receipts between 2011 and 2020.
The government has created the voluntary Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) to address its domestic debts in order to achieve this. Additionally, it has proposed other steps, such as having the nation join the Paris Club to address its international debts (to have the foreign debts delayed or forgiven).
With the DDEP, the government is seeking to restructure approximately GH¢137.3 billion of the domestic debts it accrued through bonds it issued, including the E.S.L.A. Plc and Daakye Trust Plc, and per the requirement of the IMF, 80 percent of the country’s total debts must be subject to this debt exchange programme.
However, the government has been struggling to get the needed stakeholders to sign up for the DDEP to meet the required standard and has extended the deadline for the programme several times.
This article looks at the different times the government has had to extend the deadline for participation in the DDEP and the new offers it made to bondholders.
This announcement was in line with the government’s debt sustainability analysis, as contained in the 2023 budget he presented to Parliament on November 24, and it gave entities up to December 30, 2022, to indicate their participation in the programme.
The minister laid out, among other things, the exchange of existing domestic bonds with four new ones, as well as their maturity dates and terms of coupon payments.
Under this initial offer, for bondholders with bonds maturing in 2023, the government promised four new bonds that were expected to mature in 2027, 2029, 2032, and 2037, and 0% interest in 2023, 5% interest in 2024, and 10% interest in 2025, which will continue till the maturity of your bond.
Initially, the government stated that the programme would affect securities dealers and funds, private banks and investment companies, insurance schemes, pension funds, and non-resident investors, but not individual bondholders.
First extension from December 30, 2022, to January 16, 2023
After fierce resistance from trade unions about the inclusion of pension funds in the DDEP and the lack of enough voluntary participation, the government announced the extension of the voluntary participation in the programme to January 16 with the following modifications:
• Offering accrued and unpaid interest on Eligible Bonds and a cash tender fee payment to holders of Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023;
• Increasing the New Bonds offered by adding eight new instruments to the composition of the New Bonds, for a total of 12 New Bonds, one maturing each year starting January 2027 and ending January 2038;
• Modifying the Exchange Consideration Ratios for each New Bond. The exchange consideration ratio applicable to Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023 will be different from other Eligible Bonds;
• Setting a non-binding target minimum level of overall participation of 80% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of eligible bonds; and
• Expanding the types of investors that can participate in the exchange to now include individual investors
Second deadline extension from January 16, 2023 to January 31, 2023:
The government on Monday, January 16, extended the deadline for DDEP to Tuesday, January 31, 2023, after resistance by some of the stakeholders involved in the programme, particularly individual investors whom the government promised not to include in the programme.
A press release on the development, issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Finance Ministry, announced some modifications by the government on the invitation to the exchange, including;
Offering accrued and unpaid interest on Eligible Bonds and a cash tender fee payment to holders of Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023;
Increasing the New Bonds offered by adding eight new instruments to the composition of the New Bonds, for a total of 12 New Bonds, one maturing each year starting January 2027 and ending January 2038;
Modifying the exchange consideration ratios for each New Bond. The exchange consideration ratio applicable to Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023 will be different than for other Eligible Bonds;
Setting a non-binding target minimum level of overall participation of 80% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of Eligible Bonds; and
Expanding the types of investors that can participate in the exchange to now include individual investors.
Extension of deadline from January 31, 2023 to February 14, 2023
The government had to once again extend the deadline for voluntary participation in the DDEP to February 14, 2023, from January 31, 2023, citing its latest offer to individual bondholders.
Even though this time around a lot of groups, including banks, have agreed to participate in the programme, the government still wants to include individual bondholders.
The latest offer includes the exchange of instruments with a maximum maturity of 5 years instead of 15 years and a 10% coupon rate to individual bondholders below the age of 59 to encourage them to participate in the DDEP.
Additionally, all retirees (including those retiring in 2023) will be offered instruments with a maximum maturity of 5 years instead of 15 years and a 15% coupon rate.
The current deal has, however, been rejected by individual bondholders. The individual bondholders, who are pensioners, picketed at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, February 6, 2023, to demand that the government exclude them from the DDEP.
American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, Chris Brown, has taken a swipe at Robert Glasper after the latter bagged the Best R&B album at the just ended Grammys.
The singer who did not take kindly to losing out on the award for best R&B album at Sunday’s Grammys, apparently shared his anger via his Instagram Story.
According to The Shade Room, in since-deleted posts, Brown posted an image of Robert Glasper and wrote, “Y’all playing. Who da f*ck is this?” alongside a few crying-laughing emojis. “Who the f*ck is Robert Glasper,” he continued. “I’ma keep kicking y’all ass respectfully.”
He didn’t stop there. Brown then posted additional stories to his IG, writing, “I gotta get my skills up…Ima start playing the harmonica.” The following image was an edited photo of him playing the harmonica, captioned, “New Level Unlocked! Harmonica Breezy.”
Brown’s 10th studio album Breezy (Deluxe) was up for the Grammy Award, against Glasper’s Black Radio III, Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe), Lucky Daye’s Candydrip, and PJ Morton’s Watch the Sun.
Breezy (Deluxe) debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and featured Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, Jack Harlow, and H.E.R., among others. Black Radio III also featured some iconic artists, including Killer Mike, Q-Tip, Common, H.E.R., Jennifer Hudson, Ty Dolla Sign, and more. It was the third installation in Glasper’s Black Radio series, with the first project arriving in 2012 and Black Radio 2 dropping the following year.
The Individual Bondholders Association of Ghana (IBHAG) is upset that the Finance Minister [Ken Ofori-Atta] has missed payments for coupons and maturities due on February 6, 2023.
This occurs after the Finance Minister and IBHAG verbally agreed to pay the maturities and coupons as part of a new Memorandum of the Debt Exchange Program.
IBHAG claims in a statement that it is demanding that Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister, explain what appears to be a contradiction.
“We call on the Finance Minister to clarify this apparent contradiction. If it turns out to be exactly what we have read in the memorandum, that will be a betrayal similar to the vain promises, veiled threats, and inconsistencies of the Finance Minister in the DDE exercise,” the statement said.
“We demand an explanation from the Minister on the memorandum, whilst we serve notice that our patience is waning. We are tired of the Minister’s shenanigans, and we will resort to whatever it takes to protect our health, the education of our children, and our livelihoods, in line with our national anthem, which enjoins us to resist oppressor’s rule,” portions of the statement added.
They further accused the Finance Minister [Ken Ofori-Atta] of being arrogant while reneging on promises made around the Domestic Debt Programme as part of building consensus.
“Meanwhile, he [Ken Ofori-Atta] has remained arrogant, ignoring all advice from his own government, political party, parliament, financial experts, religious bodies, traditional leaders, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) among many others,” IBHAG stressed.
IBHAG in its statement however called on its members to remain resolute and resist the attempts to get them to sign onto the Debt Exchange Programme.
“Our technical and legal teams are assessing the memorandum and will advise on Monday on its implications. Members will be duly informed as to when to activate the next line of action.”
Meanwhile, the group said it would not allow the Finance Minister to use their hard-earned salaries, severance packages, life-long savings, and monies for their health care and children’s education to pay for his recklessness and incompetence.
They also accused him of using his company to serve as a transactional advisor to government’s reckless borrowings while benefiting from the said move.
The Central Bank’s auction results show that the 91, 182, and 364-day treasury bills brought in GH1.95 billion for the government.
The aim of GH 1.423 billion is still 530.83 million away.
The 91-day bill, which raised GH1.571.46 billion and the 182-day bill, raised GH382.37 million, attracted the majority of subscriptions.
However, the interest rates were generally around 35%.
On the other hand, the 365-day charge was not a part of the subscriptions from the previous week.
The increase in the subscription is an indication of investor confidence as the government has made some significant progress in the debt exchange programme.
Individual bondholders are still calling on the government to exclude them from the programme, however, as the deadline for the invitation draws nigh government is yet to announce their exclusion or otherwise.
However, the deadline for the debt exchange programme is February 7, 2023.
But pensioner bondholders have picketed the Finance Ministry to demand a total exemption from the debt exchange programme.
Initially disclosing the new fee was social media expert Matt Navarra, who also purportedly provided photos of Twitter staff members reportedly charging the fee to companies wishing to become “Verified Organizations.”
The Information corroborated the news on Friday and said that it is presently unknown when the move would go into effect and when businesses that don’t pay will lose their gold check.
In addition to the $1,000 per month for a business account, Twitter plans to charge $50 each for the affiliated accounts, according to The Information’s Erin Woo.
According to the screenshots shared by Navarra, the program is called Verified Organizations, which the Twitter Business account first advertised in January, along with an application for early access.
In addition to the gold check, the program will also include “Tweet Boosting, which will increase the reach and distribution for your organization and its affiliates whenever you tweet,” the message reported by Navarra states.
The new plan is the latest payment option added to Twitter since the release of the embattled Twitter Blue subscription service, which was suspended shortly after its debut due to the rise of impersonator accounts that came with the new $8 per month blue checks.
The plan was relaunched in December, when the gold checks were first introduced as an added layer of distinction between verified businesses and individuals who had just paid $8 for the blue check. Last month, Musk also advertised a yet-to-be-released subscription service for Twitter that would allow users to access the site without ads.
It has been an eventful week for other Twitter services, as Musk tweeted ideas to charge the operators of automated accounts at least $100 per month to remove the influence of “bad bots”
Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk responded on Friday to a question about verification, claiming that the current “legacy” verification tag given to accounts which were verified before Twitter Blue’s introduction will be removed in the coming months.
Renowned Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred A. Bokpin has expressed concern over the silence of several significant players in this country’s governance on the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).
Pensioner Bondholders Forum, a group for the protection of pensioners with investment in government bonds has served notice to picket at the premises of the Finance Ministry until its members are exempted from the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).
According to the group, attempts to have their investment exempted from the programme have proved futile, the reason for their decision to picket at the Finance Ministry until their demands are met.
Commenting on the Debt Exchange Program on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Mr. Bokpin stated that he cannot fathom why Parliament as the representative of the people has not summoned the Minister of Finance for questioning.
“We need all important stakeholders, you need the TUC on the table, the TUC should not just wake up because pensions were at risk. What is a pension if the whole country is not governed well? Because if you don’t do this Debt Restructuring very well, adequately and comprehensively it will show up in the next two years.
“If you look at the terms that the Minister has proposed even for the Individual Bondholders you are looking at the principal repayment in 2025 at a time he will not be there. Even the opposition party what is their stake and their contribution in this Debt Restructuring?” Mr. Bokpin queried.
He stated that NDC and other major stakeholders must demonstrate their commitment and what alternative they are putting on the table to salvage the nation from the current situation.
“The Christian Council, all the major stakeholders you know this is not a time where you can leave governance to a few people, no, this is a time where we all come on board. Bring the best ideas and best alternatives on the table for our common good. If Parliament could tell us that they themselves have no deeper understanding of this Debt Exchange what prevents them from asking the Finance Minister to come and brief Parliament comprehensively? The situation, the steps, and all of that.”
The Senior Staff Association of the Electoral Commission (EC) has bemoaned failure of the Commission to pay service providers who assisted during the 2020 elections.
According to them, the failure of the EC to pay the service providers has negatively impacted their lives.
The association also talked about delayed payments of administrative releases, outstanding bills for logistics, and the drastic reduction of resources for operational activities.
In a letter to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission on February 2, the Association said it was compelled to hold a meeting on January 26 after receiving “numerous distress calls and messages” from members, especially regional directors, deputy regional directors, and district electoral officers, on the issues raised.
The letter, signed by over 20 executive members from across the country, categorizes their concerns into six categories:
1. Delay in the payment of Administrative Releases for the last two quarters of 2022.
2. Unprecedented delay in the payment for logistics and other services (canopies, tables, chairs, generators and boat) hired for the 2020 Voter Registration exercise.
3. Delay in the payment of allowances for Commissioners for Oaths engaged for the 2020 Voter Transfer Exercise.
4. Drastic reduction in the allocation of resources for operational activities of the Commission since the 2018 Referendum to date.
5. Constant Pre-financing of operational and administrative activities of the Commission
6. Outstanding payments for some temporary Officials engaged for DLE 2019 and 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The letter was copied to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Speaker of Parliament, Minister of National Security, General Secretary P.S.W.0 of TUC, and Chairman, Divisional Union of PSWU, EC.
Expatiating on the administrative lapses, the Association said due to the inability of EC to make payments for utility bills like water and electricity, some offices of the Commission have been disconnected.
Aside from officials being pestered by vendors, some District Electoral Officers have been sued by vendors in attempts to retrieve their monies.
It feared if care is not taken, District Electoral Officers would not be able to engage the services of vendors for subsequent exercise.
It, therefore, warned that if the Commission fails to settle all outstanding administrative releases in full by the 15th of February, 2023, it will employ legitimate and permissible tools to get their demand met.
Find excerpts of their letter below:
A. DELAY IN PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE RELEASES FOR TWO QUARTERS FOR THE YEAR 2022 (SIX MONTHS)
i. Delay in the administrative releases for fuel, accountable imprest and inability to service and maintain official vehicles.
ii. Payment of unrealistic rates of fuel for official vehicles
iii. Current economic conditions make it impossible for Regional Directors, Deputy Regional Directors and District Electoral Officers to Pre-finance fuel for official vehicles and undertake routine servicing and maintenance
iv. Inability to make payments for utilities (water and electricity) for the Offices
v. Disconnection of some offices of the Commission due to non-payment of utility bills
B. DELAY IN THE PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING BILLS
i. Non-payments for logistics (canopies, tables, chairs, boats, generators, etc.) used for the 2020 voter registration exercise, undertaken during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic
ii. Logistics needed for the exercise were hired, based on quotas, rates and operational, instructions from the Commission, amidst ‘strong warnings’ of sanctions for the failure to adhere
iii. Payment of only 20% of the total amount submitted for logistics, almost three (3) years after the exercise, which ended successfully for officers to receive commendations from the Commission for a good job done —the registers used for the 2020 elections are in debt
iv. District Electoral Officers are pestered on daily bases with incessant calls from vendors to redeem their debts
v. Some Vendors have sued some District Electoral Officers in the law courts and CHRA. I in attempts to retrieve their monies because Commission is unable to fulfill financial obligations
vi. District Electoral Officers are being verbally abused and even threatened on daily bases for non-payment of bills, making them live in fear
vii. District Electoral Officers have lost all the respect, dignity, goodwill and some favour that earlier existed in their districts because the Commission has been unable to honour its part of the agreement.
viii. District Electoral Officers are now having issues with their families and friends from whom they borrowed to offset some of the bills due to frustration.
ix. District Electoral Officers believe that the Commission thinks the vendors were not truly engaged, hence the commission’s refusal to pay them.
C. DELAY IN PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS ENGAGED FOR THE 2020 TRANSFER OF VOTERS
i. District Electoral Officers were instructed through their Regional Directors to engage the services of Commissioners for Oaths during transfer of voters in the year 2020, and have not been paid allowances after the whole exercise
ii. The Commissioners for Oaths keep harassing District Electoral Officers because they
haven’t received their allowance yet.
D. DRASTIC REDUCTION IN THE RESOURCES ALLOCATED FOR OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES BY THE COMMISSION
ii. Fuel for recruitment of officials, organisation of grassroots, training of officials, collection, distribution and retrieval of electoral materials from the regional offices to the district offices to the field has been reduced drastically since 2018
iii. Daily subsistence allowances (D5A) for staff has also seen a reduction per the number of days stipulated for various electoral activities.
iv. Resources for hiring of training venue for Training of Trainers (TOT) and grassroots training has been reduced drastically, making the organisation of the training programmes extremely difficult.
E. After the payment of officials for the 2019 District Level Elections (DLE) and the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, some officials did not receive their allowances due to errors in their bank account details. The leadership of the SSA has made several appeals to Management to see to it that these officials are paid their allowances. However, it appears that the situation has not seen any change.
We wish to make a final appeal to Management to address this issue timely so that we can continue to enjoy the support, loyalty and cooperation of our temporary officials during future exercises.
In view of the above, the National Council, the second highest decision-making body of the SSA and the mouthpiece for Senior Staff Members at the various regions has resolved to the following:
1. Commissions’ Inability to settle all outstanding administrative releases in full by the 15th of February 2023 will cause the following:
a. Hanging of red flags at all offices of the Commission from 16th February 2023 to show our protest.
b. Officers would be unable to perform administrative and operational functions that require any financial commitments.
c. The National Council of the Association may employ other legitimate and permissible tools under the Labour Laws of Ghana to press on home our demands after hanging of the red flags.
2. All arrears owned to vendors should be paid by Wednesday 1st March 2023, to enable District Electoral Officers have the peace of mind to live and work in their districts. In the event that the commission fails to make payments,
a. All calls from vendors will be directed to the Commission.
b. Vendors will be directed to the Head Office to claim their monies
c. District Electoral Officers would be unable to engage the services of vendors for subsequent exercise
3. Resources for operational and administrative activities should be restored to their previous levels; rates and levels should be determined and communicated to officers before the commencement of upcoming activities.
4. Officers of the Commission would NOT pre-finance any activities under any circumstance.
5. Management should liaise with the Government as a matter of urgency to implement the recommendations made on conditions of service of the staff of the Electoral Commission by the Twenty (20)- member fact finding Parliamentary Adhoc Committee set up by Parliament on Friday,28th January 2011.
6. Management should also endeavour to address all these pertinent issues in a timely manner for industrial peace and harmony to prevail, considering the fact that this year is an Election year.
BBTitans housemates, Jaypee and Lukay were evicted from the show on Sunday, February 5.
Jaypee and Lukay become the second pair to be evicted on the show following Sandra and Theo Traw who were evicted a week before from the show.
JayKay pair was eliminated from the competition on Sunday’s live show after receiving the fewest votes.
Here is how the viewers voted for the bottom three housemates;
JayKay made the least votes for the week with as low as 7.80%; followed by BlaqLeng who had almost twice the amount, 12.68%; and MaYa made a total of 19.16%.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked government to provide a list of (ongoing) projects to be suspended as a result of the ongoing IMF negotiations.
The NDC MPs have equally described the current IMF negotiations as the most opaque in the country’s history.
President Akufo-Addo has announced the IMF deal will affect some capital intensive projects without providing details.
Addressing the media in parliament minority spokesperson on Roads and Transport and incoming chief whip Governs Kwame Agbodza disclosed over 60 projects will be affected.
The Adaklu MP, therefore, asked government to provide clarity on the matter and the basis for settling on each of the projects.
Mr. Agbodza further disclosed over 3 million jobs will be lost as a result of the development accusing government of failing to be transparent with the IMF negotiations.
Germany has declared its commitment to support Ghana’s debt restructuring programme.
Ghana started a Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme last year to restructure about 80 per cent of GHS137 billion in domestic bonds to ensure debt sustainability.
It has also extended a call to its external creditors for support through the G20 common framework.
The debt restructuring forms part of efforts to secure an Executive and Management Board approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a US$3 billion loan-support programme by March 2023 to calm the current economic crisis.
Germany, the second largest bilateral creditor to Ghana (only after China), says it is ready to support Ghana in its ongoing debt restructuring process.
In an engagement with some economics and finance students of the University of Ghana in Accra on Friday, Christian Lindner, Finance Minister of Germany called on external creditors to help Ghana with its debt restructuring.
His engagement with the University community formed part of a two-day visit to Ghana to deepen bilateral relations and explore economic areas for mutual benefits.
“I’m completely aware that you’re suffering from severe economic situation and Germany is supportive. We’re expecting a Creditors Committee to negotiate and consider what can be done to relief the burden and return to economic growth in Ghana,” Mr Lindner.
He added that: Germany has a strong interest in West Africa. In all, our security depends on your [economic] stability and we see some economic opportunities in bilateral trade by German investments in Ghana for example and this is why I’m here.”
The German Finance Minister noted that while there was the need for short-term international assistance, Ghana’s long-term economic stability and development, rested in its hands.
He, therefore, urged the Government to ensure the optimisation of the country’s rich resources and human capital by instituting measures that would boost private sector investment and growth and their participation in the economy’s stability.
He also asked the Government to provide favourable conditions for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the clothing and textiles and digital payment systems sectors to thrive.
Mr Lindner encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities that higher education brought to them and said: “The decisions you make, efforts you make and the risks you are willing to take, will determine your place in life.”
He said he was ready to support Ghanaian students to explore educational opportunities in Germany and enter into the country’s labour force.
Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, University of Ghana, described the visit of the Finance Minister as a chance for the students to know and tap into various opportunities in Germany.
He said there were enormous opportunities for those who have some knowledge of finance, economics and international relations, and urged the students to tap into them.
Four brilliant but needy students who recently completed the Tarkwa Senior High School have been awarded scholarships to further their education.
The scholarships were awarded by the North American wing of the Tarkwa Senior High School Past Students Association (TARPSA) as part of its maiden scholarship programme under the school’s 60th anniversary celebration.
The scholarship was to enable brilliant, needy graduates of the Tarkwa Senior High School (TARSCO) to cater for their fees and other educational needs.
Two of the beneficiaries Eugene Agyiri and Abigail Acheampong, both from the Visual Arts department, received full tuition from the AcManuel Family Scholarship award, which was funded by Ackumey Brothers (BrothAC) Foundation.
The two other beneficiaries, namely Charles Asare and Benjamin Afful, also received sponsorship from the Grace Karikari Scholarship Award, which was to honour and support students from single-parent family homes as a result of the death of one or both parents.
Scholarship
The President of the TARPSA in North America, Nelsonyoung AcManuel, said that the scheme had become necessary as a result of challenges that the association of the North America leadership faced when raising funds towards the 60th anniversary.
TARSCO, he said, had no financial aid in place that supported its needy students to acquire college education; hence, most vulnerable students either struggled through college or had no college education, which made it difficult for them to give back to their alma mater.
Mr AcManuel explained that the rising cost of college education might be a burden for most TARSCO students thus, “a scholarship programme may be required to fill the financial gap for some families by providing financial support for students who need help to acquire a college degree”.
He admonished the award recipients to make good use of the award, be content with the high school they went to and contribute to their Alma Mater in many ways.
Criteria
The TARPSA North America Scholarship Coordinator and the brain behind the scholarship programme, Naomi Karikari-Danso, said she had learnt to understand and appreciate the impact of alumni-funded scholarships for students in prestigious schools such as the Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Stanford and many other colleges in the United States.
Thus, she was hopeful that instituting an alumni-funded scholarship scheme for TARSCO students would help raise the level of educational support for current and future students of the school and, in turn, help produce more able and successful TARSCO alumni who would continue to support future generations of the school.
“TARPSA North America would be offering an alumni-funded scholarship programmes for final year students of TARSCO to apply and receive educational support for their tertiary education,” she hinted.
An amount of GH¢508.7 million has been appropriated by the Human Trafficking Secretariat (HTS) to tackle Human Trafficking in the country. The goal of this initiative is to eradicate the menace by the end of 2026.
Various interventions, including collaborations with various public institutions and civil society organisations, have been captured in the National Plan of Action (NPA) for the Elimination of Human Trafficking in Ghana.
The five-year project, which started in 2022, is expected to end in 2026.
The expenditure covers five broad areas, namely prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership, monitoring and evaluation.
Activities
The activities of the NPA borders on advocacy and capacity building; comprehensive care to victims of trafficking, interventions, capacity building, shelter, improvement of prosecution efforts, strengthening of legal and regulatory framework; resource mobilisation and implementation, establishing a robust monitory system for trafficking, among others.
Subsequently, the report stated that GH¢102,100,409 million will be spent in 2023, while GH¢98,564,823 million will be required in 2024.
For 2025, a total of GH¢98,468,486 million will be spent, while in 2026, the secretariat is projecting a total of GH¢96,217,399 million to be spent to eliminate human trafficking in the country.
Sex trafficking
Additionally, the report revealed that sex trafficking was prevalent in the Volta Region and was also growing in the oil producing Western Region.
“Ghanaian girls and young women from the rural regions in the north move to urban centres such as Accra to seek work as porters and are at risk of sex trafficking and forced labour.
“Ghanaian women and children are recruited and sent to the Middle East, West Africa, and Europe for forced labour and sex trafficking,” the report said.
It stated that licensed and unlicensed agencies were engaged in recruiting young Ghanaian women for domestic service, forced prostitution or hospitality and industrial jobs in the Gulf countries.
“After their return, many of them reported being deceived, overworked, starved, abused, molested or forced into prostitution,” the report added.
The report added that Ghanaian men were not spared, as they were recruited under false pretences to go to the Middle East where they were subjected to domestic servitude and forced labour.
Internal trafficking
However, the report stated that internal trafficking of children in Ghana was one of the biggest challenges in combating human trafficking in the country.
“Exploitation of children thrives in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, industry and mining.
In addition to fishing, other avenues where trafficked children work include street hawking.
“Children may be forced to beg by their families or by a third party who has access to the child through trafficking.
The fishing industry receives many trafficked children, driven by poverty,” the report added.
According to her, in order to avoid prosecution, businesses must register with the Commission in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 2012 (Act 843) and work on their compliance programs.
“If you are a firm that wants to succeed or if you work in the public sector, there is an expectation that you know what the law expects of you under data protection,” she said.
She spoke during the climax of the 2023 Data Protection and Privacy week celebrations in Accra and added that issues of data protection are fast becoming an important aspect of business operations across the world.
Globally, every January 28 is observed as Data Protection and Privacy Day.
For instance, Madam Adusei-Poku said that when she took office in 2017, about 10 countries in Africa had data protection laws however, as of 2023 this number had risen to 30.
, 2012 (Act 843) also specifies sanctions for companies that flout its provisions.
The DPC also disclosed that it would soon arraign about 300 institutions that had failed to safeguard the data of individuals as stipulated by law.
“We will be enforcing the law by publishing the names of non-compliant institutions and we have gone to the Chief Justice to get a Fastrack Court so that there will not be delays in pushing data breach cases through the court and the Chief Justice asked for justification which has been done and now the Attorney General has given us a dedicated prosecutor who is working with the Commission to compile the cases,” she said.
For her part, Ama Pomaa Boateng, Deputy Minister of Communications said the government since 2017, has been implementing its digital agenda to ensure that Ghana fully participates in the 4th industrial revolution and that its citizens benefit from the opportunities that it presents
She noted that Ghana’s digitalisation initiatives have so far generated huge data that need to be protected, hence the government’s decision to empower the Commission to be at the heart of its transformational agenda.
“We would like to maximise the use of data by unlocking its potential, promote data sharing, analytics, and reuse for the general public good,” Madam Boateng noted.
She commended the Commission for complimenting government’s efforts by systematically increasing national awareness on protecting personal data through the development of appropriate organisational structures and procedures for data controllers.
The climax event was attended by high-level executives of various institutions including the Cyber Security Authority, the National Information Technology Agency, the Association of Ghana Industries, the State Interests and Governance Authority, and the Ghana Statistical Services.
Harry Styles pulled up the biggest surprise at the Grammys 2023 after winning the coveted album of the year award
The former One Direction singer fended off competition from music heavyweights such as Beyonce, Adele and Kendrick Lamar to scoop the grand prize of the night for his critically acclaimed and chart-topping album Harry’s House, released last summer.
As Grammys host Trevor Noah announced his name, Harry clutched his face and hugged Lizzo before giving a warm embrace to a very special superfan from Ontario, Canada 78-year-old grandmother Reina who got the chance to present him with the award on-stage.
He then said in his acceptance speech: ‘Man, I’ve been so, so inspired by every artist in this category with me. A lot of different times in my life, I listened to everyone in this category when I’m alone.
‘I feel like on nights like tonight, there is no such thing as “best in music”. I don’t think any of us sit in the studio making decisions based on what’s gonna get us one of these.’
Akon is being trolled for his strange haircut. The Senegalese-American singer was recently spotted in Dubai with American rappers, Ja Rule and Fat Joe.
The pic of the three superstars standing shoulder to shoulder got social media users wilding. They roasted Akon after the pic made its way to Twitter.
A popular page took to the micro-blogging app and reshared the snap. Along with a red heart emoji, the handle captioned its post:
Peeps shared hilarious reactions to the snap. Many wanted to know who cut the singer’s hair, while others said he buys his “fake” hair from the same place as Canadian rapper, Tory Lanez.
@AzuriDad said:
“The roast on Akon is super hilarious.”
@WATCHUMACALLIT wrote:
“Akon got a Jim Thorpe all American Leather Helmet.”
@uplatedrinkin commented:
“Akon must be buying his fake hair from the same place as Tory Lanez. Very poor craftsmanship.”
He said that numerous national airlines in Africa have shut down due to government meddling with their operations on a regular basis.
“Once an airline is established, it must be allowed to operate without interruption in order to operate efficiently and control costs. Any airline that does not control its expenses would fail, he said.
He said this in an interview with the Ghanaian Times in Accra last Friday.
Mr Bekele noted that the government needed to bolster the leadership that would run the national airline when it was set up.
He noted that the airline’s decision to deepen its relationship with Africa and Ghanaians necessitated the increase of its weekly flights from Ghana to other parts of the world from seven to 11 flights.
Mr Bekele hinted at further investment into the airline’s cargo operations as it was the second most important business of the airline since it helped it stay afloat while other airlines collapsed globally.
The CEO expressed worry over the delay in the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) project by the African Union, saying that it would advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa.
He noted that the delay of the member countries of the AU to push for the implementation of the project fully was “the fear of it crippling the operations of their local airlines, however such excuse was narrow”.
“SAATM would accelerate the development of the air transport industry in Africa, and also the overall growth and prosperity of Africa, I hope African leaders would take practical steps in ensuring the project is fully implemented,” Mr Bekele said.
