Afia Schwarzenegger has reacted to snippets of Moesha’s recent interview where the latter claimed that the former has tarnished her image with false stories about her health.
One can recall that in an interview with Zionfelix sometime in April 2022, Afia Schwarzenegger alleged that Moesha Boduong, has been diagnosed with a mental condition known as psychosis.
“All the while Moesha went to testify in church, she was suffering a mental illness but we were shielding it. Me, Nana Akua Addo and Moesha’s former PA, Nelson were quiet about it. She was mentally sick the whole time but because she belongs to a family, we invited them in. I even called on Sandra Ankobiah to help us with a hospital where we can take her.
“Do you know how many times she tried taking her own life? She drank bleach (Parazone) four solid times. The doctors diagnosed her with psychosis, a mental illness. For someone who told me that my daughter Adiepena will become a woman of God but in a movie,” Afia told Zionfelix.
Recently, when Moesha resumed social media after a long hibernation, she unveiled a new persona, which is attached dancing and twerking to sultry music
Moesha who had earlier announced her ‘born-again status,’ has now adopted the title ‘Sexy woman of God,’ a situation, many people are finding it difficult to grasp.
Afia Schwarzenegger who also bought into the idea that Moesha is still battling severe mental illness took to social media and wrote;
“DANCEGOD MOESHA….PRAYING WITH YOU WOMAN OF GOD. IT SHALL BE WELL IJN.WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE. This new Moesha is not you and God will win in the end. Till then enjoy dancing and stop the interviews Yes STOP. Enough!!!!”
However, it appears that Moesha has since been displeased with Afia’s ‘ill perception’ about her, as she has shared her sentiments in a latest interview with SammyKay.
“Afia Schwarzenegger brought a wrong story about me that was leaked out. I didn’t want to speak up because even when I try to tell the truth about me, no one wants to listen. No one wants to listen about my good side, everyone wants the damaging stories,” Moesha emphasized.
In response to this, an infuriated Afia Schwarzenegger has warned Moesha to keep her name out of her mouth.
In a long post captured on Instagram, Afia recounted an interesting instance where she had endured her illness.
Afia recalled an instance where a ‘mentally deranged’ Moesha landed hot slaps on her face but she overlooked it.
Making reference to that, Afia Schwarzenegger said she would have beaten Moesha up, had it not been that she was privy to the actress’ condition.
“If not for your sickness I would have beaten the **** out of you the day you slapped me. Since you won’t listen to all I told you back door.. Let me do it Publicly Moesha take my name out of your mouth… take my daughter’s name out of your mouth!!! A COMMON THANK YOU WILL GO A LONG WAY!!!!” parts of her post read.
A Psychology Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Ernest Dankwa, has bemoaned the negative impact of social media, expecially Instagram on the youth.
According to the UG don, social media posts set unrealistic expectations, create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
In an interview with Andy Asante Okyere on Radio Univers, he revealed that some people are overly sentimental and affected by what others say, as a result, if such a person posts a photo on Instagram and someone purposefully comments negatively on the photo, it results in suicidal thoughts for the person.
“If you read about world suicide research, scholars have published that social media platform like Instagram is one of the most dangerous for suicidal cases,” the psychologist said.
“Because Instagram is a picture-sharing site. So is about body image, there are people who are enticed by what people say about them. So, when such a person posts a picture and receives a negative comment, maybe, not once or twice, it then results in suicidal thoughts. That’s called cyberbullying. Such cases are worst in the developed countries because a lot of the youth have committed suicide based on what people probably told them on social media,” he said.
He added, “not only social media allows for self-expression. It is also linked to high rates of bullying, anxiety, despair, and FOMO in young people.”
After he was shown in a video singing birthday songs to “impress” his boss Mr. Osei Kwame Despite, broadcaster Abeiku Aggyrey Santana has been trolled on social media.
Abeiku was also trolled for being part of the group who accompanied the business tycoon (Despite) to former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s home on the occasion of his birthday.
The radio host and the former President were seen shaking hands while at Mr. Kufuor’s home.
It is on the back of these circumstances that some nitizens have claimed that Abeiku Santana wants to be recognized everywhere, and trolled him about it on social media.
Some made fun of him, stating that even though Mr. Kufuor didn’t notice him, Santana requested a handshake and wanted to be recognized at all cost.
But in reaction to the trolls, highlife musician Rex Owusu Marfo, also known as Rex Omar in the entertainment world, claims that few people are aware of Abeiku Santa’s true identity.
He claimed that others are reluctant to comprehend Abeiku’s extreme modesty.
Abeiku is an outstanding person with a heart of gold who will stop at nothing to help others, according to Rex Omar, who disclosed that he has known Abeiku for more than 25 years.
He cautioned that although Abeiku Santana is not a braggart or someone who likes to show off, people like him shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Black Rasta wasn’t spared by Nana Aba Anamoah when she stormed Twitter with a counterattack at the former’s earlier trolls against Sarkodie.
Nana Aba, who has established a great bond with Sarkodie over the years, rose to the rapper’s defense against Blakk Rasta who has described his verse on Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ as a total desecration.
Earlier, in a barrage of rants both on social media and on his radio platform, the ‘Barack Obama’ hitmaker described the song as a total disaster.
“What Sarkodie did was nothing but a desecration of the legacy of Bob Marley. It is so shameful, what Sarkodie did is nothing but a desecration of the holy music…should I go deeper? It is like a king has been buried and you go and dig him up, and steal the gold and diamonds that he’s been buried with,” he stated during his show on 3FM
“So, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Julian Marley, and Cedella Marley, what’s this new craze of DESECRATING Bob Marley’s music with these posthumous collaborations? Would Bob have sanctioned this if he was alive today? Remember what he said about his music and Barry White’s music? Stop this!” Blakk Rasta added on Twitter.
His outbursts, however, did not augur well for some individuals, as the likes of Arnold Asamoah Baidoo, Efya and others have responded to him
But Nana Aba Anamoah who has been silent all these while stormed Twitter to serve Blakk Rasta with a strong reply.
The popular media personality, who is well-known for her command over the English language tackled the reggae musician, by building her points around three key words.
“You’re not the only human being on this planet who adores Bob Marley. You’re not wiser than the managers of his estate. This desecration placards you’re wielding makes you look rather inebriated than concerned. Sark was featured because he’s superb. DEAL WITH IT!
…and oh Blakkrasta stop hiding behind your so called claim of ‘desecration’ because it’s hogwash. Be bold enough to express your ire at the decision to feature Sark. You wanted it eh?” she wrote.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, inebriated is just a fancy way of saying an individual is ‘drunk’. It is an extreme state of intoxication or having drunk too much alcohol.
Hogwash is complete nonsense, lies, or ridiculous actions. It could also mean an unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements). This definition was by vocabulary.com
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Ire, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling. It could also mean an intense emotional state induced by displeasure.
Media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah has responded to a recent jibe directed at Sarkodie by radio presenter cum musician, Blakk Rasta.
The presenter, commenting on a recent collaboration between Bob Marley and the Ghanaian rapper claimed that the legendary Raggae musician would have been unhappy with Sarkodie’s contribution.
He also questioned why the managers of Marley’s estate chose Sarkodie before lambasting the rapper for giving a sub-par performance.
“You’re not the only human being on this planet who adores Bob Marley. You’re not wiser than the managers of his estate. This desecration placard you’re wielding makes you look rather inebriated than concerned. Sark was featured because he’s superb. DEAL WITH IT!” Anamoah tweeted on February 4.
She added in a followup tweet “…and oh Blakkrasta stop hiding behind your so called claim of ‘desecration’ because it’s hogwash.”
Bob Marley will be rolling in his grave over Sarkodie’s one-way rap that was placed along the lyrics of ‘Stir It up,’ Blakk Rasta intimated on his radio programme on 3FM.
“You urinate right into the grave and walk away, laughing like a madman on heat. It hurt me so much that I decided never to talk about this issue,” he said.
Blakk Rasta sided with controversial entertainment pundit, Mr Logic, who had earlier said there was nothing special about Sarkodie’s re-make of ‘Stir It Up’.
Blakk Rasta rated the new project as a disaster. He said: “The thing Mr Logic said is going to bruise some ego but I’m going to bruise more ego with what am going to say.
“What Sarkodie did was nothing but a desecration of the legacy of Bob Marley. It is so shameful, what Sarkodie did is nothing but a desecration of the holy music…should I go deeper? It is like a king has been buried and you go and dig him up, and steal the gold and diamonds that he’s been buried with.”
Rockhill Chapel founder, Rev. Sonnie Badu, has grasped the attention of Bob Marley’s son, following the former’s comments on the late reggae singer’s ‘Stir It Up’ remix which features Sarkodie.
Earlier, Sonnie Badu shared his sentiments on the song which he had described as a ‘big win for Ghana.’
“This is a big win for Ghana. In as much as a lot of people feel it should have been them and so they want to bring negativity, this is honourable for Ghana. Obidi, next time, please tell them [the Marley family] I want to do [feature on] ‘No Woman No Cry’. Without ntampi [weed],” the Rock Hill Church leader wrote.
However, Bob Marley’s son, Rohan, who agreed with Sonnie Badu’s tweet, shared the latter’s post on his timeline.
Rohan Marley retweeted Sonnie Badu’s post with the caption, ‘Africa’, that implies that the ‘Stir it Up’ remix is a big win for the continent.
Although the song has since been met with several positive reactions, it has also received criticisms in equal measure.
Media personality, Reno Omokri, has dished out some relationship advice to single persons.
He has advised against marrying persons that do not have anything other than their bodies to offer.
There are instances where only one person is financing a relationship while the other only offers sex.
Speaking against these one-sided instances, Reno stated that such a development can be extremely problematic.
Reno added that it is not advisable for ‘singles’ to date an individual who doesn’t have financial stability, adding that they are likely to pull down their rich partners.
“Dear singles, Never marry anyone who brings nothing into the relationship except their bodies. Such people are zeroes. And if you multiply what you bring into the relationship times zero, it will still equal zero. People like that reduce you to their zero level!” he stated.
Ghanaian actress, Benedicta Gafah has reportedly tied the knot with her long-time lover today, 4th February 2023.
Videos from the actress’ traditional wedding ceremony have surfaced online and her fans and loved ones can’t keep calm.
Congratulatory messages have hijacked the comments section of the lovely video which as of the publication of this article, had garnered over 100k views and 10k comments.
According to the information gathered online, the wedding ceremony was a very private one and strictly by invitation, hence even her colleagues in the movie industry knew nothing about the event.
The videos from Bendicat Gafah’s traditional ceremony were first shared by Ghanaian blogger Dagaati Girl on her IG page.
Dagaati Girl was the first person to break the news about Benedicta Gafah’s marriage because apparently, she was given the invitation to cover the ceremony.
More and more celebrities have risen to the defense of Abeiku Santana, who has been slammed on social media for ‘brown nosing’ around ‘big men’ at Dr. Osei Kwame Despite’s 61st birthday celebration.
Earlier, when pictures and videos from Despite’s birthday went viral, netizens lambasted Abeiku Santana for being ‘unnecessarily nice’ and trying too hard to please the business mogul in a way that was found unpleasant.
Abeiku Santana topped Twitter trends, amidst trolls and ridicule from a section of Ghanaians, who purported that he was snubbed severally and his efforts to please the ‘big men’ went unnoticed.
Whiles the broadcaster has since been attacked for what has been termed as ‘selling himself short’, some of his colleagues and other celebrities have come to his rescue.
Spanning from popular media personalities, musicians and celebrities from various fields, these individuals who have had a personal encounter with Abeiku Santana, have sang his praises.
The likes of Rex Omar, Nana Aba Anamoah, Serwaa Amihere, D Black, Edem Agbana, Randy Abbey and many others have disagreed with the widespread opinion that projects Abeiku Santana as a ‘hungry thug along’ to the rich men.
Checkout how celebrities are defending Abeiku Santana below:
Ghanaian Film Maker Yvonne Nelson has revealed the story of almost having her baby in a car. She said she had to hold the baby’s head all the way to the hospital.
Sharing her experience on having her first child, the actress said because her water broke at home, she almost had her baby but with the help of a neighbour she got to the hospital on time.
Yvonne Nelson disclosed this on the GTV Breakfast Show.
She said it was an unforgettable experience that day with the bad roads and the pain she had to endure all the way to the hospital, on arrival the Doctors chastised her for the risky move, saying she could have lost the baby.
According to the actress, she is now level-headed, and ever since she had her daughter she has found a reason to live.
Yvonne Nelson disclosed that she will be very happy to have another baby, but not anytime soon.
She added that she wishes for two girls and not a boy. Asked what she wishes to see her daughter become, the Film Maker said she wishes to see her daughter grow ”beautifully, intelligent and become a lady with value”.
Ghanaian dancehall musician, Samini would join several Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora for the second edition of the Black History Festival to be staged in the USA.
The Black History Festival is an initiative dedicated to celebrating the strong ties between the Governments of the United States of America and the African Union member states.
The second edition of the event was officially launched on December 16, 2022, at the Africa Trade House in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the media engagement in Accra on January 31, 2023, the Coordinator of the Black History Festival, Mr Stephen Selasie Asuo disclosed that Ghana’s award-winning dancehall musician, Samini has been billed to perform.
“We will be having some of our entertainers from USA and Ghana. We will be having Samini who will be performing alongside some other musicians,” he stated.
Organizers of the event have also disclosed that a Black History Makers award has been introduced as part of the event.
“The closing ceremony which will be the Black History Makers awards is a new innovation to the Black History Festival. We will elect critical contributors to USA-Ghana relations who deserve to win the award,” Stephen Selasie Asuo said.
The second edition of BHF will be held in Columbus, Ohio-USA, from February 15 – 18, 2023, promising to be an opportunity for stakeholders to have a common platform to commemorate the heritage, arts, culture, trade, leadership, and innovation of Africa in the history of the United States of America.
Ghana hasn’t always had the Cedi as its legal tender – currency. As a colony of the British whose currency is the British Pounds, the country had to be given a currency in line.
In the 50s, countries under the British Colony were using the British West African Pound which was the currency of the British colonies in the region.
According to the Bank of Ghana, during this period, the West African Currency Board (WACB) was in charge of issuing currencies including the West African Pound, Shillings, and Pence.
But in 1958, a year after Dr. Kwame Nkrumah gained independence for Ghana, the country began using the Ghanaian Pound.
This came both in paper form and in coins. The paper denominations had 10/–, £1 and £5. The £1 and £5 notes were produced until 1962 when they were phased out of the system.
However, the 10/– note was produced until 1963.
Bronze coins which were also used side by side the notes were issued for 1⁄2d and 1d, along with cupro-nickel 3d and 6d, 1/– and 2/–. The 3d coin was scalloped in shape.
8 years after, on the 19th of September 1965, the Ghana Pound was phased out throughout the country and replaced by the Cedi.
Dr. Nkrumah decided to move away from the British colonial monetary system and adopt the widely accepted decimal system.
Until the 17th of September, 1966 however, both currencies – Pound and Cedi were being used side by side until the eventual ceasure of the Pound as a legal tender in Ghana.
Derived from the Akan word “sedie” which means cowries, the Cedi notes were introduced on 19th July 1965. The Pesewa whose name was derived from the British Penny also was introduced and these currencies replaced the previous Ghana pounds, shillings and pence.
The “Pesewa” represented the smallest denomination (quantity) of the gold-dust currency regime.
Scores of individuals are trooping in to commiserate with Priscilla Opoku Agyemang, popularly known as ‘Ahoufe Patricia’, whose late mother’s one-week remembrance is being held.
It can be recalled that on January 30, 2023, the actress took to social media to announce the death of her mother, while admitting the void she feels.
“I know you are resting. But I feel so lonely,” she wrote.
Her post had gathered sympathies and commiserations from scores of celebrities online.
Today, February 4, 2023, a one-week remembrance ceremony is being organized in honor of her late mother at the Police Depot in Accra.
In a couple of pictures and videos that have gone viral, Ahoufe Patricia was dressed in an all-black attire while exchanging pleasantries with guests.
She sat in the front row, among family members who welcomed the many sympathizers spotted at the event.
Ahoufe Patricia’s mother, however, will be laid to rest on February 25, 2023.
The photo continues a path of reconciliation DeeWills has been following since calling his father out for having him arrested and committed to a mental facility.
DeeWills was on his way out of Ghana to meet his girlfriend in Nigeria when his father had his security officers cause his arrest at the Togo border.
Daniel was arrested and sent to a psychiatric facility where he was detained to be treated for his bipolar disorder.
Whilst in the hospital, he released a video claiming his father is curtailing his freedom and must be stopped.
Daniel later recanted his accusations and apologised and since then he’s been very upbeat about association himself with his father.
Check out his photo showing off the Duncan-Williams’ family below…
For the first time since marrying Tracey Boakye, hubby Frank Badu Ntiamoah is receiving some praise – and he should be happy for it!
Generally, fans are trolling Badu Ntiamoah for becoming Tracey Boakye’s wife. They say she’s the man in the relationship and he’s just along for the ride, enjoying her money.
However, for once, fans have good things to say about Mrs Boakye.
Since getting married, Tracey Boakye has been putting all her effort into her marriage. She has been on a world tour with her husband and simply has little time for her previous antics.
Hence, the so-called mafia gang she formed with Afia Schwarzenegger and Diamond Appiah has suffered.
The obnoxious trio of ladies annoyed everyone with their antics but currently, they aren’t having time to hang out anymore.
Fans hailed Ntiamoah for causing the break up of the mafia gang.
Millionaire Osei Kwame Despite has spoilt himself with 2 brand new Escalades as his birthday present.
In a video that has surfaced on social media, the business mogul took delivery of the 2023 model of Escalades.
According to reports, the 3 different types of Escalades are gifts Despite has personally gifted himself for his 61st birthday.
Despite has sent social media users talking. Whilst some people are tapping into his blessings, others are motivated to patiently wait till life favours them and their hustle pays off.
Aside from Dr Osei Kwame Despite purchasing 3 cars for himself, he has also donated GHC 200,000 to the Demonstration School for the Deaf at Mampong Akuapem.
Dr Osei Kwame Despite celebrated his birthday on February 2nd 2023. He turned 61 years old.
Celebrating the birthday, he held a mega party at his brother Dr Ofori Sarpong’s mansion where friends and loved ones went to dine with him.
In the midst of the celebrations, he took delivery of his 3 Escalades bought as gifts for himself.
May Yul-Edochie has issued a notice of intention to sue an Instagram user for editing a family Christmas photo of her and her kids to include her husband’s new wife Judy Austin.
Recall that in December 2022, May shared a photo of her and her kids on Instagram. Instagram user Sarah Chukwukere then took the initial photo and edited it to include her husband Yul Edochie, his new wife Judy Austin, and their son in it.
“Beautiful family. As it should,” the Instagram user wrote at the time.
Writing to Sarah Chukwukere, May’s lawyer accused the Instagram user of “defamation and harassment”.
The legal document filed by May’s lawyer stated that Sarah’s edited photo depicted their client “as part of a polygamous family in which she is a co-wife”, something May has made clear several times that she will not be a party to.
The legal document also stated that on a YouTube channel hosted by Daddy Freeze on December 27, Sarah, who was a guest, made some allegations that May failed in her duties as a wife to Yul and this made him take Judy as a second wife.
“The above utterances and innuendos from you were and are still false and injurious,” May’s lawyers wrote.
They then demanded that Sarah Chukwukere apologizes and retracts her defamatory publication.
If she fails to meet the stated demands, May’s attorneys said they will commence a lawsuit against her and they will demand damages of not less than Five Hundred Million Naira.
May also warned in the caption that anyone who exhibits such behaviour in the future will hear from her lawyers.
Perpetual Didier, sister of a young man who was allegedly brutalized to death at the West Hills mall, has taken to social media to pour out her heart.
Per reports, Shadrach Arloo (the deceased), was scheduled to travel to Germany on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, but 24-hours before that journey, he had an encounter with the policeman and private security personnel that resulted in his death.
He was allegedly beaten and tased to death by one of the said men, according to some eyewitness.
Earlier in an interview with Graphic Online, Perpetual Didier insisted that, an eyewitness told the family that Shadrach was tased although the police have not confirmed that part of the story.
But the gospel musician who seems inconsolable since the demise of her brother, has taken to social media to grief while calling for justice.
Perpetual who chanced on a rare footage that captures the circumstances that led to the death of her brother cried herself to stupor and at a point broke down on camera.
She took off her scarf, yelled out several times, gasped for breath while disclosing that she is losing her mind.
“They held him and they killed him. Nobody saved him. So, nobody saved him? What happened wasn’t sad to anyone? What I have seen with my eyes is making me go crazy. I am going mad. Something is happening to me.
“I want justice, my soul wont rest, I wont sleep, eat until I find justice. No radio station should call me for an interview. I’m not in a right frame of mind,” she muttered these words while weeping profusely.
At a point, the gospel singer blacked out with her head facing down during the live video.
CCTV footage
In an official press statement released by the West Hills Mall, it stated that its 24-hour security surveillance system captured the footage of the officer apprehending the deceased, as well as another man who accompanied him, as they headed for the main entrance of the mall.
In an attempt to handcuff the young man, a struggle between the parties ensued while the Police Officer tried to handcuff him.
He was eventually handcuffed but stopped struggling and appeared unwell after that. The Police subsequently removed the cuffs from his hands, and Mall Security arranged for transportation for him to be taken to the medical facility on-site. Sadly, he was pronounced dead by Medics upon arrival.
Celebrity and lifestyle blogger, Ameyaw Debrah has opened up on his professional relationship with award-winning dancehall star, Shatta Wale.
While speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, Ameyaw Debrah stated categorically that he blacklisted Shatta Wale for the past seven years and that he was still thriving.
According to Ameyaw Debrah, this started after he put up a story of Shatta Wale who was billed for a show with Samini some years ago.
Ameyaw Debrah said after he reported on the issue, he received a call from Shatta Wale’s camp and they accused him of being biased toward the ‘Ayoo’ hitmaker.
The celebrity blogger added that the conversation ended up with a threat after Shatta Wale told him to stop writing about him if he (Ameyaw Debrah) valued his life.
Ameyaw Debrah revealed that he never threatened Shatta Wale with what Shatta Wale said.
Shatta Wale once told me “If you value your life, do not write about me.” I then blacklisted him for 7 years or so. I mean if you don’t write about a particular artist and you still thrive in your business, then it means I don’t really care about you. I didn’t feel threatened when Shatta Wale told me if I value my life, I shouldn’t write about him
Ameyaw Debrah added that from then on, he decided to blacklist Shatta Wale and stopped writing about him.
He however added some of my employees are fans of Shatta Wale so they write about him. The blogger also added that it was never his plan to bring down Shatta Wale.
Since the announcement of the national cathedral by President Akufo-Addo, it has been in the headlines for one controversy or another with many in support or condemnation of the building.
But gospel musician Diana Hamilton who has yet to make any comment says she will not talk about the project.
The ‘Mo Ne Yo’ hitmaker said that she has purposely stayed away from discussing the issues and controversies surrounding the National Cathedral.
In a discussion on Adom FM’s Work and Happiness show, she stated that she is always cautious not to address any issue she has very little knowledge about.
Stating that she does not involve herself in political issues, “this is a very dicey topic for me.”
“With things that I don’t know much about, I am careful not to talk about them. With governance, I do not do well with politics, I struggle to comment on issues that I don’t know the facts about,” she said.
But “it is a topic I would like to hold on to for now…before I make any comment, I would like to get my facts right,”
Also, all others who have made comments on the building of the cathedral may be privy to some information based on which they make their judgments.
The good-looking daughter of Honourable Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of the Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency and the Minister of Fisheries, has impressed fashion critics with her traditional wedding outfits.
The bride Ama Koomson wore a cleavage-baring sleeveless gown for her star-studded traditional wedding held on Friday, February 3, 2023.
The pre-wedding photoshoot
Ghanaian bride Ama a gold sleeveless dress for flaunted her smooth legs. She styled her natural hair for stunning photos.
The groom wore a two-piece burgundy and designer shoes while posing with his beautiful bride.
The rich couple teased social media users with more awesome photos ahead of their luxurious wedding. The happy bride wore a sleeveless floor-length black dress with a thigh-high style.
The bride wore a magnificent gown by top female designer Saadi Sanusi for her traditional wedding. The sleeveless gown with a deep-plunge neckline was designed with quality glittering beads.
The mother of the bride looks regal in a kente ensemble
Honorable Mavis Hawa Koomson, a Member of the Parliament of Ghana and mother of the bride looked ethereal in her kente outfit while assisting with the planning and coordination of the program.
Kumawood actress cum musician Yaa Jackson has finally reacted to reports about her alleged break up with her baby daddy.
Addressing the reports, the ‘Ehwe Papa’ hitmaker claimed 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.
Over the weekend, 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 was throwing indirect jabs supposedly at her baby daddy.
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.
Queen Sekinat Aramide Ajoke, the first wife of Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, has said that it is typical of men to cheat on their wives.
“There is no man that is not promiscuous, it’s not possible except those that are yet to be born,” she said.
Speaking in an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the monarch’s wife noted that she is not bothered by her husband’s love for other women as nobody can take her place in her his life.
Queen Sekinat recalled how she met her husband, picked interest in her, and proposed to her.
She said; “My mum has a shop on Lagos Island. That’s where the king, Oba Saheed Ademola saw me and picked interest in me. I gave him a chance and we became friends.”
“However, I told him that I had a boyfriend at the time but he said there’s no problem with that since we were only going to be friends. Whenever I tell him that I’m going to see my boyfriend, he usually insists on accompanying me there. In fact, he knew my boyfriend then. Eventually, we started dating. And in 2003, he proposed to me, saying he wanted me to be his wife. I love him and he also loves me despite the fact that he had other women in his life. For someone like him, who loves women, I ought to have turned him down that I cannot cope but we got along till he proposed and we got married.”
“God has given me a patient and enduring spirit since childhood, my husband knows that I don’t disturb him on issues that have to do with women. That is because I know he truly loves me, and he always puts me first. So, I’m not scared because I know no one can take my place or anyone that’ll make me start questioning my place in his life”
“And I am aware that he knows what is good. So there’s nothing that scares me. He has different friends. I have no problem with him liking women because I know that no one can take my place”
She urged women to secure their homes with patience when dealing with their promiscuous husbands.
“It’s basically all men, it does not have to do with my husband alone. It is now left for the wife at home to handle the situation well,” she said.
“There is no man that is not promiscuous, it’s not possible except those that are yet to be born,” she added.
Celebrated British and Hollywood megastar, Idris Elba, has made public his intentions to build a movie studio in Ghana as part of initiatives to establish movie studios in West Africa.
Speaking to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, February 3, 2023, the ‘Beast of No Nation’ actor explained that the rationale behind building a film studio is to empower local and international movie producers to be able to produce standard and quality movies in Ghana.
According to Idris Elba, Ghana like many African countries have world-class and good film makers yet lack the relevant facilities to make good movies.
Idris Elba believes his project would help salvage the situation and act as a stepping stone for greater things in Ghana.
“We have been working for the last three to four years to put a facility like that in the country. You know there are a lot of film makers, a lot of African film makers but the facilities around is something that is lacking and preventing the making of good movies,” he explained to President Nana Addo and other dignitaries present.
Idris Elba added that, to ensure his outfit establishes a state of the art film studio with a robust administration policy, his team is understudying and taking notes from countries like South Africa, Greece, Morocco who realize the value of the film-dollar.
He said, “I have realized that policy is where the actual ground work needs to be laid. We have studied the modules of overseas like South Africa, then around Europe, obviously Greece and Morocco. These are all places where they appreciate the value of revenue from film making.”
Leader and founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie has revealed that the only secular artiste he’ll listen to her songs until the second coming of Jesus is Mzbel.
The famed man of God made this revelation during an interview on ANGEL FM with Okyeame Quophi.
According to Nigel Gaisie, Mzbel’s songs are timeless and evergreen hence he never gets tired of listening to them.
Many social media users are shocked by this revelation from Nigel Gaisie because as we all know, the two are not on good talking terms following some rape allegations and whatnot.
Happy Mzbel has also reposted the video on her Instagram page claiming that she feels very happy and honoured about Nigel Gaisie‘s respect for her craft and talent.
Vocal Ghanaian musician and radio presenter, Blakk Rasta, known as Abubakar Ahmed in private life, has been chastising Sarkodie following his feature on Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ new version.
A section of Ghanaian music fans was happy when the news about the collaboration broke.
As expected, there were others who spoke against it.
While many of us think it is normal for some opposition fans to lead the crusade of criticizing the collaboration, Blakk Rasta, who is very knowledgeable in the music business, has turned out to be the number critic of Sarkodie and Bob Marley’s collaboration.
On Friday, February 3, 2023, the 3FM presenter took to Twitter to ask about the importance of posthumous collaborations.
He queried if the reggae legend would have sanctioned such collaborations if he was alive today.
After his tweet, entertainment pundit and writer, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo replied.
In his reply sighted by Zionfelix.net, Arnold stated that Blakk Rasta is doing “way too much” with his criticisms targeted at Sarkodie and Bob Marley.
He told him to stop it, indicating that he had no qualms with the opinion expressed about the song.
Ghanaian renowned rapper, Kofi Jamar, has revealed that in pursuit of his music career, he had to find residence outside his home.
The ‘Ekor So’ hitmaker in an exclusive interview on Happy 97.9FM’s Evening Drive with host Akua Sika indicated that his parents did not support his dream of pursuing music but instead desired to see him further his education after Secondary school.
“Around that time, they wanted me to go to the university to further my education; I had to leave home and hassle on my own because I’m a man; I found a studio close by that I could stay in and discover how I could go about my music career,” he said.
He further stated that he engaged in a few odd jobs to earn money to pay for his studio sessions and also cater for himself. “I had to switch up and do other jobs that could help me earn money to support my career; I went as far as being a security personnel to get money into my pocket to take care of myself around that time I had studio sessions,” he expounded.
As a determined 19-year-old musician at the time, he mentioned that the most times he would be seen at home was twice a month. “I was seen at home one or two times in a month and even for that, just to pick something up,” he added.
Ghana musician, Sarkodie has equated his status in the industry when it comes to rap to that of legendary reggae artiste, Bob Marley.
According to Sarkodie who was speaking in an interview with CNN Africa, his recently released feature on Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ with the Wailers has become the biggest body of work in his career.
“Definitely one of the biggest moments in my life. It’s not easy to be on a project like that, because we’re talking about Bob Marley. You know, that’s like…crazy,” he stressed.
He explained that the way people associate reggae to Bob Marley is equivalent to how he bears the rap title in Ghana.
“People actually think Bob Marley invented reggae. Because when you think about reggae, that’s all you think about – Bob Marley. That’s the benchmark, or whatever… that the guys use. And that’s the same thing when it comes to rap with Sarkodie. Back in Ghana, every conversation, I’ve been drawn in for no reason. That’s like the person they use. That’s what I mean by in rap, I’m like Bob Marley,” he stated.
On how he felt about being contacted by the Bob Marley estate for the feature, Sarkodie said he was startled.
“I remember when the call came through, I didn’t want to believe it until they sent the vocals. You know…Bob’s vocals. We had to use like two hours to just get the files out. These are his original vocals from way back so… yes, and I did it”, he told CNN.
One of the biggest names in Ghana’s rap history, Sarkodie’s feature on ‘Stir It Up’ has received massive reactions from music lovers and critics alike.
As Lisa Marie Presley’s three daughters stand to inherit her estate and their grandmother is contesting the validity of her late daughter’s will, some close to the family say the legal dispute now in a California court reflects a Presley family history of conflict over money.
Four days after Lisa Marie Presley’s Graceland memorial service, Priscilla Presley filed a petition challenging a 2016 amendment in her daughter’s will. The change removed Priscilla Presley and former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees and replaced them with her children, Riley and Benjamin Keough. Benjamin Keough later died in 2020.
Priscilla Presley’s petition alleges that she did not receive notice of the amendment while her daughter was alive as was required by her Trust. The petition also notes that Priscilla’s name is misspelled in the document, alleges the amendment was not witnessed or notarized and questions the authenticity of Lisa Marie’s signature.
Keough has not yet responded to the petition. CNN has contacted her representatives for comment.
Two individuals who were longtime friends of Lisa Marie Presley spoke to CNN about the estate dispute. CNN is not naming the friends as they were not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the family.
One friend alleged Priscilla Presley’s petition is a “money grab.”
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“This is about Graceland and the memorabilia that Elvis left to Lisa Marie,” the source said. “Lisa was the sole heir to his estate. She and her mother were estranged for the last several years. Lisa did not want her mother overseeing the estate. I believe Priscilla is after money and what’s inside Graceland.”
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley in 2015.Bryan Steffy/WireImage/Getty Images
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley’s relationship was strained over the years, the friends said, by their respective marriages and divorces, financial mismanagement, and personal trauma that has played out in the public eye as the former wife and the only child of the “King of Rock and Roll,” respectively.
CNN made multiple attempts to reach Priscilla Presley’s attorney to seek comment on this story. We have not heard back.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday to commemorate what would have been Lisa Marie’s 55th birthday, Priscilla Presley described her efforts to love and protect her daughter.
“My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together,” she wrote. “From the first moment I held Lisa in my arms, I’ve protected, loved and guided her, as I have my son. Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter.”
Graceland
Priscilla and Elvis Presley divorced in 1973. Lisa Marie Presley was the sole inheritor of Graceland and her father’s estate when he died in 1977. Priscilla Presley transformed the property into a lucrative tourist attraction and museum, held in a trust for Lisa Marie Presley until she turned 25.
Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and Elvis Presley in 1968. Magma Agency/WireImage/Getty Images
In 2004, Lisa Marie sold 85% of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ assets in a deal reportedly worth more than $100 million. She retained 15% ownership of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages operations for Graceland, its related properties and the Graceland Archives. Lisa Marie also maintained complete ownership of the Graceland mansion itself and her late father’s personal items housed in its museum, including costumes and cars on display, according to the Graceland website.
A trust with the Graceland property and its contents will now pass on to her daughter, Riley Keough, an accomplished actress and model, along with her twin 14-year-old sisters, a representative for Graceland confirmed to CNN.
Keough has made several films and starred in the first season of the Starz anthology series, “The Girlfriend Experience.”
“Riley is a sophisticated, 33-year-old woman who is more than capable of running the estate smoothly,” the second close friend of Lisa Marie Presley told CNN.
In 2020, a Presley executive told Rolling Stone that the estate was worth between $400 and $500 million. Lisa Marie Presley annually earned seven figures from her interest in the estate, based on a court filing in her 2022 divorce.
Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood, Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla Presley, Riley Keough, and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood in 2022.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images
So, now in the petition by Priscilla Presley challenging Lisa Marie’s will, she has begun a legal fight against her granddaughter.
“This is about gaining control of what’s left of Elvis’ estate,” one close friend alleged of Priscilla Presley’s petition. “It’s sad.”
Elvis Presley’s legacy
Brigitte Kruse, a memorabilia auctioneer, is listed as an attorney-in-fact for Priscilla on her petition.
Benny Roshan, Chair of the Trust and Probate Litigation Group at Greenberg Glusker with estate law expertise, told CNN an attorney-in-fact might be designated in situations where an individual is either “unable, unwilling, [or] unavailable” to act.
“This kind of raises the question of which of those three scenarios necessitates Priscilla filing a lawsuit [with an] attorney-in-fact,” Roshan said.
Kruse and her husband started Kruse GWS Auctions Inc. in 2009, according to the company’s website. They have collaborated with Priscilla Presley on Elvis memorabilia auctions in the past, though it’s unclear what the terms of their financial partnership may be.
Elvis and Priscilla Presley with their daughter Lisa Marie in 1968.Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
“My relationship with Ms. Presley was established years ago,” Kruse said in a statement to CNN. “My entire adult career has been devoted to validating and protecting the legacy of Elvis Presley. It has been an honor to be one of the many conservators of the Presley family.”
In August, CNN reported that Kruse arranged an auction of “lost” jewelry belonging to Elvis Presley.
“It was … a collection that we (had) all heard about,” Kruse told CNN in an email at the time. “It truly was a myth and a legend until we put our hands on it.”
Priscilla Presley helped curate the sale and expressed in an interview with Reuters that she hoped her involvement would help combat the proliferation of fake Elvis memorabilia, adding: “I want to know for sure that that is going to go to someone who is going to care for it, love it.”
Graceland, home of the late Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee.Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“Elvis deserved for this collection to be found and displayed in order to preserve his legacy,” Kruse said in a press release. “The fans also needed to know about this collection after 50 years, and all of the stories attached to each piece.”
Dozens more Elvis Presley memorabilia items were listed as part of an “artifacts of Hollywood and music” auction that began in December 2022.
Kruse told Reuters that the items, such as an address book that belonged to the “It’s Now or Never” singer, had increased in value since Lisa Marie Presley’s death in an interview published last week.
According to a press release, “The telephone address book is well documented by a personal recollection by Priscilla Presley adding to its unique provenance.” It sold for $10,000, based on information on the auction site.
Elvis Presley’s life and career returned to the spotlight in a big way last summer with the Warner Bros. film “Elvis,” starring actor Austin Butler in the title role. Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley collaborated in support of the project. They appeared together at the Golden Globe Awards for the film in January, just days before Lisa Marie’s death. (CNN and Warner Bros. are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery).
Priscilla Presley, Austin Butler and Lisa Marie Presley at the Golden Globes on Jan. 10. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Away from the spotlight, however, one of Lisa Marie Presley’s friends told CNN there was tension between the mother and daughter.
“They put on a united front for the film. It’s a family business and they knew that if they began publicly battling it could hurt the bottom line,” the friend said. “It was a complicated relationship.”
Disgraced former pop star Gary Glitter has been freed from prison after serving half his 16-year jail term.
Glitter, 78, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was sentenced in 2015 for attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault and one of having sex with a girl under 13.
He was one of the biggest music stars of the 1970s.
A justice ministry spokesperson told the BBC Gadd will be closely monitored by probation officers.
The BBC understands he will be fitted with a GPS tag.
Gadd had been at the height of his fame when he attacked two girls aged 12 and 13 after inviting them backstage to his dressing room.
His youngest victim had been less than 10 years old when he crept into her bed and tried to rape her in 1975.
Gadd had been held at HMP The Verne – a low security category C jail in Portland, Dorset. Having received a fixed-term sentence, he was automatically freed halfway through his term.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told the BBC that “sex offenders like Paul Gadd are closely monitored” by the police and probation officers, and “face some of the strictest licence conditions”.
“If the offender breaches these conditions at any point, they can go back behind bars,” the spokesperson said.
Gadd will not be added to the sex offenders’ register for these crimes, because they were committed before the registry was introduced. However, he was already ordered to sign the register for life when he returned to the UK after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls in Vietnam in 2006.
At the time of sentencing in 2015, Judge Alistair McCreath said he could find “no real evidence that” Gadd had atoned for his crimes.
He described Gadd’s abuse of a girl under 10 as “appalling” and said: “It is difficult to overstate the depravity of this dreadful behaviour.”
“You did all of them real and lasting damage and you did so for no other reason than to obtain sexual gratification for yourself of a wholly improper kind,” Judge McCreath said.
Gadd had denied allegations against him but was found guilty after a trial lasting three weeks.
Sex offenders are subject to conditions including:
Being made to attend meetings with a probation officer, who they must tell if they change their name
Needing to request permission before travelling abroad – some offenders may face stricter overseas travel restrictions
Having to provide police with personal details, including an address, which is updated annually and whenever details change
They can also be prevented from unsupervised contact with children and face restrictions on internet use
They can be immediately returned to prison if they breach the conditions
The allegations that led to Gadd’s imprisonment came to light when he became the first person to be arrested under Operation Yewtree – the investigation launched by the Met in 2012 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Det Ch Insp Michael Orchard, from Operation Yewtree, said Gadd was a “habitual sexual predator who took advantage of the star status afforded to him”.
Gadd, performing as Gary Glitter, was one of the UK’s biggest glam rock stars of the 1970s, with three UK number ones, including I’m the Leader of the Gang (I am!).
His fall from grace occurred decades later, after he admitted possessing thousands of images that showed child sex abuse and was jailed for four months in 1999.
After being freed he went abroad, and in 2002 was expelled from Cambodia amid reports of sex crime allegations. In March 2006 he was convicted of sexually abusing two young girls in neighbouring Vietnam and spent two-and-a-half years in jail.
Gadd, who stood accused of kissing, fondling and engaging in other sexual acts with the girls, evaded more serious charges of child rape, which carried a maximum penalty of death by firing squad.
On his return to the UK in 2008, the former pop star was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.
In 2012, he was arrested at his London home following an investigation by detectives from Operation Yewtree, before the case that led to his latest conviction came to trial in January 2015.
A 54-year-old farmer, Kwasi Ahoku, has allegedly been fatally shot by the police at his residence at Maamekrobo in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred on Friday, February 3, 2023, around 6:30am.
It is alleged that the police are the cause of the death after firing several shots into the house of the deceased in an attempt to force him out for interrogation after a Fulani herdsman claimed that his cattle has been gunned down by a farmer suspected to be the deceased.
A resident who is the former Chairman of the Afram Plains Farmers Association, Mathew Afrani in an interview on Agoo FM Morning revealed that about fifteen bullets were fired at the deceased residence, leaving several gunshot marks on the wall of the house.
“After the gunshots, the police forced and broke into the room of the suspect and found him dead with gunshot wounds on his body in a pool of blood,” he said.
Speaking on the matter, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kwahu Afram Plains South District Assembly, Evans Kyei Ntiri expressed his displeasure with the devastating incident which has occurred in his district.
He explained that he had a call from the District Police Commander who informed him of the incident.
He said, according to the Police, the deceased (Kwasi Ahoku) tried to face off with the policemen when the police got to his residence.
“He challenged the police that he is also in possession of a gun which escalated the tension and resulted in many warning shots released in the skies. As the police broke into the room, they saw the man dead lying beside his gun. We are still investigating the matter to know the actual root of the incident,” Mr Ntiri said.
Police say the matter is under investigation and will be receiving persons who are willing to help out with information on the said incident.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin has said he cannot wait to hear the Glasgow crowd when the live show comes to Scotland.
The programme’s live tour will be in the city for the last of nine stops.
Hamza is expecting half of his Ardnamurchan community to turn up to see him dancing on the arena stage.
The Sudan-born wildlife presenter said the villagers of Kilchoan had been a huge support throughout the competition, which he won in December.
Hamza told BBC Scotland’s The Edit he thought his return to Scotland with dance partner Jowita Przystal for five shows at Glasgow’s Ovo Hydro next week was “going to be amazing”.
“I can’t wait to hear the roar of Glasgow,” Hamza said. “I’m hoping that the home crowd gets behind both of us.
“We just want to say thank you to everybody.”
In the final of the 20th series of the BBC One celebrity dance show, Hamza won the viewers vote, but he was particularly touched by the support from his neighbours in the most westerly village in mainland Britain.
About 50 or 60 people – half of the inhabitants – gathered in the community hall each week to watch him compete and will him into the final.
“Everyone was just really proud and I was proud of them for their support helping me out through the whole journey,” he said.
Hamza had never had dance lessons before taking part in Strictly but villagers claimed credit for brining out his inner dancer at community ceilidhs.
Image caption, Jowita Przystal and Hamza Yassin were inspired by village ceilidhs
“Half the village is turning up [to the live show],” Hamza said. “One section of the audience is just going to be shouting like mad.”
Hamza, 32, moved to Kilchoan, on the peninsula of Ardnamurchan beside the Sound of Mull in Lochaber, more than a decade ago and built his career as a photographer and documentary maker from there.
Having moved to the UK when he was eight, he gained degrees in zoology with conservation and biological imaging and photography before going on to work on TV programmes including The Animal Park, CBeebies’ Let’s Go For A Walk and Countryfile.
Hamza and professional dancer Jowita said they were loving the Strictly tour so far and had wonderful memories from the TV show.
Jowita said they would be “friends for life” after the experience.
“When I met Hamza I saw that he’d got this, and he’d got the moves, and he’d the ability to actually go that far and win this show,” she said.
“I asked him for two things – trust and energy. He gave me much more and I think everything paid off.
“He did it, he lifted that glitterball and he deserved that.”
For Hamza it was a life-changing experience.
“It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life, and I’ve travelled the globe,” he admitted.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was a roller coaster of emotions and I had the best person beside me shining the light the whole way through it and guiding me through.”
Forty-three students who were involved in a recent riot at the Krobea Asante Technical Institute have been granted bail to a tune of GH₵86,000.
The Asokore Mampong District Court on Thursday, February 2, 2023, granted 43 rioting students of the Krobea Asante Vocational Training Institute a bail of two thousand cedis (GH¢2,000) each with one surety to be justified by parents or guardians.
The court presided over by H.W. Samuel Buabin Quansah also ordered the students to sign bonds and report to the Effiduase-Asokore Police Station with their parents or guardians once every week.
The student suspects have been slapped with provisional charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit: rioting, causing unlawful damage, and stealing.
Police in the Effiduase district command arrested the senior prefect of Asante Kroabea T-VET and three others, thereby increasing the number of suspects to 43.
The case has been adjourned to March 2, 2023.
The students were arrested during a violent demonstration that resulted in the destruction of properties belonging to the school and other private individuals on campus.
The January 22 incident forced the Ashanti Regional Security Council to order the immediate closure of the school.
A five-member committee has also been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The loss of Oldham Coliseum, which cancelled all its upcoming shows after its funding was cut, is a “dreadful blow”, the town’s residents have said.
The theatre, which has a 138-year history, announced on Wednesday it had axed its programme beyond March as it had lost Arts Council England funding.
One resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was “a big loss”, while another said it was “really sad”.
Oldham’s council leader said it was looking at how it could help the venue.
Arts Council England said it was “maintaining our investment in the town” and had “ring-fenced” £1.845m for Oldham over the next three years, “working with the council as they pursue their ambition to develop a new performing space for the town”.
Council leader Amanda Chadderton said she had been “devastated to hear the news about the Coliseum”.
“We’re working closely with them as they look at their options for the future,” she said.
“The council has been in almost daily contact with them and continues to offer as much support as we can through this really difficult time.
“Oldham has such a rich cultural heritage, the Coliseum means so much to so many of our residents.”
‘Horrific’
The Fairbottom Street venue dates back to 1885 and was the only surviving professional theatre in the town.
It has an illustrious CV of past performers, from Hollywood greats such as Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, to modern movie stars like Ralph Fiennes and Minnie Driver.
It was a training ground for a host of TV soap stars, including Coronation Street’s Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden), Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Anne Kirkbride (Deirdre Barlow) and, in recent years, hosted the likes of Millie Gibson, Doctor Who’s new companion, and Olivia Cooke, who stars in Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon.
Image caption, Chris Lawson Lawson says cancelling the performances is “something that will sit with me for the rest of my life”
It confirmed in November it had been dropped from the Arts Council England funding portfolio after unsuccessfully applying for more than £1.84m for the three years up to 2026 and, on Wednesday, announced it was cancelling all shows from 26 March, including the 2023-24 pantomime Sleeping Beauty.
Artistic director and chief executive Chris Lawson said cancelling the performances had been “horrific” and was “something that will sit with me for the rest of my life”.
“It’s something that I don’t wish to repeat and something that ideally I would have not had to have done,” he said.
“My priority is looking after the staff and communicating the best I can with audiences and just continuing to work things out and we’re at a stage where the conversations are ongoing.
“We are very realistic about our current situation and that’s why we have made the decisions that we have had to make, but there are conversations around a new building and we want to remain part of those.”
‘Another thing we’re losing’
Outside the venue, Oldham residents and Coliseum regulars Heather and Michael Tomkinson said what had happened was “dreadful, an absolutely dreadful blow”.
“I think Oldham will have lost part of its heritage because it’s been here a long time,” Mrs Tomkinson said.
“It is quite a big loss to Oldham.
“It has a legacy of people coming and people starting out here. And the panto has always been very, very popular.”
Mr Tomkinson said it was “an institution” and had been “a great apprenticeship for so many famous actors, many who started as children at the workshops”.
Image caption, Ms Turton said if the theatre “goes, it’s another thing that’s moving, or we’re losing, in Oldham”
Fellow resident Melanie Turton said she had signed a petition that called on the council to keep the venue open.
“It’s a place to take the grandkids when they get older,” she said.
“It’s making memories as well with the family and the kids and it’s what they know.
“It’s what’s made Oldham basically, the Coliseum. If it goes, it’s another thing that’s moving, or we’re losing, in Oldham.”
Image caption, Students Megan Williamson-Purkhardt and Dahley Whitehead said they were sorry the venue was closing
Student Dahley Whitehead said she used to go to the theatre’s pantomimes “with my parents as a kid”.
“It’s sad, it’s one of the only cool things to do in Oldham at Christmas,” she said.
“From primary school they used to take us out to pantomimes all the time, especially to Oldham Coliseum.
“I would always say I wanted to perform on that stage, be up there, and because of that, I got into musical theatre.”
‘Committed to Oldham’
Both of Oldham’s Labour MPs, Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams, have called for a way forward to be found to ensure the venue’s survival.
Mr McMahon said it was “an important social and economic treasure for Oldham and beyond”.
“Theatre, art and culture has the power to bring us joy, challenge our ideas and reshape how we think about society [and is] something that should be open to everyone, regardless of where they live or how much money they make.”Ms Abrahams tweeted she was “devastated” by the news and would be meeting with Arts Council England to again raise the plight of the Coliseum.
Image caption, Andy Burnham said the “generation growing up in Oldham needs the chance to put their talent on a stage”
Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the combined authority “do give out culture grants… but our funding would never be the mainstay”.
“The Arts Council would be the national organisation. Ours would be the more supporting fund,” he said.
“I think what we’ve got to commit to is to ensure that Oldham has a theatre. The bottom line is that as far as I’m concerned.
“The generation growing up in Oldham needs the chance to put their talent on a stage and to be able to get the experience.”
Arts Council England said it appreciated “how difficult it has been for the team at Oldham Coliseum to come to a decision to cancel forthcoming events, and how unsettling this must be for the staff and all those who work with the theatre, as well as how disappointing this is for audiences”.
“The Arts Council is committed to supporting performing arts in Oldham, which hugely benefits the local community,” a representative said.
“We are maintaining our investment in the town and have ring-fenced £1.845m for Oldham over the next three years and are working with the council as they pursue their ambition to develop a new performing space for the town.”
As a celebrity, choosing what to wear can be a big decision. Thankfully, you’ll probably have a team dedicated to making sure the choice of outfit is stylish, eye-catching and memorable.
After feeling the wrath and fury of some Christians, who accused her of blasphemy and disrespecting religion, Addison deleted the post from Instagram.
In 2014, Khloe Kardashian wore a war bonnet – a type of native American headdress – to her niece North West’s Coachella-themed birthday party.
This upset indigenous groups, who object to the use of the sacred item as a fashion accessory.
They were especially annoyed because, at the time, NFL team the Washington Redskins had dropped its name because the term was disparaging to Native American people. It’s now known as the Washington Commanders.
Khloe again faced backlash for cultural appropriation when she posted a selfie wearing a niqab – a religious covering – while on holiday.
Image caption, Selena Gomez’s outfit drew criticism from some
Selena Gomez was criticised for wearing a bindi at the MTV Movie Awards, with some saying the item on the forehead is a religious tradition in Hinduism and not meant as a fashion accessory.
Selena said the song Come and Get It “has that almost Hindu feel”, adding that she’s “learned a lot about the culture, and I think it’s beautiful. I think it’s fun to incorporate that into the performance.”
Image caption, Katy Perry admitted she shouldn’t have worn this
Also in 2013, Katy Perry dressing as a geisha for her performance of Unconditionally at the American Music Awards caused outrage for appropriation of Japanese culture.
Katy said even in her “intention to appreciate Japanese culture, I did wrong with a performance. And I didn’t know that I did it wrong until I heard people saying I did it wrong”.
How celebrities choose their clothes
With so many big names catching heat over the years, what exactly is the process behind dressing a celebrity?
According to celeb stylist Alex Longmore, there is often a “really long process” that goes with creating a look for celebrities.
“Different celebs have different looks. So a musician or someone who is in a band, their persona is so massive,” says Alex, who has worked with the likes of Little Mix, tells BBC Newsbeat.
Image caption, Zara – seen here in a stage outfit – said she had no idea that her awards show look had links to Burzum
With A-list stars in particular, she says there is “huge amounts of pressure” to get it right.
“They want to create uniqueness, they want to be cutting edge, they want to be telling a story and they want to grab headlines.”
Stylists, she says, work with artists but also the management.
“So it’s a big massive production, working with a pop star. And so much prep goes into it, because they can’t be seen to be wearing something that someone else has worn.”
As for avoiding items which can offend people – Alex says in her experience, there are no real checks that take place.
“I think basically someone [in Zara’s case] hasn’t checked and it’s one of those things that has such huge ramifications.”
“But it’s such a simple error. They just haven’t thought it through.”
Celebrated perfume and fashion designer Paco Rabanne has died aged 88 at his home in France.
His death was confirmed by Puig, the parent company of his brands, which said he had “marked generations with his radical vision of fashion and his legacy will live on”.
Rabanne gained global fame for his eccentric clothing designs.
Puig’s fashion president, José Manuel Albesa, hailed Rabanne’s work, which he said “made transgression magnetic”.
“Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamour for dresses made of plastic and metal,” Mr Albesa said. “That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart: There is only one Rabanne.”
Marc Puig, chairman and chief executive officer of Puig, called Rabanne a “major personality in fashion” and paid tribute to his “daring, revolutionary and provocative vision, conveyed through a unique aesthetic”.
Rabanne was born into a military family in Spain’s Basque region, near the city of San Sebastian. His father was a colonel in the Republican military, who was executed by Gen Francisco Franco’s nationalist forces in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.
His mother – who had worked as a seamstress for the designer Cristobal Balenciaga – moved the family to Paris in 1939 after the Nationalist forces seized Madrid and won the war.
After growing up in the French capital, Rabanne became an architecture student at l’École Nationale des Beaux-Arts, where he earned money drawing fashion sketches.
After a short period working in the construction industry with a concrete manufacturer, he launched his fashion career designing jewellery for Givenchy, Dior and Balenciaga.
Then in 1966, he launched his own eponymous fashion house – Paco Rabanne – which saw him attain international acclaim.
His designs attracted both praise and controversy, and his debut collection, entitled 12 Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials, enraged the French fashion press after models were decked out in sharp metals and other unlikely materials.
“I have always had the impression of being a time accelerator,” he said of his designs in 2016. “Of going as far as is reasonable for one’s time and not indulge in the morbid pleasure of the known things, which I view as decay.”
Image caption, Models wearing some of Rabanne’s designs.
In 1968, he signed a deal with the Catalonia-based Puig family, who were heavyweights in the fashion and fragrance industry. The deal marked his entrance into the perfume industry, which would eventually become synonymous with his name.
His debut fragrance, Calandre, is still available today, while Lady Million – known for its colourful gold bottles – maintains its grip over the market.
His innovations extended to every aspect of his business. He was one of the first fragrance designers to launch one of his products online in the mid-1990s.
But he was also known for his provocative outbursts. At various stages he claimed to have had multiple lives, to have been some 78,000 years old, to have seen God and been visited by aliens.
And in 1999, he courted controversy after predicting in his book – Fire From Heaven – that Paris would be destroyed later that year when the Russian space station Mir crashed down to Earth. He said that he had foreseen the disaster from his reading of the 16th-Century French astrologer Nostradamus.
In 1999, after decades as one of the industry’s foremost innovators, Rabanne retired from fashion. Over the next 24 years, he was rarely seen in the public eye.
In a statement on Paco Rabanne’s official Instagram, the brand hailed him as a “visionary” and said he was “among the most seminal fashion figures of the 20th Century”.
“His legacy will remain a constant source of inspiration,” it added.
A traditional priest has assisted the police to apprehend two men who attempted to sell exhumed body parts to him.
The two have been remanded into police custody for two weeks for their roles in the exhumation of a corpse at the New Edubiase cemetery.
According to an adomonline.com report, the two, Kwabena Okyere, aged 56, and Maxwell Ansah, 39, were arrested on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Details shared in the New Edubiase Magistrate Court showed that the attention of the police were drawn to the action of the two after they were reported by the traditional priest.
The priest, according to the report, reported the two after they tried to sell the exhumed human parts to him.
After appearing in court on Friday, February 3, 2023, the court ordered that they be remanded.
The next hearing of the case will be at a circuit court on February 14, 2023, the report added.
George Kwabena Adu, aka Kwabena Kwabena, has revealed the youth these days do not understand the meaning of love anymore.
Speaking in an interview on JoyPrime the sensational singer, said love has been classified into sex and money.
KBKB believes that there is more to love than just Money and sex, and for someone to think that way means that the person does not believe that they are productive enough to be able to provide for themselves, so they know they are really in love.
The singer also explained why he has been single for a long time.
He believes that it is a time to organize oneself and get ready for a new relationship.
According to the highlife musician, living a single life has taught him to know more about himself, as he explained. He claimed that the choice had given him the chance to modify himself for the connection.
Not being in any love relationship, he thinks, has also helped him to focus on his own personal development.
“I met myself quite recently, and I’m having a moment. I’m getting to know George more, and I want to even prepare myself better for the next person I meet, because the next person is going to enjoy. She’s going to get a great version of me. She’s going to enjoy a more sophisticated Kwabena. The whole world is going to know her,” he told Asieduwaa Akumia.
While he is single, he hopes to meet someone who will suit him.
The ‘Obaa’ hitmaWe’ve reduced love to sex and money – Kwabena Kwabenaker believes one can be able to exhibit true love only after discovering himself or herself.
Kwabena Kwabena also indicated that being single has helped him to be more focused on re-establishing himself as he has returned to school.
Ghanaian musician and beauty queen Calista Amoateng made the country proud when she won the Miss Teen Tourism World 2022 in the Philippines.
The eloquent and talented sixteen-year-old is among the celebrity kids with an awesome fashion sense and an active social media page.
1. Calista Amoateng slays in Kente gown
The Ghanaian tourism ambassador Calista Amoateng looked impeccable in an off-shoulder corseted kente gown. The confident young style influencer looked regal in a beautiful hairstyle, drop earrings, and gold bracelet for the photoshoot.
3. Calista Amoateng turns heads in a deep-blue gown
The celebrity kid looked incredible as she was captured twirling in her lace ball gown. Miss Teen Tourism Ghana 2022 served us with elegant style tips in this photo.
4. Calista Amoateng looks amazing in a glittering gown
Ghanaian model Calista Amoateng was the center of attention as she stepped out in her stylish and expensive gown. She styled her look with a lustrous long straight hairstyle while wearing her beautiful crown.
The talented young musician looked gorgeous in a blue sleeveless gown for the Miss Teen Tourism Ghana finale. Calista Amoateng’s makeup looks are always flawless and sleek.
Popular Youtuber,Wode Maya, has revealed how he transformed his side hustle on YouTube into a full-time career.
In an exclusive interview with YouTube sensation, Gabe The Sharkboy, Maya confessed that, despite earning a comfortable salary of $2000 a month in his corporate job, he was earning between $100 to $200 from his YouTube channel, which he was running part-time.
However, he soon realized that he could make much more if he went full-time on YouTube. According to Wode Maya, he quit his job after pondering the idea for a while.
Maya revealed that his bold decision to leave the stability and security of his job has paid off. He brought to light how his channel surged in subscribers and views after he went full-time on YouTube.
The YouTuber is currently one of the top-earning YouTubers in Africa. Maya bragged that he even earns more in a day than the monthly salary of some doctors.
In the interview, Maya expressed his gratitude for the opportunities YouTube has brought him and encouraged others to follow their dreams and take risks. He advised folks interested in YouTubing to put their fears away and venture into the content creation space.
Wode Maya Inspires Folks
True Yarn commented:
I met Maya two years ago in Accra mall and till today we still chat. One of the most humble down to earth person. Am so happy to see black men support each others to grow as opposed to the rat race and competition ✊
Richard Caulker wrote:
Great to see 2 of my favourite YouTubers exchanging ideas. More power to you both.
Alheri Ebenezer said:
This is so inspiring, YouTube is hard work, be patient and keep building your brand and you will make it one day ❤
Radio and TV personality, Deloris Frimpong Manso, has been taken aback by a sudden decision by her colleague Radio/TV personality, Abeiku Aggrey Santana, to block her on social media.
This comes after the latter was ridiculed on social after a video suggesting that he was snubbed by CEO of Despite Group of companies popped up.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Despite Media Group, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, on February 2, 2023, marked his 61st birthday.
In a video shared by blogger, GhHyper, the millionaire also offered inspiration and prayed that those experiencing difficulties in life would find relief and join his league.
He also urged Ghanaians to pray for him to live a long life because he was over the danger zone age.
According to Despite, the ages of 57 and 60, were regarded as dangerous, however, he didn’t explain why.
“I am out of the danger zone. I have crossed it. 57 to 60 are considered danger zone ages. I employ all Ghanaians to pray for me so that I may live a long time.
“I pray for all the people behind me to come and join me,” he said as he sat comfortably in his cream-coloured vintage car.
On February 2, 2023, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite was escorted by over fifteen expensive G-Wagon and Brabus vehicles while going to have breakfast at the Peduase Valley Resort.
This was before he met with the East Legon Executive Club members group at Dr. Ofori Sarpong’s home.
On his arrival, he was greeted by the executive club members with smiles, a raucous welcome, and a birthday song.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been captured in video, throwing out a restraining order document from the secretary to the board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, who is also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, has popped up online.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was forced to kick out the document after the bailiff tried to force the document into his car on the compound of Metro TV after the Good Morning Ghana show.
A man initially approached the lawmaker as he was just about to sit in his car after the show, the two were captured having a conversation after which a document was presented to him.
The lawmaker did not take the document but went ahead to seat on his car, just as he opened his car, the bailiff tried to force the document into the lawmaker’s car but he immediately threw it out, kicked the document away from his car and drove off.
Rev Kusi Boateng secures restraining order against Ablakwa
The secretary to the board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, who is also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, has secured an order of interim injunction against the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The order restrains Okudzeto Ablakwa from publicly sharing any document belonging to Kwabena Adu Gyamfi for the next 10 days.
The MP who disclosed this in a tweet shared on Friday, February 3, 2023, said that he was served the order after his appearance on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme on the same day.
“One Kwabena Adu Gyamfi also claiming to have an alias as Victor Kusi Boateng has secured a 10-day restraining order seeking to stop me from further publications on the Conflict of Interest & Double Identity Scandal,” parts of the MP’s tweet read.
The MP shared a picture of the order he was served which read: “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 1″ Respondent, SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA is restrained from making further public disclosures of private documents, correspondence, communication and property belonging to the Applicant (Adu Gyamfi).”
“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this interim order will lapse after Ten (10) days,” it added.
Background
The latest corruption exposé on the National Cathedral by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, suggested impropriety on the part of the secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng.
On January 16, 2023, the MP made some allegations against Rev. Kusi Boateng, who is the secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
In an earlier revelation about the National Cathedral, Okudzeto Ablakwa said a whopping GH¢2.6 million was dished out to a company named JNS Talent Centre Limited.
Further investigations into the alleged payment led to the discovery of one Kwabena Adu Gyamfi as a director of JNS Talent Centre.
Having confirmed the identities of two out of three directors of the centre, Ablakwa dug deeper in a bid to discover the identity of the third director, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
According to his findings, citing a number of statutory documents, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi was the same as Reverend Kusi Boateng, who has allegedly been operating under the pseudonym Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
The Nigerian music industry is in a very dominant form as it proves its mettle yet again. The YouTube index for the most-streamed artists in Africa was recently released, and Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz tops it with Burna Boy in 2nd place.
Essence crooner, Wizkid ranked 3rd then followed by internationally renowned Congolese singer, Fally Pupa.
The six other positions were filled up by Nigerian singers. The Afrobeat industry is no doubt on a world rage of global dominance, and Africa knows it.
See the official list of the most streamed African singers on YouTube in the Sub-Saharan region:
See how Nigerians have reacted to the list of most streamed African singers on YouTube
@iam_kinglq:
“Wizkid with how many videos Abeg? Make una count their videos use am judge.”
@paulinxx09:
“Una sha squeeze David’s picture put… Justice for fally ipupa.”
@icesun_y3:
“Who dey even stream this diamond sef.”
@didashaibuofficial:
“Diamond platnumz is biggest Artist in Africa After wizkid, burna and Davido.”
@reims_wrld:
“The king OBO is 5th despite that he hasn’t dropped jam oo still he’s at the 5th, then come to think of it you will see that he’s the true king and by may the king is definitely taking back his position.”
@ayll30bg:
“All of them upload video pass Davido, davido uploaded most of his old videos on Dmwhq with 500m+ views, and wizkid is not the only one using that YouTube channel it’s called Starboy TV not for only wizkid, the channel is for all the artists under the Starboy label, if you know you know, go and brush before you reply me!!!”
@iam_bravosky:
“So pelu gbogbo 24hrs 1million.Wizzy still top 001.”
@successfulcollinso:
“Make una they play go on the YouTube and check yourself Burna boy has posted over 160 videos there while Diamond has posted over 750 videos and Wizkid, Davido, Rema and Ckay has posted lesser than 70 videos and still has such streams no hate but they deserve great accolades. All wizkid first 2 Albums were posted on Banky W page while Davido on Dmw page but Burna and Diamond has everything on their page so I guess you should know the difference now.”
About twenty-three (23) vendors at the Agbogbloshie market have been detained by public health officers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for selling food on bare floors and in filthy circumstances.
The arrest which was made on Wednesday when the AMA in collaboration with Multimedia Group (Joy News/ Joy FM) resumed the “Clean Ghana campaign” an initiative that seeks to help enforce waste management laws and educate the general public on how to manage waste.
From foodstuffs overexposed to sunlight to displaying food items on the streets near choked gutters, the officials were incensed by the level of disregard for hygiene standards.
Expressing her disappointment in the traders on their disregard for the Assembly’s bylaws on sanitation, the Mayor of Accra, Hon Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, who joined the team ordered the immediate removal of traders selling on streets into the markets where they have shed.
The AMA boss reiterated that some of the traders after all the education and engagements over the years against displaying their goods on the bare ground and at unauthorised places still continued to go contrary adding that the Assembly would not show any mercy in dealing with such offenders anymore hence the arrest.
TikTok sensation, Ahuofe, took the internet by storm after he shared a video showing off a pretty lady many, suspected to be his personal person.
Ahuofe’s unique looks, including his dark skin tone, have made him a big TikTok star. The social media sensation has gained a massive following thanks to his humour and creativity, and his latest post was no exception.
In the video, Ahuofe proudly displayed himself in bed with his gorgeous companion. In the footage, Ahuofe is seen making a phone call while the pretty lady lay by his side, fueling speculation about their relationship.
Ahuofe’s followers were quick to comment on the post, expressing their admiration for the pair. Some even went as far as to say that they were couple goals
The video went viral like most of Ahuofe’s videos, garnering over 33k likes, thousands of comments and over 200k views. Ahuofe, who looks a lot like hip-hop legend, Tupac, blasted one of his idol’s tunes in the background.
The video once again demonstrated his ability to captivate and engage his followers. His unique appearance, including his dark skin tone, has made him a standout on the platform and endeared him to many.
His fans expressed their admiration for him and hoped he and the pretty lady he was with were a couple.
TikTok Sensation Ahuofe Sparks Reactions
Will K886 wrote:
The lady is waiting for you to hang up the phone and kick out the camera man
Davis Kamisa commented:
Pac without loud voice, now you got a lady
user51611600524620 wrote:
The man is dealing bussiness with stakeholders on the phone while bae is waiting for him
The Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has been queried by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over her consistent failure to appear before the Committee.
According to the chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, he is not happy with COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah as it is the second time she has failed to appear before the committee, although she was scheduled to do so.
The chairman of the committee raised concerns when EOCO appeared before the committee.
“Last year she did not attend, and this year too she did not attend. We are taking note, and it should be communicated to her that the chairman of the committee is not happy that she is not coming or appearing before the committee,” he said.
The Public Accounts Committee has started public hearings on the report of the Auditor-General for Ministries, Departments, and other Agencies (MDAs) for 2022.
The Chairman of the Committee, James Klutse Avedzi, and the members of the Committee invite ministers, directors from various institutions, and officials from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to answer queries cited in the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Sector Accounts of Ghana (General Government) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The company’s production and free cash flow generation should be aided by investment in Ghana, which will cut net debt and strengthen Tullow’s balance sheet.
More than $100 million of the total will go toward infrastructure.
Tullow stated in an update to investors that the planned expenditure figure represents an increase of US$50 million compared to 2022 after deferrals from 2022, increased equity in Ghana for the entire year, and ongoing infrastructure investment in Jubilee South East, which will account for about 40% of the Ghana capital spend in 2023.
“Capital investment in 2023, particularly in Ghana, is expected to support production growth through to 2025 and free cash flow generation of US$700-800million at US$80/bbl for the two years 2024 and 2025 based on 2P reserves only; which will further reduce net debt and strengthen Tullow’s balance sheet,” the update read in part.
Tullow mentioned that the additional equity in the Jubilee and TEN Fields acquired through the pre-emption transaction in Ghana for US$126million had already been paid back by 31 December 2022.
In 2023, Tullow expects Jubilee oil production to average approximately 95 thousand Barrels of Oil Per Day (kbopd) (about 37 kbopd net), with a total of up to six new wells expected to come online starting from middle of the year. Gross oil production from the Jubilee Field is expected to exceed 100 kbopd once all these wells have been brought online.
“The focus on operational excellence in production, drilling and major project delivery in recent years has yielded appreciable value and will continue to be an area of leverage for Tullow,” the company highlighted.
Production from the Jubilee Field averaged 83.6 kbopd (31.9 kbopd net) in 2022. A good operational efficiency of circa 97 percent was achieved, and production was supported by four new wells (one producer and three water injectors) brought online in early 2022.
Tullow said that two wells were drilled in the Jubilee South East area in the second half of 2022, and a third well is currently being drilled. “First oil from the Jubilee South East project will be a significant milestone, bringing previously undeveloped reserves to production.
“The transition of operatorship to Tullow on the Jubilee FPSO took place in July 2022 and represented a major step in becoming a leading low-cost deep-water operator, realising improvements in safety, reliability and cost. Following the transition, FPSO uptime averaged about 99 percent in the second half of 2022 compared to 95 percent in the first half,” the company said.
TEN Field
In the case of the Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme (TEN) Field, Tullow expects to focus on sustaining the strong operational uptime and improving gas-handling on the FPSO this year.
“Thisis will be implemented during a planned maintenance shutdown scheduled for the year’s third quarter. Increased gas handling capacity will also significantly reduce flaring and increase gas injection to support oil production,” it said.
“The longer-term plan is to monetise the significant remaining TEN resources through infill drilling particularly on Ntomme, phased development of new areas near existing infrastructure, development of the significant gas resources and drilling of prospective resources,” it added.
Tullow expects to submit a plan of development to the government of Ghana later this year.
In 2023, TEN production is expected to average about 20 kbopd (11 kbopd net), including the planned two-week maintenance shutdown. A water injection well (En16) that was brought online in December 2022 is expected to provide pressure support for production from Enyenra in 2023.
However, Tullow indicated that there are no new wells planned to be added in TEN for 2023.
Production from the TEN Field averaged 23.6 kbopd (12.5 kbopd net) in 2022. A good operational efficiency of c.98 percent was achieved with overall production at the lower end of guidance.
Remember the days when a tally of 17 goals by the end of January would have you in the running for Player of the Season? No chance of that this term. Not with the relentless Erling Haaland redefining the idea of what a ‘prolific’ Premier League striker should look like.
The world has changed, expectations have changed, and if you’re scoring at a rate of a goal every other game then, quite frankly, your standards are slipping.
That certainly looks to be the case with Mohamed Salah right now, with Liverpool’s wretched form amplifying their Egyptian star’s personal ‘struggles’.
On the face of it, Salah is not doing too badly. His total of 17 goals in all competitions is only one fewer than that of Harry Kane, for example. He’s the joint-leading scorer in the Champions League and, with half the campaign still to play, it is not absurd to suggest he may match or even surpass the 31 goals he managed last season, when he was named PFA Player of the Year and when many observers – this one included – believed him to be among the best footballers in the world.
The eyes, though, tell a different story, and to watch Salah at Brighton on Sunday was to watch a player struggling for form, struggling for confidence and struggling to carry a team which has declined at an alarming rate, and which looks in need of root-and-branch surgery in the summer.
Nunez’s arrival at Anfield, and the adaptation period which has followed, may well help to explain Salah’s drop-off. For years Liverpool’s attack has been built around the reliable presence of Firmino as a roaming, space-creating No.9, with Salah and Sadio Mane profiting heavily from the Brazilian’s selflessness and the delivery of full-back duo Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was smooth, automatic, pre-programmed, and took the Reds to the highest heights imaginable.
Nothing is smooth now. Nunez’s arrival, and to a lesser extent that of Luis Diaz last January, has changed the way Liverpool attack. The Uruguayan likes to run in behind, while the Colombian loves to come short to receive the ball before embarking on marauding, diagonal runs from left to right.
That has meant a change in the way both Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have operated. Robertson, generally, sits deeper when Diaz plays, while Alexander-Arnold has tended to look longer, earlier with Nunez on the pitch.
At times it has worked handsomely – see the goal Nunez scored against Wolves at Anfield recently – but the effect that has had on Salah should not be underestimated. With Mane gone, with the full-backs’ influence increasingly stymied and with Jurgen Klopp’s midfield unable to pin opponents’ back and dominate physically as it once did, the 30-year-old has looked lost at times this season.
He is snatching at chances, he is isolated, often hugging the right flank and generally appearing bewildered at the mess unfolding around him.
Injuries haven’t helped. Salah, Diaz and Nunez have played only 342 minutes together, while Salah and Diogo Jota have been on the pitch together for only 335. Firmino has not featured since before the World Cup, with the likes of Harvey Elliott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and new signing Cody Gakpo asked to fill in, ensuring the forward line has had little or no consistency in terms of selection.
Salah’s underlying numbers are still good. He still takes lots of shots and has lots of touches in the opposition box (more than any other Premier League player, as it happens), and his expected goals (xG) tally is the fifth-highest in the division. No forward has created more chances for teammates, and only five have attempted more dribbles. Salah is hardly hiding.
He’s certainly not firing either, though. He looks frustrated, ground down, exhausted even. He’s played an incredible amount of football over the last six years, and to an incredible standard too, but even Klopp admitted recently that he’s “suffering”, struggling to keep his head above water as the Reds’ ship sinks.
It would be both unfair and inaccurate to link his poor form to the three-year, £300,000 ($370,000)-a-week contract he signed with Liverpool last summer. Salah’s motivation and professionalism is as strong as it has ever been, he still sets the standard in training and he has still featured in all but one of his team’s matches this season. His durability is genuinely remarkable.
Nobody will be more determined than he is to turn things around, to make dry January a thing of the past and to get the Reds moving forward again. With half a league campaign still to play, plus a Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid to come, there should still be plenty of opportunities for Salah to shine.
Liverpool need him to, and quickly. Because if Salah struggles this month like he did last, the Reds’ season will be all but over.
Ghanaian gospel musician, Perpetual Didier, has disclosed that the victim in the West Hills Mall incident is her brother.
Her 32-year-old brother, Shadrach Arloo, according to her, was killed at the West Hills Mall after being tased and allegedly beaten by two police officers.
The gospel artiste mentioned in a Graphic.com.gh report sighted by GhanaWeb, that Shadrach Arloo, was scheduled to travel to Germany barely 24 hours before his untimely death.
Perpetual told the state newspaper that her deceased brother had gone to town to purchase some items in preparation for his travel when he got into a situation with the police, leading to his death.
According to the gospel icon, on Shadrach’s way out of the mall premises, he was reportedly confronted by the said policemen, who demanded that he hand over his luggage for a search, which he declined.
The ‘Endane Ogya’ artiste added that according to eyewitness accounts, his brother feared that the police could plant something in his bag to incriminate him and insisted that if they wanted to search his bag, he was ready to go with them to the nearest police station for that purpose.
She added that the situation resulted in an altercation, during which Shadrach was reportedly beaten and tased, resulting in his death.
The number of billionaires in Africa increased somewhat in the face of a difficult 2022 despite a $3.1 billion fall in their combined fortune over the previous 12 months.
The wealth of African billionaires has decreased by 4%, or $3.1 billion, according to Forbes’ most recent list of billionaires.
The drop, from $84.9 billion in 2022 to $81.5 billion, surpasses the GDP of 10 African countries, including the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Seychelles, and South Sudan.
The decrease follows a significant 15-percent increase in the previous year, due to a surge in stock prices throughout the continent.
Despite a challenging year in 2022, some of Africa’s tycoons managed to recoup their wealth losses through a late-year rally.
The fortunes of these billionaires closely mirrored the fluctuation of the S&P All Africa index, which saw a drop of over 20 percent in the first nine months of 2022, but by January 2023, the index had only declined by three percent.
South African billionaire Johann Rupert, the second-richest billionaire on the continent, saw his net worth decline by $300 million to $10.7 billion (Bloomberg values his wealth at $12.3 billion).
It’s worth noting that the list only features billionaires from seven of Africa’s 54 countries, excluding tycoons such as Sudanese-born Mo Ibrahim, South African Nathan Kirsh, Egyptian Mohamed Al-Fayed, Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Al-Amoudi, and Nigerian tech entrepreneur Tope Amusan, all of whom are now citizens or residents of other countries.
African billionaires, despite facing a decline in wealth, continue to symbolize the continent’s economic growth. The rise in their numbers and a modest drop in wealth illustrate resilience and adaptability in the face of economic obstacles.
However, the limited representation of tycoons from other countries highlights the unequal distribution of wealth and economic opportunities within Africa.
