TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Sent Silver shares new song ‘On My Own’

    With one major musical pleasure trip already served us in the year 2022 thus far, titled “Elevate,” the Benin-based Afrobeat rising star, Sent Silver (real name, Sentinawa Caleb), yet again serenades fans and music lovers with a new sprung number – enlisting the services of well-rounded music producer, Rumix, the 2021 “Aye” and 2020 “All For Love” crooner is set to deliver this new tune titled “On My Way.”

    Showcasing Sent Silver’s vocal strength, he effortlessly reaches high and low ranges throughout the entirety of the song, whilst constantly taking listeners on a journey with his well-crafted lyrics.

    “On My Own” is a perception of finesse delivery as the tune is one to sit comfortably with head-bopping rhythm, a total feel-good number for the season – delivered in English and Pidgin languages, Sent Silver is that name to watch out for – listen up and share your thoughts. | ENJOY!!!

     

  • World Cup 2022: Standings in Group H after Ghana’s win against South Korea

    Black Stars second group game at the 2022 World Cup ended in victory on Monday afternoon. The game at the Education City Stadium ended 3-2.

    The victory changed the positions in Group H, Ghana played two games and South Korea also played two games. Ghana took on Portugal and South Korea. South Korea played Uruguay and Ghana.

    Portugal and Uruguay have played just one game so far. They will clash tonight at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

    Ghana is currently second in Group H with three points after two games while South Korea is bottom with 1 point after two games.

    Portugal leads the group with three points but with a better goal difference. Uruguay is third with one point.

     

    In today’s game, the Black Stars of Ghana in the first half battled the South Koreans who put pressure on the back four of Ghana for close to 20 minutes. Before halftime, Ghana broke the deadlock after some interesting play.

    Ghana was the first to score through Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu in the 24th minute after a corner by Jordan Ayew. The goal was checked by VAR and the referee whistled for a goal.

    Ghana scored again in the 34th minute through Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus after receiving a wonderful ball from Jordan Ayew.

    After halftime, the South Koreans made a couple of changes and started putting pressure on Ghana. The pressure made off and Gue-sung Cho scored from a pass from Kang-in Lee. They scored a few minutes later through Gue-sung Cho again.

    Ghana’s third goal was scored by Mohammed Kudus his second of the game. His game was assisted by Inaki Williams.

    The Black Stars will now focus on getting a positive result against Uruguay on 2nd December.

    Below are the standings in Group H:

  • Pilot hangs out of cockpit window to retrieve passenger’s phone

    Accidentally leaving your smartphone behind at home is one thing, but leaving it at an airport shortly before you’re about to board a flight is quite another.

    A Southwest Airlines passenger found themselves in this unfortunate predicament after forgetting their phone in a gate area at Long Beach Airport in Los Angeles.

    By the time a customer taking a separate flight spotted it and notified the crew, boarding had already finished and the aircraft had been pushed back.

    However, staff on the ground quickly worked together to ensure the phone was safely returned to its owner.

    In a video shared by the Dallas-based airline on November 13, a pilot is seen leaning out of the cockpit window in a bid to retrieve it from ramp workers on the ground.

    While one staff member makes an unsuccessful attempt to jump up and hand it to the pilot, a second ramp worker steps in and manages to get it to him.

    According to Chris Perry, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, the passenger who discovered the phone had been chatting to its owner shortly beforehand, so was able to let the crew know the flight they were traveling on.

    When the operations agents realized the flight in question was already fully boarded, they got in touch with the captain.

    “The captain immediately suggested that the ramp agents on the ground try to jump the phone up to him so he could return it to the customer,” Perry, told CNN via email. “The rest was captured on video!”

    Although the owner of the phone has not been unidentified, we think it’s safe to assume that they were hugely grateful for the gesture.

    The video was posted on World Kindness Day, an international holiday formed to promote kindness throughout the world, alongside a message using the hashtag #WorldKindnessDay. It’s unclear when the footage was taken.

    It comes after Turkish traveler Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest living woman, shared a heartwarming post from her plane journey from Turkey to San Francisco, which was made possible when Turkish Airlines removed several seats so that she could rest comfortably on a stretcher during the 13-hour trip in September.

    Source: CNN

     

  • Stephen A. Smith defends Jerry Jones over 1957 Arkansas desegregation protest photo

    Stephen A. Smith has defended Jerry Jones after a photo from 1957 showed him among a group of white young men blocking the path of Black students attempting to desegregate an Arkansas school, who went on to be known as the “Little Rock Nine.”

    “I’m pretty pissed off,” Smith said on a recent First Take segment discussing the newly surfaced photo of the Dallas Cowboys owner when he was 14. “I’m pissed off but not for reasons people think. I am very, very fond of Jerry Jones, and I’m not hiding that from anybody. Is his record perfect? No, but I’m pissed off because he doesn’t deserve what just happened. He doesn’t deserve it. One report, our report, said he was 14 years old. Another report said he was 15 years old. At minimum that’s 65 years ago.”

    The photograph was taken 65 years ago, on Sept. 9, 1957 at North Little Rock High in Arkansas. “You gonna bring up a photo of Jerry Jones standing at this protest, no question what was happening, it’s not something that anybody as a Black person should be appreciative about,” he continued. “We had six students at that particular North Little Rock high school, that was trying to desegregate the school. Nobody should be okay with that, we understand that, we get all of that. … Racism is a live and well, bigotry and prejudice is alive and well. We get all of that, but you gonna bring up a photo of him when he was 14, 15 years old? 65 or 66 years ago.”

    Smith went on to accuse reporters covering the photo of “making an attempt” to bring “cancel culture” on Jones, who has never hired a Black coach. “You’re making an attempt to eradicate him,” he continued. “By the way, I don’t have a problem with a photo. If he was 30, 35, 40 years old, that’s different. 14, 15 years old…We’re gonna lean on somebody was he was 14, born and raised in the south? And we gonna pick it up 66 years later, to say, ‘You know something, you ain’t hire a Black coach.’ I think that’s pretty low. … If he were an adult, that would be different.”

    Following the publication of the story this week, Jones fielded questions over the photo and said he was there because he was “curious” about what was going on. “I didn’t know at the time the monumental event really that was going on,” Jones said, per ESPN. “I’m sure glad that we’re a long way from that. I am. That would remind me [to] just continue to do everything we can to not have those kinds of things happen.”

    The photo was taken just weeks prior to when the nine Black students integrated into Little Rock Central High School.

    In a recent interview with CNN, Little Rock Nine member Ernest Green shared his thoughts on the photo of Jones.

    “My view is that Jones has an opportunity to make that picture have a different ending by pursuing diversity and inclusion and involvement of the African-American community, and people of color all throughout this country,” he said.

    “Dallas Cowboys is an institution most Americans know something about. Professional football is an entity that everybody has some interest in, and I think that rather than talk[ing] to Jerry about what happened in 1957 let’s go forward and see what we can do this year.”

  • We made a mistake approving Ofori-Atta as finance minister – Ricketts-Hagan

    Ranking Member of the Privileges Committee of Parliament, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, has said that the decision by the minority caucus of the House to approve Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was a mistake.

    Speaking in a TV3 interview Ricketts-Hagan said that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs were divided on the approval of Ofori-Atta but came to a consensus to allow him to go through.

    Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, intimated that the current hardships have proven that the NDC MPs who were against his approval were right.

     

    “We got it wrong in getting Ken Ofori-Atta to serve as finance minister. There was a divided position on that (amongst the minority caucus). Eventually, a collective decision was made, which I still think was the wrong decision.

    “I don’t need reasons to give that it was a wrong decision then because obviously, if you look at what is happening or what has happened since he was appointed the finance minister, it tells you obviously that he wasn’t supposed to be the guy to be there,” he said.

    He did, however, state that some factions’ claims that NDC MPs failed Ghanaians by failing to hold Ofori-Atta accountable are false.

    According to him, the majority caucus is more to blame because they have been urging the finance minister.

     

  • Here’s your first look at ‘Skinny Girl In Transit’ Season 7

    The new series is directed by Bunmi Ajakaiye, whose resume includes ‘The Smart Money Woman’ series and movies like ‘Glamour Girls.’

    While the production company is yet to disclose full details of the new season, we now know that the new season is written by Lani Aisida, Ifeanyi Barbara Chidi, Abdul Tijani Ahmed and Bunmi Ajakaiye, who is also the series director, according to Shockng.

    Ndani TV has shared a few behind-the-scenes videos online, one with Abimbola Craig, Bisola Aiyeola, and Sharon Ooja, which proves that these three will reprise their roles in the new season.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by NOLLYWIRE (@nollywire)

    Ngozi Nwosu is back as everyone’s favourite onscreen mother, as we can tell from a video posted by Ndani TV. Ayoola Ayolola (Mide Macaulay) is also returning for season seven.

    Created by Temi Balogun, the series tells the story of Tiwa, a plus-sized woman in Lagos, who is trying to lose weight, find love, and excel in her career.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by NDANITV (@ndanitv)

    Fans of the show got to see her eventually fall in love, get married and juggle her career along with her marriage over the course of six seasons.

  • Tina Knowles addresses reports of Jay-Z’s interest in becoming NFL team owner

    Jay-Z would indeed make for a solid NFL team owner, Tina Knowles says.

    As TMZ shared over the weekend, a paparazzo briefly caught up with Beyoncé’s mother about the possibility, notably citing reports from earlier this month about Jay and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos allegedly being interested in buying the Washington Commanders.

    When asked about her son-in-law and daughter potentially being “in the conversation” to buy a team, more specifically the Commanders, Knowles provided a broad answer about her confidence in their respective choices.

    “I have no doubt that anything they put their minds to do, they can do it well,” Knowles said, as seen in the video below. “I don’t know anything about it though.”

    Asked to elaborate further, Knowles understandably declined, offering a quick “that’s enough” to the paparazzo.

    It’s a brief response, expectedly, but again revives the topic of Jay’s name indeed being mentioned in recent reports about the future of the Commanders. For example, the Washington Post reported earlier this month that Bezos could be recruiting Jay-Z as an investor in a potential bid for the Commanders.

    Also this month, Dan and Tanya Snyder were confirmed to have started the process of an eventual sale, namely by hiring Bank of America Securities. Per a team rep’s comments to the Associated Press at the time, “all options” were being considered.

    Meanwhile, Jay-Z is currently up for five more possible Grammys, with the DJ Khaled collab “God Did” having scored nominations in multiple categories at the 65th edition of the annual awards show. For a full list of the 2023 nominees, hit this link.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Economic activity moderates – BoG

    Domestic economic activity has moderated somewhat, the Bank of Ghana has revealed.

    High frequency indicators monitored by the Central Bank signalled some moderation in economic activity in the third quarter, relative to the first two quarters of the year.

    The Bank’s Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA) contracted by 1.2% in September 2022, compared with 11.1% growth, a year earlier.

    The main indicators, it pointed out that dragged down the index were domestic VAT, ports activity, and cement sales.

     

    The Bank’s survey of Business and Consumer confidence conducted in October 2022 continued to point to softening economic sentiments. Consumer confidence dipped on account of rising inflation and uncertainty about future economic conditions.

    Business sentiments also deteriorated on concerns about rising operational costs, sharp currency depreciation, and weak consumer demand.

    These survey findings, the Bank of Ghana, said were aligned with the decline in Ghana’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which eased further to 44.0 in October 2022 from 45.6, a month earlier.

  • Pilot and passenger rescued after being suspended from power lines for hours following plane crash

    A pilot and passenger have both been rescued after spending several hours dangling from power lines following a plane crash.

    Per a report from WTOP News, the crash occurred Sunday evening in the Montgomery County area of Maryland. The crash ultimately caused tens of thousands residents to lose power, although service was later confirmed by Pepco to have been largely restored in those areas.

    In an initial statement, Maryland State Police said that the plane involved in the crash was a single-engine craft piloted by 65-year-old Patrick Merkle of Washington, D.C. Janet Williams of Louisiana, 66, was simultaneously identified as the passenger on the small plane.

    In a subsequent update, additional info was provided, with police stating that the first dispatch occurred just before 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. Upon arrival, troopers found the small plane was “suspended in the air” after having crashed into a power line tower and becoming entangled in the wires.

    Merkle and Williams were ultimately rescued just before 1:00 a.m. local time, meaning they spent more than six hours suspended in the air. According to police, both individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

    When reached for comment by Complex on Monday, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rep confirmed that the agency would be investigating the crash alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the latter set to lead the investigation.

    “A single-engine Mooney M20J crashed into wires near Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., around 5:40 p.m. local time Sunday,” the FAA rep said via email. “Two people were on board. The aircraft departed from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y.”

    A rep for the NTSB, meanwhile, confirmed only that it would be investigating the crash when reached by Complex.

    Source: Complex.com

  • 2022 World Cup: Mohammed Kudus inspires Black Stars to beat South Korea 3-2

    Black Stars bounced back to winning ways on Monday, November 28, as they defeated South Korea in their second Group H game.

    A brace from Mohammed Kudus and another from Mohammed Salisu saw Otto Addo’s side pick up their first points of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    After a nervy start to the game, the Black Stars found their mojo after the 20th-minute mark with the midfield taking control of the game.

    However, the opening goal came 24 minutes into the game with Jordan Ayew creating the chance from a free-kick he won in South Korea’s half.

    The Crystal Palace forward sent into the penalty box a troubling cross with Mohammed Salisu pouncing on the loose ball after Andre Ayew’s contact to open the scoring.

    Jordan then set up Mohammed Kudus for the game’s second goal and put the Black Stars in a comfortable position heading into the break.

    2022 World Cup: Mohammed Kudus inspires Black Stars to beat South Korea
    Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring for Ghana 

    Back from recess, Ghana looked certain to continue their dominance with Tariq Lamptey finding the first chance for Ghana. But his effort was far from troubling the South Korea goalkeeper.

    That failed effort looked to have been the turning point as South Korea scored two quick goals to level the score.

    While the Black Stars looked to have lost their confidence, a moment of brilliance saw Mensah drive forward and cut back for Inaki Williams, who couldn’t shoot into the net but Kudus was on the end and curled the ball past the goalkeeper to restore Ghana’s lead.

    Despite late attempts from the Koreans, the game ended 3-2 with Ghana earning a vital win in Group H.

    Otto Addo’s side will now face Uruguay in their last game looking to secure qualification to the next stage of the competition.

  • Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ certified Gold in Italy

    Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ has recorded another milestone after it earned a Gold certification after selling 25,000 copies in Italy.

    Details: After performing in a show in Italy, Rema was presented with a Gold plaque by the Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) for his single ‘Calm Down’.

    The song was released in March 2022 as a lead single to Rema’s debut album ‘Raves & Roses’. Since its release, the single has enjoyed wide acclaim from fans and it was further boosted by a Selena Gomez remix.

    Before being certified Gold in Italy, ‘Calm Down’ received Gold certifications in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. It received a Silver certification in the UK and a Diamond certification in France.

    The single has enjoyed international acclaim as it entered the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 74 and the top 10 of the UK singles chart.

    After his show in Brixton Arena London, Rema revealed that ‘Calm Down’ has surpassed 1 billion streams across all platforms.

  • Thomas Partey gives his parents a treat in Qatar

    Black Stars midfielder, Thomas Partey, has a special bond with his parents and takes delight in showing them off to the world. The footballing star has hosted them in Qatar.

    Thomas Partey gives his parents a treat in Qatar.

    Thomas Partey and his parents spend time at a restaurant

    In a photo making the rounds on social media, Partey is seen with his parents, Jacob Partey and Petty, at a restaurant in the Arab nation.

    The Arsenal FC player is part of the squad representing Ghana in the ongoing 2022 Men’s World Cup, where he played with the Black Stars against Portugal on Thursday, November 24.

    Partey featured 90 minutes in their 3:2 defeat against Portugal and is expected to play in their Group H second match against South Korea on Monday, November 28.

    Netizens react to Thomas Partey’s new photo with his parents

    The recent photo of the doting footballer bonding with his parents in Qatar shared on Slayis_everywhere, garnered reactions from fans, including a comment.

    ”Great, well done,” Edwina6905 posted.

    Thomas Partey shows off his proud parents in a new photo

    It is not the first time Partey has shown off his parents. The footballer shared a photo of his proud parents at the launch of his foundation.

    The photo on Instagram shows his parents at the launch of his foundation at Somanya on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Partey’s foundation seeks to create chances for young people in the town of his birth.

    The photo shows his parents staring into the camera, with the father having a smiling face. The Black Stars player thanked the people who attended the launch of his special project

  • World Cup 2022: South Korea 2-3 Ghana – Black Stars player ratings

    Ghana defeated South Korea 3-2 to clinch their first win at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Monday.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 7

    Solid display in post against South Korea. Can’t see him being dropped for now. What a save in the second half. Couldn’t do anything to stop the two goals

    Daniel Amartey – 7

    Amartey’s partnership with Salisu at the back was impressive. The communication between the pair was solid.

    Tariq Lamptey – 7

    Impressive performance on his World Cup debut. He almost scored his first World Cup. Snubbed

    Mohammed Salisu – 8

    He displayed why the Ghana Football Association went all out to convince him to play for the Black Stars. First competitive goal for Ghana. He was arguably one of the best players on the field.

    Gideon Mensah – 7

    He was solid defensively and joined the attack as well. His partnership with Jordan on the left-flank helped Ghana going forward. Snubbed

    Salis Abdul Samed –

    Kept things tidy in midfield alongside Partey

    Thomas Partey – 7

    An improved performance from Thomas Partey. He controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo of the game

    Kudus Mohammed – 8

    First goal at the World Cup for the 22-year-old. Kudus showed why he’s Ghana’s most in-form player in Europe. Snubbed

    Inaki Williams – 6

     

     

    Still finding his feet with his new Black Stars teammates. His decision making sometimes was awful.

    Andre Ayew – 6

    A quiet performance from skipper Andre Ayew. He couldn’t find the back of the net this time around. Snubbed

    Jordan Ayew – 8

    What a performance from the Crystal Palace forward. Jordan repaid coach Otto Addo’s faith in him with an assist and Man of the Match display. Snubbed

    Kamal-Deen Sulemana – N/A

    A welcome debut for Kamal-Deen Sulemana at the World Cup

    Denis Odoi – N/A

    Not enough time to make an impact

    Daniel-Kofi Kyereh – N/A

    Better performance from Kyereh

    Alexander Djiku – N/A

    A welcome debut at the World Cup

    Baba Rahman – N/A

    Second appearance at the World Cup

  • World Cup 2022: South Korea 2-3 Ghana – LIVE UPDATES

    Good afternoon and welcome to the live text coverage of the clash between South Korea and Ghana today in the 2022 FIFA World Cup;

    All is set for the Group H contest between South Korea and Ghana to kick off at the Education City Stadium this afternoon.

    Ghana after losing 3-2 to Portugal last Thursday must avoid a defeat today to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ahead of the game against South Korea, the national team of the West African country has targeted a win to have a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.

    To this end, head coach Otto Addo has named a strong starting eleven team to do battle for the Black Stars.

    Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi keeps his place in the team from the first match and will be protected by a back four that includes Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.

    Baba Rahman is dropped for Gideon Mensah while Jordan Ayew starts in attack with Inaki Williams and Mohammed Kudus.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK)

    Tariq Lamptey

    Daniel Amartey

    Mohammed Salisu

    Gideon Mensah

    Salis Abdul Samed

    Thomas Partey

    Mohammed Kudus

    Andre Ayew (C)

    Jordan Ayew

    Inaki Williams

    The two teams are out on the pitch for the warm-up ahead of kick-off. As usual, the Ghanaian fans are here in their numbers to support the Black Stars.

    We are just 30 minutes away from kick off.

    Ladies and gentlemen, kick-off is upon us. The two teams walk out onto the pitch amid cheers. We will now have the two national anthems of the countries.

    First Half;

    1′ We are off at the Education City Stadium as South Korea kicks us off.

    3′ Ghana with a free-kick in a good position. Mohammed Kudus sends in a good ball but it is dealt with by the defense of South Korea.

    4′ South Korea breaks for a counter-attack as Ghana runs back to defend. A good defensive block averts the danger.

    7′ Pressure on Ghana as South Korea push for the opening goal. A series of corners in quick succession has found Ghana wanting.

    9′ Eventually, the Black Stars clear their lines to deal with the pressure.

    11′ South Korea have been the better side in the first 10 minutes. Ghana must improve to get something out of this game.

    13′ We have done 15 minutes of the first half and it has been South Korea enjoying all the possession.

    15′ Another corner for South Korea after a good play. Son is involved again but the defense of Ghana comes out strong.

    18′ Ghana have improved in the last few minutes. Still, a lot of work to be done if the Stars want to win this game.

    23′ Jordan Ayew wins a free-kick for Ghana.

    25′ Goal!!!! After consulting the VAR, referee Antony Taylor declares that Mohammed Salisu’s goal is legitimate despite Andre Ayew’s handling of the ball with his hand. South Korea 0-1 Ghana.

    29′ The tempo of the game has slowed down since the opening game.

    30′ We have done 30 minutes of this afternoon’s game. Can South Korea find a way back into this one?

    33′ Ghana scores again to double their lead. It’s Mohammed Kudus with a header. What an assist from Jordan Ayew.

    35′ The Black Stars are now dominating the game as South Korea continues to defend in numbers.

    39′ The possession of the game has changed hands now. It is the South Koreans seeing more of the ball as we enter the final 5 minutes of the first half.

    40′ We are now into the final five minutes of the first half.

    45′ Five minutes of added time to be played. Will there be another goal before the break.

    45+3′ Inaki Williams makes a good run behind the South Korea defense and wins a late corner for Ghana.

    45+5 That will be all the action in the first half. We are back after 15 minutes with the second half.

    Second Half;

    46′ We are back for the second half. Ghana kicks us off hoping to defend that two-goal lead from the first half.

    48’ South Korea with a very good start to the second half just like they did in the first half. As expected, the Black Stars are defending very well.

    50’ Defender Tariq Lamptey is applauded by Ghana head coach Otto Addo after a good attacking play.

    52’ SAVE!! Lawrence Ati-Zigi pulls off a fantastic save to deny South Korea a goal.

    55’ South Korea makes a second change in a desperate move to get back into the game.

    57′ Goal!! South Korea pulls one back.

    60′ Goal!!! It is all chaos in the Ghana defense. Another goal and South Korea are level. What a game!!

    65′ The tempo of the game has slowed down since the two goals from South Korea.

    68’ Goal!!! Mohammed Kudus restores the lead for Ghana. Great show of resilience from the Black Stars.

    70’ Still a long way to go. Now is the time for Ghana to concentrate to avoid conceding again.

    74 Free kick for South Korea just behind the Ghana. It is well-taken but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi goes down really well to punch  the ball to safety.

    76’ Thomas Partey wins a free kick to relieve the pressure from Ghana.

    78’ Ghana will effect their first change. Andre Ayew comes off for Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.

    79’ Jordan Ayew also comes off for Kamaldeen Sulemana.

    80 We are into the final 10 minutes of the game. Can Ghana hold onto the lead.

    81’ Ghana will make another change. Defender Alexander Djiku is coming on for Mohammed Kudus.

    85’ South Korea are dominating the exchanges here in search of a goal to restore parity again.

    87’ Gideon Mensah is down injured. He has been replaced by Baba Abdul Rahman.

    90’ We have played the entire 90 minutes of this afternoon’s contest. We will play 10 minutes of additional time.

     

     

  • Three Killed and at least 13 injured in Brazil school shootings

    Two school shootings in southeastern Brazil have left three dead and more than a dozen injured.

    According to the Associated Press, the attack occurred at around 10 a.m. Friday in Aracruz, a small town located in the state of Espirito Santo. Authorities say the 16-year-old suspect killed two teachers in the Primo Bitti State school—a public elementary and second school he used to attend.

    The alleged shooter then carried out a second shooting at the Praia de Coqueiral Educational Center, a private school located on the same street. The second attack left one adolescent dead.

    Law enforcement confirmed at least 13 people, including nine instructors, were injured during the shooting. Most of the victims were hospitalized shortly after. Their conditions are unknown.

    Brazilian police said the assailant, whose name has not been released, entered the buildings wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with a semiautomatic pistol. Espirito Santo Gov. Renato Casagrande told reporters that the weapons belonged to the teen’s father, who is a military police officer.

    The AP reports the suspect was arrested four hours after the shooting began. Police believe he acted alone, based on security footage.

    “With a feeling of regret and great sadness, I am following closely the investigation into the invasion of the Primo Bitti and Darwin Schools, in Aracruz,” the governor tweeted Friday. “All our security forces are engaged. Determine the displacement of Sec. of Safety and Education to monitor the work.

    “… Our security teams caught up with the attacker who, cowardly, attacked two schools in Aracruz in the morning. I declared three days of official mourning as a sign of grief for the irreparable losses. We will continue to investigate the reasons and, soon, we will have new clarifications.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Diasporans flock to biggest celebration of African property and lifestyle

    At the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo, property deals amounting to millions of pounds were made as hundreds of people attended.

    Hundreds of diasporans attended the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo as interest in investing in Africa keeps growing.Initial estimates indicate that the two-day event resulted in property transactions worth more than £2 million.

    The Pestana Chelsea Hotel celebration, which has been praised as its biggest and finest to yet, attracted about 20 exhibitors from Ghana and attendees from all over Europe and the UK.

    The GLPE, created by real estate dynamos Anna and Victoria Agyekum, was previously held virtually owing to the epidemic but returned this year as an in-person event in London.

    GPLE co-founder Victoria Ageykum, also the co-founder of parent company On Point Property Management Ltd which she runs with Anna, said:

    “The two days were simply fantastic. The Expo exceeded our expectations with the numbers that attended and positive feedback has been received from both attendees and exhibitors.
    “We are delighted to be able to provide this platform as a resource for anyone investing in property or visiting Ghana.”

    Created with the purpose of bridging the gap with the diaspora and educating a broader international audience about the vast opportunities of the west African nation’s expanding real estate market, attendees were left feeling inspired with indispensable knowledge about making an investment in Ghana and securing their financial future.

    Ghana’s real estate contribution to GDP has almost doubled from 1.8% in 2016 to 3% in 2021, with an annual growth rate projected at 6.5% annually 2023-2025
    Keynote Speakers at the event, which took place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, November 2022, included Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre UK, and Papa Kow Bartels, Head of Trade & Investment, Ghana High Commission UK & Ireland.

    Presentations were delivered by Evans Yaw Amoah-Nyamekye, Lawyer in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom of England & Wales and President, Ghana Bar Association; Will Writing and Estate Planning by Vanessa Blythe, CEO at Peace of Mind Services; practical investor insights from Bennard Owusu, Barrister and Solicitor to the superior courts of Ghana and Solicitor to the senior courts of England & Wales, and a financial planning presentation by Mary Ayisi Boadu, Investment Banker, Author, and Financial Coach.

    Panel discussions and Q&A sessions featured representatives from Goldkey Properties Ltd, VAAL Real Estate, Devtraco Plus & The Professional Mortgage Specialist (UK).

    Papa Kow Bartels, Head of Trade & Investment Ghana High Commission UK & Ireland, said:

    “GLPE is brilliant. Victoria and Anna have created a soft landing for the diaspora who are here for a safe and easier way to invest in and visit Ghana.”
    Nazir Halabi-Ahmam, Sales Manager, VAAL Real Estate, first-time exhibitor and silver sponsor, said: “The whole event has been amazing and very well organized. We are definitely signing up for next year – the opportunity to meet with the diaspora and clients. We have already done a few sales. We checked the history of what On Point Property has done and we have achieved exactly what we wanted by being here.”

    He confirmed his company generated strong sales at GLP and has many leads being followed up. Many of the other exhibitors confirmed firm sales across the two days and are also currently following up on solid leads.

    The GLPE opened with an intimate cocktail evening for exhibitors and selected invited guests supporting the expo, including Beverly Corson, CEO of Wandsworth Chambers, on Friday (November 11).

    The evening was hosted by actress and TV host Ama K Abebrese and Kweku Owisi Frimpong and included free-flowing champagne, wine, and beverages alongside delectable gourmet hors d’oeuvres provided by Pestana Hotel House Chef.

    Plans for next year’s Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo are already underway and many exhibitors are already keen to sign up. Next year may see the event taken to Atlanta, Georgia, and other US states in the summer of 2023 and London again in the Winter.

  • Ofori-Atta’s ability to read 2023 budget is a wonder – Ricketts-Hagan

    Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, the member of parliament for Cape Coase South, expressed surprise when the finance minister presented the 2023 budget in the face of opposition.

    He claimed that he was astounded by the minister’s ability to find his way and read the budget.

    “The fact that Ken Ofori-Atta was reading the budget caught me completely off guard.
    I had previously claimed that Ken Ofori-ability Atta’s to understand the budget would rank among the seven wonders of the world.
    It is very astounding how he has been able to negotiate his way through, in any jurisdiction, he shouldn’t be the one reading the budget,” he is quoted as saying by 3news.com.

    He stressed,” Miracles have been made for Ofori-Atta to be made the Finance Minister.”

    The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, was in parliament to fulfill his constitutional mandate by presenting the government budget to the House.

    The presentation was in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

    Ken Ofori-Atta has also come under a lot of backlash and pressure from both within and outside his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to either resign or be sacked by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    But the President had asked members of the NPP to allow the Minister to present the 2023 budget and also conclude negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

    Government bans the use of V8, V6 vehicles except for cross-country travel.

  • Elon Musk says he would back Ron DeSantis should Florida Governor run for President in 2024

    Billionaire Elon Musk will support Ron DeSantis if the Florida governor were to run for president in 2024.

    On Friday, Musk took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the 2024 race, writing, “My preference for the 2024 presidency is someone sensible and centrist. I had hoped that would the case for the Biden administration, but have been disappointed so far.”

    When asked if he would support DeSantis in 2024, Musk replied, “Yes.”

    The Twitter CEO added that he was a “significant supporter” of the Obama-Biden presidency, reminding followers that he “voted for Biden over Trump.”

  • Vivica A. Fox rips Kanye West for using her in campaign video

    Vivica A. Fox is calling out Kanye West for including a clip of her in the rapper’s latest campaign video.

    In the video, which Ye posted to Twitter earlier this week, Vivica can be heard criticizing West.

    “Yo, Kanye. Eff you. And I mean that with everything inside of me,” she says in the video. “You got to cancel him. And I know we not trying to be in a cancel culture but we got to hit him in his pockets now. Because he, obviously, doesn’t care about the African-American culture.”

    Fox took to Twitter on Friday to blast Ye for using her in the clip.

    “Now dawling if you gonna use a clip featuring me it should be accurate! I was not happy with you 5 saying George Floyd wasn’t murdered, but THANKS 4 watching my @foxsoultv show #CocktailsWithQueens & know 2 Can Play that game,” Fox wrote.

    Earlier this week, Kanye took to Twitter to share a video recapping his visit to Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate, confirming that he asked the former president to be his running mate in 2024.

    Ye previously announced the news in a tweet on Tuesday, writing, “What you guys think [Trump’s] response was when I asked him to be my running mate in 2024?”

    “I think the thing that Trump was most perturbed about, me asking him to be my vice president,” Ye said in the video posted on Thursday. “I think that was like lower on the list of things that caught him off-guard.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Be Honest’ by Jorja Smith & Burna Boy certified Diamond in France

    Burna Boy had added another plaque to his cabinet as Jorja Smith’s ‘Be Honest’ has received a Diamond certification in France.

    The single was released in August 2019 and it was Jorja Smith’s second collaboration with Burna Boy following ‘Gum Body’ in his ‘African Giant’ album.

    ‘Be Honest’ is Burna Boy’s second certification in France after his international hit single ‘On The Low’ went Diamond.

    Burna Boy is one of the world’s biggest music stars with his music attracting fans across different parts of the globe where he has headlined concerts in famous arenas.

    Most recently, his international smash hit ‘Last Last’ was certified Gold in the US after selling 500,000 units.

    The multi-award winner was also recently nominated for two Grammy awards with ‘Last Last’ for the Global Song category and his 2022 album ‘Love, Damini’ for the World Album category.

  • World Cup 2022: South Korea 0-2 Ghana – LIVE UPDATES

    Good afternoon and welcome to the live text coverage of the clash between South Korea and Ghana today in the 2022 FIFA World Cup;

    All is set for the Group H contest between South Korea and Ghana to kick off at the Education City Stadium this afternoon.

    Ghana after losing 3-2 to Portugal last Thursday must avoid a defeat today to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ahead of the game against South Korea, the national team of the West African country has targeted a win to have a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.

    To this end, head coach Otto Addo has named a strong starting eleven team to do battle for the Black Stars.

    Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi keeps his place in the team from the first match and will be protected by a back four that includes Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.

    Baba Rahman is dropped for Gideon Mensah while Jordan Ayew starts in attack with Inaki Williams and Mohammed Kudus.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK)

    Tariq Lamptey

    Daniel Amartey

    Mohammed Salisu

    Gideon Mensah

    Salis Abdul Samed

    Thomas Partey

    Mohammed Kudus

    Andre Ayew (C)

    Jordan Ayew

    Inaki Williams

    The two teams are out on the pitch for the warm-up ahead of kick-off. As usual, the Ghanaian fans are here in their numbers to support the Black Stars.

    We are just 30 minutes away from kick off.

    Ladies and gentlemen, kick-off is upon us. The two teams walk out onto the pitch amid cheers. We will now have the two national anthems of the countries.

    First Half;

    1′ We are off at the Education City Stadium as South Korea kicks us off.

    3′ Ghana with a free-kick in a good position. Mohammed Kudus sends in a good ball but it is dealt with by the defense of South Korea.

    4′ South Korea breaks for a counter-attack as Ghana runs back to defend. A good defensive block averts the danger.

    7′ Pressure on Ghana as South Korea push for the opening goal. A series of corners in quick succession has found Ghana wanting.

    9′ Eventually, the Black Stars clear their lines to deal with the pressure.

    11′ South Korea have been the better side in the first 10 minutes. Ghana must improve to get something out of this game.

    13′ We have done 15 minutes of the first half and it has been South Korea enjoying all the possession.

    15′ Another corner for South Korea after a good play. Son is involved again but the defense of Ghana comes out strong.

    18′ Ghana have improved in the last few minutes. Still, a lot of work to be done if the Stars want to win this game.

    23′ Jordan Ayew wins a free-kick for Ghana.

    25′ Goal!!!! After consulting the VAR, referee Antony Taylor declares that Mohammed Salisu’s goal is legitimate despite Andre Ayew’s handling of the ball with his hand. South Korea 0-1 Ghana.

    29′ The tempo of the game has slowed down since the opening game.

    30′ We have done 30 minutes of this afternoon’s game. Can South Korea find a way back into this one?

    33′ Ghana scores again to double their lead. It’s Mohammed Kudus with a header. What an assist from Jordan Ayew.

    35′ The Black Stars are now dominating the game as South Korea continues to defend in numbers.

    39′ The possession of the game has changed hands now. It is the South Koreans seeing more of the ball as we enter the final 5 minutes of the first half.

    40′ We are now into the final five minutes of the first half.

    45′ Five minutes of added time to be played. Will there be another goal before the break.

    45+3′ Inaki Williams makes a good run behind the South Korea defense and wins a late corner for Ghana.

    45+5 That will be all the action in the first half. We are back after 15 minutes with the second half.

    Second Half;

    46′ We are back for the second half. Ghana kicks us off hoping to defend that two-goal lead from the first half.

    48’ South Korea with a very good start to the second half just like they did in the first half. As expected, the Black Stars are defending very well.

    50’ Defender Tariq Lamptey is applauded by Ghana head coach Otto Addo after a good attacking play.

  • World Cup 2022: We want revenge against Uruguay – Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus

    Ghana forward, Mohammed Kudus says the Black Stars will aim for revenge against Uruguay.

    The West African side will take on the two-time world champions in their final Group H game on Friday.

    Ghana were on the verge of playing in the semifinal of the 2010 Mundial in South Africa but Luis Suarez prevented Dominic Adiyah’s goal-bound header.

    Asamoah Gyan failed to convert a spot kick awarded before the South American side kicked Ghana out, winning 4-2 on spot kicks after 120 minutes of action.

    And Kudus, speaking in an interview said Gyan is not part of the team but they will fight to seek revenge on Friday.

    “Even though he is no longer part of the team, we will also play for him against Uruguay,” Kudus told Algemeen Dagblad.

    “Asamoah is a legend. I’ve seen interviews where he is still disappointed. Just recently. That gives me and my teammates energy to really play for him and fight for sporting revenge,” he added.

    The game will kick off at 15:00GMT at the Al Januob Stadium.

  • Ebuka celebrates wife’s birthday with heartwarming post

    Lawyer and TV host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is celebrating his wife Cynthia’s 32nd birthday in a special way

    Taking to his Instagram page, the TV personality shared cute and goofy pictures of him and his wife, captioning them with a sweet message for her.

    In his words, “The past year was a bit of a rollercoaster for you. But the one thing I learnt is that vou’re waaay tougher than even you imagined. Such a dope chick!!! Now, I’m loving the positive vibe you’re going into this new year with. Besides the fact that the glow is about to be even more blinding, I can’t imagine all the blessings that lie ahead, if life with you has been this amazing already…

    Happy birthday Onye nke mu. Thanks for showing me what true kindness, loyalty and selfless love actually looks like. You are a shining star!!! And I love all of you [sic]”

    The couple began their love journey in April 2015, when Ebuka proposed to Cynthia at a private dinner in Lagos.

    On October 3, 2015, they had their engagement and traditional wedding ceremony in Umueze, Neni. The couple then sealed things with their white wedding, which took place on February 6, 2016.

    See photos:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@ebuka)

  • World Cup 2022: South Korea v Ghana – LIVE UPDATES

    Good afternoon and welcome to the live text coverage of the clash between South Korea and Ghana today in the 2022 FIFA World Cup;

    All is set for the Group H contest between South Korea and Ghana to kick off at the Education City Stadium this afternoon.

    Ghana after losing 3-2 to Portugal last Thursday must avoid a defeat today to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ahead of the game against South Korea, the national team of the West African country has targeted a win to have a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.

    To this end, head coach Otto Addo has named a strong starting eleven team to do battle for the Black Stars.

    Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi keeps his place in the team from the first match and will be protected by a back four that includes Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.

    Baba Rahman is dropped for Gideon Mensah while Jordan Ayew starts in attack with Inaki Williams and Mohammed Kudus.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK)

    Tariq Lamptey

    Daniel Amartey

    Mohammed Salisu

    Gideon Mensah

    Salis Abdul Samed

    Thomas Partey

    Mohammed Kudus

    Andre Ayew (C)

    Jordan Ayew

    Inaki Williams

    The two teams are out on the pitch for the warm-up ahead of kick-off. As usual, the Ghanaian fans are here in their numbers to support the Black Stars.

    We are just 30 minutes away from kick off.

    Ladies and gentlemen, kick-off is upon us. The two teams walk out onto the pitch amid cheers. We will now have the two national anthems of the countries.

    First Half;

    1′ We are off at the Education City Stadium as South Korea kicks us off.

  • 6 Nigerian movies you should watch out for this December

    December is often an interesting time at the box office with some of the biggest Nollywood movies coming out just in time to entertain viewers as the year draws to an end.

    We at Pulse have compiled a list of movies to watch out for next month, for your maximum enjoyment and entertainment.

    • ‘The StandUp’

    Produced by Peekaboo Productions and directed by Jide Oyegbile, this movie is about the struggles of an electrician who travels from Warri to Lagos to make it big in his profession and save his sister, who is being held ransom because of the debts accrued by his late father.

    The movie has an impressive cast like Richard Ayodeji Makun (AY), Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Anita Asuoha (RealWarriPikin), Jide Kosoko, Mofe Duncan, Dibor Adaobi Lillian, Stephanie Zibili, Paul Olope and Eso Dike. ‘The StandUp’ premieres in cinemas nationwide on December 2, 2022.

    • ‘U-Turn’

    In ‘U-Turn,’ Gabriel Afolayan plays the role of a passenger who faces challenges alongside his cab driver, Olaiya Igwe, whilst hiding their true intentions from each other. Directed by Gabriel Afolayan and Uche Agbambu, the cast includes Jide Kosoko, Muyiwa Adegoke, Ebun Oloyede, Mama No Network and Tina Mba.

    Produced by Studio 6 Multimedia Limited, the movie is scheduled for release on Netflix on the December 2, 2022.

    Watch the teaser here:

    • ‘Palava!’

    In Niyi Akinmolayan’s latest project, ‘Palava!,’ Richard Mofe Damijo plays the role of Osage Idehen, a renowned musical artist with five beautiful daughters. His love for women constantly lands him in drama and problems, a theme that informs the movie’s title. His life and family is turned upside down when a scandal is revealed on the eve of his 60th birthday.

    ‘Palava!’ features Linda Ejiofor, Bisola Aiyeola, Jemima Osunde, Beverly Naya, Beverly Osu, Chinedu Ikedieze, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Eniola Badmus, Omawumi Megbele, Gideon Okeke and BB Naija star, Neo Akpofure. Produced by Inkblot Productions, the movie is set for release in cinemas December 9th.

    Watch the teaser here:

    • ‘Rising: City Of Dreams’

    ‘Rising: City of Dreams’ highlights two groups who engage each other in a gangster-induced war over the leadership of a market. Directed by Samuel Olatunji, produced by Wale Muraina and shot in Oshodi, Lagos, the movie showcases the the leadership tussle that exists among Nigerian politicians.

    The cast includes Jide Kosoko, Zubby Michael, Femi Branch, Yvonne Jegede, Reminisce, Slimcase, DJ Neptune, Yakubu Mohammed and Bolaji Amusan. The movie is set for release in cinemas on December 9, 2022.

    Watch the trailer here:

    • ‘Battle On Buka Street’

    Produced in a joint collaboration between Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN) and FilmOne Entertainment, the movie is a chronicle of a food challenge between two women fighting over the best local food seller title — the ‘King of Buka Streets’.

    The cast includes Femi Jacobs, Mercy Johnson, Kelvin Ikeduba, Bimbo Ademoye, Tina Mba, Sola Sobowale, Nkem Owoh and the movie’s co-director, Tobi Makinde. The movie premieres on December 16, 2022.

    Watch the trailer here:

    • ‘Ijakumo’ (The Born-Again Stripper)

    Produced by Toyin Abraham and written by Kehinde Joseph, ‘Ijakumo’ (The Born-Again Stripper) is a thriller that follows the daughter of a powerful spiritualist, who is hell-bent on destroying the life of her former lover, a renowned pastor of a mega-church, who jilted and left her to die. She partners with a stripper and choir leader to exert her revenge plan on her former lover.

    Led by Toyin Abraham, the cast includes Kolawole Ajeyemi, Lolade Okusanya, Kunle Remi, Lillian Afegbai, Olumide Oworu and Eso Dike. The movie is set for release in cinemas on December 23, 2022.

    Watch the trailer here:

  • MPs to debate 2023 budget tomorrow

    The 2023 budget statement, which was given by the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will be the subject of debate among members of parliament (MPs) starting on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

    The introduction of a 2.5% VAT and plans to examine the 1.5% electronic charge have already sparked public debates about certain budgetary provisions.

    The new tax law has been challenged by businesses, and the reduction of the transaction threshold has drawn criticism from mobile money users.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, describing how the debate would proceed, indicated that “on November 29, 2022, it’s expected that the debate will focus on Finance, Agriculture, Trade and Industry, and Wednesday Communications, Energy, Roads, Works, Housing, Sanitation and Environment and Thursday, December 1, it will be Health, Youth and Sports, Education, Tourism, Culture and Chieftaincy.”

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori- Atta on November 24, 2022, presented the 2023 budget statement in Parliament.

    During his presentation, Mr Ofori-Atta announced some measures to reduce public expenditure in 2023

     Among other things, the government has banned public officials from using V8s/V6s for cross-country travel.

    Ken Ofori-Atta also announced a hiring freeze for civil and public servants and suspended non-critical projects.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Roddy Ricch posts receipts proving he earned $500,000 for festival performance

    Roddy Ricch is putting his money where his mouth is.

    In a preview clip from Roddy’s upcoming appearance on Joe Budden’s podcast, Budden and his co-hosts tried to guess how much the Compton rapper gets paid to perform at music festivals. After hearing amounts ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, Roddy revealed his current rate: $500,000.

    After skeptics challenged his claim in the comments section of Budden’s post, Roddy shared a receipt from his performance at New York City’s Governors Ball event in June 2022.

    The receipt shows that Roddy earned a $50,000 deposit, which was due 31 days before the performance; as well as $450,000, which was due to be paid two days after the June 11 show.

    Earlier this month, Roddy released the third installment of his Feed tha Streets series.

    The Compton native announced the project in December 2021, just days after delivering his sophomore studio album Live Life Fast. In the following months, Roddy would break off a number of Feed tha Streets III singles, including “Aston Martin Truck,” “Stop Breathing,” and the Lil Durk-assisted “Twin.”

    Roddy, who recently wrapped up his North American tour with Post Malone, told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe he intends to more “consistent” in 2023, but refuses to “rush” his work.

    “I feel like I’m young, so this is the time to do it. I feel like hard work beat everything,” he explained. “I feel like hard work is one of those things that, you know, you can’t really stop.

    “If somebody work harder then they might last longer, it might be a little better. You know what I’m saying? So that’s where we at, that’s the space we want to stay in.”

    Source: Complex.com

     

  • Minority kicks against proposed upward review of VAT

    The Minority caucus in Parliament is demanding a reevaluation of the proposed 2.5%  increase in the Value Added Tax.

    Addressing the media, the ranking member of the Parliament’s Trade, Industry, and Tourism Committee, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, lamented the effect of such a decision on customers in a statement to journalists.

    He bemoaned the difficulties Ghanaians already faced as a result of the cedi’s weak performance against the majority of major foreign currencies.

    He claimed that because consumers will be responsible for paying the tax’s cost and collection, the increase in VAT will have a highly negative impact on consumers and drive up the cost of items on the Ghanaian market.

    “In the midst of the cedi losing over 50 percent of its value, high interest rates, you take the cedi, and it has depreciated so much, and we are talking about increasing VAT. What that really means is that ultimately, this is going to be passed on to consumers. It means the consumers must be brazing themselves for really high prices, more than what we currently have.”

    He, therefore, admonished the government to consider short-term measures.

    “As we discuss the economy and how we get out, the short-term measures are important, otherwise the crises are going to be so much.”

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2023 budget in parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, announced a 2.5% increase in VAT, as part of government’s several means of “aggressively mobilising domestic revenue” that will be used to “directly support our [Ghana’s] roads and digitalization agenda.”

    Following the minister’s announcement, many Ghanaians, particularly traders, were dissatisfied because the 2.5% increase meant a jump in VAT from 12.5% to 15%, a development they are aware will have a significant impact on the costs of goods and services.

    “Mr. Speaker, the demand for roads has become the cry of many communities in the country. Unfortunately, with the current economic difficulties and the absence of a dedicated source of funding for road construction, it is difficult to meet these demands. In that regard, we are proposing the implementation of new revenue measures. The major one is an increase in the VAT rate by 2.5 percentage points.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

  • Bob Dylan’s handwritten ‘desolation row’ lyrics are being sold for $425,000

    Here’s your chance to own a piece of music history. Just be prepared to write a six-figure check.

    Memorabilia dealer Moments In Time is selling Bob Dylan’s handwritten lyrics to “Desolation Row,” a fan-favorite record that appeared on his 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited. The manuscript has been listed with a $425,000 price tag, an unsurprising figure when you consider the item’s rarity.

    According to Moments In Time, there is only one example of handwritten “Desolation Row” lyrics, unlike other Dylan songs, such as “Hard Rain,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “The Times They are A Changing.” Handwritten lyrics for the latter hit were sold in 2020 for a whopping $2.2 million; while lyrics for “Blowin’ in the Wind” were purchased that same year for nearly half a million dollars.

    The poetic lyrics for “Desolation Row,” which runs more than 11 minutes, were scribbled on two pieces of paper that also included several edits by Dylan. Sources told TMZ the unidentified seller has been friends with the legendary folk singer since they were children, and received the lyrics sheet more than two decades ago.

    “Desolation Row” came as Dylan was transitioning from traditional folk music to electronic. The song, which serves as Highway 61 Revisited closer, centers on a large cast of characters living in a chaotic and unpleasant place. During a 1965 press conference, Dylan was asked where Desolation Row was located.

    “Where? Oh, that’s some place in Mexico,” he told a TV station. “It’s across the border. It’s noted for its coke factory. Coca-Cola machines … sell a lot of Coca-Cola down there.”

    You can check out the “Desolation Row” listing at the Moments in Time website.

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Kill the Impostor’ beautifully exhibits the realities of societal pressures, repressed dreams and self doubt

    Filmmaking is a visual representation of realities, in a bid to portray the struggles faced by viewers, who then draw inspiration to address and find solutions to thematic problems affecting them.

    This well-executed short film is the perfect motivation for creatives, and anyone struggling with imposter syndrome.

    This is why excellent filmmaking in the eyes of the audience is often not determined by how cinematic tropes are efficiently executed, the quality, camera angles, or shots, but by how well they can relate to the representation of reality on screen.

    This makes a Nollywood short film like the Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo-directed ‘Kill the Impostor’ a delightful and excellent representation. The film tells the story of an acclaimed writer, Salama (played by Susan Echa), who struggles to creatively document her story because of the challenges she is facing in her marriage.

    The movie thematically explores delicate issues surrounding marital relationships, creative blocks, family interactions, and emotional turmoil.

    I could relate so much to the creative problems of the lead because of my dispensation to writing and documenting stories, but what makes the storytelling unique is its excellent fusion of the narrative technique to adequately provide context and solutions for the viewers.

    The movie does not only lay out problems and explore themes propelling the movie’s message, but it also provides practical solutions, like the voiceovers reeling off suggestions on how creative blocks could be channeled into telling stories that would be brilliant and relatable to the audiences we intend to address.

    The movie’s essence is well-portrayed in showing the challenges of its main character, Salama, who navigates a tumultuous experience with her husband, Ezeonu (played by Patrick Dibuah), in facing her challenges — child-bearing demands, societal pressures on married women, and a lack of understanding of emotional depths from partners in a marriage— which all strain marriages.

    The film does a great job in the cinematography department, as the shots are well-effected to fully portray the depths and the criticality of the project’s essence. The up-close camera shots of the characters effectively convey their pain and vulnerability to the viewers.

    The characters execute their roles flawlessly, bringing the rawness of the core themes and essence of the film to life. The movie also kills it with the grading, lighting, production, and sound design.

    The result is a beautiful exposition of injustice, and how the pressures on women affect their emotional and mental abilities to fulfil and actualize their duties, dreams, and ambitions.

    It exhibits the arrogance portrayed by male chauvinistic characters, as seen in how pleas towards reconciling with Salama are not met with an apology from her husband, Ezeonu.

    It also examines the harsh realities of unrealized ambitions, and how our battles could hinder our projected dreams and visions (Salama’s challenges led her to discard a promising draft of her story).

    ‘Kill the Impostor’ is a perfect documentation of vulnerability, repressed dreams and the imposter syndrome which can hinder one’s gifts and talents. Like the title implies, the movie calls on the viewers to stand firm in the face of life’s challenges and refuse to give in to the imposter standing in the way of our dreams and aspirations.

  • Beloved Hip-Hop manager Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton has died

    Veteran hip-hop manager Jonathan “Hovain” Hylton is dead.

    The tragic news was announced on Saturday in a message shared to Hovain’s Instagram account.

    “It is with deep regret that we message to all family, friends, and colleagues that Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton passed away while at his home on Friday. He was a beloved and devoted father, husband, son, brother, and a proud Brooklyn representative,” the statement read.

    It continued: “We’d like to thank all of his close friends for all of the love and support that you have shown during this difficult time. We ask that you all continue to keep his family in your prayers and respect their privacy at this time.”

    A cause of death was not disclosed.

    A veteran hip-hop manager and president of management at Cinematic Music Group, Hovain previously worked with legendary artists such as Cam’Ron, Jim Jones, Styles P, Lloyd Banks, T-Pain.

    Countless rappers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the Brooklyn native.

    Young Guru, who was managed by Hovain, wrote: “I have no words. I loved this man. He was more than my manager he was my brother. I swear this is too much. RIP my brother [six broken heart emojis] @hovain you were special.”

    In another post, A-Trak called Hovain “a pillar of New York Hip Hop.” “Can’t believe Hovain passed, wtf”

    He was one of the good ones. Everyone loved him. A pillar of New York hip hop, of hip hop in general, just a good guy. Damn,” A-Trak wrote on Twitter.

    Source: Complex.com

  • The 2023 budget will be discussed in Parliament on Tuesday

    On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, members of Parliament (MPs) will start debating the 2023 budget statement.

    The debate is expected to focus on finance, agriculture, trade, and industry on November 29, communications, energy, roads, works, housing, sanitation, and environment on Wednesday, and health, youth and sports, education, tourism, culture, and chieftaincy on December 1 are other areas of concern, according to deputy majority leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.

    A two-day workshop was organized over the weekend to empower lawmakers and offer them insights into the 2023 budget as they ready themselves for the debate on the floor.

    Already the minority in parliament is demanding a review of some revenue mobilization measures outlined in the budget such as scrapping of the daily minimum threshold exemption for E-Levy and further reduction in the rate to 0.5%.

    In an address at the post-budget workshop for MPs in Ho over the weekend, Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu warned decision to freeze public sector employment and cutting down of numbers admitted into teaching and nursing schools will further exacerbate the already worst unemployment canker.

    The Tamale South MP warned though his side is willing to support government’s effort in resuscitating the economy, the 2.5% increment in VAT rate will be treated with the NPP’s Kume Preko demonstration against introduction of the tax in 1995 in mind.

    Majority leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu however called on the NDC MPs to support government’s effort in addressing the economic crisis arguing the NDC also in the past opposed things that have ended up benefiting the country such as the discovery of oil in commercial quantities.

    Some aspects of the budget such as the intent to review the 1.5% e-levy downwards and the introduction of a 2.5% VAT have already triggered discussions within the public.

    Businesses have opposed the new tax policy, while mobile money users have criticized the removal of the threshold on transactions.

  • How to let go of a married man, even if you still love him

    Are you wondering how to let go of a married man — someone you’re madly in love with but who’s hurting you, over and over and over?

    If you’ve been looking around online, you’ve probably discovered that there are millions of chat boards devoted to just this topic… and they don’t make you hopeful.

    The question at hand is this: Will your guy ever leave his wife? And, if he doesn’t, what to do about it and how to let go if you decide to leave?

    Knowing ahead of time how to let him go will help you take that big step to let go so that you can be happy and find love again.

    To learn how to let go of a married man, here are 5 steps you need to take to get over him.

    1. Be honest with yourself.

    Here you are, reading this article, so you must be thinking about leaving your guy. Why? Probably because of one or all of these reasons:

    • He keeps breaking his promises.
    • He couldn’t be there on your birthday.
    • You never get to go out anywhere.
    • He puts his family first.
    • You are lonely.
    • You feel horrible about yourself.

    Do any of these reasons sound familiar? You might have experienced some version of each of these almost daily since this whole thing began.

    It’s time for you to start really paying attention to these thoughts and truly be honest with yourself about the future of your relationship with this man.

    Yes, you love him, but do you truly see the happily ever after up ahead?

    Take a written stock of all of the hurts and broken promises. Seeing them in a list will make it even clearer to you why you must leave your guy, for once and for all.

    Be honest with yourself. It’s time.

    2. Cut him off.

    There’s only one way that you will be successful at letting go of him — cut him off, completely.

    Stop following him on social media, block him on your phone, absolutely no sex, no late-night supportive conversations, and no “just being friends” — nothing!

    You need to be confident that you can do this because it’s key!

    Your married guy isn’t going to want to let you go. Why would he with all the sex and support that you give him? And because of this, he will use every opportunity that he has to get back in with you.

    If you leave the door open a crack, he will get it fully open before you know it.

    So, if you want to succeed, be prepared to go “no contact.” And when you do so, try to take it one day at a time.

    Don’t think, “I will never talk to him again,” because that will be overwhelming. Just think, “I am not going to talk to him today.” That is way more manageable.

    It seems impossible right now, but you can do it. I did and you can, too.

    3. Get to know yourself again.

    I was involved with a married man once. He was “getting separated,” but it took almost a year to make that happen. And in that time, I totally lost myself.

    When I met him, I was a single woman living in New York City running my own business and volunteering in the mental health field. I was healthy and happy and living the dream.

    When he re-entered my life (I was in love with him in college), I couldn’t have been more prepared for a healthy relationship, so I thought I would be just fine waiting for him to leave.

    Boy, was I wrong!

    Over the course of the next year and a half, I totally lost who I was. I was so distracted by the situation that I couldn’t focus on my business, my health failed, my depression soared, and it felt like my life was falling apart.

    The first thing that I did when I managed to finally go “no contact” with him was to do something that I used to love doing — I took a road trip! I packed up my car and drove down to North Carolina where I spent a few days with a friend.

    The adventure kept my mind busy and helped me remember the woman I had been before — the happy, hot, self-confident woman who could rule the world!

    Getting to know that person again made me strong enough to continue to go “no contact” with him and start to build my life again.

    4. Spend time with people who love you.

    Over the time you’ve been with your married man, you’ve probably separated yourself, at least to some degree, from those who love you.

    The time that you spent, waiting near your phone, in case he called you.

    The time that you didn’t schedule things to do with people because you wanted to be available in case he was.

    The time that you didn’t spend with your friends because they didn’t want to hear any more about your married guy.

    You need to spend time with people you love as often as possible. Not only will doing so keep your mind busy, so that you aren’t obsessing about him, but it will help you touch base again with the amazing person who you are.

    And your friends will be so thrilled that you have your head on straight that they will be happy to join you on all of those adventures that you are ready to take.

    5. Believe that you will love again.

    This is probably the number one thing that’s holding you back from letting go of your married guy — the fear that, if you do, you will never be loved again.

    You might no longer believe that he’s your soulmate — how could a soulmate hurt you so much? But, he’s someone you love and someone you’ve invested a lot of your precious time with.

    The idea of starting over may be daunting. But what I can promise you is this — if you stay with your married guy, how your life is right now is most likely how your life will be for the foreseeable future. Can you imagine?

    But, if you can extricate yourself from this relationship now, yes, you’ll have to put yourself out there but you are way more willing to meet a guy who will love you truly and who is ready to devote his life to you.

    You will love, again. Maybe even more than once. But you will love again, I promise!

    Knowing how to let go of a married man is the number one way to actually make it happen.

    Much like we must prepare for a test or a life event, knowing the steps that you will have to take to do the hard task will prepare you for doing it.

    Knowing what’s ahead might not make it all seem so daunting.

    With that in mind, be honest with yourself about the relationship. Be prepared to cut him off immediately. Renew your relationship with yourself, your friends, and your family. And know that you will love and be loved, again.

    I know it seems impossible, but you can do it! I did and I’m truly living happily ever after!

    Source: Your Tango

     

  • Tony Yayo recalls Jimmy Henchman’s failed attempt to murder 50 Cent

    The beef between Jimmy Henchman and 50 Cent nearly resulted in the G-Unit’s founder’s murder.

    In a recent interview with VladTV, G-Unit member Tony Yayo shed more light on Henchman’s infamous attempt to kill Fif, which took place on the set of the music video for 50 Cent and Akon’s 2007 single “I’ll Still Kill.”

    “On the paperwork, Henchman and them were supposed to come through but I guess their gun jammed, but we had God on our side,” Yayo told Vlad TV. “And they backed out on the hit, but we had straps too, and that was really it.”

    Yayo confirmed that Henchman’s people had silencers on their guns, which has long been rumored.

    “Nobody seen them, they so-called was following a car. I don’t know which car ’cause it was like three or four different cars,” Yayo explained. “If you woulda shot I’m quite sure somebody would have shot back but you got a silencer so that probably give you the up, but I guess they didn’t know how to handle the weapon or something like that.

    Yayo added, “It’s in the paperwork, and the gun went off in the car. So as the gun went off in the car I guess it jammed and they backed out of what they wanted to do; so God is good. I guess God was on our side at that time.”

    Back in 2018, Henchman received one life sentence plus 30 years for the murder of G-Unit affiliate Lowell “Lodi Mack” Fletcher.

    The case stems from a 2007 incident in which Fletcher and Tony Yayo assaulted Henchman’s son. Though both perpetrators were charged in the attack, Henchman allegedly put a hit on Fletcher following his release from prison. Henchman was charged with four crimes, including murder-for-hire, in 2015 and received a life sentence plus 20 years.

    Henchman appealed the conviction, and was ultimately granted a new trial; however, he was found guilty, once again, in November 2017.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Jerome Otchere writes: Portugal vs Ghana look back

    Coaches have such a difficult job. They train their teams tirelessly and come into a game only for a refereeing misjudgment, deliberately or inadvertently, to dislodge everything they’ve planned for.

    If you’re Ghana’s Otto Addo, you wouldn’t have nice words for Referee Ismail Elfath whose bad judgment gifted Portugal a penalty in Thursday’s group H FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 game involving Ghana.

    “The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty. Everyone saw that. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something? If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. A special gift from the referee” said Coach Otto Addo who, like many of were disappointed with the referee’s decision, which handed the Portuguese the lead after 65 minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo’s conversion.

    The Black Stars had defended resolutely, containing the Portuguese pressure and frustrating their play for an hour and more. I watched our play with nervousness for there were tense minutes and anxiety could be felt in the shouts of many of the crew inside TV3 studios, anytime Portugal took on our solid defensive organisation.

    Yet masking this tension was satisfaction as long as the score line was goalless. Referee Elfath not consulting the VAR on Ronaldo’s penalty only showed he was certain of his decision but his certainty was dubious. The replays invalidated his judgment. Nothing would change his mind. What would momentarily change things for us was Andre Ayew’s 73rd minute equaliser. It eased hearts.

     

    The captain showed leadership. He carried out our wishes beautifully with his goal, ironically, at a time some of us were calling for his substitution. We aren’t coaches. At times, we get it so wrong. We don’t see what the coaches see but the coaches do get it wrong as well. They gamble. It explains why, I think, the Kudus substitution proved costly. It undid our setup and drive as we conceded right afterwards.

    Two goals in two minutes; the 78th and 80th minutes from Jaoa Felix and R. Felix. Being on a yellow card in that rather combative game, Otto Addo clarified at the post-match interview that, he was basically sought to protect priced asset, Kudus but that’s what also sunk our momentum. We paid for it. We lost it right there – the questionable penalty notwithstanding.

    Baba Rahman, with his place in the team now immutable, covered his “sins” well with his well-worked supply for Osman Bukari to perfectly head home in teh 89th minute. It was sweet but the game was painfully lost. Otto Addo himself sums it appropriately: “The game was “hectic” he says.

    “We made some few mistakes which allowed the second and third goal”. Otto is right and it’s the sincerity buried in that admission I admire. Let him and his assistants be guided by the lessons they picked from the Portugal game and not repeat the “mistakes” as we expect victory against South Korea.

  • Drake blesses DJ Khaled with Luxury toilet bowls: ‘This might be the best gift ever’

    In celebration of DJ Khaled’s 47th birthday, Drake blessed DJ Khaled with not one, not two, not three, but four luxury Toto toilets. Khaled showed off the unique gifts via on Saturday, where he also laid out some of the toilet’s most notable features: It has remote control operation, a UV-light cleaning system, an air deodorizer, a bidet function, heated seats, and the Tornado flush system.

    “Listen this is not no regular toilet bowl. My brother Drake just bought me and my family about four big toilet bowls,” Khaled said. “This is called a Toto toilet bowl. If you ever been to Drake’s house, his toilet bowls are incredible.”

    He continued: “This is called a Toto toilet bowl. I’m not even joking, Drake, we’ve been wanting this. Me and my queen been talking about getting Totos for the whole house … If you’ve ever been to Drake’s house, you know its worth $500 million. It’s not about the money, it’s just about, he went and got the best of the best. He gifted us a few of these Toto toilet bowls … I ain’t try it yet, but I’m hearing there’s some music involved.”

    Khaled went on to say he planned the toilets in his en suite bathroom, the guest restroom, the movie room, and the studio; he said the latter toilet will be specifically reserved Drizzy.

    “Real talk. This might be the best gift ever,” he said. “… Everybody knows, when you sit down and do the theory, that’s when you meditate and reflect on life. So when you sit down and do the theory, ideas be coming.

    Some of my best ideas come from me taking a theory. Now that’s real talk. And I got one now that lights up and it sprays theory and it even makes it smell theory. And it’s like a big theory. Drake we love you, brother.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • BoG raises interest rates by 250 basis points, bringing them to 27%

    The monetary policy rate was raised by the Bank of Ghana from 24.5 percent to 27 percent by a factor of 250.

    Dr. Ernest Addison, the chairman of the monetary policy committee and governor of the BoG, said the decision was made in response to the government’s plan to raise the VAT by 2.5 percent and skyrocketing inflationary rates.

    Soon, more…

  • World Cup 2022: Black Stars must go extra mile against South Korea – Michael Osei

    Former Ghana international Michael Osei says the Black Stars must go extra mile in order to get a favorable result when they face South Korea in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.

    Otto Addo’s team suffered a 3-2 defeat against Portugal whiles South Korea shared the spoils with Uruguay in their opening games respectively.

    The 2016 European Champions, Portugal currently sit top of Group H with three points.

     

    Meanwhile, the defeat means Ghana are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw last Thursday.

    Speaking to Footballghana.com, the Bibiani Goldstars trainer was of the opinion the Black Stars double their effort to beat the Asian country.

    Meanwhile, he has urged Ghanaians to lower expectations for the national team at the mundial.

    “Is normally a difficult game but everything is possible. We should lower expectations, this is World Cup, the highest level in the game so every opponent is not easy to beat”

    “We need to go extra mile and be tactically discipline against Korea” he said.

  • Times are difficult, so don’t “argue” our choice to raise the price of a crate of eggs, farmers advise

    The price of a crate of eggs will be GHC45.00, according to poultry farmers.

    The group claims that the decision to increase the commodity’s price is a result of the high cost of living in the nation and the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate.

    The farmers reaffirmed that a box of eggs will now cost 45 Ghana cedis on their farms.

    The association’s Public Relations Office (PRO), Mr. Asiedu Kwame, warned the Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that the country’s chicken business would collapse if the association failed to sell it at the aforementioned price.

    He pleaded with Ghanaians to be patient as the cost of doing business continues to rise, and failure to raise the price would jeopardize their operations.

  • World Cup 2022: Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed explains why Black Stars suffered defeat against Portugal

    Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed has explained why the Black Stars suffered defeat against Portugal in the World Cup.

    The Black Stars lost 3-2 in their World Cup opening game against Portugal and will hope to turn things around against the Koreans.

    Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in World Cup history to score five times, with his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead against Ghana last Thursday.

    Ghana’s Andre Ayew then equalized, but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the victory and moved Portugal to the top of Group H, despite Osman Bukari’s late winner.

     

    The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.

    Speaking ahead of the Korea clash, the RC Lens midfielder said Ghana lost to Portugal because there were spaces between them in the second half after defending so well in the first half.

    “I think we did a good job against Portugal although we lost the game. Before the game, we knew they are very good individually, they have good players who plays for big clubs”

    “So we thought they will kill us but we listened to the instructions from our coach and defended well in the first half but in the second half there were more spaces between us so they scored us on counter breaks on two occasions” he said.

  • Ghana’s economic growth to slow down in 2023 – Finance Minister

    Despite measures put in place by the Akufo-Addo-led government to salvage the dwindling economy, Ghana’s economic growth is expected to take a further downturn.

    Presenting the 2023 budget on the floor of Parliament, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, disclosed that the country’s economic growth is expected to slow down by 2.8% in 2023.

    A slower growth rate will likely expose Ghana’s vulnerable economy to a further decline.

    The country is currently experiencing inflationary pressures and an exchange rate depreciation, resulting in a higher cost of living. 

    On top of this economic meltdown, Ghana’s Finance Minister revealed that the country is at high risk of debt distress.

    Addressing lawmakers during his presentation dubbed “NKABOM” to wit, unity, Ken Ofori-Atta stated that “the current debt sustainability analysis conducted reveals that Ghana is now considered to be at high risk of debt distress.” 

    He, however, added that the government was determined to resolve the daunting economic challenges facing the nation.

    Mr Ofori-Atta intimated that his government will soon reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a suitable relief package.

    He said, “in the immediate term, we will work towards securing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, execute the debt exchange programme, improve the management of foreign exchange, and support our local productive capacity for food security.”

    Meanwhile, the government has announced some measures to reduce public expenditure in 2023

     Among other things, the government has banned public officials from using V8s/V6s for cross-country travel.

    Ken Ofori-Atta also announced a hiring freeze for civil and public servants and suspended non-critical projects.

    He, thus, called for the support of the public, stating that “this is the time to rebuild, not to destroy and tear down. Let us work together for our collective benefit.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • De La Soul collaborator Don Newkirk dead at 56

    Don Newkirk, perhaps best known for his collaborations with legendary hip-hop acts like De La Soul, 3rd Bass, and Prince Paul, has passed away at the age of 56.

    Rahiem of the Furious Five confirmed the news on Saturday in a post on Facebook, although a cause of death has not yet been revealed.

    “It is with a heavy heart I announce the transitioning of my brother Don Newkirk,” Rahiem wrote, adding, “Fifty-six years young. Don Newkirk was among the first R&B artists signed to Def Jam records. My condolences go out to his family. S.I.P bro.”

    Shortly after the news was announced, De La Soul took to Instagram to pay tribute to Newkirk.

    “Ever since high school, we all knew Don Newkirk was undoubtedly a special kind. Fearless in expression and just a positive, talented vessel destined for success. His voice was the final cherry on top that closed our album 3ft High and Rising. Thank you Don, may you rest peacefully fam.”

    After delivering voiceovers on De La Soul’s 1989 debut Three Feet High and Rising, Newkirk dropped his first album, Funk City, via Def Jam R&B subsidiary OBR.

    “Funk City was like in a mode of me experimenting, learning instrumentation and learning how to use my voice in a different way other than just rapping,” Newkirk told AllHipHop last year. “Because I was never a singer. I was always an MC. But I just felt like I could express what I was trying to save better with melody back then. So it came out more so as Funk City, which I think is dope because it gave people a whole different element of me.

    ‘Maybe I would have had more success if I had stuck to emceeing, being the 3 Feet High and Rising came out and ‘Gas Face’ [by 3rd Bass] was about to come out,” he continued.

    “And then I was pretty much in the Native Tongues camp but not really a Native Tongue, more so because I was singing than spitting. But I’m glad that it it did go down the way it went down because it created this legacy that I’m only now realizing, has made an effect that I didn’t even know from back then because we didn’t have internet.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • 109th MPC news conference is held by the Bank of Ghana

    Following its scheduled 109th meeting, which was held last week, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana will publish its decision about the policy rate today, November 28.

    Economic analysts forecast a rise in the policy rate from its current level of 24.5 percent to 26.5 percent, or around 200 basis points, with inflation currently at 40.4 percent in November of this year.

    The Institute of Economic Affairs explained that a hike may be required prior to the announcement because of the growing difference between inflation and the policy rate, which has forced commercial banks to borrow money from the BoG at significantly lower rates while lending to the government at higher rates.

    In a statement issued by the Institute, it added that a possible hike in the Policy Rate (PR) will impact the cost of lending and the cost of doing business in the country.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee and Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison will announce the decision taken by the Central Bank.

  • World Cup 2022: Don’t restrict Thomas Partey against South Korea – John Paintsil implores Ghana coach Otto Addo

    Former Ghana international, John Paintsil has implored the technical team of the Black Stars to free Thomas Partey against South Korea.

    The Arsenal midfielder was taken to the cleaners following Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their Group H opener on Thursday afternoon.

    Partey is expected to make Ghana’s squad for the second group  game against the Asian side.

    However, Paintsil speaking to Graphic Sports pleaded with the technical team to free Partey.

    “I believe going into this game, the coach is going to release Partey more than the last time,” the former West Ham defender said.

    Partey was doing very well even though we did not see him a lot more on the ball, but there was a job that was given to him.

    So, for me, if we release him to go and do his own thing, he is a box-to-box midfielder and I believe the technical men will do that,” he added.

    The game has been scheduled to kick off at 13:00GMT at the Education City Stadium.

     

     

  • Spare parts price increment to affect transport fares – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) has threatened to raise transport fares once again as a result of the newly imposed Value Added Tax (VAT), which is driving up the price of spare parts.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2023 budget in parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, announced a 2.5% increase in VAT, as part of government’s several means of “aggressively mobilising domestic revenue” that will be used to “directly support our [Ghana’s] roads and digitalization agenda.”

    Following the minister’s announcement, many Ghanaians, particularly traders, were dissatisfied because the 2.5% increase meant a jump in VAT from 12.5% to 15%, a development they are aware will have a significant impact on the costs of goods and services.

    Unhappy about the upward adjustment, a member of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, in an interview with the media, stated that spare parts imported into Ghana are liable to VAT.

    A GPRTU member, Samuel Amoah, reacting to the development, voiced his displeasure over the upward adjustment in a media interview and claimed that because imported spare parts are subject to VAT, his organisation would inevitably bear the brunt of the increase.

    According to Mr. Amoah, importers of spare parts will soon be compelled to raise their prices, which will have an impact on the cost of maintaining GPRTU vehicles and ultimately on transportation costs. 

    Mr Amoah noted that the GPRTU considers four factors before increasing fares, including the increment in spare parts, lubricants, taxes, and fuel prices.

    “Anytime we want to increase our fares, we go down there to check all those components to see how much it has increased percentage-wise before we also do our calculation.” he said.

    Transportation costs have increased by more than 40% since the start of 2022, and the GPRTU attributes this rise in part to the ongoing rise in the cost of petroleum products.

    In January of this year, petrol and diesel were trading at an average of GH¢6.9 and GH¢7.0 per litre, respectively, at the local pumps.

    Currently, a litre of diesel is selling at GH¢20.25, whiles a litre of petrol is GH¢16.07.

    However, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is projecting a decline in the prices of petrol and diesel at the pumps.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • 1 Dead, 5 injured in shooting near downtown Atlanta shopping district

    One person is dead and five others are injured after a shooting Saturday evening near a popular shopping and entertainment district in Atlanta.

    CNN reports the shooting took place around 8 p.m. in the city’s Atlantic Station shopping district. The individual who was killed was 12 years old, while the other victims range in age between 15 and 21 years old.

    “Atlanta is a group project,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said. “When a 12-year-old dies in our city, on our city streets, with 100-plus young people that come to this area … the whole village has a responsibility, and the whole village is impacted.”

    Atlanta police Lt. Germain Dearlove told reporters that the exact circumstances of the shooting were still unclear. No arrests have been made.

    “It may be between two groups, one shooting at another, so two possible shooters,” Dearlove said. “Currently, we’re in the preliminary stage. We’re in a fact-finding mission to see what exactly occurred.”

    In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for Atlantic Station said, “Atlantic Station Security is working with APD on this matter and has indicated there is no active threat to the property.

    The community’s safety continues to be our top priority, and we are working closely with law enforcement during this active investigation.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their white wedding

    Months after their traditional wedding, Nollywood actress Rita Dominic has tied the knot with her Fidelis Anosike in England.

    Friends and family were present for the couple’s vow-exchange ceremony in a 900-year-old abbey England.

    Similar to her traditional wedding, the wedding was star-studded, as on Rita’s bridal train were actors Michelle Dede and Kate Henshaw.

    In April, 2022, the pair tied the knot in a traditional ceremony at Rita’s late father’s estate in Aboh, Mbaise, Imo State, which also served as the home of the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Marcellenus J.O. Waturuocha.

    See pictures:

    Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their traditional wedding.

    Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their traditional wedding.

    Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their traditional wedding.

    Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their traditional wedding.

    Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their traditional wedding.

  • Odell Beckham Jr. escorted off flight after drifting in and out of consciousness

    Odell Beckham Jr. was escorted off a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday morning.

    According to FOX Sports Radio’s Andy Slater, the free agent wide receiver was escorted the plane because he was in and out of consciousness.

    Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network obtained a police report stating that the “flight crew was concerned for (Beckham)” while “fearing that (he) was seriously ill” after “they tried to wake him to fasten his seat belt (and) he appeared to be coming in and out of consciousness.”

    Beckham allegedly refused to leave the plane. His refusal forced the plane to be emptied and the flight to be delayed.

    Shortly after the news broke, Beckham appeared to address the situation in a tweet that read, “Never in my life have I experienced what just happened to me. I’ve seen it all.”

    “I could never make this up,” OBJ added in another tweet, before referring to the incident as “comedy hour.”

    The news arrives just two weeks after OBJ filed a lawsuit against Nike, saying the Oregon-based conglomerate “screwed him out of millions.”

    Source: Complex.com

     

  • World Cup 2022: We will enter Ghana’s game to win – South Korea coach Paulo Bento

    South Korea head coach Paulo Bento has set sights on beating Ghana in their second group game on Monday at the 2022 World Cup.

    South Korea put on a spirited display in their opening match in Qatar, earning a hard-fought draw against Uruguay.

    A win for South Korea will bolster their chances of a place in the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010 before going into their final group fixture against favourites Portugal.

    “During the first game, we had a chance of at least ensuring a third-place finish. In the second game, we will keep this opportunity.”

    “We will enter the field with a focus on a win,” said South Korea coach Paulo Bento.

    “I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever. I would love the players to feel the way I do, but I know they come from a different culture. We will have a difficult game but we are able to do well.”

    The match is scheduled for the Education City stadium on Monday, November 28, 2022 at (13:00 GMT).

    South Korea are second in Group H with one point.

  • Owner of ‘A Christmas Story’ house bans actor from visiting Cleveland home

    Former child star Yano Anaya, who’s best known for his role in the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story, has been banned from visiting the Cleveland house where the movie was shot.

    TMZ reports Yano, who played Grover Dill in the 1983 film, was taking photos outside the home on Nov. 15, when the owner urged the actor to leave his property.

    “Get the fuck out! Leave, now,” Jones is heard saying in the clip. “Get away from my property. Don’t ever come here again. Never, ever again! Leave now!”

    “You are such a scammer,” Jones added. “You’re trying to get people to donate for stuff? What is wrong with you? You know how much you fucked me over? You have no fucking idea! You are such a piece of shit!”

    Yano attempted to de-escalate the confrontation, telling Jones, “Why don’t you talk to me about it and we can fix it.”

    Jones has since apologized for his actions in a statement to TMZ.

    “I apologize for the way I expressed myself,” he shared. “However, it was out of concern that fans could be misled into contributing to a GoFundMe campaign that will not result in the purchase of the house.”
    Brian added, “I have no association with any GoFundMe campaign. I am not selling the house through Go Fund Me, so fans should not contribute to that fund under false pretenses, thinking their money is going toward buying the house.

    I am entertaining offers only from qualified buyers through my real estate broker.”

    Source: Complex.com