The National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership has stated that it will address all outstanding issues in four constituencies in the Ashanti Region in order to pave way so internal elections.
Delegates in the Manhyia South Constituency did not take part in the NDC’s presidential and parliamentary primaries held over the weekend following some unresolved issues.
Fomena, Adansi Asokwa, Manhyia South and Mampong constituencies did not take part in the parliamentary elections, but delegates in these areas only took part in the presidential elections.
The party indicates that it will take the necessary steps to conduct internal elections in these constituencies before the end of 2023.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi speaking to journalists during his monitoring of the elections on Saturday said the Ashanti region will be a deciding factor in the 2024 general elections.
He noted, “We have a year and a half before the general elections, and this is the first time NDC, we have conducted our primaries early. I can assure the good people of Ashanti Region especially Manhyia South that by the end of the year, we would have resolved that issue. It’s not only Manhyia South, we are having Adansi Asokwa, Fomena and Mampong. These constituencies were on hold for the parliamentary, but we will surely conduct the elections in these areas.
“The message is that we are going to take over Ashanti Region, and we are going to get maximum votes that will make former President John Mahama become the next president of Ghana in the 2024 general elections. Ashanti Region will be the deciding factor in that regard. And Insha Allah, we are going to get more seats. The signal is good that we are coming to power”.
Former Finance Minister and one-time presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has firmly denied allegations that he plans to quit from the party and start a new party of his own.
Dr Duffuor in a statement expressed his commitment to the NDC and called for unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“I have become aware of some concerns from the rank and file of the NDC, that I intend to leave the NDC to form another party. I wish to state that I have no such intentions and remain committed to the NDC as I have always been.
“The NDC is my home as it is for us all, and I will always remain loyal to our party. Let us come together towards the cause of victory for our party and progress for our nation. The NDC belongs to us, and we have a charge to keep its flame burning. So let us get to work”.
“If there is anything more I have gained from this period, it is a deepening of my love for this great party from the stories of people I was privileged to meet on the campaign trail. As such, I remain committed towards the cause of the NDC as I have in times past, for as long as our quest for a better Ghana endures.”
Dr Duffuor withdrew from the NDC presidential race citing irregularities with the voters’ register and the photo album.
His withdrawal came on the same day he withdrew his suit against the party that sought to stop the party from proceeding with Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
Below is the full statement by Dr Kwabena Duffuor
I REMAIN WITH THE NDC-DR. KWABENA DUFFUOR
I have become aware of some concerns from the rank and file of the NDC, that I intend to leave the NDC to form another party. I wish to state that I have no such intentions and remain committed to the NDC as I have always been. The NDC is my home as it is for us all and I will always remain loyal to our party. Let us come together towards the cause of victory for our party and progress for our nation. The NDC belongs to us and we have a charge to keep its flame burning. So let us get to work.
When I joined the race for the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress, I was motivated by a desire to see our party thrive as the political party of choice for every Ghanaian. Today, that motivation remains unchanged. Like many before me, I understand that the collective good of our party overrides our personal goals and desires.
The internal contest of ideas we engage in is simply a means to a common end to build upon the hard-on legacy we have come to meet. But if there is anything more I have gained from this period, it is a deepening of my love for this great party from the stories of people I was privileged to meet on the campaign trail. As such, I remain committed towards the cause of the NDC as I have in times past, for as long as our quest for a better Ghana endures.
As Ghana’s leading opposition party, the Ghanaian people are looking up to us to deliver the much-needed political change this country needs. This would require us to upscale our vigilance and insist that the right democratic processes are followed before and during the 2024 elections. It was in the spirit of this that I insisted that we address the challenges that were fraught with our voters register and photo album, which resulted in my withdrawal from the presidential race.
If we are to succeed as a party in reaching our political goals, we cannot afford to compromise on our founding ideals of probity and accountability. Those virtues are the torch that guides our party and gives purpose to all we do. Without them, we will lose our identity and our ability to hold others accountable in similar circumstances.
As part of my contribution to the party’s reorganization agenda, I launched the Ahotor Project to strengthen our grassroots and ensure they are financially independent and can work effectively ahead of election 2024. I remain committed to the continuity of this project and look forward to more of such engagements with our party base. The story of the NDC is a story of ordinary people coming together to challenge broken systems of cronyism.
It is a story underscored by a movement of Ghanaians, resolute in building a country where they could all belong. These origins cannot be taken for granted. In a time of widening inequality and economic despair, we must set the pace for collective development. We are who we are because of the strength of our roots and must continue to build the NDC from the ground up. It is the key to our future and the engine of the Ghanaian Dream.
God bless the NDC and our nation Ghana and make her great and strong.
Four police officers are said to be seeking treatment at the Wa Memorial Hospital in Navrongo after an attack by St. Bernadette Technical Institute students.
A team of Police officers who were deployed to the school to restore order following a riot by the students resulted in the officers sustaining injuries.
Local media reports said the violence broke out in the school when management stopped the students from holding an inter-ethnic football match. The decision by management provoked the students, leading to altercations and violent protests.
Municipal Chief Executive for Navrongo Municipality Joseph Adongo who confirmed the incident said the disagreements between the school authorities and students degenerated, hence a distress call to the police to foil the situation.
The police team crashed with the rowdy students who succeeded in injuring four officers including the commander.
Priyanka Choprahas revealed the exact moment her husband, Nick Jonas, first laid eyes on her – and it was much earlier than anyone could have predicted.
Or at least according to the Jonas family lore.
On Thursday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” the “Citadel” star spoke about winning the Miss World pageant for India as a teen.
“This was in London, and this was November. I had turned 18 in July ― complete child. I had no idea what I was doing or what this world entailed, didn’t have a lot of practice,” she said. “But apparently, my mother-in-law was like, ‘I remember watching you when you won.’”
The actor expressed that she was initially confused because his family resided in Texas at the time.
“I was like, ‘There’s no way,’” she explained. “She was like, ‘I remember it so clearly because it was November.’ [At the time] Nick was on some Broadway show at 7 years old, and his brother was on some Broadway show at 8 or 9. And she said, ‘I remember this clearly because Kevin Sr. (my father-in-law) loves watching pageants, and he ― I remember ― was watching it, and Nick came and sat down and watched you win.’” Chopra added that the idea of that is “unfathomable” because “that was 22 years ago or something. He was 7. I was 17. And he was sitting there, and he was watching… It was so weird.”
When Hudson noted that the story sounded like “destiny,” Chopra agreed.
“I do believe that people are meant to be with each other for whatever that duration in your life is supposed to be,” Chopra said. “And I think that people collide because you’re supposed to create — on this small, short life that you have — memories that you will take forward.”
She added: “And I think that Nick and I had — through our lives — these weird, enchanted little moments.”
Chopra and Jonas tied the knot in 2018. Last year, the couple announced they had welcomed their first child, Malti, via surrogate.
She told “Today” in April that although kismet was on her side, she initially didn’t give the Jonas Brothers singer “much of a chance because I was like, ‘He’s 25 years old, he’s a rockstar. I want to get married. I want to settle down. I want to have a baby.’ I was 35 at the time.”
She continued: “I wanted stability, and I didn’t give Nick enough credit until I went out with him on our first date. We spent the whole evening together, and I realized my husband is just like an old soul. He’s stability in human form.”
Prime Minister of UK, Rishi Sunak has promised to deliver Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in an effort to shift the pattern of the war.
Zelenskyy landed by helicopter at Chequers, the British leader’s official country retreat, where he was greeted by Rishi Sunak with a handshake and a hug. It’s Zelenskyy’s second trip to the U.K. since Russia invadedUkrainein February 2022.
"Your country's bravery and fortitude is an inspiration to us all", PM Rishi Sunak tells Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as they meet at Chequers.
"We are thankful and privileged to be here," Zelenskyy responds.https://t.co/RaneCGCSkd
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/1PbH58KEQm
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 15, 2023
Zelenskyy thanked Britain for its support so far, and said the war was a matter of “security not only for Ukraine, it is important for all of Europe.”
Sunak told Zelenskyy that “your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.”
This is the fourth European country Zelenskky has visited in the past few days, after France, Germany and Italy. He is seeking more aid as Ukraine prepares a long-anticipated spring offensive to retake territory seized by Russia.
The Kremlin said it took London’s promise to supply Ukraine with more weapons “extremely negatively,” but at the same time believed the supplies wouldn’t drastically change the course of the war, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
“Britain aspires to be at the forefront among countries that continue to pump weapons into Ukraine,” Peskov said. “We repeat once again, it cannot yield any drastic and fundamental influence on the way the special military operation (in Ukraine) is unfolding. But, definitely, it leads to further destruction, further action. … It makes this whole story for Ukraine much more complicated.”
Sunak responded by pledging the U.K.’s long-term support for Ukraine.
The U.K. has become one of Ukraine’s major military allies, sending Kyiv short-range missiles and Challenger tanks and training 15,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. Last week, Britain announced it had sent Ukraine Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have a range of more than 250 kilometers (150 miles) — the first known shipment of the weaponry that Kyiv has long sought from its allies.
Sunak’s office said that on Monday Britain would confirm it was giving Ukraine hundreds more air defense missiles, as well as “long-range attack drones” with a range of more than 200 kilometers (120 miles).
“This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke,” Sunak said. “They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year.
“We must not let them down.”
Zelenskyy said more work was needed to have allies build a “fighter jet coalition” to provide Ukraine with vital air defenses.
While Sunak’s spokesman said no planes would be provided, the prime minister said the U.K. would be a key part of the coalition and would begin training Ukrainian fighter pilots as soon as this summer.
Sunak will also push allies to deliver more support to Ukraine at a meeting of Group of Seven leaders in Japan later this week, Downing Street said.
As Zelenskyy visited European capitals, Russia stepped up attacks across Ukraine with drones and missiles. On Sunday, Russia shelled two communities in the northern border region of Sumy, regional officials said on Telegram. They said 109 explosions were recorded.
Zelenskyy’s office said Monday that the shelling had killed nine civilians and injured 19 in the past day. Six of the deaths were in the Kherson region. Two civilians were killed in Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region and one in Prymorsk, which is on the Azov Sea coast about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Russian-occupied Berdyansk.
The presidential office also reported that Marhanets, which lies across the river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, was shelled.
Zelenskyy’s stop in London followed a previously unannounced visit to Paris on Sunday evening, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee palace in Paris, on May 14, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee palace in Paris, on May 14, 2023.
Michel Euler via Associated Press
Macron’s office said France would supply dozens of light tanks, armored vehicles and more air defense systems “in the weeks ahead,” without giving specific numbers.
About 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers would also receive training in France this year and nearly 4,000 others in Poland as part of a wider European effort, Macron’s office said.
France had dispatched a plane to pick up Zelenskyy in Germany, where he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shake hands during the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on May 14, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shake hands during the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on May 14, 2023.
Ina Fassbender/Pool via Associated Press
It was his first visit to Berlin since the start of the invasion and came a day after the German government announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.
After initially hesitating to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, Germany has become one of the biggest suppliers of arms to Ukraine, including Leopard 1 and 2 battle tanks, and the sophisticated IRIS-T SLM air defense system. Modern Western hardware is considered crucial if Ukraine is to succeed in its planned counteroffensive.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy met Pope Francis and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shake hands during a press conference after their meeting at Chigi Palace, Government’s office, in Rome, on May 13, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shake hands during a press conference after their meeting at Chigi Palace, Government’s office, in Rome, on May 13, 2023.
Alessandra Tarantino via Associated Press
During his European trip, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would aim to liberate Russian-occupied areas within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, and not attack Russian territory.
The Washington Post cited previously undisclosed documents from a trove of U.S. intelligence leaks suggesting that Zelenskyy had considered trying to capture areas in Russia proper for possible use as bargaining chips in peace negotiations to end the war launched by Moscow.
This would put him at odds with Western governments that have insisted that weapons they provide must not be used to attack targets in Russia.
Asked about the report, Zelenskyy said: “We don’t attack Russian territory, we liberate our own legitimate territory.”
“We have neither the time nor the strength (to attack Russia),” he said, according to an official interpreter. “And we also don’t have weapons to spare with which we could do this.
“We are preparing a counterattack for the illegally occupied areas based on our constitutionally defined legitimate borders, which are recognized internationally,” Zelenskyy said.
Among areas still occupied by Russia are the Crimean peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine with mainly Russian-speaking populations.
Former Central Regional Chairman for the National Democratic Congress, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has revealed that he has advised Dr. Kwabena Duffuor to assist, the vice president, Dr. Bawumia‘s in his bid in becoming the next president of the country.
“It will be political wise for Duffuor to support Bawumia. This country is important than a political party. If you have the knowledge you have to help Bawumia. He (Duffuor) must look at the greater interest of the country….He can sit on the side lines and give supports to ensure the dynamics change”, he said.
In his view such a move would be considered “politically wise” because Ghana is important than any political party.
The former Central regional Chairman for the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in an interview he stated that prior to the NDC’s primaries, Dr. Duffuor called him to come and help his campaign but declined the invitation because he (Allotey) has already pitched camp with vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Duffuor called me but I told him I have already declared my support for Bawumia so I can’t come and help him”, Mr. Bernard Allotey Jacobs said on reasons he didn’t partake in the NDC’s recent primaries.
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), General Asiedu Nketia, has stated that money no longer determines who wins a seat in the party.
Speaking after the declaration of the results for the presidential primaries on Sunday dawn, Mr. Nketia expressed confidence that the party now has the men and women to ensure overwhelming victory in the 2024 general elections.
He commended the party delegates on the quality of candidates who were elected in the just-ended parliamentary primaries.
He said, “Money does not decide who gets the vote in [the] NDCanymore. We heard stories about big men, potentially rich men who could win elections; they all could not win in spite of their wealth and riches and the stories we heard about what they were intending to distribute, but we are happy that so far, the quality of candidates that have been produced in this election gives us confidence that we will go into 2024 and win presidential and win a significant majority in Parliament, and also deliver on the charge of rescuing this country.”
“We are not going to say we have the men; we want the men to prove themselves for you to say that ‘yes, NDC, you have the men’…” he added.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the NDC elected parliamentary candidates to represent the party in the 2024 election.
The party also elected former President John Dramani Mahama as its flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
Adidas has announced that it will sell some of the sneakers and other products it produced with rapper Kanye West alongside donate a portion of its earnings to charity.
The German sportswear giant cut ties with the celebrity, now known as Ye, last year after he made anti-Semitic comments.
The decision has cost the firm millions in sales and has it facing its first annual loss in more than three decades.
Shoes from the collaboration remain wildly popular in the resale market.
Chief executive Bjoern Gulden said the company was still working out how the sales would happen.
“What we are trying to do now over time is to sell some of this merchandise… burning the goods would not be a solution,” he said at the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
Adidas has about 1.2bn euros (£1bn; $1.3bn) worth of Yeezy shoes sitting in storage.
Mr Gulden said the firm had decided to sell some of the merchandise, instead of donating it, because it did not want to see the products reach the market indirectly.
Last week, Adidas said that if it decided not to “repurpose” its remaining unsold Yeezy stock, it would hurt its operating profit by €500m this year.
A sale could help reduce some of those losses. Ye will also be entitled to some of the money, under the terms of the partnership.
Shares in Adidas were up 2% following the meeting.
The company is being sued by investors who claimAdidas knew about Kanye West’s problematic behaviour years before it ended their partnership.
Investors allege Adidas failed to limit financial losses and take precautionary measures to minimise their exposure.
Mr Gulden defended Adidas’ years-long collaboration with the designer and musician, saying that “as difficult as he was, he is perhaps the most creative mind in our industry”.
The company said it had concluded an internal investigation into reports that the artist had created a “toxic” environment.
It said the review had not substantiated all allegations of misconduct but that “erratic” behaviour had created challenges. It said that the firm was putting in place changes to prevent such problems from happening in the future.
Related article Adidas ends massive deal with Kanye West after antisemitism controversy.
A well-known Ghanaian musician, Efya Nokturnal, has spoken out about her prolonged musical break and inconsistency in the music industry.
Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor, 36 offered a frank explanation as to why she had been absent from show business for such a long time during her appearance as a guest on 3FM’s Urban Blend with AJ Sarpong.
In the exclusive interview, the ‘Forgetting Me’ songstress revealed that a broken heart was the reason why she refrained from singing during that period.
“My heart was broken,” she said to the shock of host, AJ.
According to the award-winning songbird and a self-proclaimed “baby girl,” her emotional well-being has a significant influence on her artistry hence her refusal to confront her pain through music and rather take a step back from the spotlight.
“I was heartbroken that I didn’t want to sing. You know I’m a baby girl so the way I feel matters to me a lot and it wasn’t something I wanted to deal with at that time,” she revealed
Moreover, Efya shared that she had been tirelessly working in the music industry for 15 years without taking a break.
Throughout this extensive period, she actively performed on numerous shows and consistently represented her craft.
“Also, I’ve been working for 15 years without break and in between these times I’ve been performing on all the shows and still representing. And I think I gave everyone their feature,” she concluded.
Efya who has one mixtape and an album to her credit since going solo has also blessed audiences with songs including One of Your Own ft Bisa Kdei, Daddy Yo ft Wizkid, Getaway, Best In Me and her numerous features with Sarkodie.
Artiste of the Year at theVodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMAs), Black Sherif, has responded to suggestions that Sarkodie’s “Jamz” album would not have gained its current popularity without his contribution.
Black Sherif’s collaboration with Sarkodie on the track “Country Side” quickly became the most sought-after song on the “Jamz” album, leading some fans to believe that his contribution played a significant role in shaping the album’s overall appeal.
However, Black Sherif in an interview with MzGee on United Showbiz took the opportunity to clarify his stance on these claims, emphasizing that the album would have attained its current status with or without his involvement.
“It would have been what it will be. Music is a spiritual thing. From my lens, Albums and singles are babies. I don’t know his destiny. If I wasn’t on it, I don’t know his destiny, so whatever the album would have been, would have been,” he stated during the interview.
Black Sherif further acknowledgedSarkodie’s extensive experience and career longevity, noting that the acclaimed rapper had been making music for years before he entered the picture. He expressed humility by stating that he would not presume to dictate the success or failure of Sarkodie’s album, stating, “Am I the one to come and tell him that without me, his album would go nowhere? We don’t talk like that. I’ve just been here for four years, subtract it from his [Sarkodie’s] years.”
Born Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, Blacko, 21 in an earlier interview on TV3 also explained why he failed to join Sarkodie to perform ‘Countryside’ at the recently held VGMAs.
“I am a big fan of Sarkodie. I wanted to sit and experience him perform,” Black Sherif said
The heavy rains inAccra on Monday, May 15, has caused traffic congestion and flooding on the Dzorwulu N1 Highway road.
The National Highway 1 (N1 Highway) fromDzorwulu to Lapaz had one of the slowest traffic, which caused delays for road users.
Monday’s rain, which lasted for almost an hour, created inconveniences for workers and pedestrians whose movement was impeded. Cars were stuck in traffic for long minutes.
Several parts of Dzorwulu experienced floods as a result of their poor drainage system, which has been a major problem for years.
According to a viral video, there are a number of stranded vehicles on the N1 Highway. The lanes started to clear after the flood water receded.
There were no casualties as drivers drove with caution; however, the storm drains, which have been choked for years, impeded movement.
On Saturday, May 13, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George emerged winner as the party’s parliamentary candidate in 2024.
This is the third consecutive time one of the youngest MPs will be representing the party.
Sam George, who was very optimistic and calm despite a little chaos, polled 1,036 votes.
Prior to the official announcement, delegates began jubilating for Sam Goerge.
To confirm he was leading, Sam George, who was close to where the sorting of the ballot paper triggered his delegates to jubilate following his beaming smiles.
The period of Akans holding the flagbearership post in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is over, according to Member of Parliament for New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern region and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi.
According to him, it is now time for other tribes to also take over to lead the party as presidential candidates and to ascend the presidential seat.
Mr. Okyere Baafi explained that the NPP is made up of members from different ethnic groups and religions, therefore, appropriate for anyone qualified to lead the party regardless of his or her background.
“What I want to say is that, with the direction of the country, it is not only one community which makes Ghana. We have Ashantis, we have Ewes, we have Gas, we have Krobos and Bonos in Ghana. Some of all these tribes are Members of NPP which means the era where only Akans lead the party is over. Now we need people from all these tribes listed to also lead the party to become president” Okyere Baafi said.
Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi made this comment when speaking at the official launch of “Women Delegates For Bawumia” in Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital.
Okyere Baafi described as deceitful and untenable claims that Ghana is a Christian-dominated country therefore a Muslim cannot become president.
“They say Ghana is a Christian country so some say a Muslim cannot lead the country. This is where I want to speak briefly on. For all those contesting the election, the only one who can be president is called Mr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Among the aspirants the only one who can lead the party into victory, his name is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia”.
He continued, “Some Christians who want to deceive you that they are the majority so won’t vote for Muslim must cast their minds to Nigeria. In Nigeria, Muslims are majority but the President is a Christian. In Senegal, Muslims are majority but the President is a Christian. Listen very well! A country with diverse tribes means everyone could become president in future”.
He said Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has demystified the myth that Muslims cannot fellowship with Christians in church, and has set a standard that will become a yardstick for every Muslim who wants to be President.
“Christians must listen. For the first time, we are going to have a Muslim as President to serve as standard to every Muslim who dreams to be President. Dr.Bawumia will be the first Muslim to bring that standard because most Muslims don’t enter Churches to fellowship but we have a Muslim (Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia) who attends all-night services, a Muslim who goes to conventions, a Muslim who attends retreats, a Muslim who worships with Christians such a Muslim will become standard”.
He added “So henceforth, every Muslim who wants to be president will follow the standard. He must be a Muslim who can enter into churches, he should be a Muslim who can attend retreats, that is the paradigm shift brought to Ghana by Dr. Bawumia. He is setting a standard for everybody who is a Muslim who wants to become a president, for the first time he has set the standard for all of us. So don’t let anyone deceive you. Dr. Bawumia is well experienced, he has the will-power, he has the expertise, he has knowledge and wisdom to move Ghana forward.”
“Women Delegates for Bawumia” is a new political group within the ruling NPP made up of female delegates who have declared support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become flagbearer of the party in 2024.”
The theme for the Women Delegates for Bawumia is “The Strength of a Woman, the force behind Bawumia.”
The launch was attended by female delegates of the NPP from all 33 Constituencies in the Eastern region.
The National Coordinator of “Women Delegates for Bawumia” Maame Esi Davenport said the aim of the group is to secure 80% female delegates’ votes for Dr. Bawumia.
This she said will be done through a vigorous campaign strategy trumpeting the achievements of the Akufo Addo/Bawumia-led government.
She touted the competence of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in leading the country describing him as an able and exceptional Vice President whose involvement in politics has changed the face of Ghanaian politics.
She stated that Dr. Bawumia’s experience in both the private and public sectors adds to his credentials as the best presidential material.
She averred that Dr. Bawumia has been instrumental in the Akufo Addo-led government’s policy interventions impacting positively the country
Maame Esi Davenport debunked propaganda by opponents that Dr. Bawumia is new in NPP stating that “he has been with the NPP for decades, worked so hard for the NPP to win power through his economic lectures that exposed the incompetence of John Mahama led government” therefore deserves to lead the party.
On women empowerment, she said Dr.Bawumia has demonstrated in many ways his commitment to empowering women to take leadership roles to change society, using his Wife the second lady Samira Bawumia as an example.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has summoned theNational Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Juliana Kinang Wassan who failed in her quest to be elected MP candidate for Ejura Sekyeredumase,.
According to reports, she is one individuals being investigated for their conduct during the opposition party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13.
The MP aspirant who lost to the incumbent MP Muhammad Bawah Braimah was seen in a viral video standing in a car showering cash on the people who flung her at the Ahmadiya School Park where voting took place.
According to JoyNews correspondent Nana Boakye Yiadom, there was a mad rush for the money which ranges from GH¢10 notes to GH¢100 notes.
Juliana Wassan told the reporter that she realised she had the money in her car and decided to show love to her fellow NDC members by sharing the cash.
This incident has caught the attention of Special ProsecutorKissi Agyabeng.
In a letter, the OSP said it has commenced an investigation into suspected corruption in respect of her action.
“The OSP considers you as a person necessary for investigation. You are directed to attend the Office of the Special Prosecutor at 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 10 am for interviewing.
“You may be accompanied by counsel of your choice.”
Joy News sources say other aspirants who gifted delegates various items at the voting grounds have been invited.
In a related development, the Police say their legal department is studying the video to establish if there is a case for Juliana Wassan to answer.
Seventeen incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not be able to represent their constituencies in the 2024 elections, as a result of losing the parliamentary primaries.
Whiles some lost to newcomers in the race, others succumbed to former MPs or serial aspirants.
1. Hajia Nasira Afrah (Sekyere Afram Plains) defeated incumbent Alex Adomako, who came third in race.
2. Charles Bawaduah polled 535 votes (Bongo Constituency) to defeatincumbent Edward Bawa lost with 509 votes.
3. Nelson Kofi Djabab, who had 441 votes (Krachie East) beat incumbent Wisdom Gidisu who lost with 257 votes.
4. Attah Issah who polled 801 votes (Sagnarigu constituency) defeated Alhaji A. B. A. Fuseini who had 330 votes.
5. Dr. Ekow Kwainoo who had 329 votes (Ekumfi Constituency) defeated incumbent Abeiku Crentsil who had 149 votes.
6. Sebastian Fred Deh with 332 votes (Kpando Constituency) defeated incumbent Dela Sowah who had 281.
7. Emmanuel Boam who had 474 votes (Pru East) ousted Dr Kwabena Donkor who had 371.
8. Frank Afriyie who won with 631 votes (Afadzato South) defeated incumbent Angela Alorwu-Tay who polled 225 votes.
9. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor with 597 votes (South Tongu Constituency) ousted Wisdom Kobena Woyome who had 562 votes.
10. Nikyema Alamzy polled 488 votes (Chiana-Paga) to defeat incumbent Thomas Addah Dalu who lost with 300 votes.
11. Simon Akibange Aworigo, with 475 votes (Navrongo Central) ousted incumbent Sampson Tangombu Chiragia who had 447 votes.
12. Mustapha Amadu Tanko who had 935 votes (Bia West Constituency) ended, effective January 2025, the tenure of Augustine Tawiah who polled 452 votes.
13. Joana Gyan Cudjoe who had 756 votes (Amenfi Central) ousted incumbent Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah who had 575.
14. Dr. Titus Beyuo for Lambussie Constituency. He won the primary by some 446 votes defeating his biggest contender, Edward Dery, a former MP for the area
15. Thomas Winsum Anabah for the Garu Constituency. He defeated an incumbent MP to clinch the seat. He polled 250 votes against the closest contender’s 246 whiles the incumbent got 160 votes.
16. Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku (Domeabra-Obom MP but switched to Ayawaso Central)
The elected flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has urged the party members to concentrate on guiding Ghana out of its current crisis.
Mahama said this in hi victory speech delivered minutes after he had been declared winner of the presidential primares of May 13,2023.
Below is the full statement by Mr. John Mahama
Fellow Akatamansonians, and the good people of Ghana.
A while ago, the results of the 2024presidential primaries was officially declared.
I am humbled by the overwhelming vote of confidence reposed in me by the party.
I want to thank God for bringing the NDC this victory. Traversing the country for all these days, weeks and months without any fatalities can only be by God’s special grace.
My profound gratitude goes to the delegates of our party for their warm welcome, active engagement, and participation during my tour.
In your usual astute manner, you turned up in your numbers, across the country, to vote in our party’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
I also want to thank Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and Mr. Kojo Bonsu for their contest. My appreciation also goes to Mr. Ernest Kobea who pulled out to support me in this contest. Their taking part in this primary has cemented our party’s enviable record as the most democratic political tradition in the country.
Let us disagree to agree, but let us keep our collective sights firmly on the supreme objective of the NDC leading Ghana out of the current abyss the country is in.
I also ask for cooperation among all elected parliamentary candidates and their respective aspirants and supporters in the constituencies. Our party is the winner because there are no individual winners and losers in this intra-party contest.
I want to thank my campaign and operational teams for keeping their focus and delivering a clean campaign.
I thank our donors and financiers for your support; the media for propagating our message and all our religious and traditional leaders who prayed on our behalf for the peace and success we have achieved today.
On Monday, at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, I will join a teeming number of the rank and file of the NDC and Ghanaians in general, to deliver my formal acceptance speech.
See you in Tamale.
May God bless us all, and I thank you for your kind attention.
The government has established a GH100 million grant funding project for high-growth Micro, Small, andMedium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) run by women and young individuals.
The initiatives, which are being supported and funded by the World Bank and the government under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project(GETP), will allocate GH₵40 million as grants for women MSMES and GHS60 million to young persons between the ages of 18 and 35.
Launching it, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond said the programmes aligned with government’s goal of providing training, capacity upgrades, and funding to help businesses to scale up and transition MSMEs into the next stage of growth, thereby improving their ability to increase sales and commence exports.
He said the initiatives presented the Management and Board of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) another opportunity to empower Ghanaian Women in the MSME Sector and Young Ghanaian Entrepreneurs as they strive to grow sustainably and formalize their businesses.
“We expect GEA to continue its excellent performance in the use of digital platforms and provide comprehensive support through its extensive network of Business Development Service Providers. We also expect this to be done with the special duty of care to safeguard the long-term interests of the businesses,” he said.
Mr Hammond said the government would step up efforts with multilateral, regional and bilateral partners to open access to new markets for the country’s products and services.
“The initiatives are yet another milestone under the GET Project to make economic growth inclusive and expand the benefits of growth in terms of job creation, as well as enhanced social and gender equity,” he said.
Fortunately, technology including digital technology, is opening up opportunities to global trade at a rate so rapid as it was unthinkable just two decades ago, he said.
“As Minister for Trade and Industry, I am glad to associate myself with this intervention which seeks to create an opportunity for the youth and women of this nation to receive the needed support to strengthen their MSMEs at a time when economic transformation and stabilization has become a clarion call,” he said.
He said the Ministry would continue to build and strengthen the policy and institutional mechanisms that enable implementing agencies to be responsive to the needs of the private sector, especially SMEs in harnessing opportunities, including market access opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The GEA has successfully disbursed GHS66 million to over 800 SMEs between September 2021 to December 2022 in two phases as part of the COVID-19 Response Grant Programme and a complementary programme designed for SME High Growth.
Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, said the Youth in MSME Programme sought to provide capacity support and financial assistance in the form of grants to businesses owned by young persons to encourage more start-ups by young people.
The Women MSME Programme will inject more resources into women-owned businesses or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women with the aim of improving their capacity for growth and job creation.
She said the nationwide Youth in MSME and the Women MSME Programmes would both consist of generic training, capacity upgrading and grant support components.
“It is expected that these initiatives will result in the scaling-up of the beneficiary businesses and enhance their capacity to create jobs whiles promoting gender equality and social inclusion in our society,” Mrs Yankey-Ayeh said.
She said the Grant Programme’s support from the GEA was expected to culminate into job creation and job sustainability and further transition into the next stage of growth, thereby improving their ability to increase sales and exports.
The W-MSME & Youth in MSMEs Programme will entail technical assistance for up to 2,000 MSMEs on business management capabilities, productivity-enhancing improvements, and a replication of the soft skills acquired leading to a generally improved business operating culture among Ghanaian MSMEs thereby enhancing competition and growth.
She said the W-MSME and the Youth in MSME Programmes would provide a four-day generic training to about 2,000 MSMEs shortlisted from a pool of applicants and trained in Business and Financial Management, record keeping, preparing, reading and comprehension of basic financial statements, working capital management and cycle, receivables and payables management, inventory management, and basic business plan development and training in Taxation and Regulatory Compliance.
The goal of this knowledge area is to equip SMEs with practical knowledge of the legal environment in which they operate.
It will also equip the SMEs with working knowledge of the Ghanaian system of taxation and the basic principles of taxation for individuals and SMEs.
The one-month ban on all sorts of noise-making and drumming starts today, Monday, May 15, 2023.
The ban is part of preparations for the celebration of the Homowo festival by the Ga people.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in a statement reminded residents under its jurisdiction of the annual exercise and urged persons within catchment areas to comply with the directive.
The ban affects any form of noise-making, including the use of loudspeakers, drums, tambourines, funeral rites, and roadside evangelism.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey had said the Regional Security Council will ensure strict adherence to the ban within the region.
Below is an earlier statement from the AMA
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) wishes to inform all residents in its jurisdiction that, this year’s ban on drumming and noise-making commences from Monday 15th May to Thursday 15th June 2023. It has therefore set the following guidelines in the interest of peace, harmony, and national security:
1. During the period of the ban, churches are expected to carry out their activities within their premises and refrain from the use of musical instruments.
2. The positioning of loudspeakers outside the premises of churches, mosques and pubs are banned. Roadside evangelists are to cease their activities during this period.
3. Religious bodies and the Traditional Authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of one another.
4. Other guidelines by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) include a ban on funeral rites and their related activities.
5. Apart from an identifiable task force that consists of AMA personnel, the Ghana Police Service and Representatives from the Traditional Councils with tags, no other person or group of persons should be seen or found enforcing the abatement of noise in the metropolis. By this notice, we entreat all persons, towns and villages within the Ga Traditional Area to cooperate and comply with the directive accordingly during this period.
The National Democratic Congress(NDC) claims that the results of its Presidential and Parliamentary primaries on Saturday demonstrate that the party is capable of winning the 2024 election.
National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah says the calibre of individuals elected shows the NDC is hungry for victory.
The NDC has once again elected John Mahama as its presidential candidate and parliamentary candidates to represent it in the various constituencies in the 2024 polls.
The party organised its primaries over the weekend nationwide.
Speaking at the declaration of the presidential results,Johnson Asiedu Nketiahsaid the NDC is ready for battle.
“We are happy that so far the quality of candidates that have been produced in this election gives us confidence that we will go into 2024 and win the presidential and win a considerable majority in Parliament and also deliver on the charge of rescuing this country. We are not going to say we have the men. We want the men to prove themselves for you to say that yes, the NDC has the men”.
17 incumbent Members of Parliament lost their bid to contest in the 2024 polls.
Mahama won the flagbearership race with 98.9 percent.
“I am humbled by the overwhelming confidence reposed in me by the party. I want to thank God for bringing the NDC this victory. Traversing the country for all these days, weeks, and months without fatalities can only be by God’s special favour”.
“My profound gratitude goes to the delegates of our party for their warm welcome, active engagement, and participation during my tour. In your usual astute manner, you turned up in your numbers across the country to vote in our party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries,” Mr. Mahama said after the election.
The National Chairman of theNational Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has expressed satisfaction over the Ghana police’s contributions towards the party’s just ended elections.
In a remark after the party’s primaries on Saturday dawn, the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said: “We can rely on your professionalism when we approach the next elections”
He thanked the Ghana Police Service for displaying the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and sense of duty in the weekend polls held by the largest opposition party.
He indicated that the orderly electoral process recorded no security breach insisting the police were effective in the discharge of their duties in the primaries.
Meanwhile, Police have arrested eight (8) suspects throughout the country for various election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries of the NDC held on Saturday, 13th April 2023.
The suspects, Yaro Burdove, Harrison Martey, Imoro Ibrahim, Arkoli Mensah, Nyarko Richard, Prince Lomotey, Hamidu Dramani, and Bejando Emmanuel, were arrested at their various voting centres across four constituencies in the country.
Entertainment critic, Bullgod, has asked media personality, Abeiku Santana to apologise over his sentimental utterances to Pizzaman.
The latter had in a video lashed out at Pizzaman for having jailed an alleged chicken thief
Pizzaman had got some staff arrested and convicted for 5 years for stealing chicken and food
Speaking to the above development, Abeiku Santana condemns Pizzaman for dishing out such harsh punishment to the culprit, adding that the act by Pizzaman was extreme.
In an interview, Bullhaus entertainment boss Bullgod is displeased with the ace broadcaster’s comment hence calling him out to render an apology to Pizzaman
“My comment on the Pizzaman saga was my thought, and I think the judgment meted out to the culprit was quite extreme, however, I don’t condone any criminal act.
I think the punishment is too harsh, looking at the cost gov’t will incur just for convicting such menial offenses, my comment was harmless and not to condemn Pizzaman but to draw attention to such extreme punishments meted out to menial offenses that congest our prisons but rather use these culprits of little crimes for communal activities”.
“I will not apologize to Pizzaman today, not tomorrow, and not forever”, he added.
Former Upper East Regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage has extended a request to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Navrongo Central Constituency Sampson Tangombu Chiragia to what she calls ‘the table of losers’.
It will be recalled that the Member of Parliament beat Ms Abayage in the 2020 elections which was a keen electoral battle between the two.
The two politicians though have a good personal relationship, have never failed to take the opportunity to throw jabs at each other on political and election-related matters in the Navrongo Central Constituency.
Sampson Chiragia on Saturday lost in the National Democratic Congress parliamentary primaries, cutting short his desired long-term stay in parliament.
STC, as he is affectionately called got 447 votes while the winner Simon Akibange Aworigo polled 475 votes.
While the voting process was ongoing, the MP excitedly told journalists he was determined to heavily defeat his contenders in the same manner he defeated Tangoba Abayage in the 2020 parliamentary elections.
Following his defeat, Ms Abayage suggested that his arrogance and boastfulness were sufficient to cause his defeat.
In a social post, she said “Samson Chiragia Tangombu had the opportunity to grant an interview after casting his vote and he had the audacity to use me as a point of reference as to how his wins are always large. Some people came to lurch on it and make fun.
I kept cool waiting for the end results because the arrogance in his response was a bit unfortunate (for want of a cooler word). He referred to me because he beat me in the general election”.
She suggested that her defeat in the election was a result of machinations from a gang and not because she was incapable of winning the election.
“He has immediate amnesia. He suddenly forgot that but for them gang-r@ping me there’s no way he’d be in parliament and that his delivery in Navrongo Central has been so terribly miserable that his own people just wanted him out (unprecedented first term).
It took a “not so known young man” to come and collect you off your feet (despite the number of contestants).
I don’t like it when people underestimate what we did. Maybe non has ever chalked what we chalked. Welcome to the table of losers, sweetheart.
The body of a lifeless newborn baby has been found at a dump site in Atekyem, Bechem in the Tano South constituencyof the Ahafo region.
Prophet Robert Twum, of the Divine Prayers Ministry in an interview with the media said that he saw two ladies around the dump site at Atekyem on his way from church duties holding a child, upon approaching the ladies, he realised a newborn baby had been dumped into a bin.
“When I was returning from church, I came by a dumping site and met two ladies carrying a child, when I enquired what they were doing, one of the ladies (a child), told me someone had dumped a child in the refuse dump,” he said
According to him, he called on a midwife who stays with him in the same house to examine the condition of the neonate as to whether he is alive or dead but the nurse upon arrival confirmed the child was dead.
“I called a midwife whom I share the samecompoundwith but unfortunately, she said the new-born child was already dead,” he narrated
The man of God pleaded with people living within and around to help unmask the wicked women behind this unfortunate incident for the laws of the country to take their course.
Speaking with Obaahema Akua Adantewaa and Kwaku Mensah Abrampa, both of High Radio in Bechem, the Assembly Member of the Atekyem electoral area, Hon. Appiah Joseph gave an account of the incident to the media stating that he had a distress call concerning the incident, therefore, he reported it to Bechem police command and the police has since conveyed the body to Bechem, “we are now waiting for the report from the police for our next line of action,” he disclosed.
The winner at the just ended Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Black Sherif, has responded to netizens who have compared him to Ghana’s most decorative rapper, Sarkodie.
Blacko in a discussion on UTV Showbiz explained that it’s unfair and meaningless for people to come to such a comparison
In his submission, he said whether or not his verse onSarkodie‘s album, still would have broke waves adding that Sarkodie is a brand on its own and has been in the industry for over a decade hence the shallow-minded comparison makes no sense.
“My verse on the Jams album doesn’t change anything, it would’ve still been big without me.
music is spiritual and I didn’t foresee the future of the album, Sarkodie is a big artiste, he has been doing this long ago before me, and he is a veteran but I just started, the comparison is senseless”
The Konongo star swept four plaques at the just-ended VGMA including the prestigious Artiste of the Year award beating stiff competition from Piesie Esther, Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Sarkodie, Camidoh, KiDi, and King Promise to win the award.
As a reward for his exceptional performance at the recently completed Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Black Sherif, the reigning Artiste of the Year, was delightfully surprised by his management with two brand new cars.
Black Sherif, 21, garnered four prestigious awards during the ceremony, including the highly coveted Artiste of the Year accolade.
His record label, Empire, commemorated his remarkable feat by presenting him with two gleaming cars, a gesture that has garnered immense support and well-wishes for the talented musician.
The video capturing the heartwarming moment has gone viral on social media and has been met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages for Black Sherif.
Black Sherif has been gifted two brand new cars by his management for winning this year’s VGMA ‘Artist of the Year’
In attendance at the event were Bola Ray, CEO of Brasa and Co-Founder Devtraco as well as the founder of A-List Management, Joseph Aidoo Jr, Herman Suede and members of A-List Management.
The artist’s remarkable victory in the VGMA’s Artist of the Year category came after fierce competition from esteemed contenders such as Piesie Esther, Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Sarkodie, Camidoh, KiDi, and King Promise.
The recognition and rewards bestowed upon Black Sherif for his exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry reflect not only his personal triumph but also his growing presence on the international stage as he readies to perform in New York City on May 20, 2023
A National Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirant, Edem Agbana, has said that he won the election and will not succumb to a run-off election although there are reports that he tied with another candidate.
Mr Agbana is one of eight candidates who ran in the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ketu North Constituency.
Edem was initially declared the winner by a single vote, but upon two recounts, the EC discovered 3 ballot papers that were not stamped.
2 of the 3 unstamped ballots were cast in favour of Edem Agbana whilst 1 unstamped ballot was cast in favour of John Adanu.
The nullification of the 3 unstamped ballots would have left both Edem Agbana and John Adanu with 358 votes each, creating a tie.
Edem Agbana in an interview however insists that the unstamped ballots would not nullify those votes “so far as those ballots have serial numbers that show that they were drawn from the EC’s ballot booklet”.
Edem said, “Nothing will change in Ketu North. There will never be a run-off in Ketu North so far as I am the candidate”.
“How would you say the votes are nullified after you issued the ballot papers without stamping them, yet it is clear the ballot papers are yours and there was no over-voting,” Edem quizzed.
Edem Agbana and 7 others were seeking to replace Dr James Klutse Avedzi on the ticket of the NDC to represent the Ketu North constituency in the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic.
Loreen of Sweden has won the EurovisionSong Contest for the second time with her soaring pop classic Tattoo.
The star, who last won the competition in 2012, saw off competition from Finland’s Käärijä in a nail-biting vote.
The UK’s Mae Muller failed to replicate Sam Ryder’s success last year, coming in 25th place – one above bottom.
And the Princess of Wales made a surprise cameo, playing the piano with last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra.
Loreen is the only the second person – and the first woman – to win Eurovision twice, following Ireland’s Johnny Logan.
“This is so overwhelming,” she said as she collected the trophy. “I’m so grateful. I’m so thankful.”
“In my wildest dreams, I didn’t think this would happen.”
Sweden’s victory means it will host next year’s competition – on what will be the 50th anniversary of Abba’s historic victory with Waterloo in 1974.
But Ireland crashed out of this year’s contest at the semi-final stage for the fifth year in a row – a result their head of delegation described as “devastating”.
This year’s top three acts were:
Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo (583 points)
Finland: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha (526 points)
Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn (362 points)
Image caption, Kaarija’s song won the public vote, but faltered with juries
Mae Muller only picked up 24 points, leaving the UK near the bottom of the leaderboard. It was “not the result we hoped for,” she tweeted after the show.
“I know I joke a lot but we really put our all into the last few months,” she said. “Congrats to all the countries, I’ll never forget this journey and I love you all.”
Liverpool hosted this year’s contest on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, which won in 2022.
Appropriately, the show began with last year’s winners, Kalush Orchestra, playing an extended version of their song Stefania in a pre-taped segment from Kyiv.
Stars including Joss Stone, Sam Ryder and Andrew Lloyd Webber added a British flavour to the song, as the band boarded a train from Kyiv’s iconic Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station and arrived on the stage of the Liverpool Arena.
The Princess of Wales accompanied on piano, in a brief segment recorded in the crimson drawing room of Windsor Castle earlier this month.
Princess CatherineImage source, Alex Bramall Image caption,
Catherine briefly joined Kalush Orchestra on piano
Back in the arena, Kalush performed their new single Changes, delivering a message of defiance to Russia: “Give my all down to the wire / Set me free.”
It was the first of many references to the war, in a show that took a more political tone than most editions of Eurovision.
Croatia’s Let 3! performed a song that referred to Russia’s Vladimir Putin as a “crocodile psychopath”, while the Czech band Vesna sang in Ukrainian, “We’re with you in our hearts”.
Ukraine’s own entry, Tvorchi, played a powerful song inspired by the siege of Mariupol.
The duo’s hometown of Ternopil was hit by Russian missiles moments before the band took to the stage in Liverpool, officials said.
They eventually took sixth place, with a total of 243 points.
Russia has been suspended from the contest due to the invasion, but organisers refused to allow a speech from Ukraine’s President Volodomyr Zelensky during the show.
Noa KirelImage source, Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU Image caption,
Israel’s Noa Kirel gave one of the night’s most athletic performances
Elsewhere, Eurovision was Eurovision. There were 80s-inspired tributes to Miami Vice, a ghost story about Edgar Allen Poe and, naturally, a tear-away dress.
But the musical component of the contest continues to improve.
Spain’s Blanca Paloma combined traditional flamenco rhythms with a throbbing electro pulse on the vibrant, urgent EAEA; and France’s La Zarra tied together decades of Gallic music history in the Piaf-meets-Daft-Punk Évidemment.
Acts from Armenia, Poland and Israel – especially Israel – threw slick dance breaks into their performances; while Italy’s Marco Mengoni was accompanied by two gymnasts on trampolines.
There was also the usual surfeit of tortured ballads, both good (Lithuania) and drab (Albania); and a never-ending parade of lyrics about coming together and being nice to your neighbours (Belgium, Switzerland, Australia).
Finnish rapper Käärijä was the runaway public favourite, receiving more than Loreen’s tally in the phone vote. But his chaotic mix of thrash metal, hardcore techno and K-pop melodies failed to impress the juries, who are comprised of music experts.
KaarijaImage source, Getty Images Image caption,
Finland’s Kaarija gave one of the night’s most memorable performances
In a post-modern twist, the competition was bookended by two songs about the process of songwriting.
Austrian duo Teya & Salena kicked off the show with the quirky pop anthem Who The Hell Is Edgar, in which they are possessed by the spirit of US poet Edgar Allen Poe, who compels them to write a song.
An hour-and-a-half later, Mae Muller closed the competition with I Wrote A Song – in which she gets revenge on her ex-boyfriend by writing a song that catalogues his misdemeanours.
It meant the contest opened with the lyric, “Oh my God, you’re such a good writer”, and ended with Muller singing, “Instead, I wrote a song”.
And if that’s not synchronicity, I don’t know what is.
The UK’s Mae Muller failed to replicate Sam Ryder’s success last year
The contest was presented by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, with Graham Norton joining them during the voting stage.
The interval showcased the “Liverpool songbook” with tracks by John Lennon, Melanie C and Gerry and the Pacemakers performed by former Eurovision contestants.
And Sam Ryder, who came second for the UK last year, performed an emotional version of his new single, Mountains, with Queen’s Roger Taylor on drums.
Ryder, whose song is about overcoming adversity, was accompanied on stage by dancers who had lost limbs.
How the votes came in
Loreen easily won the jury vote, picking up the maximum 12 points from Ireland, Estonia, Spain, Albania, Cyprus and Ukraine, among others.
She ended the jury sequence with a score of 340, giving her a comfortable 163-point lead over Italy’s Marco Mengoni.
The public preferred Finnish rapper Käärijä, with his total of 526 points temporarily putting him in the lead.
After a tense pause, Loreen reclaimed the crown at the last minute, receiving a public score of 243 that put her back on top.
The UK languished at the bottom of the table, picking up just nine points from the public and 15 from the juries.
Only Germany fared worse. Their glam-rock song Blood And Glitter gained a mere 18 points.
Commiserations came from the BBC, who organised the contest in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union.
The broadcaster’s official Twitter account posted: “Mae, we’re so proud of you and everything you’ve achieved at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
Actress Tracey Boakye’s husband,Frank Badu Ntiamoahhas given the actress flowers for being the best wife and mother to her.
On the occasion of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14, Frank published a video in honour of Tracey where he confessed his love to her.
Typical of the couple, gift items including a bouquet of pink flowers were put on display.
Tracey who was captured in the embrace of her husband had broad smiles on her face.
Frank’s message to the actress and mother of three read: “From the kids @kwaku_danso_yahaya @nana_akua_nhyira_ @l_akwasi_badu_ntiamoah and myself, we wish u a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. Thanks for being the best and wonderful mom, we love you @tracey_boakye.”
A host of Ghanaiancelebritieshave marked his year’s celebration with special messages to their wives, mothers and lovers.
A number of showbiz personalities have recently entered the political sphere.
Arising from the May 13National Democratic Congress(NDC) parliamentary promaries, a number of showbiz personalities are one step from entering or returning to the lawmaking chamber.
Below are profiles three of them:
Baba Abdullai Abu Sadiq, Okaikoi Central
Popular entertainment investor, Abdullai Abu Sadiq popularly known as Baba Sadiq, the former CEO of 3 Music CEO won parliamentary elections for the Okaikwei Central constituency.
Official results showed that Baba Sadiq secured 682 votes against his closest contender, Nadine Issah Salifu who had 267.
The other two contenders, Fred Nii Tetteh and Judge Hasford Quartey had 118 and 94 respectively.
Keche Andrew’s wife wins slot
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the wife of popular Ghanaian musician, Keche Andrew won in the Amenfi Central constituency toppling the incumbent MP for the area.
She polled 756 votes out of the total votes cast whiles the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah polled 575 votes.
Other aspirants include Daniel Appiah, Dr Karl Mark Arhina and Elijah Jones Appiah.
She is founder and CEO of Golden Empire Legacy Limited, which company manages her husband.
Dzifa Gomashie
Former actress Dzifa Gomashie won her primaries by a big margin the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region.
Madam Gomashie, who is a sitting MP, polled 1545 votes whiles her contenders Fogah Nukunu and Jimm Morti got 913 votes and 26 votes respectively.
Ebi Bright, Tema Central
Actress Ebi Bright also won the primary for the Tema Central Constituency, which vote was held at Presco Park, Tema Community 4.
She polled 520 votes against her contenders, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku and Carl Owuompesika who polled 409 and 38 respectively.
She gets a second shot at the seat having lost to the incumbent in 2020.
Ms Bright is also a social worker, talk show host, and media producer.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has taken his campaign to the party’s strongest hold, the Ashanti Region.
According to a viral video, the Assin Central Member of Parliament held meetings with delegates of the party in the region selling himself and his message as the right choice of flagbearer.
His presence at the campus of KNUST was welcomed by residents of the famous Katanga Hall with “jama” songs.
His convoy also moved to the Nhyiaeso Constituency where he was welcomed by members of the party amidst drumming and dancing.
In his trip across the country, Ken Agyapong has sought to impress on delegates of the party to elect him as flagbearer for the 2024 election on the basis of his contribution to the party.
Kennedy Agyapong who is a known financier of the NPP is also promising to lead Ghana towards development and national growth if eventually elected as president.
TheGhana Police Servicehas formed a legal team to investigate a viral video in which a candidate for the National Democratic Congress'(NDC) parliamentary elections on May 13, 2023, was caught spraying cash at a polling site.
In the heat of election in the Ejura Sekyeredumase Constituency on Saturday, Juliana Kinang Wassan was captured on video throwing wads of cash from the roof of her car causing a melee amongst ecstatic delegates.
In a statement following at the end of polling, the Ghana Police Service said a legal team is studying the video to establish whether her action is criminal and warrants any further action.
“The attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which Madam Juliana Kinang-Wassan, one of the Parliamentary aspirants for the Ejura Sekyedumase Constituency, is seen spraying money at a crowd during the elections at Ejura Sekyedumase, in the Ashanti Region. A dedicated legal team is currently scrutinising her conduct in the video to establish whether there are elements of election-related crime to warrant Police intervention or otherwise,” the statement said.
The police further announced the arrest of eight individuals at various polling stations across the country for election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the primaries.
Read the full statement by the police below:
POLICE ARREST EIGHT PEOPLE FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS
The Police have arrested eight (???? suspects throughout the country for various election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries of the National Democratic Congress held on Saturday, 13th April 2023. The suspects, Yaro Burdove, Harrison Martey, Imoro Ibrahim, Arkoli Mensah, Nyarko Richard, Prince Lomotey, Hamidu Dramani and Bejando Emmanuel, were arrested at their various voting centres across four constituencies in the country.
Specifically, suspect Yaro Burdove was arrested during the elections at the Ningo Prampram Constituency for taking a photograph of his ballot paper in the polling booth and also attempting to take photographs of the ballot of other voters, while Harrison Martey and Imoro Ibrahim were arrested for engaging themselves in an unlawful fight at a voting centre at the same constituency.
Suspects Arkoli Mensah and Nyarko Richard were arrested for disturbing the peace by engaging themselves in an unlawful fight at a voting centre during the voting process at the New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region.
At the Mfantseman Constituency in the Central Region, suspect Prince Lomotey was arrested at the voting centre for personation, while at a polling station in the Atebubu-Amantin constituency in the Bono East Region, suspects Hamidu Dramani and Bejando Emmanuel were arrested for causing violence.
Five of the suspects are currently on Police inquiry bail, while the three others are in custody assisting the ongoing Police investigation.
Meanwhile, the attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which Madam Juliana Kinang-Wassan, one of the Parliamentaryaspirants for the Ejura Sekyedumase Constituency, is seen spraying money at a crowd during the elections at Ejura Sekyedumase, in the Ashanti Region.
A dedicated legal team is currently scrutinising her conduct in the video to establish whether there are elements of election-related crime to warrant Police intervention or otherwise.
The Police would like to assure the public of its commitment towards ensuring, peace, security, law and order at all times.
Former President,John Dramani Mahama has made his first public statement after emerging flagbearer at the just ended National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential and parliamentary elections.
In a landslide victory, the former president polled 297,603 (98.9%) against his contender Kojo Bonsu who polled 3,181 (1.1%) in the election held on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
The Electoral Commission’s returning officer made the declaration in the wee hours of May 14, 2023.
In his speech, he said he was humbled by the vote of confidence and described the outcome as a victory for the NDC as a whole.
He thanked God for a campaign that was largely incident free as he crisscrossed the country to canvass for votes.
He reserved thanks for constituency executives for their support during his trips across the country.
He also thanked the three contenders in the race, Dr. Kwabena Dufuor, who withdrew at the last minute and Kojo Bonsu who was his only challenger.
Mahama reminded the party that their eyes must be on the ultimate prize which is to win political power come 2024.
John Dramani Mahama became president of Ghana ahead of the 2012 general election after succeeding his boss, John Evans Atta Mills following his demise.
The NDC later put John Mahama up as its presidential candidate in the 2012 presidential election where he clinched victory from his closest contender, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party.
John Mahama in 2016 lost power to Nana Akufo-Addo and subsequently failed to recapture power in 2020 when he was elected flagbearer of the NDC.
Ahead of the 2023 presidential primaries, John Mahama enjoyed wide endorsement within the NDC and was presumed the party’s flagbearer in waiting.
Ahead of the election, Dr Duffuor who is a former finance minister under the erstwhile NDC administration led by John Evans Atta Mills, had sought an interlocutory injunction against the party from going ahead with the election.
At the hearing of his application inAccra High Court barely 24 hours before the election, Dr Duffuor’s lawyers informed the court that they had been instructed by their client to withdraw the application.
Later at a press conference on Friday, Dr Duffuor announced his resignation from the flagbearership contest.
Ghanaian rapper Amerado, is the the firstKumasi rapper to win the Best Rapper awardat 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
The award ceremony held last night in Ghana, is one of the most prestigious events in the country’s music industry.
Amerado, born Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, is a Ghanaian rapper known for his unique style of storytelling and rap delivery. He started his music career in 2015 and has since released several hit songs, including “Yeete Nsem”, which has become a popular series in Ghana.
Amerado’s style of rap, which combines witty wordplay with storytelling, has earned him a loyal fanbase in Ghana and beyond.
At the 2023 VGMA, Amerado beat out several well-known rappers, including Teephlow, Medikal, Strongman, and Lyrical Joe, to take home the Best Rapper award. His win was a significant achievement for Kumasi rap and a testament to the talent and hard work of the rapper.
The award was well-deserved, as Amerado has been consistent in his music delivery, with each release showcasing his growth as an artist. His “Yeete Nsem” series, which started as a weekly rap news review on social media, has become a cultural phenomenon in Ghana. The series covers a range of topics, from politics to social issues, and has amassed a large following.
Amerado’s win at the VGMA is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for Kumasi rap. Kumasi, a city located in the Ashanti region of Ghana, has been home to several talented rappers, including Flowking Stone, King Paluta, Strongman and Phrimpong. However, Kumasi rap has often been overshadowed by the dominance of Accra-based artists in the Ghanaian music industry.
With Amerado’s win,Kumasirap has been given the recognition it deserves, and other Kumasi-based rappers can now aspire to achieve similar success. The win also shows that talent can come from anywhere, and artists should not be limited by their location.
A Zimbabwean socialite, Ellen Tsaura, has asked Nigerian artist Burna Boy to marry her after her fiancé dumped her for throwing her bra at the singer.
DAILY POST recalls that Ellen threw her bra at Burna Boyduring his performance at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, last June.
Burna Boy caught the undergarment and continued singing while holding the infatuated fan’s item of clothing.
Sharing a screenshot of a report about her expression of love for the Grammy-award-winning singer via her Twitterhandle, Ellen revealed that her fifth boyfriend broke up with her over the incident.
She wrote, “I broke up with my 5th Boyfriend because of this @burnaboy must just come and marry me kwacho.”
On Sunday, May 14, 2023, Black Kat GH, will perform at a magnificent event sponsored by the Mayor of Swindon, UK, Abdul Amin.
The event that will see the Mayor bring together Swindon communities and raise funds for charity will feature other top entertainers like Shatabdi Roy, and Momata among others.
The event that pulled thousands last year is expected to attract even more patrons with interesting twists of fashion shows, dance performances, intercultural food experiences, and many more this year.
The event organized by the Swindon Bangladesh Association would treat patrons with wonderful performances, headlined by the UK-based Ghanaian rapper.
The afro beats, hip hop and hiplife artist born Albert Tuffour is popular for his soothing vocals and versatility in his music craft.
Black Kat GH is popular for hit songs including ‘KumericaAnthem’, ‘So Much Love ft Kwabena Kwabena, ‘Hustle’, ‘And take a Walk’ ft Ball J, to mention a few.
Some delegates from the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency in the Western North Region have threatened to boycott the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential and parliamentary elections.
These delegates say they have been exempted from a GHS40 package meant for transportation.
The delegates said executives of the party in the constituency are scheming to deny them the said amount which is supposed to be given to them to aid their movement to their various voting centres.
According to the delegates, it’s the responsibility of the party to see to their transportation, however, they received support from former president, John Dramani Mahama which they say has been held on to by some party executives.
“The constituency executives just want to take the money and if they don’t release that money, we are not going to vote,” one delegate said.
The Western North regional secretary for the NDC, George Ofori Danquah however denied the allegations and explained that the said amount will be given to them in addition to what the party would have given them as transport fare.
An entertainment commentator and artiste management, Bullgod, has stated that Shatta Wale’s ‘gringo’ visuals inspired Piesie Esther‘s ‘waye me yie’ video.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day show, Bullgod raised concerns about the similarities of both visuals, calling out for the lack of originality in the music video for her hit song ‘Wayɛ Me Yie’ hitting that the concept was influenced by dancehall art Shatta Wale’s GRINGO visuals.
According to him the lack of originality affected the chances of Piesie Esther’s Waye me yie to grab a win for the Best Music Video Award at the just-ended 24th VGMA
“That video is plagiarism, I told you that video was taken from Shatta Wale’s ‘gringo’, go and look at the Gringo video. There’s no originality in that video, it’s the same video. How do you expect to win with such a video??” he quizzed.
He expressed disappointment about the not-so-original video of the borrowed concept
“We are looking for originality in the art. If the person is not original in whatever they delivered how do you award them?? Go and watch the two videos,”
“She might have spent a lot of money on the video but it wasn’t original,”
His remarks have triggered conversations online about the significance of creativity and innovation in music videos with many industry professionals and fans also expressing their views on the matter.
Professor Godfred Bokpin, an economist at theUniversity of Ghana Business School, has said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board would accept Ghana’s $3 billion program by Wednesday, after the country received the Paris Club financial assurance.
Speaking on the News 360 on TV3 Friday May 12, he said that the Paris Club financing assurance was all the Fund needed to get the deal approved for Ghana.“It is a very significant breakthrough for Ghana. Practically that written statement is all that the IMF has been waiting for this while.“The detail and all of that will be worked out later but this is enough for the IMF to consider Ghana’s programme, and I think that with this assurance which has been outstanding probably by next week Wednesday or so, Ghana could get its programme.”
President Akufo-Addo also expressed optimism that by next week, the Board of the Fund will meet and approve the deal.Addressing members of the Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, May 12, Mr Akufo-Addo said “Today is a very special day in the recent history of Ghana. At along last today, we have been informed that the last hurdle towards our agreement with the Fund has been overcome, which is that the Paris Club met today in Paris with the creditor’s committee co-chaired by China and has okayed and approved Ghana’s request of the IMF.“It means that hopefully, next Wednesday the Board itself will meet and give final approval.”
He further expressed optimism that soon, Ghanaians will see massive economic recovery.“So the sacrifices that the country has to make this last year, it may be that at long last we are going to see the beginning of the recovery, with the approval of the IMF we will be in a strong position then to make other arrangements to help our economy get back,” he said.
China and the Paris Club have asked private creditors and other official bilateral creditors to commit to Ghana’s deal without any further delay after they agreed to provide the debt assurances needed for Ghana to secure the $3bn bailout from the IMF.A press statement issued by the Paris Club on Friday, May 12 said “The creditor committee stresses that the Ghanaian authorities are expected to seek from all private creditors and other official bilateral creditors debt treatments on terms at least as favorable as those being considered by the creditor committee, in line with the comparability of treatment principle.Consequently, it added “the creditor committee urges private creditors and other official bilateral creditors to commit without delay to negotiate with Ghana such debt treatments that are crucial to ensure the full effectiveness of the debt treatment for Ghana under the Common Framework.”
Also, a creditor committee for Ghana has been formed by countries with eligible claims to see to the quick implementation of the resolution. The creditor committee is expected to be co-chaired by China and France.
“The creditor committee examined the macroeconomic and financial situation of Ghana, including its long-term debt sustainability, and its formal request for a debt treatment under the “Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI” endorsed under the Saudi G20 Presidency in November 2020, which was also endorsed by the Paris Club.”
“The creditor committee supports Ghana’s envisaged IMF upper credit tranche (UCT) program and its swift adoption by the IMF Executive Board to address Ghana’s urgent financing needs. The creditor committee encourages Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to maximize their support for Ghana to meet its long-term financial needs,” the statement added.
Some significant actors in Ghana’s film industry have met with personnel from theUS Embassy‘s cultural department.
The aim of the meeting which took place on May 10, 2023, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration was to among other things address issues that emanated during the recent visit by the US Vice President HE Kamala Harris to Ghana where African American Filmmaker Mr Spike Lee who accompanied the Vice President made a blaring comment about the Ghana Film industry.
The stakeholders’ meeting also took a critical look at the potential areas of collaboration between the film industry and the cultural department of the US Embassy in Ghana.
It was convened by Mr. William Manful, the Director of the Americas Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
President Akufo-Addo has praised nurses for their dedication and sacrifices in improving healthcare in Ghana.
He said nurses were critical for the building of a robust healthcare system and national development, and as such they needed to be commended.
Launching this year’s International Nurses Day in Accra Friday, May 12, the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, said the President was particularly impressed by the sacrificial spirit they displayed nationwide, putting themselves up as frontline workers in the fight against the deadlyCOVID-19pandemic.
“Indeed, you deserve the presidential honour for distinguished service given to all health workers nationwide as part of the country’s 66th Independence Day celebration,” she said.
Day
The global theme for the commemoration is “Our nurses, our future” while the local commemoration was held on the theme “our nurses and midwives our future.”
Marked around the world every May 12, the day is to celebrate and honour nurses for their immense service to humanity while reflecting on their challenges for redress.
It is also to celebrate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Mrs Osei-Opare said indeed a healthy population drove productivity, and that commemoration was an opportunity to reflect on the roles and needs of nurses and midwives.
She said research showed that the global nursing shortage was declining, however, WHO data showed that in the case of Ghana, more nurses and midwives were needed due to the high attrition rate, mostly caused by the search for greener pastures, among others.
“In line with this worrying trend, a more strategic approach towards training and maintaining nurses would help to prepare adequately for any potential pandemic.
“I therefore task the association to urgently sensitise and re-orient it members to the need to remain committed to serving Ghanaians.
“It is an established fact that the wealth of a nation is dependent on the health of its citizens, government is therefore, committed to expanding healthcare infrastructure locally and also to providing the needed resources for the needed output,” she said.
Challenges
The President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, said in celebrating nurses and midwives, their challenges should also be looked at urgently.
She said logistical challenge was a major challenge to delivering quality healthcare services.
She said, locally, nurses lacked modern equipment to care for patients adequately, adding that the continuous use of obsolete equipment and limited supply of medicines and other consumables put the lives of patients at risk.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo mentioned other challenges to include poor working conditions for nurses, low salaries, allowances in arrears and unemployed newly qualified nurses as the other challenges.
She said two and half years on, the book and research allowances of nurse educators had not been implemented.
She appealed to the ministry to fastrack the implementation because the association had presented a detailed data on nurse educators who qualified for that allowance.
She also mentioned that nurses had challenges with study leave and promotion.
Nurses
“For example, the post-basic nurses who have specialised in ophthalmic nursing; ear, nose and throat (ENT) and others have complained over the period about their inability to progress because of the excuse that there needed to be vacancies before they could be promoted and so on.
“I think that at any point in time, there can be only one head of nursing services but they can still receive that promotion to facilitate an improvement in their conditions of service to make life easier for professionals.
The Chairperson for the occasion, the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia, said nurses played a tremendous role in the lives of humans, and that every true nurse was not daunted by challenges.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, applauded nurses and midwives for their role in helping to abate COVID-19 locally and globally.
That is an indication that their challenges need to be looked at critically.
There is heightened security presence in theAsawase constituency as a result of misunderstandings between some delegates, party executives, and security authorities at the center.
According to reports, some delegates present at the voting centre were prevented from sitting on the chairs at the centre.
The massing of some delegates at the centre which has resulted in a charged atmosphere, is due to the alleged camping of most of the delegates by the incumbent Muntaka Mubarak.
The Director of Research of the party in the constituency added that some unknown men have invaded the voting centre.
These and other factors are the reason for the beefed-up security in the area.
TV3 reports that there are over 100 police and security officials at the centre to ensure that the situation does not escalate.
Asawase race
One of Ghana’s longest-serving members of parliament, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka is seeking to serve the members of his constituency for the sixth time.
Masawudu Mubarak, a businessman, is hoping to unseat the five-time MP.
Ghanaian singer,Francine Koffie, better known as Fantana, has said that she became interested in reality programs and movies after appearing on the popular reality show Young, Famous, and African for the first time.
Speaking to the media, Fantana shared her experience filming for the show and her future aspirations.
“I was in South Africa for four months filming for the show. They just really loved me,” she said. “After doing that and being on cameras and TV a lot, I feel comfortable and kind of considering doing more movies or probably TV shows as well.”
Fantana also shared how she landed a role on the show. “I developed interest after I watched the first season myself and later sent a casting tape of myself to Peace Hyde, one of the producers on the show. They liked it and I ended up doing a serious one and then I ended up on the show,” she said.
The young Ghanaian musician believes the experience on Young, Famous and Africanhas opened up new possibilities for her in the entertainment industry as she is eager to explore them further.Fantana is however set to release her debut project dubbed, “Pills and Concoctions” in July.
A sex coach,Dzifa Sweetness, revealed that beautiful music is one of the finest ways for individuals to have sex and achieve orgasm.
According to her a lot of ladies including herself, lost their virginity while having sex with music.
She added that “music calms the nerves and it makes you feel relaxed. it also works on the brain and women are mostly moved by what they hear. so, music being a form of communication is a great way to make sex more enjoyable.”
According to her, most men are bad with communication duringsexso sometimes what helps them communicate with women is music.
“the words in some of the songs is what plays a trick on us, and helps us reach orgasm. so, you can’t just play any song and expect good results,” she said.
She emphasized that the music being played should not be loud but should be on a low tune.
“finally, the kind of music that will be used matters because some of songs will never make you reach orgasm when you listen to them whiles making love. so, it is very important to select very good music for love making,” she stated.
A total of 1,235 delegates are scheduled to vote in the Volta region’s legislative and presidential primaries in the Ketu North constituency.
It includes 1,200 delegates from 138 branches in the constituency, 28 constituency executives and 7 former appointees.
The Electoral Commission as at 8am arranged venue for the exercise. The election is taking place at Penyi D/A basic school.
Speaking to the media, Volta Regional chairman of the party Mawutor Agbavitor said voting materials have been dispatched to the various 18 constituencies on Friday, 12 May and election is to start at 9am.
He said, the various election centres will be man by personnel from the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and no private security is allowed.
Agents of the various aspirants have arrived at the venue before 7 in the morning.
A total of 20,721 delegates are expected to participate in the presidential election and 18,695 to vote in the parliamentary race throughout the Volta region.
Cosmetologist and hairstylist, Josephine Jacksonhas explained why it is important to constantly wash your hair with warm water.
According to her, hair care is dependent on the type of hair. She asserts the different types of hair have different products on the market for them.
Speaking with the media, she said, “Each strand of hair under the microscopic view appears the way a roofing sheet is lined up so, when washing your hair, you need warm water to open up that roof ( pores) so all the impurities can come out.”
She revealed that the mistake most hairdressers make is to always use normal or cold water to shampoo which is the wrong way of washing hair.
“The pores need to open to rid the hair of dirt and after the dirt is out, and it is still opened, then the conditioner is used to give the hair all the nutrients it lost while the hair was being washed with the shampoo,” she explained.
She added that it is after all these that cold water is used to lock all the nutrients in the hair, hence cold water should only be used after using the conditioner.
Per her observation, Ghanaians have little regard for hair dressingprofessionalswhich shouldn’t be.
“Due to this, we don’t learn the ethics of the work well. These things are basic things that should be taught in various salons. We shouldn’t wait for it to be taught in beauty school because hairdressing goes beyond just knowing how to shampoo and style the hair,” she emphasized.
Josephine believes that a lot more goes into hairdressing “and it is high time Ghanaians embraced cosmetology so we can understand what it entails that way, it becomes easier to know the products, hair and treatment needed for each type of hair.”
A meeting that was scheduled between the Finance Ministry and the leadership of the group on Thursday, May 11, did not happen after several hours of waiting.
The pensioners have once again gathered at the Finance Ministry on day five of their protest demanding payment of outstanding bonds.
Speaking to the media, Dr Adu Anane Antwi, Convener for the Pensioner Bondholders Forum lamented that they feel disrespected by the attitude of the government.
“After we dispersed from the Ministry of Finance, we were scheduled for a meeting on May 11, for 4 pm, but later it was called for 4:30 pm. It was called upon by the Minister of State at the Ministry, Dr. Amin Adam. We were here, we waited for him to finish his meeting, and we exchanged greetings”.
“We waited till 5:45 pm, the officials we were supposed to meet didn’t show up, so we left. We had to leave for our various houses to eat and take our medications and rest. We are waiting to get a call from them. We are hoping to get a call and have a discussion.
“We are also hopeful that government will borrow the excesses from theTreasury billsto pay us all our outstanding matured coupons”.
A fashion designer and actor,Amma Serwaa, has criticized Ghanaians particularly celebrities for failing to know more about the phrase ‘red carpet’ and what it requiries.
Per her observation at the just-ended VGMA, Ghanaians especially do not understand what it means to be on the red carpet, hence their choice of clothes are always wrong.
She explained the term red carpet as a welcoming color for the ancient Greek gods.
In an interview with Mercy Bee the Ekumfi Princess, Ghana’s ‘Girl Vibes’ show, she said: “As time went by, painters started using red carpet in their paintings because they felt it signified royalty. So, the term red carpet is used to explain elegance and royalty hence, anyone who walks on any red carpet needs to look elegant and like royalty”.
She believes that anyone on any red carpetshould look his or her best, and it should be evident from their head to their feet.
“You need to understand the red carpet when dressing, and also have to take into consideration the details of the dress you’re wearing because it is also very important,” she said.
A Ghanaian singer, DJ Azonto, has revealed that he spent GH20,000 voting in the hopes of emerging winner in the New Artiste category at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2023.
He stated that he expected to win that category.
He informed Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Sokoohemaa Kukua that he expected to be nominated for Artiste of the Year, Gospel Song, and Songwriter of the Year.
“I was expecting to be nominated in ten categories,” DJ Azonto informed the host. My song Fano Fom was a big hit, and I would have gotten an award for it. I recorded the song on my own and would have gotten rewarded for it.”
“I created my own hit. I didn’t need Burna to strike. I personally spent GH¢20,000 to vote for the new artist. I’m not making this up. The song should have been nominated in almost every category,” he continued.
Lasmid won the 2023 VGMA New Artiste award.
Meanwhile, DJ Azonto has claimed that his outfit for the VGMAs employed more than 200 employees.
He stated that the fashion designer who dressed him had gotten other requests to produce gowns for them.
The nine pupils who drowned at Weija-Gbawe will be buried on Monday, May 15, according toGreater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey.
He explained that the burial is coming in early due to the commencement of the ban on drumming and dancing on Monday 15.
He again urged parents in these two communities to ensure that their children are protected before using the estuary or in the interim accompany their children to and from school.
Henry Quartey, Regional Minister
The Regional Minister made this know after he led a team to the area.
“All the deceased parents have agreed that the bodies should be buried on Sunday since the ban on drumming and dancing commences on Monday 15. None of them is doing this under duress. Government will ensure that their children are given a befitting burial. One of the three survivors is very traumatised so I have asked the police to get him a psychologist,” he said.
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council also formed a committee to determine the suitability of habitation atFaana or otherwise.
The council has also pledged the provision of a canoe with an outboard motor to facilitate the transport of school children as it prohibits the operation of canoes by underaged persons.
“We have assured to come back and donate a canoe to ferry the children to school which will be managed by the assemblies. We will deliver life jackets as well. The security agencies has been tasked to come out with a report on the suitability of the area for habitation, the amenities they need here. we are all Ghanaians and everybody needs good amenities to live.
“We want to have data about the people who live here to help us map out a long term strategy. Going forward all operators of canoes shall be registered by the assemblies and should be known. Nobody will be allowed to go to the canoe without life jackets,” Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey stated.
He also urged the two Municipal Assemblies the Weija -Gbawe and the Ga South Municipalities to collaborate and put the interest of the people within Wiaboman and Faana into consideration before the estuary is opened.
This he believes is one of the ways of preventing another calamity.
The nine children drowned on Wednesday, May 10, after a boat they were in capsized.
8 of the bodies were retrieved on Wednesday while the body of the 9th child was retrieved on Thursday, May 11, after a thorough search.
