Vice President,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged African leaders not to give up focus of the fourth industrial revolution.
He believes that modern technology and artificial intelligence have the potential to change African economies.
In an interview with the Africa Policy Journal, Dr. Bawumia stated that Africa cannot continue to fall behind and that the continent must actively engage in the fourth industrial revolution by leveraging technology advancements to accelerate socioeconomic growth.
“We were left behind in the first, second and third industrial revolutions, but we should not be left out in the fourth industrial revolution. I think that artificial intelligence applied properly will be a big boost to Africa to help us leapfrog and help us catch up in many areas. I think that AI should be seen as a tool to assist us”, he said.
Touching on key areas of transformation, Dr. Bawumia noted that health, education and agriculture should be critical areas for the digitization revolution on the continent.
“I see three main areas that we in Africa can use AI; health. If we have many doctors and nurses using ChatGPT 4 to ask questions, they can get very accurate answers in providing healthcare. We already have drones supplying essential medicines, vaccines blood supplies to remote areas in saving lives.”
“These are practical benefits of AI, and we need to embrace it. Also in education, it is not everywhere we have teachers but with these tools, we can get teachers. The same can be said with agriculture. So, I think that if we focus on some of these areas, Africa can always benefit.”
With the introduction of sophisticated technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and advanced automation, the fourth industrial revolution has the potential to increase productivity and efficiencies.
“In terms of these technologies, Africa comes to the table with no legacy systems. We can find many areas to leapfrog that the developed countries will find difficult to follow. So, we should not use the developed countries as a measure. We have to chart our own course because they have a different set of facts on the grounds from us. So, we shouldn’t be intimidated.”
Organised Labour has urged the government to consider giving theSaglemi housing project to employees in order to meet their housing needs.
The government in November 2022 announced plans to wash its hands off the Saglemi housing project to allow a private developer to refurbish the housing units and sell them to potential owners.
Sector Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye said the decision was taken because it was exhausted and handicapped and cannot make further commitments to the Saglemi project.
Speaking on behalf of Organised Labour at the 2023 May Day Parade at the Independence Square in Accra, the Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the Council of Labour, Freda Frimpong said the government must make meaningful use of the project.
“Hon. Minister, please do whatever you can to make the Saglemi Housing project useful for Ghanaians, we cannot allow that project to go to waste when so many workers who have contributed to Ghana’s development cannot have places to lay their heads.”
The Saglemi housing project was started in 2012 under the NDC government where 5000 housing units were targetted.
This did not materialize due to the alleged misappropriation of funds.
Currently, a former Works and Housing Minister under the Mahama administration, Collins Dauda, is standing trial together with four others for allegedly causing financial loss to the State in the controversial housing project.
Mr. Dauda and the four others are facing 52 counts of criminal charges for intentionally misapplying public property, wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic, and dishonestly causing loss to public property.
Alhaji Collins Dauda and his successor Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, have been accused of spending over $196 million on the Saglemi housing project when investigations revealed that the cost of works executed on the site, including consultancy services, was about $64,982,900.77.
The Police have arrested the supervisor of the three-story building that collapsed at Adentan in Accra on Monday.
The structure, which was under construction, led to the death of one person and also left three other persons with injuries.
Two of the injured persons have, however, been treated and discharged.
The Municipal Chief Executive for La-Nkwantanang Madina, Jennifer Agyabeng has subsequently directed the confiscation of the equipment of the contractors after it emerged that the project had no permit.
The NADMO director for the Assembly, Foster Arthur, in an interview with Citi News, said the police have commenced investigations into the matter.
“It was revealed that they didn’t have a permit, so I invited the police to arrest the supervisor or the site foreman, Ganiyu Abdul, and he has been sent to the Adentan Police station.”
The collapsed building was a three-storey building close to the Kpogas furniture and the Adentan footbridge around the SDA church junction and the West African Hardware Company.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that the three-storey building collapsed due to a crush of one of the pillars of the building by a concrete mixer resulting in a loss of balance in the building.
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwahas insisted that his campaign against the contentious National Cathedral project is not motivated by personal gain.
He said his quest is to protect the State’s scarce resources and not allow a few people to misuse same.
According to him, over $58 million has been taken from state coffers and invested into the project.
The former Deputy Education Ministersays his focus is to ensure state funds are used with appropriate approvals for the right projects for the Ghanaian people.
“Let me be clear that the emphasis will not be on cost or monetary gain. This has never been about the monetary gain and that is not money that is going to come to me.
“It is about justice. It is about accountability. Public funds are being expended without accounting to the people. Over $58 million has been taken out of our coffers without parliamentary approval. That is my concern,” he said in a JoyNews interview on Tuesday, May 2.
Early on in the day, the High Court dismissed a contempt case against Mr Ablakwa for refusing service of court processes because according to him, it was not a proper service.
According to the court, the evidence presented by the plaintiff, Victor Kusi Boateng is fraught with inconsistencies and doubt.
It added that the contempt application, therefore failed to meet the legal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey speaking shortly after the ruling said the case was an exercise in futility.
The Forestry Commission has disclosed that illegal mining activities known as ‘galamsey‘ are threatening 34 of the country’s 288 forest reserves.
This comes at a time government’s fight against the menace has been questioned following a report put together by the former chairman of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal mining, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, accusing government officials of engaging in the menace.
The report by Prof. Frimpong-Baoteng raised concerns over permits given to mine in some forest reserves and buffers.
Speaking at a press conference on the state of Ghana’s Forest Reserves, the CEO of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey said the level of devastation in the affected reserves is dire.
“34 out of 288 reserves have been affected. These are areas we have significant illegal mining. The total area mapped is about 4,726.2 hectares. This is only the size of the surface, some of these impact is fully in whole. And they excavate lots of materials that will impact the forest. It’s not only the size but the impact on our water bodies and the depth of the holes created. A lot more would have to be done to be able to reclaim the land,” he stated.
Reacting to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report, Minister in Charge of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor says the government’s fight to clamp down on illegal mining activities should not be judged based on portions of the report.
“I found the work of the IMICM valuable, and I am working with my team to factor into the things we are doing today. There are things about the work I may not adopt today for many reasons because the terrain may have changed and so on and so forth. The report doesn’t capture my stewardship till today. I have heard people say that the report shows that government has failed, that I have failed, the report didn’t capture my tenure. The report cannot be sacrosanct, what is important is that we remain focused,” he said.
Social media is buzzing with comments after nollywood actress, Tonto Dikehrevealed that she has undergone another liposuction treatment.
The outspoken actress was captured in a viral video entering the operating room amidst reactions from fans on social media.
Tonto outlined her efforts to lose her “stubborn” tummy fat, saying that it had not been simple.
The mother of one claimed that she was negligent with the healing procedure following the initial surgery.
She wrote, “Finally sharing this exciting news I have aggressively tried to burn my stubborn tummy fat, but it has not been easy. After my first Lipo, I was so careless with my healing process and I lost guard on my stomach. So it grew back.”
While some praised her for making such a courageous decision and wished her luck in the process, others criticized her for undertaking such a life threatening decision again.
Tonto Dikeh has already undergone two plastic surgeries and this will be the third one.
Read the comments below:
tracyforbi: “One of the reasons I like her. Others will do it and tell u they drink 46 gallons of water a day. U will drink yours and end up with edema why they stay snatched 247”
sexy_amanda22: “D best aesthetics clinic in the southeast their warnreception and professionalism is top notch”
sparklifeafrica: “Why do you want to destroy your beautiful body? hmmm, they won’t tell you the after dangerous effects, in the near future you will be running here and there.There are laser machines , you could have bought one and use at home, they are just using you for advert amidst the impending future danger.”
beautiful_berrygold: “We are waiting for you… get someone like that lady in your life,,,,we are waiting for you,her voice speaks are intentions in a sharing and loving way (We )but in real sense we know they are no We is I will be awaiting for you…get well soon my”
joynkechi51: “Please you guys should be calming down o people are dieing everyday cos of this process, hmmm the fear of death is the beginning of wisdom”
pauliina_adewale: “Another Liposuction Again???? Hey Gawd oooo. Please my love Tonto, you are already too beautiful, biko stop already o, let’s not talk sad stories about you. These repeated surgeries are so scaring”.
King Charles III and his ‘mixed’ family to be on display at coronation on May 6.
Also undoubtedly in the spotlight at Westminster Abbeywill be members of Charles and Camilla’s blended family, a first in British history.
“This is the first time that a divorced man and divorced woman have been crowned alongside each other in Britain,” said ABC News royal contributor Victoria Murphy. “So this is a first for two families coming together in this way for this ceremony.”
Charles and Camilla had two children each when they entered their marriage in 2005.
Charles is the father of Princes William and Harry, his children with the late Princess Diana.
Camilla is the mother of Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, her children with ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles.
PHOTO: The Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their children (L-R) Prince Harry, Prince William, Laura Parker Bowles and Tom Parker Bowles at Windsor Castle, April 9, 2005, after their wedding ceremony.
Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage via Getty Images
All four of their children will attend the coronation, along with many of their combined 10 grandchildren, some of whom will take part in the service.
William’s eldest son Prince George will serve as a Page of Honor for Charles at the coronation.
Tom Parker Bowles’ son, Master Freddy Parker Bowles will join his cousins, Master Gus Lopes and Master Louis Lopes, the twin sons of Lopes, as Pages of Honor for Camilla.
“Camilla’s family are very much front and center at this event, and that is interesting as this is a state occasion and they are usually totally private,” said Murphy. “Camilla’s family being so involved and visible does send, I think, a message about just how important she is to Charles’ reign and very much reminds us that this is their coronation, not just his.”
PHOTO: Tom Parker-Bowles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watch The Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard at the Royal Albert Hall on April 7, 2019 in London.
Tom Parker-Bowles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watch The Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard at the Royal Albert Hall on April 7, 2019 in London.
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images, FILE
Though the families of Charles and Camilla will be a united front on coronation day, they are not “especially close,” according to Murphy.
“Apart from at each other’s weddings, we have pretty much never seen them together in public and we are not aware, for example, that Camilla’s children have ever socialized with William and Harry,” she said. “However, Camilla’s granddaughter Eliza Lopes was a bridesmaid at William and Kate’s wedding, so that does signify an understanding of the significance of each other’s families, if not a specific closeness.” PHOTO: (L-R) Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, Eliza Lopes, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace after the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, April 29, 2011, in London.
(L-R) Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, Eliza Lopes, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace after the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, April 29, 2011, in London.
John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images
Murphy noted that Camilla kept her own property after marrying Charles, and it is there that she often spends time alone with her children and grandchildren.
“I do think in some ways they keep things quite separate,” Murphy said. “As a couple, Charles and Camilla actually do enjoy time apart as well as together, and that’s one of the things that people have often cited as being what makes their relationship work.”
In recent years, Charles has faced a divide within his own family, one that spilled into public view in 2020 when Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped down from their senior working royal roles.
The coronation will be Harry’s first public interaction with William and Charles since the January release of his bombshell memoir “Spare,” in which he shared details of his ongoing tensions with his brother and father.
PHOTO: The British royal family stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour, June 08, 2019 in London.
The British royal family stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour, June 08, 2019 in London.
Anwar Hussein/WireImage
Murphy said the coronation will be an unlikely place for “meaningful family discussions,” even behind the scenes.
“I think that Charles will be very focused on the public-facing aspects of the role,” Murphy said. “However, I think it will mean a lot to him that both his sons are there and I’m sure there will be exchanges if not long conversations.”
Noting how far apart Harry and William appear to still be, Murphy added, “This will be a public show of unity between Harry and the family, but I think it’s clear that the brothers remain deeply divided.”
Neither Buckingham Palace nor Kensington Palace have commented on the claims made in “Spare.”
Artiste manager and CEO of Media Excel Productions, Kwesi Ernest, has counseled gospel performers on how to best present a comprehensive picture of themselves on stage in order to secure corporate sponsorship.
According to him, only a handful of gospel artistes are able to garner sponsorship as a result of their large fan base and showmanship when they hit the stage.
“Now that it is not very easy to get corporate bodies to support gospel shows, the onus lies on gospel musicians to do the needful by putting their acts together and making sure that they are attractive enough to catch the eye of sponsors.
“Artistes such as MOGmusic, Diana Hamilton, Ohemaa Mercy, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and a few others are doing great out there. However, more needs to be done if we want good sponsorship for gospel events” he told Graphic Showbiz.
Kwesi Ernest also appealed to corporate bodies to be welcoming when gospel musicians seek support from them for their events.
“I don’t want to mention names but I have been to some of these companies and it is boldly written at their front desk that they don’t sponsor gospel events. I would want to use this opportunity to encourage them to be welcoming. Sponsorship helps a lot, especially in these hard times,” he added.
Asked about his view on the current gospel scene, Kwesi Ernest said the sector is doing great. “I say this because it didn’t use to happen. To have three Gospel artistes in the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Artiste of the Year category is a huge deal. Now, most of the categories have a gospel artiste in there—Best Collaboration, Best Female Vocalist, Best Video, Most Popular Song, among others,” he stated.
Kwesi Ernest, who has managed a lot of artistes including Becca, Praye, Stella Seal, Francis Adjei and currently manages ACP Kofi Sarpong and Abena Ruthy, said he is confident Piesie Esther will win the Artiste of the Year at this year’s VGMA because she worked harder than all the other artistes competing for the ultimate prize.
“Some Ghanaians will not agree with me but the truth is that she deserves it.
Her works in the year under review are unmatched and she deserves it one time,” he added.
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital‘s surgical block needs urgent attention due to the building’s unappealing state.
Pictures circulating on social media revealed the facility is deterioating due to failure by management and the Government to pay attention to it.
The facility seems to have not seen any major renovation works for a long time, making it dirty.
Meanwhile, social mediahas chided the ministry of healt and management failure to find ways of bringing back the faciity to suit its current purpose.
In 2021, management handed the block to Katalon Ghana Limited for extensive renovations.
The renovations included restoration of all cracks, removal of deteriorated metals, external painting, replacement of mosquito nets and casting of concrete to shield the first floor from rain.
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, was founded on October 9, 1923, has 2,000 beds instead of its original 200.
Currently ranked as Ghana’s top national referral center, it is the third-largest hospital in Africa.
Under the leadership of Sir Gordon Guggisberg, the then-Gov. of the Gold Coast, Korle Bu, which translates to “the valley of the Korle lagoon,” was established as a general hospital to serve the needs of the indigenous population.
There has been an increase in hospital visits in Korle Bu as a result of population expansion and the effectiveness of hospital-based care.
The government was obligated to establish a task committee in 1953 to investigate the issue and offer recommendations for the hospital’s development because the demand for its services had reached such an all-time high.
The UGMS and five other constituent schools are now subsumed under the College of Health Sciences to train an array of health professionals. All the institutions of the College however, undertake their clinical training and research in the Hospital.
At the moment, the Hospital has 2,000 beds and 17 clinical and diagnostic Departments/Units. It has an average daily attendance of 1,500 patients and about 250 patient admissions.
Clinical and diagnostic departments of the hospital include Medicine, Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Laboratories, Radiology, Anaesthesia, Surgery, Polyclinic, Accident Centre and the Surgical/Medical Emergency as well as Pharmacy. Other Departments includes, Pharmacy, Finance, Engineering, General Administration.
The Hospital also provides sophisticated and scientific investigative procedures and specialisation in various fields such as Neuro-surgery, Dentistry, Eye, ENT, Renal, Orthopaedics, Oncology, Dermatology, Cardiothoracic, Radiotherapy, Radio diagnosis, Paediatric Surgery and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns.
The Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burn Centre, the National Cardiothoracic Centre and the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine in particular also draw a sizeable number of their clientele from neighbouring countries such as Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo.
The BBC News Arabic World program will launch an emergency radio program for Sudan on Tuesday.
The pop-up radio service will be broadcast twice daily for three months, providing news and information for people in the war-tornAfrican nation.
It will include eyewitness accounts and news on diplomatic efforts, the BBC said, and help counter disinformation.
BBC director general Tim Davie said the move was “crucial at a time of great uncertainty”.
The programme will be broadcast live from London, with input and analysis from teams in Amman in Jordan and the Egyptian capital Cairo.
Black smoke seen over the city of Khartoum after recent explosions
It will be available on shortwave radio in Sudan, as well as online, where listeners will be able to hear information on how to access essential supplies and services, the BBC said.
“The World Service provides an essential lifeline to many around the world where access to accurate news and information is scarce,” Mr Davie said in a statement.
“The enhanced emergency service for Sudan will be crucial at a time of great uncertainty in the country.”
Fighting that has erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country’s military leadership.
The clashes are between the regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Liliane Landor, director of the World Service, said: “The situation in Sudan has escalated quickly with its citizens seeking clear, independent information and advice at a time of critical need.
“BBC Arabic’s Emergency Radio Service for Sudan will bring vital live updates of the situation on the ground and inform listeners of life-saving resources.”
The programme will broadcast at 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on 21,510 kHz and 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on 15,310kHz. The first programme will be available on Tuesday afternoon.
Following the failure of last-minute wage negotiations with major studios, thousands of Hollywood screenwriters for television and movie will strike on Tuesday.
A Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, the first in 15 years, will see more than 9,000 writers – 98% of voting members – walk out from midnight.
It is expected to affect Tuesday’s late-night shows, while forthcoming shows and films could face delays.
Picketing will begin on Tuesday afternoon, the Guild also said.
In 2007, writers went on strike for 100 days, at a cost of around $2bn to the industry.
This time around, writers are clashing with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – which represents the major studios, including Disney and Netflix – in demand of higher pay and a greater share of the profits from the modern streaming boom.
On Monday evening, the WGA said the decision was made after six weeks of negotiations produced a “wholly insufficient” response to “the existential crisis writers are facing”.
Key issues in the talks have been how writers get paid for shows which often remain on streaming platforms for years, as well as the future impact of artificial intelligence on writing.
‘Sticking points’
The WGA criticised studios for creating a “gig economy” that aims to turn writing into an “entirely freelance” profession. “For the sake of our present and our future, we have been given no other choice,’ the guild stated in a lengthy document.
It called for a TV staffing minimum, ranging from six to 12 writers per show, as well as a guaranteed minimum number of weeks of employment per season.
In their own statement on Tuesday, the AMPTP called those the two “primary sticking points”.
For their part, the collective studios previously said they must cut costs due to financial pressures, while noting how the overall “residuals” payments to writers hit an all-time high of $494m (£395m) in 2021.
They noted on Monday they had been been willing to increase compensation and streaming residuals but for “the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the Guild continues to insist upon.”
The AMPTP also rejected a guild demand that the use of AI bots be banned from writing or rewriting material, instead offering to hold “annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology”.
Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight ShowImage source, Getty Images Image caption
Late night TV might be the first to go
On Sunday evening, the Deadline Hollywood outlet reported that production on late-night shows including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (pictured above) will all come to a halt.
Arriving at Monday night’s Met Gala, Fallon said he hoped the strike would not go ahead, but at the same time wanted to see “a fair deal” agreed for writers. “I need my writers real bad, I got no show without my writers”.
Late Night host Seth Meyers expressed his support for the strike on the corrections segment of his show on Friday.
“I also feel very strongly that what the writers are asking for is not unreasonable,” Meyers said. “As a proud member of the Guild, I’m very grateful that there is an organisation that looks out for the best interests of writers.”
Alex O’Keefe, writer on the comedy-drama series The Bear and a member of that union, told the BBC on Monday that half of all writers were paid the minimum by studios.
He said the creative output of his writing colleagues was better than ever, matching the demands of the streaming age, but writers are paid less than ever.
“And writers like me, especially young, black writers, indigenous writers, writers of colour have brought a whole new wave of creativity to the process.
“But we are finding ourselves unable to survive in places like New York City and Los Angeles, where we need to be to be in writers’ rooms.”
‘Underclass in Hollywood’
O’Keefe went on to stress that while there are some writers who are “doing very well”, many writers, including some showrunners on big shows, were not.
“I wouldn’t classify all writers as being poor or broke, but I can say myself I have $6 in my bank account,” he said.
He said that when he and his colleagues won best comedy series at the Writers Guild of America Awards, he went to the ceremony in a suit bought for him by his friends and family.
“The bowtie was bought on credit, I didn’t have any money, I had a negative bank account,” he explained.
Stars of the TV series The Bear, including Jeremy Allen White (front row, second left)Image source, Getty Images Image caption
Stars of the TV series The Bear, including Jeremy Allen White (front row, second left)
When he worked on The Bear, he did so from his “tiny” Brooklyn apartment.
“My heat was out, I had a space heater, I plugged in the space heater, [and] sometimes all the lights would go out. I’d end up in the public library, writing this show that has now become a huge hit and made lots of money for some people… a couple of people.
“But not for the people who were the creators, who really poured their hearts and their souls into the characters and into the stories and the moments that you remember.
“So there is a huge underclass right now in Hollywood.”
The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and the directors’ union DGA have voiced solidarity with striking writers.
An entertainment analyst, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, as well as other professionals in the field have criticized the Ghanaian gospel musician, Broda Sammy for a recent promotional video he released ahead of his album.
The musician implored heavily endowed women to twerk in a video aimed at inviting people to his upcoming gospel event, which has led to widespread condemnation.
In response to the backlash,Broda Sammy defended his actions, stating that it was a way of winning souls to Christ rather than leading them to temptation.
However, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo has criticized the stunt, stating that it is not in line with the teachings of Christ and should not be entertained.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before in all my years growing up in the church. This is a gentleman inviting multitudes to the church through evangelism and this is how he goes about it??,” he quizzed
Asamaoh-Baidoo during a discussion on UTV’s showbiz night held no prisoners as he descended on the Gospel singer for his debased actions.
“This is madness, this is silly and he has the effrontery to defend this. If we were in the old days when God wasn’t so forgiven, he’d be cleared off easily because you cannot do this in the house of the Lord. It is abominable,” said Baidoo
Arnold was of the view that Broda Sammy’s notoriety over the years has been allowed to continue because he’s not faced any consequences for his actions by religious leaders and musical bodies.
“I’ve been waiting for people in the Lord to condemn his actions after seeing the video because we’ve remained quiet and he thinks it’s okay to misbehave,” he pointed out
He was also full of praise for industry colleagues, Piesie Esther and Tagoes sisters who also expressed their disappointment with Broda Sammy’s actions, and described it as a blight to the body of Christ.
The incident has sparked a conversation around appropriate promotional tactics for gospel events and the need for musicians to stay true to their message, with many critics calling for greater responsibility and accountability from artists.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Golden Movie Awardshas announced that the programme may be scrapped due to lack of support from big sponsors.
In a statement on social media, the CEO of Golden Movie Awards, Mimi Andani Micheals revealed that their biggest support has come from industry players, jury members, and individual donors, with few companies stepping in to sponsor once or twice.
“We invested in the industry for 7yrs and there has been close to zero support with ‘SPONSORSHIP’,” she lamented
Despite their efforts, there has been no major support to take even half of the cost for the past seven years.
The lack of support has caused investors to withdraw their funding, and the event will no longer be organized.
“Apart from few companies who sponsored once or twice with their products @starbeer_gh (Not Cash) and @maltaguinnessgh Guiness with a small amount (we appreciate), there has not been any major support to at least take half our cost for 7yrs,” she disclosed
The organizers expressed their appreciation to the actors, directors, producers, and film lovers who have been their biggest support and motivation over the years.
She also thanked those who made individual donations, such as HRH Oscar Yao Doe and Faddick, for their efforts in supporting the industry.
“We appreciate individuals like @hrhoscaryaodoe who donated and supported our nominee announcement in Ivory Coast and @faddick who donated to the scheme once, but how long could we go asking for donations from individuals who just did their best to support but have other responsibilities too?” she quizzed
The announcement has come as a disappointment to many who believed in the Ghana Movie Awards and saw it as an opportunity to put thecountry on the map through the film awards.
However, the organizers emphasized the need to re-strategize and focus on other events that will be more sustainable in the long run.
The Golden Movie Awards attracted participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Morocco, but the absence of financial support from companies has led to its demise.
In order to assist Ghana in reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board for the 3 billion dollar balance of payment support, President Akufo-Addo has solicited the backing of Japan.
According to Akufo-Addo, Japan which is a member of the Paris Club has a major role to play in Ghana securing the IMF deal.
Speaking at a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida who made a stopover at the Jubilee House Tuesday evening, Mr Akufo-Addo said Ghana will repay Japan’s support.
“Ghana is also counting on the support of Japan in reaching a favourable agreement with the International Monetary Fund which will pave the way for the robust recovery of Ghana’s economy,” President Akufo-Addo said.
In July 2022, Ghana requested for a three-year, US$3bn extended credit facility (ECF) from the IMF. An arrangement was agreed with the IMF in December 2022, with the aim of restoring credibility among investors, building reserve buffers and improving fiscal and debt sustainability.
However, debt restructuring needs to be agreed upon with Ghana’s external creditors before the IMF’s Executive Board can sign off on the ECF.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s hope of securing an IMF board approval is expected to delay owing to prolonged external debt-restructuring negotiations, and the involvement of numerous stakeholders in the process, according to theEconomic Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The EIU in its 2023 Country Report on Ghana, stated that it anticipates Ghana to secure restructuring agreements on its public external debt during 2023-24, involving official and private creditors alike.
It however, notes that, given the country’s pressing macroeconomic crisis, “the conclusion of a domestic debt-swap operation in February and increasing international attention on speeding up external debt restructurings, our core forecast remains that the IMF programme will be approved by mid-2023.”
“We expect Ghana to secure restructuring agreements on its public external debt during 2023-24, involving official and private creditors alike. This will include a combination of write-offs, maturity extensions and reductions in interest rates. We expect official creditors to agree to a deal in 2023, and this, combined with the domestic debt restructuring that has already been secured, should provide enough reassurance to reduce Ghana’s risk of debt distress and allow the IMF to approve the agreed programme”.
“However, there is a material risk that IMF board approval will be delayed owing to prolonged external debt-restructuring negotiations, given the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the process,” it noted.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with some allegedly stolen steel sleepers and train tracks belonging to the Ghana RailwayDevelopment Authority in a viral video.
The suspects Ibrahim John and Bashiru Ibrahim were arrested while transporting the said items to Ferro Frabrik Ltd. yard in Tema.
According to the suspects, their company has been contracted by the Ministry of Railway Development to cart the items to Tema.
Officials of the company who were not met at the premises of the company have been asked to report to the Police Tuesday morning to assist in the investigation.
Contact has also been made with the Ministry of Railway Developmentand officials of the Ministry are expected to report to the Police on Tuesday, 2nd May 2023 to support the investigation.
Meanwhile, three DAF trucks GN 8501 – 15, GT 4705 -15 and GT 6707 -15 which were being used to convey the items have been impounded and parked at the National Police Training School due to the size of the trucks; while investigation continues.
Today, May 2, 2023, members of parliament (MPs) will be in parliament following an order by Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the House, for “urgent parliamentary business.”
Some MPs have claimed that the recall is to compel them to give government clearance to go for another loan.
The House went on break on March 31, 2023, after passing three controversial tax bills into law with the Nanton Member of Parliament involved in an accident on his way to Parliament to partake in the vote to approve the bills.
On the night, the MPs also approved two additionalSupreme Court Justices who had been vetted by the Appointments Committee earlier in the year.
Alban Bagbin in a statement recalling the legislators said: “In exercise of the power conferred on the Speaker by order 42(3) of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, do hereby direct that Parliament shall notwithstanding anything to the contrary, be recalled from recess to sit on Tuesday, the 2nd day of May 2023, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at Parliament House, Accra, to consider urgent parliamentary business.”
Minority unhappy with MPs recall from recess
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament is unhappy with the recall.
In a tweet, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, alleged that the recall is to compel MPs to approve the government’s decision to go on another borrowing spree.
He took a swipe at the government for recklessly borrowing despite the current economic challenges confronting the country.
“I have been inundated with calls asking why Parliament has been recalled for urgent business on May 2, 2023. It is difficult to comprehend why the NPP government has the courage to continue borrowing after its reckless borrowing has completely destroyed the Ghanaian economy beyond recognition for generations to come,” he slammed the government in a tweet.
A collapsed storey buildingat Adentan in the Greater Accra Region has left one person inside.
Three others have sustained injuries and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment after the incident that happened on Monday.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu confirmed the incident on Eyewitness News.
Officials from theNational Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service are having a tough time retrieving the trapped person from the debris as there are no equipment to assist with the rescue operations.
The collapsed building is a three-storey building close to the Kpogas furniture and the Adentan footbridge around the SDA church junction and the West African Hardware Company.
The lawmaker is thus appealing to benevolent individuals with excavators to immediately come in to help.
“According to the NADMO officer, the only excavator available to them at 37 has broken down. Currently, it is a desperate call we are making for help to rescue one person under this rubble, and so we are currently waiting anxiously for support. What is happening doesn’t look like an emergency because it is really disappointing “, he pleaded.
The only option available to the security officers at the scene is the use of shovels and hacksaws in the operations.
The prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, is in Ghana for a two-day state visit.
The Japanese Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
The Asian country seeks to deepen her strong economic ties and further promote business and investment relations in Ghana, being one of the leading economic centres in West Africa.
Japan has been supporting Ghana’s infrastructure development, especially roads, to improve the country’s transport connectivity.
The Asian country has high hopes for Ghana, which hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to play a critical role in promoting regional integration and trade facilitation.
The development of the bilateral relations cannot be discussed without acknowledging the achievements of Dr Hideyo Noguchi, a Japanese who had played a vital role in the healthcare sector of both countries.
Japan is contributing to the health and medical fields in Ghana and the West African sub- region through the establishment of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and technical cooperation.
The country has also supported Africa’s efforts to achieve peace and stability under the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA).
The Japanese Prime Minister’s visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to discuss ways to maintain peace and stability in the Sub-region.
As the country holding the G7 Presidency, Japan is also committed to carefully listening to the voices of African countries.
The governmentis making efforts to lessen the effect of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on the financial industry, this is according to President Akufo-Addo.
Speaking at the 2023 International Labour Day parade he stated that among other things the government has established the Ghana Financial Stability Fund as earlier announced as part of the process of ensuring the finance sector is aided amid the debt restructuring.
This fund he noted would provide, amongst others, solvency and liquidity support to eligible financial sector institutions, which may be affected by the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
“In addition, the Bank of Ghana and the regulators in the financial sector space have provided some regulatory reliefs to support affected institutions.
“In keeping with our common objective, the government, through the Financial Stability Council, will monitor continuously the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on financial institutions to enable it to take remedial action, if and when necessary.”
President Akufo-Addo added that this would ensure that measures put in place to safeguard incomes, deposits, pensions, investor funds and assets are effective.
Meanwhile, he also assured organised labour of the protection of their pension funds as the government continues its debt restructuring programme aimed at securing an IMF deal.
President Akufo-Addo noted that his outfit is aware of the impact of the restructuring on workers and as such aimed to explore other beneficial options within debt sustainability limits with the cooperation of both Government and Organised Labour.
He said that “In undertaking the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, we have been very mindful of its potential impact on the pension funds of workers.
“We will not act in any way to short-change workers in protecting their pensions.”
Eunice, a stunning 28-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her husband last weekend.
According to reports Eunice and her husband whose name has been (withheld) married just last year in a very wedding minimalist ceremony.
It was only after the wedding that Eunice got to know that her husband is a serial cheat and a womanizer also.
Before Eunice filed for divorce from her violent husband, she had suffered a series of both physical and mental abuses.
Although her husband had promised to have a change of his bad character to good but he never did and this is what influenced her to call the marriage a quit.
During one of their many heated arguments over the weekends, her husband used a cutlass to butcher her.
Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead after she was rushed to the hospital to receive treatment.
At the moment, the husband who committed the heinous crime is on the run.
Below are some pictures of the late Eunice, whose gruesome murder has left a lot of social media users who have come across the disheartening story teary.
A prospective flagbearer for National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has promised to revive the economy under his leadership, regardless of how much damage theAkufo-Addoadministration has done to it.
According to Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, he has proven track record of implementing policies that led to single digit inflation, sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, therefore, when given the nod to lead the NDC to victory in 2024 he will transform the economy.
“We have done it before during late Atta Mills era we inherited terrible economy but by the grace of God and fact that NDC had competent people, the Economy was turned around so be patient. Regardless the state in which Akufo-Addowill leave the economy, we will turn it around. They have borrowed all over the world. They know how to secure loans but they don’t know how to pay, now they are begging. This is a shame, they are going round begging”.
Dr. Duffuor continued “We will fix the economy and create more jobs for the youth to get employment opportunities. Just be patient, don’t be thinking so much about the economic mess created to get blood pressure. In 2008/2009 we did it. Inflation came down to 8.5 for about 31 months, unemployment dropped to 2.2%. It will happen again so don’t be sad,” the former governor of the Central Bank recognized as one of the four best central governors in the world in 1999 assured.
Dr Kwabena Duffuor said this Monday May 1, 2023 when addressing delegates of the NDC party in New Juaben North constituency to kick start his 4-day campaign tour in the Eastern region.
He stated that the NDC must be financially sound, buy shares in multimillion companies just as major political parties in South Africa, Japan and some other countries have been doing in order to fund its political activities.
He said the “Ahotor Project” is a step in this direction. He assured to also institute monthly stipends for executives of the NDC from constituency to Regional levels, resource the branches and revive the hero fund of the party.
According to Dr. Duffuor the NDC has to be fully prepared and be resourceful to be able to defeat the ruling NPP which is bent on doing everything possible to retain power.
Dr. Duffuor and his campaign team had earlier met the regional executives of the party.
He was however not impressed with the poor state of the regional office therefore assured to build a befitting office for the regional Secretariat of the NDC as well as the Constituencies should he become leader after the presidential primaries.
“During the late Prof. Mills tenure I was the Finance Minister. I mobilized business people and friends to build the national headquarters of the party. We didn’t use state fund because that is not right. So we are going to do same to build Regional and constituency offices”.
The donation which was done on Friday, April 28, 2023, included five new Hisense refrigerators, three Hisense television sets, and Hisense microwaves.
According to Hisense’s Marketing Coordinator, Renee Quaye, the company’s aim is to assist the regional office in operating efficiently in their day-to-day activities.
Quaye stated that the donation was made in response to a request for support, and that the high-quality items provided would be of significant help to the offices.
The Acting Regional Director of Greater Accra TVET, Eng. Juliana Nkrumah, and her deputy, Philip Aheto, expressed their immense gratitude to Hisense Ghana for the generous gesture.
They acknowledged the donation as being extremely helpful to their operations and extended their appreciation to the company.
The Akufo-Addo-led government has guaranteed that it is making every effort to address the current economic crisis.
Addressing workers during this year’s May Day celebration in Bolgatanga, the President said his government is assiduously engaging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure board approval for Ghana’s $3 billion bailout request to bring relief to Ghanaians.
“We continue to work tirelessly to complete all prior actions required to present Ghana’s request to the IMF’s integrity board for approval. We have also made substantial progress on the debt exchange programme as well as our engagements with bilateral creditors to secure the financing required for the IMF programme,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The government is seeking $3 billion in support from theIMFto address the country’s economic challenges.
President Akufo-Addo also assured that his government will thrive to find lasting peace to the protracted Bawku ethnic conflict before the end of his tenure.
According to him, finding lasting peace in the Bawku conflict remains his highest priority as president.
Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress has suggested to the government to convert the National Cathedral project into a national hospital.
Addressing the 2023 May Day parade in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah said converting the project into a hospital will serve Ghanaians better than a cathedral.
“The president has always said he wants to create another Notre Dame in Ghana, so we can attract a lot of visitors, but we disagree. In fact, comrades, it will be better to convert the project into a national hospital,” Dr Yaw Baah said adding “Mr. President you can also reduce the size of your government. Ghana has too many ministers and deputy ministers.”
Musician Fotocopy has accused radio presenter, Abeiku Santaof bullying in Kuami Eugene collabo case.
In a recent interview with Michy, Fotocopy, who is known for his hit song “Megye Me Dow” featuring Shatta Wale, disclosed earlier this year that he didn’t like Kuami Eugene after he refused a collaboration with him because he claimed he didn’t have the numbers.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Fotocopy was invited to appear on Abeiku Santana’s show, “Ekwansodwoodwoo,” where he was asked to apologize to Kuami Eugene.
According to Fotocopy, he was coerced into apologizing and felt like he had no choice but to comply after Michy asked, “What touched me about it was how he cried during his interview with Abeiku Santana.
“Can I ask you, Fotocopy, do you think Abeiku Santana bullied you into apologizing to Kuami Eugene?”
“Yes, it was a fake apology. It was a setup. He (Kuami Eugene) was the one supposed to apologize, and he nodded when they said you were forced to.”
The child entertainer also added that he realizes that he doesn’t even need Kuami Eugene anymore.
He was cautioned by a panellist on the show not to make such a definitive statement, saying that he did not know what the future held.
The female panelist said, “Don’t say you won’t need him because you don’t know the future.”
However, Michy, who was the host, came to Fotocopy’s defence, pointing out that he was a child and took things very literally.
Michy said, “You can’t blame him, you know, and he takes things literally. He is a child. You know how kids are: once he thinks, he is telling it.”
After a decade-long absence from Ghanaian screens, Kumawood actress Rose Mensah, also known as Kyeiwaa, has announced her return to Ghana.
The actress has been seeking greener pastures abroad, but now says she is back home to engage in other possible works.
Akua Atta, who gained fame for her role in the popular movie ‘Kyeiwaa,’ spoke about her struggles abroad in an interview on her YouTube channel, including doing menial jobs such as dishwashing and selling food at an eatery to make ends meet.
“It is difficult getting white-collar jobs to do in the States, hence the menial jobs are easy to come by. There is no shame in working in a restaurant and washing dishes as I did. I was fortunate to get help from a woman who asked me to come work at her restaurant, and I’m grateful for her,” she said.
Despite her challenges abroad, Kyeiwaa is open to any possible movie roles should any producer want her service. She also offered advice on how to revive the movie industry’s former glory, stating that industry players and stakeholders should come together as one, support each other, and help restore the craft.
Recall that the Kumawood actress relocated to the U.S. after an abortive wedding with Daniel Osei in 2015 which caused her heartbreak.
The plan was to have a church wedding later on, but shortly after the marriage, Kyeiwaa discovered that Osei was already married to another woman and had children with her. Devastated by the news, Kyeiwaa ended the marriage just four days after the ceremony.
She found love again and tied the knot in a traditional ceremony in 2020 with Mr Michael Kissi Asare in a private ceremony attended by close family relations and friends in 2020.
The return of Kyeiwaa is a welcome development for the Ghanaian movie industry, which has seen a decline in recent years.
TV/Radio presenter and social media influencer,Felicia Osei will join Nana Mcbrown on Onua Tv’s Showtime Show as the co-host.
She is known for her engaging and interactive online presence especially on Tiktok, and fans are excited to see how she will translate that to her role on the show.
As social media correspondent, Felicia Osei will be responsible for engaging with fans on various social media platforms during the show’s broadcast.
She will also provide updates on the latest trends, memes, and reactions from fans, adding a new dimension to the show’s coverage.
Wearing a floral print wrap dress, Felicia Osei was radiant and exceptional as she worked closely with Nana Ama McBrown to the amazement of fans as she read their social media reactions.
The two presenters are expected to create an unbeatable combination, providing an exciting viewing experience for fans.
With the addition of Felicia Osei as social media correspondent, the show is set to expand its reach and engage even more with fans onsocial media.
Viewers can expect to see the duo share their views on the latest entertainment news, trends and events, and also engage in interesting conversations with guests.
Fans of the show are already excited about the new development, taking to social media to share their anticipation for what is to come.
“@OnuaTV, tell @Osei_Feliciaa, the next time she doesn’t read my tweet,she has a nut to crack. 🤣🤣🤣Much love ❤️,” a user posted
The announcement has sparked a lot of buzz, with many commending the show’s producers for bringing in someone as talented and experienced as Felicia Osei.
Lawrence Senyo Adiase, popularly known by his stage as DSL, has won the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA)’s Unsung Category.
The exciting news was announced on Friday, April 27, 2023, ahead of the main awards ceremony.
DSL, known for his hit song “Chow,” was one of six artists nominated in the category.
The other five nominees were Tsaqa, Ni Ashun, Aya RamzyB, Boijake, and Maya Blu.
The Unsung Category is a special category at theVGMA that gives up-and-coming artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the music industry.
The winner of this category is determined by public votes and is given a chance to perform at the VGMA main event.
DSL expressed his joy and appreciation for the support he received from his fans and the VGMA team.
In a statement, he said, “Big thanks to you all for supporting sharing and voting for me. We’ve won this now 🏆🏆 This wouldn’t be possible without your support I’m so so grateful 🙏🙏🙏. THANK YOU ALL..”
Congratulations to DSL on his well-deserved win in the Unsung Category at the 2023 VGMA.
DSL will also get the opportunity to perform on the VGMA stage at the Accra International Conference Centre on May 6, 2023.
The Central Region’sAboakyerfestival, which honors the inhabitants of Effutu, has been launched by a bike race.
The event was organized by the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF), the Winneba Sports College and the organisers of the 2023 Aboakyer Festival
The 90-km Aboakyer Race, which began at the Accra Sports Stadium and ended in Winneba, mimicked the ‘Tour de France’ competition with cyclists racing a 6.8km distance in 3 laps with each team comprising of three intermediate cyclists.
The Paramount Chief of the Efutu Traditional Council, Neenyi Ghartey VII expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of cycling to other sporting activities such as marathon and tennis to highlight the Aboakyer Festival in Winneba and urged for more activities and support in subsequent celebrations.
Winner for the race took home an undisclosed cash prize from sponsors and Aboakyer souvenirs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, Neeny Ghartey VII revealed that the competition was geared towards creating awareness on the need to maintain physical wellness.
“This competition is to particularly engage our youth and get them to be a part of the celebration. But most importantly, it is to create awareness on the need for people to do well to maintain a good physical health,” he said.
Neenyi Ghartey noted that preparations for this year’s festivities were well underway, and he had high expectations for a wonderful event.
“Plans are further along, and we are enthusiastic about the public’s participation.”
Other activities mapped out for the celebrations include a Gospel musical night, general clean-up and consecration of the shrine, football tournament, Aboakyer food bazaar, and parade of deities by Tuafo Number 1 and Dentsefo Number 2 Asafo companies through the streets of Winneba.
There will be a grand durbar on Sunday, May 7 to climax the festival after deer hunting in the morning by the two Asafo companies.
Some of the dignitaries tipped to grace the occasion include The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal amon others.
Ghanaian musician,Kwabena Kwabena, has stated that he no longer goes to church as part of his efforts to stay away from temptations.
According to him, some female church members dress inappropriately to church.
“Let me tell you something, even if you have dresses that tighten your ass, you don’t wear them to church. You have places you can wear those dresses to, but when you are going to the house of God, there should be a purpose why you are going there, and please, we must all start to behave in a certain manner…
“For me, it’s a shame that, up until now, no pastor has spoken against it. What has the house of God turned into? Honestly, it has justified why I don’t feel like stepping into any church,” he is quoted to have said.
Among the many things he also mentioned that pulled him out of the church was what he said was the “inappropriate behaviour” of gospel musicians who prioritise money by engaging in indecent means to promote their works.
“Money is just a byproduct of creativity. In today’s world, because of material things, it’s important that we kind of focus on money, but I can say confidently that we focus so much on money, that’s why we are losing the craft.
“Recently, I saw something that gospel musicians have started doing, and it saddens me. It’s very sad… Because I write gospel music and I know what gospel music is supposed to do, I became very sad that gospel musicians have actually started touring on worldly things,” he said.
In an interview the Aso hit-maker said it was not right for ladies to wear dresses that tighten their buttocks to church.
“Let me tell you something, even if you have dresses that tighten your ass, you don’t wear them to church. You have places you can wear those dresses to, but when you are going to the house of God, there should be a purpose why you are going there, and please, we must all start to behave in a certain manner…
“For me, it’s a shame that, up until now, no pastor has spoken against it. What has the house of God turned into? Honestly, it has justified why I don’t feel like stepping into any church,” he is quoted to have said.
Among the many things he also mentioned that pulled him out of thechurchwas what he said was the “inappropriate behaviour” of gospel musicians who prioritise money by engaging in indecent means to promote their works.
“Money is just a byproduct of creativity. In today’s world, because of material things, it’s important that we kind of focus on money, but I can say confidently that we focus so much on money, that’s why we are losing the craft.
“Recently, I saw something that gospel musicians have started doing, and it saddens me. It’s very sad… Because I write gospel music and I know what gospel music is supposed to do, I became very sad that gospel musicians have actually started touring on worldly things,” he said.
A Nigerian singer, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known asAyra Starr in the entertainment industry, has canceled all of her stage appearances and her planned US concert due to illness.
The Mavin Records signee was slated to perform at American record producer and rapper Pharrel Williams’ ‘Something In The Water Concert’ in Virginia Cityalongside Busta Rhymes, ASAP Rocky and a tall list of other renowned artistes.
The Sability singer revealed that her doctor had suggested immediate bed rest so she could regain her health in an Instagram story on April 30, 2023.
She expressed regret for having to cancel her widely anticipated performance and reassured her fans that she will make a special return.
Ayra Starr wrote: “DC, VA and Houston your girl is going through it. My doctor has advised me to slow down, hence I’m on immediate bed rest. So sorry I could not meet every one of you as planned. Also, I’m sorry you feel let down but I promise to be back in a special way for you when we will have a magical time. I appreciate your prayers and well wishes.”
A Nigerian pastor has been expelled from Umuidoko Ogrute in Enugu Ezike, Enugu State for allegedly impregnating at least 10 church members.
The self-acclaimed miracle pastor was paraded in the community by angry residents when they learnt of his escapades with female church members.
According to reports, the yet-to-be-identified cleric was apprehended on Friday, April 28, when one of his female members revealed to her family that her pastor was responsible for her pregnancy.
According to a source, the nabbed pastor often took the women to a mountain under the guise of special prayers as most of them were said to be looking for miracles.
It was gathered that he built a small hut on top the mountain where he carried out the condemnable act of sleeping with them on a rotational basis.
The pastor has allegedly been prophesying that they will clinch rich men for marriage, and believing his words, they succumbed to his request.
The source also said that when the ladies inform him that they are carrying his child, he asked them to terminate it the pregnancy.
Outraged by his actions, members of the community razed down his church and sent him packing.
A source said; “This man has a church and goes to the mountainwith his female church members for prayers. It was revealed that 99% of his church members are women who aren’t from the community. He always gives them visions to help them get married to rich men. The women desperate for a miracle, visit his church for solution and never return home to their families.
Unfortunately for him, one of his victims was accosted by her family members and she explained how she got pregnant. Her revelation made irate youth pay the church a courtesy visit.
They got there and found other victims whom they set free from the pastor’s bondage. They razed down the church and helped him pack his items advising him never to return to the village.”
Rex Omar, a well-known highlife musician, has criticized theAkufo-Addo-led government for what he claims is their inability to support Ghana’s creative arts sector.
Speaking to Nana Romeo on Accra FM, the veteran highlife singer explained that, across all the various sectors of the creative arts industry in Ghana, the government has failed to initiate any substantive policy nor has the government invested much in the creative arts industry. He added that, unfortunately, the government has failed to heed the cry for investment in the creative arts industry.
He explained, “When you talk about music, films, fashion and all these things, we have done zero as a state and for a country that says we want to create jobs for the youth, an investment in the industry would have sufficed such a purpose, but we have failed.”
Rex Omar called on the government to consider the benefits Ghana derives from its social initiative, “The Year of Return” and the milage it has given Ghana to invest more in the creative arts industry.
He said, “The government should look at only the ‘Year of Return’ campaign and how it has given Ghana exposure internationally, so you can imagine the gains we would make as a country if we have developed infrastructures and put other policies in place to ensure the growth of the creative arts industry.”
Gospel singer, Nacee has stated that former president, John Dramani Mahama is a huge fan of his work and also values his creativity.
Nacee has composed over three popular campaign songs for the former president.
Despite the controversies surrounding Nacee’s campaign songs which many have termed as an endorsement, he details how it all began with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President John Agyekum Kufuor.
“I started with campaign songs way back in 2000, President Kufuor’s time and I don’t even recall the song…in 2008. I toured Ghana with Nana Addo. We were running under the slogan ‘Believe In Ghana’ with a host of musicians. It was Nana Addo who took me to Tamale for the first time,” the singer disclosed in an interview with Kofi TV in April 2023.
His friendship with Mr. Mahama has birthed some of the most popular elections songs that have stuck on the minds of citizens.
“It was in 2012 when I became friends withPresident Mahama and it seems I was with both parties (NPP and NDC). In 2012, it was ‘John Mahama Dey Be’ and in 2016, we made ‘Onaapo’. In 2020 we did ‘Mahama Okada’, I love cartoons and that inspired the song.
It was a song I wanted kids to equally love…the words I said, in the beginning, don’t have any meaning…one thing about Mahama is that he loves my creativity level. Mahama is a nice person who makes things flow.
I will be so stupid to trade my friendship with Mahama for money or cars. They teach you how to fish,” the versatile musician shared.
Kuami Eugene has disclosed that when rapperSarkodiecontacted him for a feature on his song “Happy Day,” he led the latter to believe that it was a song intended to thank God, only for him to learn on set that the project had political motivations.
With barely a month into the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, Sarkodie released ‘Happy Day’ where he indirectly endorsed President Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party with the lyric ‘Nana Toaso’.
Kuami Eugene, after the release of the viral tune, declared that he had no idea what he had gotten himself into, as it wasn’t his intention to be on a campaign song that could affect his brand.
“I had no idea that was the direction it was going to. Sarkodie will bear witness to the fact that he sent me the song with the first rap ‘It is a beautiful brand new day’. That was all I had and so I was supposed to create a hook that matches that. His idea was like giving praise to God, and so I wrote a chorus that was giving praise to God, and so I had no idea that it was going to turn into something controversial in the media,” he disclosed in an interview on the Delay Show in April 2023.
A section of Ghanaians have always maintained that Kuami played victim to escape backlash. He has however denied the claim and proven his innocence.
“It was on set when I heard the second verse, I was taken by surprise, I turned to my manager and we both laughed. It is not my conversation to have, it should be my label and Sarkodie’s label…he didn’t send me the ‘Nana Toaso’ part, I could have given him a call,” he noted.
The mother of the 2020 VGMA Artiste of the Year was among the many who felt disappointed in Kuami Eugene for allegedly getting himself into politics at the peak of his career.
“My mum phoned me and questioned why I was getting myself involved in politics because I had just started. She told me that Sarkodie had spent 10 years in the game already and I was just getting started. I told her that I had no idea.”
Sarkodie, on the other hand, has not confirmed that his popular song ‘Happy Day’ was truly an endorsement of the NPP’s presidential candidate, despite the speculations.
A Big Brother Naijacontestant, Doyin, has revealed that as long as her cheating boyfriend still loves her, she is comfortable.
She made this known during an episode of her podcast, ‘Doyin’s Corner’ which featured colleagues, Beauty and Modella.
According to Doyin, she does not define loyalty as the act of being faithful because she believes that if her partner cheats, it doesn’t mean there is no love for her.
She said: “My partner can love me but still cheat on me. But I don’t think that because he has cheated, he doesn’t love me. For me, my definition of loyalty is not, don’t cheat me.
“I’m just trying to be realistic in my relationship. For me, I will say I want a partner that he will tell me, babe, I’m travelling for six months, I can not promise you that I will be loyal for six months.”
Doyin added that she doesn’t go through her boyfriend’s phone orbothersherself about monitoring him because she has been through a lot.
Nana Ama Mcbrown, a Ghanaian actress and television host, recently launched her newest show, Onua Showtime with Mcbrown.
The launch took place on April 30, 2023, and was attended by several top musicians, including King Promise, Fameye, Lasmid, MOG Music, and Ewura Abena Music.
During her introductory remarks, Nana Ama Macbrown took a jab at rumours surrounding her move and reassured her fans of her unwavering tenacity.
According to her, the newly birthed program has already received several big sponsors, which will help push the agenda of the show. Nana Ama expressed her gratitude her sponsors and said that the program’s success is a testament to the saying that “whom God has blessed, no man can curse.”
“I am very happy and honoured as a married woman who hasn’t been in a public space but has received a lot of gifts,” she said. “I mean my sponsors. Yes, a program like this, with these big sponsors, proves that what you see is the doing of the Lord, and it is marvellous in our sight. May God be praised. I give big thanks to our sponsors,” she said.
Onua Showtime with Mcbrown promises to be an exciting new addition to Ghana’s television landscape, with top musicians and guests expected to grace the show in the coming weeks. The program is set to feature interviews, music performances, and other segments that aim to entertain and inform viewers.
The show is expected to feature exclusive cuisine and games, along with real-life superheroes who inspire and motivate viewers to celebrate their successes and learn from their struggles.
Slim Buster, a singer from Ghana, has accused influential people in the country’s music industry of impeding the careers of other artists.
Speaking in an interview with GH Page on April 23, 2023, he identified Fred Nuamah, Kwasi Aboagye, Abeiku Santana, and others as people who have created enemies with artists and facilitated their downfall, adding that he, along with other musicians like EL, were victims of these industry influencers whom he called “secret enemies.”
According to Slim Buster, these individuals use their power and influence to block the success of up-and-coming musicians.
He claimed that Kwasi Aboagye and Abeiku Santana among others demand payment from artists in exchange for playing their music on radio, and if an artist refuses to pay, they instigate other DJs to block their music.
“I am telling you, the house I built is through music and a lot of things that I did was through music. But the problem is, in Ghana when you are growing up in music, you tend to meet your enemies, that is why I told you that people fall back because we meet our enemies on the way.
“And I can mention names of the people who blocked the chances, one has to do with the Ghana Music Awards…fortunately and unfortunately, we had somebody like Fred Nuamah who is another bad actor, a bad human being who collapsed the industry.
“We have people like Fred Nuamah, we have people like Kwasi Aboagye, who will tell you that they won’t play your music if you don’t pay them…these are the people that blocked a lot of musicians, and I am saying this confidently because I don’t hate anybody and they don’t invest anything.
Slim Buster expressed frustration that Ghanaian musicians often have to invest significant amount of money in their careers, only to be held back by these influential figures. He believes that their actions are holding back the Ghana music industryfrom reaching its full potential.
The musician emphasized that he does not hate anyone and that his claims were based on personal experiences.
“You come to Ghana, invest a lot of money, and meet these people who become your secret enemies. And one thing is that when you get an issue with him, he will call all other DJs and ensure they block you. They did it to me and not me alone, they did it to Nana Kwame, they did it to EL. The problem is when you invest money and have people like these presenters, who want to become stars…the Abeiku Santana’s and co, then there is a problem…that is why our music doesn’t go far,” he added.
Rapper Medikal has been lauded by some Ghanaians on social media after he ignored Shatta Michy, the mother of dancehall superstar Shatta Wale during a confrontation.
Diamond Michelle Gbagonah, popularly known as Michy, the mother of Shatta Wale’s 6-year-old son, Majesty, confronted Medikal over his claim that Shatta is a responsible father when she has always maintained that he doesn’t live up to expectations.
What initially seemed like a friendly conversation escalated real quickly when the rapper who had had enough from Michy who had a camera to his face advised her to act responsibly at the party of blogger, GhKwaku on April 29.
Medikal who was in attendance at the party with his wife, Fella Makafui, walked away when Michy lost her cool and started hurling insults at the rapper.
The video of Michy confronting Medikal which has gone viral has since courted praises from netizens whom according to them, showed respect to the baby mama of his close friend, Shatta Wale.
One netizen said, “Shatta Michy was just bitter. Medikal didn’t want to mind her. That’s a man respecting his negger’s baby mama.”
Another also wrote, “Medikal acted maturely cos of the respect and love he has for Shatta Wale…Michy is the baby mama so I will give it to MDK…The Video sent only one message across…” Michy still harbours a lot of hate for Shatta and to some extension the people close to Shatta”..
Below are some of the comments
Medikal acted maturely cos of the respect and love he has for shatta wale…Michy is the baby mama so I will give it to MDK..The Video sent only one message across,,,;”Michy still harbours a lot of hate for Shatta and to some extension the pple close to shatta”..
— BiG JiGGa🔰🇬🇭🥷🏻 (@JIGGGA_MAN) April 30, 2023
But that issue was for island er anaaa,.???
The fact that he walked out & said respect yourself was top top .
— SHEILA IRENE 🦋 (@abena_mooley) April 30, 2023
Aswear michy drink things come dey move to innocent person. If wale was there like she go keep quiet too
— Zygote (@lilzygote) April 30, 2023
Despite whatever he said and michy feels it’s not right or not truth you can call him privately to discuss this than rather chasing him in public to question him. I like the way medikal handled himself. I think this can be done privately not on social media
— YOHANE (@Nanayawyohane) April 30, 2023
The Minority in Parliament has supported former PresidentJohn Mahama and his assertions on the cocoa industry.
John Mahama claims the country’s cocoa sector is on the verge of collapse because of the mismanagement of the sector by the government.
Addressing party supporters and branch executives at the start of his two-day campaign tour of the Western North Region, Mr Mahama said the government’s failure to adjust the producer price of cocoa annually delayed payment of farmers for cocoa beans combined with other factors to destroy the sector.
Ghana Cocoa Board(COCOBOD) refuted claims by the former that the cocoa sector in Ghana has collapsed. It described such statements as misleading and detrimental to the cocoa sector, which forms the foundation of Ghana’s economy.
Reacting to this development, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Eric Opoku accused COCOBOD of peddling falsehood.
“Ghana COCOBOD must know that they cannot seek refuge in lies to cover the havoc they have wrecked on the cocoa sector, the untold hat ships unleashed on the Ghanaian cocoa farmer and the crass incompetence, mismanagement, recklessness and insensitivity demonstrated so far.”
The Minority accuses President Akufo-Addo’s government of worsening COCOBOD’s plight from the state where it met it.
“In 2017, the NDC handed over a prosperous and thriving cocoa industry with buffers in the cocoa stabilization fund, farmers’ welfare fund, depreciation fund, farmers’ housing fund, and others including GH₵29 million set aside for the rolling out of the cocoa farmers pension scheme envisaged under the P.N.D.C.L 81.
“Shockingly, the Akufo-Addo’s government has dissipated all these buffers within 6 years, leaving nothing for the industry to lean on in times of difficulties.
“Again, the Board has been incurring losses since Nana Addo assumed office. COCOBOD is yet to explain why the cocoa industry cannot be profitable under the Nana Addo/Bawumia government. Available records indicate the following; Year Losses GH₵’million 2017 395.0 2018 78.2 2019 320.6 2020 426.0″
The group went ahead to tout the NDC’s records in the cocoa sector.
“In the entire four-year period of President John Mahama, producer price of cocoa was increased by 124.1 per cent (from GH₵212 in 2013/14 to GH₵475 in 2016/17) contrasted with 68.4 per cent in the last six years under Nana Addo (from GH₵475 in 2017/18 to GH₵800 in 2022/23).
It must be noted that the highest jump in producer price in the last two decades happened under John Mahama in the 2014/15 season (from GH₵212 to GH₵345 – 62.7%).”
Some illegal miners in a viral video have pledged to unleash more damage on the environment should government keep up its fight against galamsey.
According to the illegal miners, the land belongs to them and the presidentcannot determine how they should use their lands.
In a video shared widely on the internet, a group of young men were working on a galamsey site while one of the workers bragged about how they would destroy the land in search of gold because it is theirs.
Directing the camera to the guys working, he said, “ Have you seen all this land, it is money and for the lands, we would continue to destroy it. We own the lands and we have decided to degrade it, and Akufo-Addo who resides in the city says he would end gala, you lie bad.”
He was not alone in thought, his co-workers reechoed his words saying, “For the lands, we shall continue to degrade it.”
The President was not the only person mocked by the galamseyers, unemployed youth in the country were not left out, according to these men captured in the video, it is only lazy people that would complain of lack of jobs and job opportunities and take to robbery.
The land is for us, we will continue to spoil it. Nana Addo cannot do anything – Galamsey operators
“Stay home and complain of lack of job opportunities. Stay home and steal from others. As for us, we are working very hard to make money to become popular. Yes, a man must work very hard,” one of the galamseyers said.
The president has over the years assured Ghanaians of his commitment to end illegal mining and even legal mining that degrades the environment. He has also called on all Ghanaians irrespective of social status and authority to join in the fight against galamsey.
The secretary of the School Feeding Caterers’ Association, Dorothy Ofori Sarpong, has denied allegations that they serve unhealthy food to students at basic schools.
There have been some concerns that some of the caterers feed the pupils with poor-quality food.
Speaking to the media, Madam Dorothy Ofori Sarpong said they do not cook unwholesome meals for the pupils adding that such caterers would have been fished out since some of the teachers also consume some of the food.
She cited an incident where a caterer in the Ashanti Region was alleged to have fed the pupils with contaminated food explaining that the caterer blamed the situation on groundnut paste she bought from the market.
The Secretary for School Feeding Caterers’ Association noted that district and regional coordinators of the school feeding programme supervise their cooking hence they cook under hygienic conditions.
“It’s very true, but it’s one out of a thousand, we have different women cooking different food which obviously will not be the same. It was only one incident even that, there was a reason and the caterer involved gave some explanation.
It was at Ohwimase Anglican Basic School or so, it came on air, so a lot of people rushed to her, and she explained that the groundnut she bought wasn’t good. After that go and see the food has been delicious. It was just a one-day mistake. We cook different meals, so we cook balanced diet for the children.
“The regional and district coordinators come round to supervise our cooking. They even applauded me for my delicious food during one of their visits. We serve the teachers some of the food as well, so you cannot just cook anything for the children. It’s a good meal we prepare. It’s the quantity that is questionable, that is why we are pleading for increment due to the high prices of goods to make up for the children”.
Caterers who cook for basic school kids in thecountry have been on a nationwide strike following the government’s failure to pay them their arrears and increase the amount per child.They are calling for an increment of the amount per child from 97 pesewas to GH¢3.50.
Background
Asantewaa Khadija of Ohwimase Anglican Basic School was in 2019 indicted for allegedly serving poor meals to pupils in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti region.This was after some irate teachers of the school on May 29 protested against the poor quality of food served the pupils.
The campaign team for Alan Kyerematen who is contesting for the flagbearer slot of the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) has stated that the former trade minister’s goal is to give unemployed youth who benefited from Akufo-Addo’s free Senior High School Program jobs.
The ‘Alan for President 2024’ campaign team noted that former President John Agyekum Kufuor gave Ghanaians a free maternal health programme, President Nana Akufo-Addo continued the tradition with free senior high school and Mr Kyerematen would crown those policies with jobs.
Speaking at a health walk in Accra on Saturday, 29 April 2023, dubbed ‘Aduro Wo So’, to wit, ‘it’s your turn’ that was used to kick-start Mr Kyerematen’s campaign in the Greater Accra Region, spokesperson Buaben Asamoa, said the babies who were born as a result of former President Kufuor’s free maternity healthcare programme are the beneficiaries of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s free senior high school programme (Free SHS).
“The vast majority of the beneficiaries of theFree SHSwere babies born in 2007 to 2008,” he stressed.
‘’So, it’s the turn of Alan Kyetematen to create jobs with his Ghana Transformation Agenda (GTA),” he declared.
It is the expectation of Mr Asamoa that some one million jobs will be created pursuing through Mr Kyerematen’s GTA for the beneficiaries of the Free SHS.
He said the GTA is key for the development of Ghana’s economy.
Mr Kyerematen, addressing the crowd at Mantse Agbonaa, after walking through some principal streets in the commercial business district, said his quest to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is to create a financially sound political party, where party executives could be paid salaries at end of the month.
According to him, this is the only way to create a political party that is sound to sustain the country’s democracy.
He bemoaned the divisive tendencies in Ghana’s political terrain and pledged to offer a change
A woman has reportedly lost her life while undergoing abortion to please her husband who doesn’t want a daughter.
This sad story was first shared onTwitter by a lady who’s believed to be close to the deceased woman who was forced into getting an abortion by her husband who wanted a son.
@_Mayowa_Sam revealed that the couple had three daughters before the recent pregnancy.
The woman’s husband who doesn’t want another girl child, made her undergo an abortion and she died after the procedure.
It was also gathered that the man has left the woman’s family in the dark since herdeath.
Read the tweets below to know more…
“This man asked his wife to go for an abortion, saying he is sure she’s carrying another baby girl. The wife died on Tuesday after the abortion. They had only 3 girls.
“The ladies family don’t know his whereabout at the moment.”
This man asked his wife to go for an abortion😭, saying he is sure she’s carrying another baby girl. The wife died on Tuesday after the abortion. 😭😭😭😭😭😭— BlackLuna (@_Mayowa_Sam) April 27, 2023
A Ghanaian broadcast journalist, Akuma Mama Zimbi, has advised married individuals to keep their marital problems off social media.
Akuma Mama Zimbi who was working out with Ms. Nancy on Chris’ Challenge on UTV averred that most couples who bring their marital issues on social media end up with more problems.
” I find people who bring their marital issues on social media uncouth. When they are eating they bring it on social media, when they are in the toilet they bring it on social media. They use these things for likes and validation from strangers which is wrong”, Akuma stated.
To buttress Mama Zimbi’s point, Ms. Nancy also added that most people end up with unrealistic expectations because of what they see on social media.
She added that most people live fake lives on social media hence the need to avoid posting personal things.
” the only thing people should know about you on social media is what you do or what you sell. You don’t need to let the world know about your personal issues. If you have marital problems, go for counseling and stop asking for the opinions of random strangers.” Ms. Nancy bemoaned.
Tiwa Savage, Singer-songwriters Paloma Faith, rock ‘n’ roll icon Steve Winwood, internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang, and pop diva Nicole Scherzinger will all perform at the Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7.
They will be joined by singer Olly Murs, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, featuring Vula and JERUB, and winner of The Piano, Lucy, whilst Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor will deliver a spoken word performance.
The eclectic mix of artists are part of the line-up alongside previously announced performers including Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench and a collaboration of five Royal patronages. Tiwa Savage, Nicole Scherzinger and other famous artistes billed to perform at Coronation Concert
The BBC also announced that Tom Cruise, Dame Joan Collins and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh will feature in the concert. They, along with Sir Tom Jones, Bear Grylls OBE and Oti Mabuse are amongst the stars who will appear in a series of pre-recorded sketches and segments revealing little-known facts about The King.
The concert will take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as well as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Tiwa Savage, Nicole Scherzinger and other famous artistes billed to perform at Coronation Concert
Paloma Faith is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor and TV personality. She has released five critically acclaimed platinum-selling albums. As well as collecting dozens of awards in the last decade, including a BRIT Award, and having a no. 1 album, Paloma has reached a wider audience as a judge on The Voice UK and The Voice Kids. She is also an actor in the DC Comic series of Pennyworth, Starz Dangerous Liaisons, and has starred in films such as St Trinian’s and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Tiwa Savage is a Nigeria-born singer-songwriter whose blend of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and hip-hop earned her an MTV EuropeMusic Award for Best African Act, making her the first woman to win in the category.
She said, “It’s truly an honour to be representing Africa and the Commonwealth at such an historic event. I look forward to joining the celebrations and bringing Afrobeats to Windsor Castle for the first time!”
Singer-songwriter, musician and producer Steve Winwoodhas been a primary figure in the rock ‘n’ roll scene since he burst into prominence in 1963, at the age of 15, with the Spencer Davis Group, before co-founding Traffic in 1969. Winwood left Traffic in 1969 to form a new group called Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker before going on to have success as a solo artist. Steve continues to tour with his band and compose and produce recordings in his studio. He has sold over 50 million records in the course of his five-decade career.
He said, “I was alive and just about remember the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and I, together with millions and millions of other people all around the globe, am a lifelong monarchist. So to be included in the Coronation celebrations of Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla is for me a lifetime achievement for which I’m extremely humbled and honoured.”
Winwood will sing alongside the Commonwealth virtual choir, featuring choirs and individuals from over 40 Commonwealth countries. The performance will be introduced by an uplifting spoken word piece from award-winning Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor. Tiwa Savage, Nicole Scherzinger and other famous artistes billed to perform at Coronation Concert
Kapoor said, “I am honoured to join the Commonwealth virtual choir, celebrating His Majesty’s love for music and art. It’s a momentous occasion that signifies a commitment to a positive, inclusive, and optimistic future for the United Kingdom, with the choir’s music paying tribute to the royal legacy and promoting unity, peace, and joy.”
The 300-strong Coronation Choir will also be performing and will be conducted by Gareth Malone. This diverse group will be created from community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom.
Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang has sold millions of albums around the world, topping classical charts and achieving simultaneous mainstream success. He has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine. The scale of Lang Lang’s musical achievements is mirrored by his commitment to charitable causes, most notably through the Lang Lang Music Foundation.
He said, “I have had the honour of playing for King Charles and was humbled to receive my honorary doctorate at the Royal College of Music from him. I have come to know him as a big supporter of classical music. I look forward to performing a track from Mulan for this unique musical celebration with great joy.”
Lang Lang will perform a duet with pop star singer, songwriter and TV personality Nicole Scherzinger. Scherzinger is best known as lead singer and founding member of girl group The Pussycat Dolls and a judge on hit TV shows including The X Factor.
She said, “I am incredibly honoured to be a part of such a historic event. The UK has been my home away from home for many years now, so this means so much to me to be lending my voice through the gift of song. The piece I will be singing is such a powerful, moving song. And to be sharing the stage with Lang Lang will be a dream come true; a once-in-a-lifetime performance.”
Lucy is a pianist who recently appeared on Channel 4’s The Piano. The teenager, who is blind and neurodiverse, stunned audiences and fellow concert performer Lang Lang with an incredible rendition of a Chopin piece, before going on to win the show.
Olly Murs is a singer and TV presenter. He has had four number one singles and five number one albums. He was a coach on five consecutive series of The Voice and the host of ITV’s Starstruck, in which he helped members of the public make their musical dreams come true.
Murs said, “It’s such an honour to be asked to perform for King Charles’ Coronation concert at such an iconic castle. An event that will go down in history, and one I’ll be proud to tell my kids about one day.”
For generations of electronic music fans, Pete Tong has been the definitive voice of the genre for decades. Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, featuring vocals from Vula and JERUB, will kick off the evening’s celebrations. The Ibiza Classics project was initially conceived as a one-off for the Proms classical music festival in 2015, reimagining some of the most loved dance music anthems for an orchestra to celebrate 20 years of Radio One in Ibiza.
Tong said, “Such an honour to play at the Coronation Concert alongside my fellow performers . It’s a moment in history, it’s going to be a very special celebration. We are bringing Ibiza Classics.”
Vula is best known for her work with Basement Jaxx, whose live band she joined in 2003 and with whom she had a top 10 hit with ‘Oh My Gosh!’ In 2019, she saw more chart success when she featured on the top 10 hit dance single ‘Turn Me On (Dr Love)’.
She said, “It is always a pleasure to be on stage with the legendary Pete Tong. I am looking forward to being involved with the opening of such a historical event.”
Emerging Nigeria-born and Nottingham-based artist JERUB’s sound is rooted in pop, soul and indie. He was shortlisted as a finalist in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Introducing talent search.
Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted, said, “I’m delighted that even more world class names have joined the line-up for the Coronation Concert, broadcast live across the BBC. Against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle, it’s going to be a jam packed evening of memorable moments, that Their Majesties and everyone in the UK can enjoy!”
The concert, produced by BBC Studios Productions, will be hosted by Hugh Bonneville and will celebrate the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen in front of 20,000 members of the public and invited guests, as well as millions watching and listening at home on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as well as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
The latest celebrities to appear in the Coronation Concert on May 7 include Tom Cruise of Hollywood and Dame Joan Collins.
Adventurer Bear Grylls and Sir Tom Jones will join them in pre-recorded sketches to celebrate the crowning of the King and the Queen Consort.
New pictures of Charles and Camilla have also been released.
The photos were taken by Hugo Burnand, who was the official photographer at their wedding in 2005.
In one picture, the pair stand together as they pose in blue outfits, and then sit separately on blue and gold chairs in the other two.
The photos were taken last month in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
The concert on Sunday, 7 May will take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle in front of a crowd of 20,000 members of the public – as well as being broadcast across BBC television and radio.
Image caption, The King and Camilla, the Queen Consort posing for one of their new photographs
Other names will appear in pre-recorded sketches that are being billed as revealing little known facts about the monarch – including former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse.
Winnie the Pooh will make an appearance that could match that of the Platinum Party At The Palace in 2022, where the late Queen shared tea with Paddington Bear.Media caption,
From June 2022: The Queen meets Paddington Bear for Party at the Palace
The latest names join a billing that already includes Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as classical acts including Andrea Bocelli and Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel.
Music acts Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, veteran rock guitarist Steve Winwood, Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls and Chinese pianist Lang Lang have been added to the line-up too, along with Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, DJ Pete Tong with his Ibiza Classics project, and the teenage winner of The Piano TV talent show, Lucy.
Image caption, The Queen Consort joined her husband in wearing blue for the new pictures
Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor has also been chosen to deliver a spoken performance, which she said she would be “honoured” to do.
Kate Phillips, BBC director of unscripted, said: “Against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle, it’s going to be a jam-packed evening of memorable moments, that Their Majesties and everyone in the UK can enjoy”.
As well as the new photos of the King and Camilla, a previously unreleased picture taken of Charles while he was a student at Cambridge University has also been shared.
Charles was 18 when the picture was taken at his matriculation – which is when an undergraduate formally becomes a student at the university – in October 1967. It has been preserved in Trinity College’s archives since then.
Image caption, The postage-stamp sized portrait shows Charles in Trinity College’s 17th century Wren Library
The King’s Coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey in London.
On Saturday, it was announced that the King would be anointed behind a private screen during his crowning.
The three-sided, embroidered screen will offer the monarch more seclusion than his predecessors enjoyed while the Archbishop of Canterbury uses holy oil to make the sign of the cross on the King’s hand, breast and head.
About 150 people were involved in producing the embroidery, including some from the Royal School of Needlework, livery companies and fabric firms.
This year, YANGO Transport Services will serve as the official ride-hailing company for the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
The partnership does not benefit only Yango and VGMAbut also the general community of riders especially music lovers.
Well known for its affordable prices, safe travels and service quality, Yango intends to give more to riders during this year’s VGMA season.
The benefits include a discount to and from the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre during the main VGMA night on May 6, luxury shuttle services for celebrities and special guests of the VGMA and give-aways of up to 50 tickets to its loyal patrons to experience this year’s event.
According to Yango Country Manager for Ghana, Tom Ofonime, in every market of its presence, Yango is looking to engage with the activities that matter.
“For us, partnering with Ghana Music Awards means supporting the spirit of the youth and the artistes who are most relevant. Just recently, it has been revealed that one of the things that people cherish most about their experience in Yango is good music during rides. Yango will help you get wherever you need to go with grace, style and good music.”
Speaking on the partnership, Head of Public Events & Communications of Charterhouse, organisers of music awards, Robert Klah said, “a great VGMA experience starts with the ride that brings you to the grounds. While we are keen on providing you an unforgettable 24th VGMA, we also care about how you get to your destination safely when the programme is over. That is where Yango comes it. We are happy for such partnerships.”
Since its launch in 2019, Yango has experienced strong growth in Ghana. For people of the country, the Yango brand has already become synonymous with fast, comfortable and safe travel.
Three ofAdele‘s songs have surpassed two billion views on YouTube, making her the second female artist after Rihanna to accomplish this feat.
Adele’s song, “Someone Like You” has reached two billion views on YouTube, making it her third track to achieve the same after “Rolling in the Deep” and “Hello.”
Rihanna was the only female artiste with three songs with over two billion views on the site. Both Adele and Riri began their musical journeys at an early age. They are the only two female artistes with this record, and their fans could not keep themselves from cheering for them.
Adele has joined Rihanna in creating history by becoming the second female artist to have three of her songs cross two billion views on YouTube. The Grammy-winning singer has broken several records with her melodious songs and has now achieved another milestone.
Both Adele and Rihanna began their musical journeys at an early age. While Adele was 18 when she signed her first record deal, Rihanna was 19 when she released her debut single, Pon de Replay. Over the years, the two singers have won millions of hearts with their melodious voices and many accolades.
In light of the recent news by Pop Crave, Adele’s song “Someone Like You” has reached two billion views on YouTube. This is her third track to achieve the same after “Rolling in the Deep” and “Hello”.
Earlier, Rihanna was the only female artiste with three songs with over two billion views on the site. The Barbadian singer’s tracks that have crossed two billion views are “Diamonds”, “This Is What You Came For” with Calvin Harris, and “Love The Way You Lie” with Eminem.
A Twitter user wrote, “Two queens of the music industry,” while another wrote, “Back when music was good in the 2010s.” A third user commented, “The power they both hold, omg.” An Adele fan also wrote, “FIRST female artist to do so as a lead artist she’s mother.”
Adele has been making headlines since her comeback in 2021. She has broken several records with her melodious songs and has won millions of hearts with her voice.
With a history that dates back several centuries, Kenteis one of Ghana’s most popular cultural goods.
Over the years, the craft has seen many evolutions but the good thing is that, Ghana’s Kente, has not lost its authenticity and value, thanks to the painstaking efforts of talented and hardworking weavers like Dakudzi Yohanes.
The 22-year old young man, earns his living from weaving kente in Ziavi, a small community in the Volta Region where he plies his trade.
In an interview, the skilled weaver disclosed that he got into the Kente business in 2015, learning the art from his big brother in Kpetoe, a town in the Agortime Ziope District, also in the Volta Region of Ghana, and has not looked back since.
Kente, although historically originating from Bonwire, a village in the Ashanti Region, has spread to many parts of the country, with each ethnic group having their own unique designs and names for their fabrics.
On what he does before commencing any weaving, the talented weaver stressed that it was important for a weaver to set up his weaving machine properly with the yarns carefully worked on one after the other.
He admitted though, that not all kente weavers adhere to this “rule”, which he said was fundamental to the success of the project; but went on to reiterate its importance saying it ensures orderliness in one’s work.
He cited sitting for long hours as one of the major challenges every kente weaver faces. Also, one is likely to make a mistake with the yarns in the course of weaving because of how fast the weaving process is. When that happens, the weaver is expected to reverse the yarn and make amends before proceeding.
Yohanes also shared that the recent economic downturn across the country has affected the kente business too, resulting in the increment of raw materials for production which consequently affects the selling price; but expressed optimism that business would soon pick up to make it easier for interested buyers to patronise him.
The price of a female designed kente cloth, he said, was doubles the price of a male designed kente fabric.
On his customers and their preferred designs, he intimated that while some customers prefered to determine their design, others allowed him put together his own designs for them.
In a day, a kente weaver, he revealed, could weave a maximum of sic kente fabrics but in the case where the design is too cumbersome, it would be impossible to weave more than two kente fabrics.
The young kente weaver urged all interested individuals to venture into kente weaving because it is easy to weave, pays well, and is a craft that everyone, regardless of gender, could take on and succeed at.
