Day: May 6, 2024

EKULO: The Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture in the Oshikoto Region and its stakeholders have proposed the re-introduction of a trimester system for schools from 2025 onwards.

A total of 46 participants that included learners, teachers, parents and the public at large gathered on Monday at Ekulo Secondary School for a regional consultation meeting on the government school calendar for the 2025 academic year.

The meeting was about concerns and proposals aired around semesters (two terms per year) and trimesters (three terms).

The semester concerns revolve around the length of the semester, fatigue among learners and difficulty in curriculum planning. The trimester concerns revolve around the need to adjust the calendar leading to learners having their holiday during the cold winter of June/July, minimising the examination time and maximising teaching time.

Hai//om Traditional Authority vice chairperson, Ndapandula Kamati said that the trimester is best because it gives learners time to prepare for exams at the end of the year.

The education directorate is gathering the feedback and forwarding it to the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp.

Oshikoto education directorate head, Aletta Eises meanwhile also urged parents to start monitoring their children and setting a good example for them.

‘Parents must set a good example for our learners for the best interest of our learners,’ said Eises, noting that the parents are on the ground and they hold the huge responsibility to uplift and motivate learners to become responsible citizens in future.

Eises also pointed out that many Grade 10 learners in the region are transferred to Grade 11 this year and this might not produce positive results compared to the previous Grade 11 results that put the region at position 4 in the 2023 results.

Oshikoto Region in 2024 has 81 727 learners and 382 teachers in 229 schools.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

While the annual military parade for May 6, the Day of Valour and of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, may occasionally be cancelled for some reason, as is the case in 2024, one fixture will be there, just as it is at practically all other military ceremonies and state functions: the Guards Representative Brass Band.

The band traces its beginnings to Bulgaria’s first professional military brass band, composed of 21 Czech musicians hired by the provisional Russian administration immediately after the country’s liberation from Ottoman rule. The Czechs arrived in the old Bulgarian capital Tarnovo on March 31, 1879.

They first played in public on April 17 at the festivities for the signing of the Tarnovo Constitution and the election of Alexander Battenberg as the first Prince of Bulgaria. As another first, the band marched in formation in Tarnovo on April 26. The first bandmaster was Josef Chochola.

That band was initially attached to the 6th Tarnovo Infantry Regiment. It was moved to Sofia on May 19, 1879 as part
of the 1st Sofia Infantry Battalion. By a princely decree, effective January 1, 1893, the band was incorporated into His Royal Highness’s Life Guards Squadron as a Life Guards Band of 65-70 musicians – arguably Bulgaria’s best orchestra at that time.

After the Communist takeover in September 1944, the size of the band was reduced and the musicians were stationed in Breznik (Southwestern Bulgaria). By government decision of February 1, 1951, the orchestra was revived as a Central Brass Band of the Bulgarian People’s Army under the Ministry of National Defence. A Council of Ministers decree dated May 14, 2001 made it part of the National Guards Unit as a Guards Representative Brass Band.

Among its members and leaders, the band lists some of Bulgaria’s most prominent composers and conductors: Josef Chochola, Alois Macak, Maestro Georgi Atanasov (the first Bulgarian to be appointed bandmaster, in 1914), Philip Koutev, Emanuil Manolov, Atanas Ivanov, Diko Iliev, Nikola Tsonev, Zheko Dimov, Nikola Kazasov, Tsveta
n Tsvetkov, Stoyan Stoyanov, Nikolay Bratanov and Diyan Dihanov. The present Chief Conductor of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and Bandmaster of the Guards Representative Brass Band is Lieutenant Colonel Radi Radev (since 2008).

Across-the-Spectrum Repertoire

The Guards Band is a unique first-class ensemble of accomplished professional musicians. Its vast repertoire ranges from military marches to Bulgarian folk music, classics, pop and jazz. ‘In practice, we are the trend setters for all orchestras in Bulgaria. Once we play a piece, our colleagues come to like it and start to perform it themselves.

For example, we were the first in Bulgaria to play orchestrated versions of songs of Whitney Houston, ABBA, Scorpions,’ Colonel Diyan Dihanov (Ret.), the band’s then longest serving chief conductor (16 years), told www.dnesbg.com in 2013. ‘The Guards Band is emblematic for the Bulgarian State, for the Armed Forces and for Bulgarian musical culture. It combines the country’s military and musical traditions. This uni
t is indispensable for any ceremonial and protocol event or ritual,’ Colonel Dihanov commented.

Indeed, the brass band participates in welcoming ceremonies for visiting heads of State and government delegations, the presentation of foreign ambassadors’ credentials, wreath-laying by local and foreign dignitaries, flag raisings, commemorations, state receptions, state funerals, etc.

Memorable International Tours

Along with its ceremonial functions, the Guards Representative Brass Band is active in concert at home and abroad. It has on its record memorable appearances at international military brass band festivals: Music Parade and Berlin Tattoo in Germany, France, Hungary, Israel and Russia. The Band has staged concert tours in Italy, Hungary, France, Israel, Romania and Turkey. In 2010 the military musicians were special guests of the Bulgarian Jewish community in Israel.

It is the first brass band in Bulgaria that recorded its music digitally on CD.

Brigadier General Boyan Stavrev, who commanded the Nati
onal Guards Unit from 2008 to 2016, said in a National Radio interview: ‘While I was commander in the course of eight and a half years, every year the Guards Representative Brass Band took part in music parades in Germany, in Turkey, in Belgium, in the Netherlands. Wherever our band appeared, it received the most applause.’

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Radi Radev told armymedia.bg: ‘I will never forget our first time in Germany at the Music Parade, in an auditorium seating 9,000. The audience cheered the other bands that had been there on numerous occasions. After our performance, the people first fell silent, then stood up and started stamping their feet as an expression of their greatest respect for the artists. Since 2008, we have invariably ranked first or second there. Our band is very popular at that festival.’

The Guards Band holds numerous State honours and awards from international music competitions. The Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers conferred on it its 2016 Crystal Lyre Prize in th
e Brass Bands category. Jury chair Rositsa Boyadzhieva noted the Guards’ ‘incredibly beautiful sound making, exceptionally mellow playing, a refinement that is difficult to achieve in a brass band, which is a real exploit, considering that brilliant concertizing comes on top of their ceremonial and marching engagements.’

By protocol and military regulations, the massed bands headed by the Guards Band bring up the rear of military parades and march-pasts. But then, this band is in the forefront of the hearts and minds of their huge local and foreign fandom.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Oti Regional Minister, Daniel Machator, has engaged in discussions with the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi, in efforts to enhance education and agricultural development in the Oti Region.

Speaking during a working visit, the minister emphasised the significant contributions of national service personnel in his region.

He explained that over the years, the scheme has deployed NSP to enhance teaching and learning across the length and breadth of the country.

Daniel Machator highlighted the importance of strengthening the educational foundation for the youth, explaining the vital role of the past and current NSP in driving socio-economic growth in his region.

“I am proud of your deployment so far. Indeed, it has succeeded in helping my region in the areas of education, health, and agriculture. I therefore request some more in the coming service year,” he stated.

The Minister further proposed collaboration with the NSS to allocate agricultural personnel t
o support farming initiatives across the Oti Region.

This strategic partnership, according to the minister, aims to harness the region’s agricultural potential and empower local farmers and the NSP with modern techniques and resources.

For his part, the Executive Director of NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, expressed enthusiasm for the proposed collaboration.

He acknowledged the significant impact it could have on the region’s development.

Mr. Assibey Antwi assured the minister of the NSS’s commitment to deploying skilled personnel effectively to meet the specific needs of the Oti Region.

“I believe this collaborative effort will positively impact education and agriculture. It will equally lay the foundation for prosperity and progress in your region. We will support you in achieving this vision as it aligns with the President’s planting for food and jobs agenda and our deployment for employment vision,” he noted.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to formalise plans for the deployment of more tea
chers and agricultural personnel in the coming service year.

This collaborative effort between the Oti Regional Minister and NSS, according to Mr. Assibey Antwi, reflects a shared vision for sustainable development and empowerment within the region.

He added that the proactive approach demonstrated by Daniel Machator indicates a commitment to addressing critical challenges and harnessing opportunities for growth in the Oti Region.

“It is without doubt that this collaboration will create jobs and improve socio-economic development. More opportunities will be created, and the youth in the Oti Region and its environs will benefit,” he said.

Source: Ghana Web

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has presented sub-grants to selected arts and crafts artisans to spur the growth of the sector in the Metropolis.

The third-party support, second of three financial and logistic aid to identifiable groups, was under the Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP) being implemented by the STMA and Palermo Municipality in Italy, with funding from the European Union (EU).

The Project requested proposals from arts and crafts artisans earlier this year for a grant to produce innovative artworks inspired by Sekondi-Takoradi for exhibitions at transnational cultural festivals scheduled for Sekondi-Takoradi and Palermo this year.

In all, 66 applications were received, and 54 successfully passed the selection process, of which they would receive a total amount of GHC238,013.

Mr Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), speaking at a ceremony to present the grants to the beneficiaries, at Sekondi, said the arts and crafts
sector played an important role in reflecting rich cultural heritage, history, and creativity in any society.

He said despite its significance to the local economy and preservation of culture and traditions, artists in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis faced numerous challenges, such as inadequate governmental support, exploitation by middlemen, inappropriate and restricted working areas, limited adoption of new technologies, and insufficient capital.

He noted that recognising the need for intervention, the STMA through the TCSPP was presenting the grants to the beneficiaries as part of efforts to preserve and promote local artworks, heritage sites, artefacts, and the various cultural celebrations within the Metropolis.

‘To facilitate the disbursement, monitoring and reporting of the beneficiaries’ works, they have been grouped into eight, and they are expected to complete and submit their works before Friday, June 24, 2024, for the first Transnational Cultural Festival scheduled for June 26 to June 30, 2024
, at Sekondi.

‘We envisage that the festival would provide a platform for the artists to showcase their works on the international market and position the arts and crafts sector as a pillar for local economic development,’ the MCE said.

Mr Issah stated that the Assembly was determined to improve upon the economic opportunities for the artists, increase market value and recognition of indigenous arts and crafts, and enhance collaboration between stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and development of the industry in Sekondi-Takoradi.

He said: ‘As part of the sustainability plan for the sector, the Assembly has decided to revamp the Metro Arts and Crafts Gallery into a modern status to attract artworks from all artists for exhibition and sales.’

The MCE advised the beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the grants given them, saying ‘The monies given to you are not for irresponsible lifestyles, but to promote your talents of creativity and make a meaningful impact on your lives and the local economy
through the arts.’

Mr Isaac Aidoo, TCSPP Coordinator, reiterated the need for the beneficiaries to ensure they used the monies for the purpose for which they were granted.

Mr Benyameen Sam Keelson, one of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed appreciation to the STMA and its partners for the kind gesture, and said it would spur the growth of the arts and crafts sector in the Metropolis.

‘This intervention has come at the right time, and it will motivate us to work hard make the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis a hub of arts and crafts in Ghana and around the world,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Oyster Agribusiness has been recognized as the Promising Company of the Year at the second edition of the Ghana Business League Awards (GBLA) 2024, a scheme that acknowledges industry leaders based on their rating in the 2023 business assessment.

This follows the company’s exceptional achievements over the years in agribusiness solutions, farming innovation, and technology, international agribusiness standards, corporate social responsibility, brand consistency, just-in-time supply practices, brand appeal, goodwill, and overall significant contributions to the Ghanaian economy through agribusiness.

The awards ceremony, held in Accra at the Movenpick Hotel, concluded with an exclusive five-star executive dinner themed ‘Celebrating the transformative impact of technological innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and economic growth driven by Ghanaian enterprises’.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oyster Agribusiness, Edmund Kombat, applauded his staff for their unwavering dedication and
shared vision. He recounted their path from humble beginnings to industry leaders, emphasizing their determination to drive positive change in the agribusiness sector. He dedicated the honor to the hardworking farmers and partners who have helped them along the way.

Event Director at Maven Communications, Seth Joojo Danso Asante, stated that the prize was determined following a thorough examination by their research team and approval by the event Awarding Board. ‘After careful evaluation by our research team and approval by the event awarding board, Oyster Agribusiness emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating business leadership in the Promising Company of the Year category,’ he affirmed.

The Ghana Business League Awards is an effort of Maven Communications with cooperation from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Magic Wave Consult, Silicon House Production, and the University College of Management Studies. The awarding procedure began with researching and analyzing possible honorees.

Last year’s
awarding board was chaired by Mr. Stephen Djaba, who also serves on the boards of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission’s National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI). The Ghana Business League Award conducts research to discover possible award winners and recognizes them.

This clearly shows that their effort and perseverance are being recognized, and the recognition is based on merit, suggesting honesty in their award selection procedure, as there is no public vote for favorite nominees.

Source: Ghana Web

The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 21-year-old miner to 15 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbery.

Michael Osei denied the offence but was found culpable after trial and sentenced accordingly.

Police Detective Chief Inspector Eric Twum told the Court presided over by Mr Isaac Apeatu that Madam Sandra Adamah, the complainant, was a food vendor, and Osei, now a convict, was a miner and a resident of Abuakwaa near Jacobu in the Ashanti Region.

He said Osei used to visit and patronize the complainant’s food at her eatery.

The complainant and other workers normally spent the night at the eatery, according to the prosecution.

On March 13, 2024, the complainant and her colleagues did not sleep at the shop, thus, the next day at about 0500 hours, the complainant who was returning from town, met Osei and exchanged greetings.

Chief Inspector Twum said later, Osei followed and monitored the complainant – secretly until she entered her room, where he picked a machete, entered the complainant’s r
oom and under the threat of death, ordered her to hand over her phones and other belongings.

The Court heard that the convict succeeded and took the complainant’s Itel cell phone, Samsung Android phone and GHC700.00, all amounting to GHC4,700.00 and bolted.

He said the complainant raised the alarm but to no avail, adding that Osei went into hiding until April 1, 2024, when he was spotted at Kumasi Tafo and was arrested.

Prosecution said Osei was handed over to Jacobu police for investigation.

During the investigation, he admitted the offence and Ied the Police to retrieve the Itel mobile phone from a room at Patase near Jacobu and further led the Police to the crime scene for investigations.

The prosecution told the Court that after a Police investigation, Osei was arraigned.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has voiced concerns over the escalating number of chieftaincy disputes in the country.

He pointed out that his department’s records show an uptick in chieftaincy disputes recently, which poses a significant concern for the state due to its potential impact on national security.

Kan-Dapaah noted that the nation is forced to allocate substantial resources to address these disputes, as they could escalate into violence and pose a threat to security.

At the 2024 Civil Week and 2023 Awards Ceremony in Accra, the national security minister emphasised that chieftaincy disputes threaten the country’s democracy and security.

‘Let me say that chieftaincy disputes, in particular, remain a thorny internal security threat that must be permanently dealt with. It is interesting to note that chieftaincy disputes constitute a significant portion of the daily situational reports that are received by my ministry.

‘The potential for such chieftaincy disputes to degenera
te into violent confrontations compels us to constantly dedicate considerable amounts of resources to the mitigation of such threats. And these are resources that would have been channelled into other productive sectors of the economy,’ citinewsroom.com quoted him as having said.

Chieftaincy disputes have long been a significant issue that the nation has been attempting to resolve.

One such dispute involves the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict, which has persisted for some time and has occasionally resulted in violence.

Source: Ghana Web

Habib Munkaila, a 33-year-old man, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for defrauding a trader of GHC120,000.

Munkaila is alleged to have collected the money under the pretext of changing it into 6,855,000 CFA Francs but failed.

Charged with defrauding by false pretences and dealing in foreign exchange without license, Munkaila has pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah has admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of GHC100,000 with three sureties.

The matter has been adjourned to May 7, 2024.

Inspector Shiela Tetteh, who held brief, narrated that the complainant Cecilia Ahemah is a trader who ply her trade between Accra and Lome.

Prosecution said Munkaila was a foreign exchange dealer who operated on the ‘black market ‘at Tudu.

The prosecutor told the court that in September 2023, the complainant needed CFA Francs to purchase goods from Lome in Togo.

According to prosecution, the complainant contacted the accused person who assured her that he could change
the money for her.

Prosecution said the complainant gave Munkaila an amount of GHc120,000, equivalent to 6,855,000 CFA Francs.

After a week, the prosecution said the complainant went to the accused person to collect the money so she could travel to Lome to purchase her goods.

Prosecution said the accused person told the complainant to proceed to Lome and that he had transferred the money to one Mohammed in Lome to be given to her.

On reaching Lome, the complainant met Mohammed who told her that he has not received any money from Munkaila.

Prosecution said the complainant returned to Accra and Munkaila informed her that there was shortage of CFA Francs on the market, and that he had given the money to one of his clients to get the CFA Francs within one week.

The court heard that the accused person failed to give the complainant the money as promised and kept postponing the delivery date.

Prosecution said the complainant after waiting for six weeks, reported the matter to the Police and the accused perso
n was arrested.

The court was told that the accused person during investigation stated that he had invested the money into a business but declined to disclose the said business to the Police.

Prosecution said the accused person refunded GHC30,000 to the Police which had since been released to the complainant.

The prosecution said during police investigations, it became known that the accused person did not have a license to trade in Foreign Exchange.

Source: Ghana News Agency