Day: June 17, 2024

The founder and leader of the International Godsway Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has thrown a challenge to his fellow pastors.

According to the controversial pastor, no Christian leader in the country can claim to be wealthier than him.

He has thus dared any preacher to prove otherwise.

“No pastor in Ghana has dared to say he is richer than Obinim, and no one would dare say that. I would prove myself to Ghanaians, even if it means the government will turn its sight on me,” he declared.

“For this month of June alone, I will bring five aeroplanes; five private jets. Let anyone dare me,” he told members of his congregation in a viral video sighted by GhanaWeb.

Several Ghanaian pastors do not shy away from displaying their wealth.

From luxury cars to mansions, some Ghanaian church leaders have been quick to showcase and reference their wealth, which has sometimes attracted fierce criticism.

Source: Ghana Web

Mr Jascot Hawkins Alhassan, the Secretary of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Council of Zongo Chiefs, says renewing ‘our faith in Allah’ remains essential in consolidating the gains of democratic governance.

‘Renewing our faith in God will unite to promote and strengthen our priceless democratic government’, he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Sunyani to mark this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha celebration and advised Muslims to use the celebration to do so.

‘As we mark the festival, we expect Muslims not to preach virtue today, and practice vice tomorrow. You don’t sacrifice today and do otherwise tomorrow,’ Mr Alhassan advised and reminded Muslims about the tenets of Islam that enjoined them to live peaceably with all people.

‘Islam expects us to live righteous and exemplary lives. When we do that as commanded, Allah will also remember and shower his innumerable blessings on us,’ he stated.

Mr Alhassan underlined the need for Muslims to remain tolerant and forgive each other of wrongs don
e, to deepen their covenant with Allah.

‘Regardless of our religion and faith, we must strive to live peaceably with all social classes of people, understand each other well and try to resolve our differences in dignity,’ he urged.

Source: Ghana News Agency

There has been an erroneous mindset that arts are the preserve of school dropouts. One is seen as an outcast if one dared to inform the parents that he would pursue arts as a career goal.

Justifiably so because in the past, many artists had no interest in formal education and ended up as paupers. Also, some artists in times past lived recklessly, ending up with terminal diseases that dissipated the coffers of the family.

To cure these, most parents persuade and to some extent intimidate their children to pursue accounting, law, medicine, etc because these courses are seen to be prestigious and lucrative.

However, some musicians have defied this flawed misapprehension by skillfully combining the arts and academic work to perfection. Some have even gone a notch higher by going into the corporate world after chalking some successes in the arts.

The names enumerated below are some well-educated people in the arts, but the list is non-exhaustive:

Obour

Bice Osei-Kuffour, popularly known as Obour is one musi
cian who is good at what he does. A proud product of the University of Ghana shelved his degree to pursue music. After a sterling performance in the music industry, he has veered from music into the corporate world. He is currently the Managing Director of Ghana Post Company Limited doing marvelously well with his innovative ideas that have given Ghana Post Company Limited a facelift.

Okyeame Kwame

Another notable musician who has excelled at both (Music and Academics) is Okyeame Kwame who is an alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. After making a name for himself in the music industry and winning countless awards, he saw the need to educate himself further by going back to the classroom to acquire a degree which has helped shape his career.

Samini

One would have thought that after all the hit songs, shows, awards, endorsement deals, etc, that would have ended it for the musician, but he did not rest on his oars. He furthered his education by acquiring a degree in Project Mana
gement from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) where he served as the Students’ Representative Council’s (SRC) President. One has to be intelligent and have good leadership skills to achieve all these.

OB Amponsah

The multi-talented actor is one of the best actors Ghana and the continent have produced. He delivers his roles with panache. Also, an alumnus of the University of Ghana honed his skills while on campus. His professionalism and exceptional performances have made him one of Ghana’s finest actors. The actor continues to soar by the day.

Adjetey Anang

The multi-talented actor is one of the best actors Ghana and the continent have produced. He delivers his roles with panache. Also, an alumnus of the University of Ghana honed his skills while on campus. His professionalism and exceptional performances have made him one of Ghana’s finest actors. The actor continues to soar by the day.

Ibrahim Mahama

This is an artist who is noted for clothing buildings in old jute sa
cks which he stitches to create patchwork quilts. Mahama was the youngest artiste featured in the Ghana Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. He also had his work shown at the 56th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Italy. He is a product of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Once again formal education was not left out in his grooming.

The days of tagging individuals in the arts as dropouts are of no relevance in the modern era. It has been proven that those who did not formally educate themselves to understand the industry they find themselves in are lagging behind.

It is imperative to have some level of education to at least understand the business aspect of the arts in order not to be exploited when it comes to contractual agreements. Many have laboured their lives away due to some bad contacts they signed.

Moreover, one will not be forever young, having in mind that retirement is inevitable. In your retirement age, one could go into consultancy work if one is w
ell versed in that area which needs some form of formal education to understand modern trends.

Parents and guardians should discard the colonial mentality of killing the potential of their children because of a skewed understanding of the arts. They should read more on current trends for a better appreciation of the arts and this helps them guide their offsprings in making informed decisions that will protect their careers.

To allay the fears of parents, the arts industry is now booming with countless opportunities, making it is financially rewarding than the most of the idolized traditional jobs. They just have to be taught to grab all the opportunities with both hands under proper guidance.

Source: Ghana Web

Mr Yawson Amoah, the Sefwi-Akontombra District Chief Executive (DCE) and Mr Alex Djonoboah Tetteh, Member of Parliament (MP) for Akontombra Constituency in the Western North Region, have cut the sod for the construction of an ultra-modern durbar ground at Nsawora for both Nsawora and Adwumafua communities.

The project, funded from the District Performance Assessment Tool, is estimated to cost GHC350,000.

Mr Amoah, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Assembly had done a lot of developmental projects in the community and that the project was in response to a request made by the chiefs and people of the two communities.

He said the New Assembly and the MP had laid a solid foundation in the Akontombra District and asked the electorate to retain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government based on the various projects undertaken in the area.

Mr Tetteh, on his part, entreated residents to own the project and give the contractor the needed support to execute the project.

Mr Ramus Kwofie, Ch
ief Executive Officer of Raycof Group of Companies, the construction firm executing the project, told the GNA that the time frame for the project was six months.

‘But we intend to work overtime and complete it, and hand over to the community within three months.’

Mr Emmanuel Adu Amankrah, Assembly Member for Nsawora-Adwumafua Electoral Area, on behalf of the community, commended the District Assembly and the MP for responding to the community’s request, and said it would go a long way to support the community.

He explained that project would have stores, and not only host social events but increase economic activities in the area.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Education and Training Institute of the International Relations and Diplomacy Network Ghana (IRDN Ghana) hosted a comprehensive training program on social and diplomatic etiquette, aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals in the field of diplomacy, as well as individuals seeking to improve their everyday interactions.

The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex social and diplomatic situations with confidence and poise, fostering effective communication, building strong relationships, and promoting cultural understanding.

‘In today’s globalized world, social and diplomatic etiquette plays a vital role in building bridges between nations, cultures, and individuals. The training was designed to provide participants with the tools necessary to excel in their professional and personal lives,’ said Samantha Wuta-Ofei, the head of the training and education institute of IRDN Ghana.

In an address during the training, Prof. Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, th
e convener and patron of the network, stated that the training is essential for diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and anyone interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. It will cover topics such as protocol, cross-cultural communication, and professional networking.

H.E. Ambassador Norvisi Aku Abaidoo, former Ambassador of Ghana to Belgium who was the guest resource person in her presentation said, ‘As a former ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand the power of social and diplomatic etiquette in building strong relationships and achieving diplomatic goals. This training is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make a positive impact in the world of international relations.’

In conclusion, Eunice Dede Tornyi, the head of IRDN Ghana thanked the resource persons on behalf of the network and charged members of the public and diplomatic community to look out for more insightful training opportunities that will be rolled out by the training institute.

Our training is not just about rules and
protocols. It’s about developing a mindset of respect, empathy, and understanding. We want our participants to leave with the skills and confidence to navigate any situation with grace and poise. The place to gain such empowerment is with the IRDN Ghana.’

International Relations and Diplomacy Network Ghana (IRDN Ghana) is a global platform fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among diplomats, scholars, and professionals in the field of international relations.

Dedicated to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation, IRDN Ghana provides a unique space for exchange, learning, and growth. Through its various initiatives, IRDN Ghana aims to enhance diplomatic skills, facilitate international cooperation, and address global challenges. With a diverse community spanning several countries, the network is committed to shaping the future of international relations and diplomacy. Log on to www.irdnghana.org to join.

Source: Ghana Web

The Deputy Minister for Works and Housing and Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim in the Western Region, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, has assured constituents that construction works on storm drains at different locations to address the perennial flooding in the Constituency would soon be completed.

Some residents in the area have always had to vacate their homes and businesses whenever there was a downpour due to the accompanying floods .

The situation had persisted for many years with authorities attributing it to the low-lying nature of the Constituency.

In areas like Apollo-Dupaul, Anaji Fie, Anaji Choice Mart, Kwesimintsim Fie, IAdu, and among others had been flood prone for a longer while and authorities, including the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal assembly, had not been spared the bash for proper drainage systems and gutters to save lives and properties.

Dr. Armah, who was on an official tour to ensure these challenges were fixed in the constituency, met with some residents, Associations, Chiefs, and
Opinion leaders and assured them of measures being undertaken to ensure that the perennial floods became history.

He said some storm drains were already in various stages of completion, while others were currently being considered.

‘We shall immediately construct a 600-meter long drain at Apollo- Dupaul to deal with the flooding situation, causing troubles in the homes of people. We have another flooding problem at Kwesimintsim Fie, residents are unable to sleep whenever there is a heavy downpour. 700 meters storm drain will be constructed for the people to solve that problem.’

‘At I-Adu, contractors are already on site working to fix an 800-meter-long storm drain, we are hoping it will be completed as scheduled. There is a problem at Anaji Fie as well as many other places. We are not sleeping over them. I’m assuring the people of Kwesimistim that very soon all these flooding problems will be over,’ he indicated.

The Deputy Minister later inspected the progress of works on sea defence projects being under
taken in Ghana’s western Coastal lines by the Ministry’s implementing agency, Ghana Hydrological Authority.

He visited project sites in Dixcove, Axim, and Aboadze, all in the Western Region.

These projects are being constructed to ensure that over 30 percent of Ghana’s population living along the coast are protected from sea erosion and its devastating effects.

‘Three of the coastal line projects (Dansoman, Anomabo, Komeda) are almost complete and the President will soon commission them. We have also completed a fishing harbour at Axim. We are urging the electorate to have confidence in the Akuffo Addo-Bawumia Government.’

‘We have a 550 km coastal line and there are hotspots that need urgent attention to avoid the sea eroding communities. We have completed about 80km of the coastal line projects and we still have 270km more to do.

Phase two of the Dansoman Project will soon begin and 1.2km will be added to the Axim project to avoid any future disasters to the community and fisher folks,’ he added.

The
Deputy Minister was accompanied by engineers from the Works and Housing Ministry and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly.

Source: Ghana News Agency

In a display of generosity and solidarity, Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Bekwai Constituency, made a significant contribution to the Muslim community as part of the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, Poku-Adusei attended Jummah prayers at selected mosques within the constituency, including those in Poano, Dominase, and Kokofu.

As part of his visit, the young lawyer donated one white ram to each of the three mosques he visited.

This gesture was warmly received by the Muslim leaders and elders present, who expressed their gratitude for his thoughtful contribution.

The donation and engagement with the Muslim community are seen as part of Poku-Adusei’s broader efforts to connect with various groups within the constituency and to demonstrate his readiness to serve all constituents, regardless of their religious affiliations.

The Muslim community, in turn, acknowledged the significance of the donation, especially in the context of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha c
elebrations, which are marked by acts of charity and sacrifice.

The donated rams will enable the community to partake in the traditional sacrificial rites, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

During his visit, Lawyer Poku-Adusei addressed the congregations, appealing to the Muslim communities to pray for his success in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

As the December elections approach, Poku-Adusei’s actions have set a tone of inclusivity and community-focused leadership, qualities that he hopes will resonate with the voters of the Bekwai Constituency.

He emphasized his commitment to improving the standard of living for the youth in the constituency and alleviating the hardships faced by the people.

Lawyer Poku-Adusei urged the youth to unite and play an active role in the development of their area, stressing the importance of securing a prosperous future.

In his speech, he stated, “I am committed to working tirelessly to uplift the standard of living for our youth and to address the c
hallenges our people face. I call on all of you to pray for my victory in the upcoming elections so that together, we can build a better future for our community.”

Accompanying Lawyer Poku-Adusei were the constituency executives of the NPP, led by Chairman Alex Arko Addai Darkwa.

Their presence underscored the party’s unified support for Poku-Adusei’s candidacy and their collective commitment to the constituency’s development.

Source: Ghana Web

Mr Issah Abdul-Manan, President, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), University for Development Studies (UDS) Chapter, has called on the youth to help promote peaceful elections to sustain the country’s development.

He said it was important the youth recognised their power in determining how the country was governed by actively participating in the upcoming general elections devoid of violence and harassment.

Mr Abdul-Manan made the call in an address to participants at an event held in Tamale dubbed: ‘NUGS-UDS SDGs Summit’.

He said, ‘By actively participating in the election processes, we can advocate for policies and programmes that prioritise our needs for now and future generations.’

The event was organised by NUGS-UDS under the theme: ‘Elections for Sustainable Development: The Role of the Youth in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 16.’

Goal 16 of the SDGs aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective,
accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Mr Abdul-Manan called on the government and other stakeholders to create a more equitable society, where everyone, including young people would have equal access to justice, opportunities and resources to thrive.

Alhaji Alhassan Sayibu Suhiyini, Member of Parliament, Tamale North Constituency, who was the guest of honour at the summit, urged the youth not to shy away from elections, saying the outcomes of those elections inadvertently affected every sphere of their lives.

He expressed the need for them to demonstrate keen interest in the political space by building a strong and united front that amplified the voice of the marginalised, advocate for the rights of vulnerable communities and promote diversity in the decision-making processes of the country.

He said the role of young people in promoting good governance and democracy did not end after election, adding they must ensure that leaders elected were responsible, transparent and accountable for th
eir stewardship.

Mr Abukari Baba Sumaila, Tamale Metropolitan Director, National Youth Authority, who spoke on the role of the youth in ensuring peaceful elections, called on the youth to be actively involved in advocacy and awareness creation to promote dialogue for the upcoming elections.

He urged the youth to eschew violence and channel their energy and passion into ensuring that the country’s democracy was sustained and enhanced.

Madam Khadija Abdul-Samed, Communications and Gender Advocacy Officer, Savannah Women and Integrated Development Agency, said young people could contribute to building a more robust and strengthened democracy by not allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence.

She urged them to critically evaluate the manifestos of the various political parties to ensure they voted for a party that would champion their voices to actively participate in the development of the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency