Nigerian singer Burna Boy has been named the Best African Music Artist at the prestigious 2024 iHeart Radio Music Awards in the United States.
The awards ceremony, broadcast live on FOX and hosted by rapper Ludacris, saw Burna Boy taking the spot ahead of his compatriots.
Adding to the Nigerian triumph, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez also took the title of Best Collaboration of the Year.
Meanwhile, American pop icons Beyoncé and Cher were honoured with the iHeart Innovator Award and the iHeart Icon Award, respectively.
Taylor Swift dominated the night with an impressive six awards, including Artist of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year.
Burna Boy and Rema now join the ranks of Wizkid and Tems as the only Nigerian artists to have received an iHeart Radio Music Award.
This victory comes as a relief for Burna Boy, who had faced disappointments at previous award shows, including the 2023 BET Hip-hop Awards and the 2024 Grammys.
Following her impressive debut year in the showbiz industry, talented singer, Sally M, known by her birth name as Sally Mugabe Hayfron has been adjudged as the New Artist of the Year at the 2023 Western Music Awards.
This forms part of Sally M’s incredible performance in her debut campaign in the showbiz industry.
Sally M featured Ahkan, formerly part of the vibrant Ruff and Smooth fame on her popular tune Feeling which is among the five most streamed songs of Artists from the Western Region concerning Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Fameye and Dope Nation in the year considered.
Sally M surpassed competition from; Fiffi Latex, Phynex, and Debby Sway among others in the New Artist of the Year category.
She was nominated for the Highlife Song of the Year category for her single Makoma.
In an unprecedented year where all three of her songs; Attention Love, Makoma and Feeling earned massive rotations and growth on the digital streaming platforms she’s recognized for such a feat.
ODEFILLE, a pioneer in executive fashion and maker of stylish C-suite wear, will unveil its elegant collection at the upcoming Accra Fashion Week (AFWK23) scheduled to take place from December 13 to 17, 2023.
During the five-day event, the distinguished C-suite fashion brand – which has been synonymous with sophistication and grace since its inception – will give patrons a glimpse into its rich past, exciting present, and innovative future via a booth and a runway show on Saturday, December 16, at 1.30pm as part of the main show at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
Nadia Asantewaa Nkandobi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder, ahead of the event said fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the diverse offerings of Odefille, showcasing innovative craftsmanship and a range of creative collaborations.
She expressed excitement about participating in Accra Fashion Week, highlighting the chance to connect with a broader audience and share the C-suite wear brand’s commitment to artistry and refinement.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Accra Fashion Week and have the opportunity to showcase our collections to a wider audience. This event allows us to connect with fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and potential customers who appreciate the artistry and refinement that goes into each Odefille piece,” the fashion executive said.
Renowned for meticulous attention to detail and timeless designs, critics have praised Odefille as the brand continues to redefine the boundaries of executive fashion, attracting a devoted following of individuals who value the craftsmanship evident in its offerings.
Ms. Nkandobi believes AFWK23 represents the ideal platform for showcasing Odefille’s range as she aims to inspire and empower individuals through its designs, reflecting the brand’s confidence and refinement. “The event is not only an opportunity for us to exhibit our latest collections but also to connect with our audience on a deeper level. We hope to inspire and empower individuals through our C-suite designs, showcasing the confidence and refinement that Odefille represents,” the CEO added.
The Accra Fashion Week has evolved to become the foremost gathering of style enthusiasts in the country. The 10th edition of the event is scheduled to host designers from Brazil, Columbia, USA, Tanzania, Seychelles, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, France, Canada, SA & the very best from Ghana.
Accra Fashion Week serves as Odefille’s prime stage for showcasing its latest collections, seamlessly blending classic styles with contemporary flair. The brand’s presentation promises an array of exquisite garments radiating confidence, power, and refinement, the fashion leader added.
Odefille not only unveils its own creations but also collaborates with talented designers, emphasizing its dedication to fostering creativity and supporting emerging talents. This participation solidifies Odefille’s position as a leading force in C-suite fashion, continually setting new standards of style and elegance.
While fashion shows once served as a platform for brands in the US$1.5 trillion global apparel market to unveil their new collections, it has now evolved far beyond its initial scope. Fashion shows have transformed into global media phenomena.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) deserve a pat on their shoulders for their hard work that has contributed to an increase in tourist traffic into the country.
While the GTA has attributed the rise in tourist arrivals largely to its December in Ghana (GH) initiative, we also believe that the marketing of Ghana to the global community as a peaceful country, a place that is ready to receive people of African descent from the Diaspora and a place to experience diverse cultures, a move spearheaded by the President, has contributed immensely to that.
If we must strike while the iron is hot, then we must not rest on our laurels, but do more to sustain the increased tourist arrivals into the country. The Diaspora must be used as the launch pad to achieve this, if indeed Ghana is to become the Mecca for Pan Africanism.
The country is blessed with many indigenous festivals all year round, which can be harnessed and made attractive to the international community so as to pull in guests locally, as well as those from abroad, and not wait for only December.
The country is made up of 16 regions, all of which have something to offer to attract tourists.
In this regard, the Daily Graphic calls for a deliberate plan involving all the MMDAs in all the regions to bring this into fruition.
We, therefore, find it reassuring that the GTA is already considering leveraging other peak months so that throughout the year, Ghana will be on the map for travellers.
If we are looking forward to having more guests in town all year round, then we must beef up our security and ensure effective traffic control.
Also, by allowing more people in, we are indirectly importing foreign cultures, so we must do well to convey to our guests what hurts the sensibilities of Ghanaians.
There is also the need to invest in infrastructure and grant tax rebates to vendors of top-of-the-range musical equipment and lighting to prevent embarrassing experiences as happened at some of the outdoor musical concerts.
We urge that the authorities grant special concessions to organisers of events, sanctioned by the GTA.
Further, the hospitality industry must consider discounted rates coupled with improved services, especially during peak periods, to enable more guests to afford their services.
We also urge the GTA to effectively supervise the ‘Air BNB’ business which has come to add to the hospitality business and also ensure that all in the sector meet internationally accepted standards at all times.
Indeed, when it comes to receiving guests from our airports, taxi and car hiring services are the first port of call.
We, therefore, urge the proper training of both professionals and amateurs who will be assisting guests and giving them the proverbial Ghanaian welcome when they arrive, instead of finding ways to rip them off.
Once a guest feels welcome into our country, he or she will not only want to come back, but become an ambassador who will encourage others to visit.
We admit that there is a lot to be done to make Ghana the number one tourist destination in Africa, and that is the reason why we urge the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, National Security, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Airport Company Ltd, the Art Centre Traders Association, event organizers and traditional catering services, among others, to effectively collaborate to make it happen.
The First National Bank (FNB) last week Wednesday signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with the organisers of the Accra Marathon, Dansoman Keep Fit Club (DKFC). The sponsorship marked the return of the nation’s most prestigious road race after a seven-year hiatus.
Past Sponsorship and New Beginnings with FNB
The foremost Accra Marathon had been without a sponsor for seven years with no hope in sight after long-standing headline sponsor, Milo, one of Nestle Ghana Limited brands, parted ways with the marathon. Thus, it was all joy when the new marriage between FNB and DKFC was consummated to restore this renowned national pastime.
FNB’s Commitment to the Accra Marathon
To underline FNB’s commitment, not only did the Chief Executive Officer, Warren Adams, initial the dotted lines for his outfit on that memorable occasion, he also immediately announced November 11 (which is Accra Hearts of Oak’s birthday) as the date for the revival of the much-anticipated 42.2 kilometer race and topped it up with the unveiling of the athletes’ vests to satisfy the curiosity of marathon fans.
Future Prospects for FNB Accra Marathon Sponsorship
It is our wish that the new sponsor will go beyond the initial five-year sponsorship to sustain the massive interest in the FNB Accra Marathon and also keep the dreams of long-distance runners alive. As part of the repackaging to get more people along, the exciting race has been rechristened “First National Bank Accra Marathon,” while the corporate world has been integrated into the new concept, aside from the men’s and U-15 boys’ categories.
Reviving Year-Round Athletic Activities
As was the case in the previous editions, the comeback of this annual event is expected to keep runners active all year round as they seek to outdo each other for honours. More so, it will afford the national selectors an opportunity to pick some lucky athletes to represent the nation in major international competitions.
Impact of the Accra Marathon on Ghana Athletics
It goes without saying that the long absence of the Accra Marathon has taken some shine from Ghana athletics as is evident in the country’s failure to feature long-distance runners or athletes in the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships in recent times. The strategic intervention of FNB is certainly a good omen for Ghana Athletics.
Future Stars of the FNB Marathon 2024
With consistency, it will not be surprising to see the new kid on the block, William Amponsah, and other potential long-distance runners making the nation proud again on the global stage just as the Fred Adongos, Alhaji Alhassans and the Emmanuel Amoos did in the past.
Catalyst for Revival: Security Services Sports Association Games
We also believe that the FNB Accra Marathon will serve as a catalyst for the revival of the Security Services Sports Association Games as it unveiled new talents for the various security services. For starters, Alfred Amegashie, won the maiden Accra Marathon in 1987 as a police officer, so were multiple winners, Adongo and Alhassan, employees of the then Customs, Excise and Preventive Service.
Historical Impact of the Accra Marathon
In short, most of the past winners of the Accra Marathon had a romance with the security services, hence the need to support this marathon initiative to produce more talents for the future. The older generation still relishes the annual Mobil Games which used to gather the nation’s best athletes for national trials at the Accra Stadium prior to major international competitions.
Nostalgia for Past Ghanaian Athletics Glory
Those were the days of John and Leo Myles-Mills, Emmanuel Tuffour (Koora), Nelson Boateng, Timothy Hesse, Eric Akogyiram, Solomon Amegatcher, Ahmed Ali, Ibrahim Hassan, Aziz Zakari, Diana Yankey, Veronica Barwuah, Martha Edusei, Philomena Mensah, among others. Most of these athletes hoisted the national flag at the Olympics and the World Championships and left an indelible imprint in the minds of most Ghanaians.
The Promise of FNB for Future Ghana Athletics
However, the same cannot be said of today. That is how FNB will also be remembered for years to come for its immense contribution to Ghana sports if it is able to keep its promise and even takes it to the next level with even better packages in the years ahead.
Recognition of FNB’s Bold Sponsorship Move
We seize this opportunity to hail FNB for taking such a bold step to rescue the FNB Accra Marathon and rekindle the dreams of many an athlete at a time Ghana athletics is in the doldrums. Who knows, perhaps the five-kilometer race for students and the 10-kilometre race dedicated to corporate entities could also unearth some great runners for the nation.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world
Goal Five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims at achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Although statistics across the world shows that there has been progress over the last decades, the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.
Only two countries, Rwanda and South Africa, are among the world’s top 20 best countries for women, according to the World Economic Forum’s report.
Available evidence shows that women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore half of its potential.
But gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress.
On the average, women in the labour market still earn 23 per cent less than men globally and women spend about three times as many hours in unpaid domestic and care work as men.
Also, sexual violence, exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care, domestic work and discrimination in public office, continue to remain huge barriers.
That is why, on June 17, 2023, the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and partners launched #WeAreEqual, a year-long unifying campaign that calls for urgent action to advance gender equity and close the gender gap in Africa.
#WeAreEqual focuses on key action areas, including health care, gender-based violence, education and economic empowerment.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the power of gender equity and calls on African leaders to take action now by addressing the root causes of gender inequality and fostering collaboration among diverse partners.
To bring the campaign home, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, on August 28, 2023 launched the #WeAreEqual campaign in Ghana as part of the strategic measures to fight for gender equality that will enable girls and women to contribute their quota to the development of the country.
Launching the campaign, she said: “The fight for gender equality is an age-old one.
Sadly, it is a fight that has not been won.
Even though the global gender gap has been narrowing, we need a lot more urgency and action to make very significant impact.
When women and girls, representing about half of our society, have equal access to health, education and skills, and are free from gender-based violence, they can contribute their quota to the development of our nation”.
Achieving gender equality is critical to driving social and economic progress for all in building the world that we want.
As a society, we cannot collectively move forward to achieve these goals if we are only lifting one foot off the ground.
The Daily Graphic believes that when women are empowered it results in closing the gender gap and unlocks the full potential of our society, as evidence from around the world has proved that gender equality drives social and economic progress for all.
Through a concerted effort, we can create a future where gender equity is not only a goal, but a lived reality for everyone, transforming societies and building a more just and inclusive world.
The paper also agrees with OAFLAD that everyone has a role to play in bringing attention and urgency to this issue.
Participation and commitment from governments, civil society organisations, international bodies and individuals are critical to advancing gender equity and that driving meaningful change requires continuous advocacy, policy reforms and allocation of resources to address the root causes of gender inequality and create enabling environments for women and girls to thrive.
There is an urgent need for concrete action and policy change to advance gender equity as gender-sensitive and gender-focused policies when implemented with adequate funding and full commitment can contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable societies.
We call for gender-responsive laws that protect and enshrine women’s rights, policies and laws that prioritise gender equity because they are crucial for driving meaningful change.
To ensure fairness, strategies and measures must often be available to compensate for women’s historical and social disadvantages that prevent them from otherwise operating on a level playing field.
Since pre-colonial days, Ghana has been blessed with so many personalities whose ideas, vision and contribution to national development can never be wished away.
Instead of the nation giving them the pride of place as statesmen and women who must be celebrated, Ghanaians have often looked at them through a pure political lens, and often tried to make them irrelevant until a political party believed to be aligned with their cause comes to power to give them recognition.
A typical example which often comes to mind is the declaration of public holidays, with the recent August 4 Founders’ Day coming in handy in support of this position.
Indeed, with such partisanship on display, it is difficult for well-meaning Ghanaians to dare to contribute their quota to addressing the country’s challenges because they do not want to be tagged.
This situation certainly does not augur well for our country.
At a recent lecture in Kumasi to mark the 45th anniversary of the passing of Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, the former Prime Minister in the Second Republic, the Majority Leader in Parliament and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, hit the nail on the head when he stated that extreme partisanship and political polarisation hampered the celebration of the country’s national heroes.
In his observation, attempts had been made to obliterate the contribution of many notable Ghanaians, and to some extent, the distortion of the country’s history.
As the adage goes, a nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for.
The great American leader, Abraham Lincoln, puts it succinctly that “a nation that does not honour its heroes will not long endure.”
The Daily Graphic believes that it is time we put aside partisanship and recognise the men and women who have blazed the trail, regardless of their tribe or political affiliation, to motivate the younger generation to give their best for the country’s development .
We need to remind ourselves that acknowledging our heroes offers us the opportunity to celebrate our history, heritage and values as a people.
Aside from serving as role models, the country’s heroes and heroines are an embodiment of wisdom, moral behavior and inspiration to the younger generation.
This is why the Daily Graphic believes recognising them should not be viewed through partisan lenses.
If for nothing at all, the recognition accorded Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, on the global political scene and the football great, Abedi Pele, in sports circles, should motivate our current and future leaders to put aside the unhealthy partisanship and selectivity when it comes to recognising our heroes.
We also urge members on both political divide that when celebrating some of these important days, they must involve all stakeholders and not only people who are aligned with their political parties and ideologies.
Similarly, we entreat all others to fully participate in such national celebrations.
The Daily Graphic thinks that when the nation starts from this small scale, we will be bridging the gap of partisanship and putting polarisation where it belongs.
Every citizen should aspire to work hard to emulate the courage and contribution of heroes of the nation in serving the country.
We also need to unite to stay focused on important things that lie ahead of us as a people.
In unity lies strength, and with it, we can put aside our differences to sacrifice for the common good.
Let us put aside partisanship and recognise all those who have contributed immensely to bring the country this far.
Recent public comments on the trial of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, have received support and backlash from different quarters and the general public.
The brouhaha started when the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, made an appeal to the Attorney-General (A-G) to file a nolle prosequi and discontinue the criminal case against Mr Quayson, as prosecuting him would not augur well for his constituents, especially after his victory at the Assin North by-election on June 17, this year.
A former A-G, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, also added his voice to the calls for the discontinuance of the case on the basis that it would be politically prudent for the trial to end in view of current public sentiments.
Mr Quayson has been accused of perjury and forgery over certain alleged offences in the run-up to the 2020 general election.
He won that election but it was later nullified by the Supreme Court due to his dual citizenship status.
The Dormaahene’s appeal for the A-G to drop the case against the legislator was condemned by some who saw it as an unwelcome comment by a sitting judge.
Osagyefo Agyemang Badu is a High Court judge with the name Justice Daniel Mensah.
While his critics hounded him, those in support of the comment spiritedly defended the Dormaahene, arguing that he only exercised his freedom of speech and also it was in the public interest to end the case against the Assin North MP.
It is obvious that the public commentary on the trial has taken the usual political dimension, with people sticking to entrenched positions on the issue.
The opposition National Democratic Congress has jumped to the defence of the Dormahene, while many of the critics are affiliated to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
It was within the context of such a polarised political environment on the issue that the A-G, Godfred Yeboah Dame, released a statement calling on the public to be circumspect in their commentary on court cases especially the so-called high-profile cases, involving political figures.
Mr. Dame said although there was the freedom of speech, such commentary on the cases “transgresses permissible limits of free speech” and makes it difficult for the “stream of justice to flow”.
He noted that any assertion that a person should not face the law because of his or her political position would not augur well for the development of the country, and as such dangerous for democracy.
“The perception that a crime committed by a person of high political standing in society should not be prosecuted is dangerous for society and must not be countenanced,” Mr Dame said.
The A-G added that such public utterances, including those by lawyers, were prejudicial and had the potential to mar the effective administration of justice.
The Principal Legal Advisor to the government said such comments did not provide a conducive environment for state prosecutors and the court to effectively discharge their functions.
Public comments on state institutions, including the work of the A-G and the judiciary, are a testament that our democracy is growing and people are becoming more conscious of public issues.
In this regard, it is, therefore, not out of place when people comment on court cases.
However, the Daily Graphic agrees with the A-G that the nature of some of the commentaries on court cases may have a negative impact on the administration of justice.
Constant non-constructive criticisms of court cases could lead to bastardisation of the courts, and the justice system, and could create the impression that the justice delivery architecture was against the public will.
Loss of confidence in the justice system could spell doom for the country.
We, therefore, call on the public, including political office holders, to be circumspect in their commentaries on court cases, especially high-profile cases in order not to pit the citizenry against the justice system.
While an accused person must be given the freedom to defend himself or herself, the justice system must also be given the space and necessary support to adequately discharge its duties.
We must cherish our right to speak on issues but we must balance that right with the rule of law in the interest of the country.
Themed, “The coming glory”, MOG’s flagship annual programme will take place on 19 March at the Oil Dome of the Royalhouse Chapel International, Accra
Abtvgh / MOG
Award-winning gospel musician and songwriter, Pastor Nana Yaw Boakye also known as MOG Music has announced the 2023 New Wine Concert.
Themed, “The coming glory”, MOG’s flagship annual programme will take place on 19 March at the Oil Dome of the Royalhouse Chapel International, Accra.
The much-anticipated event which would be held in-person has lined up gospel artistes including Ohema Mercy, Uncle Ato, Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Preprah and Ella Duncan Williams.
Also ministering will be Keepers Music and Liberty Voices Choir. The 2023 edition will see the ministration of new singles on the Koinonia album Phase 2 and great worship songs from the guest artistes.
Speaking about the concert, the VGMA two-time male vocalist of the year, MOG said the 2023 event presents an array of local artistes who are prepared to usher God’s children into his presence.
He said the Phase 2 of the ‘Koinonia’ album will take gospel music lovers to another level as the Christian community worldwide comes together to worship God.
According to MOG Music, activities have been outlined to garner support for the event. “I can assure you that lives are going to be touched and there will be testimonies.
Under the patronage of the Most Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah, founder and Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, the concert will be live telecasted on TV platforms including Powerline TV as well as social media handles of MOG Music.
Patrons of this year’s event would have to get their tickets ready for the life transforming event.
Tickets are going for as low as GHC40 (single) for the gallery stand and GHC 70 for double. The standard regular ticket is going for GHC 80 and GHC 150 for double. The special VIP tickets are going for GHC 200.
“Patrons should expect a night of the manifestation of the power of God through song ministrations including hymns,” a statement from the singer said.
Today marks the 66th anniversary of attainment of independence from colonial rule for our dear nation Ghana. The attainment of independence signalled our liberty as a country to take our destiny into our own hands and be in charge of our own affairs.
It was indeed an affirmation of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, that “the Black man was capable of managing his own affairs”.
In Nkrumah’s moving speech in the early morning of March 6, 1957 at the Accra Polo Grounds, he proclaimed the expectation and the hope of Ghanaians, the rest of Africa and the world for the new homeland of Ghana.
There was a new hope for prospects because the opportunity had been offered the people to determine their own destiny and affairs. The independence journey had been tortuous and at certain stages uncertain. There had been difficulties, imprisonments, hardships, suffering and deaths.
Quite rightly the people had cause to jubilate.
On the occasion of 66 years of nationhood, therefore, the Daily Graphic joins all Ghanaians to congratulate ourselves on the feat that we have chalked up over the years. We have not been a total disappointment; certainly, we have built on what was bequeathed to us by our forebears and we must have cause to celebrate.
The country has seen tremendous improvements in its Human Development Index (HDI), indicating progress in life expectancy, adult literacy and combined secondary and tertiary school enrolment, and real GDP per capita. Until 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country, we were one of the fastest growing economies.
We have a thriving, stable and deepening democratic governance and a high degree of media freedom that are the envy of many.
We must be encouraged by these and pat ourselves on the back for our efforts. But as we do this, we must understand that all is not rosy. It does not also mean that we could not have done better. There are many challenges that we need to work on in order to experience the rapid and accelerated development we yearn for.
Currently, the country is in dire economic straits, with our debt to GDP growing to unsustainable levels. This is the time we need all citizens on board to help turn the situation around. We need the understanding and support of citizens for policies and measures to build a strong socioeconomic foundation. Something that will provide economic freedom and curtail our dependence on foreign aid, to lead the country to move away from the source of economic growth where we rely on extractive and capital-intensive services that do not directly help in reducing poverty.
We must immediately also work on our political psyche to move away from the acrimony, mistrust and suspicion that have become synonymous with our society. Our political actors, especially, owe the nation a duty to lead this charge. The Daily Graphic won’t mince words in pointing out that they are the primary source of this unfortunate state of affairs.
As our schoolchildren, the security agencies and others march today to mark our 66th Independence Day, we mustn’t see it as just an occasion for the fun of it. We must reflect on the whole essence of independence. The Daily Graphic points to an excerpt from one of Dr Nkrumah’s speeches that “. . . from now on, today, we must change our attitudes and our minds. . . . and that [our current state] entails hard work”.
Ghana must demonstrate to the world that it is prepared to build on our foundation, but we must admit that reshaping the destiny of this country depends on us all.
