Before James Brown sang " It's a Man's Man's Man's World", a large majority of cultures of the world have always been patriarchies.It is seemingly a man's world,but I think men tend to leave it earlier for women to control. This weekend has been marked by an avalanche of activities and buzz on social media connoting the expiry of the Queen of England.Condolences have poured in from far and near and deferring opinions have flared on social media and more. One of Voltaire's sayings goes "we owe respect to the living; to the dead, we owe only the truth.” This is a sharp contrast to our realities here in Ghana,I am even tempted to say Africa.We refrain from dishonoring the dead and rather celebrate them irrespective of how questionable their character may have be. Nigerian Prof.Uju Anya received a lot backlash for her opinion about the late Queen Elizabeth.Some people were equally receptive of her position.Seeing the Queen as complicit in the UK's role in slave trade and the aftermath.The wars,brutalities,the excesses.How they have lived off Africa's resources,building themselves a kingdom,a fortune and an "eldorado" in comparison to the realities of most African territories they colonized.This is a big subject l on its own that I intend shelving but I am beginning to have the opinion that,this draconian experience of slavery and colonialism left Africans with a lot of traumas and complexes (Inferiority Complex and also the Stockholm Syndrome). These may be the reason why we may proudly start hanging the late Queen of England on our walls,cry profusely about her demise,name streets and monuments in remembrance of her but we want nothing to do with our ancestors.We still find our ancestors who fought "intruders" that came to oppress us unworthy of our respect and love.Europeanized,we think they are of the devil and everything connected to them is ungodly. I have deduced from the Bible that Adam and Eve's primary responsibility was supervision and maintenance of what was created.These and many more our ancestors have done prior to the coming of the slaveships and the bible.The customs and traditions we have discarded today were never in contravention with the laws of nature.They only preserved and multiplied what the creator gave with so much sacredness attached. If you have been thinking our ancestors are burning in "hell" ,you may be disappointed.They have honored the creator and have been responsible and accountable.What is more important to the creator than his/her creation? As much as bitterness about the past may not be helpful, our lack of reverence for our ancestors and the bubbling love for our oppressors,I believe is a mix of Inferiority Complex and Stockholm Syndrome.I hope we are healed of these traumas we live with as Africans. I have also seen videos of the gold reserves of the UK,haven't you? I nurse the wish that at least 10% of it is returned to where most of it was looted from as we await our reparations.Yes,the Gold Coast of yesterday and the Ghana of today. Although,the UK has a life expectancy of about 78.6 years for males and 82.6 years for females,Queen Elizabeth has indeed lived a long life.In Ghana figures are about 63.7 years for males and 69.2 years for females.In the USA the figures are 76.1 years for Male and 81.1 years for females. From the numbers women tend to have more longevity than men. Don't you agree? There is a common assertion that women are more emotional than men are.At least it is very believable at this part of the world.As Ghanaians our culture bars men from being emotionally expressive.It is demeaning for men to cry or openly express their love in our society.These are signs of weakness on the scales of our society.Education has not yet succeeded in helping us unlearn this. Women tend to cry more often than men generally and a study suggests that women have 60% more of the hormone prolactin compared to men and this hormone stimulates tears in both sexes.Crying comes with many advantages which include relieving us of emotional stress.Emotional stress may cause changes in our body and affect our overall health.Times have become hard and has brought so much stress to many.Crying may be useful in getting a relief from emotional stress and this comes to our women easily whiles many Ghanaian men bottle up their emotions to show strength and masculinity.This may have dire long term consequences on the health of some men. As African men,it is about time we start crying too even if in secrecy.Just like smiling ,we may add some days,weeks,months or even years to our lifespan.There is no shame in crying.Even Jesus Christ wept,and Christians will confirm this.Prophet Muhammad also cried profusely when he visited his mothers grave.Men it is our time to cry,hahaha. Long live Ghana. Dumenu Charles Selorm Credit: Dumenu Charles Selorm

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday joined the family and friends of Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, at the Service of Thanksgiving for Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong, the father of Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong. The event was at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Teshie Graceland Church Nungua in Accra, where Dr. Siaw Agyepong, who is the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) attends church, and is also the Presiding Elder. The service was in two parts. The first climaxed the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Children’s Ministry in the Church of Pentecost (COP), which event was marked nationwide in all COPs across the country, while the second part was the thanksgiving service for the life of Opanyin Agyepong. In a short address to the congregation, President Akufo-Addo re-asserted his determination to ensure that the building of the National Cathedral comes to fruition. He said the facility was something dear to his government, asserting that it will be built at all cost to the glory and honour of God. While commiserating with Dr. Agyepong and his family for their loss during this difficult moment, the President encouraged him to take consolation in the fact that his late father gave birth to him to affect lives positively. "In fact, the name Dr. Agyepong has been lost on Ghanaians. Now Zoomlion has become his [Dr. Agyepong’s] household name, all thanks to his entrepreneurial skills and his passion to help transform lives in the country," he praised Dr. Siaw Agyepong. According to President Akufo-Addo, his government will continue to support Dr. Siaw Agyepong and his JGC and any other private person who was ready to support Ghana’s development efforts. “My administration will continue to create the enabling environment for private businesses to thrive so they can support the government in its development agenda,” he reinforced. Dr. Siaw Agyepong, the President averred, has a lot to offer the country, hence his government will continue to support him. “Though the economic hardships are having a toll on Ghanaians, I am very optimistic that things will get better, adding that “these challenges too will pass.” He implored Ghanaians to always foster unity to bring about peace and development. Early on, the Director of Pentecost Men's Ministry (PEMEM) and Executive Council Member of the Church of Pentecost, Reverend Vincent Anane Denteh, who gave thanksgiving service sermon, charged Christians and Ghanaians in general to carry the burdens of one another. “Carrying someone’s burden is not easy as it is laden with challenges but doing that fulfils the law of Christ,” he said. Preaching on the theme: “Raising Burden Bearers in Our Generation,” the man of God explained burden as a “worrying responsibility.” He stressed that the nation, churches and families can progress if there were burden bearers. According to the man of God, every individual has a dual purpose: one, to worship God, and; two, to serve humanity. “God created us to serve him and serve humanity. The combination of this two is not easy at all, but we must do it since it is a glorious affair,” he added. Rev. Anane Denteh pointed out that in times of troubles and hardships, there was the need for someone to bear the burden of the people. He, therefore urged Christians to always build their joy on the strength of the Lord and not on what people will say. For his part, Dr. Siaw Agyepong, on behalf of his family, used the opportunity to thank first, God for His mercies and favour upon the Agyepong family. He also thanked in particular President Akufo-Addo who described as a “very good” President and all those who have mourned with them through this short period.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame to ensure that Aisha Huang is prosecuted to the fullest when found guilty. The popular Chinese national is in the custody of the police for her illegal mining and trading of minerals without a license among other offences. She was arrested after sneaking back into the country after she was deported a few years ago for similar offences. Addressing the 2022/23 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in the Volta Region capital city, Ho, on Monday, September 12, President Akufo-Addo said he is behind the Attorney General to prosecute Aisha Huang. He said he expects Godfred Yeboah Dame to go after Aisha Huang as well as her collaborators and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest when found guilty of the charged offences. “May I, learned colleagues, assure you of my full support of the Attorney General in his determination to prosecute Aisha Huang and her collaborators who apparently insist on flouting our laws against galamsey and illegal mining,” President Akufo-Addo said in his address. The President added, “I expect if they are found guilty that the courts will apply the full rigour of the new amended act, Act 995, which has increased substantially the punishment for breaches of the law.” Already, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has requested the file of Aisha Huang’s recent offences, for which she is standing trial at an Accra Circuit Court. His office is determined to prusue the case to the latter for the Chinese galamsey kingpin to suffer the consequences of her crime if found guilty. Aisha Huang will on Wednesday, September 14, reappear in court. Credit: Modern Ghana

A former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Kwabena Agyepong has disclosed that he was not paid a penny while serving as General Secretary of the NPP. According to him, he has rather invested time and resources to promote and support the NPP because of his love for the party. As someone who has contributed to the growth of the party, he denied earlier allegations against him that he had planned to destroy the party. Speaking to Kofi Oppong Asamoah on the Class Morning Show on Class91.3FM on Monday, 12 September 2022, Mr Agyepong said: “I love this party, I’ve always given to this party… we helped built this structure with our hands, we will not destroy it.” Talking about his suspension and his return to work for the party, Mr Agyepong noted: “In 2018, at the end of my tenure, I wrote to the party and said the four years has now expired because I was put on indefinite suspension and I couldn’t do any other work because I didn’t know when I’ll be called”. “So, when my tenure was over, I was suspended as General Secretary, not as a member of the party; they never responded”, he bewailed. He said, in his letter, he added all the expenses that he had made for the party during his time as General Secretary, adding: “I never took one cent as salary or anything and I don’t think any General Secretary has done that for this party.” “I lived in my own resident, I was not compensated for it and general secretaries have terms of conditions of service”, he pointed out, noting: “My predecessor [Sir John], we had a room for him; in fact, the party bought a house in East Legon for him and he continued to stay there even when I was General Secretary and I continued to live in my residence,” he said. Mr Agyepong noted: “I’m just saying this just to clarify the situation and let people appreciate the kind of treatment that I’ve been subjected to by a party that I have dedicated my youth to serve and to serve well for the last 30 or so years and I think at the point, I was surprised certain elders of this party, whom I’ve worked with from Adu Boahene’s time, did not [intervene]”. Mr Agyepong, together with Mr Paul Afoko, a former National Chairman of the NPP, and Mr Sammy Crabbe, a former Vice Chairman of the NPP, were suspended indefinitely by the party in 2015 for allegedly plotting to subvert then-candidate Akufo-Addo’s presidential ambition. Source: Classfmonline.com

Uganda said on Monday it would allow a popular music festival to go ahead this month, reversing a ban imposed over claims the event promoted sex, homosexuality and drug use. The four-day Nyege Nyege festival brings together artists from across Africa to entertain 10,000 revellers on the banks of the Nile. Last week, Uganda's parliament banned the event for the second time since 2018, saying it "promotes a lot of immorality" The move prompted an outcry, with Uganda's tourism minister among those warning it would have a harmful impact on the economy as the tourism industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. On Monday, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the September 15-18 festival could go ahead, but would be ordered shut if there were breaches of Uganda's laws or its culture and norms. "The clearance of the festival was after taking note of the benefits that will accrue from the festival presenting Uganda as a tourism destination of choice," Baryomunsi told AFP. He said that under guidelines distributed to organisers, minors would not be allowed to attend and that "sex orgies and nudity are prohibited at the festival". "Contraband, narcotic drugs, vulgar language, songs, expressions and gestures are prohibited," the minister said, warning that if there were serious breaches the police would halt the event and clear the site. Nyege Nyege means an irresistible urge to dance in the local Luganda language, but it can have a sexual connotation in other languages in the region. The festival was banned in 2018 by former ethics minister Simon Lokodo, a fervent Christian and outspoken homophobe, who described it as an orgy of homosexuality, nudity and drugs akin to "devil worship". But he was forced to lift the ban barely a day later, following outrage on social media. Uganda is notorious for its intolerance of homosexuality -- which is criminalised in the country -- and strict Christian views on sexuality in general. In 2013 Ugandan lawmakers passed a bill that called for life in prison for people caught having gay sex, although a court later struck down the law. Credit: AFP

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the general public to patronize only registered FDA-regulated products and handle them with appropriate care. According to the FDA, the public should also adhere to recommended storage conditions. In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, she said "The public is strongly advised to patronize only registered FDA-regulated products and handle them with appropriate care and adhere to the recommended storage conditions, eliminating all exposures to the bare sun" The statement further explained that the attention of FDA has been drawn to a publication titled 'Alcohol in Plastic Dangerous....But FDA Stamps Them - Researcher" in Opera News. The FDA added that the article is attributed to one Effah Baffo Gyamfi, who alleges in the publication that it is wrong for sachet water to be sold to the public after three days of production. "According to the publication, the inner part of the sachet becomes 'slippery' which makes the water unhygienic for human consumption. There is however no mention of alcohol in the write-up" The statement further said "The FDA wishes to reaffirm two things to the public; 'The stringent regulatory procedures n place for the licensing of packaged water manufacturing facilities and the registration of the finished packaged water. Taw materials , packaging materials and manufacturing processes are subjected to these procedures to ensure that the finished products conform to the Ghana Standards for drinking water and mineral water. Below are copies of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Leaders of the Asogli Palace have denied Mr Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament of Assin North, access to Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli Traditioanal Area, as he sat in state to receive homage from well-wishers. The MP was there on Friday to pay homage to the Chief, who had been receiving representatives of corporate, social, and political organisations while sitting in state at the peak of the Asogli Yam Festival. Mr Agyepong earlier received a rousing welcome upon entry into the packed grounds and took a seat far across the Agbogbomefia and other chiefs of the State. However, for what seemed like an hour, cupbearers of the MP were seen engaging with the chiefs and officials of the Asogli State, as he sat waiting while other dignitaries and patrons appeared before the Chief and offered their gifts. After a while, the MP's gifts, which included drinks, were taken out of the Palace grounds by his aides, and he eventually took his leave. Throwing light on the incident, Mr Stephen Tetteh, the Secretary of Asogli Council, told the Ghana News Agency that the rejection of the items may be due to some disparaging comments the MP made against Togbe Afede while the former was the Board Chairman of the National Investment Bank. Leaders of the New Patriotic Party in the region, who had appeared before the Agbogbomefia, and presented a ram, drinks, and cash, refused to comment on the MPs exit and said the Asogli State contributed significantly to the unity within the Party. The Agbogbomefia sits in state on the eve of Saturday's grand durbar to receive well-wishers and their donations in support of the Festival and the Asogli Education Fund. This year's theme is: “Lets Eschew Greed and Unite for the Development of our People.” Credit: GNA

Highly-talented Ghanaian rapper, Gambo, appears the favorite to win the Ghana Music Awards United Kingdom ( GMA UK) 2022 Uncovered Artiste Of The Year award. The 'Boys Aye Wild' and 'Settle' hitmaker was nominated for the 'Uncovered Artiste Of The Year' alongside a number of other artistes. Gambo is the reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Unsung Act of the Year. And he appears the favorite to win the GMA UK 2022 Uncovered Artiste Of The Year award. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place before the close of the year and it is coming after Gambo registered his presence in East Africa, having collaborated recently with Tazanian musician, Young Daresalama, on a track titled: 'Sio Simple'. https://youtu.be/7iqzs02MA5s Gambo has other hit songs including 'Drip' - on which he recruited the services of Ayigbe Edem, - as well as 'Kwacha.' Among all the nominees for the GMA UK Uncovered Artiste Of The Year, Gambo stands tall and he is unarguably the favorite musician to win the coveted award. The GMA UK 2022 ceremony is slated to take place in October and it will be no surprise to see Gambo walking home as the Uncovered Artiste Of The Year, as he has made very positive contributions to the development of the Ghana music industry since his entry a few years ago. His music videos are well known for changing the status quo, marketing the best parts of Ghana, and showcasing to the rest of the world that life is worth living and enjoying in Ghana. About The GMA UK 2022 The nominees for this year’s Ghana Music Awards UK were announced in Accra in July. Kuami Eugene has received seven nominations ahead of this year’s awards. Now in their sixth year, the awards, organised by Alordia Promotions and West Coast UK, celebrate outstanding musical achievements by Ghanaian artists at home and in the UK, while facilitating an environment for collaboration and cultural exchange. The date of the awards ceremony has not been finalised yet but will be announced in due course. Black Sherif leads this year’s nominations with 11, followed by KiDi with 9 and Kuami Eugene with seven. The three are also up for the coveted Artist of the Year Award, and face competition from last year’s winner, Diana Hamilton, as well as King Promise, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Akwaboah and Celestine Donkor. Below is the complete list of nominees: Hiplife/ Hip hop Artist of the Year Black Sherif Amerado Sarkodie D-Black Medikal Hiplife/ Hip hop Song of the Year Abotr3 (Patience) – Amerado ft. Black Sherif Coachella – Sarkodie ft. Kwesi Arthur Second Sermon – Black Sherif Asuoden – Sista Afia ft. Kuami Eugene Heat – Wendy Shay Kweku The Traveller – Black Sherif Anadwo – Kwame Yesu ft Black Sherif & Kimilist Sika – Kimilist ft. Yaw Tog & Kwame Yesu Holy F4K – Smallgod x Ivorian Doll x Vic Mensa x Black Sherif x Kwaku DMC 22 In Two’s – Ball J Highlife Song of the Year Tena Fie – Kuami Eugene Thy Grace (Part 1) – Kofi Kinaata Feelings – Cina Soul ft. KiDi Obiaa – Akwaboah ft. Cina Soul Jonathan – AK Songstress Eboso – R2Bees Emelia – Emelia Brobbey Praise – Fameye Highlife Artist of the Year Kofi Kinaata Cina Soul Akwaboah Kuami Eugene Fameye Kwabena Kwabena Sista Afia Gospel Song of the Year Awurade Ye – Diana Hamilton Oluwa Is Involved – Joyce Blessing The Glory – Obaapa Christy Enyo – Bethel Revival ft. Joe Mettle Yahweh – Akesse Brempong ft. MOGmusic 3y3 Woaa (It’s You) – Empress Gifty Only You – Celestine Donkor His Glory – Ohemaa Mercy Hewale Lala – Perez Muzik Piesie Esther – Wobɛdi Adanseɛ Gospel Artist of the Year Empress Gifty Celestine Donkor Diana Hamilton Obaapa Christy Ohemaa Mercy MOGmusic Reggae/ Dancehall artist of the Year Shatta Wale Samini Epixode Stonebwoy Larusso Reggae/ Dancehall Song of the Year Touch It – KiDi Best Life – Shatta Wale New Gen – Stonebwoy Picture – Samini ft. Efya Greedy Men – Stonebwoy Odeshi – Epixode Bunker – Kuami Eugene Send Dem – Larruso Afrobeats Artist of the Year Kelvyn Boy S3fa King Promise KiDi Mr Drew Darkovibes Camidoh Wendy Shay Afrobeats Song of the Year E Choke – S3fa ft. Mr Drew Sugar Cane – Camidoh ft. Phantom Down Flat – Kelvyn Boy Dollar On You – Kuami Eugene Choplife – King Promise ft. Patoranking Mon Bebe – KiDi Je M’appelle – Darkovibes ft. Davido Enjoyment Minister – D-Black ft. Quamina MP & Stonebwoy S3K3 – Mr Drew Male Vocalist of the Year Akwaboah – Ntro Naa Luigi Maclean – Mala King Promise – Slow Down Joe Mettle – Ye Obua Mi (My Help) KiDi – Bad Things Female Vocalist of the Year Cina Soul – OMG Esther Godwyl – Faithful God Celestine Donkor – Only You Diana Hamiliton – Awurade Ye (Do It Lord) Niiella – Where You Are Instrumentalist of the Year Emmanuel Afreh George Osei Agyekum Emmanuel Bludo Bright Osei Owuraku Dominic Quarshie Dan Grahl Francis Kweku Osei Kwame Yeboah Jo Oware Songwriter of the Year Akwaboah – Obiaa Fameye – Praise Diana Hamilton – Awurade Ye (Do It Lord) Kofi Kinaata – Thy Grace (Part 1) Bullet – Heat (for Wendy Shay) Minister OJ – ‎Meduru (I Will Get There) Celestine Donkor – Only You Best Rapper of the Year Rollies & Cigars – Sarkodie Last Verse – Strongman The Throne – Amerado 5th August – Lyrical Joe Wudini Anthem – Obibini No Fear – M.anifest ft. Vic Mensa & Moliy Best Collaboration of the Year Obia – Akwaboah ft. Cina Soul Enjoyment Minister – D-Black ft. Quamina MP & Stonebwoy Sugar Cane – Camidoh ft. Phantom Je M’appelle – Darkovibes ft. Davido Coachella – Sarkodie ft. Kwesi Arthur Choplife – King Promise ft. Patoranking Echoke – S3fa ft. Mr. Drew Stubborn Acadamy – Medikal ft. Shatta Wale Abotr3 (Patience) – Amerado ft. Black Sherif SIKA remix – Sista Afia ft. Sarkodie & Kweku Flick New Artist of the Year Mona 4Reall Black Sherif Efe Grace Scott Evans Lady Opheilia Jayana Kimilist Malcom Nuna Most Popular Song of the Year Touch It – KiDi Praise – Fameye Kwaku The Traveller – Black Sherif Echoke – S3fa ft. Mr Drew Second Sermon – Black Sherif Sugarcane – Camidoh f Phantom Down Flat – Kelvyn Boy Obiaa – Akwaboah ft. Cina Soul Artist of the Year Black Sherif King Promise KiDi Sarkodie Kuami Eugene Akwaboah Stonebwoy Celestine Donkor Diana Hamilton African Artist of the Year Fireboy DML Wizkid Ckay Focalistic Joeboy Tems Kizz Daniel Burna Boy Ladipoe Uncovered Artist of the Year Kentac Yvette Ageiwaa Talaat Yaaky Chief One Eva Kingful Kwame Rhatty Phaize Esi Bentil Kelly Clarke Jonn Winner Gambo Best Music Video of the Year Mon Bebe – KiDi (Dir. by Rex) Echoke – S3fa ft. Mr Drew (Dir. by Junie Annan) Rollies and Cigars’ – Sarkodie (Dir. by Yaw Skyface) Odeshi – Epixode (Dir. Snaresbeat) Sad Girlz Luv Money (remix)’ – Amaarae (Dir. by Remi Laudat) Bad Gyal – Mona 4Reall (Dir. by Rex) Mood – Mr Drew (Dir. by Xpress Philms) 3y3 Woaa (It’s You) – Empress Gifty (Dir. by Skyweb) Most Dominant Fanbase of the Year Shatta Movement 69 Fans Bhim Nation Sark Nation Team Move 4reallers Gadam Nation Slay Nation Meditants Team DH Shay Gang UK-Based DJ of the Year DJ Fiifi DJ P Montana DJ Paak DJ Sandra Omari DJ Racheal Anson DJ Sawa DJ Invisible DJ Nore DJ Pocks DJ OV DJ Kwamz Original UK-Based Uncovered Artist of the Year Shatty Charlotte Denny Maily Ro DJ Martin JVS Yas VW Dosty Dolly Essence Kkeda UK-Based Afroobeats Artist of the Year Goldkay W1zzy Bollie Drumz Kwamz NSG Juls Eugy Kojo Funds Mista Silva UK-Based Afrobeats/ Afropop Song of the Year Never Let Go – DJ Fiifi ft. Yung D3mz Hang Wiv Me – Goldkay Away – Fresh Andy Tell Me What You Want – K. Dee ft. Latino & AMG Rumba Rumba – Bollie Kelewele – Drumz ft. Ephraimbeatz Bom Bom Bom – Eugy x Dancegod Lloyd Inside Me – Kwamz Don’t Rush – Ghetto Boy Mood – Juls x Kojo Funds Let Me Know – Kojo Funds Game Over – Br3nya ft. KiDi Makosa – DJ Nore ft Eugy Official x Quamina MP Monica – DJ Paak ft Reefer Tym UK-Based Hip Hop Song of the Year Runnin’ – Dolly Essence Dem Dead – Black Kat Gh ft. Ed ILL Do Da Most – Star Vicy Ayinye – O. G (Kweku of Ghana) Played (Daa Daa Wo) – DJ Paak x TheOnlyRLS feat. Bosom P-Yung, YPee & Kweku Flick 2 Chains – Headie One Double Double – Abra Cadabra Brick By Brick – Suspect OTB Sky EM – S Wavey Colonization – NSG UK-Based Highlife Song of the Year My Woman – Charles Kalah Afia – Davison Band UK Ghana – Ohene Baby You Love Me – Jo-Z Obaa – Bollie UK-Based Artist of the Year Bollie Goldkay Headie One NSG Eugy Bree Runway Abra Cadabra Juls Kojo Funds UK-Based New Artist of the Year KK Mensah Nana Yaw Yeboah Anointed Betty Naomi Assani Fresh Andy Kay Bryn Joseph Matthew Kingsley Rymz TheOnlyRLS UK-Based Gospel Song of the Year Child of God – Ruth Appiagyei Shidaa – Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah Faith – Trudy Lift Jesus Higher – Cilla Nkunim – Akubless He Deserves To Be Praised – Nana Amankwah Tiah It Won’t Be Long – Alex Achempong Moko B3 (None Like You) – Joe Branfo Aseda – Minister Kofi Nyarko ft. Nacee I Have A God – Daniel Appiah-Adu Na You – Samuel Sey UK-Based Worship Song of the Year Obiara Nte Se Wo – Augustine Aboagye You Alone – Alice McKenzie Be Still – Edward Amponsah We Lift You Up – Justice Odoi UK-Based Gospel Artist of the Year Nana Amankwah Tiah Cilla Akubless Alex Acheampong Minister Kofi Nyarko Daniel Appiah-Adu Samuel Sey Alice Mckenzie Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah Ruth Appiagyei UK-Based Best Collaboration of the Year Kelewele – Drumz ft. Ephraimbeatz Shidaa (Thanksgiving) – Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah ft. MOGmusic Faith – Trudy ft. Kofi Sarpong* Aseda – Minister Kofi Nyarko ft. Nacee We Meuve – DJ Paak x TheOnlyRLS ft MR OULALA & Shady Humble Money Calling – P. Montana ft Kofi Jamar x Suspect OTB Schweet – ShaSimone x Suspect OTB Suzanna – NSG ft Patoranking Makosa – DJ Nore ft Eugy x Quamina MP UK-Based Producer of the Year Dada JROCS JULS JAE5 Silvastone Ephraim Beatz Adeshie Studios Best Ghanaian-European Song of the Year Your Love – Wilhelmina Music ft. Kobby Mantey Windblow – QueenLet ft. Jimmy D Psalmist Baba Ologo – Elijah The Worshipper When I See You – Jean Feier Christmas Wish – Soulja Kelly Special – Nana Fofie Rollover – DayVybz Helpless – Frank Keys Best Ghanaian-European Artist of the Year Wilhelmina Elijah The Worshipper Jean Feier Soulja Kelly Nana Fofie DayVybz Frank Keys Producer of the Year Rockstar Made it (Kuami Eugene) Killbeatz Kaywa Ronyturnmeup Willisbeatz MOG Beatz Master Garzy Streetbeatz Alternative Song of the Year Ntro Naa – Akwaboah Libilibi – Worlasi ft. Drvmroll Sad Girlz Love Money Remix – Amarae ft. Moliy & Kali Uchis Country Hot – Wutah Afriyie Deja Vu’ – Moliy Bo Nɔnn Ni – Abiana Hello – Atongo Zimba Like A Tree – K. O. G (Kweku Of Ghana) UK Best Music Video of the Year Faith – Trudy It Won’t Be Long – Alex Achempong Dem Dead – Black Kat Gh ft. Ed ILL Colonization – NSG 2 Chains – Headie One Ghanaian Contemporary Act of the Year Wiyaala KOG Santrofi King Ayisoba Afro Moses Atongo Zimba FRA Kyekyeku Best International Cultural Act of the Year Dela Botri & Hewale Sounds Amamere Cultural Troupe Adesa Taloi Big Twins Afrodat Troupe Story by: Think News Desk Report

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as unlawful and unacceptable the decision by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to bar all outgoing calls and data services of Ghanaians who have not re-registered their SIM cards. It said the decision was not backed by any law of the land, including the SIM Registration Regulations, 2011 (L.I 2006) and the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2111). A statement issued by Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia, General Secretary of the Party said it had observed with great concern the new wave of challenges that had bedeviled the ongoing mobile SIM re-registration exercise. The Party said it noted with utter dismay that right from the time that Government, through the Ministry of Communications, decided to undertake a re-registration of mobile SIM cards of Ghanaians sometime in 2021, the exercise had been fraught with chaos and arbitrariness. “We are appalled that this objectionable impunity has reached an alarming point where the mobile SIM cards of innocent Ghanaians, including those who have already undertaken the said re-registration are being restricted, thereby rendering many of our citizens incommunicado, helpless and frustrated,” the statement added. It, therefore, condemned the decision to restrict SIM cards of Ghanaians describing it as “arbitrariness and recklessness” on the part of the Ministry of Communications and the NCA. “It is an indisputable fact that the re-registration of mobile SIM cards policy and its attendant sanctions that are being meted out to Ghanaians by the Ministry of Communications and the National Communications Authority are neither backed by the SIM Registration Regulations, 2011 (L.I 2006) nor the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2111) or any law in force in the country,” part of the statement read. It added that: “The decision by these entities to restrict the SIM Cards of Ghanaians, including those who have already re-registered their SIM Cards is, therefore, unlawful, irresponsible and unacceptable to say the least.” The NCA, on Monday, September 5, 2022, introduced a raft of punitive measures, including barring of all outgoing calls and data services for two days against mobile users who have failed to re-register their SIM cards as directed by the Ministry of Communications and the NCA. The statement called on Parliament, particularly the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications to exercise its oversight responsibility by calling the two entities in charge of the exercise (Ministry of Communications and the NCA) to order. It also commended and encouraged legal actions filed by citizens who had been affected by the restrictions. “We hold the view that this simple exercise of linking SIM Cards to the Ghana card of subscribers to check crime among others, could have been easily done by extracting the biometric data of persons who have registered for the Ghana card from the National Identification Authority and matching same with the database of the Telcos,” it said. Credit: NewsCenta

The Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (Ga Mantse), Prof. Azumah Nelson (Boxing Legend) among other high-profiled personalities have embarked on the maiden National Fitness Day exercise in Accra. The exercise saw the Veep, Ga Mantse, Boxing Legend among others take a walk through some principal streets of Accra. Speaking at the event, Vice President, Dr. Bawumia said "If we are healthy in body, then we are healthy in mind" "We have to make sure that we are always healthy. The National Fitness Day is here for us. This means better health and productivity for us" "We are doing this every second Saturday of every month by the grace of God" Taking his turn, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse said "It is a beautiful sight to see friends, family among a host of others exercising together this morning" "This is a good call and I encourage all to partake in the exercise" Boxing Legend, Prof. Azumah Nelson said "Exercise is something that everybody needs and it does not matter your age" "It does not matter where the world is taking us. We always have to train and be fit" President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku said "This is love and amazing. We need to keep fit" "Our Black Stars will be going to the World Cup and for them to perform, they have to keep fit" He added that the National Fitness Day exercise has come to stay adding that the public should embrace and embark on it. Minister for Works and Housing, Asenso Boakye said "I was not well for some time but that did not stop me from exercise. Today I have gained my strength and I am fit again" The Minister appealed to the youth to make exercise compulsory adding that it will help them burn lots of calories. Some participants who partook in the exercise expressed mixed reactions over the maiden National Fitness Day exercise. Some section of participants expressed disappointment in the turn saying they were expecting to see a full house. Other participants who had contrary views , thanked the organisers and promised to ensure that they observe the exercise every time. An advise was given to the youths to desist from resorting to the intake of alcohol and hard substances or smoking after partaking in any exercise. "The youth must do away with the smoking, and intake of alcohol and womanising if they really want to make exercising part of our lives" Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 7th edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) is geared towards building the capacity of young creatives within the global film and creative space, with focus on Ghanaian & African filmmakers. The skill acquisition and capacity-building workshops, film clinics and masterclasses, are set to happen from September 21st – September 24th. There will be a professional film editing workshop and an intellectual discourse on topics not limited to: The Art of Documentary Filmmaking, Marketing and Branding for Independent Film & Music Artistes, Characterization in Film, Screenwriting, among others Furthermore, there will be a panel discussion with expert representatives along the film value chain on the theme, “Inspiring the Business of Film in Africa.” This panel will delve into the strategies needed to build a formidable creative industry with focus on young and emerging creatives into marketable trademarks. According to Philippa Bentuma Arthur, Director of the Black Star International Film Festival, “these skill acquisition and capacity building sessions will help filmmakers harness and enhance their talents, encourage collaborative action and help to sustain a long-term commitment of stakeholders in the film industry.” The 7th edition of BSIFF will begin with a media soiree (strictly by invite) to create a platform for industry professionals to engage the media, deepen existing relationships and establish new working relationships with key players in the industry. Over 45 films from independent filmmakers from 15 countries, will screen at the Silverbird Cinema, from September 20th-24th. BSIFF will close its 7th edition with an awards night to celebrate and recognize the efforts and contribution of independent filmmakers globally. The Black Star International Film Festival aims to bring together industry professionals from France, Sudan, Kenya, Ghana, USA, Uganda and 10 other countries, film students, film distributors and media partners–as well as the creative community – to have relevant industry conversation, inspiring and developing strategies for a thriving film business landscape in Africa. This year’s event is proudly partnered by Meta Film Festival, Black Market Records, Africa Film Market, Infocus BCW, Sudanese Filmmaking Association, The Brew Show, GHMovieFreak, Avant- Afrik Entertainment, Silver Bird Cinemas, BSIFF EDU, GH Media School and; with Media support from CitiFm and MX24. The Festival has also launched a BSIFF Membership drive where BSIFF Members, referred to as, "Black Stars," get to watch all 45 films at the Silverbird Cinema (Accra Mall) and attend all the scheduled activities for free. An annual membership subscription fee is GHC100. The Black Star International Film Festival takes place from September 20th - 25th 2022 in Accra, Ghana. The general public is urged to visit www.bsiff.org to register and attend all programs within BSIFF.

Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, joined mourners at the forecourt of the State House, Accra on Saturday for the funeral and burial rites of Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong, the late father of the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong. Former Presidents—John Dramani Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuor—were equally present to commiserate with Dr. Agyepong’s family. Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong died on last June, aged 98, after a short illness. As early as 5: 00 a.m., the funeral grounds had been flooded by hundreds of mourners from across the country. Among the mourners were the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Chief of Staff, Mrs. Frema Opare, high ranking government officials, MPs, members of the diplomatic community and heavyweights from across the political spectrum. Also in attendance were some prominent chiefs and queen mothers, the clergy and sympathisers from the general public. Delivering the pre-burial service sermon, Apostle Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kumi-Woode, admonished the gathering that the Lord will surely raise the dead. The man of God, who took his sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, said death marked the end of man’s journey on planet earth. He stressed that for those in the Lord, death was just the beginning of “joy and hope,” but added that pain and misery will be the portion of those who do not know God. “If you are here and you don’t have Christ, then your life is in crisis no matter what you have done or accomplished in life,” he warned. “When your last trumpet of death is sounded, the one with Christ becomes more hopeful while those without Christ start with a life of pain and misery,” Lt. Colonel Kumi-Woode said. Early Life Opanyin Agyepong was born on the 7th of June, 1924 in Banka in the Eastern Region of Ghana to Opanyin Kwaku Kissi (aka Kwaku Nyame) and Obaapanyin Yaa Anumwah both distinguished natives and members of the Obo Aduana Clan. He was a son that in time will become an outstanding man through ingenuity, enterprise and hard work. He was a lovely child of the rich colonial-oriented purlieu woven with flamboyant photogenic heritage of being Obo Aduana. These emanated from values such as his sweet and amiable temper. Beyond many recounted details and various anecdotes illustrate the extent of young Samuel’s charm and influence on his peers with a great sense of responsibility and integrity. He possessed the hallmark of a distinguished gentleman who treated everyone humanely. Education For his education, Opanyin Agyepong enrolled in Obo Government School in 1934 to acquire elementary education. He exited the formal school system at Standard Seven. He did not continue his formal education beyond Standard Seven due to a multiplicity of factors such as his burning desire to manage his own affairs and engage in entrepreneurship. With this background preparation, Samuel Agyepong ventured into work. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith