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Muslims urge Prez Akufo-Addo to accent to LGBTQ+ Bill

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The Western Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Suleymana Ahmed  Mozu has called on President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to assent to the anti LGBTQ+ bill to make the practice of homosexuality and lesbianism criminal in the country. 

He reminded the President that these alien anti-social practices frowned upon the culture, customs, and traditions of Ghana. 

Sheik Mozu said this when he led Muslim  faithfuls to observe Eid prayers at Azulenloanu to mark the successful end of the holy month of Ramadan and inauguration of a new independent Eid-al-Fitr Center for Muslims at the Azulenloanu mosque. 

For the past 50 years, Muslims at Azulenloanu have observed Jummah prayers but seized along the line and had always joined their counterparts at the District Mosque at Kamgbunli for the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations. 

Sheik Mozu reiterated that the Muslim Community would never endorse the LGBTQ+ bill because that behaviour was unIslamic and barbaric. 

The Regional Chief Imam wondered why countries such as America restricted men to practice monogamy yet exert pressure on other countries such as Ghana to practice LGBTQ+ which is against their religion and culture. 

Sheikh Mozu observed that the human race would become extinct since marriage of the opposite sex and procreation would also come to a halt. 

He said the Muslim Community prayed earnestly for President Akufo-Addo to sign the LGBTQ+ bill into law during the holy month of Ramadan. 

He said for peace and tranquility to prevail in the country, he asked the Muslim Community to pray for President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Mahmoud Bawumia, Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr Kwasi Bonzoh. 

He advised Muslims to desist from unIslamic attitudes such as fornication, weed smoking, gay, lesbianism, stealing and other forms of immoral practices in Zongo Communities. 

Sheik Mozu asked them to pray for forgiveness and reconciliation to enter Heaven. 

On the upcoming general elections, sheikh Mozu reminded the Electoral Commission of Ghana to ensure a level-playing field for all parties as another test case of Ghana’s democratic credentials. 

He prayed that Azulenloanu would grow great and be the Mecca of Ghana and asked Allah to prosper people in the town. 

The Chief Imam of Azulenloanu,Zakaria Ahmed urged them to unite and live in peace and harmony in the town. 

MTN gives to Muslims in Sekondi to mark Eid ul-Fitr 

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 MTN Ghana has donated the Muslims Community of Sekondi some food items, drinks, and a ram to spice up this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration after the Ramadan. 

Mr. Prince Owusu, the MTN Senior Manager for South West Business District, said the company recognised the important roles that the Muslim community played in Ghana. 

“We are committed to supporting you in meaningful ways. Ramadan is a time of joy and celebration, and we are privileged to be part of this special occasion,” he said 

The Western Regional Chief Imam, Ustaz Zulkifli Abdul-Waahid, was grateful for MTN’s continued support over the years. 

“We pray Allah continue to bless you abundantly and pray that the relationship with the Muslim community will be solidified,” he added. 

Take good care of your face; it’s your passport to society – Dermatologist.

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Naa Edmund Nminnyem Delle Chiir VIII, Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, and a professor of dermatology, Wednesday advised members of the public to take great care of their skin, especially their faces, since it is their “passport to society.”


He highlighted the importance of maintaining proper facial hygiene and skincare practices regularly as “your face is the first thing people notice about you.

It is your passport to society.”


“It plays a crucial role in how others perceive you. It is not just a physical feature, but a reflection of your overall health and well-being.”


Naa Chiir was speaking at the seventh edition of the 2023 Africa Makeup and Beauty (AMB) Fair in Accra, on the theme: “Brands Beyond Borders: The Beacon of Economic Growth.”


The fair, organised by Makeup Ghana, a beauty industry advocate, in collaboration with First Choice Hair and Beauty, displayed the newest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the beauty industry.


Taking care of one’s face goes beyond just washing it daily; it involves adopting a comprehensive skincare routine tailored to an individual’s specific needs.


He emphasised the need to keep the skin clean and moisturised to prevent ultraviolet radiation and infections.


Naa Chiir encouraged beauticians to constantly add the African touch (the skin texture), to showcase Africans’ distinctive beauty in the global marketplace, saying: “Black is beautiful, and as much as possible, let’s keep our skins beautiful.”


He called for a seamless collaboration between beauticians and dermatologists to mitigate the potential risks associated with using products and susbtances that may contain hazardous chemicals.


“Some individuals are resorting to the use of products containing hydroquinone, lead, or even mercury, in an attempt to achieve fairer skin. However, this practice poses significant risks to their internal organs,” he said.


Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Director-General of the Commission for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, praised Makeup Ghana for its accomplishments and said the importance of the wellness and beauty sectors in expanding the country’s economy could not be over-emphasised.


Those sectors had the potential to generate employment opportunities for many young people.


“We are very grateful to Makeup Ghana for what is being done to take the country forward,” he said.


The Government saw this vision five years ago and put together the wellness and skills sector body, with which the Commission was collaborating to develop the appropriate curriculum for students, Dr Asamoah said.


The government is implementing a series of projects valued at 20 million euros to train individuals interested in pursuing careers in the beauty and wellness industry.


It had also allocated an additional $40 million to support the training, with an opportunity for pursuing higher national diploma, he said.


“If we don’t develop this industry, we will not be able to get a lot of people employed.”


Ms Rebecca Donkor, the Founder/CEO of AMB Fair, said the continental fair began seven years ago with a vision to foster unity and create opportunities for the youth.


“Today, we have brands coming from Togo, Nigeria, and Benin, among others, participating in the exhibition,” she said.


She encouraged individuals interested in fashion, wellness, makeup, skincare, and the broader beauty industry to seize the numerous opportunities to create jobs for themselves and earn a decent living.


With the rapid progress in technology, Ms Donkor hinted of an upcoming masterclass session that would delve into various subjects like branding and artificial intelligence.


The fair brought together beauty product manufacturers, wholesalers/retailers, service providers, practitioners, training institutions, and consumers among other stakeholders in the industry to trade, share ideas and network for improvement.

Stakeholders urges Government to help address challenges on NHIS to improve coverage

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Stakeholders at a zonal consultation meeting, have called on the government to address challenges facing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to help strengthen and improve healthcare delivery.

 
     They argued that, although the NHIS was a good policy, there were some implementation gaps that needed to be addressed, citing for example that patients on dialysis and diabetic patients, should be considered and allocation made for such ailments.

 
      These concerns were raised at a town hall meeting organized by the STAR-Ghana Foundation in Kumasi.

 
      The meeting formed part of the Manifesto Influencing Initiative by STAR-Ghana for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

 
     The main objective of the meeting was to provide a platform for diverse stakeholders from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono-East and Ahafo regions, to engage in constructive dialogue on key issues affecting their communities, with the aim of fostering inclusive participation and contribute to the development of comprehensive manifestoes by the various political parties for the 2024 general elections.

 
     Issues discussed included health, education and social protection.

 
     The stakeholders also called on the government to offer employable skills to beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty, (LEAP), a social protection policy, instead of allocating meagre stipends which did not guarantee life sustainability.

 
    This, according to them, would help elevate the lives of these marginalized groups and sustain them for life.

 
     They also appealed to successive governments to have a permanent programme to leverage on and ameliorate the suffering of the marginalized groups in society.

 
     Mr. Issac Addae Kusi, a participant from Takyiman, talking about education, said there were a lot of challenges facing the Free SHS implementation.

 
     He said feeding alone was taking a colossal amount of money from the state. 
     It was, therefore, high time the government discussed with stakeholders, including the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), to find ways to assist to help sustain the policy.

 
      Mr. Prince Debrah, an Assembly member at the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly, also called on the government to insist on the inculcation of disability-friendly facilities at public places.

 
     He noted that these concerns had been raised by many in society, but there was still a gap in the construction of new public facilities.

 
     Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, the Project Manager, STAR-Ghana Foundation, said manifestos had become very important because politicians used them to seek audience from electorates.

 
     She called on parties to ensure their manifestos aligned with development plans for progress.

 

 

ACREP to Sponsor Invest in Angola Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2024

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Angola aims to achieve long-term energy security and industrial growth by leveraging its 9 billion barrels of oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources. Growing the technical and financial capabilities of local entities like Angolan upstream player ACREP are crucial for ensuring the continued and sustainable development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

In line with its commitment to drive investment in Angola’s oil and gas market, ACREP has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – taking place from 4 – 8 November in Cape Town – as a Silver Co-Sponsor of the “Invest in Angola” roundtable. Featuring the country’s key energy policymakers, regulators and private sector players, the roundtable will outline the latest projects and current investment and partnership opportunities shaping Angola’s energy industry.

ACREP is one of Angola’s leading indigenous explorers and has played a pivotal role in driving upstream activity for the past two decades. ACREP has drilled over 15 wells, resulting in two marginal discoveries in the onshore Cabinda Norte Block, and has invested over $80 million in exploration activities since 2004. In addition to maintaining oil production above 1.18 million barrels per day, Angola is also aiming to diversify its energy mix, with a 25% target set for gas in the energy mix by 2025.

Earlier this year, ACREP was awarded the license to operate Block KON 19 as part of Angola’s latest bid round. The company’s exploration activities in the block are set to generate new investments in Angola’s upstream market. In Block 1/14 – where the firm carries a 10% interest – ACREP is working with Azule Energy to unlock the asset’s full potential, with two wells slated for drilling in the first half of 2024 and 2025.

ACREP acquired operatorship and a 55% interest in the Cabinda Sul Block last year – comprising six producing oil and gas fields – and is looking to develop synergies between the two onshore Cabinda assets. With ACREP seeking exploration partners on the block, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 represents the premier platform for the firm to connect with potential investors and showcase its latest developments. The company is also seeking investment for a 25 MW gas-fired power plant in Cabinda, affirming its commitment to creating power sector synergies and establishing an integrated gas value chain.

“ACREP’s success in Angola and evolution into an onshore operator is a testament to the skill set, dynamism and vision of local players in the sector. The Chamber welcomes ACREP as a Co-Sponsor of the Invest in Angola roundtable, where investment opportunities across Angola’s energy value chain will be showcased, operational updates will be given and new partnerships will be formed,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW 2024 serves as a crucial meeting place for global leaders, stakeholders, governments, and energy companies to discuss Africa’s growing projects, strengthen partnerships, and finalize new deals. With its extensive program, the conference will showcase Africa’s diverse energy industry, providing valuable insights and opportunities for all participants.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Canon Introduces Next Generation Portable Zoom Lens for 4k Broadcast Cameras Featuring Newly Developed Digital Drive Unit

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Canon Europe (www.Canon-CNA.com) introduces the CJ27ex7.3B IASE T (https://apo-opa.co/3xylBZV) to capture 4K HDR image quality with incredible wide-angle and telephoto versatility, featuring a newly developed e-Xs V drive unit. Set to redefine industry standards, this portable zoom lens is compatible with 4K broadcast cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensors and offers a best-in-class 7.3-197mm focal length range and a 2.0x optical extender.

This latest innovation from Canon expands its UHDxs series, delivering users greater flexibility and an elevated shooting experience across various scenarios including live broadcasting, news gathering and studio production.

Cover more from studios to stadiums with the widest focal length range of a Canon portable broadcast lens

The CJ27ex7.3B IASE T lens features the widest coverage and telephoto reach currently on the market in its category. The lens delivers powerful class-leading magnification with a 27x optical zoom ranging from a remarkable 7.3mm wide angle to 197mm focal length at the telephoto end, making it the most versatile option for getting the desired shot.

Coupled with a built-in 2.0x extender that unlocks the ability to double maximum reach to 394mm, the lens ensures that optical performance is standard across all shooting scenarios. From capturing close-ups of athletes on the field to vast landscapes, the lens offers greater versatility for every eventuality.

Designed for high-end applications with an emphasis on optical performance

From the centre of the screen to the edges, high quality 4K HDR performance is a standout feature of the lens. High resolution imagery is a guarantee with its advanced technologies such as the multi-group zoom and floating focus system.

Created with broadcast standards in mind, advanced chromatic aberrations correction and cutting-edge coating technologies ensure sharp and accurate rendering of subjects.

Powerful next generation drive unit

The CJ27ex7.3B IASE T is the first lens to feature the upgraded e-Xs V drive unit, setting new standards in operability and functionality. With three 20-pin connectors, a newly added USB-C port for various applications including remote control and firmware updates, and a 16-bit encoder for precise lens data output, the unit is an ideal choice for a variety of shooting scenarios including virtual productions and on-the-move broadcasting.

With the ability to operate with greater precision, high speed zoom and improved iris responsiveness, the e-Xs V drive unit empowers camera operators to capture fast-moving subjects without the fear of missing the moment. Beyond this, an integrated focus breathing compensation promises consistently smooth shots by automatically correcting fluctuations (only applicable to UHDxs series lenses).

A lightweight and compact body enhanced by superior ergonomics

The durable lens prioritises ease of mobility in its design, maximising comfort for the user. Featuring a 2.10kg (approximate) lightweight and compact body, along with a re-designed drive unit, the ergonomic design ensures excellent manoeuvrability in multiple broadcasting scenarios.

Jack Adair, Product Specialist at Canon Europe, said: “With its wide focal range, unparalleled optical performance, and advanced features, this lens truly redefines what professionals can expect from broadcasting equipment. The lens and supporting drive unit represent a culmination of our commitment to innovation and empowering users to capture stunning footage whether that’s in the great outdoors or in studio. It is the first of a new generation of broadcast lenses in a line we will continue to expand.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

More than one million treated bed nets to be distributed in Volta Region

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Dr Chrysantus Kubio, Volta Regional Director of Health Services, has announced that more than 1.2 million long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets would be distributed in the Region as part of this year’s Point Mass Distribution (PMD) campaign. 


 
The Ghana Health Service and its partners have scheduled the public distribution of long-lasting insecticide nets slated for April 11–15, 2024, following a successful registration of households between February 29 and March 4, 2024.

  
 
Dr Kubio, during a stakeholder engagement and media launch of the campaign in Ho, mentioned that the five-day exercise would cover a total of 466, 857 registered households, with a population of over two million in the region.

 
 
He said the long-lasting insecticide-treated nets distribution campaign, or the PMD campaign was one of the malaria preventive strategies of the national malaria elimination programme.

 
 
The Director said this year’s campaign was in three phases-pre-campaign, campaign, and post-campaign and the universal coverage approach, which stated one net for two persons with focus on households would be used.

 
 
He said the exercise would be carried out in all the 18 administrative districts and municipalities and would serve as a replacement for the bed nets that were distributed between November and December 2021 in the region due to the 3-year effective cycle.

 
 
“As part of this year’s campaign, a new variable “households refused to be registered” has been introduced and a total of 3,563 households have refused to be registered across the region for various reasons.”

 
 
Dr Kubio said the net could be used even after the 3–year chemical life span and 20 washes because the net continued to provide physical protection to users until they acquire a new one.

 
 
The Director said some of the nets to be distributed had dual chemical protection against insecticide resistance in some parts of the country.

 
 
He said the use of insecticide-treated bed nets was a cost-effective approach to reducing new cases and deaths due to malaria and it had been established that about 30 per cent of under-five deaths were prevented using the treated bed nets.

 
 
Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, who chaired the meeting, said the importance of the fight against malaria could not be overstated.

 
 
He said the Volta Region House of Chiefs recognised the contributions of the distribution campaign in addressing the concerns as malaria remained a major public health concern.

 
 
Togbega Gabusu urged everyone to cooperate to overcome obstacles and guarantee that every home in the Region had access to these life-saving bed nets.

 
 
The Paramount Chief asked all stakeholders to use their networks, resources, and experience to ensure that the bed nets were distributed effectively and fairly to the various communities.

 
 
“Reaching vulnerable groups should be our first concern because they are more at risk of serious malarial consequences, such as expectant mothers and little ones,” he added.

 
 
Mr Roland Glover, the Regional Malaria Focal Person, said the region was performing well in terms of malaria cases, as it was the third lowest with 6.4 cases, after Western Region’s 4.4 and Greater Accra’s 2.0.

 
 
He explained that the PMD was a redesigned campaign by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to employ the universal coverage principles to bring long-lasting insecticide nets into households.

 
 
Mr Glover called for support from all stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders and the media to secure successful distribution of the nets.

 
 
 

President Akufo-Addo terminates appointment of SSNIT Director-General

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has terminated the appointment of the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang.

“Reference is made to your appointment letter dated July 01, 2019, issued by the Public Services Commission.

“In accordance with paragraph Eight of the said appointment letter, I regret to inform you that the President has terminated your appointment effective April 15, 2024, with three months’ salary in lieu of notice,” a statement issued by the Office of the President stated.

The statement, signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President, directed the outgoing SSNIT Director-General to hand over to Mr Kofi Osafo-Maafo.

He should also proceed to collect any terminal benefits he may be entitled to.

The statement said to ensure a smooth transition, the outgoing Ofori-Tenkorang should “kindly hand over and cease to act as the Director-General of the SSNIT no later than close of business on Monday, April 15, 2024”.

“The President thanks you for your service to the nation and extends his best wishes,” the statement read.

KAIPTC is committed to addressing knowledge gap with tailored courses – Commandant

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 Major General Richard Addo Gyane, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), says the Centre is committed to addressing the knowledge gaps in communities and regions with its tailored courses in peace and security. 

The courses run by the centre, he said, were designed to bridge those gaps and empower individuals with the necessary tools to address them.

Maj Gen Gyane said as Ghana strived for a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous country, the Centre embraced the responsibility of educating and training Ghanaians to play a pivotal role as key agents for sustainable peace.

The Commandant was speaking at the launch of three commercialized courses; Leadership and Management in Security Organisation, Conflict Analysis and Mediation, and Artificial Intelligence in Peacebuilding, currently being run at the Centre.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Peacebuilding Course aims at improving inter-agency collaboration by building the capacity of Defence and Security Sector actors to cooperate in developing and implementing strategies and approaches to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism.

On the other hand, the Conflict Analysis and Mediation Course, a Collaborative initiative between KAIPTC and the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) established in 2013, aims to fortify participants’ ability for critical, analytical and practical Conflict analysis in the context of mediation and negotiation.

Targeting Security companies, Security professionals and leaders as well as the public, the Leadership and Management in Security Organisations Course seeks to develop the core competencies that are consistent with existing requirements and corporate culture.

In all, 44 participants from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Nigeria are undertaking the three courses.

Maj Gen Gyane said the KAIPTC held a crucial mandate of training military, police, and civilian personnel for peace and security, not only within ECOWAS but also across Africa and beyond.

Its commitment, he said, extended globally, offering recognised capacity-building for all actors involved in African peace and security through comprehensive training, education, research, and policy dialogues.

“Our overarching vision is to become the preferred international centre for training, education, and research, dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and secure continent. Beyond our core mandate, we aspire to be the premier choice and a hub for peace and security training and education for Ghanaian professionals,” he noted.

The Commandant said with many seeking to enhance their capacity in Peace and Security by acquiring practical knowledge and skills – a critical aspect often overlooked – KAIPTC was dedicated to providing capacity building initiatives for sustainable peace and security. 

Among others, he stated that participants would explore how effective leadership and management in security organisations were paramount for fostering peace and security.

The AI in peacebuilding course would navigate the complexities of the modern peace and security landscape, where Artificial Intelligence emerges as a new phenomenon, he said, and that the Centre aimed to raise awareness of the relevance of AI in the peace and security arena.

“The Conflict Analysis and Mediation which is fundamental to fostering peace, is an additional focal point of our offerings,” Maj Gen Gyane said.

He, therefore, encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to engage with experts and practitioners in the field, benefiting from a platform that not only offered valuable learning experiences but also facilitated connections and potential partnerships.

“The outcomes of discussions, forging of new networks, and the establishment of partnerships are integral to achieving our shared goal of peace and security for our country,” he added.

Chelsea to miss out on electric LaLiga winger Pochettino loves as Man Utd, Liverpool battle for signing

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The Blues will be forced to part ways with some key players to fund their own transfer business, with Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja among those on the chopping block.

Chelsea still have some ambitious plans for the summer, with a new prolific centre-forward thought to be Mauricio Pochettino’s priority.

The manager is also keen to strengthen in wide areas, however, and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams being one name that keeps coming up in his search.Chelsea are known admirers of the supremely talented 21-year-old who played a key role in helping Bilbao – his boyhood club – to lift the Copa del Rey this season.

Williams has made 30 appearances in total for Athletic this season, scoring six goals and making an impressive 14 assists in the process.

The winger is incredibly quick, dangerous in one vs one situations and also has tremendous work rate and an asset defensively as well as going forward.

Nico Williams tipped to snub Chelsea

Despite Chelsea being extremely interested in Williams and his release clause of €50m (£42.8m) being extremely tempting for them, the winger could turn down a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been keeping tabs on the youngster’s performances, but his preference is to ‘remain in Spain.’

The report states that Williams’ ‘intention is to play for Athletic Bilbao in Europe next season.

The Basque club are two points away from a Champions League qualification spot and ‘that would be the dream’ for the winger, although they’ve already qualified for the Europa League.

Should Williams stay with Athletic for another season – as the report suggests – that would play into the hands of another of his suitors: Barcelona.

The Catalans have ‘already made contact’ with Williams’ representatives and he is believed to be open to a move to the Camp Nou in the future.

Due to Barcelona’s financial issues, though, it’s likely to take another season before they’ll be able to afford to bring him in.

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