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Editorial: Let’s Add Herbal Drugs To The List Of Approved Medicines On NHIS

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Editorial

The Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) has urged the government to include approved herbal drugs on the list of approved medicines on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), according to a graphiconline report.Per the story, the federation expressed concern that the traditional medicine sector had received very little attention from successive governments.

The President of GHAFTRAM, Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, said this at the commemoration of the 22nd African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day and 25th Traditional Medicine Week celebration held in Accra.The President of GHAFTRAM pointed out that in spite of the fact that approved herbal medicines had not been included in the list of approved medicines on the NHIS, they emphasised that “the two are twin brothers and must be raised together.”

Prof. Duncan, who is also the President-General of COA Research and Manufacturing Ltd, said it was as a result of this that the executive of GHAFTRAM was pushing for the Green Gold Agenda, a programme that sought to harness the potential of traditional medicine through research and to develop them to international standards for the global market.

For too long, the traditional medicine sector in the country has been relegated to the sidelines, despite its immense potential to contribute to healthcare delivery and the country’s economy.The Chronicle can confirm that herbal medicines are often the first recourse for many Ghanaians, especially those in rural areas, where access to conventional medicine can be limited. These natural remedies have been used for centuries, passed down through generations and remain relevant in treating various ailments.

Despite their widespread use, successive governments have failed to integrate them fully into mainstream healthcare, leaving a gaping hole in health equity. This lack of attention is not only a missed opportunity for improving public health but also a potential economic loss.

The herbal medicine industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, driven by the increasing preference for natural products and the perception that they are more effective and safer than synthetic drugs. The global herbal medicinal products market is projected to reach $177.65 billion by 2029.

Countries like Asia, China, India and Malaysia have successfully integrated traditional medicine into their healthcare systems, generating significant revenue in the process. It is time Ghana follows this model.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has long recognised the importance of traditional medicine, as evidenced by the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023, which advocates for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into universal healthcare systems.

Ghana should heed this global call and act quickly to include herbal medicines in the NHIS.

Herbal medicines have been subjected to rigorous testing and approval processes by the appropriate regulatory bodies, making them safe for public consumption. Therefore, including them in the NHIS would expand access to affordable healthcare, reduce the burden on conventional health facilities and create jobs within the herbal medicine sector. This would ultimately contribute to achieving the country’s universal health coverage goals.

For these reasons, The Chronicle is of the view that it is imperative that the government acts on the request by GHAFTRAM. Listing approved herbal medicines on the NHIS is not just about tradition or culture; it is about embracing an untapped resource that can strengthen our healthcare system and support the nation’s economic development.

We must recognise the potential of herbal medicines and treat them with the seriousness they deserve. The government must move beyond lip service and take concrete steps toward the integration of traditional medicine into the NHIS, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their healthcare preferences, have access to the treatment they need.

Now is the time to raise both “twin brothers” together for the benefit of all.

Bench Warrant issued for 70-year-old businessman in fraud case

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Bench Warrant

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 70-year-old businessman, Adams Afful, who stands accused of defrauding a trader, Lantana Sani, of GH¢20,000 under false pretences.

The Dansoman Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Halima El-Alawa Abdul Baasit, issued the warrant after the accused failed to appear in court on two occasions, first in September and again on October 16, 2024.

The case was presented by Chief Inspector Nyarko and the warrant remains in force.

Adams Afful has been charged with defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The specific charge relates to an incident that occurred on January 10, 2024, when Afful allegedly convinced the complainant, Lantana Sani, to part with GH¢20,000 by falsely claiming that he could influence the rescheduling of an interview at the U.S. embassy.

Case Details

According to the facts presented in court, the complainant, Lantana Sani, a trader residing in New Fadama, Accra, was introduced to the accused by Eric Nyame, a close friend of Afful.

The accused had claimed to have a daughter in the United States and discussed the possibility of finding someone to take care of her children.

In January 2024, Afful, with the help of Nyame, met with Sani at her home and proposed assisting her daughter, Suwab Bawa, with obtaining a visa.

Afful led Bawa to the U.S. Embassy and purchased a visa processing form, securing an interview date for October 9, 2024.

However, Afful told the complainant that the date was too far and claimed to know someone at the embassy, who could reschedule it to an earlier date, for which he demanded GH¢20,000.

Sani handed over the money, but Afful failed to honour his promise.

After several unsuccessful attempts to recover the money, Sani reported the matter to the authorities, leading to Afful’s arrest.

During the investigation, Afful admitted to the offence and promised to refund the money within a month but failed to do so.

Following the investigation, Afful was charged and brought before the court. However, his repeated failure to appear led to the issuance of the bench warrant.

The warrant remains in effect as the court awaits the next steps in the case.

KNUST ready to contest Prof Assasie Oppong’s claims in court

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Court Gavel

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), per the Registrar, Isaac Berko, has filed its case against the claims of Prof. Rexford Assasie Oppong, the head of the Department of Architecture at KNUST, who is seeking a court order to invalidate the actions taken by the fact-finding committee and to prohibit the implementation of the Vice Chancellor’s directive.

The action by Professor Rexford Assasie Oppong centers on allegations of improper disciplinary procedures and breaches of university regulations.

It seeks a range of legal remedies, including an injunction against the implementation of a directive issued by the vice chancellor based on the recommendations of the committee in question.

In a statement of case in opposition to the claims filed by Nene Ahuma K. Korda, Esq., solicitor for the respondent university on October 21, 2024 KNUST argued that the Ampadu Fact-Finding Committee was established as a fact-finding committee (and not a disciplinary committee) to determine whether a prima facie case existed against the applicant.

It said the Vice Chancellor has the power under Statute 12 of the KNUST Statutes to set up a fact-finding committee.

The respondent said the committee acted within its powers and followed the proper procedures in conducting its investigations and stressed that the recommendations were appropriate and in accordance with the regulations of the university.

It further contends that the applicant was not denied a fair hearing and that there was no breach of natural justice.

The respondent has therefore submitted that the applicant’s application is misconceived and should be dismissed because it lacks merit.

A Kumasi High Court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Frederick Tetteh, sits on the matter today (October 25, 2024) to determine the legalities.

Court Rules on Ernest Thompson & Others’ Application Nov 29

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Court Complex

The Accra High Court has set November 29, 2024 to deliver its ruling on a submission of no case to answer, filed by former Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ernest Thompson and four others.

The accused are facing charges related to the acquisition of the SSNIT Operational Business Suite (OBS), a project valued at $14.8 million.

The other accused persons are Mr. John Hagan Mensah, a former IT manager at SSNIT; Ms. Juliet Hassana Kramer, CEO of Perfect Business Systems (PBS); Mr. Caleb Kwaku Afaglo, former Head of Management Information Systems (MIS) at SSNIT and Mr. Peter Hayibor, a lawyer for SSNIT.

The group has been charged with causing financial loss to the state in relation to the OBS project.

The charges, first brought against the accused in July 2018, stem from alleged irregularities in the handling of the OBS project, which was initially launched in June 2010, with a budget of $34 million.

The aim of the project was to overhaul SSNIT’s operations using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to improve the country’s pension administration system.

According to the prosecution, the project, intended to modernise SSNIT’s operations, ballooned in cost from $34 million to over $66 million between September 2013 and September 2016, yet failed to deliver the anticipated results.

The accused are alleged to have engaged in illegal activities that contributed to the financial losses during this period.

Despite the charges brought against them, the accused have all pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution has successfully presented all their witnesses under the presiding judge, Justice Henry A. Kwofie, a Supreme Court judge.

The court’s decision on the submission of no case to answer will determine whether the trial will proceed or the charges will be dismissed.

Winning 2024 And Beyond: NPP Blows Cover Of NDC Secret Plans

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National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah addressing the media with the alleged document in hand

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has uncovered an alleged secret plan by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to sabotage the government, make it unpopular and win the December 2024 elections.

According to the NPP, the plan, contained in a document they had uncovered, reveals that their opponent is unleashing the strategy bit by bit, and recent events give credence to the plan by the NDC to win the upcoming 2024 general elections through underhanded tactics.

Addressing journalists at the party’s Asylum Down Headquarters in Accra, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 the NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, said the document they had uncovered provides strategic instructions for the NDC to undermine the government.

Quoting from portions of the said document titled: “Winning 2024 and Beyond: A Comprehensive NDC Strategy,” Richard Ahiagbah indicated that the NDC had a plan to frustrate the government by exploiting parliamentary dynamics, with Speaker Bagbin as an ally, to block key government policies and revenue measures.

This plan, according to the NPP, has been in operation since 2021 and is meant to create widespread disaffection among Ghanaians, ultimately making the government appear incapable and discrediting its governance, ahead of the December elections.

“It is not a fake document; it is a true document the NDC has been working with since January 7th or 8th, 2021.

The document consists of 11 chapters, each directing the NDC on various disruptive, unfair and outright crude tactics to aid its capturing of power in 2024,” the NPP Communications Director stated.

REVENUE SABOTAGE

Referring to pages 7 and 8 of the document, under the subheading “Maximising Control of the Legislature,” Mr Ahiagbah described how the NDC had mapped out a detailed approach to manipulate its position in Parliament, given the evenly split seats between both political parties.

He noted that the NDC had used its influence to delay or block crucial government bills, such as the 2022 E-Levy which was designed to generate revenue for national development.

Mr Ahiagbah claimed that the NDC aimed to cripple the government’s ability to effectively manage the economy and implement policies.

He said that Chapter 10 of the document, titled “Strategic Economic and Political Manoeuvring,” allegedly directs the NDC to block the revenue generation measures that were to fill the fiscal gaps left by the COVID-19 pandemic, compelling the government to go to the International Monetary Fund.

He also claimed that the NDC’s action directly undermined investor confidence in Ghana’s economy, adding that the strategy was to cause harm to the economy and the people of Ghana.

“The NDC’s strategy was not only about winning power but also about causing harm to the economy and the people of Ghana.

“Their plan was to make the NPP government look bad by causing economic difficulties and then turning around to blame the government for the hardships,” Mr Ahiagbah said.

HOODWINK VOTERS

Beyond economic sabotage, the NPP accused the NDC of plotting to “hoodwink” voters by creating a perception that the government was failing, while promoting themselves as the solution.

The NPP stated that this tactic by the NDC was part of a broader effort to use foul means to win the trust of voters, particularly the youth and the middle class.

He called on Ghanaians to take a critical look at the actions of the NDC since 2021, and to recognise that their opposition to key policies was not in the national interest, but rather part of a cynical political plot.

He said there were no better alternative policies the opposition NDC had brought forth, ahead of the elections.

APPEAL TO VOTERS

In concluding the press conference, Richard Ahiagbah called on Ghanaians to vote against the NDC in the December elections, accusing the party of putting political ambitions above the national interest.

He urged voters to reject a party that was willing to manipulate the economy and parliament for their electoral gains and instead support the NPP, which he described as committed to satiability and development.

He urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and all NPP parliamentary candidates.

COMMENDATION

He also commended the NPP MPs in Parliament for their restraint in the face of what he called the NDC’s “delinquent conduct,” referring to recent parliamentary impasses that highlighted the NDC’s disruptive tactics.

“On December 7, Ghanaians must punish this gross abuse of trust by the NDC. We are counting on the people to choose a responsible government that puts the nation first, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, whose vision for Ghana will continue to restore hope and economic prosperity,” Mr Ahiagbah said.

The document, sighted by The Chronicle, does not have a specific date apart from “confidential 2021,” with 56 pages.

Meanwhile, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, speaking to Joy FM, said the document was fake.

According to him, the strategy of the NDC for the 2024 election was not documented but rather in their “heads.”

It would be recalled that not long ago, there was a document in circulation called “Agyapade3,” which the NDC alleged was a plot by some factions in the NPP to capture state resources, but the latter debunked it.

Government To Break Ground For US$450m Manganese Plant In W/R

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Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor shaking hands with the Jurgen Eijgendaal, the Managing Director of GMC

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to break ground for the construction of a $450 million manganese processing plant at Nsuta, in the Western Region, on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

This announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, during a tour of the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Mangannese Carbonate

He revealed that all necessary processes for the project are nearing completion, with the expectation that construction will begin before the close of the year. Addressing the media during his tour of the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) in the Western Region, Jinapor commended the management and staff of the company for their dedicated service to the country.

He further explained that the construction of the refinery is the result of extensive collaboration between teams from Ghana and China, who have been working diligently on the project.

He explained that the country is on the verge of crossing the Rubicon relative to the processes for the commencement of construction of the refinery and that it is a significant milestone for the government, which has consistently delivered on its promise to the country.

Once operational, the manganese refinery will bring an end to centuries of raw manganese exports from Ghana.

Instead, processed manganese products will be produced domestically, which is expected to generate more employment opportunities and increase revenue for the country.

“The company is working to get its next strategic phase done and far advanced. I am happy to report that we are currently at the concluding phase of beginning the construction of a refinery here in Nsuta.

“This will mean that products of this company, which have been shipped in their raw form for many years, will now have value addition in Ghana.

“A lot of work has been done on this matter. Teams from Ghana and China have visited both countries, and there has been a lot of work. At this stage, we are left with a few issues and getting parliamentary approval for the fiscal regime.

“Thereafter, we will be very much on the highway in terms of getting the refinery constructed and commissioned. This will mean that the centuries of exporting raw manganese will be a thing of the past.

“We are now going to have value addition and retain the reasonably highest end of the value chain of the manganese industry here in Ghana.

“It will have positive implications on employment and have several linkages, in terms of downstream industry and its economic effects.

“It forms part of President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the mining sector of this country. The president’s vision has been value addition for all our natural resources,” he said.

Jurgen Eijgendaal, the Managing Director of GMC, commended Samuel A. Jinapor for the visit and the rich support the company has enjoyed under his stewardship as sector minister.

He disclosed further that the company is readying itself for the refinery journey and that a number of areas will undergo significant investments and revamp to ensure that they provide the needed natural resources for the refinery plant.

Adopt Tech-Driven Cost Management Approaches -KON Urges Surveyors

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Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah speaking

The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged quantity surveyors, cost engineers, and other industry professionals to adopt sustainable and technology-driven approaches to construction cost management.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Cost Engineering Council and the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (ICECAAQS) Conference in Accra on Monday, October 21, 2024, the Minister called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to redefine traditional practices in the construction industry.

Under the theme “Reimagining the Future of Construction Cost Management: Sustainability & The Digital Frontier,” the three-day conference, which runs from October 21 to 23, has drawn over 300 participants from various industries to deliberate on the future of cost management within the context of sustainability and digital innovation.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasised the importance of integrating environmental stewardship and technological advancements into construction cost management, arguing that these factors are critical in ensuring both financial efficiency and sustainable development. He noted that the intersection of sustainability, technology, and cost management is where the future of the construction industry lies.

“At the heart of this conference is a bold reimagining of how we manage construction costs by integrating sustainability principles and embracing the opportunities of the digital frontier. This is a crucial intersection where cost efficiency, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation must come together to redefine traditional practices in construction and quantity surveying,” Oppong Nkrumah stated.

The Minister highlighted the need for innovative financial products tailored to address the specific needs of modern construction projects, particularly in managing cash flow.

He called on the Ghana Institution of Surveyors and the broader quantity surveying community to collaborate with financial institutions to design adaptive solutions that can mitigate financial risks and enhance project delivery.

“Effective and sustainable project delivery hinges on sound financial strategies. I charge the Ghana Institution of Surveyors and the Quantity Surveying community to work closely with our financial and insurance institutions to design innovative financial products tailored to the construction industry,” he urged.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also underscored the growing necessity of sustainability in construction, pointing out that buildings and infrastructure are significant contributors to global carbon emissions.

He said the industry needs decisive actions to decarbonise the built environment, stressing that the construction industry has a responsibility to lead the way in this effort.

“Sustainability is no longer a choice; it has become a necessity. We must take bold steps to decarbonise our built environment. Our focus must extend beyond the initial construction phase to the entire life cycle of a building—managing not only upfront costs but also long-term operational and maintenance expenses,” he explained.

This revealed that the Ministry of Works and Housing, with support from international partners such as the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has developed a comprehensive roadmap to decarbonise Ghana’s building and construction industry. This roadmap is expected to be officially launched in the coming days.

The ICEC-AAQS 2024 Conference, which is being hosted by the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, brings together global leaders and industry experts to discuss emerging trends and best practices in cost engineering and quantity surveying. The event is expected to result in actionable recommendations that will shape the future of construction cost management in Ghana and beyond.

As the conference continues over the next two days, participants will engage in a series of workshops, panel discussions, and technical presentations aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and sustainability within the business environment. With both local and international experts in attendance, the ICEC-AAQS 2024 Conference promises to influence policy and practice in the construction industry for years to come.

“I’m going to live in Accra” -Idris Elba reveals plans to relocate to Africa

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Idris Elba

British Actor Idris Elba has revealed his plan to relocate to Africa within the next decade as part of his plans to support the continent’s movie industry.

The 52-year-old star of the hit series The Wire is behind nascent projects to build a film studio on the Tanzanian islands of Zanzibar as well as one in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

Born in London, Elba, whose mother is from Ghana and father is from Sierra Leone, has a strong attachment to Africa.

He wants to leverage his star power to back its burgeoning film business as he says it is vital that Africans get to tell their own stories.

“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of a cinema industry meeting in Accra.

“I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry – that is a 10-year process – I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent” he told the BBC.

But in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, he will not commit to living in a specific place.

“I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown [Sierra Leone’s capital], I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important.”

One goal he does have is to make a film in his studio in Accra one day.

Elba, who played South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela in the 2013 biopic Long Walk to Freedom, believes that it is vital for Africans to be centre-stage in the entire film-making process. That is in front of the camera, behind the camera and also in financing, distribution, marketing and showing the final product.

He imagines that just as movie audiences around the world know the differences between the US cities of New York and Los Angeles without necessarily ever having visited them, they will one day have a more nuanced understanding of the continent.

“This sector is a soft power, not just across Ghana but across Africa.

“If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonised, how it’s just war and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true.

“So, it’s really important that we own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages, of the differences between one language and another. The world doesn’t know that.”

With Nigeria’s Nollywood producing hundreds of movies a year, films are arguably one of the country’s most successful exports. There is also a tradition, especially in parts of Francophone Africa, of making high-quality films.

Elba has previously recognised the talent in Africa’s film industry, but said the facilities were “lacking”.

A 2022 report from Unesco backed up the actor.

The UN’s cultural agency said that despite “significant growth in production”, the business of film-making across the continent was hindered by issues such as piracy, insubstantial training opportunities and a lack of official film institutions.

Elba believes with the right momentum and involvement of governments willing to create an enabling environment, a virtuous circle can be established.

“We have to invest in our story-telling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.”

Nadia Buari adds her voice to East Legon accident saga

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Nadia Buari

Popular Actress Nadia Buari has added her voice to the East Legon accident saga which took the lives of two young girls.

On her activeInstagram account, Nadia Buari expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the two young girls who lost their lives in the devastating East Legon accident.

The screen goddess shared a wholehearted message, acknowledging the unimaginable pain and grief the affected families are enduring with such a loss.

She grieved about how a future had been lost and how difficult for the family to come to terms with the unfortunate incident, noting that it’s too painful to remember and too painful to forgive.

She wrote: “I can’t believe this happened to these beautiful little girls’ future has been cut off in such a painful manner that is so difficult to come to terms with.May God keep their innocent souls in perfect peace.My prayers are with the bereaved families. May the joy of the Lord strengthen you to enable you go through this difficult phase of your life.

THE LOST OF ANY CHILD ANYWHERE IS THE LOST OF A FUTURE EVERYWHERE.

Can a mother leave her children? Certainly not!But the painful thing here is that, as the mother cannot leave her children, in this regrettable condition, the children have left their mothers.As a mother, I can deeply relate with the mothers of these kids and what they may be going through by now.

It is too painful to remember and too painful to forgive.At this moment, all I wish to say is that,

I pray for grace to be sufficient for you in this condition.I pray for strength for the both families of the kids.I pray for healing of hurts for all involved in this painful tragedy.I pray for love and empathy for the victims, and sympathy for all who may need it.With a very heavy heart I say

PLEASE HAVE MY CONDOLENCES…GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!!!(sic).”

 

Artistes take influences from different places; I don’t steal songs -Kuami Eugene 

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Kuami Eugene

Ghanaian highlife and afrobeats artise, Kuami Eugene has responded to numerous accusations that he steals songs by sampling music from other musicians.

In an interview on Hitz FM, Kuami Eugene clarified misconceptions surrounding his creative process.

“I don’t ‘steal’ music,” Kuami Eugene asserted firmly, countering the persistent rumours surrounding his work.

He emphasized that as an artiste, he finds inspiration from different sources and often adds distinctive components to create his own sound.

“Every artiste takes influences from different places,” he explained, highlighting the collaborative nature of the music industry.

Referencing legendary figures like Michael Jackson and popular Nigerian artists such as Davido and Wizkid, Eugene made a case for the common practice of borrowing lines or melodies.

There’s nothing wrong with taking a line or two and modifying it to fit my style,” he stated confidently.

“It’s a part of how we create music, and it’s something that professional musicians do all the time.”

In spite of his justification for sampling songs, Kuami Eugene expressed his disapproval of the criticism he receives in comparison to other musicians.

“I feel like many artists can get away with it, but for me, it’s like every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artist’s work, I’m criticized.

“It’s disheartening because I put a lot of effort into making my music original while drawing inspiration,” he lamented.

His comments highlighted the discussion regarding creativity and uniqueness in the music business.

He further reiterated that music is an evolving art form that thrives on inspiration and collaboration.

“At the end of the day, we’re all trying to create something beautiful that resonates with our audience,” he concluded.

The Ghanaian Chronicle