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Stonebwoy unveils first single for 2024 ‘Believe in Africa’ 

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Stonebwoy

Renowned Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy has made a dazzling entry into 2024 by unveiling his first single of the year, titled “Believe In Africa,” at the prestigious Africa Prosperity Champions (APC) Awards.

The unveiling took place during the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards on Friday, January 26 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, a captivating musical performance that added an extra layer of excitement to the awards ceremony.

The song, “Believe In Africa,” is anticipated to be a powerful anthem that resonates with themes of unity, pride, and faith in the continent’s potential. Stonebwoy’s music often carries profound messages, and this release is expected to be no exception.

The APC Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors, served as an ideal backdrop for Stonebwoy to connect with his audience and convey the essence of “Believe In Africa.”

The artist’s involvement in the awards ceremony added a special touch, combining musical excellence with a celebration of achievements.

The artist continues to make waves both within Ghana and on the international stage, solidifying his position as a musical icon.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Venezuela court disqualifies leading opposition presidential candidate

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Venezuela’s Supreme Justice Tribunal has upheld a ban which prevents presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado from holding office, upending the opposition’s plans for elections planned for later this year.

Machado, a former lawmaker, won the opposition’s independently run presidential primary last October with more than 90 percent of the votes, potentially putting her in a prime position to challenge longtime socialist leader Nicolas Maduro at the elections.

Her victory came despite the government announcing a 15-year ban on her running for office just days after she formally entered the race in June.

After the court issued its ruling on Friday, Machado posted on social media that her campaign’s “fight to conquer democracy through free and fair elections” is not over.

The court’s decision came hours after three of Machado’s allies were detained on accusations of conspiracy, amid growing tensions between Maduro’s government and the political opposition.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Passenger opens plane door and walks on wing

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Aeromexico plane

A man has been arrested in Mexico after opening an aeroplane’s emergency door and walking on to the wing.

The man took action after the Guatemala City-bound plane had been stuck for hours on the tarmac without air conditioning or water for passengers.

Mexico International Airport said no harm had been caused, but that the passenger had been handed to police.

Fellow passengers, however, have written a joint statement, saying the man had everyone’s support.

The incident occurred last Thursday, at around 11:30 – about three hours after the Aeromexico flight had been scheduled to take-off from Mexico City.

The delay was caused by a maintenance issue, an incident report said.

It went on to explain that a change of plane had become necessary after the unidentified passenger’s unilateral move.

It is not clear if the man remains in custody – or what charges he may face.

Irate passengers, however, saw the incident in a different light.

Credit: bbc.com

Protesters throw soup at da Vinci painting

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Protesters throw soup at painting

Protesters have thrown soup at the glass-protected Mona Lisa in France, calling for the right to “healthy and sustainable food”. The 16th Century painting by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most famous artworks, and is held at the Louvre in central Paris.

The Louvre said the work was behind protective glass and was not damaged.

Video shows two female protesters wearing T-shirts that read “food counterattack” throwing the liquid. They then stand in front of the painting, saying: “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?

“Your agricultural system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work,” they add.

Museum security are then seen putting black screens in front of them before the room is evacuated.

A group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) claimed responsibility for the stunt.

In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, it said the protest was part of efforts to integrate “food into the general social security system”.

Credit: bbc.com

World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami

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Icon of the Seas as it leaves the Port of Miami

The world’s largest cruise ship has set sail from Miami, Florida, on its maiden voyage, but there are concerns about the vessel’s methane emissions.

The 365m-long (1,197 ft) Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and can house a maximum of 7,600 passengers. It is owned by Royal Caribbean Group.

The vessel is going on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean.

Environmentalists warn the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship will leak harmful methane into the air.

Built at a shipyard in Turku, Finland, the Bahamas-registered ship has seven swimming pools and six water slides.

It cost $2bn (£1.6bn) to build and also has more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges.

Although LNG burns more cleanly than traditional marine fuels such as fuel oil, there is a risk that some gas escapes, causing methane to leak into the atmosphere.

Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Earlier this week, the ICCT released a report arguing that methane emissions from LNG-fuelled ships were higher than current regulations assumed.

Credit: bbc.com

North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles off east coast

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North Korea fire cruise missiles

North Korea has fired several cruise missiles off its east coast, South Korean military officials said, continuing a streak of weapons tests that have drawn condemnation from the United States, South Korea and Japan. The missile launches follow North Korea’s test launch on Wednesday of the strategic cruise missile “Pulhwasal-3-31”, which Pyongyang has suggested is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement on Sunday that it detected several missiles over waters near the North Korean port of Sinpo, where Pyongyang operates a shipyard that manufactures naval assets including missile-firing submarines.

“While strengthening surveillance and vigilance, our military is cooperating closely with the United States and monitoring additional signs and activities from North Korea,” the JCS said.

Pyongyang has ramped up weapons tests in recent weeks, including the launches of a purported “underwater nuclear weapon system” and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this month said that South Korea was his country’s “principal enemy” and that peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula was no longer possible.

Credit: aljazeera.com

UN chief Guterres in aid plea after staff accused of Israel attack

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UNRWA aid services help about two-thirds of Gaza's 2

UN chief António Guterres has urged countries that halted funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, to continue its operations.

“The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met,” Mr Guterres said.

Nine countries, including the UK, have taken action since Israel told UNRWA some staff were involved in the 7 October deadly Hamas attacks on Israel.

The agency says it is investigating and has already sacked some employees.

The countries that have now suspended funding UNRWA are Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and the US.

Created in 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, is the biggest UN agency operating in Gaza. It provides healthcare, education and other humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It employs around 13,000 people inside Gaza.

Since Israel began its offensive in response to the Hamas attacks UNRWA has used its facilities across Gaza to shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians.

Credit: bbc.com

Health Benefits of Reading Books

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Levels of stress, depression, and anxiety are especially high in today’s hectic world. It can be hard to find time for self-care and especially hard to find time for leisure activities like reading. It’s worth it to try to fit reading into your life, though, as consistent reading can benefit your health.

Why Reading Books Is Good For You

Reading books can offer many benefits for your overall health. While these benefits primarily help the brain, they can also benefit your body.

Reading reduces stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety in the U.S. are at an all-time high as we continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2022 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that:

  • 27% of respondents said that most days they felt so stressed they couldn’t function
  • Stressors included inflation, violence and crime, politics, and racial climate
  • 76% said that the future of the U.S. was a source of stress
  • Women aged 18-34 reported more stress than older women and men
  • 76% reported that stress affected their physical health

Reading is an excellent method of reducing stress. A 2009 study from Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that reading was able to reduce stress levels by 68%. That made it more effective than other soothing activities like taking a walk or listening to music.

  • In general, meditative activities that force you to focus on a single task can reduce stress. Reading has the added benefit of engaging your mind and forcing your brain to be creative so you can imagine the story as you read. Dr. David Lewis, who conducted the 2009 study, explains that reading is “an active engaging of the imagination as the words on the printed page stimulate your creativity and cause you to enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness.”

Reading battles mental decline and dementia

Dementia is a general term for mental decline that includes difficulty thinking, remembering, or making decisions. Dementia mainly affects older adults. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there were five million adults living with dementia, and they expect that number to rise to 14 million by 2060.

Numerous studies have indicated a link between reading and brain health. Studies consistently show that participating in activities that engage your brain, including reading, can help reduce the chance of developing dementia.

Reading is therapeutic for your mental health

Mental illness is one of the most significant medical crises facing Americans. Mental illness refers to mental health conditions that affect your behavior, mood, and thinking, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

The stress reduction that reading offers can help enormously when you’re already struggling with your mental health. But the benefits of reading extend beyond that, to the point that some doctors prescribe reading as a part of mental health therapy. This is called bibliotherapy.

What Is Bibliotherapy?

Bibliotherapy is a practice that uses books as part of therapy. Your mental health professional chooses a book, fiction or nonfiction, and as you read through the book you discuss it together. Because bibliotherapy is usually used with other forms of therapy, it’s hard to judge exactly how effective it is.

How Much Reading Should You Do?

There isn’t much data about how much reading people should do every day. The 2009 study measuring reading and stress indicated that just six minutes of reading a day could lower stress levels. The 2010 study about hobbies and dementia showed that the best results came from participating in the hobby for at least an hour a day.

You don’t want to add stress to your life by trying to fit a certain amount of reading into your busy schedule every day. Instead, find places you can fit it in and adjust where you can.

Source: webmd.com

Feature: Embracing the Golden Years: Redefining Retirement for a Fulfilling Life

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Wisdom Klu, the writer

Turning 60 marks the transition from middle age to the golden years of retirement. However, it is vital to remember that age is just a number. It should not define or limit our progress in life. Instead of slowing down and accepting the limitations society often imposes on us, let’s push on and embrace all that life has to offer at 60 or after.

Let us not forget that, as we attain age 60, we have accumulated a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and skills. We have weathered storms, overcome challenges, and celebrated triumphs. We have raised families, built careers, and contributed to our communities. Wow! It is time to reflect on our accomplishments and be proud of the lives we have lived.

Thus, let us use our accumulated knowledge and experiences to continue making positive impact on the people around us. Better still, it is important highlighting the fact that, age should not be an excuse to siting back and watching life pass us by. Instead, it should be a motivation to keep learning, growing, and exploring new horizons.

The Reminders

One of the greatest advantages of reaching the age of 60 is the freedom it brings. Many of us may have retired or scaled back our professional commitments, allowing us more time for personal pursuits.

This is the perfect moment to pursue those passions and dreams we may have put on hold for so long. Whether it’s starting a new business, rearing of animals, among others, there is no better time to push on and make those dreams a reality.

Moreover, it is crucial to prioritize our well-being as we age. Taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being enables us to enjoy life to the fullest and live longer. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest are essential to maintain our vitality and energy. Additionally, engaging in activities that stimulate our minds, such as reading, puzzles, or learning new skills, can help keep our brains sharp and active.

Another vital aspect of pushing on at the age of 60 is staying connected with our loved ones and the community. Social connections have been proven to be crucial for our overall well-being.

Whether it’s spending time with family, participating in community activities, or joining clubs or organizations, maintaining strong relationships and a sense of belonging is essential. Let’s us live free life devoid of anger and love more. These, not only provide emotional support but also opens up new opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

Furthermore, it is essential to entertain ourselves. In this digital age, technology offers us countless possibilities to stay connected and engaged. Social media platforms, online communities, and video conferencing tools allow us to connect with people from all over the world and share our knowledge and experiences. Embracing technology can be a valuable tool for expanding our horizons and fostering meaningful connections.

It is also important to remember that age should never be a barrier to learning. Lifelong learning not only keeps our minds sharp but also opens up new doors of opportunity. Whether it’s pursuing a degree, taking up a new hobby, or attending workshops and seminars, there are endless possibilities for personal growth and development. With age comes the advantage of perspective and experience, which can greatly enhance our ability to learn and adapt.

Finally, let’s not forget the importance of giving back to society. Volunteering our time, skills, or resources can be incredibly rewarding, both for ourselves and for those we help. Our accumulated knowledge and experiences can be a valuable asset in making a difference in the lives of others.

Whether it’s mentoring younger generations, supporting charitable organizations, or advocating for causes we believe in, there is no better way to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Conclusion

The age 60 is just a number, and it should not define or limit us. Instead, it should serve as a reminder of the incredible journey we have undertaken and the potential that lies ahead. Let’s push on, embrace all that life has to offer, and continue making a positive impact on the world around us.

Age should never be an excuse to stop learning, growing, and pursuing our dreams. Together, let’s redefine what it means to be 60 and show the world that our best years are yet to come.

BY Wisdom Koudjo Klu

Feature: Sustainable Education: Lets Integrate Farming into Senior High Schools’ Co-Curricula Activities

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Wisdom Klu, the writer

The high cost of feeding students in our Senior High Schools has become a significant barrier in the journey towards comprehensive implementation of Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy. The concept of school farming, which is about integrating agricultural activities into the school’s co-curriculum work, is worth considering as a sustainable cost reduction mechanism.

This would involve teaching students practical skills and same time provide a food source for the school’s kitchen. The approach could encompass traditional crop farming such as cassava, yam, pepper, garden eggs, and kontomire among others. To livestock and aquaculture practices: snail farming, fish farming, goat rearing, and grass cutter rearing are areas for consideration.

Thus, despite the challenges that may come with it, the substantial potential benefits project it as an appealing prospect for schools nationwide.

Potential Benefits

The potential benefits of implementing school farming across all Senior High Schools in Ghana are manifold. First and foremost, it could significantly reduce the cost of providing meals in schools.

This means that, by growing and harvesting their own produce, and rearing their own livestock, the government can save money, making education more affordable and thereby more accessible.

Beyond the economic advantages, school farming would also promote healthier dietary habits among students. It will as well reduce the risk of diet-related diseases among the citizenry in the long run.

There is no need debating the fact that, school farming would provide students with valuable agricultural skills. In a country like Ghana where agriculture is a significant sector of the economy, these skills could be invaluable.

To make it explicit, students would gain practical, hands-on experience when school farming is effectively implemented in our Senior High Schools. The introduction of school farming into Senior High Schools’ Co- curricula work would also open up future job opportunities or even inspire students to start their own farms at home.

Challenges

The implementation of school farming would present certain challenges:

  1. It would require substantial collaboration and coordination between various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Coupled with the cultural shift required to integrate farming into the school curriculum, this could be a daunting task.
  2. School farming would require an initial investment in agricultural resources, such as: seeds, fertilizers, farming equipment, and even land. They will may also need to invest in training for teachers and students to ensure they have the requisite skills and knowledge to successfully run a farm.
  3. There is also a risk of crop or livestock failure due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions, which could lead to financial losses for the school.

Recommendations

Irrespective of the identified challenges, the potential benefits of school farming make it a worthy consideration for Senior High Schools.

  • Schools should collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture. These partnerships could provide the necessary resources, knowledge, and support to establish the farms.
  • For the initial investment in resources and training, schools could seek funding from PAs, private donors, or non-profit organizations. They could also explore partnerships with local farms or agricultural businesses, who may provide resources, training, and mentorship.
  • To mitigate the risk of crop or livestock failure, schools should aim at diversifying their farming activities by using sustainable farming techniques. This would not only increase chances of a successful harvest but also provide a varied diet for students.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should ensure that all Senior High Schools in Ghana introduce School Farming into their Co-Curricular Activities. This would amelioratethe cost of feeding students in these schools.

As Ghana continues to strive for educational advancement, it should not overlook the potential that lies within its own soil. Through school farming, Ghana could nourish both the bodies and minds of its future generations, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

By Wisdom KoudjoKlu (wisdomklu@gmail.com)

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