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Volta Peace Council confers ‘champion of peace’ honour on Clemence Gyato

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Mr Clemence Gyato reciving his award from the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Achibald Letsa

Mr Clemence Gyato, the National Peace Ambassador of Ghana, has been honoured by the Volta and Oti Regional Peace Councils for his contribution to promoting and sustaining peace in the Volta and Oti Regions.

The “Champion of Peace” honour was conferred on him at the 2023 Volta and Oti International Day of Peace Summit, held at Kikis Court in Hohoe, which was themed: “Actions for Peace: Celebrating Champions of Peace.”

Traditional leaders present at the Peace Council award

The summit was part of celebrations to mark the International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21, every year, and has been earmarked by the United Nations to promote global peace.

The summit also celebrated chiefs, government officials, peace ambassadors and journalists who were honoured as Champions of Peace for aiding the Volta and Oti Regional Peace Council’s intervention in promoting peace in the regions, especially the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict resolution process.

Mr Gyato, who was one of the recipients of the Champion of Peace honour was lauded by the Volta Regional Peace Council for his efforts in promoting national cohesion and conflict resolution.

A citation in recognition of Mr. Gyato’s peace service in the Volta and Oti Regions said: “Thank you for your remarkable efforts in promoting peace in the Volta and Oti Regions.

“Your generous financial support and personal involvement in the Regional Peace Council’s intervention in the Alavanyo-Nkonya improved inter-communal relationships. Sincere thanks from the Volta Regional Peace Council.”

Mr. Gyato expressed gratitude for the honour conferred on him and was elated about the improving relationships between the people of Alavanyo-Nkonya, and he would continue to work relentlessly to sustain peace among the two communities.

“I would want to commend the people and chiefs of Alavanyo and Nkonya, considering the peace we are witnessing now and want to tell the youth of the two communities that there can’t be a winner when there is confusion. Let’s all unite, be one people and enjoy the goodies of unity,” Mr. Gyato said during his acceptance speech.
Dr. Archibald Yao Lesta, Volta Regional Minister, who was also honoured at the summit said that these programmes had been carefully orchestrated by the National Peace Council to recognise individuals who have contributed to sustainable peace in the Volta and Oti Regions.

“As we reflect upon the journey of seeking a peaceful society, I am reminded of the significant strides we have taken in improving inter-communal relationships, particularly during our intervention in the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict.
“Undoubtedly, it was a challenging time marked by violence and division along the way; however, through our joint efforts, support and facilitation, we have
witnessed positive changes,” he said.

Dr. Yao Lesta noted the decrease in violence in Alavanyo-Nkonya communities, which was a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of peace among its people.

Among the dignitaries present at the International Day of Peace Summit were Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, who was the Special Guest of Honour; Togbega Attakora VII, Paramount Chief of Alavanyo Traditional Area; Nana Kwadwo Asiakwa II, Paramount Chief of Nkyonya Wurupong and Okoforobour Baffour Kwame Asante II, the Vice President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs.

Others included; Mama Amettor Hoebuadzu II, Paramount Queen of Alavanyo, Nana Otubea II, Paramount Queen of Nkonya-Aheankro, among other royalties from neighbouring communities, and representatives of the National Chief Imam.

 

Ho dual-carriageway will be extended to Asikuma Junction -Letsa

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Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa speaking to the media after re-opening the Ho-Accra highway to traffic

The phase two of the dualisation of the road leading to the Volta Regional capital, Ho, will begin soon. The first phase, which started from Sokode Gborgame to Ho Civic Centre, covering a distance of 10kilometres has already been completed.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa, who announced this at Anyirawase, near Ho recently, said the second phase would start from Sokode-Gborgame, through Anyirawase, Tsito, to Asikuma Junction, which is about 30 kilometres.

Dr Archibald Letsa, who was opening the Anyirawase-Tsito part of the Accra-Ho highway, which was damaged, following a collapse of a bridge after a recent heavy downpour,said the idea for constructing the dual carriage way was to ensure smooth transportation of goods  and services to and from Volta Region.

The Ho-Sokode dual carriageway

Dr Letsa explained that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) in collaboration with the Ghana Highways Authority upon hearing that the bridge had collapsed quickly engaged the services of First Sky Construction Company Limited to re-build the broken bridge within four weeks.

According to him, First Sky Construction Company Limited was the best choice because the Company was already constructing the Asikuma-Kpeve-Have road.

He said the contractor had worked beyond the expectation of the VRCC by completing work on the broken bridge within six days, which necessitated the re-opening of the highway to traffic.

The Volta Regional Director of Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), Mr Aminu Issaka Abubakar, said even though the construction of the bridge had been completed, it was yet to meet the required capacity for heavy duty trucks.

He explained that his outfit would continue with laboratory test to ensure that the required standard had been met before heavy duty vehicles would be allowed to use it.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Sky Construction Company Limited, Mr Oliver Acquah, on his part said quality and standard was the hallmark of his company and that the bridge had been constructed to standard.

Mr Acquah explained that instead of the four weeks mandatory period, his outfit used just six days to re-build the bridge. He assured that the bridge area would be tarred within a week.

Kofi Kinaata’s mum melts hearts as she sings rapper’s ‘Thy Grace’ word for word

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Kofi Kinaata and mum

Award-winning rapper Kofi Kinaata delighted his fans by sharing an endearing video featuring his mother singing and dancing to his 2021 hit song “Thy Grace [Part II].”

The heartwarming video, posted on Kofi Kinaata’s Instagram page, captured his mother singing along to every word of the song, accompanied by lively hand gestures.

As the video rolled, Kofi Kinaata’s mother turned to the camera with a joyful expression. In the caption accompanying the post, the “Play” hitmaker playfully inquired about his fans’ mothers’ favorite songs from his discography, writing, “Which of my songs is your mum’s favourite? #TeamMooove.”

It was a heartwarming moment that showcased the strong bond between the artist and his supportive mother.

Kofi Kinaata s noted for his lyrical dexterity in terms of unique rhyme schemes and humorous Fante rap style with a touch of traditional African proverbs in his local language to entertain and educate.

His “Thy Grace” song is one of his popular songs in Ghana’s Music. Many celebrities have jumped in videoing themselves dancing to the new banger. A notable line in the song like ”Charcoal seller ba nu so hye white”- translated ”Charcoal seller son too now wears white”. This buttresses many views on how his songs are lyrically touching and sensible.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Jay Baba donates TVs, satellite dish and refrigerator to Central Region Police Headquarters

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Team Members of Jay Baba donates items to Central Regional Police Command

Jay Baba, a fast-rising Ghanaian Artiste domiciled in the USA has donated television sets, satellite dish and refrigerator to the Central Regional Police Command in Cape Coast.

Donating the items on his behalf on Friday September 22, 2023, Jay Baba’s family and the Chief Executive of Central Music Awards, Spio Jungo, mentioned that; “Even though he is not currently in Ghana, Jay Baba is one person who is heavy on social responsibility in the country.”

“As part of monitoring, the Police need to be abreast with news and other development in the media so the TV sets are to help them in monitoring of events around them. The other items are to help them stay at post and be effective. This is the contribution of Jay Baba to Central Region,” Jay Baba’s reason for donating the items to the Police Command.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Central Regional Police Command, ACP Charles Kofi Adu expressed gratitude on behalf of the Command and encouraged others to emulate the kind gesture of Jay Baba. He also mentioned that, the items have come in at the right time and assured that they will make the best use of it.

Jay Baba is well known for his ‘Bazazzagi’ album which won the album/EP of the year award with the masterpiece and also bagged Hiplife Song of the year with ‘Zimunda,’ a song on the album at the Central Music Awards.

Born Yahaya Alhassan, Jay Baba is known for canvassing support for Ghanaian talents abroad, arguing that; “given the same support that Ghanaian media give the artistes home to that of us abroad, we would have had more talents competing across the world and finally winning the Grammys that we dream of.”

Dr. Boadi Nyamekye to host Duncan Williams, Mensa Otabil, Agyinasare, others for ‘Experience Conference’

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Dr Michael Boadi Nyamekye

The Maker’s House Chapel International is set to host 8 of the country’s trailblazers in Christian faith between October 1 and 8, 2023, for the much-anticipated ‘Experience Conference’ at the Destiny Arena in Accra.

The Founder of Maker’s House Chapel International and Convener, Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye will host Archbishop and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil; the Founder and Leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare and the Founder and General Overseer of the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM), Dr Steve Mensah.

Other mighty men of God on the bill are the Founder and General Overseer of Living Streams International, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei; General Overseer of the Global Revival Ministries, Rev. Dr Robert Ampiah-Kwofi as well as the Founder and Senior Pastor of All Nations Church in Atlanta, Georgia and General Overseer of the Living Springs International Churches, Dr Frank Ofosu-Appiah.

Themed ‘Jesus, the Miracle Worker,’ the prominent men of God will be taking turns to preach, teach, lead worship and avail themselves as vessels to lead strategic prayers, perform miracles, heal the sick and liberate the distressed from bondage.

The 2023 edition of the Experience Conference will take place daily from 6:30 pm at the Destiny Arena of the Maker’s House Chapel International, adjacent to the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Kwabenya-Atomic-Down, Accra.

The Experience Conference which began in 2013, is the flagship annual international conference of The Maker’s House Chapel International which brings together many people, irrespective of their political affiliation, colour, race and ethnicity under one roof to commune and have an encounter with God.

Shatta Wale cancels Freedom Wave Concert after stadium clash

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Shatta Wale

‘My level’ hitmaker, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale has cancelled this year’s Freedom Wave Concert following clash with archrival, Stonebwoy concerning date for the venue.

In early September, Shatta Wale announced that the Freedom Wave Concert would be held on December 25, 2023.

A flier posted on social media listed a number of events that would kick off on Wednesday, December 20, and culminate on December 25.

Days later, Stonebwoy also announced his annual end-of-the-year concert on the 22nd of December at the same venue.

Shatta Wale, who was not enthused with this development took to social media to vent his spleen, calling out some names behind the clash. He accused the BET award-winner and his team of trying to sabotage his show with Medikal, which has been held at the Accra Sports Stadium for the past two years.

Sammy Flex, Manager of Shatta Wale confirmed the cancellation of the concert indicating that; “As a result of this brouhaha, Shatta Wale has decided to cancel the Freedom Wave Concert altogether.”

Sammy Flex quickly stated that there are no plans to stage the concert elsewhere for now “The show has been cancelled until we receive a positive update from the National Sports Authority (NSA).”

‘France takes us for idiots’ – Inside coup-hit Niger

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Niger

The West African country of Niger is among the world’s most deadly for attacks by jihadists. Following a military coup in July, there are fears a decision to order 1,500 French troops in the cou

Adama Zourkaleini Maiga is soft-spoken, but her eyes suggest steely determination.

The single mother-of-two lives in a quiet, middle-class part of Niger’s capital Niamey, but is originally from Tillabéry, one of the regions worst-hit by violence.

“My mother’s cousin was chief of a village called Téra,” she tells me over lunch. “He was assassinated just seven months ago.

“The terrorists were looking for him and when they found out he’d rented a car to flee, they caught up with him and killed him. They slit his throat. It was a real shock for our whole family.”

Adama blames France – which has had 1,500 troops in the region to fight Islamist militants – for the failure to contain the violence.

“They can’t tell us that the French army was successful,” she says. “I don’t understand how they can say they’re here to help people fight terrorism, and every year the situation gets worse.”

Niger was seen as the last Western ally in the Sahel, this semi-arid region which has become the epicentre of jihadi violence. France and the US each station troops in Niger, which is also home to the US’s biggest drone base.

Source: bbc.com

Mali delays February polls for ‘technical reasons’

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Col Abdoulaye Maiga said a new election date would be announced later

The military junta in Mali has said it will postpone the presidential election that had been scheduled for February

A government spokesman, Col Abdoulaye Maiga, said a new date would be announced and that parliamentary polls would be held separately.

He said the delay was due to “technical reasons” including issues linked to the adoption of a new constitution and a review of the electoral laws.

Civil society groups and the opposition have expressed their disappointment following this announcement.

The elections were intended to return Mali to constitutional rule after military coups in 2020 and 2021.

The junta had initially proposed the elections to be held in 2026, then revised it to 2025 and finally moving it to February 2024 after pressure from the West African bloc Ecowas.

Source: bbc.com

Russian Black Sea commander seen in video after Ukraine said it killed him

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces, as Russian fleet commanders are seen on a screen via video link, in Moscow, Russia, in this picture releas

Viktor Sokolov, commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, has been shown attending a meeting a day after Ukrainian special forces claimed he died in a barrage of missiles.

In video and photographs released by the Russian defence ministry and shown on state television on Tuesday, Sokolov is seen taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu and other top admirals and army chiefs.

Ukraine’s special forces said on Monday that Sokolov was killed in the Russian-annexed peninsula along with 33 other officers in a missile attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in the port of Sevastopol.

The statement added 105 others were wounded in the strikes.

While the report did not name Sokolov, Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs, posted the admiral’s name and a photo on social media.

The defence ministry released a statement saying the meeting had taken place earlier in the day. Sokolov appears on screen several times without speaking.

Russia has suffered a string of attacks on the strategically important port of Sevastopol in recent months.

In the video released by the ministry, Shoigu said more than 17,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in September and 2,700 weapons, including seven American Bradley fighting vehicles, were destroyed.

Source: Aljazeera.com

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter dies aged 43

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Zoleka Mandela

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zoleka Mandela has died of cancer at the age of 43, a family spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, surrounded by friends and family,” the statement, shared on her official Instagram account, said.

She documented her battle with cancer on the account. On August 23, she wrote: “What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around, I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be okay when it’s not? I’m dying … I don’t want to die.”

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters Swati Dlamini, Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Dorothy Adjoa Amuah are flanked by producers Graham Swanepoel, left, and Rick Leed.

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters to be featured on TV reality show

The Nelson Mandela Foundation also issued a statement Tuesday, saying it “extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night.”

“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.”

The foundation described her as “a tireless activist for Healthcare and justice.”

Source: cnn.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle