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How a gospel song pushed me to stop clubbing -Pastor Amoateng

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Pastor Brian Amoateng

The Convener of the International Youth Empowerment Summit and Founder of Brian Amoateng Ministries, Pastor Brian Amoateng, has shared the story of how he gave up his clubbing lifestyle after an unexpected encounter with a gospel song on his way to a nightclub.

In a conversation with Lois Shola Adeyemi on Joy Prime’s Changes show, Amoateng reflected on how he struggled with his addictive clubbing habits, despite being a pastor’s child.

He revealed that clubbing had become a regular part of his life, and quitting it seemed impossible. However, one pivotal night, everything changed.

Amoateng recounted the moment:

Being a church boy, always in church, I knew what church was. So, I remember when I got to Legon, I used to club a lot—almost every day, from Monday to Tuesday. One day, I was going to a nightclub, and I was in a taxi when the driver started playing a gospel song. Something entered me, and I felt like crying, but I still wanted to go to the club just to please my friends.”

When he arrived at the club, per his narration, he was overwhelmed by an unusual feeling.

“That night, when I got to the club, I couldn’t dance. Being the ‘Chingy’ that people knew, I didn’t open the dance floor. I got to the club, and something told me to go home. I felt so down. Normally, I would leave the club at 5 a.m. every day, but that day, I left by 2:30 or 3 a.m.”

Upon returning to his hostel, Amoateng felt an immense sadness, realizing that he had lost his connection vital with Jesus Christ. In that moment, he made the life-changing decision to dedicate himself to the work of God and leave the clubbing life behind.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Demand for bands went down after Covid 19 –Afro Harmony

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Afro Harmony

Afro Harmony has opened up about the challenges they faced after the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the band, DJs had more gigs in the past, which led to a decline in the demand for live bands.

Speaking on E Vibes Musical Band Series, the deputy leader of the band, Mac Hamlet, shared that things have now evolved, and people are increasingly opting for live bands again.

“From Covid time, it was not easy for bands but right now its evolving so now people and most of the companies want to involve bands in their restaurants, clubs but first it was more of the DJs and was a decline in bands. For now, it’s rising,” he said.

He also revealed that there is no bad blood between bands and DJs.

“After Covid-19, the need for bands declined a bit because of financial needs. It got to a point, the DJs were taking all the gigs believe for some time now I can see that it’s rising and for some time we have been collaborating with the DJs, play gigs together and it has been going on well. We have been playing together with DJs and so there is no bad blood,“ he added.

E Vibes, the show that delves into the backgrounds of celebrated personalities excelling in their chosen fields, is focusing this season on music bands in Ghana.

Dubbed #MusicalBandSeries, the programme is dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the incredible journeys of Ghanaian musical bands, showcasing their triumphs, challenges, and the bonds that keep them together.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Joselyn Dumas not appointed to any position –Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarifies 

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Joselyn Dumas and Felix Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disputed reports suggesting that actress Joselyn Dumas has earned an appointment in John Mahama’s government.

This comes after news shared on various media platforms on March 2, 2025 that the film maker had been appointed as the Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President.

In a chat with myjoyonline.com Felix said he could confirm the appointments of all other creative arts personalities to various positions in government except Joselyn’s.

“Miss Dumas has not been appointed to any such position. I can confirm that of the rest,” he told Myjoyonline.com.

In the past few weeks, Kofi Okyere Darko was appointed as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Rex Omar earned a position as Coordinator of Blackstar Experience, Abeiku Santana as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Kafui Danku as Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority and James Gardiner as the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority.

These appointments, confirmed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, were not announced on the official social media handles of the Presidency or the Minister of Government’s Communications, a situation that raised doubts among some people.

They were made by either the media through their verifiable sources or close friends of the appointees just as Joselyn Dumas.

When the announcement of Joselyn’s appointment went viral on social media some social media users expressed anger suggesting that she was not a member of the party.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Tourism stakeholders lament over exclusion of Minister from cabinet

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Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie

Some stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism industry have raised concerns over the exclusion of the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, from cabinet.

They argue that the ministry is a key driver of economic growth and revenue generation, with influence extending across various sectors. As a result, they believe her absence from the government’s top decision-making body is a matter of serious concern.

Their apprehensions follow President John Mahama’s inaugural cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Notably, Abla Dzifa Gomashie was absent from the list of 19 cabinet ministers, marking a significant departure from the previous administration, where the tourism ministry held cabinet status.

Speaking to Citi News, Francis Doku, the West Africa Regional Representative for Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), underscored the sector’s importance, describing it as one that enhances all others.

He cautioned that sidelining tourism in cabinet discussions could send a negative signal to stakeholders, investors, and the global travel community regarding Ghana’s commitment to the industry’s growth.

Doku, therefore, called on the President to reconsider the decision and, if possible, reinstate the tourism ministry’s cabinet status.

Credit: citinewsroom.com

 

Profile Of Comptroller-General Of Immigration Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu

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Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, Comptroller-General Of Immigration

 

Personal Information:

Full Name:                  Samuel Basintale Amadu
Current Position:        Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI)
Appointed By:             H.E. John Dramani Mahama (March 14, 2025)
Years of Service:         32 years in the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS)

Professional Summary:

Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu is a highly accomplished Senior Immigration Official with over 30 years of dedicated service in the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). His vast experience spans immigration enforcement, border security, intelligence, regulatory compliance, and international relations. Having served in multiple high-profile roles, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, strategic policy implementation, and operational efficiency in Ghana’s immigration sector.

With extensive knowledge of both national and international immigration laws and policies, Mr. Amadu has played a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of Ghana’s immigration framework. He has worked closely with government agencies, security forces, and international bodies to strengthen border management, enforce immigration regulations, and develop policies that promote national security and international cooperation.

His appointment as Comptroller-General of Immigration underscores his commitment to excellence, integrity, and service delivery, ensuring the GIS remains a modern, proactive, and technologically driven institution.

Educational Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Psychology with Philosophy – University of Ghana, Legon (2000)
  2. Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration (with Distinction) – Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) (2005)
  3. Master of Arts (MA) Degree in International Affairs – Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana (2008)
  4. Immigration Law Certification
  5. Leadership in Public Administration Program

Career Progression and Positions Held:

  1. Joined Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) – September 1993
  2. Promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Immigration – November 2000
  3. Staff Officer, Aflao Command
  4. Western Europe Section, GIS Headquarters
  5. Head of Ghana Passport Processing Section, GIS Headquarters – 2005 – September 2008
  6. Second-in-Command, National Enforcement Department – September 2008 – October 2009
  7. Second-in-Command and Acting Commander, Kotoka International Airport (KIA) – October 2009 – 2017
  8. Head of Operations, GIS National Headquarters – May 2017 – October 2017
  9. Tema Regional Commander – October 2017 – May 2019
  10. Greater Accra Regional Commander – May 2019 – May 2021
  11. Head of GIS COVID-19 Technical Team – March 2020
  12. Head of Administration, GIS Headquarters – May 2021 – July 2022
  13. Regional Commander, Bono Region – July 2022 – September 2024
  14. Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) at Large, GIS National Headquarters – September 2024
  15. Appointed Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) – March 14, 2025

Key Responsibilities as CGI:

  • Providing strategic leadership to modernize Ghana’s immigration policies and operations
  • Overseeing border security, visa policies, and immigration regulations
  • Strengthening international cooperation on cross-border security and migration management
  • Enhancing technological advancements to streamline immigration processes
  • Leading GIS efforts in combating human trafficking, illegal migration, and transnational crime
  • Collaborating with government and international organizations on immigration reform initiatives

Awards & Recognitions:

  • Overall Best Cadet & Best in Academics (2004) – Ghana Immigration Academy, AssinFoso
  • Recognized for outstanding contributions to Ghana’s immigration policy reforms and enforcement

Professional Affiliations:

  • Founding Member – Africa FRONTEX Intelligence Community (AFRIC)
  • Board Member – Ghana Refugee Board (2020 – 2024)
  • Member – Certified National Corps of Mediators

Skills & Expertise:

  • Extensive knowledge of national and international immigration laws
  • Expertise in border security operations and intelligence gathering
  • Strong policy analysis, legislative review, and regulatory compliance
  • Crisis management, negotiation, and strategic leadership
  • Proven ability to manage large teams and execute national security operations
  • Multicultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations
  • Advanced data analysis and public administration skills

Personal Attributes:

  • Strong ethical leadership and integrity in decision-making
  • Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional
  • Excellent negotiation, mediation, and communication skills
  • Committed to fair and humane immigration policies
  • Strategic thinker and proactive problem-solver
  • Passionate about cross-cultural exchange, legal reforms, and human rights

Languages:

  • English – Fluent
  • French – Basic

Interests:

  • International human rights and diplomacy
  • Legal reform in immigration policies
  • Public speaking on immigration and border security topics
  • Travel and cross-cultural exchanges

Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu’s appointment as Comptroller-General of Immigration reflects his outstanding leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering dedication to Ghana’s immigration service. His vision is to modernize GIS, enhance border security, and strengthen Ghana’s role in global migration governance, ensuring a secure and well-regulated immigration system that aligns with national and international standards, improved staff welfare and better working conditions for staff of the GIS.

 

Effective Ways To Reduce Bloating

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Why Are You Bloated?

It’s that too-full feeling you get in the belly after you eat a bit too much. Or it might be the type of food you ate, or how fast you ate it, or too much salt, fat, or sugar, that causes gas, weight gain, constipation, or water retention. Certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis might also make it more likely.

Gassy Foods

Beans are a great source of fiber and protein. They also have a substance called raffinose that bacteria need to break down. That can produce gas and lead to bloat. It’s not bad for you, and how gassy you get varies from person to person and by types of beans. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also have raffinose. Your body will likely adjust. Over-the-counter meds may help you digest these foods more easily.

Find the FODMAPs

These are a group of carbs that are hard to digest for some people. They can cause bloating from gas and fluid buildup. FODMAPs include lactose in dairy, fructose in fruit and honey, and many others. Keep notes on how your body handles different foods. Share that info with your doctor to help figure out whether FODMAPs might be to blame, so you know if you need to drop them from your diet.

Slow Down!

The faster you eat, the more air you swallow. Your stomach can swell when it traps the air, which sometimes passes on to your intestines. Plus, you down more food when you eat quickly. That’s in part because it can take as much as 30 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you’re full. You might overdo it before your brain gets the message — and that can also make you feel bloated.

Put Boundaries on Bubble

Limit fizzy drinks. The gas that you swallow when you drink soda and other bubbly drinks — beer, champagne, seltzer — can fill up your digestive system. You burp some of it away, and some remains and moves through your digestive system until it “passes” out the other end. That’s why it’s called “passing gas.”

Be Carb-Smart

Your body taps into this fuel more quickly than protein or fat, which take longer to digest. After your body uses the carbs it needs for energy, it stores the rest: first as glycogen, which makes your body retain water, and then in fat cells. Both can make you feel bloated. It can help to avoid “simple” carbs, like white bread and pastries, in favor of “complex” carbs, like whole grains and vegetables that take longer to digest.

Eat Just Enough

Your stomach is only about the size of a fist. Food compacts somewhat through the digestive process, but if you eat too much, it starts to stretch out your stomach, and that can make you feel bloated. Plus, too much food makes it more likely that you’ll overdo the salt, carbs, fat, and calories, all of which can also make you feel bloated.

Limit Salt

Your body needs it to work, but most of us get more than we need. It prompts your body to retain more water, which can make you feel bloated. It also can cause kidney problems and high blood pressure. You may get more salt in your diet than you realize from processed and fast foods. So check food labels for salt (sodium) levels and remember: Just because you don’t taste it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Constipated?

When you get “stopped up,” you can feel bloated.  Mostly, it happens when you need water, fiber, or exercise. But diet changes, illness, or stress also can do it. It usually passes, but exercise, water, and over-the-counter meds can help. See a doctor if you’re losing weight and don’t know why, it lasts more than a week or two, or you have dizziness, belly pain, or blood in your stool. These could be signs of something more serious.

Check On Your Weight

Have you gained 10 or more pounds in the last year? That’s often the case for people who say they feel bloated. It could be because that weight often goes on around the belly, which leaves less room for your stomach to stretch. You and your doctor may be able to build a well-balanced diet and exercise program that helps you lose weight and feel less bloated.

Trim Fat Calories

Your body takes quite a while to digest fat. That means it can stick around in your stomach for a while and leave you feeling bloated. Plus, it’s the most calorie-dense food that you can eat. Those calories can add up quickly and cause you to gain weight, which could also make you feel bloated. It might help to limit fat calories with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables.

Credit: webmd.com

Armwrestling: Ghana’s Sports Minister thrilled as Grace Minta, Wisdom Abromekyi and Joshua Yeboah win big at Indece Armwrestling Challenge

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Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, was thrilled to high performance battles during the Independence Armwrestling Challenge held at the Center Point Mall in Accra. There were wow performances from top armwrestling athletes from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria and Togo.

The event, organised by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation was held to celebrate Ghana’s independence and commemorate armwrestling’s historic feat of winning 41 medals for Ghana during the 2023 African Games.

In the female +80kg category, Ghana’s Grace Minta put up a spectacular display, beating opposition from Nigeria, Benin and Togo to grab the gold medal.

Her compatriots, Florence Boakye and Afia Kumah, won silver and bronze medals respectively, making it a clean sweep for Ghana in the female +80kg category.

In the male category, African Games medalist Wisdom Abromekeyi cleared all opposition to take home the gold medal in the 65kg category, beating Daniel Acquah and Benin Amoono Stephen in the process.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s new kid on the block, Joshua Yeboah, from Chicken Wing Club, sensationally dominated the 90kg men’s category with ease.

Yeboah, a rising star in Ghanaian Armwrestling, cleared all experienced champions and pullers from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin to win the gold medal, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Present at the event were several dignitaries including Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, Vice President of GAF, Dr. Kofi Addo Agyekum, Joseph Cudjoe, former Minister for State Enterprises and Dickson Kyere Duah, MP for Berekum West.

Others present were; Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Willaim Katey, GAF Board members, includng Mr Godfrey Amarteifio and Mr Robeter Appiah Ameyaw, together with Armwrestling Presidents of Benin, Togo and Nigeria.

Also in attendance were Dr. Bitigu Bello representing the Center Point Mall, Greater Accra RegionalMinister’s Representative, Richard Akpokavie Esq of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Kwabena Adisi aka Bola Ray of EIB Network, Mr. Santok of GHOne TV other National federation Presidents, including Mr Ernest Danso from Baseball and Softball, Shaban Mohammed from Ghana Cycling, George Owusu Ansah from Sports for All.

 

The President of Ghana Armwrestling, Africa Armwrestling and Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation, Charles Osei Asibey, expressed his delight at the success of the event. “I am thrilled to see the growth of Armwrestling in Ghana and Africa as a whole. This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and officials,” he said.

 

President Osei Asibey commended the Ghana Armwrestling Federation and partners for organizing a successful event.

 

“I am proud of the GAF’s backroom for hosting a world-class event that brought together top athletes from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo,” he added.

 

See other results below:

65kg (Women)

Gold – Marie Rose (Benin)

Silver – Adefunke Adeniforo (Nigeria)

Bronze – Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)

 

65kg (Men)

Gold – Wisdom Abromakyi(Ghana)

Silver – Daniel Acquah (Ghana)

Bronze – Benin Amoono Stephen (Ghana)

 

80+kg (Women)

Gold – Grace Mintah (Ghana)

Silver – Florence Boakye Mensah

Bronze – Efia Kumah (Ghana)

 

90kg (Men)

Gold – Joshua Yeboah (Ghana)

Silver – Abdul Razak (Togo)

Bronze – Emmanuel Tuesday (Nigeria)

 

90+kg (Men)

Gold – Mohammed Ismael (Togo)

Silver – Obilom Chikueze Steven (Nigeria)

Bronze – Atindana Adams (Ghana)

 

The Independence Armwrestling Challenge was part of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation’s efforts to promote the sport and identify new talent. The event was attended by officials from the Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority and other stakeholders in the sports industry.

 

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation has expressed its gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, and participants who made the event a success. The federation is committed to developing the sport and producing world-class athletes who can compete at the international level.

 

The next major armwrestling event in Ghana is the Kids Armwrestling expected to draw thousands of kids to the table and encourage participation.

 

Kotoko earn crucial point against Samartex

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Samartex vs Kotoko

Asante Kotoko fought back to earn a crucial point against defending champions Samartex in a pulsating encounter at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The 1-1 draw ensured the Porcupine Warriors remained at the summit of the league table, though their position could be temporary, with their closest challengers just a point behind.

Samartex took the lead in the 39th minute when Dramani Awuah unleashed a powerful low drive that found the back of the net, leaving Kotoko’s goalkeeper with no chance. The home side, determined to avenge their earlier 1-0 defeat to Kotoko this season, controlled large portions of the first half, limiting their visitors’ attacking opportunities.

Kotoko, however, emerged stronger in the second half, showing resilience and attacking intent. Their efforts paid off when Kwame Opoku, in brilliant form, restored parity with a well-taken goal. The forward, who has been lethal in front of goal in the second half of matches this season, thought he had secured all three points for Kotoko when he found the net again. However, his second goal was ruled out for offside, denying him a brace.

The game was fiercely contested, with both sides displaying attacking prowess and solid defensive work. Samartex, desperate for a win to boost their title defence, pressed forward in search of a late winner, but Kotoko’s defence held firm to ensure they returned home with a valuable point.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Dreams secure hard-fought victory over Hearts

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Hearts vs Dreams

Dreams FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hearts of Oak in Round 24 of the Ghana Premier League at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday night, marking their first win over the Phobians since May 2021.

Abdul Razak Salifu’s early strike proved decisive, as Hearts failed to capitalize on their dominance, especially in the second half.

Dreams made two changes from their previous match, introducing Abdul Razak Salifu and Aziz Musibau. The tactical adjustments paid off almost immediately, as Salifu struck in the 3rd minute to stun the home side.

Despite enjoying possession, Hearts struggled to break down a resilient Dreams defence in the first half.

They registered four shots on target but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Gidios Aseako.

The Phobians intensified their attack after the break, launching 12 goal attempts, but their finishing let them down.

Dreams held firm without a single shot on goal in the second half. The visitors’ resolute defending saw them secure only their second away victory this season and in 17 attempts extending from last term.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Como beaten by AC Milan in Serie A

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Como players surrounded the referee after Dele was sent off

Dele Alli was sent off less than 10 minutes into his first professional match for two years as new club Como were beaten by AC Milan in Serie A.

Dele came on as an 81st-minute substitute for his Como debut but was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a rash challenge on Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Como went on to lose the game 2-1, with Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders scoring in the second half for Milan at the San Siro after Lucas da Cunha put the visitors ahead before the break.

Dele was sent on by Como manager Cesc Fabregas to replace goal scorer Da Cunha but a clumsy tackle on compatriot Loftus-Cheek saw referee Matteo Marchetti upgrade his initial booking to a red card following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

The review showed Dele’s studs catching the leg of Loftus-Cheek and Marchetti had little option but to send him off, despite Milan defender Kyle Walker – a team-mate of Dele’s at England and Tottenham – also trying to plead his case with the official.

The result means Como stay 13th in Serie A – six points above the relegation zone – while Milan are seventh.

Credit: bbc.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle