Thursday, 7 February 2013

Grandparents held over child abuse case……




Title: Grandparents granted bail over grand daughter's burnt buttocks -
Written by  admin  / Dated: 7 -2- 13

The burnt buttocks of  11 year old victimThe burnt buttocks of 11 year old victim
Grandparents of the 11-year-old victim who had her buttocks submerged in hot water over her constant bed wetting, were on Thursday admitted to bail.
 
The court presided over by Ms Sedina Agbamava admitted Christina Torkornu and her husband James Agbemavor to bail in the sum of GHc15,000 each with three sureties each to reappear on March 5.
 
The long adjournment was to enable the victim recover fully from her burnt condition so the trial could begin. The victim sustained severe burns all over her buttocks and upper part of her abdomen.
Charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit causing unlawful harm and causing unlawful harm, Christiana, 50, and Agbemavor, 60, have pleaded not guilty.
 
Counsel for the accused persons prayed the court to admit the accused persons to bail recounting the number of days spent in incarceration.
 
According to him, his clients had a fixed place of abode and had people of substance who would stand sureties for them.
 
Narrating the facts, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sarah Acquah said Christiana aka Maame “Wolo” and Agbemavor were married and resided at Sankara, suburb of Teshie, Accra with the victim.
ASP Acquah said at about 0800 hours on January 8, a caller who pleaded anonymity arrived at the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit office at Nungua and alerted the Police that Christiana had made her granddaughter to sit in boiled water in a plastic bowl making her sustain severe burns on her buttocks and rendering her bed ridden.
 
Prosecution contended that the caller indicated that because the accused persons wanted to conceal their crime, they were hiding the victim in a room.
 
Based on that information, prosecution said the Police moved swiftly to the scene and apprehended them and during interrogation, they admitted the offence.
 
ASP Acquah said the Police compelled them to bring the victim out of the room and it was when she came out that the personnel noticed that the victim could neither walk nor sit down because of severe burns all over her buttocks.
 
When the victim was sent to hospital, it was found out that the victim had sustained other burns on the upper part of her abdomen
 


 
Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: I can’t believe what I’m reading…… Another week, another demon possessed case involving an innocent child!!! Are there such bodies as social workers in Ghana –and will they intervene in this case, especially if there are other children, because it seems that these sooo called grandparents –are not compassionate/humane enough to look after children…..

I pray that the young victim will get justice –and the full-arm-of-the-law will be used to convict the grandparents….. I don’t want the authorities in Ghana to forget about this case. I don’t want the grandparents to pay bribe money and get away with this….I want true justice, real recompense for this young girl; –and I want this to become a cautionary tale to all those adults getting away with murder in Ghana, –in the name of training children.   
Also, why don’t Ghana based journalists tell us more about the children involved in these cruel cases?

 I want to know why the young girl was living with her grandparents. I want to know if she has other family members –and if she can live with them, mind you, will she be safe???

 Also, when convicted, –who/whom will look after the young girl/victim -and are doctors trying to save her skin …-with skin grafts etc?? …..   

Ghana's Most Fashionable Party at Bojo Beach, Hosted By Akwaaba UK.......




Bojo Beach.....just beautiful......






 


 




Edma Ohemaa Lawer
















Very Nice....



Rhoda Neequaye in the centre (in red shorts)...


















 
 
 
































These truly lovely photos come courtesy of Talk of GH at:  https://www.facebook.com/talkofgh

 

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Ghana Rising Hearts Azizaa.....


AZIZAA GADE FUNAMO ~Leave Me Alone (Official Video)




Credit: Song Written and Performed by Azizaa
Download via: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gade-funamo-leave-me-alone/id590907611

www.afrikacolor.com afrikacolor@gmail.com
camera: ziREja
Editor: Richar Santana www.richarsantana.com
Make Up: Zaida and www.playcolor.es
lighting: Pepe Páiz

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdN05Rqk5t4

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Azizaa Mystic is not just a unique artist, her soul brewed music allows you to explore her heart, mind and soul.
Azizaa's music is a well fused soulful blend of various genres, her unique style of AfroPop puts her in a class of her own, proudly showcasing her African connection to the Western world.
Barely 5.3" with such a powerful yet sultry voice her delivery tends to be captivating and hypnotic, her music can take you through Many emotional transitions within the length of one song.

"Music with substance is essential to my soul" she says. with hit songs like salaga, Brand New 45, and woli wobe under her belt, this Rare Breed is taking the world by storm.

Coming from the Anlo Ewe tribe of Southern Ghana, West Africa, she grew up in Irvington New Jersey and loves the fact that she has the best of both worlds, Africa and America, her voice and music is a sound like no other, and clearly you can see and hear the influence and effect of the American Pop culture on a Young African Born Artist.

She calls her unique blend of music "a bridge (for a gap) that brings together the old and the new, the ancient and the modern, the past and the present, the young and the old, even the present and the Future".

Azizaa Mystic has opened for renowned artists such as Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Fabolous, Beenie Man, and Ghanaian Highlife Legend Ebo Talyor only to mention a few.

After appearing on countless live shows and Tv programs in the States and Africa, she is never shy to sing out her feelings.

Azizaa's stage presence is commanding and full of mysticism and excitement, along with her vibrant band there is no way to go wrong and the dancing just never seems to end.

"Azizaa performs her psycho-tropic myth music in the stands –Indie Fuse Trailer
 
"Azizaa brought her Afrobeat brew for us all to sip, flipping Ewe folk songs into pop reggae funk punk chants ~Accra[dot]Alt
 
"This is an artist the world has been waiting on" ~Rise Magazine
 
 
 
**** I’m loving the Ewe chorus –its sounds soo delicious… For more info about Azizaa, her musician and her incredible style, visit: http://www.azizaa.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/azizaamusic

Ghana Tourism Authority to Host the ‘Africa Domestic Tourism Investment Forum in Ghana on September 18th and 19th 2013 & Ghana Domestic Tourism Fair and Exhibition from the 20th -22nd September 2013…….








Ada Foah...





Santoku sushi restaurant in Accra…




Church composite
Churches in Abetifi (L) and Akropong (R), Ghana
Source: http://heartlanguage.org/tag/ghanaian-churches/




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Stellar Deluxe Boutique at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra





Bow Boutique at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra
Source: http://thegrayway.co.uk/staying-in-accra/





Viva Boutique - Marina Mall, Airport City - Accra, Ghana...
Source: http://www.metalfilo.it/prodottiDet_eng.php/id_cat=2/id_gal=47






Firefly Lounge Bar, Accra Ghana…




“Ghana to host 2013 Africa Domestic Tourism Investment Forum Africa Domestic Tourism Development Agency (ADTDA) in collaboration with the Ghana Domestic Tourism Company Limited, is to organize Africa Domestic Tourism Investment Forum in Ghana on September 18 and 19, 2013.The two-day investment forum will precede the Ghana Domestic Tourism Fair and Exhibition 2013 to be held from 20-22 September 2013, at the National Theatre Accra, Ghana.”  
http://ghana.travel/news/201302/86.php

 
 

A promotional urrrmm poster, urrrmmm billboard by Ghana Tourism Authority… Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: With paragliding in Kwahu, surfing in Cape Coast, our gorgeous Bojo Beach, some of the most beautiful fashions in the world and a couple of the most feted hotels in Africa –are you telling me that this is all the Ghana Tourism Authority could come up with!!! Look at the dreary colour, the way it all looks so copied and pasted –like a GCSE project!!!… Really????

 I’m not a jealous person but flicking through the pages of last year’s annual must-read, -Conde Naste Traveller’s ‘HOTLIST’ 2012, -the few feted uber luxurious resorts in Africa (White Pearl Resorts –Mozambique, Chem Chem –Tanzania, Baraza Resort & Spa –Zanzibar and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi –Maldives et al) had me shaking my head.. The inconsistencies and the slapdash way Ghana is promoted/ marketed -or not, according to which side of the fence you’re on, is sooo frustrating!

I think Ghana Tourism Authority needs to work out –who/whom it’s trying to attract. They need to know their target customer –and act accordingly.

Ghana Tourism Authority must cater to the needs of the tourists, thus, if the tourists are mostly traditional travellers, –then Ghana is full to bursting with exquisite and majestic old churches and old forts etc...  

Resorts lovers have a choice of five/six elegant resorts in Ghana to choose from. **True sybarites can look forward to the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – Accra opening in June 2013, to a fabulous night at the Firefly Lounge Bar, a yummy spa treatment at the Villa Monticello luxury boutique & Spa, a stay at the chichi La Villa Boutique Hotel, -and an afternoon on Ohemaa LXI, Ghana's premier private yacht and for incredible sushi in the most delectable surrounding, -Santoko in Accra is on point.. plus....much more etc…

For fashion lovers, -the goldsmiths and Kente weavers in Bonwire, a visit to Ghana’s remaining textile mills, an afternoon of serious shopping at Stellar Deluxe for luxury shoes, bags and accessories and Bow Boutique for gorgeous on-trend grabs made from Ghanaian wax print cloths by Sika -at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, plus Ghana's numerous fashion designers to visit –and the prospect of having a garment specially made for said tourists, will help to keep Ghana on the lips of stylish travellers -forever..

There are also numerous cycling, sailing, motoring, dancing venues,-numerous cultural sites and beaches and parks and trekking in Kakum National Park and much more -for those seeking some adventure.... –honestly, Ghana Tourism Authority needs to sell ‘our’ Ghana properly..

**Still, I’ve read that President John Mahama is very serious about both the creative and Tourist industry –which I’m guessing is a first in the history of Ghana-and I’m pleased.

 It’s noted that, “President Mahama promised to give the creative industry the recognition it deserves. He fulfilled that promise by rechristening the Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and appointment Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Rashid Pelpuo as the minister” –and I think that this is a step in the right direction.

 I truly hope that we start to see professional, exquisite, glossy images of beautiful (and I mean beautiful, –no weird fake red plaits and blue eye shadow circa 1983) Ghanaian models on some of our lovely beaches be it: Bojo Beach, Beyin Beach or Ada Foah et al – promoting the breath-taking beauty of Ghana –for both the national and international market.

Tourism in Ghana needs to be looked at with fresh eyes……because what has gone before has been beyond pedestrian and …….. anyway, I’m a believer in the old adage…..if, ‘you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything’ –thus I have very little to say about Ghana Tourism Authority…only to alert you to the upcoming events above… For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghana-Tourism-Authority/224278627588712 & http://ghana.travel/news/201302/86.php

 

More News…….



"Stop by GTA head office and get your Tourism business listed on Google places for free."

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Ghana Tourism Authority's step in the right direction.....
 
“The Minister Designate for the Re-modified Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare is scheduled to appear before Parliament's Appointment Committee for vetting on Monday 11th February 2013 @10:00am.....What are your expectations? we will also be giving our followers up-to the minute update” https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghana-Tourism-Authority/224278627588712

 
 
Rahid Pelpuo to head the Modified Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central and the immediate deputy Majority Leader of the fifth (5th) parliament, Honourable Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo has be...en nominated by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama as the Minister designate for the remodified Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry. Honourable Pelpuo made the third list of ministerial nominations released and signed by Executive Secretary Dr. Raymond Atuguba on late Sunday.



Other Tourist news:
http://www.unwtostepfoundation.org/
http://www.kempinski.com/en/accra/hotel-gold-coast-city/welcome/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghana-Cycling-Association/157386930972748




Tourists Billboards from around the World…  

 GREAT entertainment: The campaign aims to show off what's great about Britain - from music to shopping - and Downing Street has unveiled a series of postcards that promote these, which will be handed out at business events

 

 

Semi-finals: Ghana V’s Burkina Faso tonight……..


Title:Ghana Vs Burkina Faso at AFCON 2013 Semi-finals
By Fred Kaweesi

Football Africa - Ghana wary of pathetic pitch, Burkina Faso Delighted. If the state of the Namboole Stadium pitch during the just concluded CECAFA Challenge Cup was best described as a 'pig sty', then the Mbombela pitch here is slowly but surely degenerating into a 'cattle Kraal'.

In fact, if it wasn't for certain 'supernatural ' efforts from a team of professional grounds men, the pitch would have been unplayable and the quarterfinal fixture between Togo and Burkina Faso could have possibly been relocated to Johannesburg.

But as of yesterday, the local organizing committee's plan A, B and C were to have the game played at the Mbombela no matter the state of the pitch.

So what do the two teams -Ghana and Burkina Faso -that will have the misfortune of taking to such a pathetic pitch think?

'It's a bad pitch but we like it here. We do not want to move. We just love the pitch. If this pitch is going to take us to the final, then who cares,' Burkina Faso coach Paul Put stated, of course with selfish interests considering that all Burkina Faso's Group C games and the quarterfinal against Togo have been played on the sandy pitch.

The Stallions have looked comfortable with their aerial approach effective enough to counter the bumpy surface. It's where Burkina Faso are likely to hold the edge over the Ghanaians that thrive on passing the ball around the floor. Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has already raised his concerns.

'I have watched the other teams playing on that pitch and that is our biggest concern. It isn't good at all,' he pointed.

Before the start of the tournament, the Mbombela pitch was regarded as one of the best five venues. However after the first game between Zambia and Ethiopia, concerns were raised.

According to the local organizing committee (Loc) chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe, the damage to the pitch was caused by heavy rains that resulted in the growth of algae.

The groundsmen have attempted to get rid of the algae with chemicals, but the persistent rains have prevented the chemicals from being effective.

No bribery:

Apart from the pitch concerns, Ghana have over the last few days had to deal with the allegations of bribery against their captain Asamoah Gyan.

In the aftermath of Ghana's 3-0 win over Niger, Asamaoh was accused of offering Niger defender Danka Koffi more than R176000 (sh53m) to throw their match.

However, Gyan and the Ghanaian Football Association released a statement yesterday, saying the accusations were 'irresponsible, reckless and mischievous'.

Dankwa is Ghanaian by birth, longtime acquaintances with Gyan from the national junior ranks, but opted to play for Niger after being ignored by the Black Stars.

At the post match conference following Ghana's progress to the semi-finals, Gyan was asked to comment on the bribery allegations but before he could grab the microphone, a CAF official intervened and dismissed the question.

All Asamoah has to do now is prove his innocence by leading the Black Stars to their fifth title in history.

Wednesday:

Semi-finals

Nigeria v Mali 6pm

Ghana v Burkina Faso 9.30pm




Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Future Opportunities in Ghana highlighted at Davos…..




A demure Davos
Matthew J. Harrington, chief operating officer, Edelman

The tone of the 2013 World Economic Forum can best be described as “subdued” – far less troubled than it was two years ago as protests in Egypt broke out, and less nerve-wracked than last year in early days of European economic turbulence. Instead, there is an emerging view that we have entered a "new normal," a time when returning to past boom days is unlikely, and so we must, as they say in Britain, "keep calm and carry on."

This environment presents significant opportunity for public relations. At a time of underlying cynicism and even resignation, organizations must clearly and consistently articulate their sense of purpose to all stakeholders in order to build trust and, in turn, get any job done. Edelman's 2013 Trust Barometer, released at the Forum this week, outlined that although trust in business, government, media and NGOs went up, trust in leadership –CEOs and elected officials – went down. As a result, leaders need our counsel to help restore trust in order to advance the interests of their businesses or nations.

Social media was viewed as vital to rebuilding this trust and improving conversation between leaders, citizens, employees and all stakeholders. Any sense from prior meetings that social media was an "optional sport" had wholly disappeared.

The importance of internal communications was another key theme, as was the critical role storytelling serves in conveying strategy and aligning shared interests. When thinking about future opportunities, Africa was a highlight—specifically nations including Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa that are experiencing growth and emerging consumer markets. Asia broadly, and China specifically, continued to be in the spotlight.

In sum, there were few big headlines from this year's meeting. But this didn’t trouble me as perhaps it indicates some lessons have been learned about the folly of making deeps swings from irrational exuberance to doom and gloom. The new normal lies somewhere in the middle.


Read the full report via: http://www.holmesreport.com/featurestories-info/12930/Davos-Voices-Industry-Leaders-Assess-PR-Lessons-From-World-Economic-Forum.aspx

Hill + Knowlton Launches in Ghana.....

Title: Hill + Knowlton Expands African Presence By Launching In Four Countries
By: Holmes Report Dated: 23 Jan 2013
Jack Martin
NAIROBI--Hill + Knowlton Strategies is stepping up expansion of its African presence, opening new offices in four countries.

The agency has established new offices in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana and plans launch soon in Nigeria and South Africa.

The new operations add to H+K's exisiting African presence, which includes a joint venture with Scangroup in Kenya and an operation in Egypt.

Alexander Döll, who previously led H+K in East Africa, becomes the agency's first Africa CEO.

“The pan-African strategy culminates years of successful research by H+K in emerging markets, particularly in Africa, where we see the potential for exponential growth for current and prospective clients," said H+K chairman and CEO Jack Martin.

"Investing in Africa is a key pillar of H+K’s global strategy as we are committed to the continent’s tremendous development potential and diverse cultures across the region."

In Kenya, the agency's clients already include P&G, Nokia, Coca-Cola, Airtel, Nestle, Emirates, Standard Chartered, Sony, De La Rue and DHL.


Source: http://www.holmesreport.com/news-info/12910/Hill--Knowlton-Expands-African-Presence-By-Launching-In-Four-Countries.aspx