What has been your input to the creative art? – Sam George asks Mark Okraku Mantey

Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister nominee

Fri, 14 May 2021 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Samuel Nartey George, the Ningo-Prampram MP, has questioned the contribution of Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Minister nominee for the Tourism, Arts and Culture ministry.

Speaking on Starr Chat on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, the MP indicated that some players within the creative arts space “are hypocrites” who have indulged themselves in politics than the politician.

He explained that when a political party is elected and promises the creative arts industry so many things, four years into that government’s tenure, none of the promises has been honoured but the creative arts industry players refuse to question the political party yet the industry players may be defending the political parties because they are comfortable where they are.

“We don’t have the creative arts industry beginning to hold the government to account because they are playing politics; this person wants to be the shining star so that when they come, they make him minister for creative arts and culture or deputy minister, I’m referring to Mark Okraku Mantey,” he said.

He asked, “what has Mark done to hold Nana Addo whom he campaigned for in 2016, who promised to build theatres for the creative arts, what has been Mark’s input right now that the cinemas are closed and the creative arts cannot flourish and they don’t have any source of livelihood, what has Mark used his proximity to Nana Addo to do for the creative arts?

“We are not opening the cinemas, we are not opening the theatres but churches are filling out the fantasy dome and doing programmes there, we are having church services. So, can’t we also open the cinemas and do social distancing there and observe the protocols?”

Sam George indicated further that despite the President’s directives, many bars in Accra are open “so if today you open the national theatre and say we should skip one seat or two seats, can they not still sell the tickets and make a living?”

“You, Mark Okraku Mantey, you’ve been appointed deputy minister, what did you do? Have you held Nana Addo to account for his promises when you campaigned for him?” he questioned further.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Samuel Nartey George, the Ningo-Prampram MP, has questioned the contribution of Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Minister nominee for the Tourism, Arts and Culture ministry.

Speaking on Starr Chat on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, the MP indicated that some players within the creative arts space “are hypocrites” who have indulged themselves in politics than the politician.

He explained that when a political party is elected and promises the creative arts industry so many things, four years into that government’s tenure, none of the promises has been honoured but the creative arts industry players refuse to question the political party yet the industry players may be defending the political parties because they are comfortable where they are.

“We don’t have the creative arts industry beginning to hold the government to account because they are playing politics; this person wants to be the shining star so that when they come, they make him minister for creative arts and culture or deputy minister, I’m referring to Mark Okraku Mantey,” he said.

He asked, “what has Mark done to hold Nana Addo whom he campaigned for in 2016, who promised to build theatres for the creative arts, what has been Mark’s input right now that the cinemas are closed and the creative arts cannot flourish and they don’t have any source of livelihood, what has Mark used his proximity to Nana Addo to do for the creative arts?

“We are not opening the cinemas, we are not opening the theatres but churches are filling out the fantasy dome and doing programmes there, we are having church services. So, can’t we also open the cinemas and do social distancing there and observe the protocols?”

Sam George indicated further that despite the President’s directives, many bars in Accra are open “so if today you open the national theatre and say we should skip one seat or two seats, can they not still sell the tickets and make a living?”

“You, Mark Okraku Mantey, you’ve been appointed deputy minister, what did you do? Have you held Nana Addo to account for his promises when you campaigned for him?” he questioned further.

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I have settled NCA debts, paid two-year advance – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Oduro popularly known as ‘Nana Agradaa’

Wed, 12 May 2021 Source: Kasapa FM

Patricia Asiedua popularly known as Nana Agradaa has told the Circuit Court in Accra presided over by Mr. Emmanuel Essandor that she has settled all her outstanding debts with the National Communications Authority (NCA).

The owner of satellite television channel, Thunder TV, was arrested after the station was found to be operating illegally.

She pleaded not guilty to charges and was granted a GHc500,000 self-recognizance bail.

As part of her bail conditions, she was to deposit her passport at the registry of the court.

In court on Wednesday, May 12, the accused also told the court that, she has paid two-year fees in advance after settling the previous debts.

But prosecution led by Detective Inspector Frederick Sarpong said, they are not aware of that payment.

To this end, the court has ordered Prosecution to file their disclosures in two weeks and have same served on the accused person.

The case has been adjourned to May 26, 2021.

Charges

She has been charged with offences of Charlatanic advertisement (Sika Gari) contrary to section 137 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960. She has also been charged under, section 110 of the Electronic Transaction Act 2008, Act 772.

Background

The arrest of Nana Agradaa follows a raid by a joint team of Police and National Security Intelligence Operatives, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority on the premises of the satellite television stations; Thunder TV and Ice1 TV for illegally transmitting without licenses, at Kasoa in the Central Region.

Her arrest was confirmed by Communication Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in a post

“At about 2200hrs on 20/04/2021, a joint team of Police and National Security Intelligence Operatives, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority, stormed the premises of two satellite television stations, namely, Thunder TV and Ice1 TV, who were illegally transmitting without licenses, at Kasoa in the Central Region.

“The team arrested the offenders among which included the owner of Thunder TV, Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa and seized two (2) equipment each used in the illegal transmission from both premises.

“Nana Agradaa advertises her “Sika Gari” on her TV station, which she claims is her personal god that multiplies money with some rituals she makes. She has hence admitted to this illegality and is currently in custody assisting with further investigations.

“The influx of unregulated television stations on air have led to promotion of certain content which may affect public order, public morality and the rights and reputation of others. As such, efforts are underway to rid the system of this canker and reduce overcrowding on Ghana’s airwaves.”

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Man Utd transfer round-up: Sancho pushing for move, perfect midfielder targeted

 

Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund player

Source: Ghana Soccernet

Manchester United's lengthy pursuit of Jadon Sancho last summer bore no fruit - but the Red Devils' interest in the Borussia Dortmund ace never dwindled.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was unwilling to meet Sancho's £108million price tag but the landscape has shifted drastically one year on.

Dortmund's priority has changed over the course of the season, with the German club desperate to keep hold of Erling Haaland amid interest from a host of European giants.

As such, their stance on Sancho has evolved and the England international is expected to be available for a significantly lower fee at the end of the season.

And, encouragingly, the latest reports suggest the player himself remains as keen as ever on the move to Old Trafford.

Also featuring updates on Facundo Pellistri and a player who is believed to have emerged as United's 'perfect' option, here is Friday's Manchester United transfer round-up.

Sancho set on Red Devils

Jadon Sancho is 'pushing' his representative to seal a move to Manchester United this summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The report notes Sancho was disappointed agent Emeka Obasi failed to bring about a move to Old Trafford last summer after a saga which lasted the whole window.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed another phenomenal season with Borussia Dortmund, who will reportedly listen to offers in the region of £80million this summer.

The Red Devils remain very keen on Sancho and may look to strengthen their options on the wing after centre-forward Edinson Cavani agreed to extend his contract for another season.

Pellistri poised for second loan

Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri is likely to secure a second loan spell with Deportivo Alaves, claims  Calciomercato.

Pellistri joined the Spanish club on a six-month loan in the January transfer window and has made 10 La Liga appearances, four of which have been starts.

Muscle injuries have hampered the 19-year-old's progress with Alaves but the report claims the club are keen to keep hold of him for the whole of the 2021/22 season, with an agreement close to being reached.

The proposed loan will rely on Alaves avoiding relegation, which they are on course to with two games remaining.

Arambarri emerges as 'perfect' option

Manchester United chiefs have identified Getafe enforcer Mauro Arambarri as the 'perfect' option for a summer transfer.

That's according to Uruguayan outlet Traspasos, which notes the midfielder uses the same agency, ICM Stellar Sports, as Red Devils stars Luke Shaw, Daniel James and Dean Henderson.

Arambarri, 25, has made 128 La Liga appearances and picked up his first four senior Uruguay caps last year.

This season, he has made 33 appearances in the Spanish top-flight, helping Getafe move clear of the relegation spots as it stands.

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Otto Addo wins first trophy as coach at Borussia Dortmund

Players of Borussia Dortmund

Source: Ghana Soccernet

Former Ghana international Otto Addo has won his first trophy as coach at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. 

The Dortmund assistant coach together with head coach Edin Terzic masterminded a flawless performance from the Black & Yellows as they run riot over soon-to-be Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagglesman's RB Liepzig in the finals of the German Cup.

A first half brace from Jadon Sancho and Ealing Braut Haaland's powerful strike ensured Dortmund were on course for a fifth DFB Pokal.

Liepzig pulled one back after the break through Dani Olmo but Norwegian striker Haaland put the game beyond their rivals with his second of the game.

Otto Addo is credited for the integration of youngsters June Bellingham, Youssoufo Moukoko and Giovanni Reyna into the first team.

The 45-year-old was promoted to assistant coach of the club at the start of the season after showing impressive skills in the development of young players from the club's youth team.

Addo played for Dortmund between 1999 to 2005 and represented Ghana at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

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Adansi Akrofuom: 90 Year Old Toilet Facility Replaced Through MDF

 

The Akrofuom District Assembly has taken steps to end open defecation in the District. Among them include the commissioning of a 20 Seater water closet toilet facility with a shower built to replace a 90-year-old toilet structure at Akrofuom Ward 3.

The project was funded by the Minerals Development Fund at a cost of Three Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand and Twenty Six Cedis (GH₵ 323,026).

The Chairman of the Local Management Committee (LMC), set up to manage the Mineral Development Fund, Nana Asare Bediako said that for 90 years the people of Akrofuom had not seen any decent place of convenience. This put pressure on the dilapidated 90-year-old toilet structure serving the community.

‘It is a year now since the inauguration of the Akrofuom LMC together with Obuasi east and since then the committee has not rested in terms of development and now the Akrofuom LMC is the first LMC to make use of their Mineral Development Fund’ Nana added.

The District Chief Executive for Akrofuom Maurice Jonas Woode who led the team including the Member of Parliament, Honourable Alex Blankson to commission the project said the project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 which elaborates on adequate access to sanitation and an end to open defecation in 2030.

Maurice Jonas Woode

Popularly known as ‘Commissioner of commission’, the DCE added that for 90 years the dilapidated toilet structure has been the only access of defecation for 60% of the Akrofuom resident therefore there was a need for a new one to help achieve the SDG goal 6 and bring development to the lives of the residents.

Member of Parliament for Akrofuom Alex Blankson in his short speech pleaded with the representatives of the Minerals Development Fund to increase their percentage from 2% to 5%. This according to him,  will help accelerate development in the District.

He lauded the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo for the introduction of the MDF. He opined that this will help reduce the pressure on their Common Fund.

Hon. Blankson urged the people to adhere to maintenance culture and protect the facility for the benefit of future generations.

The Administrator for the Minerals Development Fund Dr. Norris Kweku Hammah said the project is in line with the MDF bottom-up approach management system where the community decides on the projects they wish to expend their MDF funds on.

He added that this is the beginning of a new era under the Nana Addo administration where mining communities will see major infrastructural development as demonstrated in the other parts of the world where mineral resources are mined.

According to Dr. Hammah, 20% of the MDF is giving to mining Communities through the Local Management Committee for the socio-economic growth of the community.

Speaking on Galamsey, he said the Government’s objective to clamp down on the activities of illegal mining is on course. He added that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Development Fund will roll out a project called the Social Intervention for Mining Affected Communities.

This according to him will directly benefit at least Ten thousand (10, 000) youth identified in Mining Communities through mentorship, technical, vocational and entrepreneurship skills training leading to employment and empowerment.

He concluded by thanking Anglogold for their contribution to the LMC in the form of royalty payment and urged the people of Akrofuom to adhere to maintenance culture.

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5 Most Expensive Presenters in Obuasi

 

The desire of most radio lovers in the country is to hear the salaries and transfer fees of their favorite presenters. Presenters have found a way to win the hearts of their listeners who even defend them when other people speak ill against them though they might not have met them one on one before. In Obuasi, it comes as a piece of news when a radio presenter moves from one station to the other.Today, Obuasi can boldly boast of six (6) radio stations: Shaft Fm, Time Fm, Sikapa Fm, Aseda Fm, PZ Radio and OFm.
Aseda FM changed the face of Obuasi radio by injecting a lot into the system to poach top-notch radio personalities with lucrative offers. Now, most radio presenters in Obuasi sign professional contracts with a price tag.
Obuasitoday.com presents to you the Top five most expensive radio presenters in Obuasi. The look over foresee THREE (3) standard groundwork:
1. Listenership
2. Salaries earned
3. Transfer Fee

1. Abrewa Nana Kwabena Yeboah
GH¢,20,000.00 (200 Million Old Cedis)

Abrewa Nana Kwabena Yeboah

Nana K. Yeboah(Abrewa) was the former morning show host and a news anchor for Time Fm 96.9MHz. He has been in the radio industry for twelve (12) years and was poached by the new spenders Jegien Enterprise Limited, operators of Aseda FM 92.3 MHz. Currently, he is the Head of News, editor and the main face behind Aseda FM Morning show. His show is currently the most listened to Morning show in Obuasi and its environs. On his show, he has experts who digest issues with quality analyses.

2. Reverend Love Konadu (Soul Sister)
GH¢15,000.00 (150 Million Old Ghana Cedis)

Reverend Love Konadu

Love Konadu known in the media landscape as ‘’Love K’’ has also been in the media landscape for almost 2 decades, Rev. Love K. joined Time FM from Shaft FM and she is currently the host of the Afternoon Jam on Time FM. Rev. Love K has the listenership in the Afternoon with her ‘’afternoon jam’’ which talks about social life and more.

3. Akwesi Ampofo (Aboboyaa)

GH¢10,000.00 (100 Million Old Ghana Cedis)

Akwesi Ampofo

Akwesi Ampofo who joined Time FM almost six (6) years ago has been tagged as the King of Midmorning radio show in Obuasi and its environs. His controversial transfer saga to Aseda Fm which twisted made him the poster boy for Time fm. He’s also the host of Enigye mmere every saturday

4. Obarima Kwadwo Gyamfi (Koo Gyamfi)
GH¢8,000.00 (80 Million Old Ghana Cedis)

Obarima Kwadwo Gyamfi

Obarima Koo Gyamfi who has been in the Obuasi Media Landscape for five (5) years, was the frontline fame of OFM which was managed by Positive Network LTD, operators of time FM and PZ radio all in Obuasi. He became the co-host of Time FM morning show and his poaching to Aseda FM came as a surprise to his listeners.
Currently, he doubles as a co-host of Aseda FM morning show, host of National Interest, a political talk show and also the sustainability Manager of Aseda FM. We also find out that most political talk show fans love the way he analyses issues and has a bright future.

5. Nana Yaw Oko Emmanuel (Nana O)
GH¢3,000.00 (30 Million Old Ghana Cedis)

Nana Yaw Oko Emmanuel

Nana O as known in the media landscape is a young, vibrant and energetic guy with a silky radio voice. Nana O, who was the mid-morning show host, resigned from Sikapa FM and joined Aseda FM as the Drive time host. He worked with Len Entertainment, Ink power and Iup Tv GH. Nana O is the Next big star in Obuasi years to come.

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Self-Love Foundation Empowers Female Students Of Obuasi C.K.C

 

Obuasi  based Feminine Non-Governmental Organisation, Self-love foundation has organized a workshop for female students of Christ The King Catholic school in  Obuasi.

The workshop which was under the theme ‘Creating her Story and Cup it period’ was aimed at transforming the social, reproductive and educational lives of the Students to enable them  have a fulfilling future .

Speaking to the media at the sidelines of the program, the President of Self-Love Foundation Hillary Ekuoba Gyasi said their mission is  to inspire young girls to take up higher positions in future by offering themselves as role models.

The All-female NGO is mostly made up of professionals such as Lawyers, Health workers and Staff of Anglogold Ashanti. This,  Miss Ekuoba Gyasi believes will provide the girls the much needed mentorship to enable them to aspire to reach greater heights.

We believe ” no girl should be left behind and so we aim at inspiring the female folks within our sphere of influence to take control of their own lives, hence our mantra “The Better Woman- The better life of making HIS-TORY, by creating HER-STORY”.

The foundation in conjunction with the ‘ COULD YOU TEAM’ also educated the girls on menstrual hygiene, teenage pregnancy and perennial health (menstrual and vagina health) and donated boxes of sanitary pads and menstrual cups to the Students.

A female Processing Engineer of Anglogold Ashanti and a member of the Inspired Women Network, Rachael Wereko Oppong advised the girls to take their Science and mathematics seriously since Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is now taking over industries and women are key players in the sector.

The Dean of students of  KNUST- Obuasi  Prof. Richard A. Boamah also took the highly enthusiastic female students through Career guidance and Counseling.

There was Health Talk by Sally Tieku , a Midwife of AGA Health Foundation and Hannah Sarpong, a Lawyer took the Students through the topics; Girls in Humanities Course and Legal implications of Teenage Pregnancy.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

SELF LOVE FOUNDATION (Self) is a non-governmental organization that seeks to empower girls and women by transforming their social, reproductive and economic lives.  They also assist girls and women in the rewiring of their worldviews and the fostering of a transition in women from places of disempowerment to agents of positive change.

The NGO is managed by the Inspired Women’s Network, which is made up of six professional women with the agenda to assist girls and women in the rewiring of their worldviews from places of disempowerment to agents of positive change.

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