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Showing posts from September, 2024

Bold Advocacy: GJA Media Awards

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The effects of illegal mining  Illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to be one of the most pressing environmental and social issues in Ghana.  As the devastation to water bodies and farmlands worsens, the fight against galamsey has become central to national conversations about the environment, governance, and human rights. Protests  In recent weeks, protests organized by the Democracy Hub against galamsey led to the arrest of around 40 demonstrators in Accra.  One of the arrested protesters  These protests were part of the broader #OccupyJulorbiHouse and #FreeTheCitizens campaigns aimed at calling attention to the severe environmental destruction caused by illegal mining. 28th GJA awards  The 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was not just a night of celebration and recognition but also a platform for bold advocacy, with President Nana Akufo-Addo in ...

Fun and Funk Visit To An Orphanage

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Eye of The Lord Orphanage Premises  Located in the heart of Adoagyiri-Nsawam in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Eye of the Lord Orphanage is a refuge for many children, but a visit revealed the depth of their struggles and the resilience that keeps them going.  Upon getting to the orphanage around 1 PM, last Friday after enduring nearly two hours of vehicular traffic from Accra, eager to engage with the children and staff. Some of the children playing football  The orphanage was peaceful upon arrival, with the school closed for the day some of the children were at home, while others played football on the field, enjoying the afternoon under the warm Ghanaian sun. The first interaction was with a stuff (treasurer and teacher) of the orphanage, Eva Obuo Nyarko, who shared a heartbreaking story.  A week prior to the visit, thieves had broken into the orphanage and stolen most of their cooking utensils, leaving them with only two pots to ...

Final Farewell: Godwin Roosevelt Avenorgbo, "The Grandmaster"

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered yesterday at the Lashibi Funeral Home to bid a solemn farewell to Godwin Roosevelt Avenorgbo, affectionately known as "The Grandmaster."  The atmosphere was one of deep reverence as mourners paid tribute to the life of the renowned figure, whose influence reached far beyond his immediate circles. The funeral service, held under a cloud of emotions, was marked by moving tributes that highlighted his profound impact on those who knew him. Reverend Paul Owusu, who officiated the ceremony, spoke of Avenorgbo’s commitment to his faith and community: "Godwin was not just a man of intellect; he was a man of action, he lived by example, inspiring all of us to be better versions of ourselves and his passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled," Rev. Owusu remarked. Avenorgbo was widely respected in both local and international circles, particularly for his love in mentorship and leadership training...

Cape Coast Celebrates 60 Years of Tradition and Resilience

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The 2024 Fetu Afahye festival, held over the weekend in Cape Coast, was a grand celebration of tradition, unity, and resilience, marking its 60th anniversary and the 25th year of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.  The festival, rooted in the historical elimination of a devastating plague with the help of the gods, derives its name from "Efin Tu," meaning "doing away with dirt," and also commemorates a bountiful harvest and gratitude to the 77 gods of the area.  Initially banned by colonial authorities and labeled "Black Christmas," the festival was revived in 1948 and is now a vital part of the community's cultural calendar, according to Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, who stated, “Our history and heritage are the pillars of our community.” Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson, emphasized the festival’s significance, saying, “Fetu Afahyɛ celebrates the ...