Tulips of Herald

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  GJA President  The Media Coalition, represented by Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a strong call for transparency, press freedom, and safety for journalists as Ghana heads into the December 7 general elections.  Speaking at a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre, the Coalition addressed critical issues impacting the media landscape and election coverage. The Coalition expressed alarm over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to limit media access at collation centers during the elections.  This restriction, they argued, could hinder transparency and fuel misinformation.  The Coalition has engaged the EC on the matter and is preparing a proposal to ensure unrestricted media coverage, emphasizing the media’s role in maintaining accountability. “The EC must facilitate the work of the media, not hinder it,” Dwumfour stressed, adding that restrictions could compro...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The abuse and attacks on journalists in Ghana remain a grave concern, with recent incidents highlighting the dangers faced by media practitioners in the line of duty.  Despite constitutional guarantees for press freedom, journalists continue to encounter harassment, threats, and violence, especially when reporting on sensitive issues like corruption and illegal mining. Erastus Asare Donkor  In a recent alarming case, Erastus Asare Donkor, a journalist with Multimedia Group, and his team were attacked while filming a galamsey (illegal mining) site.  The team, investigating the devastating environmental effects of galamsey, was assaulted by unknown assailants who destroyed their equipment and threatened their lives.  Such brazen attacks underscore the vulnerabilities of journalists working to expose wrongdoing. This incident is one of many that have tarnished Ghana's reputation as a beacon of press freedom in Africa.  It follows...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Valedictorian, Dorcas Abena Gyan Boateng Wisconsin International University College (WIUC) Ghana celebrated its 17th Congregation today with a colorful graduation ceremony held at the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry auditorium.  The event saw hundreds of students donning caps and gowns, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The ceremony was graced by the Chancellor, Dr. Paul Fynn; President, Professor Obeng Mireku; and other key university officials, alongside proud families and friends who gathered to witness this significant milestone. Chancellor, Dr. Paul Fynn In his address, Dr. Fynn commended the graduating class for their resilience and adaptability, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  "You have demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination.  As you step out into the world, carry the values and skills you have acquired here to make a difference," he urged. The highli...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks is a poignant and reflective country ballad that delves into themes of love, mortality, and the importance of expressing feelings before it’s too late.  Released in 1989 as part of his album Garth Brooks, the song has become one of his signature hits, resonating deeply with listeners due to its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery. Lyrical Content: The song poses a profound question: if tomorrow never comes, will the people we care about truly know how much we love them?  It emphasizes the urgency of showing love and appreciation while we still have the chance. Emotional Depth: Brooks’ vocal delivery is sincere, capturing the vulnerability of someone contemplating life’s uncertainties.  The lyrics are both introspective and universally relatable, encouraging listeners to reflect on their relationships. Melody and Arrangement: The song’s gentle melody, accompanied by soft acoustic instrumentat...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has expressed grave concern over the ongoing violence in Bawku, which has led to the loss of innocent lives and widespread suffering.  In a statement dated October 30 and signed by its chairman, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.), the NDF condemned the escalating conflict, which has plagued the region for the past four years, and called on the government to take decisive action to restore peace. NDF Executives  The forum lamented the diversion of critical resources from development initiatives to security operations and mediation efforts.  “Citizens of Northern Ghana are completely dismayed and traumatised by the intensity of the recent clashes,” the statement said, emphasizing the need for a clear government strategy to address the root causes of the violence and remove those perpetuating the conflict. Bawku Conflict  The NDF urged the people of Northern Ghana to reflect on the long-term consequence...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  A group photo of the leaders of the Ghana Fact-checking Coalition As Ghana gears up for its 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Dubawa, FactSpace West Africa, and several civil society organizations have joined forces to form the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition.  The initiative, aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation, seeks to safeguard the country’s peace, stability, and democratic integrity during the election period. The Coalition's formation comes amid rising concerns over the spread of false and polarizing narratives surrounding the elections, a phenomenon identified as a critical global risk in the 2024 Global Risk Report.  The report warns that unchecked misinformation could undermine the legitimacy of elected governments, sparking political unrest and eroding democratic processes. Collaborative Approach to Fact-Checking The Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition includes thre...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Front Cover of Book  Book Title: The Mafia Manager: A Guide to the Corporate Machiavelli Author: V. (Anonymous) Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Pages: 160 Reviewer: Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Back Cover of Book Review: The Mafia Manager is a unique take on corporate management, delivering unorthodox strategies inspired by the cunning and sometimes ruthless tactics traditionally associated with organized crime.  The author, writing under the pseudonym "V.," provides advice on gaining and maintaining power, dealing with betrayal, managing tricky workplace relationships, and navigating internal politics with the acumen of a mob boss. The book is structured into short, impactful lessons, making it a quick read at 160 pages.  Each section delivers a potent dose of "streetwise" management wisdom, encouraging readers to adopt a strategic, almost ruthless mindset.  While some of the recommendations could be seen as morally ambiguous, many ...