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2023 Chale Wote Festival: Street Art Exhibition breaths fresh life into Africa’s intricate history
The street art exhibition of the ongoing 13th edition of Ghana’s largest street art festival, Chale Wote, showcased awe-inspiring crafts that captivated all who attended.
The festival played host to a rich diversity of artistic expressions, ranging from sculptures and paintings to drawings, mosaics, and murals, each work bursting forth with vibrancy and meaning, resonating with its own intricate narrative and profound message.
Central to the exhibition were artworks that eloquently conveyed the enduring resilience of ancestors during the era of the Slave Trade Among these striking pieces was a portrayal of the Sabali Women from West Africa, an artwork that serves as a tribute to their unyielding fight for freedom. This piece, composed of three women’s heads, stands as a powerful symbol of their collective strength and determination.
Under the bright sun, the spirit of creativity continued to flourish as the exhibition section of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival dawned on Accra.
An artist shared insights into the inspiration behind his painting which connected to the festival’s theme “Magneto Motherland“. The artwork, rooted in the exploration of Ghanaian history through the lenses of religion, education and politics, captured the essence of revisiting our past to understand our identity.
As the festival basked in the brilliance of the sun’s rays, attendees were treated to an immersive experience at the esteemed Osu Castle Garden. This enchanting backdrop played host to the interaction between art enthusiasts and the creators themselves.
The visitors delved deep into the artistic process, engaging with the creators to uncover the stories and intricacies that breathed life into their creations. The dynamic exchange transformed the event into a joyful celebration, not only of the finished artworks but also of the creative journeys that led to their fruition.
As the festival journeyed into its third day, the bustling city of Accra reached new heights as the captivating showcase of artist pieces took centre stage.
The historically significant Christiansborg Castle Gardens in Osu underwent a rebirth, evolving into a dynamic living canvas that seamlessly embodied the very spirit of the nation’s artistic expression.
In this transformative setting, the artworks resonated with enhanced vitality, marking a culmination of artistry and culture that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of experiencing it.
source: myjoyonline.com
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
