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Media fraternity has lost a gem – GJA President pays tribute to Castro Zangina-Tong
Mr Albert Dwumfour signing the book of Condolence
The President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on Wednesday signed a book of condolence opened for the late News Editor of The Spectator newspaper.
Mr Dwumfuor who was accompanied by his Executive Secretary, Mr Michael Petit Mawugbe, used the occasion to commiserate with members of staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times newspapers.
Mr Castro Zangina-Tong’s sudden demise occurred on August 1, 2023 at his residence.
His funeral is scheduled for today, September 9 at his residence at Russia-Commanco, near J&J Washing Bay in Accra.
The GJA President, described the late Castro as a gem who would be missed by the entire media fraternity.
“We all know how committed and dedicated our brother was to his duty. His level of professionalism would be missed.
“He was a very jovial person but does not joke with his work. He was also a no-nonsense person who would always make his point when someone steps on his toes,” he added.
The inky fraternity, he said, would always remember his commitment and seriousness towards work.
“He sets high professional standards he never joked with. We are saddened by his demise and must stress the fact that some national executives of the GJA shared fond memories of him,” he added.
He urged journalists to be conscious of their health especially as the 2024 general elections approaches.
“God will console and strengthen all of us in this difficult moment and we pray that our brother would have a peaceful rest,” he said.
Mr. Dwumfour promised to be at the funeral to support NTC and the family of Mr Zangina-Tong.
The Ag. Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo expressed appreciation to the GJA President for passing through to mourn with them.
“We are grateful for your visit and look forward to seeing you and other executives of the GJA at the funeral,” she said.
Also present was the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, Mr David Agbenu and the Ag. Human Resource Manager, Mr Suleman Osman.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
