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Aqua edition of ‘Rhythms On Da Runway’ launched
IGP George Akuffo Dampare and South African High Commissioner, Ms. Grace Jeanet Mason
IGP George Akuffo Dampare and South African High Commissioner, Ms. Grace Jeanet Mason
Fashion and other industry players gathered at the Soho Bar in Accra on the eve of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday, September 20 to launch this year’s ‘Rhythms On Da Runway.’
This year’s event, themed ‘The Aqua Edition,’ marks the 11th version since its inception and seeks to put the spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG-6) – Clean Water and Sanitation.
The main event is scheduled for December 2 at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra.
As part of this year’s event, three-time Grammy nominees Rocky Dawuni and Morgan Heritage among other personalities would be honoured.
Speaking at the launch, the Creative President of Nineteen57 Events stated, “As we delve into ‘The Aqua Edition,’ we are reminded of the profound impact our actions have on our planet and future generations.”
Mr.Okyere Darko said that safeguarding these invaluable biodiversity havens is their sacred duty, not just for the children but for the entire world to inherit their beauty and life.
The Producer and Director for the event, Yvonne Ocloo, noted that this year’s edition was set to be a vibrant celebration of Africa’s diverse cultural heritage which is aimed at seeking to unite communities and recognise the committed individuals and organizations assiduously promoting Africa globally.
Madam Ocloo stressed the event’s social responsibility aspect, shedding light on two critical concerns: the illegal mining crisis in Ghana’s Atiwa Forest and the environmental repercussions of discarding second-hand clothing into our oceans.
Notable personalities who graced the event included the Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer of Equity Health Insurance, Elton Afari, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies Daniel McKorley, the Chief Executive Officer of Wembley Sports Limited, Robert Coleman, Managing Director of Reiss & Co, Jeff Sowa, and many other special guests.
The event witnessed performances from Edem, Epixode, Natty Borax, Evans Scot, and Mo Spence.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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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.