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Miss Golden Stool Week Three: Animuonyam adjudged Star Performer
Representing the people of Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Animuonyam was last Sunday, November 19, 2023, adjudged Star performer in week three of the Miss Golden Stool Beauty Pageant.
Week three was dedicated to the history of the various Akan communities the contestants represented.
As a result, contestants took their time to narrate these historic feats creatively by blending culture and tradition.
On the night, Animuonyam told the audience the history of the people of Kumawu, how the town started as Apemso, their festival, difficult moments and triumphs.
She was able to tell the historical relationship between the people of Kumawu and Kumasi, as well as how Kum seed was used to determine the traditional capital of the Asante Kingdom.
Animuonyam said, Okomfo Anokye planted two kum trees in the forest and predicted that one tree would live and become the capital of Ashanti. Hence the name Kumasi (the tree lived); the place in which the other tree was planted became Kumawu (the tree died).
“The kum tree planted at Apemso withered, thus died, Apemso was subsequently referred to as Kumawu (“Kum awu” – Kum has died). That of Kwamang flourished hence Kwamang became known as Kumasi (“Kum asi – under the Kum),” she narrated.
Nana Adwoa Awindor the chief judge on the night announced the Star Performer by saying, “According to the judges and our technical team the best performer is Animuonyam.”
She advised Animuonyam to consider acting because she was able to aptly tell the stories through her amazing display on stage.
The judges on the night were enthused with her articulation and audience engagement to the extent that they clapped for her.
For her reward, Animuonyam received souvenirs from sponsors of the programme.
At the end of week three, two contestants, Araba and Oseikrom were evicted for lack of votes.
The judges for Week Three were Nana Adwoa Awindor, Agya Brefa and Mary Nyamekye.
Patrons would be thrilled with another exciting display this Sunday on Adom TV at 8:30 PM.
Season 5 of Miss Golden Stool was launched at a spectacular event on October 15, 2023 on Adom TV.
The pageant is aimed at celebrating Ghana’s cultural diversity, beauty, talent, and intelligence of the contestants.
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.
