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Ban on noise making in Accra lifted
This year’s ban on noise making in Accra and its environs, imposed as prelude to the celebration of the Homowo festival, was lifted yesterday with a low key ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For years spanning over decades, the ceremony had been attended by a large number of indigenous people who eagerly await the beating of drums amidst spontaneous cheers and merry-making afterwards.
However, this year’s event was witnessed by a sizeable crowd with precautionary measures in adherence to the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing and wearing of nose masks by almost all present.
Additionally, the traditional rite was not performed at sunset but a few minutes after mid-day and did not last more than forty minutes with the elders and traditional leaders leaving the Gbese durbar grounds to their various abodes without delivering any speeches.
This is a clear departure from the usual merry-making event which lasted deep into the night.
Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Gbese Mantse and the Adonten of the Ga State beat the Odadao twin drum to signify the lifting of the ban.
The month-long ban was to allow the traditional priesthood to meditate and pray for bumper harvest prior to Ga Mashie Homowo festival, which is a month away.
The festival which means “hooting at hunger” has its historical antecedent in the migration and settlement of Gas in their present location when they experienced drought and famine.
After overcoming those challenges they marked the festival to commemorate their defeat over hunger.
Nii Ayi-Bonte, interacting with journalists in his palace, appealed for unity in the Ga State to ensure progress and prosperity since the bickering, disunity, and prolonged chieftaincy disputes could not be in the interest of anybody.
He appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the city which usually led to loss of lives and properties.
Nii Ayi-Bonte advised the indigenous people, especially in the Ga Mashie area to take the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic serious since the rate of infection kept soaring, adding that , the only way to battle the virus was to adhere to all the protocols as directed while heeding to strict personal hygiene.
BY LAWRENCE MARKWEI
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
