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Celebrating legends …Donald Gwira gets Seventh Degree Black Belt in African Goju
Communication Professional and Martial Arts Practitioner, Mr Donald Gwira, was part of 26 outstanding personalities recognised at the African Goju Awards held last Saturday in Accra by the Martial Arts institute.
He was named a Patron and awarded Seventh Degree Black Belt for attaining “the required level of fitness, attack-defence, ‘katas’ and fighting techniques” in African Goju.
He was again inducted into the Ken Gwira Hall of Fame for his contribution to the history and development of the Martial Arts Institute, African Goju and South American Goju.
With over 40 years experience in the discipline which teaches self-defense and other positive values, Mr Gwira obtained First Degree Black Belt in 1979 and Fifth Degree Black Belt in 1995.
His sharp tactics and contribution to the development of African Goju in Ghana, France and the United States of America (USA) led to his induction into the Hall of Fame of the Martial Arts Institute in 2010.
This notwithstanding, the ‘Great Warrior’ and ‘Flying Kick specialist’ told The Spectator last year that he was aiming to attain the highest degree possible. And true to his words, he continued to put in the effort and is now closer to reaching the ultimate.
“It is a great honour to be promoted. It gives me encouragement to go higher and possibly reach the 10th Degree Black Belt which is the highest level.
“I will continue to train and keep fit; keeping fit is a way of life and it has helped me over the years,” Mr Gwira said after receiving the award.
He added that he intended working with other Martial Artists to groom more young people to become “great warriors.”
The ceremony, according to Prof. Danny Gwira, Founder of the Martial Arts Institute, African and South American Goju, was to celebrate the sacrifices and continuous support of members to the growth of the institute.
He said African Goju, an indigenous style of Martial Arts, was not only about building physical strength but also the holistic development of an individual.
“African Goju among other things teaches you how to avoid a fight because it does not matter how strong, tough or skillful you are, you can still be beaten by a determined opponent,” he said.
African Goju was formed in Ghana in 1985 by Danny Gwira, a student of Professor Ron Van Clief the Founder of Chinese Goju.
However, Danny later realised that some of the techniques in Chinese Goju were not applicable to the African context hence the commencement of a “more realistic style” that teaches people to “stay alive and win any battle.”
The concept had since been extended to other parts of the world including Nigeria, England, Switzerland and Bolivia.
Other awardees included Former Trade Minister, Mr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah, who received the Honorary Black Belt while the Martial Artist of the Year award went to Mr. Partick Mintah.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
