News
COVID-19: Some traders at Accra Arts Centre close shops over low sales
Once a vibrant tourist haven of Ghana filled with Ghanaians from the diaspora and other foreign nationals, has virtually become dormant, following the outbreak of coronavirus across the globe.
The Accra Arts Centre which is one of the biggest craft markets in the country, had been in existence for about three decades. Tourists could purchase items ranging from woven kente clothes, paintings, wooden sculptures, earrings, textiles and other fashion accessories.
Some traders revealed that prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, they used to make between GH₵500 and GH₵1,000 of sales in a day, depending on your products.
The centre housing over 300 shops, can now boast of a paltry 40 opened shops, after some owners decided to close theirs over low sales and patronage, Vice President of Kente and Adinkra Manufactures Association, Kwame Amakye told The Spectator.
Narrating their challenges to the paper, Kwame Amakye who also plied his trade at the centre for the past 28 years, said following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the closure of borders worldwide, their sector has become one of the hardest hit, making it difficult for traders.
He said majority of their clients were mostly Ghanaians from the diaspora and other foreign tourists, which had been whittled down by the pandemic.
According to him due to the development, most sales have dwindled sharply, making it unprofitable because people incurred transportation cost to the centre, and ended up not making any sales to make ends meet.
“As a result, many shop owners, have decided to stay home, until the situation is improved,” he said.
He added that some of them made it an effort to come, just to ensure that the market did not collapse, in view of the challenges.
Mr Kwame Amakye appealed to government to as a matter of urgency to stimulate the sector, because COVID-19 had dealt a big blow to them. He said every process for the stimulus package must be fast-tracked to save lives and families.
“Sometimes, you receive a call from a colleague requesting for GH₵50, for his family to feed on for that very day, and I ask myself, what happens to the following days?” he quizzed.
A trader, Kwabena Kakra also told the paper that the government’s stimulus package is their only hope for activities to bounce back in the midst of the difficulties
“It is our prayer that a vaccine is found within this shortest possible time to bring situation under control,” he said.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, movement of people across borders had come to a standstill as countries closed their entry points to contain the virus.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Philip Nai and Friends to hold 5th edition of Christmas party with kids
On the back of a successful get-together for children at the oncology unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, on December 23, 2023, Joy FM lead producer, Philip Nai and his friends are back with another event this year.
The 5th edition of Philip Nai and Friends will be held at the Agblezaa community on December 24, 2024.
There will be activities such as musical performances, health screening, bottle flipping, Praise and Worship, Sip and Paint, Dancing Competition, Musical Chairs among others.
Donations of food items, bags of water, toiletries, clothes, learning materials will also be made. Individuals are encouraged to help this worthy cause by calling 0244735451.
Last year, musicians Nii Soul and Perez Musiq were present to lend their support to the programme.
There were also entertainment activities involving both the children and their mothers.
At the event, the Programmes Manager of Joy FM, Edem Knight-Tay shared a word of encouragement with the patients and their parents. She admonished them not to lose hope in God’s power to heal the kids of their sicknesses.
Also present were Dr. Grace Buckman, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre; Ghana’s rep for Miss Universe 2023, Engracia Afua K. Mofuman; and Kwame Dadzie, the host of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM.
Philip Nai and Friends is a charity project founded by Philip Nai, a philanthropist and one of Ghana’s astute and well-known producers at Joy FM, a subsidiary of The Multimedia Group.
Philip Nai and Friends is an annual project done mainly in collaboration with his friends from the media fraternity including celebrities and support from business and corporate Ghana to show love to the underprivileged by feeding, clothing, providing medical care and entertainment among others.
Philip Nai has for the past four years, led this project in various communities in Accra, every Christmas Eve and wishes to replicate same across the country in the coming years with all your support.
News
The Glow Up Season: Woman King, Crowned Queen of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024
The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 pageant came to a spectacular end on Saturday, November 16 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
After weeks of competition, 25-year-old Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned the winner in a dazzling finale that showcased beauty, talent, and female empowerment.
The glittering finale kicked off with co-host Bliss King introducing the top 10 contestants who came out in a spectacular display of cars by The Dream Collection, who ushered the ladies to the event in luxury cars, received on the red carpet amidst funfair and ultimately a grand entry unto the stage.
The ladies had a chance to showcase their poise and personality in a one-on-one conversation with the host, Regina Van-Helvert.
Based on votes accumulated leading up to the event, the field was then narrowed to the top 5 finalists: Marie. Delphine, Lucille, Cherise and Whitney.
In one of the most impactful segments of the night, the top 5 finalists delivered individual speeches on who their role model is, by highlighting their key achievements and how their journey inspires them on their path to becoming the women they aspire to be.
This portion gave insight into the contestants’ values, passions, and visions for creating positive change.
Lucille King chose Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao as her role model – an activist, diplomat, entrepreneur and founder of medical clinics.
In her impassioned speech, Lucille praised Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s many accomplishments, saying: “I want to say a big thank you, Dr Chihombori-Quoa. Thank you for proving that a woman can be many things at once. And for not only empowering me by what you say, but by what you do and who you are as a strong, female Pan-African advocate.”
This choice of role model highlighted Lucille’s own ambitions to be a multi-faceted leader and champion for women’s empowerment across Africa.
The Judging Panel
Selecting a winner from such an accomplished group of finalists was no easy task. The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 judging panel consisted of respected figures from entertainment, business, and pageantry: Ama O. Sarpong – Miss Malaika 2010 winner, now an oil and gas professional, Trudy Arnold – Miss Malaika 2009 runner-up, now CEO of Studio 7, Chris Attoh – Actor, television presenter, producer and film director and Kojo Soboh – CEO and founder of EMY Africa and Carbon AV.
This diverse panel brought expertise from various fields to evaluate the contestants on beauty, intelligence, talent, and potential for impact.
Crowning the Queen
The final segment of the night was what many termed ‘the make or break’ point for the top 5 delegates. Where they were put on the spot and asked questions by the judges pertaining to their individual speeches.
A few minutes after the final delegate said ‘thank you for the question’ and proceeded with her response, the judges made the final and ultimate decision which answered the lingering question of ‘Who wins what’?
20-year-old Cherise Nana Ama was announced second runner up and 24-year-old Fiakegbe Marie Juniore was called as the first runner up.
Then came the big moment – Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024! As the audience erupted in cheers, Lucille gracefully accepted the crown and began her reign as the newest ambassador for the Miss Malaika Ghana brand.
The evening also featured a talent competition among three finalists selected during pre-judging: Lucille, Nakiya, and Marie.
This segment allowed the ladies to showcase skills beyond beauty and public speaking. Lucille wowed the crowd with an energetic salsa dance routine.
Her precise footwork, fluid hand movements, and magnetic stage presence earned her the title of Miss Talent, as determined by the judges. This additional award highlighted Lucille’s well-rounded abilities and star power.
Between competition segments, the audience was treated to spectacular musical performances from some of Ghana’s top artists: Camidoh, Olivetheboy, LalixLola and an incredible dance performance by Dancegodloyd and his crew.
These entertaining acts kept the energy high throughout the night and showcased Ghana’s vibrant music scene alongside its beautiful and talented women.
In a post-win interview, Lucille reflected on what being crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 means to her.
‘’Winning the crown means more to me than many may think. It means that I can more rigorously fulfil my purpose in life- helping people. I have always wanted to make changes, and improve people’s lives, but until now, it has felt like an improbability task. I am so grateful for the platform to help others, and I am looking forward to doing so via my first project which is aimed at children with Autism and Down syndrome,” she said.
according to her, “These children are isolated, misunderstood, neglected, and sometimes even ridiculed. I want to help change this. I want people to realize how worthy of love, or at the very least, respect and dignity children with these conditions are. I want to share their stories, to humanize them and show the country that they are different, yes, but still worthy and valuable.
’’
Miss Malaika Ghana is one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants, organized annually by Charterhouse Productions. More than just a beauty contest, Miss Malaika Ghana aims to discover, nurture and promote talented young Ghanaian women.
The competition emphasizes: Intelligence and eloquence, leadership potential, commitment to community service, celebration of African beauty and culture amongst others.
Participants of Miss Malaika Ghana often go on to successful careers in business, media, and public service.
The pageant provides a launching pad for young women to make their mark on Ghana and beyond.
The 2024 edition of Miss Malaika Ghana was proudly brought to you by Club Shandy, JAC by Tryton Motors, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, The Pinnacle Apartments, Your Cruise People, airing on Joy Prime TV, GHOne TV, DGN TV, MX24 TV, LifeStyle TV, and powered by Charterhouse
