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Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture launches GACA 2020
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi last Friday launched the second edition of Ghana Arts and Culture Awards(GACA) 2020, at the Accra Tourists Information Centre.
The event which sought to honour forerunners and key players in the arts and culture circles is slated for November 14, 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi, the Deputy Minister, said to lose one’s culture is to lose cultural identity.
Ghana, he said had a competitive advantage when it comes to cultural tourism, considering the huge success of the year of return last year, where people came to learn from the heritage sites among others.
According to him, this would help explore greater opportunity in the area of culture and creative arts .
In the light of this, he urged Ghanaians to reject global imperialism, and promote what the country is endowed with, adding that by so doing Ghana would benefit immensely.
He noted that it was his hope that the programme would cause an attitudinal change in the lives of Ghanaians, urging all and sundry to be punctual.
Dr Ziblim said since the focus of the scheme is rewarding excellence, he was optimistic that recognition would be given to those who have held the torch over the years, adding that the public will have the opportunity to decide who has made the great impact.
“It is gratifying to note that those who will receive the awards will be presented with a plaque endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture,” he said.
Following this, he declared the GACA 2020 duly launched.
The Executive Director of National Commission on Culture(NCC), Janet Edna Nyame said, “We need each other more than ever to rise above the storm, hence it is a delight for her to be part of such awards.”
She cautioned the youth against endorsing other foreign cultures for it could erode the gains made.
It is in this effect that the NCC sees the event as an honour, adding that it is in line with their aims and objective.
She called on the support of all and sundry to support such initiative to attract global investors.
Acting President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons on his part said in the midst of foreign influence, traditional musicians needed to be protected, through grant schemes to be able to stay through the industry.
“There are numerous models which can be adopted, the traditional musicians should represent the country at all tourist sites and pay them,” he said.
He said his outfit has developed a proposal which is a huge source of job Creation, and would be handed over to the relevant authorities.
Some of the categories include, Honorary Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Cultural Personality of the Year, Cultural Heritage Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Support for Arts and Culture, Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Traditional Music Group of the Year.
The rest are Art Festival Event of the Year, Indigenous Caterer of the Year, Outstanding Cultural Theatre Performance of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Arts and Culture Media of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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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.
