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Easter holiday wind down: …pinics, beach parties feature prominently
Popular beaches were well patronised
The commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ comes with excitement and a renewed sense of hope and inspiration for Christians.
Therefore, following long days of fasting and somewhat stressful weekend of spiritual activities, many churches took the opportunity early this week to cool off even as they continued to keep the faith and live the life the Saviour encourages us to live.
A quick scan at some church premises and other locations in the city of Accra on Easter Monday, captured some individuals and groups engaged in one recreational activity or the other from mid morning to dusk.
While some groups made it to the beaches, others entertained and challenged themselves with games such as oware, lime and spoon race, sack race, ludo, tug of peace, and dancing competition, among others at designated venues.
The celebrations were to strengthen the bond among families and church members and encourage people to maintain moral standards that were pleasing to God and mankind.
Some churches mainly encouraged the “bring-and-share” approach as hundreds came together to interact with one another at the mini food bazaars interspersed with music.
There were morning services at some places of worship prior to the gatherings after which revellers from far and near found a way to keep themselves busy at seashores across the capital.
Public and private security was tight in spite of the large numbers who turned up to have fun. Operators at popular beaches in Accra also deployed lifeguards to handle eventualities.
Indeed, it was a fun-filled day for many people, including believers and non-believers.
Our photographer Lizzy Okai captured some of the exciting moments children and adults had at some of the event centres as they wrapped up the short holiday.
By Lizzy Okai
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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.
