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GAWBOFEST: Accra World Book Capital edition takes off on September 19

The Ghana Association of Writers Book Festival popularly known as GAWBOFEST is an annual literary festival produced by the Ghana Association of Writers with the objective of creating a common creative cum literary platform to allow the celebration and exploration of the Ghanaian book ecosystem/literature and the creative art at large. 

From Tuesday, September 19, 2023 to Thursday, 21 September, 2023 the “UNESCO Accra World Book Capital” edition comes off and with special and thrilling sessions. 

Set to happen at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Headquarters and at the Accra Centre for National Culture (Art Centre), the festival will feature activities as Sales/exhibition of creative/literary works; book reading/signing sessions; literary competitions, book launches; performances; workshops; master classes; storytelling; film screenings etc.

The festival introduces a different style for its opening ceremony this year.

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 According to Oswald Okaitei, the Organizing Secretary of Ghana Association of Writers and Producer of the festival, from the official Opening of the Gawbofest Literary Market to be stationed at the Accra Art Centre, participants shall embark on a ‘Hold a book & let’s March’ procession to AMA Headquarters, for a literary/art explore during the Gawbofest literary soirée! 

With a community festival concept, the 3-day festival will happen concurrently at the Accra Centre for National Culture (Art Centre) and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Headquarters (for children literary activities).

Participation is free and each day’s session starts at 10:00am and closes at 6:00 pm. 

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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.

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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

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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey

• Mark Okraku Mantey
• 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.

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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.

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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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