Entertainment
Ghana ranks 3rd most peaceful African country – Peace Index
Ghana has been ranked third in the Global Peace Index (GPI) as the most peaceful African country.
The ranking by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) also rated Ghana as the 43rd most peaceful country in the world.
According to the 14th edition of the ranking of the IEP, Ghana moved up one place from the 2019 GPI and it is now behind only Mauritius (1st) and Botswana (2nd) in sub-Saharan Africa, while South Sudan remains the least peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ghana rose on the rankings despite Sub-Saharan Africa’s slight fall in peacefulness on the 2020 GPI, with an overall score deterioration of 0.5 percent.
The ranking noted that 20 countries in the region improved in peacefulness, while 24 deteriorated.
The region’s three countries that recorded high points in peacefulness in last year’s ranking were South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, all of which recorded improvements of more than six percent, while Benin experienced the biggest deterioration of any country in the world, falling 34 places in the ranking to 106th on the 2020 GPI.
The poor performance may not be unconnected with sporadic clashes, which erupted across the country, following the election in April 2019, in which the opposition party was effectively banned, leading to a deterioration in political instability.
Niger recorded the second largest deterioration in the region. Over the last year, cross-border armed robberies and violent crimes by gangs led to a deterioration of the violent crime indicator.
According to the index, civil unrest in sub-Saharan Africa rose by more than 800 percent over the period, from 32 riots and protests in 2011 to 292 in 2018.
pulse.com
Entertainment
Siisi Baidoo adjudged Best Male Vocalist at 2024 Praise Achievement Awards
Siisi Baidoo, one of Ghana’s most talented gospel artists, has been honoured with the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the just-ended prestigious Praise Achievement Awards 2024.
Over the years, Siisi Baidoo has distinguished himself with his rich music content and unrivalled vocal dexterity.
Other artistes in that category were Joe Mettle, Luigi Maclean, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Perez Musik, Kwaku Teye and others.
He has to his credit, songs such as ‘Otim Ho Daa’, ‘Fire’, ‘Jesus in My Boat’, ‘Mede W’ayeyi’, ‘Hymns of God’, among other great songs that have touched many lives with his latest being Do it Again featuring Joe Mettle.
The Praise Achievement Awards does not only celebrate established artists like Siisi Baidoo but also provides a platform to acknowledge the diverse talents contributing to the growth and vibrancy of gospel music in Ghana, from musicians and singers to producers, songwriters, and technical crew.
This year’s ceremony saw a host of other talented individuals recognised for their contributions. Nacee, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and other celebrated gospel artistes also received awards on the evening.
Siisi Baidoo has just released his highly anticipated new album ‘Writings on the Wall’ on Thursday, November 28, and hopes it will be a great blessing to all.
Entertainment
Israel Ofori thrills fans at Rhythms of Africa
One of Ghana’s budding gospel musicians, Israel Ofori, was among artistes that thrilled fans at the Rhythms of Africa event held at the Independence Square in Accra last Friday.
Themed ‘The peace edition,’ the free event aimed at promoting peace, unity and harmony ahead of the general elections today.
Minister Israel treated the audience to two of his songs, ‘Ene Wo’ and ‘Aseda’ to which the audience sang along and danced to.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Minister Israel said the opportunity offered him by the organisers was a great one, and was pleased to join Ghanaians and other gospel artistes to “lift the name of Jesus Christ at the Independence Square.”
“Ghana will remain peaceful before, during and after the elections because the praises and worship of Ghanaians have gone up so the glory of God will come down,” he added.
The night featured powerful performances from other gospel artistes such as Sonnie Badu, the brainchild of the event, Empress Gifty, Ceccy Twum, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Broda Sammy and other artists.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
