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Israeli Ambassador’s visit
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Amb. Shlomit Sufa, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, called on the management of the New Times Corporation.
The visit of the ambassador who has been in the country for six months, was to franternise with one of the state-owned media houses in Ghana for close collaboration.
Madam Shlomit Sufa who has been in the diplomatic mission for 21 years
said, it was important for them to engage the media on interviews, events, and provide the needed information on issues relating to Israel.
According to her, adding that “we may not agree on everything but it is important for us to present our perspective on how we want to tell our story.”
Sharing her thoughts on Ghana, she noted that even though there was a mixture of cultures, the Ghanaian heritage was of outstanding universal value and expressed her appreciation to management of NTC for the cordial reception.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr.Martin Adu-Owusu in his address touched on the activities of the state institution and its readiness to assist the Israeli Embassy any time the need arose.
He said that NTC was always ready to assist her outfit to put out information concerning Israel “through our two papers, Ghanaian Times and The Spectator”.
He added that the call on NTC was a testament that the relationship between both institutions would be stronger henceforth.
The Editor of Ghanaian Times, Mr. Dave Agbenu, also said the relationship between NTC and the Israeli Embassy had long existed and been cordial in the areas of agriculture, and sports among others.
He was of the view that the relationship would be well cemented, and suggested some exchange programmes for the media in both countries to learn from each other.
Editor of The Spectator, Mr.Emmanuel Amponsah stated that he had been following Israel closely and loved how they had been addressing issues on security and politics, as well as the rate at which the media held government for transparency and accountability.
The Marketing Manager, Mr. Alfred Koomson, also touched on the country’s relationship with Israel over the years, saying “for Ghanaians to better appreciate the history of Israel, it would be more appropriate to have a special pullout on days earmarked for special moments in the country’s history.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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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.
