News
‘Maintain clean environments while observing social distancing ‘
Mama Afiakumah II, Queen of the Tsowu-Afede Clan of Ve-Deme in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region, has said that the social distancing protocol in the wake of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, is no justification to leave the surroundings dirty.
She insisted that communities must still be kept clean while observing the social distancing.
Mama Afiakumah described as highly unpatriotic the lazy attitude of some young people who hid under the social distancing protocol and refused to tidy up their communities in recent times.
She made the remarks while presenting 10 Veronica buckets, 10 buckets, consignments of liquid soap, hand sanitisers, paper towels and masks among other items, worth about GH₵4,000 to the Ve-Deme community to support the hand washing culture in the area.
Mama Afiakumah said that the pandemic should rather prompt the citizenry to renew their patriotic spirit and team up to fight the virus with great zeal and enthusiasm for life to return to normal in the country as soon as possible.
The queen also entreated parents to monitor their children around the clock while schools were shut, to ensure that they did not drift “off course in these trying times”.
She explained that, leaving children to be on their own all the time may cause them to indulge in vices inimical to their future.
“Our children can continue to learn even outside the classroom until the schools re-open,” Mama Afiakumah added.
She pointed out that the crusade against COVID-19 required all hands on deck, for which she called on all and sundry to support the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The queen highlighted the need to maintain high standards of hygiene at all times, saying cleanliness was next to godliness.
She commended the Tsowu-Afede Clan for their strong communal spirit and unity, and urged them to maintain and utilise it to support the community’s set of development objectives.
She announced plans to grow trees along the one-kilometre road between the Ve-Deme junction and the community, with support from the Forestry Commission, saying that the project could be carried out vigorously by the youth in strict adherence to the social distancing protocol.
“There is a lot we can do for ourselves before looking up to the government for support for other projects,” Mama Afiakumah pointed out.
Receiving the items, Togbe Sodzi VI thanked Mama Afiakumah for the unfading concern for the welfare of Ve-Deme and described her as a jewel of the soil.
He gave the assurance that the Ve-Deme community would remain united and focused in its unflinching resolve to support the fight against COVID-19.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ve-Deme
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
