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Miss Golden Stool Week Three: Animuonyam adjudged Star Performer
Representing the people of Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Animuonyam was last Sunday, November 19, 2023, adjudged Star performer in week three of the Miss Golden Stool Beauty Pageant.
Week three was dedicated to the history of the various Akan communities the contestants represented.
As a result, contestants took their time to narrate these historic feats creatively by blending culture and tradition.
On the night, Animuonyam told the audience the history of the people of Kumawu, how the town started as Apemso, their festival, difficult moments and triumphs.
She was able to tell the historical relationship between the people of Kumawu and Kumasi, as well as how Kum seed was used to determine the traditional capital of the Asante Kingdom.
Animuonyam said, Okomfo Anokye planted two kum trees in the forest and predicted that one tree would live and become the capital of Ashanti. Hence the name Kumasi (the tree lived); the place in which the other tree was planted became Kumawu (the tree died).
“The kum tree planted at Apemso withered, thus died, Apemso was subsequently referred to as Kumawu (“Kum awu” – Kum has died). That of Kwamang flourished hence Kwamang became known as Kumasi (“Kum asi – under the Kum),” she narrated.
Nana Adwoa Awindor the chief judge on the night announced the Star Performer by saying, “According to the judges and our technical team the best performer is Animuonyam.”
She advised Animuonyam to consider acting because she was able to aptly tell the stories through her amazing display on stage.
The judges on the night were enthused with her articulation and audience engagement to the extent that they clapped for her.
For her reward, Animuonyam received souvenirs from sponsors of the programme.
At the end of week three, two contestants, Araba and Oseikrom were evicted for lack of votes.
The judges for Week Three were Nana Adwoa Awindor, Agya Brefa and Mary Nyamekye.
Patrons would be thrilled with another exciting display this Sunday on Adom TV at 8:30 PM.
Season 5 of Miss Golden Stool was launched at a spectacular event on October 15, 2023 on Adom TV.
The pageant is aimed at celebrating Ghana’s cultural diversity, beauty, talent, and intelligence of the contestants.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
