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Missionary pleads guilty to sex crime in Kenya
An American Christian missionary has pleaded guilty in a US court to sexually abusing young girls at the orphanage he started in Kenya.
Gregory Dow, 61, admitted to four counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
The orphanage was in operation from 2008 to 2017 when Mr Dow left Kenya.
The FBI and Kenyan authorities investigated him and he was charged in the US.
In 2008, Dow founded the orphanage in western Kenya. It was partly funded by churches in Lancaster county in the US state of Pennsylvania, reports local newspaper LNP.
He is accused of assaulting girls from 2013. Two of the girls were 11, one was 12 and another was 13, adds LNP.
“The defendant purported to be a Christian missionary who cared for these children and asked them to call him ‘Dad’. But instead of being a father figure, he preyed on their youth and vulnerability,” said the US Department of Justice in a statement.
He fled Kenya in September 2017 when the allegations of assault came to light, the statement adds.
It goes on to say that the FBI acted on a tip off and Mr Dow was charged in July 2019.
“Gregory Dow hid behind his supposed faith on the other side of the world, hoping no one in the US would know or care about the children he abused. He was wrong,” said US attorney William McSwain.
Prosecutors pointed out that in 1996 he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, for which he received two years’ probation and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade.
Dow is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29 , reports the AP news agency. -BBC
News
Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale Beckons: A new Queen is coming
The stage is set for one of Ghana’s most anticipated and prestigious event of the Year, Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale.
On Saturday, November 16, the Palms Convention Center at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel will play host to a dazzling evening of beauty, intelligence, and talent as 10 exceptional young women compete for the coveted title of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024.
This landmark event marks the culmination of 11 weeks of intense competition and personal growth for the contestants, as well as 22 years of excellence for the Miss Malaika Ghana pageant.
The Road to the Finale
Through it all, the remaining 10 finalists have proven their mettle and earned their place on the grand stage.
Now, they stand on the precipice of a life-changing moment, with one burning question on everyone’s minds: Who will be crowned the Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen? Who wins the brand new JAC JS2, the Cash Prize and the bragging rights of Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen?
According to the project lead, Teddy Nanor on the expectations on the finale, he stated “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of an incredible journey at this year’s grand finale. Our delegates have demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and passion throughout months of transformation, proving that Miss Malaika Ghana is more than just a pageant—it’s a platform that empowers young women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.”
He added ” This year’s grand finale is set to crown a new queen who embodies beauty, confidence, and leadership, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating these exceptional women.”
The Glow Up Finale Experience
The Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale promises to be a night of unparalleled glamour and entertainment.
Attendees can look forward to: A Showcase of Beauty and Brains – The 10 finalists will demonstrate their intelligence, talent, and grace through a series of challenges and presentations.
From thought-provoking Q&A sessions to dazzling evening gown displays, every aspect of their preparedness for the crown will be put to the test by a panel of esteemed judges, comprised of industry leaders and cultural icons.
Their expertise and discerning eyes will ensure that the most deserving contestant is crowned. The night will also witness Star-Studded Performances from some of Ghana’s top artists; Camidoh, Fameye, OliveTheBoy, and many more.
More Than Just a Beauty Pageant
As we approach the crowning of the 22nd Miss Malaika Ghana, it’s important to reflect on the deeper significance of this event. Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a powerful vehicle for positive change in Ghanaian society.
The pageant continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and addressing contemporary issues to remain relevant and impactful. With each passing year, the competition raises the bar, attracting an ever-more impressive pool of contestants and producing queens who are truly prepared to make a difference in the world.
The Glow Up Finale on November 16th is not just the end of one journey but the beginning of another. As one young woman’s life is forever changed by donning the crown, a new chapter in the storied history of Miss Malaika Ghana will begin. For the lucky winner, this night will mark the start of a transformative year filled with opportunities for growth, service, and leadership.
Miss Malaika Ghana is a Charterhouse Production initiative and sponsored by Club shandy, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, Tryton Motors, The Pinnacle Apartments and The Cruise People.
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Pres Akufo-Addo, traditional rulers grace 2024 Hogbetsotso
Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.
A portray of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage was mounted at the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za festival on Saturday, November 2, in Keta in the Volta Region.
Themed “Strengthening bonds and embracing our shared heritage,” it drew numerous figures including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials and Members of Parliament, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, running mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama of the NDC in the December election, among others.
The event was also graced by the Overlord of the Anlo state, the Awomefia Togbe Sri III, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II; and a host of other traditional rulers, with representatives from almost every paramount chief in the country.
The grand durbar showcased the vibrant culture of the Anlo people amidst drumming, singing, and dance performances.
‘Hogbetsotso’ is derived from the word ‘Hogbe’ or ‘Hohogbe,’ translated to mean the day of exodus.
It marks the moment in time when the Ewes in the Dogbo quarter of the walled city of Notsie in Togo, escaped from the tyrannical ruler Agorkorli by walking backwards.
In order to commemorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created the annual festival now referred to as ‘Festival of the Exodus.’