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Ms Abena Kay, voice of the vulnerable
One of Ghana’s fast-rising Radio Personalities, Ms Lordina Abena Konadu Yiadom is living a childhood dream of becoming the voice of the vulnerable and providing the platform for the less privileged.
Known as Abena Kay in the media space, the young, vibrant and eloquent lady is the hostess of Pink Show on Kumasi-based YFM.
The Pink Show was specially created to empower, encourage and acknowledge distinguished women in society.
It provides the platform for a hearty conversation with women with the intention to motivate the younger female generation with their stories.
The show also allows Abena to express her concerns about the problems in society especially with regard to the less privileged.
She believes that society can do better by accepting and providing a helping hand to the vulnerable and less privileged.
Ms Abena started radio in 2017 as a co-hostess for the first edition of YFM Mid-Morning Radio show. She was later made hostess of the maiden ‘Pick N Play’ aired every Saturday.
Before YFM, she worked with Silver FM as a panelist on the Silver Anigye and Kessben Music Plus as a pundit and a sit-in-hostess.
In 2019, she was offered the role of Drive Time Show hostess on Focus FM and KNUST’s campus-based radio where she served for three years. She moved back to YFM in March 2022 to resume her role as Pick N Play hostess.
She loves to talk and command listening which got her into taking up the emceeing job and gradually carving a niche as one of the best in the industry.
That aligns with her dream of being the voice that speak for those who do not have power or the platform.
As a professional MC, she puts a lot of effort into making every event special and memorable for her clients.
Abena Konadu Yiadom hails from Ntonso-Aboaso in the Ashanti region and lived most of her growing years in Kumasi. She is the first born of four girls and committed to making life comfortable for her younger siblings.
She had her Senior High School (SHS) education at Amaniampong SHS and later had a Diploma in Media Studies at Premier Media College.
At her leisure time, she would listen to music, especially ones from her favourite, Sarkodie. She considers herself as an ardent fun of Sarkodie. She also loves Kinaata, Nathaniel Bassey and would jump on any Cece Winans song for inspiration.
She is a devoted Christian and her favourite scripture is Joshua 21:45,”Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.”
Her favourite quote is “You cannot skip the stages of life. For your peace of mind and a success that lasts, you need to go through the mill. Grow through what you go through. That’s life.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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
