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President Akufo-Addo Receives Honorary Doctorate From UHAS
In a ceremonious event at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree (Honoris Causa).
This recognition underscores the President’s dedication to advancing science education and healthcare in Ghana.
In his acceptance speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging that this honour reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective efforts of his administration and the support of the Ghanaian people.
He highlighted that this latest accolade adds to a distinguished list of honorary degrees he has received from prestigious institutions globally, including the University of Fort Hare, University of Liberia, University of Cape Coast, University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, and Valley View University.
The President emphasized the critical role of education in national development, particularly the importance of science education in fostering innovation and economic growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making education accessible to all Ghanaian youth through initiatives like the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which has significantly increased secondary school enrolment and emphasized STEM subjects.
“By removing financial barriers, we have ensured that over five-point-seven million students have had the opportunity to access secondary education, many of whom have been pursuing science courses,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He noted that the policy aims not just at increasing enrolment numbers but also at providing quality education that equips young people with the necessary skills and knowledge for modern challenges,” he said.
Under his administration, several initiatives have been launched to enhance STEM education, including the establishment of STEM high schools, upgrading of laboratories, and investment in teacher training.
The President highlighted the construction of 186 new science laboratories under the STEM Education Enhancement Programme, equipped with modern, specialized equipment to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation.
The President in his speech also touched on the broader strategy of creating a robust educational ecosystem that supports innovation and excellence. By prioritizing STEM education, Ghana is being positioned to compete on the global stage and harness the transformative power of science and technology for national development.
The President also addressed the significance of the ongoing Phase II expansion project at UHAS, funded through a $60 million grant from the Chinese Government.
This expansion is expected to increase the university’s capacity to train more healthcare professionals and support cutting-edge research and innovation.
He extended gratitude to the Chinese Government and other stakeholders for their contributions to this significant infrastructural development.
In concluding his speech, President Akufo-Addo inspired the students of UHAS, emphasizing the critical role they play as the next generation of leaders, educators, scientists, and healthcare professionals.
He encouraged them to pursue their dreams with passion and resolve, stressing that their contributions are central to Ghana’s progress.
“To commemorate this special occasion, I am pleased to announce a personal donation of ten desktop computers and ten laptops to the University. These devices will help equip the administration of UHAS and support the effective running of the University,” the President announced.
The event was marked by a sense of pride and accomplishment, as UHAS celebrated the achievements of President Akufo-Addo and his administration in advancing education and healthcare in Ghana.
The conferment of the honorary degree is a testament to the President’s unwavering commitment to national development and the well-being of the Ghanaian people.
Beyond education, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the notable strides his administration has made in healthcare delivery.
He mentioned the construction and equipping of polyclinics, the major rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, and the establishment of treatment and holding centers across the country.
These efforts reflect the administration’s recognition that a healthy population is essential for national development.
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Philip Nai and Friends to hold 5th edition of Christmas party with kids
On the back of a successful get-together for children at the oncology unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, on December 23, 2023, Joy FM lead producer, Philip Nai and his friends are back with another event this year.
The 5th edition of Philip Nai and Friends will be held at the Agblezaa community on December 24, 2024.
There will be activities such as musical performances, health screening, bottle flipping, Praise and Worship, Sip and Paint, Dancing Competition, Musical Chairs among others.
Donations of food items, bags of water, toiletries, clothes, learning materials will also be made. Individuals are encouraged to help this worthy cause by calling 0244735451.
Last year, musicians Nii Soul and Perez Musiq were present to lend their support to the programme.
There were also entertainment activities involving both the children and their mothers.
At the event, the Programmes Manager of Joy FM, Edem Knight-Tay shared a word of encouragement with the patients and their parents. She admonished them not to lose hope in God’s power to heal the kids of their sicknesses.
Also present were Dr. Grace Buckman, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre; Ghana’s rep for Miss Universe 2023, Engracia Afua K. Mofuman; and Kwame Dadzie, the host of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM.
Philip Nai and Friends is a charity project founded by Philip Nai, a philanthropist and one of Ghana’s astute and well-known producers at Joy FM, a subsidiary of The Multimedia Group.
Philip Nai and Friends is an annual project done mainly in collaboration with his friends from the media fraternity including celebrities and support from business and corporate Ghana to show love to the underprivileged by feeding, clothing, providing medical care and entertainment among others.
Philip Nai has for the past four years, led this project in various communities in Accra, every Christmas Eve and wishes to replicate same across the country in the coming years with all your support.
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The Glow Up Season: Woman King, Crowned Queen of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024
The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 pageant came to a spectacular end on Saturday, November 16 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
After weeks of competition, 25-year-old Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned the winner in a dazzling finale that showcased beauty, talent, and female empowerment.
The glittering finale kicked off with co-host Bliss King introducing the top 10 contestants who came out in a spectacular display of cars by The Dream Collection, who ushered the ladies to the event in luxury cars, received on the red carpet amidst funfair and ultimately a grand entry unto the stage.
The ladies had a chance to showcase their poise and personality in a one-on-one conversation with the host, Regina Van-Helvert.
Based on votes accumulated leading up to the event, the field was then narrowed to the top 5 finalists: Marie. Delphine, Lucille, Cherise and Whitney.
In one of the most impactful segments of the night, the top 5 finalists delivered individual speeches on who their role model is, by highlighting their key achievements and how their journey inspires them on their path to becoming the women they aspire to be.
This portion gave insight into the contestants’ values, passions, and visions for creating positive change.
Lucille King chose Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao as her role model – an activist, diplomat, entrepreneur and founder of medical clinics.
In her impassioned speech, Lucille praised Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s many accomplishments, saying: “I want to say a big thank you, Dr Chihombori-Quoa. Thank you for proving that a woman can be many things at once. And for not only empowering me by what you say, but by what you do and who you are as a strong, female Pan-African advocate.”
This choice of role model highlighted Lucille’s own ambitions to be a multi-faceted leader and champion for women’s empowerment across Africa.
The Judging Panel
Selecting a winner from such an accomplished group of finalists was no easy task. The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 judging panel consisted of respected figures from entertainment, business, and pageantry: Ama O. Sarpong – Miss Malaika 2010 winner, now an oil and gas professional, Trudy Arnold – Miss Malaika 2009 runner-up, now CEO of Studio 7, Chris Attoh – Actor, television presenter, producer and film director and Kojo Soboh – CEO and founder of EMY Africa and Carbon AV.
This diverse panel brought expertise from various fields to evaluate the contestants on beauty, intelligence, talent, and potential for impact.
Crowning the Queen
The final segment of the night was what many termed ‘the make or break’ point for the top 5 delegates. Where they were put on the spot and asked questions by the judges pertaining to their individual speeches.
A few minutes after the final delegate said ‘thank you for the question’ and proceeded with her response, the judges made the final and ultimate decision which answered the lingering question of ‘Who wins what’?
20-year-old Cherise Nana Ama was announced second runner up and 24-year-old Fiakegbe Marie Juniore was called as the first runner up.
Then came the big moment – Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024! As the audience erupted in cheers, Lucille gracefully accepted the crown and began her reign as the newest ambassador for the Miss Malaika Ghana brand.
The evening also featured a talent competition among three finalists selected during pre-judging: Lucille, Nakiya, and Marie.
This segment allowed the ladies to showcase skills beyond beauty and public speaking. Lucille wowed the crowd with an energetic salsa dance routine.
Her precise footwork, fluid hand movements, and magnetic stage presence earned her the title of Miss Talent, as determined by the judges. This additional award highlighted Lucille’s well-rounded abilities and star power.
Between competition segments, the audience was treated to spectacular musical performances from some of Ghana’s top artists: Camidoh, Olivetheboy, LalixLola and an incredible dance performance by Dancegodloyd and his crew.
These entertaining acts kept the energy high throughout the night and showcased Ghana’s vibrant music scene alongside its beautiful and talented women.
In a post-win interview, Lucille reflected on what being crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 means to her.
‘’Winning the crown means more to me than many may think. It means that I can more rigorously fulfil my purpose in life- helping people. I have always wanted to make changes, and improve people’s lives, but until now, it has felt like an improbability task. I am so grateful for the platform to help others, and I am looking forward to doing so via my first project which is aimed at children with Autism and Down syndrome,” she said.
according to her, “These children are isolated, misunderstood, neglected, and sometimes even ridiculed. I want to help change this. I want people to realize how worthy of love, or at the very least, respect and dignity children with these conditions are. I want to share their stories, to humanize them and show the country that they are different, yes, but still worthy and valuable.
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Miss Malaika Ghana is one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants, organized annually by Charterhouse Productions. More than just a beauty contest, Miss Malaika Ghana aims to discover, nurture and promote talented young Ghanaian women.
The competition emphasizes: Intelligence and eloquence, leadership potential, commitment to community service, celebration of African beauty and culture amongst others.
Participants of Miss Malaika Ghana often go on to successful careers in business, media, and public service.
The pageant provides a launching pad for young women to make their mark on Ghana and beyond.
The 2024 edition of Miss Malaika Ghana was proudly brought to you by Club Shandy, JAC by Tryton Motors, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, The Pinnacle Apartments, Your Cruise People, airing on Joy Prime TV, GHOne TV, DGN TV, MX24 TV, LifeStyle TV, and powered by Charterhouse
