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South Africans in Ghana observe Human Rights Day
Her Excellency Grace Jeanet Mason, South Africa’s
High Commissioner addressing the gathering
South Africans in Ghana gathered recently at the High Commissioner’s residence in Accra to observe Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on March 21, to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.
Held under the theme; ‘Consolidating and sustaining human rights culture into the future’, the event saw some Ghanaiansin attendance.
Speaking at the event, Her Excellency Grace Jeanet Mason, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, said Africans were one people with a common destiny and vision.
“But for me, and what were are here to do is to promote Pan-Africanism at the apex of our agenda,” she noted.
She added that African cultures were inextricably linked to languages and cuisines among others, and urged South Africans who find themselves in other countries not to forget about their roots.
“We are a very resilient nation, together, we can overcome anything,” Her Excellency Grace Jeanet Mason said.
According to her, she has made a lot of friends in the past two years and also promoted a good relationship with Ghanaians.
She commended the media for promoting and telling the South African story by over the years.
The Counsellor In-Charge of Political Affairs, Thando Dalamba, said the South African government promotes and protects Human Rights,” Today we observe the Sharpeville and Langa Massacres which happened on the same day in 1960.”
He added that the day honoured those who fought for liberation and celebrated the many laws in their constitution which guaranteed Human Rights.
Officers from Brand South Africa also took the gathering through some investment opportunities in South Africa.
The event powered by Brandflow Ghana, an integrated Marketing Communications company specialising in Event Management, attracted some Ghanaian businessmen and creative industry stakeholders.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
