WhatsApp is imposing 24-hour lock-outs on people trying to access its service via an unauthorised Android app.

The Facebook-owned messaging service said that it had acted against users of WhatsApp Plus because of concerns that the program might cause private data to be leaked to third-parties.

The unofficial app offers extra ways to customise how conversations appear.

Experts say Android users should be cautious about where they download apps from.

WhatsApp recently reported it had 700 million users sending an average of 30 billion messages a day. It currently charges a $0.99 (65p) annual fee to users who sign up to the service after their first 12 months of using it.

“Our goal is always to keep WhatsApp fast and secure for the people who use it – it’s the most important thing we do,” said a spokesman for the firm.

“Third-parties that have built unauthorised functionality on top of WhatsApp create issues for people including lost messages.

“This goes against the experience we work hard to give people and we won’t let it continue. Starting today, we are taking aggressive action against unauthorised apps and alerting the people who use them.”

The effort coincides with the introduction of the ability to access WhatsApp from the Google Chrome web browser, as an alternative to the app. This will not, however, work on Apple’s iPhones or iPads.

Cease and desist letter

According to one app store, WhatsApp Plus had itself been downloaded more than 35 million times since its 2012 releases by a Spanish developer, who called himself Rafalense.

Security consultant Graham Cluley said that figure sounded “surprisingly high”, but acknowledged there was no independent way to verify it.

WhatsApp Plus’ own website appears to be offline at this time.

But the moderator of a development community, which had supported it, used Google Plus to indicate that work on the software would now be put on hold.

“We have received a cease and desist letter from WhatsApp and we are obligated to remove all download links and unfortunately delete this community,” he wrote.

“[I] am really sorry for this but it’s out of our hands and WhatsApp has pushed us into a corner that we can’t escape this time. It was a fun ride but it has come to an end.

“Deepest regards from Rafalense and me and all the WhatsApp Plus team for your support.”

Twenty-four hour bansWhatsApp Plus offers a way to use colours and background images in chat conversations that are unavailable in the official app.

In addition, it allows users to increase the size limit on attached video and sound files and also lets them prevent others being able to see when they last logged into the service – a feature it used to charge a “donation” to unlock.

To access the features, smartphone owners must first uninstall the official WhatsApp app if it is already on their handsets.

Facebook is urging users to download the official WhatsApp app from Google Play

Facebook is in turn urging people using WhatsApp Plus to delete it and install the official app via Google’s Play store. However, even if they do so, they are told they cannot access the service for further 24 hours because they violated its terms and conditions.

‘Maintaining control’WhatsApp Plus was not available from Google Play – the Android developer’s own store – but was promoted on several smaller alternatives.

“People should be careful about third-party stores,” commented Dr Joss Wright from the Oxford Internet Institute.

“There are levels of quality control that are implemented by Google, which withdraws apps that are detected as being not completely legitimate, and indeed by Apple, which is incredibly restrictive about what it allows on the iOS store.

“Such apps could bring with them security bugs.”

But he added that Facebook also had other incentives to stop independent apps latching onto its WhatsApp platform.

“That could potentially prevent it from adding services later for an added cost,” he said.

“Or if it wants to add adverts later and ensure they are being served to the people who should be seeing them, then that it needs to maintain control and prevent the rules that it has set from being bypassed by third-party clients.”

Source: BBC

Hundreds of Ghanaians in Berlin last Tuesday protested against President John Mahama who is in the country to hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Some of the protestors were seen with placards with various inscriptions such as, “Stop cocaine trade in Ghana”, “No German Loan for NDC”, “Dumsor Dumsor, We Need Light, Dumsor Dumsor We Don’t Have Light”, “Mahama Is a thief”, “NDC Cocaine Party…” among other things.

However, in a statement, the Flagstaff House said only a handful of opposition members picketed around the Intercontinental Hotel in Berlin where the President was on Tuesday.

“In a sharp contrast to the handful (exact count, 18 people) of opposition NPP supporters who were outside the Intercontinental Hotel in Berlin holding placards insulting the President of the Republic of Ghana, hundreds of patriotic, concerned and hardworking Ghanaians living in Germany on Tuesday evening met with President John Dramani Mahama as part of his State Visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.”

“The over three hundred Ghanaians who attended the Ghanaian Community Meeting to interact with the President included Ghanaian professional, traditional leaders, students, business executives, children of Ghanaians living in Germany some of who are now Germans of Ghanaian Origin and a number of friends of Ghana,” the statement noted.

Checkout video of protest by Ghanaians in Berlin:

By GhanaGist.Com

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Obrafour’s upcoming two singles will have singers Efya and Bisa on.

The rapper is currently in the studio recording more songs for his upcoming Obrafrofo album.

He will feature songstress on Boni Ay3 Fo and Bisa KDei on Pimpinaa.

Boni Ay3 Fo is being produced by Bisa while Slimbo handles Bone Aye Afo.

Both tracks will be released in February.

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died and his brother Salman has become the kingdom’s new ruler.

King Abdullah, 90, took power in 2005 after the death of his half-brother King Fahd.

He underwent surgery in recent years related to a herniated disc, and was hospitalised in December for pneumonia.

The death was announced on Saudi state television, which reported the monarch passed away on Friday.

The new King Salman, 79, had recently taken over the ailing ruler’s responsibilities.

Source sky.com

MATCH PREVIEW

Algeria will go through to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages if they beat Ghana and Senegal do not lose in their later match against South Africa.

Desert Foxes coach Christian Gourcuff says all his players are fit, including Rafik Halliche, who had been an injury doubt.

Ghana are uncertain if striker Asamoah Gyan will return after missing their win over Senegal with malaria.

Boss Avram Grant said: “I hope he’ll play, I want him to play.”

MATCH FACTS

• All three previous Africa Cup of Nations meetings between these two sides came in the 1980s, with each team winning once.
• Ghana have failed to score in their two previous group games against the Desert Warriors. On the other occasion, they were 3-2 winners in the 1982 semi-final, going on to win the tournament.
• Algeria’s opening day victory over South Africa was only their third group game win in 14 attempts.
• Ghana have lost just two of their last 12 Africa Cup of Nations group games (W8 D2).
• The Black Stars only had two shots on target against Senegal, with the second arriving in the 39th minute.
• Algeria have scored five times in their last two games at the tournament, as many as they have managed in the nine matches prior.
• Ghana have only lost once at this tournament on a Friday (13 games), though this defeat was their last match played on this day (v Ivory Coast in 2010).

Source: BBC

Asamoah Gyan

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has organized a health screening exercise for beneficiaries of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF). The screening covered hepatitis B, diabetes, prostate cancer, blood pressure and malaria.

In all over fifty musicians were screened. According to some of the AMWeF beneficiaries, the establishment of the fund is such a welcome development and it is so timely considering the plight of some ageing musicians who can hardly earn an income these days.

An AMWeF beneficiary Mike Ofori recounted an intervention the fund made on his behalf which saved him from gaol. Other fund beneficiaries like Nana A.K Yeboah and Sam Cooper also called for support for the fund so that it can continue to provide hope for the ageing musicians.

Nana Kwame Ampadu on his part recounted his recent invitation to Manhyia Palace after performing on the ticket of AMWeF at the recent Asanteman Ball as a testimony of the impact AMWeF is making in our society. He therefore called for widespread support for the fund, so that even more musicians can benefit from it.

The President of MUSIGA, Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour spoke about the work the fund is doing in providing sustenance for the ageing musicians recounting the Akwasidae Ball series which kicked off at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi a fortnight ago on the heels of the Asanteman Ball at the Golden Tulip in Kumasi.

The President also spoke about the new rates for membership and the new categories of membership introduced by the Union and called for musicians to avail themselves of the numerous new benefits introduced with the new rates.

The deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts called for industry wide unity so that the benefits of such funds like AMWeF can be enjoyed by more people. She acknowledged the tremendous improvements the Union has been making and urged the Union leadership to spread its arms to unite the music industry.

There were solidarity messages by the Ghana Actor’s Guild and the Ministry of Gender, Women and Children which has the oversight responsibility for programmes targeting the ageing in Ghana.

Present at the event were two ex-Presidents of MUSIGA, Alhaji Sidiku Buari and Diana Hopeson and musicians like Pat Thomas, Stan Plange of Uhurus fame and actors Walter Sampah and Mawuli Semevor among others.

The health screening exercise which took place at the MUSIGA Headquarters on Wednesday was supported by Danpong Pharmacy.

Hiplife trio 4×4 made up of Sylvanus Dodji Jeoffrey (Captain Planet), Raphael Edem Avornyo (Coded) and Prince Tamakloe (Fresh Prince) started 2015 by signing a lucrative two years contract to represent Dynamite Energy Drink as brand ambassadors.

Fortnight after penning down the deal that will see them use their influence and experience in the music industry to promote the drink, the trio have released a song.

The song titled “Kpagam Kpagam” is a danceable tune produced by Killbeatz. It admonishes men to satisfy their women emotionally and sexually to avoid the situation where another man will come into the picture and do the job for him.

The trio is signed on Don Jeff Records under the tutelage of Jeff Agbodah.

Downalod and enjoy the song below:

4X4

By GhanaGist.Com

The deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Dzifa Gomashie has applauded the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) for organizing a health screening exercise for ageing musicians as well as other members of the Union and actors.

According to the deputy Minister, the Union is providing exemplary leadership through its initiatives for its members and this is worthy of emulation by the other domains in the Creative Industries.

Madam Gomashie was speaking at a health screening exercise organized by MUSIGA for beneficiaries of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) at the MUSIGA headquarters in Accra on Wednesday. Over fifty musicians took part in the screening exercise. In addition to the health screening which was for diabetes, prostate cancer, blood pressure, malaria and hepatitis B.

The President of MUSIGA Bice Osei Kufffour aka Obour on his recounted some of the activities the Fund had supported ranging from organizing events for the beneficiaries to earn some revenue to previous cash disbursements to beneficiaries.

A representative of Danpong Pharmacy Augustine Anor advised people to take a keen interest in their health with regular check-ups just like they maintain their vehicles and other equipment. Mr Anor noted that such frequent check-ups can prevent certain ailments and diseases from attacking us.

The new President of the Ghana Actors Guild Rev Eddy Coffie congratulated MUSIGA for the exercise indicating he would take a cue from the Union’s leadership and replicate some of the initiatives for the benefit of actors.

The planned cash disbursements which will be the second for the beneficiaries apart from some individual cases which were determined by the AMWeF Board chaired by A.B Crentsil has been slated for April in line with the programme of action for AMWeF.

The health screening exercise was supported by Danpong Pharmacy a local pharmaceutical production company.

By GhanaGist.Com

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has tasked Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to collaborate with her Ministry to promote domestic tourism vigorously to the benefit of all Ghanaians.

She noted that with the District Assemblies as the custodians of tourist sites, they are the primary beneficiaries of any dividends that accrue from such efforts.

At a meeting with Municipal and District Chief Executives from the Brong Ahafo region, the Minister observed that promotion of tourism, culture and creative arts is a shared responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders – policy makers, private sector, traditional authorities among others.

She appealed to MMDCEs to use every opportunity at their disposal to entreat hospitality sector operators to collect the 1% Tourism Levy and remit same at the specified periods to the designated banks – GCB Bank, Unibank and Universal Merchant Bank.

The 1% levy is a tax payable not by operators but patrons of any tourism facility on services rendered.

She said it is by so doing that the sector will generate the needed resources to improve product and infrastructural development, marketing and promotion, market research, human resource improvement, etc.

She cautioned hospitality service providers that the de-dollarisation policy was still in force and that the only legal tender in the country was the Ghana Cedi. She tasked the MMDCEs to ensure strict compliance with the policy and prevent quoting of rates in foreign currencies.

Some of the MMDCEs called for technical and financial support from the Ministry for the development of some attraction sites. They also drew attention to promotion of potential tourism initiatives such as funeral tourism.

The meeting formed part of the Minister’s nationwide familiarization tour. The team, involving Ministry officials and the private sector, are currently in the Ashanti region.

Her appearance on the entertainment scene sparked a lot of excitement due to her physique but several months down the line, actress and television presenter, Peace Hyde has shown she has more to offer than just a well-endowed full figure.

Since her first public appearance at the fourth edition of the Ghana Movie Awards in December 2013, Peace Hyde has grown to become a regular face on our screens, hosting a number of shows and corporate events.

Aside hosting several social events, she is the regular presenter of the Friday Night Live show on Ghone TV and also co-hosted Season III of MTN Hit- Maker talent hunt with Bola Ray.

To Ms Hyde, it is her talent and passion for the work she does that has propelled her to where she is now.

‘Honestly, breaking through was not easy as there were a lot of hearsays and comments from people who knew nothing about me. I decided to neglect the negative comments and rather work hard and that is what is paying off now,’ she told The Mirror in an interview.

Peace Hyde, who is also a brand ambassador for Mara Mentor, a social enterprise project that encourages and supports young entrepreneurs in Africa, said she was ready to embrace new opportunities and also embark on charity projects this year.

‘Being in the spotlight comes with a lot of responsibilities and I believe giving back to the society that supports the work we do is very important,’ she stated.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Ms Hyde holds a degree in Psychology. She practised as a child psychologist before moving into the educational sector were she taught chemistry, physics and biology.

Source: The Mirror

Peace Hyde

The preliminary event of the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, was held in Miami in the United States Wednesday night.

In last night’s event, 88 contestants were introduced to the world and to the contest judges, who are still struggling to trim the number down to 15 contestant.

The 15 finalists when chosen will battle each other for the final crown.

Watch the exciting event in the YouTube link below

Striker Asamoah Gyan is back in Ghana’s starting line-up named by coach Avram Grant for the do or die AFCON 2015 second Group C match against Algeria on Friday.

Defender John Boy who missed the game against Senegal has been dropped even though he is fit to play. Central defender Mohammed Awal and midfielder Rabiu Mohammed have also been dropped.

Ghana’s starting line-up:

Razak Brimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Jonathan Mensah, Afriyie Acquah, Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew.

By GhanaGist.Com

Miss Universe Ghana 2014 Abena Appiah was not able to make Ghana proud as Colombia’s Paulina Vega was crowned winner of Miss Universe 2014 in Miami, Florida on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

Miss Vega defeated 87 contestants, including Ghana’s Abena Appiah and other African beauty queens representing their various countries who failed to make the #Top15 to win the 63rd edition of the pageant.

Countries that made the #Top15 included; Miss Universe Italy, Miss Universe Jamaica, Miss Universe Brazil, Miss Universe Indonesia, Miss Universe Australia, Miss Universe Columbia, Miss Universe India, Miss Universe France, Miss Universe USA, Miss Universe Venezuela, Miss Universe Spain, Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Universe Argentina, Miss Universe Ukraine, and Miss Universe Netherlands.

Miss USA Nia Sanchez picked the first runner-up slot whiles Diana Harkusha from Ukraine was crowned the second runner-up.

By GhanaGist.Com

Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014

Ron Solomon Maxwell from Ghana emerged the winner of 2014 edition of the Next Movie Star.

He believes the time is ripe for someone else to be crowned winner of the Next Movie Star show from Ghana after Enoch Hammond did it in 2007.

The budding Ghanaian actor, model and dance instructor beat 15 other housemates to emerge winner of the coveted crown and is set to smile home with a brand new SUV, management deal, and movie contract for three years and mouthwatering wardrobe allowance.

Speaking on his success, Ron said: ‘I’m very happy and excited. It’s a humbling experience emerging winner of Next Movie Star 2014. Getting the form from Ghana, going for audition, getting picked, coming to Nigeria for the show and winning the it, I have all the reasons to be happy and excited.’

When asked if he anticipated that he would win at any point, he said: ‘No, because all the people that went for the audition, both in Ghana and Nigeria, were talented. When we got into the house, I saw different talents but I think what gave me an edge over them was my versatility. I’m a dancer, singer, instructor, martial artist and model. But before I moved down here, I said to myself, it is either I win or nothing at all.’

The Next Movie Star Reality TV Show has over the years discovered successful Stars in The African entertainment industry since 2005.

Those who have unearthed through the programme, include Tonto Dikeh, Annie Idibia, Kevin Chuwang Pam, Portia Yamahan, Uti Nwachukwu, Lydia Forson, Karen Igho, Tamara Eteimo, Tomiwa Kukoyi, Halimat Aitsegame, Boma Mac Ake, Zerziyia Wilson among others.

Health Africa International (HAI) has launched #UnitedAgstEbola campaign at the State Rooms of the House of Commons.  Generously hosted by Mr Speaker, The Rt Hon. John Bercow MP.  He paved the way for an incredible opportunity to raise the profile of this project to the national and international media.

A Key note speech was delivered by Mrs Akosua Essien. There other speeches by Lord Paul Boateng and Rt Hon Keith VAZ  in support of this compelling emergency campaign to save lives in the wake of the Ebola crisis in Western Africa. The night was well attended by dignitaries, members of the House of Commons and the Cabinet such as Secretary for State for International Development, The Rt Hon. Justine Greening MP. All demonstrated a united commitment to this campaign and the vision to carry it forward.

Emelil Sande produced an award winning performance on the night with another act from the soulful ShezAr.

The project, supported by some West African football players and friends from the rest of the world, aims to provide a long term solution to the prevention against the ebola virus.

Despite optimistic figures announced by the World Health Organisation this week that new cases of Ebola were decreasing, there is the ever present threat the virus could and will erupt at any time.   The threat is far from over.

#UnitedAgstEbola seeks to fund over 14 NGO organisations on the ground across Western Africa to provide an intense education program to combat the beliefs and cultural practices which increase the chances of contracting Ebola. Communication programmes in remote villages are vital to the success of this programme with emphasis on social mobilisation.

The campaign aims to raise £10 million. 

Do you know that America was never built for black people? Watch this video of Senegalese-American recording artist talking about US race relations, “rebranding” Africa, and his music.

Akon talks to Al Jazeera about running his musical career as a business; his projects – both philanthropic and artistic; singing songs for peace and whether he thinks it can really make an impact; and being an African in the US.

Watch below:

Akon