Ishmael Kweku Yuri known professionally as Dream Jay is a Ghanaian music producer and a DJ. Dream Jay was introduced to beat making by a friend who used to practice on mobile studio equipment. From there, Dream Jay started practicing on his own by moving to and from studios.

As at 2012, he started playing his own beats and demos. In 2014, he became the in-house producer for Mingle Studios where dancehall act, Epixode chose him to be his producer. Dream Jay has produced a number of songs for Epixode including: ‘Enkasa’ plus the big hit ‘Avatar’ which featured Rudebwoy Ranking and got nominated in the Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year category at the 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

In 2016, Dream Jay solely produced Epixode’s ”Spar Junkiez” album which featured international acts like Chavaun (Jamaica), Kerwin Prescott (Trinidad and Tobago), Mr Eazi (Nigeria) and others. Dream Jay then produced M.anifest’s controversial hit song ‘god MC’ which won Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. In February 2017, he went for a mastering course in South Africa.

Dream Jay has also announced his forthcoming debut album titled ”Sounds of Yuri” which is due to be released come June 2018. The first single off the album titled, ‘Cure My Craze’ features dancehall act, Eye Judah. The ”Sounds of Yuri” album is expected to feature acts like M.anifest, Trigmatic, Yaw Stone, Mobeatz, Fugees, Tijvni, Kerwin Prescot and a few others.

“We do not quite understand the importance of investment in the Ghana film industry,” Kuffour stated.

Edward Kuffour, son of the former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kuffour, has explained why he decided to pursue a career in acting, rather than follow in the steps of his father to become a politician.

Mr. Kuffour, who made an appearance on the hit satirical show, After Hours with Mikki Osei Berko on TV3 also revealed that, in addition to being an actor and a businessman, he is also a farmer and a pastor.

Having made his debut theatre performance in 1986, Kuffour bemoaned the seriousness attached to the acting profession in Ghana.

“We do not quite understand the importance of investment in the Ghana film industry,” Kuffour stated.

He however explained that given the opportunity, he would like to contribute meaningfully to policy making that will help the film industry in Ghana.

“Well policy making is one part of what I believe. We tend to just sit and complain a lot. If you have the capacity or the opportunity and sit back and complain then you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. So if the opportunity comes up, and it is not just being in a certain position, It is just doing whatever you can in your little area to make a change in the right direction,” he explained

Check out the full interview below:

On February 2, 2018 USA-based Media Mogul, Charles Nimmo Ntiamoah-Mensah, popularly known as Mr. CNN; Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer of Ghana Chamber of Commerce, USA, Inc. (GCC-USA) visited the headquarters of Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) located at the World Trade Center in Accra, Ghana.

Mr. Ntiamoah-Mensah was accompanied by Rev. Dr. Nanayaa Owusu Prempeh, GCC-USA Member and Chaplain, and Mr. Kofi Adum-Bawuah, businessman, politician, and former resident of New Jersey. They were received at GCCI by its president, Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I, and its CEO,  Mark Badu-Aboaye.

The purpose of the visit was for Mr. CNN to introduce GCC-USA to its Ghana-based counterpart that enjoys a good reputation in Africa. Mr. CNN acquainted himself with the operations and visions of  GCCI. He also started conversations regarding investment promotion.

Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I expressed his delight about the team visiting his office.  He said that he had heard about GCC-USA and hopes that communications will be more forthcoming between the two organizations since their objectives are similar- the development of Ghana through enterprise. In turn, Mr. CNN invited the leadership and members of GCC to the meetings a of GCC-USA whenever they are in New York City.

Nana Dankwaso I presented the visitors with official customized GCC textile and a customized kente scarf  as tokens of recognition into the GCCI family.

Explaining why he has been absent from the music scene for a while now, Ghanaian Gospel musician Noble Nketsiah, in his first Facebook live streaming, released his very latest song titled #Meto (I Will Sing):

“I have recorded over 35 very good songs but have been struggling on which to release at what time. Also, I have been working behind the scene and ready to re-launch the Implementation Phase of my ‘Kids-Off-the-Streets’ Project”.

Titled #Meto (I Will Sing), the hippy praise song features Morris Babyface; rap by born-again Lemaine– formerly of G-Life rap group, and vocal backing by singer Bernice Adjei-Kyere.

The Care Enough /Showbiz Africa artiste will release three new songs before the official launch of his 6^th album on May 26, 2018, according to his publicist, Larry Ekow Hagan.

Ghanaians residing in Italy are looking forward to the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL), Act 699 to enable them to exercise their franchise.

In Italy, there are about 44,000 registered Ghanaians who are doing various kinds of jobs throughout the country.

The Ghanaian Ambassador to Italy, Madam Paulina Patience Abayage in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic said she was confronted with the question as to when the ROPAL would be implemented during her familiarisation visit to the various Ghanaian communities in that country.

High Court directive

The High Court in Accra, Human Rights Division, presided over by Mr Justice Anthony K. Yeboah, in December 2017, ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to implement within 12 months, the ROPAL, 2006 (Act 699).

Mr Justice Yeboah said the EC had for the last 10 years, breached the rights of Ghanaians living abroad by failing to give them the opportunity to vote.

Ghanaian politics in Italy

“Everywhere I have gone to, they have been asking: So when are you bringing us ROPAL? You have no idea how much they are looking forward to vote,” Madam Abayage told the Daily Graphic.

She said there were lots of active Ghanaian politicking in Italy, adding that the various political parties in Ghana had support base in that country.

Madam Abayage noted, for instance, that just as campaigns were heating up in Ghana for the election of the party executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Ghanaians in Italy were also campaigning vigorously to elect their regional executives and on March 24, would elect the Italian branch executives of the party.

She said Ghanaians in Italy had kept abreast of developments in Ghana, adding, “they go on radio stations here to do politics as if they are in Ghana.”

Excitement

Madam Abayage said she was excited that steps were being taken, especially with the ruling of the Supreme Court directing the EC to implement the ROPAL and was hopeful that Ghanaians in the diaspora would have the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility in the next general elections in 2020.

She stated that it would come as welcome news to the over 44,000 eligible Ghanaians domiciled in Italy, explaining that even though officially the registered figure was 44,000, those not registered with the embassy were about the same number.

Law abiding

Madam Abayage praised Ghanaians in Italy for their high level of discipline and comportment, saying that wherever she went upon assuming office, the Italian authorities were very pleased with the conduct of Ghanaians in the country.

“Everywhere we have gone, the authorities have said very kind words about the Ghanaians and I have not had any strong adverse report about any Ghanaian,” she said.
She also commended them for investing in their children, adding that most of them were educating their children, which she said was encouraging.

Madam Abayage said there was an association of Ghanaians in Italy known as the Ghana National Association and also ethnic groupings.

And that most of the Ghanaians in Italy were found in the regions where there were industries and farms, especially in the southern and northern parts of that country.

No job in Italy

She, however, stated that many of the Ghanaians in Italy were going through tough times because they were not working because “generally there are no job opportunities and so, finding job in Italy is not easy.”

Madam Abayage said even when there was a job vacancy in Italy the first requirement was for the person to be able to speak the Italian language.

She, therefore, advised the youth struggling to travel to Europe, especially Italy, to reconsider their decision, “because the truth is that it is simply not easy over here,” adding that a lot of Ghanaians were homeless.”

Madam Abayage further advised that instead of paying those large sums of money to the traffickers also known as “connection” men to facilitate their travelling, they should rather use that money to begin some business in Ghana, “because, trust me, it is difficult in Italy.”

Source: Graphic.com.gh

“An American hero who served his nation in uniform, Private First Class Mensah sacrificed his life so that others might live, therefore embodying the noblest values of the profession of arms even while off duty.”

Private First Class (PFC) Emmanuel Mensah, a Ghanaian immigrant soldier who died while saving victims in a fire outbreak in Bronx, US has been honoured with a memorial in Ghana.

Eulogizing Emmanuel Mensah, at a memorial ceremony held at the US embassy Tuesday February 27, US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson described the fallen soldier as a selfless hero whose sacrifice cannot be overlooked.

“An American hero who served his nation in uniform, Private First Class Mensah sacrificed his life so that others might live, therefore embodying the noblest values of the profession of arms even while off duty.”

”His heroism is honoured both to the United States as in Ghana…His example teaches us the true meaning of citizenship, shaped and defined by his character, courage and honour. Emmanuel “performed these acts of heroism at the expense of his own life, which we honour today.”

Uncle of the deceased soldier, Andrew Kwadwo Oduro, extolled his nephew’s noble act, describing him as a man who concerned himself more with others than himself.

“I can’t be anymore prouder of him than I am today. I am proud because today we honour him not just as a valiant soldier unshaken and brave, till his last breath. He was a giant among men, one who was willing to risk it all to save one more person, a real world hero.”

He also appreciated efforts by the United States and Ghana to honour the bravery of his nephew.

Also paying homage to Emmanuel Mensah, Senior Defense Official of the US Embassy, LtCol Joseph Lee, US Marine Corps, said, he exemplified the highest value of self-sacrifice. He asked on all and sundry not to mourn but celebrate the fallen soldier.

Aside tributes which were read, a medal citation was presented in honour of the late hero. Also in attendance was Interior Minister, Ambrose Derry, some members of Emmanuel’s family as well as his colleagues from the US Army National Guard.

About Emmanuel Owusu Mensah

Emmanuel Mensah was born April 11, 1991 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra to Kwabena Mensah and the late Beatrice Owusu.

In 2012, Emmanuel migrated to the United States to join his father in the Bronx. He later enlisted in the New York State Army National Guard, completing basic training and advanced individual training in 2017.

On December 28, 2107, while home for Christmas, an accidental fire broke out in a neighbour’s apartment and quickly spread through the building. Although Emmanuel initially made it safely to the street, he made four separate forays back into the building to save his fellow residents.

He however could not return after his fourth trip into the inferno as he got trapped by smoke. Emmanuel is credited with saving four lives, and will forever be recognized as an American hero.

Women in Ghana have been warned against a growing trend for taking pills during pregnancy to lighten the skin of their unborn babies while they are still in the womb.

Medical experts say these illegal drugs can cause birth defects, including damage to limbs and internal organs.

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says using Glutathione pills for this purpose is dangerous, adding it wants “the general public to know that no product has been approved by the FDA in the form of a tablet to lighten the skin of the unborn child”.

The practice is growing in Ghana, according to the FDA, with pills often smuggled into the country inside luggage at airports in large quantities.

Although comprehensive data has not yet been gathered, the body says market surveillance and stakeholder activity have helped to reveal the trend among women crosses socio-economic divides.

Security agencies and police are working together to arrest and prosecute companies and individuals in possession of the illegal tablets.

Ghana hit the headlines last month when candidates for jobs in the immigration service were disqualified from the recruitment process if they bleached skin or stretch marks, for fear they might bleed during the “strenuous” training.

Source: BBC

“We believe in promoting our own. Over the years, we have promoted local drama, music and entertainment. It is going to be an exciting time on our platforms,” she promised.

Ghana’s leading media conglomerate, Media General, has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for Ghana’s premier music awards, the Vodafone Ghana Music, for this year.

This brings the nation’s longest standing and the most prestigious music awards to the home of millions of Ghanaians across the country live on TV3, the nation’s favourite leading television channel, as well as its sister media stations (3FM, 3news.com, Onua FM, Connect FM and Akoma FM).

A partnership agreement between Media General and CharterHouse Ghana was signed live on TV3 Midday Live on February 26 by Group Chief Executive of Media General, Mrs. Pearl Esua-Mensah and Chief Executive of CharterHouse, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade.

Per the agreement, TV3 and its sister stations will have exclusive access to the announcement of nominees, the pre-event nominees jam in Cape Coast, the red carpet on the awards night (April 14, 2018), the live awards night and the post-event celebration jam on April 28 among others.

Signing the agreement, Esua-Mensah said the Media General Group is focused on supporting local content.

“We believe in promoting our own. Over the years, we have promoted local drama, music and entertainment. It is going to be an exciting time on our platforms,” she promised.

Mrs. Ayoade on her part said TV3 viewers would enjoy exciting moments on the station with 360 exclusivity to the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

The partnership is in line with TV3’s commitment to provide its cherished viewers with absolutely the best in entertainment while promoting local content to enrich the lives of the audience and the Ghanaian creative arts industry. It further strengthens TV3’s position as the leading TV channel for entertainment — providing businesses and advertisers with the best platform to reach their target audience and customers.

TV3 remains the most watched television channel delivering unparalleled news, entertainment, sports, drama among others to Ghanaians across the country.

Source: 3news.com

The nominees for the FashionGHANA Honours & Awards 2018 scheduled to take place during Accra Fashion Week on 31st March & 1st April at the Providence Events Center have been released.

The awards concept which was inspired by bringing to light the hard workers in the fashion industry will eventually come to life this March in the midst of runway shows by some of Ghana’s best brands coupled with foreign fashion brands.

“The most inspiring thing is the appreciation people in the industry and nominees are giving for the nominations. A lot of people feel a sense of motivation and a public sense of gratitude by seeing themselves on the platform, and that’s what matters the most to us” – Abigail Eyitemi, Secretary at FashionGHANA.

“The FashionGHANA.com awards are strictly fashion centered. We understand there are a lot of talented models, photographers, and more, some even more popular than the ones that made the final nominations upset for not seeing their names on the list, but when we look at the culture of fashion on a global scale, such as what makes a fashion models, the work of fashion photographers, their mode of work, and more, then one will see why these are the top tiers in Ghana and they need to be acknowledged for it”

The awards will be 70% based on votes and some categories even 100%. The organization hopes to inspire more young talent whilst exposing their works to more professionals across the world.

Africa’s beautiful screen goddess and humanitarian, Juliet Ibrahim releases these photos ahead of her birthday celebration on March 3rd.

CEO of ShadesByJulietIbrahim lashes and Founder of the ‘Juliet Ibrahim Foundation’ once again shows us why she is one of Africa’s most prized personalities. She has decided to stun the world with this sultry and vintage-themed photoshoot.

Photographer – @GeorgeOkoro

Stylist / Image Consultant – @StyledByTimi

Makeup – @vugo24

HairStylist – @solangehairandbeautyshop

Designers – @dive4luv @grazeestitches

Accessories – @urezkulture @theaccessoryavenue

Costume / Wardrobe – @obitaris101

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim

This time around, the #SeriousBanta crew discuss a relatively sensitive topic, homosexuality.

In a country where same sex marriages and partnerships are punishable by 14years in a federal prison, this is one topic that most Nigerians would rather stay out of, but not the controversial lot that is the crew of Serious Banta.

In this episode, there are several opinions ranging from homosexuality being birthed from evil spirits to it being a choice. Whichever side of the radical spectrum you fall into, there’s something for every opinion in this particular episode.

Watch the full video below.

The Founder and leader of the True Fire Prophetic Ministry (TFPWM), Prophet Nigel Gaisie, who correctly prophesied the death of Ebony Reigns has again prophesied that Ghana will likely lose a first lady in 2018.

In a yet to be aired interview on After Hours with Mikki Osei Berko, the prophet called on Ghanaians to pray for our two first ladies.

He stated: “Let’s pray for our first ladies before the fall of the year. Most of my prophesies for 2018 are coming to pass. I saw the NPP crying.”

In the same interview, Prophet Nigel insisted that he was led to prophesy about John Mahama’s victory in the next elections.

The full interview with Mikki Osei Berko on the After Hours show will be aired on Friday at 9pm on TV3.

Check out the videos below;

The Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG) has been inaugurated at a ceremony held at the Accra Tourism Information Centre (ATIC) on Friday 2nd March, 2018.

The programme was attended by arts and tourism writers, radio and TV personalities and dignitaries from the arts, tourism and related fields.

In a short speech before he would inaugurate the ATWAG executive committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyemang urged them to be bold in leading the group to achieve the objectives for which it was formed.

Also a past President of the Ghana Independent Broadcaster Association (GIBA), Mr. Agyemang noted that there would be difficult times for such an association, but the executive should not give up

There was also induction of the executive committee, which was elected on in December. The swearing of oath of office was led and administered by a judge of the Circuit Court, Her Honour Ruby Aryeetey.

The following people took the oath and were inducted into office as executive of ATWAG:

• William Asiedu (Managing Editor, Daily Heritage Newspaper) – President
• Francis Doku (General Manager, MG Digital Limited at Media General Group) – Vice President
• Mic Yamoah (Flex newspaper) – Secretary
• Frank Owusu (Hitz FM) – Treasurer
• Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah (Attractivemustapha.com) – Organiser
• Kwame Dadzie (Citi FM) – Public Relations Officer
• David Mawuli (Pulse.com.gh) – Research Officer
• Sandra Ankobiah (Broadcaster and Lawyer) – Legal Adviser
• Makeba Boateng (Media and PR Practitioner) – Women’s Commissioner

The ATWAG Executive Committee has a four-year mandate to run the association after which elections will be held.

The President of the association, Mr. William Asiedu, in his speech thanked the members for reposing trust in him and promised to work conscientiously towards the well-being of the association.

Nanabanyin Dadson, former Editor of Graphic Showbiz and chairman for the occasion expressed his joy at the formation of ATWAG and urged the executive and members to work with other allied associations and groups to meet the objectives for which it was formed.

Also present at the programme were ace music producer Fred Kyei Mensah, gospel artiste Dr. Wegeiwor Asewer, reps from the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and a representative of the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

About ATWAG

The Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG) is an association of Ghanaian arts writers/journalists and media workers.

ATWAG seeks to promote arts, tourism and culture reporting in Ghana while developing the professional capacity and the welfare of its members.

ATWAG is also aimed at promoting co-operation and collaboration among its members and players in the arts, tourism and culture value chain.

William Asiedu (Managing Editor, Daily Heritage Newspaper) – President

Francis Doku (General Manager, MG Digital Limited at Media General Group) – Vice President

Mic Yamoah (Flex newspaper) – Secretary

Frank Owusu (Hitz FM) – Treasurer

Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah (Attractivemustapha.com) – Organiser

Kwame Dadzie (Citi FM) – Public Relations Officer

David Mawuli (Pulse.com.gh) – Research Officer

Sandra Ankobiah (Broadcaster and Lawyer) – Legal Adviser

Makeba Boateng (Media and PR Practitioner) – Women’s Commissioner

Signed: Kwame Dadzie (Public Relations Officer) Tel: 0242 77 84 69

The Vodafone Ghana music awards unmasked the various nominations including the Best Rapper of the Year category on 3rd March 2018.

2MG Music official artist Eno Barony garnered an undeniable nomination for the Best Rapper of the year 2018, making her the first and only female to make it into the competitive category which is always dominated by the men.

Earlier this year saw the release of the “King of Queens” Eno Barony’s maiden studio album “YaaAsantewaa” which was well received by the music fanatics and the populace due to the obvious fact that the rapper put in her all into brewing this iconic project, a must listened portfolio of record that will stand the test of time so far as African hip hop and afro-pop genre is concerned here.

Mix Master Garzy will be very proud of her newly signed artiste as she hit the nail right on the head. Eno’s controversial hip-hop song “FEAR NO MAN” produced by Ghana’s very own Hype Lyrixs got her this enviable nomination among the Penta-man squad. The likes of Africa’s mega superstar Sarkodie and other rappers like Lil Shaker, Strongman, Teephlow, Ko-jo Cue all lie in the same slot with Eno.

In the other news, the female rap queen is out with a glaring visual to her head busting single “Fear No Man” directed by Ghana’s ace director Takyi Natives.

Meanwhile, the management and PR of the rap diva will unveil the official voting flyer anytime soon with procedures to Vote for the “KING OF QUEENS” in (BEST RAPPER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY).

The Ghana Health Service says it is making efforts to secure a ban on the smoking of water-pipe tobacco popularly known as shisha and electronic cigarettes by the middle of 2018.

The Principal Research Officer of the GHS, Divine Darlington, says a research conducted by his outfit showed that most of the country’s youth have ditched the smoking of traditional tobacco cigarettes for e-cigarettes and shisha.

The research revealed that that the rate of smoking shisha and e-cigarettes among young people has shot up to 5.3 percent, higher than the traditional use of tobacco which stands at 2.8 percent.

Mr. Darlington in an interview on the sidelines of the 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health held in Cape Town, South Africa, revealed that the GHS was collaborating with the Ministry of Health to secure a ban on shisha this year.

He said research on the smoking of shisha had revealed that one puff from a shisha tube equaled the smoking of an entire cigarette.

“All the effects of smoking are in shisha and electronic cigarettes, so FDA does not have that regulation right now to control shisha and that of electronic cigarettes,” Mr Darlington lamented.

He added “However, we are working with the Ministry of Health now to ban shisha and electronic cigarettes now in Ghana. Shisha use is more harmful than cigarettes, one puff from that tube is equal to one full cigarette that you smoke, so it is more dangerous than cigarette, so with that alone as far as public health is concerned, we are using that alone to ban it from Ghana. I can assure you by the middle of this year surely that has to be done”.

What is shisha?

Shisha – also known as ‘hookah’ or a ‘water pipe’ – is tobacco that’s usually fruit-flavoured, and smoked through a glass-bottomed pipe filled with water.

A porcelain attachment is topped with flavoured tobacco, covered with foil, and then heated with roasted charcoal.

Shisha’s origins are disputed – it’s thought to either originate from India, Persia or Turkey – but in any case, it’s now really popular in the UK.

Shisha bans on the rise worldwide

If the ban is passed, Ghana will become the third African country to ban shisha after Tanzania and Rwanda. Other countries with similar bans are Pakistan, Jordan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in an advisory note to regulators, revealed that smoking shisha posed grave health risks.

In a single session, it said, shisha smokers can inhale the smoke of 100 or more cigarettes.

“Cigarette smokers typically take eight to 12 cigarettes with a 40 to 75-millimetre puffs and inhaled 0.5 to 0.6 litres of smoke unlike shisha smoking sessions which typically last 20 to 80 minutes, during which the smoker may take 50 to 200 puffs which range from about 0.15 to 1 litre each,” it said.

Shisha smoking is very popular among young people in Ghana with many believing it is harmless because the risks of tobacco are reduced since it is purified as it passes through the water-pipe known as hookah.

The smoke exposes the user to the addictive chemical nicotine as well as tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.

Shisha smoke is associated with increased risk of disease— cancer, heart and lung complications.

It is also known to cause problems during pregnancy among female smokers.

The side effects may not be immediately noticeable but just like cigarettes, the harmful fumes slowly damage certain parts of the body of a shisha smoker over time.

Tobacco Conference urges governments to phase out tobacco products sale by 2021

Dr Harry Lando, Chair of the WCTOH Organizing Committee, announced eleven declarations of the 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health.

Thanking delegates, organizers and speakers for their contribution to the success of the conference, he emphasized the significance of holding this year’s conference in Africa for the first time. Dr Fenton Howell from the Department of Health, Ireland, was then invited on stage to announce that the 2021 World Conference on Tobacco of Health will be held in Dublin.

Dr Lando read the official conference declaration before closing the conference:

We, the participants of the WCTOH, meeting on the African continent for the first time, and delighted that for the first time the WCTOH has a woman as President emphasize that:

The tobacco epidemic represents one of the biggest public health threats that the world has ever faced. Tobacco use kills more than 7 million people each year, and the vast majority of these deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.

The global economic cost of smoking amounts to nearly 2 trillion dollars and 2 percent of the worlds GDP in 2016.

Tobacco use also undermines sustainable development, imposing a huge burden on the global economy, exacerbating poverty, contributing to food insecurity, and harming the environment.

There is an irreconcilable conflict between the manufacture and marketing of tobacco products and the right to health.

The tobacco industry is a driver of poverty and linked to child labor, violation of workers’ rights, food insecurity and exploitation of farmers. African governments need to take concrete and urgent action to implement alternative livelihoods that are the rich sources of income free from tobacco.

Ending the scourge of tobacco and achieving the SDGs will require urgent action.

Therefore the 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health affirms the following:

WCTOH 2018 Declarations

• We call on governments to unite with civil society to stop tobacco industry interference and accelerate implementation of the WHO FCTC using a whole of government approach.
• We urge governments, scientists, research entities, foundations, and civil society organizations to reject or cease engagement with the Philip Morris International-funded Foundation for a Smokefree World and other initiatives of the tobacco industry
• We adopt the Cape Town Declaration on Human Rights and a Tobacco-free World
• We call on African governments to operationalize the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development that recommends increasing tobacco taxes as an untapped, sustainable domestic resource mobilization strategy, for accelerating the implementation of the WHO FCTC in Africa
• We call on Parties to actively engage in the development of the WHO FCTC Medium Term Strategic Framework and Plan and to endorse them at the forthcoming eighth session of the Conference of the Parties of the WHO FCTC.
• We support the concept of a tobacco-free generation and commit to empowering youth involvement and advocacy as a means to achieving a tobacco-free world.
• We call on Finance Ministers to actively support the WCTOH 2018 Declarations by prioritizing sustainable funding for tobacco control and ceasing public and private investment in the tobacco industry.
• We call on governments to extend as a priority, fiscal policies to continually decrease the affordability and accessibility of tobacco products
• We call on the Parties to the WHO FCTC to integrate gender-based data collection and reporting into Party reports to the Conference of the Parties on their implementation of the WHO FCTC by COP9.
• We call upon the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to align with the decision of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and end its collaboration with the tobacco industry immediately
• We call upon governments to develop a plan by 2021 for phasing out the sale of tobacco products.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

International SOS And Control Risks Predicts This Trend To Continue As Globalisation And Business Travel Increase

As global business travel continues to increase at a rapid pace, International SOS and Control Risks, the alliance that brings together two of the world’s leading medical and security specialists, today reveals insight into the importance of travel security support to the business traveller. In the past two years alone, demand for security advice has grown by almost 30%, and has had an 800% increase since the launch of the partnership in 2008[1]. On average, over 100 business travellers and international assignees a day have been supported with advice² in the past year.

This month (March 2018) International SOS and Control Risks celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their strategic alliance. It is the longest running strategic alliance of its kind and was the industry’s first. Since launch, it has supported members with over 5.3m pre-travel advisories and over 100,000 situation development / crisis alerts.

David Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Security Services at International SOS, comments, “Globalisation and an increasing emphasis on Duty of Care has brought the necessity of robust security risk management programmes to the forefront of the corporate agenda, and business leaders have become increasingly aware that this is an essential aspect of business resilience. Through our partnership with Control Risks, we have been able to take the lead globally in providing expert pre-travel advice, up-to-the-minute situational awareness and on the ground support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our focus on technology enables our clients to know where their people are and our combined strength means that we can provide both security and medical rapid response assistance to them wherever and whenever necessary.”

Richard Fenning, Chief Executive Officer, Control Risks, adds, “I am delighted that through our alliance with International SOS we have transformed the service we deliver to our clients. Bringing together the capabilities of our two organisations has given international corporations the bedrock they need to ensure that their global workforce receives the medical, security and emergency assistance they need to be successful wherever they operate. Over the decade we have been working together, we have forged a partnership that has proven its success to prevent significant disruption and distress for our clients through awareness building, training and intervention. I am proud that together we have created the market-defining standard in travel security management for clients from right across the world.”

Since launching the partnership in 2008, International SOS and Control Risks have created a number of industry leading solutions and services aimed at keeping business travellers and international assignees safe while overseas. The proprietary, award winning, TravelTracker tool, continuously enhanced during the alliance, enables over 2,000 clients to locate over 3 million employees on demand. Along with the recently launched Incident Support, this provides essential support within the first hour of an incident.

Multi-lingual platforms including Digital Learning, classroom training simulations and a range of further digital travel risk mitigation services serve as a complement to the International SOS Assistance offering, providing members with web-based tools to understand and prepare for all medical, security and travel risks. Combinations of these services offer the capability to help clients fulfil their Duty of Care to their travellers and include expert-led medical and security intelligence for over 227 countries and 410 cities.

To know more about how International SOS and Control Risks successful partnership supports the mobile workforce, click here.

“My brand target is beyond nominations and awards” – eShun

Artiste of the Year for the Central Music Awards eShun has stated that her music brand is beyond awards. She said this on Facebook live, replying to an earlier post on Facebook. ‘I put everything into this journey, a brilliant performer, an awesome vocalist I am very discouraging these things that are happening. I QUIT.’ 

The statement begged a lot of questions with some suggesting that she was somehow peeved at the fact that she was declined a nomination for the upcoming VGMA’s hence the post. But the SomeOne Loves Me hit maker said, “My music journey is actually bigger than this, why would I say I quit music, because I didn’t get a nomination from VGMA. That doesn’t make sense.”

“What’s the guarantee that when an artiste gets a nomination they will win that category?’ eShun quizzed on her Facebook Page LIVE (Facebook.com/eShunonline).

“I didn’t ever say anywhere that I quit music. Won’t quit for any other award scheme in the world for that matter; it’s important to know what you have and where you are headed and I know.” eShun added.

In response to a question by one of the viewers concerning what she hopes to achieve in her career, the electrifying songstress  said she believes she has the best voice in Africa and that she wants to inspire minds and hearts of Africans in particular and the world at large.

The UNCHR High Level Supporter against Statelessness – West Africa, eShun added, “I want my brand to be known and loved by about 50 percent of Africans by the seventh year in my music career, so help me God!”

She also sung her latest reggae tune “Fa me Kor” to her more than 1000 Facebook Page LIVE viewers. She encouraged her fans who are disappointed to cheer up since there are more amazing works she will be putting out soon to inspire and entertain them.

“I believe I work really hard but according to VGMA board they feel others worked harder than I did, so maybe at the right time VGMA will see my works and if they feel I deserve to be nominated and awarded they will nominate and award me”, eShun told her viewers on Facebook LIVE.

The Quophimens Musiq Signed Artiste, eShun, is working on her debut album ‘Untamed’ which was postponed due to the passing of the late Ebony Reigns.

Story by Ewurama Boateng

Praying for the icons of our society is as important as prophesying into their lives. It is high time our spiritual leaders not only prophesy but also pray and offer guidance as there are diverse challenges these icons face.

Unfortunately what we experience is the aftermath of the prophesies, which these spiritual leaders often see as opportunities to market themselves as prophets with special abilities. The question usually is… Are they spiritual guides/ leaders doing the actual work of God or Do they prophesy for fame?

Death is inevitable but often uncertain. I believe in living life everyday like it was your last because of the obvious; none is promised tomorrow but while at that be humble and kindhearted.

As a philanthropist I do not think you need to be rich, wealthy or comfortable financially before you extend help to those who needs it.  Humans will forget your words but will forever remember the impact and difference you make in their lives. Hence would not hesitate to share my last cedi note with one who needs it.

My foundation HINA NUMBU focuses on empowering the youth starting from the 3 Northern regions with special emphasis on females. They are encouraged and challenged not only to chase but design their dreams through the use of pageantry.

The foundation conducts free health screenings across these regions. This includes the screening done during the Dumba festival in Wa (Upper West region), the capital host a lot of people from various villages at the Wa Naa’s palace to celebrate the festival. The focal point on this yearly screening is on hypertension, diabetes, malaria and general body examination. Thousands have benefitted from this four years ritual made possible by family and friends. I am very grateful and appreciate them a lot for their continuous support. This is to say a good initiative will attract support with determination.

Salma Chaana Abdul Razak is the first Upper West representative in Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2010 to reach the final stage of the competition. She never stopped intriguing the audience with outstanding performances week after week showcasing the amazing rich culture and traditions of the Upper West region all the way to the finals. Efo Kojo of blessed memory was always impressed by the depth of knowledge Chaana exhibited on Ghana’s Most Beautiful platform.

After Ghana’s Most beautiful Chaana has been busy with Lead roles in television commercials for renowned brands including but to mention a few ; GTP, Hisense, Allure Spa, West Hills mall and Universal Merchant Bank.

Salma Chaana Abdul Razak