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2nd Edition of Black History Festival Officially Launched
The Black History Festival, a special initiative dedicated to the celebration of the strong ties between Governments of the United States of America and the African Union member states over the years has been officially launched on 16th December 2022 at the Africa Trade House in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the Ceremony, the Coordinator of the Black History Festival, Mr. Stephen Selasie Asuo reiterated that it became necessary for the Bureau for International Development, Exchanges and Commerce (BIDEC) to facilitate the promotion of exchange ideas, businesses, and culture amongst other innovations to the diaspora, to foster sustainable partnership for positive development in Ghana and the African continent. This he believes will boost investor confidence in the continent and reduce unemployment in the sub-region.
He commended the efforts of key partners and stakeholders especially the US Government, and the Government of Ghana amongst others, and further announced that plans have been advanced for a Black History Awards which is targeted at 40 African Americans who have contributed to the socio-economic transformation and development of Ghana and other African countries whether posthumous or living.
He said ‘’Africa has a relationship with the US therefore there’s no African American history without Africa’’
The chairman of the parliamentary select committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah in a remark said, ‘’ the US continues to see Ghana as a beacon of hope in Africa because of our continued diplomatic relationship in the area of business, etc though Ghana exports minimal products to the states’’. He noted that the Black History Festival is a good platform to showcase made in Ghana to the world and he urged the organizers of the BHF, to lead change in exposing a lot more innovations in Ghana other than the usual products that are being exhibited all the time. This he said will attract a lot more people from the diaspora.
Head of Diaspora at the office of the president, Mr. Kwasi Awuah on his part said, serving as the chairman for the Year of Return project, he believes there’s a lot of potential with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora to play a key role alongside their Ghanaian counterparts for economic transformation therefore this project is timely to explore such potentials.
In a statement by the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah Adjei, she said ‘’we need to be proud of what we have and to patronize made in Ghana, that’s the only way we can support the private sector in creating a lot more innovative opportunities for young people.
CEO of EIB Network, Mr. Nathaniel Adisi popularly known as Bola Ray in Showbiz noted that Ghana has a bank of creative ideas that can be projected for revenue for the country, therefore, calling on all stakeholders in the creative industry to find a way to create an enabling environment to intentionally market what we have to the diaspora.
Chief of Banda Ahenkro, Dr. Kofi Anyan has pledged to lease lands to individuals from the diaspora hoping to invest in the area of Agriculture and other useful ventures. This he feels should be replicated by all traditional heads in the country
The second edition of BHF will be held in Columbus Ohio, USA from 15th to 18th February 2023 and It is a unique chance for stakeholders to have a common platform to commemorate the heritage, arts, culture, trade, leadership, and innovation of Africa in the history of the United States of America
![Dr. Clement Abas Apaak [left] presenting the Overall best student award to master Dzade Kingsley.Photo Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.-Clement-Abas-Apaak-left-presenting-the-Overall-best-student-award-to-master-Dzade-Kingsley.Photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
The Accra Technical University (ATU), on Friday, held its 25th graduation ceremony in Accra, with a total of 5,016 students receiving degree and diploma certificates across various fields of study.
The graduates were awarded Master of Technology (MTech), Master of Science (MSc), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma, and Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) certificates.
Out of the total number, 60 students (one per cent) received MSc/MTech certificates, 935 (19 per cent) were awarded BTech degrees, 3,763 (75 per cent) obtained HND certificates, 125 (two per cent) received Diplomas, while 133 students (three per cent) were awarded GAF certificates.
In addition, 59 awards were presented across 11 categories. Kingsley Dzade was adjudged the overall Best Graduation student.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, challenged the graduands to take the lead in emerging technologies.
He noted that as the world continues to evolve, it is essential for graduates to take initiative and help change outdated narratives.
Dr Apaak further urged them to position themselves at the forefront of innovation and national transformation.
“Do not wait for opportunities; create them. Preparedness is not defined solely by what you know. It is defined by what you can do,” he said.
According to him, the government’s ongoing investment in digital transformation within the education sector, including expanded access to digital learning platforms and strengthened Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, would equip graduates to lead in innovation and digital transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, commended the Class of 2025 for graduating with industry-ready skills, and urged them to become leaders in digital transformation and innovation rather than mere observers.
“Graduation is not the end of learning; it is the moment of taking charge of new concepts and ideas,” he stressed.
“These graduands represent more than graduates, embodying the process of innovation, the strength of technical excellence, and the spirit of transformation our nation urgently needs,” Prof. Acakpovi added.
The ceremony, themed: ‘Emerging Technologies: How Prepared Are You,’ attracted government officials, industry partners, alumni, and families who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 graduating class.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
The General Overseer of Jesus Prayer Ministry (Superintendent Minister) at Ejisu Asuasi, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region and Accra Pig farm, Rt Rev. Dr (Mrs) Grace Frimpong-Boateng, has asked Christians to pray for the country and its leadership during this period of Easter.
According to her, the current happenings in Ghana were abnormal and was important for Christians to make supplications to their maker for an intervention.
“As Christians, we must stand in the gap. I implore all Christians including ministers of God to unite in prayer for Ghana to be saved from any calamity, including plane crashes and motor accidents that claim the lives of well-known ministers of God and others,” he stated.
Delivering her Easter message, Rt Rev. Dr (Mrs) Grace Frimpong-Boateng mentioned that Easter was a time to remember Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
“Jesus gave his life to save everyone and deliver humanity from the forces of evil,” she stated.
And the benefit of Christ’s death and resurrection, she said was to rescue humanity from the clutches of the devil.
“I want you to have faith that God will bless you and accomplish His purposes for your life as we celebrate Easter. Believe that this year will be good and you will receive whatever you require in accordance with God’s plan for your life,” she indicated.
This, she emphasised, was the reason why Christians must not sit idle, but rather, channel their energies into intense prayers to reverse the negative trends that have overwhelmed the country in recent times, citing examples such as illegal mining (galamsey) pit collapses, road crashes and air crashes.
“Throughout this period of Easter and beyond, let’s stand together and be kind to one another and pray that God would bless and heal our land,” she underlined.
Rt Rev. Dr (Mrs) Frimpong-Boateng also urged the President, John Dramani Mahama, members of the Council of State, the Ministers of State, the Kings and Queens, and other traditional leaders to get up and offer prayers for God to intervene in the untimely deaths.
“I once dreamed that Ghana had turned into a stone and that everything was completely dark. I told several pastors but no one heeded to it. This has shown up as illicit mining, which is commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ Whenever I mention something that God has revealed to me, let’s pray sincerely for God’s intervention,” she disclosed.
She also indicated that these problems were not beyond the power of God who is able to transform lives and halt all the negative trends.
“With prayers, God can heal all the diseases we are talking about in our country. I have prayed for people and they have been cured of conditions including glaucoma, cancer, and brain tumours, among others. The same God is capable to answering all the supplications we make to him.”
“Let’s have faith in the power of God and trust Him in all we do. You won’t regret it if we turn from our sins and wicked ways now and allow Jesus to take control of our lives,” she noted.
She added that, “Ghana belongs to us so let’s commit to serving our nation. You will definitely return to Ghana, no matter where you go. We think things are quite difficult but with God on our side, we can overcome every challenge we face as a country.”
By Spectator Reporter
