News
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
Ghanaian cinema continues to break boundaries as Vibes The Movie has received an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Toronto.
This latest international recognition is another proud moment for Ghana and a powerful testament to the creativity, originality, and global appeal of Ghanaian storytelling.
Directed by Big Ghun and starring Jeffrey Nortey, Vibes The Movie evolved from the hugely successful social media series, where the beloved characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of rap, comedy, and relatable stories about the everyday struggles and ambitions of Ghanaian youth.
The film has already brought honour to Ghana on the international stage, most recently winning an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in the United States.
The Chronicle noted that the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact among a competitive pool of global entries.
Now, with a nomination at TINFF in Canada, Vibes The Movie continues its remarkable journey from the streets of Accra to some of the world’s most respected film platforms.
The nomination underscores the growing global appreciation for authentic African stories and confirms that Ghanaian filmmakers are making a significant mark in international cinema.
As Vibes The Movie flies the Black Star high in Toronto, Ghana celebrates yet another cultural achievement that showcases the country’s talent, resilience, and storytelling excellence to the world
A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has broken silence on the deep-seated internal machinations within the party, warning that the continuous victimization of members could severely jeopardize unity ahead of the general elections.
In a post on the party’s internal democratic processes, the former National Entrpreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) boss, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah revealed how personal ambitions were stifled by party elites in the Asante Akyem Central constituency, despite overwhelming grassroots support.
According to the aggrieved party member, the decision to run for the parliamentary seat was not a self-serving agenda but a direct response to a call to service by the local constituents.
“My Asante Akyem Central people loved my politics and approached me to come and serve them as MP,” he stated.
He added that “But my own party elders blocked me and supported the incumbent MP to cheat through the system as if I was an outsider.”
The unfair playing field he revealed led to a massive financial distress. The stalwart disclosed incurring massive debts across two consecutive primary election cycles, alongside other personal challenges.
Despite the systemic sabotage, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah noted that he remained loyal, continuously defending both the NPP party and the government’s policies at all levels.
“Seeing what’s going on in the current polling station elections in several constituencies, it seems not much has changed,” he warned.
“The victimization of those who want to challenge current or former MPs should stop,” he stated.
With the general elections approaching, he cautioned,”You don’t treat party people anyhow and expect unconditional unity for the general elections.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
