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Bnoskka to champion UNESCO Aschberg Programme in Ghana as National Expert
In a significant recognition of his expertise, Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jnr, aka Bnoskka, has been awarded a consultancy contract by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the National Expert for the UNESCO Aschberg Program in Ghana.
This contract, which runs from October 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, is a testament to Bnoskka’s extensive knowledge and experience in creative arts business and intellectual property issues. As the sole national expert, he will be responsible for training 400 emerging artists and cultural professionals across Ghana, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the creative industry.
The project, fully funded by UNESCO, aims to promote the creative arts sector in Ghana, contributing to the country’s economic growth and cultural development. The National Commission on Culture, in collaboration with stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries, will organize activities across the country, leveraging Bnoskka’s expertise to ensure the project’s success.
Following a competitive call for expressions of interest, Bnoskka was selected for his outstanding qualifications and experience in creative arts business and intellectual property. As the sole national expert, he will lead the implementation of the project, training 400 emerging artists and cultural professionals across Ghana.
The project aims to: Strengthen the creative arts sector in Ghana, Enhance the capacity of emerging artists and cultural professionals, Promote cultural diversity and creativity, and Foster international cooperation and collaboration.
Bnoskka’s responsibilities will include: Developing training programs and materials,Conducting workshops and training sessions, Mentoring emerging artists and cultural professionals and Collaborating with stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries.
Bnoskka, a lecturer at the School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba, has established himself as a leading expert in creative arts business and intellectual property. He has organized numerous seminars and workshops, sharing his knowledge with artists, cultural professionals, and students. His expertise spans business development, trademark laws, patents, copyright, branding, and cultural and international relations.
As a published author and researcher, Bnoskka’s work focuses on music, arts, and culture business and intellectual property rights and law. His publications and research have contributed significantly to the field, making him a respected voice in Ghana and beyond.
This contract underscores Bnoskka’s commitment to promoting Ghana’s creative arts sector and his reputation as a leading expert in the field. His involvement in the UNESCO Aschberg Program is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s creative industry, empowering emerging artists and cultural professionals to succeed.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has pledged to work closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address challenges affecting the delivery of justice in Ghana.
He made this known after receiving the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who paid a courtesy call on him earlier today.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, was also present at the meeting.
Dr. Forson said the Chief Justice explained that the visit was to express appreciation for the continuous support the Ministry of Finance has given to the Judiciary.
According to him, the Chief Justice raised concerns about congestion in the courts, describing it as a major challenge that affects the speedy delivery of justice.
He said several solutions are currently being considered to help reduce the pressure on the courts.
“The Chief Justice also highlighted issues regarding the working conditions of staff within the Judiciary,” Dr. Forson stated.
He assured them of his commitment to helping resolve these problems through collaboration with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice.
“I am committed to working closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to tackle these challenges,” he said.
As part of the measures being considered, Dr. Forson revealed that his ministry is examining the possibility of allowing the Judiciary to use 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to meet urgent operational needs.
He said this move, if approved, would help improve the efficiency of the courts and enhance justice delivery across the country.
The meeting forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Executive and the Judiciary in addressing systemic challenges within Ghana’s justice system.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has begun talks with the family of Guinea’s first President, Sékou Touré, to take possession of the house where Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah lived and worked during his final years in exile.
The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the move follows instructions from President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the residence in Guinea as a mark of respect for Nkrumah and to protect his legacy.
He explained that the site is expected to become part of a broader historical and tourism experience that traces Nkrumah’s life from Ghana to Guinea.
The decision was formally communicated to the Sékou Touré family on Saturday during a visit led by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The visit took place after the investiture of Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the Ghanaian delegation toured Nkrumah’s abandoned home and was warmly received by three generations of the Sékou Touré family, led by the former president’s eldest son.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently negotiating the terms and conditions of the arrangement and engaging preservation experts to handle the restoration works.
The minister assured the public that the process will be handled openly, stressing that Ghanaians will be kept informed at every stage in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first President and a leading figure in Africa’s independence and Pan African movements.
His years in Guinea symbolised the strong political and ideological ties between the two countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
