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Celebrating the 129th Anniversary of the birth of Shirley Graham Du Bois, a Pan-Africanist

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Born on November 11, 1896, Shirley Graham Du Bois was a pioneering African American writer, composer, historian, and civil rights activist whose voice helped shape the cultural and political landscape of the twentieth century.

In 1961, she traveled to Ghana with her husband, the legendary scholar and Pan-Africanist Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, at the invitation of President Kwame Nkrumah. While Dr. Du Bois laid the intellectual foundation of Pan-Africanism, Shirley gave it rhythm, colour, and voice.

She played a key role in introducing television to Ghana and worked closely with President Kwame Nkrumah to build a new national broadcast identity.

She later became Ghana’s first woman to direct the nation’s television service (Ghana Television), using
media to celebrate African identity and independence.

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In her own right, Shirley set remarkable records. She was the first African American woman to write and produce an all-Black opera, Tom-Tom: An Epic of Music and the Negro (1932).

She was also among the first Black women to earn a master’s degree from
Oberlin College and one of the earliest to publish widely read biographies of Black heroes such as Frederick Douglass and Paul Robeson.

Her books were later included in U.S. school curricula in the 1940s.

Her final years were spent in China, where she continued to champion peace and equality until her passing in 1977.

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Today, her ashes rest beside her husband’s at the W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Accra, a lasting symbol of their shared dream of a united and liberated Africa.

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Ibrahim Mahama denies interest in acquiring VALCO, threatens legal action over false claims

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Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).

His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.

In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.

“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.

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The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”

It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.

“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.

The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Kristo Asafo leadership denies July 30 burial date for Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka

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The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.

The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.

He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.

“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.

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He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.

According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.

Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.

He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.

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Background

Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.

The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.

Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.

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It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.

That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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