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Ghana ranks 3rd most peaceful African country – Peace Index
Ghana has been ranked third in the Global Peace Index (GPI) as the most peaceful African country.
The ranking by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) also rated Ghana as the 43rd most peaceful country in the world.
According to the 14th edition of the ranking of the IEP, Ghana moved up one place from the 2019 GPI and it is now behind only Mauritius (1st) and Botswana (2nd) in sub-Saharan Africa, while South Sudan remains the least peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ghana rose on the rankings despite Sub-Saharan Africa’s slight fall in peacefulness on the 2020 GPI, with an overall score deterioration of 0.5 percent.
The ranking noted that 20 countries in the region improved in peacefulness, while 24 deteriorated.
The region’s three countries that recorded high points in peacefulness in last year’s ranking were South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, all of which recorded improvements of more than six percent, while Benin experienced the biggest deterioration of any country in the world, falling 34 places in the ranking to 106th on the 2020 GPI.
The poor performance may not be unconnected with sporadic clashes, which erupted across the country, following the election in April 2019, in which the opposition party was effectively banned, leading to a deterioration in political instability.
Niger recorded the second largest deterioration in the region. Over the last year, cross-border armed robberies and violent crimes by gangs led to a deterioration of the violent crime indicator.
According to the index, civil unrest in sub-Saharan Africa rose by more than 800 percent over the period, from 32 riots and protests in 2011 to 292 in 2018.
pulse.com
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
