Hot!
Labone SHS thrills guests at 20th Yosakoi festival
The Japanese Ambassador speaking at the festival
The Labone Senior High School (SHS) emerged winners of this year’s 20th Japan-Ghana Yosakoi festival held in Accra on Saturday.
The school displayed great flair, confidence and a better understanding of the Japanese culture with their Yosakoi dance and other activities to beat other schools including St. Peter’s SHS, St. Roses SHS and St. Dominic’s SHS to the top prize.
Yosakoi is one of the oldest Japanese dance festivals which had lasted for over 60 years and gained recognition in other parts of the world including Ghana.
With the relationship between Ghana and Japan, the festival, spearheaded by the Japan Embassy in Ghana, is held every year as part of efforts to promote cultures between the two countries.
This year’s event was graced by the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mochizuki Hisanobu and renowned Ghanaian highlife songstress, Akosua Agyepong.
Japanese Reggae sensation, CJ Joe also thrilled the crowd to some scintillating Japanese Reggae songs while students also took turns to showcase their skills.
The Ghana Jiu Jiutsu Federation also performed at the festival alongside the Ghana Karate Federation.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, the Japanese Ambassador Mochizuki Hisanobu praised the contestants for their efforts, adding that the festival was gradually gaining grounds in the country.
He urged all to continue promoting culture because it has the potential to foster unity and progression.
By Michael D. Abayateye
Hot!
Ghana to locally refine its gold starting October 2025 – Sammy Gyamfi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that plans are far advanced for the establishment of a state-owned gold refinery in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention, Mr Gyamfi said the refinery will process locally mined gold into bullion instead of exporting it in its raw state.
According to him, it is unacceptable that Ghana, despite being a leading gold producer in Africa, continues to export raw gold known as dore.
He explained that the Gold Board, working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, will from October 2025 begin refining gold locally.
He also disclosed that an ultramodern assay laboratory will be built to ensure international standards in testing gold quality.
Mr Gyamfi noted that the refinery will be wholly state-owned and will help Ghana move away from raw mineral exports to value addition.
This, he said, will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and position Ghana as a hub for gold refining and jewellery production in Africa.
The CEO stressed that the project forms part of government’s strategy to ensure the country benefits fully from its natural resources and to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
There is strength in diversity; let’s live in peace – Zanetor Rawlings urges Ghanaians
Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to value the peace the country enjoys and to see diversity as a source of strength.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change”, she warned against being lured into conflicts and divisions fueled by reckless statements from politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, or academics.
According to her, many young people have no idea what it means to live in a country torn apart by war, and therefore must not take Ghana’s peace for granted.
She stressed that the harmony among different ethnic and regional groups should be protected at all costs, since it is peace that allows citizens to gather freely and safely.
Dr. Zanetor said Ghana’s development depends on embracing diversity and working together.
She urged the youth to tap into this strength so that Ghana would continue to shine as the “Black Star” of Africa and serve as an example for other nations.
She expressed appreciation to the participants for attending the conference and asked for God’s blessings on the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
