Entertainment
Miss Tourism Ghana observes Global Handwashing Day
Miss Tourism Ghana (MTG) on October 15 observed Global Handwashing Day with a visit to some health and educational institutions.
The 2020 Global Handwashing Day observation by Miss Tourism Ghana, focused on three main events; Observing hand washing protocols at the Tema General Hospital, a lesson on proper handwashing at the Tema Community 7 Basic School, and finally at the Nyaniba Nursing School.
Miss Tourism Ghana 2020 Princess, Abigail Nayram Tay, during the visit observed strict handwashing protocols that had been in effect way before the virus, a practice which had led to a sharp decline in patients testing positive for COVID-19.
The MTG team met with the hospital’s Director, Dr Richard Anthony who reiterated the importance of handwashing and how it had resulted in saving many lives from COVID-19 and other viruses.
It was brought to the fore that the COVID-19 pandemic provided a stark reminder that hand washing was one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of any virus and ensure better health outcomes overall.
At the Tema Community 7 Basic School, the Miss Tourism Ghana Princess had the opportunity to talk to children about the importance of hand washing and played a video which modelled a lesson on how to wash your hands properly.
She further taught the students how to sneeze into their elbows, and cover a cough in order to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
“This was rewarding to see the future of Ghana practising healthy habits that would ensure a long and healthy life today and years to come” Miss Tay said.
The final event was hosted by Nyaniba Nursing School that provided an excellent opportunity for the MTG team to interact with nurses and healthcare workers who reminded all and sundry the vital role they played in the communities by being on the frontlines providing essential care for all.
“It should not take a global pandemic to remind society how indebted we are to those who risk their lives in order to keep us safe and healthy,” Miss Tay added.
MTG revealed plans to extend Global Handwashing Day beyond a single day and highlight the crucial message year-round.
MTG thanked the many partners, collaborators, individuals, and supporters for making the day educational, engaging, and successful.
Initiated in 2008 by the Global-Public-Private-Partnership for handwashing with Soap (PPPHW), Global Handwashing Day, which falls on October 15, and endorsed by an array of governments, international institutions, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private companies and individuals.
The day is set aside by UNICEF and partners to spread the message that “clean hands save lives” and to raise the profile of handwashing with soap as an important practice for promoting the health and development of all.
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.
