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Plight of “kayayei” depicted at photo exhibition
A section of the photo exhibits
In an effort to improve the situation of “kayayei” also known as head porters, a researcher Rose Aba Dodd, a photographer, Nana Kofi Acquah and a writer Princess Umul Hatiyya put together an exhibition recently in Accra.
The photo exhibition dubbed, “the kayayoo rising “ was to depict the difficulties that women and girls between the ages of 12 and 40 face every day.
It brought together art enthusiasts and policymakers from around the world.
In an address, Nana Kofi Acquah said that the project’s goal was to draw attention to these women and girls’ predicament and raise money for their support through research, photography and creative writing.
According to him, ‘kayayei’ are frequently seen in well-known marketplaces in the Southern part of Ghana, especially at Kejetia, Malata, Madina and Dome.
Mr. Acquah said that the show accurately depicted the daily challenges of four young women namely Samata, Rukayatu, Naimah, and Zaharawu, working in the Madina market.
He said these head potters were tasked with providing for their families, but because there were few job opportunities in their individual communities, they were forced to relocate to the south in pursuit of employment. Mr Acquah called on Ghanaians to visit the Nubuke Foundation and patronise the photographs to help support the kayayei.
He said although the exhibition had closed, proceeds from the sale of the photographs would be used in supporting “kayayei” who were eager to leave the trade due to the dangers, such as health related issues. He therefore urged art enthusiasts and well meaning people to reach out to the Nubuke Foundation at East Legon, in Accra on www. kayayoorising.com or via email at info@kayayoorising. com.
By Godwin Ofosu-Acheampong
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
