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President Akufo-Addo confers Ghanaian citizenship on Stevie Wonder
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday conferred Ghanaian citizenship on the legendary American Musician and Songwriter, Steveland Morris, popularly known as Stevie Wonder at a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra.
This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract diasporan Africans and recognise outstanding contributions to the African diaspora.
President Akufo-Addo praised Stevie Wonder for his outstanding contributions to music and his unrelenting dedication to the African diaspora.
He emphasised that Stevie Wonder’s music has been a source of inspiration to generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide and that his visit to Ghana would help to strengthen the ties between Africa and its diaspora.
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey in his remarks, commended the President for championing the Year of Return initiative which has so far culminated in the registration of 252 individuals from Africa- American and Caribbean Diasporan Communities as Ghanaians.
Stevie Wonder, a long-time admirer of Ghana and its rich cultural heritage, expressed deep gratitude, joy and honour bestowed upon him.
According to him, he has been drawn to Ghana’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality and he was thrilled to now call himself a Ghanaian citizen.
The event marked a significant moment in Ghana’s efforts to engage with its diaspora counterparts and recognise their outstanding contributions to the African diaspora. It is expected to inspire further collaboration and exchange between Ghana and the African diaspora, and cement Ghana’s position as a hub for African cultural and intellectual excellence.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
