Hot!
Promoting Ghana’s rich history through traditional games
Oware
Traditional games, pre and post-independence era, were a source of joy for people of all ages.
Both boys and girls, as well as men and women, would gather and play games like Oware, Ludo, Ampe, ‘Football’, High jump, Pilolo, Chaskele, Counters ball, Sway and Hopscotch, fostering a sense of togetherness in the community.
Such games required players to engage in deep thinking, strategic planning, and skillful gameplay to emerge victorious in the various traditional games.
Such old-fashioned games were popular because they were enjoyed by people of all ages. They mixed fun, challenge and socialising.
Some of these traditional games have passed the test of time with special charm that keeps both young and old players interested in the face of modern games usually found on computers.
The traditional games provided entertainment but also encouraged logical thinking, planning, determination, and some amount of physical activity.
These games were often accompanied by lively songs, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience.
For example, in games like ‘Pempenaa,’ participants would engage in a call-and-response chants, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
While these games were traditionally played in rural areas, they have now found a place in urban settings, where people continue to enjoy their timeless appeal.
Despite the rise of new-timer games played on phones and the internet, the enduring charm of old-timers games remains unmatched.
The choice between old-timers games and new timers’ games is a personal one, but the rich history, social interaction, and mental stimulation offered by traditional games make them a beloved pastime for many.
In a world where technology dominates, one cannot forget the simple pleasures and valuable lessons that old-timers games provide.
By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim
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
