In the heart of vibrant Accra, where the sun kisses the waves and the air hums with anticipation, we are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the 8^th Edition of the Africa Makeup & Beauty (AMB) Fair and the Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA). From the 8^th to the 10^th of November 2024, the Labadi Beach Hotel will transform into a tapestry of creativity, innovation, and aspiration. This year’s theme for both events centers on “Sustainable Synergy for Eco-Empowerment in a Changing Climate,” emphasizing the transformative potential of collaboration and unified efforts. It underscores the pursuit of elevated standards, the fostering of connections, the pursuit of excellence for global influence, and the active involvement of both youth and women.

Nominations for the Awards Categories and applications for exhibitors and vendors will open on Monday, April 22^nd, 2024. With a lineup of extraordinary activities planned, all stakeholders in the beauty and wellness community should mark their calendars for this unmissable event.

Sponsors, media partners, and volunteers interested in being part of this transformative event are invited to contact Makeup Ghana via email at ambfair@makeupghana.co or by phone at +233 55 2555555.

 Scheduled activities at the fair include Exhibitions & Discount sales, Business Pitch, Forums, Workshops and Seminars, Beauty and Fashion shows, Live Demos, and Barbers Competition. Showcase your brand or products to over 3,500 attendees, including policymakers, celebrities and influencers. Follow this link https://form.myjotform.com/92963095433565  Registration ends on 29^th August, 2024.

With a total of 37 Categories this year, the call for Nominations for the Awards has commenced and beauty professionals, businesses and emerging talents are encouraged to partake in this life changing experience. Check out the categories by clicking on the link http://bit.ly/gbanominate Fill in and submit your nomination now.  Call for Nominations closes on 22^nd July, 2024. 

Awards Process are as follows;

1. Nominations
2. Shortlisting
3. Final announcement
4. Judging/Public voting

For Details Contact Tel: +233 552 555 555 

Facebook/IG/Twitter: Ghanabeautyawards / Africa Makeup & Beauty fair

About Africa Makeup & Beauty Fair

The AMB Fair is an annual event to showcase and connect the Ghanaian beauty industry to African and Global consumers, vendors, partners and service providers. It provides an excellent platform for meeting new and existing customers, and it is the best opportunity for beauty businesses to position their brands and products at the forefront of their target audiences’ minds. The event also connects local and international brands, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to new customers, markets and strategic alliances, hence there is no better place to take control of how the industry views your brand and make a lasting impression on your potential customers.

About Ghana Beauty Awards

The Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA) is an annual celebration for the Beauty and Wellness Industry, aimed at fostering excellence, by rewarding and celebrating pioneers, leading professionals and upcoming talent within the industry, as well as businesses and brands who are contributing to economic growth. It is the first of its kind to reward trailblazers and budding talent in the industry in Ghana and Africa. 

About Makeup Ghana

Makeup Ghana is a social enterprise creating a unifying platform for the stakeholders in the fast growing beauty industry in Ghana. Our goal is to bring together makeup professionals, makeup brands, beauty retailers and fashion & beauty content creators in Ghana, under one umbrella, to propel the industry forward. This is being achieved through Advocacy and consumer education & Brand Marketing; Showcasing talent and innovation within the industry; Training and professional development of practitioners and artists; Trade shows, conferences & Networking Events; Encouraging best practices and standards in the industry, all aimed at being catalysts for growth and inspiring excellence within the beauty industry.

Anansi Green Energy 

The Swiss renewable energy company NEK Umwelttechnik AG (NEK) has been developing in the past years six large-scale onshore wind farms in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, which are ready for implementation. The total capacity to be installed is approximately 1,300 MW through the six projects. These wind farms could produce about 3,400 GWh of green and cheap electricity each year for the Ghanaian population and the industrial sector.

To supply energy to as many customers as possible, NEK has established recently in Accra a new renewable energy platform, which will provide to its customers cheap, sustainable, never ending, and clean electricity to cover the increasing electricity demand in Ghana and to overcome dumsor. The platform is called Anansi Green Energy Ltd. (Anansi). Anansi will assume, over time, all of NEK’s wind farms and in addition will also undertake the development and operation of solar and biomass plants.

This new platform will have several equity partners, lenders, and investors, including large and well-known international power companies and green funds. Ghanaian investors, lenders and key stakeholders and institutions will also be involved in the implementation and financing of Anansi. 

The platform will act as a “captive” industrial power generator by selling the green electricity directly to industrial offtakers. It is hoped, in the future, Anansi will be the vehicle through which Ghana can become a renewable hub for West Africa as a whole by also exporting renewable energy through the existing WAPP network to surrounding countries.

Figure 1: Visualisation of one of NEK’s planned wind energy projects in Ghana which will be integrated into the Anansi Green Energy Platform

A lot of interested customers

Anansi is now starting to discuss terms with several interested customers for the delivery of green electricity. The future demand both in the country and in surrounding markets for green energy will likely grow significantly. 

Although there will always be a need for baseload energy capacity in the planning of any energy sector, both for environmental and indeed affordability reasons it will be essential to create a structure through which renewable energy can be developed, without such relying on the public sector. Mining companies, the concrete sector, steel manufacturers, but also other industries and the mobility sector will demand cheap and green electricity, which can be delivered by Anansi in the very near future.

Figure 2: Anglo Gold Ashanti. One of the big mining companies in Ghana which could be provided with clean energy through the Anansi Green Energy Platform. Source: https://www.anglogoldashanti.com/

No competition to VRA or ECG and no reliance on Government of Ghana 

Anansi will not become a competitor to ECG, VRA or NEDCo – nor will it be necessary for Anansi to have the traditional “take or pay” PPA with ECG or any support from the Government of Ghana. Anansi will be able to implement its projects without any reliance on the public sector at all.  Indeed, the intent will be that Anansi will have, as its partners, VRA / ECG in providing baseload capacity to its customers. 

Figure 3: Visualisation of another one of NEK’s wind energy projects in Ghana. The onshore projects alone could amount up to 1,300 MW installed capacity and are located predominantly in rural areas

Green Energy as a Megatrend

Green energy is enjoying unanimous support and gaining political and business momentum around the globe. The global energy sector is in the midst of a transformation. The global energy transition is now well underway, with ever-increasing clean energy investment and momentum for net-zero targets by mid-century. Energy security and sustainability nowadays go hand in hand and are top of the agenda for many governments worldwide. 

Africa is no exception, with the continent facing rapidly growing energy demand, critical energy access gaps, and an imperative for development. Africa’s imperative to accelerate its socio-economic development in a resilient and sustainable way could immensely benefit from accelerating clean energy deployment, as was stated at the COP28 summit last December. 

Failing to accelerate the development of renewables poses major threats to the continent already suffering the most from the impacts of climate change. Yet, while global renewable energy investments are reaching record-high levels, renewables are still critically underfunded in Africa, signalling urgent work ahead. This also applies for Ghana: Ghana’s energy outlook shows an exponential soaring of future energy demand. 

Thermal generation continues to require high-cost fuel and remains subject to the risks inherent in the ability for such fuel to be continuously delivered. Ghana will require an accelerated development of renewable energy, but it will not be able to do so if there remains a reliance on typical grid connected IPP’s with ECG as the sole offtaker and with full Government backing. It is not possible or reasonable for the public sector itself to assume such risks going forward. 

A different rule book now needs to be written, and Anansi has the potential to provide that new way forward right away.

Figure 4: Ghana presents a good opportunity to integrate different renewable energy sources into one package. While the coastal region offers good wind conditions (here is one of NEK’s met masts in Konikablo, Ghana, measuring the wind potential), it also offers adequate solar resources for the installation of Solar PV

VALCO modernization and expansion plans

Volta Aluminum Company Limited (VALCO) has announced its plan to expand operations and seek a strategic partner which would be prepared to invest around USD 600 million to revamp its operations. The goal is to reposition VALCO in a way that retrofitting will transform it from a loss-making entity into a best-in-class, profit-making and shareholder value-maximising entity, thus become the ultra-modern and best smelter in Africa. 

With the projection of the building of 4 operating bauxite mines and 2 refineries under the IAI Masterplan as well as the revival of the downstream sector, the modernisation and expansion of the VALCO smelter is timely, thus creating a new VALCO with much more significance than ever before.

However, such plans require a lot of additional electricity, which at least for the time being is not available in Ghana. It is estimated that at the end of the retrofitting and extension program, VALCO will require more than 1,000 MW of installed electrical power. “Where do we take this from?”

The volume of green electricity required by VALCO will be significant with the realistic and probably only solution being the electricity capable of being produced by Anansi. Anansi will look forward to creating a partnership with VALCO and VRA, which could allow VALCO to attract international investment which will require such available green electricity and will also otherwise allow VRA to significantly expand its operations.

Green Energy, Green Hydrogen and E-Mobility

Green energy from NEK’s wind farms, as well as other solar plants and biomass facilities through Anansi will provide the cheapest generation costs for electricity in Ghana. While fossil power plants produce energy at approximately 15 US Cents per kWh, NEK’s wind farms will produce energy for less than 8 US Cents per kWh in current pricing. There are possible further savings to these costs as well through the application of carbon credits. 

The renewable projects to be developed by Anansi will be long term and allow for certainty as to the all-in cost of energy as there will be no relevance or risk for possible fuel price shocks going forward. The available wind and solar irradiation will remain free, and Anansi’s customers will be able to benefit from such.

In addition to green energy, Ghana should consider developing a ‘Green Hydrogen and Green Fuels’ and an ‘E-Mobility’ policy. The Government should consider key strategies and relevant road maps for the development of the “energy carrier” in the future. 

Green hydrogen and electric vehicles will need significant renewable resources to be available, otherwise, they cannot be called green. A strong political signal will trigger huge investments from abroad in the energy sector of Ghana and business activities relating to these future markets. The key for doing so is the implementation of renewable energy projects. 

Figure 5: With ongoing rural and urban development in Ghana, demand for mobility will increase even more in the coming years. The Anansi Green Energy Platform would be uniquely equipped to provide clean energy to an emerging e-mobility sector in Ghana. Here, a boundary survey is taking place as port of the project development work in connection with the planned wind farms of NEK

Outlook

Due to the heavily increasing demand for cheap and clean electricity in Ghana and abroad, much more renewable energy even than that capable of being produced in NEK’s planned 6 onshore windfarms, and the other planned Anansi solar projects and biomass facilities will be required within the next 5 – 10 years. 

However, land for such further projects may also become a scarce asset, especially in populated areas. This is one of the reasons why NEK has decided to start the development of two (2) large offshore wind and solar facilities off the coast of Anloga and Ningo. 

These offshore wind and solar parks will have an installed capacity of approximately 3,100 MW and will generate more than 7,500 GWh of clean and reliable power per year. These installations do not require any fuel, LNG, gas, oil or other fossil, outdated energy sources – the “fuel” is the wind and the sun, which are never ending, home-made and always coming back to Ghana for free.

Anansi Green Energy will play a huge role in the delivery of much needed green energy for Ghana already in the very near future. Now is the time for Anansi to create its positive green web in delivering sustainable and affordable energy to its customers, making Ghana a renewable energy hub in West Africa.

Figure 6: Illustration of an Offshore Wind Farm combined with floating solar, which will be constructed by Anansi off the coasts of Ningo and Anloga

Dr. Christoph KAPP, the writer is CEO NEK and Anansi Green Energy

WhatIF Foods, a pioneering company committed to sustainable and healthy living, has launched BAMnut Milk, a plant-based milk made from 100% Ghanaian Bambara beans. This innovative product is known for its exceptional nutritional value.

Made directly from protein-rich Bambara beans sourced from smallholder farmers in the Northern part of Ghana, BAMnut Milk is a creamy and lactose-free alternative to traditional dairy. Unlike many plant-based milks, BAMnut Milk is enriched with only 3 natural ingredients: bambara beans, coconut oil, and water, and is also devoid of artificial sweeteners, stabilisers, colours, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

What sets BAMnut Milk apart is its high nutrient density as compared with other plant-based milks. This nutritional milk is an excellent source of dietary fibre and rich in calcium, vitamin D, and B12, making it a versatile addition to various diets. It is ideal for use in baking and cooking as well as with coffee, tea, breakfast cereals, and snacks. It is available in three varieties: Airy, Everyday, and Barista. Airy is the lightest and has the fewest calories (80 cal/100ml); Everyday is a bit creamier with a bit more calories (120 cal/100ml), and Barista is the creamiest with the most calories (140 cal/100ml).

BAMnut Milk aligns with the principles of empowering local farmers and supporting sustainability. The drought-resistant properties of the bambara bean, coupled with its ability to flourish in degraded soils, make BAMnut Milk a sustainable choice.

The launch of BAMnut Milk is an invitation to embrace a tastier, healthier, and ecologically friendlier choice that supports local farmers economically. WhatIF Foods has collaborated with over 6,500 registered farmers across 50 communities in the northern region, introducing agrobiodiversity, providing education on regenerative agricultural practices, thereby establishing a sustainable supply chain, and promoting profitable farming.

BAMnut Milk is the new wave of dairy for individuals who are reaching for a healthier lifestyle. It is more than a beverage; it is a premium choice for consumers who are creating a positive impact on the world with one sip at a time. The product is available at selected Shoprite, Melcom, Shell Stations and other retailers located in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale. Additionally, it can be found at cafes such as Jamestown Café, La Boule Accra, and Palm Moments. For bulk orders, please call 0243777074 or 0202833163. For full retail list, visit http://www.kasimaghana.com/bamnut-milk 

Demonstrating bilateral collaboration and commitment to strengthening the UK-Ghana defence and security partnership, the British High Commission in Accra is pleased to announce the donation of £260,000 worth of Military Protective Equipment (MPE) to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB). 

The 150 set of MPE, which includes essential protective equipment such as helmets, body armour, and first aid kits, aims to enhance the capacity of the Ghanaian Armed Forces and further strengthen the existing ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana in matters of defence and security.

The official handover ceremony which took place today at the Burma Camp in Accra brought together the Chief of Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Bismark Onwona, the Brigade Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, other representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces and representatives from the UK government, showcasing a collaborative effort to continuously improve relationships between the two nations’ Armed Forces.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the UK’s Defence Advisor to the British High Commissioner Richard Walters said; 

“This donation marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Ghana, and a testament to the mutual respect and friendship that exists between our two nations. I am confident this will go a long way to advance our shared commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.”

The Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Bismark Onwona also noted; 

“Let me emphasize the fact that, we value the strong and the unique partnership that we share with the UK.  This donation is thus a further demonstration of a clear commitment of the UK to contribute to security and stability not only of the country but most especially the Sub-region.

These equipment donated today will undoubtedly enhance our capability to protect our personnel and serve as a vital resource in our efforts to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all to go about their day-to-day activities successfully, both in Ghana and abroad”

The gifting was part of several events being held in Accra as part of the UK-Ghana Staff Talks, with representatives from both the UK and Ghanaian Ministries of Defence engaging in bilateral dialogue to ensure the continuation of these close bonds.

The British High Commission expresses its gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces for their continued collaboration in defence and security matters. 

Reigning Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Association Commission for Women and Children, Eva Newlove, is the new Mawerehemaa of Kyekyewere as of April 5 and is to be known under her stool name, Awo Yaa Manubea I.

In a beautiful show of cultural solidarity, heritage and celebration, the people of Kyekyewere gathered to witness the enstoolment of their new Mawerehemaa, Awo Yaa Manubea I. The flamboyant occasion unfolded on the premises of the kingdom’s royal palace, where the king, elders, council members, family and friends sat in attendance.

Awo Yaa Manubea I received her due recognition in the presence of His Royal Highness Barima Okunini Gyebi Kwame Ababio II and his council of advisors. During the ceremony, she swore an oath to fulfill her allotted traditional and royal responsibilities, marking the beginning of a significant leadership role that will uphold and extend the long-standing legacy of the Kingdom of Kyekyewere.

After her enstoolment, Awo Yaa Manubea I took to Facebook to address her audience of 7,600 in a post that read: “Gratitude and humility define my heart as I express my deepest thanks to God and my ancestors for this incredible favor. To my esteemed elders and council of Kyekyewere, my family, my in-laws, my amazing husband, also my friends… your unwavering belief humbles me.”

“I am honored to be the newly enstooled Mawerehemaa of Kyekyewere, Awo Yaa Manubea l. I pledge to fulfill my duties with dignity, respect and wisdom, seeking divine guidance throughout my reign. May God’s light illuminate my path always.”

Before ascending to one of the highest posts in the Kingdom of Kyekyewere, Awo Yaa Manubea I was already a woman worth her salt. She is a multi-talented individual with a professional background spanning Modeling, Housing Management, Public Relations and Business Management. In 2022, under her former name, Eva Newlove, she was appointed as a Ghanaian Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Association Commission for Women and Children (UNA-CWCA). This honor was followed by an honorary award for “Best TV/Online Presenter” at the Women Worship Gospel Music Awards United Kingdom, where she resides. 

Beyond her many achievements, another of which includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Plymouth, Awo Yaa Manubea I is a staunch champion of pragmatic social solutions. She works tirelessly to promote the welfare of people from diverse backgrounds, fittingly earning the mantle of Social Entrepreneur. Through this journey, she has also emerged as an advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, positions she showcases on the runway as a plus-size model. From her humble beginnings as the host of the Besstel Foundation’s The Well-being Show, which was sponsored by NHS South London & Maudsley and The National Lottery Community Fund, to regal duty, Awo Yaa Manubea I is ready to serve the Kingdom of Kyekyewere wholeheartedly.

About the Kingdom of Kyekyewere

Kyekyewere is a magnificent town between the lush forests and the rolling hills of Ghana’s Eastern Region. It is ruled by the wise and benevolent monarch Barima Okunini Gyebi Kwame Ababio II. 

Under his rule, the kingdom continues to flourish. It has eight communities: Kyekyewere Township (the political and cultural center), Mensahkrom, Aziaka, Kyekyewere Peposo, Hwereso, Bungalow and Bonkua. The town is situated halfway between Nsawam and Suhum. It is well known for the abundance of crops like cocoa, yams, palm oil, coconut, orange, watermelon, pineapple, green pepper, tomatoes, carrots, garden eggs, cocoyam and plantains.

In the past few years, the global beauty market has witnessed a pronounced shift towards more natural and authentic products, reflecting a broader consumer demand especially for hair extensions. Among these products, Indian curly hair has emerged as a particularly sought-after item. Known for their unique texture and resilience, these extensions offer versatility and a rich aesthetic that appeals to a diverse consumer base worldwide. This article delves into why Indian curly hair has become a coveted commodity in the beauty industry, exploring its distinctive properties and the trends driving its increasing popularity.

Understanding Indian Curly Hair

Definition and Characteristics

Indian curly hair is celebrated for its unique properties, particularly its strength, thickness, and natural lustrous curls. Unlike other hair types, Indian curly hair possesses a natural body wave that ranges from loose to tight curls, capable of withstanding heavy styling and treatments. Its texture is often described as silky or soft, yet it retains a robust structure, making it ideal for crafting durable hair extensions. The curls’ resilience is a key factor in their appeal, as they maintain integrity after coloring or thermal styling, which is often a challenge with other hair types.

Regional Variations

India’s vast geographical diversity means that the texture and quality of hair can vary significantly from one region to another. For example, hair sourced from southern India is often highly prized due to its strength and length. Typically, this hair is donated at temples as part of religious offerings, a practice that not only ensures a continual supply but also adds a cultural richness to the hair’s story. In contrast, hair from northern regions might be finer and softer, highlighting how regional characteristics can influence the hair’s physical properties and, by extension, its market value.

Understanding these variations is crucial for consumers and stylists alike, as it allows them to select the best type of hair extensions that match their specific needs and styling requirements. The next sections will explore how these unique features of Indian curly hair have contributed to its rising popularity in the international market, influenced by trends, celebrity endorsements, and a growing awareness of ethical sourcing practices.

The Appeal of Indian Curly Hair in the Market

Aesthetic Appeal

The aesthetic allure of Indian curly hair extensions is undeniable. They offer a natural volume and bounce that many find desirable, creating a look that is both glamorous and effortlessly natural. The unique curl patterns provide a variety of styling options, from cascading waves to tight ringlets, making these extensions popular not just for their beauty but also for their versatility. This versatility enables wearers to switch from a sophisticated, straightened style to voluminous curls without the need for multiple products or extensions, appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers seeking flexibility in their hairstyles.

Quality and Durability

Indian curly hair is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. It is inherently resilient, which means it can tolerate extensive styling, from heat treatments to chemical processes, better than many other hair types. This durability not only makes it a practical choice for long-term use but also a cost-effective one, as the extensions maintain their integrity and appearance over time with proper care. This aspect is particularly appealing to professional stylists and salons that prioritize quality and longevity in hair products for their clients.

Cultural and Exotic Appeal

The rising popularity of these extensions is not an isolated trend but part of a broader movement within the beauty industry towards more authentic, culturally connected products. The next section will delve into the market trends that have propelled Indian curly hair to the forefront of this shift, examining how shifts in consumer preferences and celebrity endorsements have shaped the demand for these natural extensions.

Market Trends Driving Popularity

Shift Towards Natural and Organic Products

The beauty industry has seen a significant pivot towards natural and organic products over the past decade, driven by consumers who are increasingly aware of the health and environmental impacts of synthetic materials. Indian curly hair extensions align perfectly with this trend, offering a natural, unprocessed alternative to synthetic hair extensions. The appeal of using real hair that has not been treated with harsh chemicals is substantial among consumers who are conscious of both the aesthetics and the health aspects of the products they use.

Celebrity Influence

Celebrities play a crucial role in shaping beauty trends, and their endorsement of Indian curly hair extensions has been a powerful driver of their popularity. When celebrities and public figures showcase these extensions in various styles, it not only highlights the versatility and beauty of the hair but also sets a standard for what is fashionable and desirable. For instance, several Hollywood stars and influencers, such as Quimmah Russo have been spotted wearing Indian curly hair at major events, influencing fans and followers worldwide to embrace these styles. This kind of endorsement has helped cement Indian curly hair’s status as a premium, desirable product in the global market.

Fashion and Beauty Industry Trends

The fashion and beauty industries continually evolve, often leading the charge towards new looks and innovative uses of traditional materials. Indian curly hair extensions have become a staple on runways and in fashion shoots, where their ability to add volume and exotic appeal is unmatched. The fashion industry’s embrace of diverse beauty standards has also played a role, as more designers and brands seek to represent a broader range of hair textures and styles in their work.

This inclusivity has helped promote the acceptance and demand for Indian curly hair extensions, celebrating its unique texture and versatility as a fashion statement. These market trends highlight how shifts in consumer preferences, amplified by celebrity influence and industry acceptance, have facilitated the rise in popularity of Indian curly hair extensions.

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity and sustainability, Indian curly hair extensions stand out as a trending and unique product in 2024. For those interested in exploring the world of high-quality natural hair extensions, visit Hair Maiden India to discover a range of authentic, beautifully crafted Indian curly hair products that promise to transform your hair experience. Whether you’re a stylist, a consumer, or a distributor, Hair Maiden India provides the perfect blend of quality, authenticity, and ethical beauty solutions to meet all your hair extension needs. Explore today and bring a touch of Indian elegance to your style!