Lifestyle and relationship blogger, Kwadjo Panyin (musingsofanafricanbachelor), weighs in on the new and trending ladies of the #PepperDemMinistries, and how they successfully flipped the script on him. Check it out. I’ve had countless conversations with women over the years. These conversations have ranged from terrible to terrific and everything in between. Without a doubt, one of the primary drivers of my personal growth has been connecting with the minds of some amazing women.
Here is a little story about how a woman “flipped the script” on me this week and rattled the shackles of my male privilege. A rattle which gave me a rude awakening about the realities of what it means to be a woman.
Before I share my story, I will be remiss if I do not mention that there is a silent, yet powerful unconscious gender bias and we all have it. Even for those of us who are pro-women, a gender bias looms unconsciously unless an action is taken to shift our mode of thinking.
This shift can only occur if we exercise two powerful muscles; our ears. We have to be willing to listen and do so with an open mind.
My story would not have been possible had I chosen to shrug off or tune out the women in the PepperDemMinisties whose bold dialogue about sexism in our society has sparked a national debate about feminism
I work out in the mornings before work a couple of times a week. I typically throw on my gym clothes without a thought in the world. I do try to look good at the gym because one never knows who you may run into, right?
I was feeling proud of myself for having a good workout so I decided to post some pictures on Facebook. I had seen posts earlier from the PepperDemMinisties decrying men who post pictures of their abdomen and muscles on Facebook.
With that, I intentionally commented that I did not want to be “peppered” for posting gym selfies and added the three reasons why I work out. 
Let’s just say my plan to avoid the pepper failed miserably with the first comment I received on the post. Not only did my attempt to mask my vanity fail, Maame Aweraba, a member of the #PepperDemMinistries hit me with the following questions;
“Why are you exposing your arms? It’s not gentlemanly. Don’t you know someone can come and harass you? Cover them up please.”“Where is Maame going with these questions? I thought to myself as I contemplated a response. “No one has ever harassed me for showing my arms in public so what was Maame’s problem? “Where did she get the idea that exposing my arms was not gentlemanly? I kept thinking to myself. “What the heck is Maame smoking?” After a minute or two of reflection, it finally hit me. Maame simply recited the same questions she had received repeatedly and often as a woman anytime she exposed certain body parts in public. She completely flipped the script on me.
After decades on this green earth, no one had ever said to me that I needed to cover up because someone may come around and harass me. No one ever harassed me for exposing my arms. I am a man so I have the privilege of exposing my arms in public without being policed by society.
Unlike me, Maame could not dress the way she wanted without being reminded every day that exposing a body part could lead to harassment. She could not wear a mini-skirt without someone telling her it was not ladylike to expose her legs. She was used to hearing this script, I wasn’t.
A lot of men may never understand what the big deal is when a woman is randomly harassed by a man.“It’s just a compliment so what’s your problem?” The thought process for some men goes.I will admit that I was one of those men in my younger and wilder days. A mini-skirt baring the legs of a woman or a low-cut blouse exposing her cleavage came off like an invitation for me to say something. I once walked up to a woman with generous assets in her chest area and said,
“If I told you I worked for the post office, will you let me handle your package?”“Why won’t you men leave me in peace today?” She yelled at me. I had no clue that other men had already harassed her prior to her running into me. I know now that more men would have harassed her that day after she walks away from me. I totally sexually objectified a random woman and treated her like a piece of meat. Thanks to Maame, I now understand how it must feel like to be treated like a piece of meat simply for exposing my arms in public. Talk about a successful flip of the script?!
Kudos to you, Maame Awereba! You successfully educated me and I am grateful for the lesson.
Maame Awereba Truth be told, both men and women objectify each other. Objectifying a man or a woman, however, comes with a cost. It just so happens that women bear the brunt of that cost.
As a man, I have received compliments but I have never been harassed just for wearing something I felt good in. Women, however, have paid dearly for exposing some body parts or dressing a certain way.
Some have paid the cost through daily harassment, cat-calls, inappropriate touching and in more extreme cases, rape and sexual assaults. 
The Ladies of #PepperDemMinistries I recently posted the message below on Facebook about the #PepperDemMisnitries:“I may not agree with some of what they have to say. I may not agree with every style or approach they use. However, I am willing to listen. I am willing to learn. I am willing to change my attitude towards women through them.”Some have questioned if their style fits into the definition of feminism. Some have asked if fighting for women’s rights has become synonymous with man-hating and male bashing. As a result of this fixation, we are not listening to what the women have to say. Do the women in the PepperDemMinistris bash men sometimes? Of course, they do! However, keep in mind that people who take to the streets to protest societal ills also bash politicians and leaders. These protests, however, always carry an underlying message. If you focus solely on who the protestors are bashing, you will lose their key message. We can agree to disagree on the methods and some of the postings from the women of the PepperDemMinitries. We can’t, however, lose the opportunity to listen to what they have to say about the ills of gender inequality. They have powerful personal stories to share. Stories that those of us who have not lived through the realities of what it feels like to be a woman in a patriarchal society need to hear. Here is what I have heard so far from the women in the PepperDemMinisties.
I heard them when they talked about how they have, either by instinct or by trial and error, learned to minimize situations which make them uncomfortable. Situations such as having to sing praises to biblical men who were flawed yet hailed as heroes. When a man says to them, “you have beauty as well as brains,” they have to smile despite been offended. I heard them when they said some women have to tread lightly in situations involving men in power at work to avoid angering them, endangering themselves personally or financially. I heard them when they uncovered how frequent they have had to ignore an offensive comment or laugh off inappropriate attempts by a man to hit on them while swallowing their anger.The shackles of male privilege have blinded me to the daily struggles of women. I was playing with toy guns at the same time my sister at the tender age of 14, was brushing off adult men staring at her breasts. Most men have no memories of being harassed or sexually assaulted. Male friends and relatives never shared stories of being abused or harassed with me. My sisters, however, heard their female friends and relatives narrate horrible stories of being harrassed, molested and sexually abused. I have never walked into a woman’s room or being in situations with a woman where I felt any danger. My sisters, having heard stories of abuse and assaults from their friends, have had to perceive the possibility of being attacked sexually in some situations where they find themselves alone with a man.
We can choose to argue about the purpose and role of the PepperDemMinisties and we are within our rights to do so. We, however, have to listen with an open mind first before we engage in a dialogue with them.
Personally, I have argued that the PepperDemMinitries need to collaborate more with men and seek doable ways to change institutionalized gender biased structures in our society.
I would love to see these women lead the fight to change the weak laws on rape and sexual assaults which has led to thousands of silent victims dealing with their painful ordeal alone while rapists walk free.
If you listen as I have, you will find yourself not dismissing a woman the next time she complains about being harassed for what she decides to wear.
If you listen, you will understand why your wife or girlfriend complains about being called “honey” at work.
For the fathers out there especially, listen because these women are trying to change the narrative and experiences for our young daughters.
Listen because nothing bad ever comes from listening.
Gender bias and inequality is not a women’s issue, it is everyone’s issue.
By Kwadjo Panyin 
]]>
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars
Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.
Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.
Beautiful scenes from Elite High School prom in Entebbe, Uganda
pic.twitter.com/qdZLuOtObC— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 6, 2024
Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.
Sky view of Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ #elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/qGXktXRPCw
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.
Prom scenes from Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ PART 2#elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/bAVdtgA6bC
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis
Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.
Happy Monday ! pic.twitter.com/34LvVaMXge
— theladybaaba🫦 (@lady_baaba) May 6, 2024
The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.
Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour
How can beans with plantain and egg be almost 50gh??
We must not accept this. There is no way one egg should cost more than 5gh even in this current cost of living. https://t.co/hadibCenXd— Abdul-Muhaimin (@Mister_Glen) May 6, 2024
Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.
People & Lifestyle
Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana
Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.
Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.
Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers. “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.
Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.
The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.
This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.
People & Lifestyle
Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search
Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?
Highlight Work Experience
Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.
Consider a Speciality
Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.
Additional Training and Certifications
PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.
Loan Repayment Options
Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.
Why Medicine?
Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.
Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.
People & Lifestyle
Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.
“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”
The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.
On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.
On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
People & Lifestyle
Nana Kwame Bediako and The New Force Launches Its Virtual CrowdFunding Platform – Save Ghana Fund.
“My responsibility is to serve you; your responsibility is to give me the chance and the opportunity to serve you “– Nana Kwame Bediako,Founder and Leader of The New Force Movement
Accessed by the short code *887*2024#, The New Force has launched its virtual crowdfunding platform which is called Save Ghana Fund. Published as part of the launch on the 6th of May, the rather simple and candid video message by the leader of The New Force urges the people of Ghana to support the movement and the cause. Poignantly, Nana Kwame Bediako’s message encourages the nation to part ways with the culture of vote-buying by political candidates as the practice affects the legitimate and free choice of voters and in addition mismanages the true aspirations and investments of the people.
A call to you and to everyone who cares about the future of Ghana, The New Force movement seeks to ensure our commitment to the nation and to each other in the pursuit of equality, empowerment, and equity for all in our society. The Campaign is built on three key values, VISIBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY and TRANSPARENCY.
In his very short and candid video message accompanying the launch, the leader of The New Force movement emphasized that vote-buying tarnishes our democracy by perpetuating mismanagement of the resources of the nation and as well the culture of corruption, it in addition mismanages the aspirations of the people of Ghana and goes against the grain in the effort to improve the integrity and quality of our political structure, our quality of governance and our quality of life as a people. In the ingenious proposal, Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of The New Force movement urges the citizens of Ghana to turn the tables on the system; to see our redemption in the call and initiative to identity a true leader and then to invest in this leader of our choice, in the candidate who has the right vision for the nation; and with that mindset to collectively support the bid of The New Force by donating to the movement and to its cause.
‘The responsibility of the leader is to serve you’, Nana Kwame Bediako candidly tells his audience in the launch of the virtual crowd-funding platform, ‘and the responsibility of the citizens is to give the leader the chance and the opportunity to serve the nation. … Remember the government does not make the people, the people make the government, the leader urges. … Let’s build a new nation.
Standing as an independent candidate in the 2024 Republic of Ghana presidential elections, the leader of The New Force movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, the long-awaited inter-generational leader, is an unparalleled source of pride and hope for Ghana, the answer to the call of the youth.
For updates on key aspects of the campaign SAVE GHANA FUND, please visit www.nkb.com.gh/donate
Buzz4 days agoGhanaian blogger Sika Official stabbed at a pub
Buzz5 days agoDon’t marry someone you’ve not dated for more than 7 years – Tic
People & Lifestyle6 days agoTechiman-to-Accra: Seidu Rafiwu’s Record-Breaking 380km Walkathon
World News6 days agoFormer US Army Servicemember, Sanda G. Frimpong Sentenced to Prison in Money Laundering Romance Scam
Buzz1 week agoTaking the HIV test in public was my suicidal note to the world; I couldn’t take it anymore. – Joyce Dzidzor Mensah
Buzz9 hours ago“I went to a cemetery at 2am to sprinkle powder” – Amerado recounts doing ‘for girls’
World News6 days agoUS Army Major Kojo Owusu Dartey Found Guilty After He Smuggled Guns to Ghana in Blue Barrels of Rice and Home Goods
Listen5 days agoPrince Bright and Stonebwoy unveil their forthcoming EP with electrifying new song ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’
Listen6 days agoAmerado drops new single titled ‘Tin Ton Tan’
Buzz3 days agoOheneyere Mercy Aseidu, Gifty Anti, Stacy Amoateng, and other celebrities grace Akwaboah Jnr’s Traditional Wedding
Buzz3 days agoHighlights from Medikal’s spectacular show at London’s O2 Indigo
People & Lifestyle1 week agoKwadwo Sheldon’s Humorous Reconciliation Attempt with Shatta Wale
