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Airtel Touching Lives – After 9 Episodes

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tl logoAirtel’s Touching Lives has been on our TV screens for nine weeks now. It has been nine weeks of insightful stories on the truly remarkable acts of bravery, kindness, compassion, love and humanity by ordinary people. The series have thus far told what could simple be tagged as “ordinary people, doing extraordinary deeds”.  Airtel’s Touching Lives, which is running on TV3, Metro TV, GH One, Viasat 1, Adom TV on Multi TV, Homebase TV on Smart TV and TV Africa, has received some rave reviews from viewers since it hit the screens on March 11. The chorus of responses from viewers has ranged from “I cried when I watched it” through “I thought my situation was bad until I watched it” to “Thank you Airtel”. The season started with the shocking story of Rebecca. Ten years ago, Rebecca took over the care of her sister’s family after she ‘died of frustration’. This was no normal undertaking. Of the 6 sons, five are severely handicapped. The three older brothers are unable to care for themselves at all but thanks to Rebecca’s intervention the younger two are attending a “normal” school and are able to perform a lot of their own personal tasks. The sixth brother Vincent is on a tuition scholarship at the Catholic University in Sunyani. His grades are good. He believes he was born “normal’ to help his brothers out. The key to this is a good job. The boys’ father is of no help, he lives nearby and has fathered a further 11 children. He shows no interest and gives no support to his first 6 sons. Despite the problems this family faces, there is a happy positive feeling when spending time with them as they banter about the latest soccer results or talk about their school day.   Rebecca’s story brought tears in the eyes of many. Officials of Airtel Ghana are have said that it is not their desire to make people cry once they watch Touching Lives. They say they are just bringing to the fore the truly humbling story of people who are doing things most people did not think could be done or do not have the heart to do them. If you feel so touched by it then they hope it spurs all of us into action.   The second episode told the story of Ilyasu and his Bahass Foundation. The Bahass foundation has existed for 7 years now and is entirely funded by Ilyasu’s business interests (He has four herbalist shops). With his team of 30 volunteers, viewers watched as they bathed and fed the mentally challenged, distributed medication, organized recreational activities and religious services and run awareness programs. There are 128 registered beneficiaries of his program. He has been honoured by the community for his works and has managed to re-integrate 3 mentally challenged people back into the community. The third episodes saw two stories all from the north of the country where a retired teacher sought the assistance of Airtel Ghana to have the dilapidated dam of his village rebuilt, plus the story of the 8 cobblers of Bolgatanga.   Yvonne, a teacher of the Salvation Army School at Adaklu Abuade just outside of Ho wrote to Airtel Ghana about some children she’s been teaching under trees for a year now. Some of the kids carry chairs and desks from the church while others have to make do with tree roots and their laps. They are the mercy of the weather. Their story was captured in the fourth week of Airtel’s Touching Lives. In episode five, viewers met Mr. Alhasan, a 41 year old man married with 2 children. A tailor by profession, his true passion is football and he is singlehandedly trying to improve the quality of life of his town by forming a local football club. He has also cleaned up the streets as well as a lot of young criminals now find favour in football as opposed to smoking wee and robbery. Then viewers were let into the life of Emmanuel, a show repairer who needs support to help to establish a shoe making shop so he can be able to cater for the entire family’s upkeep. Also in the same episode was the story of a brilliant 14 year old boy who wrote to Airtel Ghana to come to the aide of his unemployed father and support the family to make ends meet.   Eight years ago, Eric’s father went to sea and never returned. He is now a21 year old orphan taking care of 8 orphans including his two young sisters as well as aiding 7 others and 2 widows in the community. All this he does on his meager monthly salary of 60 cedis that he gets from his job teaching technical skills. He rents a single room for the 8 of them and there is almost literally nothing in it. They survive on 2 meals a day and all are in school. Four of them were street kids before meeting Eric. They needed a miracle which Airtel provided in episode seven.   In episode eight, viewers watched in awe as Rebecca speaks of how her mother died in childbirth, leaving her the role of mother to her 3 siblings. She speaks also about how two months later and two days before his wife’s funeral, Rebecca’s father was travelling in order to finalize funeral arrangements only for armed robbers to set upon the minibus he was travelling in and he was shot dead and the money stolen from him. She is left to cater for her siblings and to make ends meet. The latest episode tells the story of how Mary, who was nearly drawn to take her life, has formed a foundation with her own resources to prevent others from doing same.   There has been a lot of talk on the need for corporate bodies to offer CSR support that are sustainable. In all the episodes screened so far on TV, the key emphasis has been to offer support to beneficiaries that will not only make the most impact in their lives, but will also be sustainable over time. It feeds directly into what stakeholders have advocated over time. “You will notice that we are not doling out cash or giving freebies but we ensure that beneficiaries receive support which can generate income for them in the long term”, Managing Director of Airtel Ghana Philip Sowah reiterates. The key is for Airtel is to ensure that the support given out will turn the lives of beneficiaries around for good.   From the responses received from the public in general, one of the key drivers of Airtel’s Touching Lives seem to have been met as people are driven to do a bit more for their neighbours and their communities. “We show Airtel’s Touching Lives on TV not as a marketing tool. We want people to watch what others in even more trying situations are doing not just for their families but for the communities so they learn from it. That call to action is more important to us than anything else”, Mr. Sowah added.]]>

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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