Connect with us

People & Lifestyle

Danny Glover and NAACP President head to Ghana for ‘Jamestown to Jamestown’

Published

on

danny glover

American actor, film director, and political activist, Danny Glover is expected to arrive in Ghana with National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as part of the Jamestown to Jamestown’ event to commemorate Ghana’s Year of Return.

To commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans’ arrival in the United States, NAACP leaders, activists and entertainers will travel from Jamestown, Virginia, to Jamestown, Accra, as a part of Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative.

NAACP Image Awards announces ‘Jamestown to Jamestown Memorial Trip to Ghana’

“Jamestown to Jamestown represents one of the most powerful moments in the history of the Black Experience,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “We are now able to actualize the healing and collective unity so many generations have worked to achieve in ways which bring power to our communities in America, Africa and throughout our Diaspora.”

The trip, which kicks off on Aug. 18 in Washington, D.C., is open to the public. Participants will travel via bus to Jamestown, Virginia, for a prayer vigil and candle-lighting ceremony that marks the African “Maafa,” a term that describes the suffering embedded in the past four centuries related to enslavement. Participants will then travel back to D.C. for a special gathering at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, designed by Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, prior to departing to Ghana on a direct flight for seven to 10 days of rich cultural, spiritual and cathartic experiences.

Advertisement

Danny Glover who is not visiting Ghana for the first, is an active supporter of NAACP.  His parents, both postal workers, were active in the NAACP, working to advance equal rights.

Sunday

Day 1: Aug. 18, 2019

The Arrival

We begin our trip in the Nation’s Capitol – Washington, DC as the meeting point where we will take a bus ride to Jamestown Virginia (Colonial National Park) for a prayer vigil and candle lighting ceremony marking the 400 year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arrival and honoring the memory of all those stolen from Africa over 400 year ago.


Monday

Day 2: Aug. 19, 2019

Our History

Our morning starts with a special visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture designed by Ghanian architect Sir David Adjaye on the National Mall before departing to Ghana.

In the afternoon we depart from Washington Dulles International Airport to Kotoka International Airport in Ghana, West Africa on a direct flight with South African Airways at 5:40 pm.

Advertisement

Tuesday

Day 3: Aug. 20, 2019

Akwaaba (Welcome)

We arrive at 8:30 am into Kotoka International Airport’s new International Terminal. After a warm cultural welcome, we check in our hotels and prepare for the evening’s activities.

In the late afternoon, we move to Jamestown, Accra to be welcomed by local chiefs, politicians, community leaders and the traditional council of Jamestown. We end with an ancestral healing ceremony at the ocean.


Wednesday

Day 4: Aug. 21, 2019

Business, Development & Investment Summit

Join leading government, NGO, and private sector leaders for workshops, discussions, presentations, panels, and networking for a full day of learning about business, development, and investment in Ghana. End the day with a special networking happy hour hosted by one of Ghana’s leading CEOs.

*Individuals not participating in the summit have the option of group day tours or self-guided tours.


Thursday

Day 5: Aug. 22, 2019

Business, Development & Investment Summit

Close out the the final day of the summit with a half day of business networking, closing panel discussion, and presentation on active capital investment projects in Ghana. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the banking industry, as well as leading private sector and non-profit CEO’s.

Advertisement

Black Tie Gala

The evening is summed up with a special VIP back tie gala hosted by the Office of the President. All attendees are encouraged to add an African flair to their evening attire.

*Individuals not participating in the summit have the option of group day tours or self-guided tours.


Friday

Day 6: Aug. 23, 2019

Cape Coast Castle / African Ancestry Reveal

After breakfast, we depart Accra for Cape Coast in the Central Region driving through several fishing villages and coconut tree lined beaches.

Prior to touring Cape Coast Castle, we pay a courtesy call visit to the local tradition Council of Cape Coast. Participants will complete a comprehensive tour of the Cape Coast Castle slave dungeons, and the West African Heritage Museum. After walking through the Door of Return we begin the African Ancestry reveal.

End the evening with the Resilience Beach party at Coconut Grove Beach Resort.

Advertisement

Saturday

Day 7: Aug. 24, 2019

Assin Manso / Last Bath Slave River

Attendees will visit Assin Manso Last Bath Slave River, the burial site of the two former slaves exhumed from New York and Jamaica interred in Ghana on Emancipation Day in 1998. The Slave River was where the enslaved Africans had their last bath before their trek to the coast for shipment to the western world never to be returned.

Extended stay participants will move on to Kumasi and others will return to the hotel for their final night.


EXTENDED TRIP OPTION TO KUMASI


Sunday

Day 8: Aug. 25, 2019

Departure

Attendees who complete their journey today will head back to Accra to visit the Arts Centre for gift shopping, farewell photos at Independence Square and a final meal before departure

Kumasi

Kumasi is home of the great Ashanti Kingdom. Extended stay participants will attend the Akwaside Festival at Manhiya Palace, the seat of the Asantehene – King of the the Ashanti people. Akwasidae is a festival held every 42 days to honor personal and community ancestors. This is an opportunity to experience traditional Ghanian culture in all its splendor, color, grace, strength, and vibrancy.


Monday

Day 9: Aug. 26, 2019

Kumasi Craft Villages

After breakfast we visit a few Ashanti crafts villages. Bonwire is famous for Kente cloth production. Observe weavers exhibit their skills in producing the clothe and try your hand at it. Ntonso, noted for its indigenous artisans whose expertise lies in Adinkra textiles printing using traditional symbols that express the spiritual, moral, political and socio-cultural philosophies of the Akan people. Ahwiaa – the woodcarver’s village specializing in woodcarving such as the Ashanti stools, fertility dolls and walking sticks.

Advertisement

After Lunch, we return to Accra.


Tuesday

Day 10: Aug. 27, 2019

Accra City Tour

After breakfast go on a city tour of Accra visiting the vibrant open air Makola Market offering fresh farm produce, clothes, electronics, and other goods. Continue through Old Accra visiting Independence Arch, and Black Star Square, Accra’s ceremonial grounds.

After lunch visit W.E.B. Dubois Centre for Pan Africanism and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, burial place of the first President of Ghana..

Advertisement

People & Lifestyle

ADU Cost 2024: Understanding Development Pricing

Published

on

ADU Cost 2024

ADU development has to be properly organized and financed. This encompasses the complicated facets of ADU costs for homeowners who aspire to enlarge their living space or improve their rental properties. Let us examine the different aspects that invariably feed into ADU development pricing. We will focus on the important points that allow you to use your space effectively.

Understanding ADU Development Cost

City Fees: The first step in ADU cost and construction involves paying the city fees, including plan checks, permits, and other regulations. These fees differ depending on the location and project characteristics; the previously mentioned figures of $3,000-$11,000 vary greatly. Engaging Levi Construction’s skills in this field allows you to overcome legal obstacles and customize the fee structure to your ADU project.

Construction Labor and Materials: What is the fundamental of ADU cost and development? It is unionized labor and materials in the construction sector. Unlike major construction, garage conversion comes with a budget of $175 to $225 per square foot with the existing structures having lower costs reducing overall costs. Therefore, through garage conversion, you will have the ability to decrease ADU Costs considerably. On the other hand, the projected ADU cost will be between $250 and $350 per square foot. Materials selection and construction processes complement each other to make quality and affordability simultaneously.

Finish Materials: Raising the ADU aesthetics and functionality would have premium finish materials that would satisfy the investment project. The standard floor, cabinetry, and fixtures are usually priced at $50-$100 per sq. ft., which creates a situation involving ambiance and a view of the future value of the space. The union of design and price is a theme conception, so the outcome is harmony and a five-star feeling.

Comparative Cost Dynamics: The pricing strategies that the company will apply will be different regarding the option choices of the existing ADU conversion and new construction projects. Garage Conversion offers fiscal advantages because its price is 50-60% lower than newly built apartments. However, the fact that the ADU owners will have the chance to customize practically endlessly and appreciate the potential of future growth should also be accounted for. As the budgeting element should be considered, the present goals should match the future ones.

Advertisement

Evolution of Costs: Over time, mortgage loan and building material prices have necessarily risen by half the amount of ADU, and more so, they are up by 20%. The project’s risk mitigation strategy is completely supported by financial strategy, expense efficiency, and creating a risk contingency, and this is the project’s backbone. These will be the pillars on which the project will be built and successful.

The Best ADU Cost & Development with Levi Construction

Working with Levi Construction encourages you to take on an exercise of your life; you will be satisfied due to all the technological assistance you will receive during the whole building of your ADU. The engineering team concentrated on decreasing the cost of the estimate to the project; they are fabricated to the diplomatic programs which cater to the best outcome, this will instill a sense of confidence and safety in home buyers. Establishing the cost of ADU for the year 2024, a key criterion that prompts us to decide on our priorities and expenditures is crucial. To ensure that your custom ADU meets the utility, aesthetic, and affordability standards, it is worth opting for Levi Construction, thus making everything available and affordable.

Conclusion

During The ADU construction cost, careful thinking and a reasonable budgeting approach are necessary. This would include a budget to cover city outlays, payrolls for workers, and expenditure on materials essential for the smooth running of this endeavor. Partnering with Levi Construction Permits one to have professional skills and record excellent outcomes through top-notch customer satisfaction. This fully makes homeowners understand the pricing dynamics of the ADU, and hence, they can be off the shelf buying a financially viable home, functionally well put and visually appealing.



Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Sarkodie, Samini & Efya to Headline ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ in New Jersey

Published

on

PROJECT AE24 PROMO

The ABOFREM AREA Foundation is proud to announce the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’, featuring a star-studded lineup of entertainers and artistes headlined by Musicians Sarkodie, Samini, and Efya.

 

 

The event, set to take place on August 3, 2024, at the Ritz Theatre in New Jersey, promises to be a celebration of the rich African culture, arts, and music.

 

Advertisement

The ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ is an initiative of the ABOFREM AREA Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving African heritage and cultural diversity. 

 

The event will showcase the exceptional talents led by three of Ghana’s most renowned artists, who will captivate the audience with their unique blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and soulful melodies.

 

Sarkodie, the multiple award-winning rapper, will take the stage with his signature style, blending hip-hop and Afrobeats to create an electrifying performance. 

Advertisement

 

Samini, the legendary Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats artist, will bring his infectious rhythms and high-energy stage presence, while Efya, the soulful songstress, will enchant the audience with her powerful vocals and emotive performances.

 

“We are thrilled to present the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ and to have Sarkodie, Samini, and Efya as our headliners,” said the ABOFREM AREA Foundation.

 

Advertisement

“These artists are not only incredibly talented, but they also embody the essence of African culture and artistry. We are confident that their performances will create an unforgettable experience for our attendees and help us celebrate the rich diversity of African heritage.”

 

The ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ promises to be a night of pure entertainment, showcasing the best of African culture, arts, and music. Attendees can expect a captivating blend of music, dance, and visual arts, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Ritz Theatre.

 

Tickets for the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ are now available for purchase, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid disappointment. 

Advertisement

 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event’s official website at www.ambusa.org

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

VistaJet renews its commitment to West Africa’s economic development

Published

on

Challenger605 1

VistaJet, the world’s first and only global business aviation company, today announced the conclusion of the company’s first-ever roadshow static display in West Africa, engaging with media and stakeholders in the region’s most vibrant cities, including Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, and Abuja. The roadshow was organized in support of VistaJet’s regional growth plans.

According to Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, the aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion (4.1%) of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). If the industry were a country, it would rank 17th in size by GDP, equating to the GDP of Indonesia and the Netherlands. In Nigeria, aviation annually contributes over $600 million to the national GDP creating more than 241,000 jobs. Moreover, the aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2038, global air transport is forecast to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy.

Similarly, $2.5 trillion total investable wealth is currently held in the African continent, and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65% over the next ten years. This finding is according to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, the definitive guide to Africa’s wealth and luxury sector.

Advertisement

Philippe Scalabrini, President of Europe and Africa at VistaJet stated: “VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments. Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region’s economic development. The business aviation sector will play a crucial role in this growth, as in other regional economic transformations. VistaJet is pleased to be able to support Africa’s economic development.”

VistaJet has experienced strong momentum at the start of 2024 (Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023) in Africa, with a 69% increase in Global 7500 flight hours and a 91% increase in Program Members over the last twelve months. In West Africa specifically, VistaJet has seen a 58% increase in total flight hours. More and more clients globally are recognizing that VistaJet provides the best value and end-to-end experience, and its expanded team of over 4,400 experts is fully committed to developing the next era of innovative flying solutions across the globe. On the Vista Members’ fleet of over 300 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments, and private clients to 2,400 airports and 207 counties and territories, covering 96% of the world.

Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers can access an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on a fleet of mid and long-range jets to fly in as little as 24 hours’ notice.

A renowned global aviation brand with a sterling reputation, VistaJet entered the African and Middle Eastern markets in 2010. Flying private with VistaJet is the perfect solution for African corporations and businesses due to the reliability, flexibility, efficiency, anonymity, and safety it offers. Due to high demand from the continent, VistaJet placed dedicated Challenger 605 aircraft in West Africa, starting with one in 2022, and now three in 2024 to meet the surge in demand. The

Challenger 605 is great for the West African region – it flies domestically across Africa, to Europedirectly and from West Africa to Dubai without stops – connecting world decision-makers across continents, boosting economies, and driving global investment. The Global 6000 and Global 7500 aircraft are also immensely popular in the region – flying on a Global 6000 from Lagos to Singapore is a popular trip, showing strong, substantial investments across the African and Asian continents. It is game-changing for clients to save time by traveling this distance without having to stop to refuel or experiencing the complexity and inefficiencies that come with connecting flights on commercial aviation.

Advertisement

Over the years, aircraft ownership in Africa and managing hiring crew have proven daunting due to the challenge of maintenance. Using VistaJet is the perfect alternative to aircraft ownership as it removes the inconvenience and hassle and provides a consistent cabin experience on every flight. VistaJet leads the industry in pioneering and adopting the most advanced technologies in business aviation, from industry leading flight operations software to VistaJet pilots training twice a year in state-of-the-art simulators and undergoing additional annual safety courses, VistaJet also has a dedicated safety department with a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risk for a safe operation and working environments for all VistaJet clients and employees.

VistaJet’s proactive approach towards safety for its twenty years in operation prepares it to face the requirements for worldwide flight needs.

Similarly, clients have expressed their satisfaction with the global aviation brand’s Cabin Hosts who are trained by the British Butler Institute, MedAire, Norland College, and who also receive

Michelin-starred restaurant and Level 2 Wine & Spirit Education Trust training, to deliver the highest and unparalleled service standards.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Skepta’s inaugural collection with PUMA is finally unveiled

Published

on

Skepta’s inaugural collection with PUMA is finally unveiled

Skepta’s unequalled style and cultural influence collide with PUMA’s rich heritage of sportswear design, creating a groundbreaking collection characterised by its distinct shapes, unique details and textures. Capturing the mood of the collection itself, the campaign employs light and shadow as primary visual codes, naturally casting the spotlight on Skepta.

After being welcomed into the PUMA family as a brand ambassador in 2022, Skepta now unveils his inaugural collaborative collection. Created especially for Skepta and based on his unique aesthetic and codes, the collection features a stealthy colour palette emphasising materials like premium nylon, offset by silver hardware inspired by PUMA’s origins.

Balancing history with innovation, Skepta and PUMA’s first drop goes deep into PUMA’s extensive archive, adding Skepta’s distinct perspective to a full collection of apparel, accessories, and a brand-new footwear silhouette, the PUMA Skope Forever.

Conceived as a uniform for Skepta, the PUMA x Skepta Track Jacket and Track Pants form a coordinated set, taking inspiration from PUMA’s T7 tracksuit. The technical Vest features unique tailoring with concealed pockets, while the accompanying Backpack maintains the same aesthetic, created in a black-on-black colorway with ample storage. Completing the lineup of accessories, the first PUMA x Skepta collection also introduces Gloves and a cuffless Beanie.

The PUMA Skope Forever is an all-new footwear style co-created by Skepta and PUMA, inspired by early-2000s footwear designs and debuting in a special iridescent colorway. Robust tooling serves as the foundation for the upper, featuring a mesh underlay wrapped in fluid opalescent panels. Silver accents emerge from beneath the Skope Forever, contrasting with its covert colourway. A special PUMA x Skepta badge features on the tongue, completing the tech-luxe silhouette.

Advertisement

Kicking off a long-term partnership between Skepta and PUMA, the first collection is available from May 18, 2024, from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected PUMA retailers with retail prices ranging from 60 to 200 Euros.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Geisha Soap Celebrates Mother’s Day with Weekend of Activities

Published

on

WhatsApp Image 2024 05 12 at 16.30.19 f265b1c6

Geisha Soap, Ghana’s preferred soap for mothers known for its long-lasting properties, celebrated Mother’s Day 2024 with a series of heartwarming activities in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Tamale. As a brand that celebrates women, Geisha has made Mother’s Day one of its flagship dates on the annual calendar.

On Friday, 10th May, representatives of the brand visited the Alfa-Jura Mosque in Tamale, where mothers were blessed with Geisha Soap hampers and giveaways. Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) queen, Teiya, graced the event, interacting with mothers as they showed their love for and appreciation to the brand and shared their unique experiences of motherhood. 

Osman Husseini, Unilever Territory Manager for Northern Ghana, said, “We cannot compare a mother’s love to any other love in this world. That’s why Geisha has come out to recognise this day as a very special day in our lives so that we can celebrate our mothers and give them the due recognition they deserve.” 

At the same time, representatives of the Geisha brand donated hampers to new mothers at Tema General Hospital, in collaboration with renowned media personality and women’s advocate, Oheneyere Gifty Anti. The hampers included essential items for both mothers and their little ones, as well as the love and care from Geisha that the brand has come to be known for.

Over the course of the weekend, the Geisha team also honoured mothers in Kumasi with brand giveaways. These were made up of mothers who have had a long-lasting impact on society.

Advertisement

The weekend was climaxed on Mother’s Day – Sunday, 12th May – with separate visits to selected churches in Accra: The Maker’s House Chapel International, Haatso; Living Streams International Church at Tse Addo; and the Church of Pentecost, North Kaneshie English Assembly. Mothers were treated to Geisha Soap hampers and had the opportunity to interact with the Geisha team. Brand Ambassador, MzVee, was in attendance at The Maker’s House Chapel International, with other events also including music, pictures, and children reading out Mother’s Day wishes to their mothers.

WhatsApp Image 2024 05 12 at 18.12.37 e9f450dc

“We are delighted to celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers through these activities around Mother’s Day,” said Derrick Odechie-Bossman, Brand Manager for Geisha. “It’s for this reason that we say, ‘Olastaaaaamaa’, because it lasts and lasts like a mother’s love, providing nourishment and care for families.”

One recipient expressed her gratitude: “I am so touched by this kind gesture from Geisha Soap. It shows that they truly value mothers and the sacrifices we make for our families.”

In recent years, Geisha has had a number of activations on Mother’s Day, including donations to new mothers, paying hospital bills of mothers, and celebrating women and mothers at their places of worship.

Geisha Soap comes in a variety of sizes and fragrances, catering to the diverse needs of mothers and their families. With its long-lasting properties, Geisha Soap is a symbol of the enduring love and support that mothers provide.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

MEST Africa launches Mastercard EdTech fellowship with 12 innovative companies

Published

on

IMG 20240513 WA0001

Twelve innovative companies have been selected for the maiden edition of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending