Kenya’s President William Ruto has appointed the first female commander of the air force. (more…)

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector armof the World Bank Group, has announced the commencement of the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition, inviting aspiring designers to showcase their talents and innovative solutions for sustainable building design.

Supported by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the EDGE Student Design Competition, now in its third year, is an opportunity for students and recentgraduates to exhibit their expertise in developing sustainable and cost-efficient building designs.

The competition is an integral part of the EDGE program, which aims to mainstream green buildings worldwide by aligning the interests of financial institutions, property developers, homeowners, and governments.

Participants are invited to design an affordable three-bedroom single-family home within a $30,000 budget, covering an area of 150 m2. The challenge is to incorporate passive design and engineering strategies to create homes that are sustainable, resource-efficient, visually appealing, and suitable for a family of five. The EDGE app, an innovation of IFC, will be a key tool for participants, supporting in design decisions and illustrating potential savings.

“This competition reflects IFC’s dedication to innovation in developing resource-efficient buildings,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC Senior Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

“By challenging students to think green, we’re investing in a new generation of professionals who will lead the way in environmentally sustainable design.”

The competition is open to students enrolled in built environment and construction-related courses at Ghanaian tertiary institutions, recent graduates within three years of their graduation date, and Ghanaian students pursuing similar courses overseas. Entrants must complete the Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) course, a requirement that can be fulfilled within 2-3 weeks during the competition timeframe.

“In today’s world, where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainable practices in the built environment,” said Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing. “The future of Ghana depends on our ability to design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and resilient to the challenges we face.”

Prizes for the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition include an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to attend the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Green Building Convention, EDGE expert training, publication opportunities, and certificates.“The EDGE students design competition is an excellent opportunity for young talent to showcase their innovative ideas and apply their skills in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment, said Magdalena Wüst, Deputy Head of Cooperation Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Benin, and Togo. “We look forward to seeing how these bright minds use their creativity to solve real-world challenges.”

The competition is a vital step towards equipping the next generation with the knowledge and attitudes needed to champion the world’s journey towards a low-carbon future. It is an opportunity for emerging design professionals to leave a lasting impact in sustainable building design.

IFC invites all eligible students to seize this opportunity to display their talent and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

To participate, register by filling out this form accurately and follow the submission guidelines by August 10, 2024. Final design entries must be submitted via email to info@yechampropertyconsult.com by 5 pm on August 26, 2024.

Tamale West Hospital in Ghana has received a significant boost in its efforts to combat malaria, thanks to a generous donation of antimalarial medications from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana. As the world relentlessly keeps fighting the malaria disease, this timely contribution underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges in the region.    

Malaria continues to be a major health concern in Ghana, particularly in areas like Tamale, where transmission rates remain high. The burden of this mosquito-borne disease weighs heavily on communities, affecting both health and economic prosperity. In the face of such challenges, initiatives like Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s “ACT for Africa”, a Malaria Free Continent campaign aimed at prevention, and treatment are essential in reducing the impact of malaria on individuals and families. 

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s donation of antimalarial medications to Tamale West Hospital exemplifies corporate social responsibility in action. By providing essential medicines like Lonart, Gsunate and others,  the pharmaceutical company not only supports the hospital’s efforts to treat malaria cases effectively but also contributes to the overall goal of malaria control and elimination in the region. 

“We are pleased to partner with Tamale West Hospital in the fight against malaria especially as World Malaria Day approaches,” said a representative from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim Mumuni. “This donation as spearheaded by the Managing Director of Bliss GVS Pharma, Mr. Gagan Sharma reflects our commitment to improving access to healthcare and promoting community well-being, especially in areas affected by preventable diseases like malaria. We have been making donations, and this year marks our fourth consecutive year of doing so”.

With access to quality antimalarial medications, the hospital can enhance its capacity to diagnose and treat malaria cases promptly, thereby reducing complications and saving lives. Moreover, this support reinforces the hospital’s role as a frontline institution in the battle against malaria in the Tamale community. 

Receiving the items on behalf of Tamale West Hospital, Dr. Billah Bagamsah, Head of Pharmacy Department, expressed gratitude to Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana for the good gesture. He said, “Malaria is among the top three mortalities in the hospital and this donation will really go a long way to curb and reduce the incidence rate.” He added that “Pregnant women and children under five years are the most vulnerable groups. So, we’ll be targeting them. If you check our OPD attendance, currently, as the rain has started, the OPD attendance for malaria is increasing and with these products, it will help the hospital treat this illness.” 

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s commitment to supporting Tamale West Hospital underscores the power of partnerships in tackling global health challenges. By working together, stakeholders from the public and private sectors can make significant strides towards a malaria-free future for all. In the commemoration of World Malaria Day, let us celebrate initiatives like the donation from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, which bring hope and relief to communities affected by malaria. Together, we can continue the fight against malaria and move closer to the goal of a healthier, malaria-free world.

Universal Music Group and TikTok have announced a new “multi-dimensional” licensing agreement that will return music from UMG’s family of artists, songwriters and labels to the short video platform. (more…)

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Ajebo Hustlers, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Nandi Madida’s Favourite Track of the Week!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, May 3rd at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
The Nigerian highlife duo Ajebo Hustlers joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about their latest single, “Last Week.” They also discuss their new album, ‘Bad Boy Etiquette 102: Continuous Assessment,’ how they add depth and meaning to their sound, and how they’ve stay motivated throughout their career.

The Big 5
Nandi Madida shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Fireboy DML, Odunsi (The Engine), Leather Park & Bnyx feat. Jeriq, Tekno, Charlotte Lyf, Master KG & Casswell P, and Aubrey Qwana & Malome Vector.

Africa Rising
Ghanaian rapper and singer King Paluta—Apple Music’s latest Up Next: Ghana featured artist—is the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features her singles, “Aseda” and “Nyakoo.”  Listen HERE.

Nandi’s Song of the Week
Each week, Nandi Madida chooses her favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week she spotlights Nigerian Afrobeats singer-songwriter Salle and her track, “Countdown,” from Apple Music’s Afro-Soul playlist. Listen HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, May 3rd at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

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Ajebo Hustlers Tell Apple Music What’s Behind Their ‘Bad Boy Etiquette’ Ethos
We’re trying to be entertaining but we still want to have a little depth, a little insight, because a lot of artists are just putting out music, and it’s just entertaining and that’s just what it is. You really never take anything out from it; it’s just about having a good time, and we feel like in as much as we want to be entertaining—we try to be comical in our lyrics and our raps—we still want you to take back something. Listen and either be motivated, or take any sort of information that will benefit you. That’s the artists we want to be, so that’s why we said ‘Bad Boy Etiquette,’ entertaining you and still giving you game, teaching you how to move as a person.

Ajebo Hustlers Tell Apple Music About Their New Album, ‘Bad Boy Etiquette 102: Continuous Assessment’
It’s more like a continuation from the previous [album], ‘Bad Boy Etiquette 101.’ It’s more like we had our friends to jump on some records—like “Dreams” we now have Zlatan and Blaqbonez, Sarkodie on “Burn My Cable,” and we have Magixx on “Kisses.” ‘Continuous Assessment’ is a time where we’re like, “Ok, since we’ve been informing the people, we want to give you guys a test. Let’s see what you guys have gotten out of what we’ve been giving you, out of the the gems and the game that we’ve been giving you.”

Ajebo Husters Tell Apple Music How They’ve Stayed Motivated
I think what kept us going was the passion for the music. We had genuine love for the music; it wasn’t all about to just blow up. It was just to make good records that we could listen to, and our friends could listen to, and they vibe. When we were coming up, the guys that we were recording with in their studio, we were all just focused on making Afro sounds. Every time someone makes it doper, we always go back to the studio to record something that is doper than what we did previously, so it was kind of like a competition in a positive way. That kept us going—the passion, the love, the drive. We always saw it that we are making music from Port Harcourt as good as the people in Lagos, so we were just focused on doing more, recording more, to just keep recording.

The first-ever KwaZulu World Carnival will take place on Africa Day, May 25^th 2024 in Durban. This authentic and vibrant parade is proudly sponsored by Durban Tourism and SAFA eThekwini and is free to all who want to attend and celebrate World Africa Day.

It will celebrate all things KZN including all races, cultures and diversity in the province from the dance, food, culture, sounds etc. Everyone is encouraged to come (for free) in traditional dress or costumes that represent their race and heritage.

This KwaZulu World Carnival will grow in the following years to attract troupes from the entire world. “We want to be like RIO in Brazil, as carnivals are known to be tourist attractions. Ours is different as it will surely give all attendees the authentic Zulu experience” says Dr. Bandile Mkhize, the Carnival Chairperson.

This new carnival will include a parade (12h00 – 14h00) from the Workshop to Hoy Park. People are invited to wear their traditional garments and line up the street to enjoy the different performances from different countries.

“We will have troupes from KwaZulu, various izigodi, troupes from eSwatini, Botswana, Zambia, Burundi and local groups like the Tsongas, the BaSotho etc. This is a family affair, with dancers, stilt walkers, brass bands, drum majorettes, traditional dancers and more. The carnival will finish off at Hoy Park with a free concert, headlined by Big Zulu”

The free Concert will start at 15h00  (until 21h00) with some local big names accompanied by dance and music groups from other countries. Local chefs and those from around the continent will showcase different African cuisines at the Carnival Food Expo.  The event is free, however, food and drinks will be on sale.  Those who prefer a VIP setting, they will be able to purchase tickets on-site for R300 including lunch, and a cash bar.

This is an opportunity to celebrate what makes each culture unique and special. The line-up wil be released on the 10^th of May.

#KwaZuluWorldCarnival #Ekhaya For more information on the event –