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A musical feud carried too far – Serwaa Amihere writes

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Before venturing into news and current affairs, I was a bit-part entertainment pundit. Entertainment has never really left my bloodstream and I continue to follow the sector keenly. So, l caught the bug of anticipation and expectation like everyone else when Charter House set the date for the VGMA 20-a reference to the 20th edition of what has become the biggest night of entertainment in Ghana.

serwaa amihere 1
Serwaa Amihere

The night got off to a good start last Saturday, with Giovanni Caleb and Sika holding down the red-carpet moment remarkably. The red-carpet parade itself, was a spectacle on its own. Those of us watching from the comfort of our beds, were treated to anything between the elegant to the ridiculous.

There was Wendy Shay’s beautiful emerald dress which won her the best dressed personality hands-down in my books, and then there were two chaps who wore dresses that looked like a blend of disused T-shirts and badly sewn wedding gowns. It is not too clear what informed their choice of wardrobe, but they added some amusement to the night.

The choice of the ever-green Kwame Sefa Kayi, who was reprising his role at the very first edition of the event in 1999, and the super talented Berla Mundi as hosts for the night was a match made in heaven.Kwame’s experience and authority were beautifully complemented by the brilliance of Berla. Her two gowns on the night were simply spectacular.

Soon enough, the awards came in thick and fast once the audience had settled and enough eyeballs had been garnered around the country and beyond. As usual, there were gasps and murmurs as both the audience in the auditorium and those watching at home debated over whether one artiste or the other deserved a particular award. Social media added the needed tonic to the debate as tweets and posts poured in on the subject, but what would an award programme be if it does not generate such positive controversy.

The most notable controversy up to that point was the award for Highlife Song of The Year which went toShatta Wale for his “My Level” song. The debate centered on whether that song fit into the highlife genre at all. He also quickly bagged the Reggae Dancehall Song of the year for “Gringo” and was threatening tosteal the show for the night. There was no debate however over the fact that Mary Ghansah, J. A. Adofo and Prof Kofi Abraham deserved the recognition they got for their legendary contributions to Ghanaian music.

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Plenty of controversy and unsightly scenes were to follow as more award winners were announced. Things came to an unpleasant head when Stonebwoy was announced as the Reggae Dance Hall Artiste of the Year.

Right after the announcement, the cameras panned to an unhappy and visibly disappointed Shatta Wale who whispered something to an associate sitting close by. His reaction then was only natural. Disappointment is a very human feeling but his actions immediately after that defied comprehension. Just as Abeiku Santana was about to present Stonebwoy with his award, Shatta Wale rose to his feet with a handful of his followers and headed for the stage. This move was fiercely resisted by followers of Stonebwoy and this led to a melee which will go down as the lowest point in the twenty-year history of this most enjoyable event.

Stonebwoy on his part, completely overreacted when he pulled out a gun at a time when he was being shielded by enough bodies and some police officers. The actions of both artistes are indefensible. For starters, Shatta Wale had no business going up that stage when his rival was receiving his award especially when he did not bother to personally receive his own two earlier awards despite being present at the venue. The excuse that he went there to congratulate Stonebwoy is an untenable afterthought and cannot be accepted.

Stonebwoy also cannot escape criticism for carrying a gun to the venue in the first place. Brandishing such a violent weapon in a crowded hall at a time of chaos, had the potential to cause mass panic and hysteria which could have led to a stampede that could in turn result in serious injuries and deaths.

While both artistes failed to cover themselves in glory last Saturday, their distasteful standoff highlights the dangerous extent their bitter and unhealthy rivalry has reached. What started as an industry hyping gimmick between two talented artistes has quickly escalated into intolerance, fanatism and outright lawlessness. It is not the first time these two have clashed and it will not be last if sanity is not injected into their respective camps.

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Stardom which comes with huge following should be an enabler for young people to positively influence other young people. It is not to be abused in the carefree manner displayed over the period by these twoartistes and which culminated in Saturday’s chaotic scenes. It behoves all who have the privilege ofenjoying massive support for their work to respect that privilege and act in ways that enhance society’sprogress not detract from it.

At a time when we are yet to find our way clear out of the grip of vigilantism on our politics, the last thing we should be encouraging is a culture of gangsterism complete with gun violence arising out of musical feuds. At the end of the brawl, it was clear that both Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy owed the nation apologies for their conduct as well as a commitment to peaceful and decent behavior going forward. Stonebwoy did offer an apology in a statement issued Sunday, in which he pledged to carry out reforms in his personnel and security arrangements. One can only hope that Shatta Wale would follow suit.

That said, Charter House would have to draw a lesson or two from the unfortunate incident of last Saturday which marred an otherwise beautiful event. I am certain, based on their track-record, that all loose ends will be tied going forward and the VGMA will return with a bang next year.

Special mention must go to Sarkodie and Samini. The former bagged a well-deserved Artiste of the Decade Award for his dominant displays over the last decade. The latter dug deep to calm nerves after the fracas with a commanding performance. More importantly, both men have carried their fame with dignity and are worthy role models for the youth. The feuding Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy may have to borrow several leaves from their pages.

Serwaa Amihere
News Anchor and Broadcast Journalist. Disclaimer

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The author is a news anchor and broadcast journalist with GHone TV under the EIB Network. The views expressed in this write-up are purely her’s and do not represent the views of GHone TV or the EIBNetwork.

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People & Lifestyle

U.S. Economy: Domestic and Global Influences

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US economy

The state of the US economy is influenced by multiple domestic and international factors, including:

  • foreign debt;
  • dollar strength;
  • social stability;
  • global relations;
  • geopolitical tensions;
  • trade dynamics with China;
  • Europe’s economic health;
  • performance of major corporations;
  • political environment. 

Let’s examine them closer.

 

One major concern is the growing US foreign debt, which, while initially demonstrating confidence in the economy (and its ability to meet obligations), can eventually affect borrowing costs and creditor confidence. The performance of the US dollar index, which reflects the dollar’s value against a basket of foreign currencies, impacts US export opportunities and trade imbalances. 

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Social issues like labor market instability, income inequality, and healthcare access can hinder economic growth and fuel political discontent. US international relations, including trade negotiations and conflicts, sanctions, and military interventions, directly impact the economy. For instance, instability in energy supplies due to conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine can influence global oil and gas prices.

China stands as one of the United States’ most significant trading allies. Trade balances, tariffs, and concerns over intellectual property rights between these nations carry both risks and potential benefits for the American economy. The state of affairs in Europe is equally critical, given the European Union’s status as another vital trading partner and a significant source of investment for the United States.

In addition, US elections consistently influence economic policy. Alterations in taxation, government expenditure, and regulatory frameworks can profoundly impact economic dynamics and the investment environment.

The modern US economy heavily relies on tech giants like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). These companies not only drive innovation but also shape the country’s economic landscape, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP), job creation, and international trade. They also make substantial tax contributions despite ongoing debates about their tax practices.

For those considering investment opportunities in the United States, exploring a free market replay simulation could prove beneficial. Such simulations accurately mirror price fluctuations in real-time, offering inexperienced investors a risk-free environment to learn and practice trading strategies.

Investing in the US economy presents both significant opportunities and risks. Diversification, market research, and economic policy analysis can mitigate potential downsides. Despite challenges, the American economy has historically shown resilience and long-term growth potential.

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The New Force is buying back the country that’s already sold – Nana Kwame Bediako explains

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Two media outlets respectively ran headlines which sought to frame and misrepresent a case I made during an interview on TV3 which aired on April 12th. In a maliciously lopsided manner, the headlines stated that I will come back and buy the country if Ghanaians reject me.

The media outlets; one, Ghana Web and two, Pulse Ghana; they are both outrightly owned by foreigners. Ghana Web is managed by a Dutch company and owned by Robert Bellaart of Bellaart Investments B.V. Pulse Ghana is managed by Pulse Africa which is owned by Swiss entrepreneur, Leonard Stiegeler.

Clearly, my commentary was taken out of context by the two media outlets. Word for word what I said at the beginning of that part of my presentation is this; It is one of my ultimate motives to create a million millionaires in Ghana. This statement is our premise. This statement has always been a key guideline to the vision of the movement of The New Force and the case that as the leader of The New Force movement I will continue to make. The case can be made; if as a people we could from within our own country generate a million millionaires, with just ten percent of their wealth we will be in a position to redeem, to buy back the country that we have lost, the country which has over the past decades been sold to foreign entities.

No ifs or buts; It is the ultimate goal of The New Force movement to restore the economy of Ghana and to redeem the nation of Ghana and by extension all of Africa.

Read Also: Nana Kwame Bediako receives blessings from Chief Imam right after Eid, as he endorses his ambition for leadership as President of Ghana

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. It is the guiding mission of The New Force to buy back our country which is already sold. This is the message of The New Force. Its singular vision. Its singular objective. And I continue to put my life on the line to ensure this. It is my calling. My destiny is tied to that of the people of Ghana. It is a choice that I have reinforced every day for more than a decade; every single choice, every single private and public decision of mine is aligned to this vision. This choice is what gives me courage every single day.

Now let me in addition remind the people of Ghana that we need to hold close to the heart and soul of the nation the sacredness of our media spaces. Just like with our minerals and human resources, just like with our government policies and our political parties, we need to vigilantly guard the ethics of our media spaces especially in watershed moments in our trajectory as a people, who we are, and also who we are becoming. It is sacred. This is critical.

I want the media to remember this; you are responsible for a lot of things; therefore, your responsibility is a social and national responsibility. I am urging all the media platforms to wake up and be serious with their facts and protect the nation. And I hope we are in this together; to build a better nation, A BETTER COUNTRY, a better people, a better continent. We have to do it ourselves.

Thank you.

 

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People & Lifestyle

An Introductory Guide to Stock Trading in Ghana

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Welcome to the stock market carnival, where each move seems like a thrilling journey on a financial rollercoaster. Stock trading, also known as equity trading, is your passport to the thrilling experience of buying and selling shares in publicly listed firms. In Ghana, everything revolves around the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), our own playground for those willing to trade stocks and fulfill financial aspirations. So saddle up and prepare for a wild trip as you explore the fundamentals of stock trading in the country of gold and cocoa.

Understanding the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE)

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is more than simply a marketplace; it’s a thriving hub where shares, bonds and a slew of other financial assets find new homes every day. The GSE, established in 1990, is more than simply a place to buy and sell; it is the motor that drives capital into businesses and fuels hopes of financial achievement. And, guess what? It’s all under the cautious eye of Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which ensures that our financial playground remains fair, transparent and entertaining.

Getting Started with Stock Trading

Before you begin surfing the waves of the stock market and start trading stock indices, make sure you have your swim trunks and goggles ready. Spend some time dipping your toes into the pool of financial knowledge. Explore several methods like a kid in a candy store to get a sense of the highs and lows of the market rollercoasters. And don’t forget to establish goals. Whether you want to compete in the financial Olympics or simply play in the kiddie pool, having a strategy can help you stay afloat in the market’s rough seas.

Opening a Brokerage Account

Welcome to the first stage of your stock trading career on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Consider creating a brokerage account like selecting a dancing partner: you want someone who is dependable, competent and knows the correct movements. So go around for a brokerage business that checks all of your criteria. Examine their rates, listen to their customer service vibes and determine whether their trading platform has the beat you’re searching for. Once you’ve discovered your match, it’s as simple as following their lead—just complete your paperwork and you’ll be on the dance floor of the stock market in no time.

Researching Stocks

Buckle up as it’s time to go into the fine gritty of effective trading. It’s not enough to choose stocks at random; you also need to do your homework. Begin by looking into a company’s finances like a detective, sifting through earnings reports and balance sheets for hidden treasures. But do not stop there. Get technical—analyze those charts like a seasoned specialist, identifying trends and patterns that others may overlook. When you mix the art of fundamental analysis and the science of technical analysis, you’ll be trading like a pro in no time.

Placing Trades and Managing Investments

After you’ve done your research and selected your winning stocks, it’s time to make some decisions. Start up your brokerage account’s trading platform and prepare to plunge in. Whether you want to purchase low or sell high, your broker’s platform has you covered. Keep a careful check on your assets and remain current with market trends and business news. Don’t forget to play it intelligently by using stop-loss orders to safeguard your winnings and diversifying your assets across industries. With a little wisdom and a sense of humour, you’ll be trading like a pro in no time.

Navigating Market Volatility

Prepare yourself for the ups and downs caused by everything from economic data to global news stories. While volatility may lead to significant rewards, it can also throw you off if you’re not vigilant. Remember, it’s all about thinking long-term and resisting the impulse to respond to every market fluctuation. Maintain your composure, adhere to your investing strategy and explore tactics such as dollar-cost averaging to smooth out any bumps along the road. With a steady touch and a bit of wit, you’ll master the twists and turns.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

It’s more than just buying and selling; it’s a journey of continuous development and adaptability. Accept any chance to learn, whether through workshops, seminars, or online resources. Stay informed on global market trends and how technology and laws are influencing the landscape. Remember, being ahead of the game is essential for understanding the stock market. So dig in, absorb knowledge like a sponge and prepare to surf the waves of Ghana’s thriving stock exchange with confidence and finesse.

Conclusion

The fascinating world of stock trading in Ghana offers investors the opportunity to ride the wave of the country’s economic progress and convert their capital into long-term profit. But, before you go in headlong, let’s look at what it takes to flourish on the thriving Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). You’ll be well-prepared to tackle the stock market and achieve your financial goals if you learn the basics, select the correct brokerage and remain on top of your investing strategy. So saddle up and prepare for an exciting ride into the heart of Ghana’s financial environment.

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When should a company hire an employment law attorney?

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Watch: I experience sexism as a lawyer - Sandra Ankobiah.

Navigating Legal Challenges in the Workplace: Instruction Catalogue for Employers and HR Officials


Employers and HR Security Specialists must realize in what situations an employee can take the search for legal representation to protect his rights at work. The knowledge of these regulations can act prophesy to early addressing of impending legal problems and to meeting all the employment laws, which include for example, the California Fair Labor Standards. Here is employment law advice for employers to protect a company from employment lawsuits.

Legal consultations may prove challenging in space, but they will also be necessary.


Employees possibly demand employment attorneys in various scenarios such as insulting, sexual harassments, deficiencies in earnings and working hours during court proceedings. Through workers knowing better the way senders and responses interaction occur, it becomes easier for the employer met the challenges before the legal feuds spring.


Handling Workplace Discrimination


Discrimination allegations are made when employees feel that they favoured differently based on arbitrary features such as race, gender or age. Workers should be provided with the access and training needed to prevent discriminations towards him/her and any complaints should be handled immediately and legally.


Addressing Harassment


Catcalls, in appropriate touching, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, all these are examples of bad behavior that may contribute to a hostile working environment for the staff. Serious concerns must be taken seriously by HR, which should be doing a good thorough investigation, and also may be enforcing appropriate action to eliminate the problem before legal action is involved.

Illegal dismissal entails the ending of employment through invalid grounds. For such purpose, employers should make sure that dismissal decisions are properly documented, legal and also business motivated, which can reduce the risk of allegations/claims.


Wage and hour conflicts

Employment law services for employers help resolve dispute on payment of wages, which mostly come in the form of uncompensated overtime, is one of the primary forex punishers for workers. Preserving the honesty of the time clock and monitoring the realization of the wage laws is very important for the employer not to become a subject of the labor disputes.

If employees stop receiving mandated breaks legally required under the California Fair Labor Standards Act Act, they can always find lawyers to talk to. Manufacturers have to get into habit of revising their activities and assumptions periodically in order that they are fully compliant with labor law provisions of the state.

In evaluating whether to pursue a case or go to trial, the following factors are critical for attorneys who represent employment discrimination plaintiffs: deciding when to make a settlement agreement, choosing whether to accept a settlement offer, presenting strong evidence in support of our client’s case in court demonstrate credibility, tackling legal issues from both sides, communicating effectively to build support among jurors, and mentally preparing for the surprising and unexpected incidents that

Subject to assertions of illegal discrimination, the employees have a right to initiate legal proceedings. Create an interactive infographic highlighting national campaigns and their impact on women’s empowerment. Organizations can block the risks they may be exposed to, by ensuring a conducive workplace, offering training on discrimination and promptly responding to any emerging issues.

In a nutshell, an employment lawyer versed in California Fair Labor Standards Act and related laws can be of great service in wading through labyrinth pathways. Indeed, legal counsel helps the companies to know how to meet the compliance, create procedure manuals and make policies that avoid wrongful liabilities.

So that not being ready to the urgent situations in advance might ruin the positive climate of the working experience around and threat to the company with the litigation is not an option. You can handle these cases by pushing occupational training for your employees, establishing clear systematic procedures and effective communications with all stakeholders.

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Adansi Travels Unveils Kofi Kinaata As Headline Artiste For Its 11th Anniversary Tours

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Adansi Travels Unveils Kofi Kinaata As Headline Artiste For Its 11th Anniversary Tours

Adansi Travels, a leading Ghanaian travel agency on Friday 12th April 2024 unveiled Kofi Kinaata as headline artiste for its 11th Anniversary tour packages.

Renowned for curating leisure and business travels for individuals, groups and businesses to destinations worldwide, the travel agency has announced an unparalleled travel package that will offer customers an exciting travel experience.

Speaking at the unveiling event, Managing Director Mr. Gideon Asare highlighted the success of their Anniversary tours over the years to Dubai, which has seen artistes like Kuame Eugene and Samini as headline artistes. He added the 11-day trip to Dubai this year will start on the 11th of August on a Chartered Emirates flight.

Serwaa Boateng Gbene, Sales Manager of Adansi Travels provided further insight into the array of exciting tour packages planned for this year’s 11th Anniversary which includes for the first time a Direct chartered flight to and fro the Caribbean island of Barbados on the 30th of July.
Other tour destinations include Cape Town, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Bali and Malaysia.

Four times songwriter of the year at the Ghana Music Awards Kofi Kinaata is expected to treat patrons to captivating performances in Dubai on the 19th of August and Cape Town, South Africa on the 24th of August.

On his part, Kofi Kinaata expressed excitement about headlining the 11th Anniversary Tours to Dubai as well as Cape Town, promising to offer patrons nothing short of a spectacular performance.

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Coachella 2024: DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) and SOFI TUKKER (DJ Set) Play Surprise Sets at Do LaB Stage on Friday, April 12

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Do LaB made its anticipated return to Coachella on Friday, April 12 at Coachella Weekend One, unveiling its brand new stage design and a packed slate of standout performers and surprise acts. Check out highlights from day one below:

  • DJ Pee .Wee, the vinyl DJ alias of prolific rapper and singer-songwriter Anderson .Paak, played a headlining surprise set to close the night. He also brought out surprise guests of his own including Cordae, Freddie Gibbs, and MARIO.
  • Crossover electronic duo SOFI TUKKER filled the stage with an energetic midday surprise DJ set
  • Additional previously announced day one programming featured acts like Channel Tres, salute, The Dare (DJ Set), Anna Lunoe, Melé

Stay tuned for notifications on announcements, surprise sets, and more by visiting the link here. Set times for the remainder of the weekend can be found here, along with more general info on Do LaB in the press release here. Additional photo selects can be found here (photographer name listed in file name for photo credits).

The Do LaB stage at Coachella provides a preview of the brand’s flagship boutique festival, Lightning in a Bottle. The five day Lightning in a Bottle experience fuses a top tier musical lineup, immersive art installations, cause-driven educational programming, and a variety of yoga and movement programming within a sprawling lakeside venue in beautiful Buena Vista Lake, California.

Taking place over Memorial Day Weekend on May 22-27, LIB 2024’s musical programming highlights include Skrillex, Labrinth, Lane 8, James Blake, M.I.A., Skream, Tycho, ISOxo, Tipper, Fatboy Slim, CloZee, Nora En Pure, Bob Moses, Honey Dijon, Damian Lazarus, and several more.

More info on LIB can be found on their website here and in the official press release here, along with the media application here.

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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Myles Heidenreich
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Jamal Eid
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Myles Heidenreich
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Myles Heidenreich
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Myles Heidenreich
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Courtesy of Do LaB // Myles Heidenreich
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