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Court throws out request to not publish identity of ‘prophet’ Martin Kofi Danso in case of impregnating congregant

A court has ruled that Toronto-based Ghanaian pastor and self-proclaimed “prophet” , Martin Kofi Danso can no longer keep his identity secret in a paternity case just because the publicity could damage his reputation and hurt him financially.  Ontario Superior Court Justice Fred Myers dismissed a request by Martin Kofi Danso to extend a publication […]

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Martin Kofi Danso is the founder of Miracle Arena for All Nations, which operates 17 churches including chapters in Toronto.

Martin Kofi Danso is the founder of Miracle Arena for All Nations, which operates 17 churches including chapters in Toronto.

A court has ruled that Toronto-based Ghanaian pastor and self-proclaimed “prophet” , Martin Kofi Danso can no longer keep his identity secret in a paternity case just because the publicity could damage his reputation and hurt him financially. 

Ontario Superior Court Justice Fred Myers dismissed a request by Martin Kofi Danso to extend a publication ban and sealing order on a court file related to allegations that he fathered a child with former congregant Chris-Ann Bartley.

According to The Star courtroom reporter, Betsy Powell, publication bans in family court matters are typically used to protect the identities of children involved, while Danso cited the risk to his “significant commercial/financial interests” as a reason for requesting a ban.

His request also said “the matter concerns the paternity of a child which is disputed.”

Photos: Prophet Dr Kofi Danso gets private jet on his birthday

Bartley’s lawyer, Theodora Oprea, told the Star after Tuesday’s hearing that a DNA test has since confirmed Danso is the father of her client’s baby boy, who is now 6 months old. The test was not directly addressed during the court hearing.

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In a sworn affidavit filed with the court, Danso claimed he had never had intimate relations with Bartley.

Danso’s lawyer argued that without anonymity, his client will face “emotional, harm, and stress,” particularly if allegations involving other members of the church — which have been posted on social media — are released to the broader public.

“He’s a public figure … he is not someone who will not be harmed by certain allegations,” Daniel Robertson said.

“It cuts both ways, doesn’t it?” replied the judge. “That also brings about the possibility of a public interest when somebody’s out there with 17 churches raising charitable money and tells a couple of big, fat whoppers in a sworn affidavit.”

Danso is the founder of Miracle Arena for All Nations, which operates 17 churches including chapters in Toronto.

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Bartley opposed the publication ban and sealing order on the court file, which another judge imposed at the end of July. Myers said he would release his written reasons later on why he rejected Danso’s arguments that a ban was needed to protect his “significant” commercial and financial interests.

While there are currently no other court proceedings underway, Oprea said the issue of child support and custody are still to be determined.

“There is significant public interest in this case,” Oprea told the court. “He presents himself as a leader of a church … a moral, religious, family man,” an image that runs counter to someone who has fathered a child in an extramarital affair.

According to the Miracle Arena website, “Prophet Danso” is a devoted father of four who travels the world “impacting and empowering millions of lives through his powerful preaching and teaching ministry.” His wife, JoAnne Danso, is a reverend in the church known as “Mama.” Court heard Tuesday she is expecting twins in the near future.

The judge ordered Danso to pay $4,500 to cover Bartley’s legal costs.

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King Promise thrills fans at sold-out show in Singapore

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Ghanaian singer King Promise has made history by being the first Afrobeats star to headline a concert in Singapore. (more…)

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Ice Spice remix stamps Cash Cobain’s “Fisherrr” as the Song of the Summer

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Billboard Rookie of the Month, and multi-hyphenate NYC star, Cash Cobain has just linked up with Ice Spice for the long-awaited video remix for “Fisherrr”(feat. BaySwag) [18m+ Streams]. After bubbling the past few years with R-rated anthems over his own ethereal production – creating the playful “sexy drill” sound that he’s pioneered and taken to mainstream heights, Cash Cobain is stamping himself as a serious song of the summer contender with this remix.

Following up his two smash singles “Dunk Contest” (8m+) and “Fisherrr” (pronounced, ‘for sure), Cash is primed for his moment in the spotlight ––  hitting 1M Monthly Listeners on Spotify, Top 3 NYC Shazam Charts, having occupied the #1 + #3 slots of the NYC Apple Music Charts, hitting #45 on the Urban Radio Charts and counting, and now landing Ice Spice’s third feature ever  –– in the words of COMPLEX, “the summer of 2024 is looking very slizzy”. On the highly-anticipated remix, Ice Spice is simply in top-tier shape.

Adding her signature magnetic ‘it-girl’ flair, charming cadence, and instantly-coinable one-liners, she bolsters the lightning-hot single into astronomical territory with the opening lines –– “Got an attitude but I’m feelingless, so I ain’t mad at you, And I’m tatted too on this fatty-tude, I’m the baddest boo”.

The long-overdue collab from the two Bronx natives is seamless, with her being a tailor-fit alongside the ethereal, dreamy production and silky smooth verses from Bay Swag and Cash. With the recent releases of “Dunk Contest” (watch Genius ‘Open Mic’)  and now the Ice Spice-assisted remix for “Fisherrr” (feat. BaySwag), Cash Cobain is using his collaborative momentum from last year to continue elevating his signature sound, showcasing its influential and ever-growing widespread appeal in the process. In the words of Cash:“It’s a beautiful record. It feels amazing, it feels like NYC is back stronger than ever with me and Spice -– two Bronx legends. Get ready for the song of the summer.” 

Last month, Cash took over NYC with his birthday show, ‘Slizzyfest’ at Irving Plaza –– a night that was slated as a stacked lineup of NY’s finest, with rumors of an A-list superstar surprise set. After chatter spread online and the hype reached a fever pitch, the crowd became too much to handle and the show was ultimately canceled –– but Cash wanted to give the fans their money’s worth so he ventured into Union Square and threw a makeshift show with his crew, a Bluetooth speaker, and hundreds of adoring fans (read ‘I Went to Cash Cobain’s Slizzyfest and All I Got Was That Classic NYC Feeling’ via Rolling Stone + statement in Billboard).

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Also in Billboard, Cash recently teased potential collaborations with Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Don Toliver (seen filming a music video here), Lil Yachty and more –– a surefire sign of the worldwide stardom soon to come. These recent releases arrive on the heels of a career-defining year in 2023 that closed with the production of PinkPantheress“Nice To Meet You” (feat. Central Cee), which debuted at #20 on Billboard Hot 100 (he also starred alongside her in a nationally-syndicated Apple commercial for the new MacBook).

This was preceded by producing Drake’s “Calling For You” (feat. 21 Savage), which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, DJ’ing at Travis Scott‘s Cactus Jack x Audemars Piguet event, and releasing his critically-acclaimed debut solo album Pretty Girls Love Slizzy with Giant Music.

Please find links to stream the new “Fisherrr” Remix (feat. Ice Spice) below, and stay tuned for more announcements:

“FISHERRR” REMIX (FEAT. ICE SPICE) – OUT NOW
WATCHLISTEN
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Tobinco Pharmaceuticals LTD donates drugs worth GHc 155k to Lekma Hospital in celebration of World Malaria Day.

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In commemoration of World Malaria Day, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited exemplified its commitment to healthcare by donating an anti-malaria drug worth GH155,000 to the LEKMA Hospital in Teshie. (more…)

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Celestine Donkor Sets the Record Straight on Weight Loss Surgery Speculation

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Award-winning Ghanaian artist, Celestine Donkor has addressed speculations regarding her potential pursuit of weight loss surgery, clarifying that she hasn’t made any decisions in that regard. (more…)

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Akua Music unveils heartfelt music video for hit single ‘Miss You Bad’

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Akua Music, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her soulful melodies and emotive lyrics, has just released the highly anticipated music video for her latest single, ‘Miss You Bad.’ The video, directed by Joseph Amino, captures the essence of the song’s message and showcases the singer’s raw talent and creativity. (more…)

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Diana Asamoah Takes Legal Action Against Assistant Pastor for GH₵4K Theft

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Contemporary gospel musician and evangelist, Diana Asamoah has taken action leading to the arrest of her assistant pastor, Reverend Kwame Asante, for an alleged theft of GH₵4000 from her mobile money account. (more…)

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