No, I am still not a connoisseur of wines but my relations with Wines of South Africa has gotten me to appreciate wines more with each twirl, smell and sip. My recent trip to the Western Cape region of South Africa added immensely to my knowledge of wines, as for the first time I experienced the core of the processes that lead to great South African wines. I got to experience the harvest season for South African wineries, and what goes on in the cellar before we finally get our wines. South Africa is located at the tip of Africa, with most wine regions located near the coastal influences of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, combining good soil and weather conditions for growing good vines for wine. During the harvest months of February and March, the average daily temperatures in many South African wine regions is 23 °C with spikes up to 40 °C. I experienced both the cold and the warm weathers during my stay, and I also found out that the harvest varies from wine region to region and from grape to grape. As part of the learning process, I realized that winemaking could be broken into these 5 major steps! Harvesting Harvesting is the first step in the wine making process and an important part of ensuring the quality of wine. Winemakers often use the sugar and acid levels of the grape as a guide in determining ripeness. The moment the grapes are picked determines the acidity, sweetness, and flavor of the wine. Determining when to harvest requires a touch of science, and well, some old-fashioned tasting. The acidity and sweetness of the grapes should be in perfect balance, however harvesting also depends on the weather. Hand pickers at Le Grand Chasseur Wine Estate Harvesting can be done by hand or mechanically. A mechanical vine harvester works by beating the vine with rubber sticks to get the vine to drop its fruit onto a onto a conveyor belt that brings the fruit to a holding bin. The machines are not able to distinguish grape clusters from mud, leaves and other particles. However proper sorting out of healthy grapes and unripe or rotted bunches are carried out at the winemaking facility.

This is how the harvester collects grapes from the vines to make wine ? as seen at Weltevrede Wine Estate @robertsonwinev
A post shared by Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) on Feb 22, 2017 at 7:15am PST

One of the benefits of mechanical harvesting is the relatively low cost. A harvester is able to run 24 hours a day and pick 80-200 tons of grapes, compared to the 1-2 tons that an experienced human picker could harvest.

Harvesting for wines at Le Grande Chasseur Estate ? Wine ? estates have their own vineyards to winery and bottling plants #GHinWosa A post shared by Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) on Feb 21, 2017 at 6:00am PST

Despite the costs, some wineries prefer the use of human workers to hand-pick grapes. The main advantage is the knowledge and discernment of the worker to pick only healthy bunches and the gentler handling of the grapes. Two of the Wine Estates I visited, Le Grand Chasseur Wine Estate and Weltevrede Estate combine both handpicking and the use of the harvester depending on the type of grape and the type of wine intended.

Crushing and Pressing After the grapes are harvested, they are sorted and ready to be de-stemmed and crushed. Mechanical presses stomp the grapes into a must (freshly pressed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds, and solids). For white wine, the wine maker will quickly crush and press the grapes in order to separate the juice from the skins, seeds, and solids. However for red wine, it is left in contact with the skins to acquire flavour, colour, and additional tannins.

@ashtonwinery presents the art and science of wine ? making #GHinWosa
A post shared by Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) on Feb 21, 2017 at 6:19am PST

Fermentation Once the crushing and pressing is over, it is then time for fermentation. Yeast is added to the must for fermentation, to ensure consistency and predict the end result. Fermentation continues until all of the sugar is converted into alcohol and dry wine is produced. To create a sweet wine, wine makers will sometimes stop the process before all of the sugar is converted. Fermentation can take anywhere from 10 days to one month or more. Clarification Once fermentation is complete, solids such as dead yeast cells, tannins, and proteins are removed. This process is called clarification. Wine is transferred into a different vessel such as an oak barrel or a stainless steel tank. The wine can then be clarified through fining or filtration. Fining occurs when substances are added to the wine to clarify it. For example, a wine maker might add a substance such as clay that the unwanted particles will adhere to. This will force them to the bottom of the tank. Filtration occurs by using a filter to capture the larger particles in the wine. The clarified wine is then racked into another vessel and prepared for bottling or future aging. Aging and Bottling The final stage of the winemaking process is aging and bottling. Further aging can be done in the bottles, stainless steel tanks, or oak barrels. Aging the wine in oak barrels will produce a smoother, rounder, and more vanilla flavored wine. It also increases wine’s exposure to oxygen while it ages, which decreases tannin and helps the wine reach its optimal fruitiness. Steel tanks are commonly used for zesty white wines. After aging, wines are bottled with either a cork or a screw cap, depending on the wine maker’s preference. And contrary to popular believe a cork or a screw cap does not determine the quality of the wine. Note that sparkling wines or bubblies do undergo a further step. South African sparkling wines made in the traditional French method (methode champenoise) are referred to as Methode Cap Classiques or MCC’s. Wine that has been impregnated with CO2 bubbles is simply termed sparkling wine whereas MCC’s undergo a second fermentation in the bottle to create the sought after bubbles.

To make a MCC the winemaker first makes a base wine in the normal manner and, once bottled, the ‘liqueur de tirage’ is added. This mixture of wine, yeast and sugar starts the second fermentation process in the bottle. This time the CO2 is not able to escape as with a still wine, but forms the bubbles that are captured inside the bottle. After the second fermentation sediment is formed in the bottle and needs to be removed to produce a clear, sparkling wine. This process involves turning the bottles in boards with specially shaped holes every day for a few weeks. Each turn tilts the bottle more and more on its head until all the sediment is collected in the neck of the bottle. To eject the sediment the necks of the bottles are placed in a very cold brine bath, which freezes the sediment. The bottle top is then removed and the pressure shoots out the ice cube of sediment. This process is known as degorgement. Before corking ‘liqueur d’expidition’ is added to top up the bottle.

So there you have it! The next time you pick up a bottle of South African wine, this is the process it went through! Cheers!]]>

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Call for Entries Open for Third IFC EDGE Students Design Competition

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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.

People & Lifestyle

BLISS GVS PHARMA GHANA DONATES MEDICINES TO TAMALE WEST HOSPITAL

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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.

People & Lifestyle

Universal Music Group and TikTok reach new licensing agreement

Published

4 hours ago

May 2, 2024

VJ Scaro

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…)

People & Lifestyle

Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio this Friday with Ajebo Hustlers

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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.

***

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.

People & Lifestyle

Celebrate world Africa day with KwaZulu world carnival

Published

7 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Celebrate world Africa day with KwaZulu world carnival

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 –

People & Lifestyle

Navigating Legal Waters: The Role of Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Cruise ship injury law encompasses the legal practices and procedures that address injuries incurred on cruise ships. These injuries can range from minor accidents to more severe ones, including slips, trips, falls, and overboard incidents. We will explore the role of cruise ship injury lawyers, who are experienced in maritime law and are adept at navigating the complexities associated with accidents at sea.

Understanding Maritime Law in the Context of Cruise Injuries

Maritime law, or admiralty law, governs legal disputes on navigable waters. This law is crucial for cases involving cruise ship injuries because it differs significantly from land-based personal injury law. Cruise ship injury lawyers must thoroughly understand maritime law, including specific conventions like the Athens Convention, which pertains to passenger injuries and accidents during maritime transport.

The Jurisdictional Challenges of Cruise Ship Injury Cases

One of the primary challenges in cruise ship injury cases is determining jurisdiction. Many cruise ships are registered in countries other than where they primarily operate, which can complicate legal proceedings. A cruise ship injury lawyer must identify the most appropriate jurisdiction for filing a lawsuit, often by analyzing the terms and conditions stated on the passenger’s ticket, which typically specify where claims must be filed.

Common Types of Injuries on Cruise Ships

Injuries on cruise ships can vary widely but commonly include slip and fall accidents, food poisoning, physical assaults, and injuries from faulty equipment or during shore excursions. Each type of injury requires specific knowledge and experience to handle legally, particularly in gathering evidence and establishing negligence under maritime law.

The Role of Negligence in Cruise Ship Injury Claims

To win a cruise ship injury claim, it is essential to prove negligence. This involves showing that the cruise line had a duty to ensure the safety of its passengers, that it breached this duty, and that this breach directly resulted in the injury. Cruise ship injury lawyers work to gather substantial evidence, including security video footage, witness statements, and incident reports, to build a strong case against the cruise line.

Steps in Filing a Cruise Ship Injury Claim

Filing a cruise ship injury claim involves several steps, including a detailed incident assessment. This includes collecting all pertinent medical records and evidence, filing necessary notices within the deadlines stipulated by maritime law, and often negotiating with the cruise line’s insurance companies before possibly proceeding to trial.

Compensation in Cruise Ship Injury Cases

Compensation in cruise ship injury cases may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Determining the amount of compensation involves assessing the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and future medical needs. Cruise ship injury lawyers are skilled in quantifying these damages to ensure fair compensation for their clients.

Navigating Settlements and Negotiations

Many cruise ship injury cases are settled out of court. Skilled cruise ship injury lawyers are adept at negotiating with cruise lines and their insurers to reach a settlement that adequately compensates the injured party without needing a lengthy trial.

The Impact of Cruise Ship Design and Safety Standards on Injury Claims

A cruise ship’s design and safety standards can significantly impact injury claims. Lawyers must be familiar with the specific safety protocols and design standards that apply to cruise ships, which can serve as a basis for establishing negligence. This might involve consulting with maritime safety professionals and reviewing safety records and previous incident reports.

The Importance of Client Counseling and Support in Cruise Ship Injury Cases

Cruise ship injury lawyers provide essential counseling and support to their clients throughout the legal process. Dealing with injuries sustained during what should have been a leisurely cruise can be traumatic and overwhelming for the victims and their families. These attorneys play a critical role in prosecuting the case and helping clients understand their legal rights and the complexities of maritime law. Effective client counseling involves clear communication about the case’s progress, explaining legal jargon in understandable terms, and providing emotional support, which is vital for helping clients cope with the stress of the incident and the ensuing legal battle. This comprehensive support helps ensure clients feel informed and reassured throughout their case.

Conclusion: Advocating for Safety and Accountability at Sea

Cruise ship injury lawyers play a pivotal role in advocating for passengers’ safety and rights. By holding cruise lines accountable for injuries that occur due to negligence, these lawyers seek justice for individual clients and contribute to the broader goal of improving safety standards across the industry. Their work ensures that passengers’ rights are protected and that the seas remain safe for everyone, combining legal experience with a commitment to upholding safety and accountability.