People & Lifestyle
I think I am the first Ghanaian to explore West Africa on a luxury cruise ship
Where are the historians and fact-checkers? I think my name should go into the history books as the first Ghanaian to explore West Africa on a luxury cruise ship. One, I don’t think there are many cruises like this along the West African coast; and two, Ghanaians usually don’t go on such cruises!
In April, I joined the elegant SH Vega cruise for the Cultural Crucibles of West Africa: From Accra to Dakar. The 13-Day Expedition Cruise was a delightful 5-star voyage of dining, relaxation, music, and a lot of adventure.
SH Vega is a 5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship that offers an intimate setting for guests to fully be immersed in all the sights and sounds of their voyage.
SH Vega’s Sophisticated Elegance is accentuated by spacious, relaxing public spaces which provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination is always in view.
The Elegant Scandi interior is designed in neutral tones using natural textures. The smooth lines and rounded walls allow for a relaxing yet light ambiance. The rich textiles, varied textures, and intimate lighting create a harmonious, comfortable environment. Lighting options for every mood, along with a mesmerizing holographic fireplace create the perfect relaxing space.
Suites have a separate living room and bedroom. All staterooms are equipped with spacious wardrobes and bathrooms. My Balcony stateroom featured a 6-square meter panoramic balcony.
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SH Vega has everything to make the stay of guests memorable and enjoyable. Deck 3 has a clinic, library, beauty salon, and expedition lab. Deck 4 has the reception, launderette, and the amazing Swan restaurant where we had dinner and breakfast regularly. Deck 7 has a shop, swimming pool, pool bar and grill, club lounge, and an observation lounge. There is a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, spa, and a bridge on deck 8, while deck 9 offers a stargazing experience like no other for guests!
The Swan Dining Room serves international and regional cuisine focused on quality, creativity, and flavours. With an open seating policy, guests can dine at their leisure, from breakfast through to dinner. Breakfast and Lunch are served on the buffet, while dinner is a sit-down affair complete with white tablecloths and linen napkins.
The Cultural Crucibles of West Africa started when we sailed from the Tema Harbor to the Takoradi harbour and made our way to the infamous Elmina Castle. I hadn’t been hear in over two decades so it was interesting reliving the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
The next stop of the adventure was in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. We made our way to Grand-Bassam a town in southeastern Ivory Coast, lying east of Abidjan. During the late 19th century, Grand-Bassam was briefly the French colonial capital of Ivory Coast. Because of its outstanding examples of colonial architecture and town planning, and the juxtaposition of the colonial town with a traditional Nzema village, the historic center of Grand-Bassam was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
The next country of visit was Sierra Leone, where we entered via the port in Freetown. We visited the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, an incredible collection of British-built trains that has survived 40 years hidden in a derelict railway workshop.
We then visited the Original Fourah Bay College building, located at the east end of Freetown. Fourah Bay College opened in 1827 as the first institution of higher learning in modern sub-Saharan Africa after the collapse of the one at Timbuktu.
We then made our way to the peace and culture monument where we met the minister of tourism and checked out the oldest cotton tree (which is over 500 years old) as well as the national museum which are all in very close proximity.
We then ended our visit to Sierra Leone with some food, fun, and games at the Tokeh beach resort.
Guinea Bissau was our next country of visit, where we stayed within the Bijagos archipelago for 3 nights. Here I had my first experience with the zodiac, which took us from the ship to the various islands.
We kicked things off with a visit to Bolama, the closest of the Bissagos Islands to the mainland of Guinea-Bissau. The island is almost surrounded by mangrove swamps and is known for its cashew nuts.
We later had a nature walk visit to experience the life of the people of the Roxa or Canhabaque
On day two in the Bijagos archipelago, we visited the Bubaque Island, known for its wildlife and heavy forests. We met of the people of the village who entertained us with music, drumming, and dancing.
On the final day in Bijagos, we visited the stunning Kere island. A private island with hotel and restaurant facilities, games, and more.
My final country on the expedition for me was the Gambia. Here we had a tour of Banjul, the capital. We visited the Gambia National Museum, home to historical documents and displays concerning the History of the Gambia. We experienced the iconic Kankurang dance by Mandinka masquerades.
We also passed by the local market briefly before making our way to Kunta Kinteh Island. As an important historical site in the West African slave trade, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kunta Kinte, a character described in Alex Haley’s book and TV series Roots, has become associated with this Island. The book states that Kunta Kinte was among 98 slaves that the slave ship Lord Ligonier brought to Annapolis, Maryland in 1767.
People & Lifestyle
‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28
In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024
The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.
❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024
The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
People & Lifestyle
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.
Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024
His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.
MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.
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The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.
People & Lifestyle
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.
The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.
While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.
This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.
“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.
If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.
Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.
Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.
Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.
However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.
He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.
People & Lifestyle
Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa
In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.
Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.
Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.
Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.
Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”
People & Lifestyle
Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra
Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.
Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.
The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.
The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.
After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.
The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.
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