Demonstrating bilateral collaboration and commitment to strengthening the UK-Ghana defence and security partnership, the British High Commission in Accra is pleased to announce the donation of £260,000 worth of Military Protective Equipment (MPE) to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB). 

The 150 set of MPE, which includes essential protective equipment such as helmets, body armour, and first aid kits, aims to enhance the capacity of the Ghanaian Armed Forces and further strengthen the existing ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana in matters of defence and security.

The official handover ceremony which took place today at the Burma Camp in Accra brought together the Chief of Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Bismark Onwona, the Brigade Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, other representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces and representatives from the UK government, showcasing a collaborative effort to continuously improve relationships between the two nations’ Armed Forces.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the UK’s Defence Advisor to the British High Commissioner Richard Walters said; 

“This donation marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Ghana, and a testament to the mutual respect and friendship that exists between our two nations. I am confident this will go a long way to advance our shared commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.”

The Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Bismark Onwona also noted; 

“Let me emphasize the fact that, we value the strong and the unique partnership that we share with the UK.  This donation is thus a further demonstration of a clear commitment of the UK to contribute to security and stability not only of the country but most especially the Sub-region.

These equipment donated today will undoubtedly enhance our capability to protect our personnel and serve as a vital resource in our efforts to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all to go about their day-to-day activities successfully, both in Ghana and abroad”

The gifting was part of several events being held in Accra as part of the UK-Ghana Staff Talks, with representatives from both the UK and Ghanaian Ministries of Defence engaging in bilateral dialogue to ensure the continuation of these close bonds.

The British High Commission expresses its gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces for their continued collaboration in defence and security matters. 

Reigning Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Association Commission for Women and Children, Eva Newlove, is the new Mawerehemaa of Kyekyewere as of April 5 and is to be known under her stool name, Awo Yaa Manubea I.

In a beautiful show of cultural solidarity, heritage and celebration, the people of Kyekyewere gathered to witness the enstoolment of their new Mawerehemaa, Awo Yaa Manubea I. The flamboyant occasion unfolded on the premises of the kingdom’s royal palace, where the king, elders, council members, family and friends sat in attendance.

Awo Yaa Manubea I received her due recognition in the presence of His Royal Highness Barima Okunini Gyebi Kwame Ababio II and his council of advisors. During the ceremony, she swore an oath to fulfill her allotted traditional and royal responsibilities, marking the beginning of a significant leadership role that will uphold and extend the long-standing legacy of the Kingdom of Kyekyewere.

After her enstoolment, Awo Yaa Manubea I took to Facebook to address her audience of 7,600 in a post that read: “Gratitude and humility define my heart as I express my deepest thanks to God and my ancestors for this incredible favor. To my esteemed elders and council of Kyekyewere, my family, my in-laws, my amazing husband, also my friends… your unwavering belief humbles me.”

“I am honored to be the newly enstooled Mawerehemaa of Kyekyewere, Awo Yaa Manubea l. I pledge to fulfill my duties with dignity, respect and wisdom, seeking divine guidance throughout my reign. May God’s light illuminate my path always.”

Before ascending to one of the highest posts in the Kingdom of Kyekyewere, Awo Yaa Manubea I was already a woman worth her salt. She is a multi-talented individual with a professional background spanning Modeling, Housing Management, Public Relations and Business Management. In 2022, under her former name, Eva Newlove, she was appointed as a Ghanaian Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Association Commission for Women and Children (UNA-CWCA). This honor was followed by an honorary award for “Best TV/Online Presenter” at the Women Worship Gospel Music Awards United Kingdom, where she resides. 

Beyond her many achievements, another of which includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Plymouth, Awo Yaa Manubea I is a staunch champion of pragmatic social solutions. She works tirelessly to promote the welfare of people from diverse backgrounds, fittingly earning the mantle of Social Entrepreneur. Through this journey, she has also emerged as an advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, positions she showcases on the runway as a plus-size model. From her humble beginnings as the host of the Besstel Foundation’s The Well-being Show, which was sponsored by NHS South London & Maudsley and The National Lottery Community Fund, to regal duty, Awo Yaa Manubea I is ready to serve the Kingdom of Kyekyewere wholeheartedly.

About the Kingdom of Kyekyewere

Kyekyewere is a magnificent town between the lush forests and the rolling hills of Ghana’s Eastern Region. It is ruled by the wise and benevolent monarch Barima Okunini Gyebi Kwame Ababio II. 

Under his rule, the kingdom continues to flourish. It has eight communities: Kyekyewere Township (the political and cultural center), Mensahkrom, Aziaka, Kyekyewere Peposo, Hwereso, Bungalow and Bonkua. The town is situated halfway between Nsawam and Suhum. It is well known for the abundance of crops like cocoa, yams, palm oil, coconut, orange, watermelon, pineapple, green pepper, tomatoes, carrots, garden eggs, cocoyam and plantains.

In the past few years, the global beauty market has witnessed a pronounced shift towards more natural and authentic products, reflecting a broader consumer demand especially for hair extensions. Among these products, Indian curly hair has emerged as a particularly sought-after item. Known for their unique texture and resilience, these extensions offer versatility and a rich aesthetic that appeals to a diverse consumer base worldwide. This article delves into why Indian curly hair has become a coveted commodity in the beauty industry, exploring its distinctive properties and the trends driving its increasing popularity.

Understanding Indian Curly Hair

Definition and Characteristics

Indian curly hair is celebrated for its unique properties, particularly its strength, thickness, and natural lustrous curls. Unlike other hair types, Indian curly hair possesses a natural body wave that ranges from loose to tight curls, capable of withstanding heavy styling and treatments. Its texture is often described as silky or soft, yet it retains a robust structure, making it ideal for crafting durable hair extensions. The curls’ resilience is a key factor in their appeal, as they maintain integrity after coloring or thermal styling, which is often a challenge with other hair types.

Regional Variations

India’s vast geographical diversity means that the texture and quality of hair can vary significantly from one region to another. For example, hair sourced from southern India is often highly prized due to its strength and length. Typically, this hair is donated at temples as part of religious offerings, a practice that not only ensures a continual supply but also adds a cultural richness to the hair’s story. In contrast, hair from northern regions might be finer and softer, highlighting how regional characteristics can influence the hair’s physical properties and, by extension, its market value.

Understanding these variations is crucial for consumers and stylists alike, as it allows them to select the best type of hair extensions that match their specific needs and styling requirements. The next sections will explore how these unique features of Indian curly hair have contributed to its rising popularity in the international market, influenced by trends, celebrity endorsements, and a growing awareness of ethical sourcing practices.

The Appeal of Indian Curly Hair in the Market

Aesthetic Appeal

The aesthetic allure of Indian curly hair extensions is undeniable. They offer a natural volume and bounce that many find desirable, creating a look that is both glamorous and effortlessly natural. The unique curl patterns provide a variety of styling options, from cascading waves to tight ringlets, making these extensions popular not just for their beauty but also for their versatility. This versatility enables wearers to switch from a sophisticated, straightened style to voluminous curls without the need for multiple products or extensions, appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers seeking flexibility in their hairstyles.

Quality and Durability

Indian curly hair is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. It is inherently resilient, which means it can tolerate extensive styling, from heat treatments to chemical processes, better than many other hair types. This durability not only makes it a practical choice for long-term use but also a cost-effective one, as the extensions maintain their integrity and appearance over time with proper care. This aspect is particularly appealing to professional stylists and salons that prioritize quality and longevity in hair products for their clients.

Cultural and Exotic Appeal

The rising popularity of these extensions is not an isolated trend but part of a broader movement within the beauty industry towards more authentic, culturally connected products. The next section will delve into the market trends that have propelled Indian curly hair to the forefront of this shift, examining how shifts in consumer preferences and celebrity endorsements have shaped the demand for these natural extensions.

Market Trends Driving Popularity

Shift Towards Natural and Organic Products

The beauty industry has seen a significant pivot towards natural and organic products over the past decade, driven by consumers who are increasingly aware of the health and environmental impacts of synthetic materials. Indian curly hair extensions align perfectly with this trend, offering a natural, unprocessed alternative to synthetic hair extensions. The appeal of using real hair that has not been treated with harsh chemicals is substantial among consumers who are conscious of both the aesthetics and the health aspects of the products they use.

Celebrity Influence

Celebrities play a crucial role in shaping beauty trends, and their endorsement of Indian curly hair extensions has been a powerful driver of their popularity. When celebrities and public figures showcase these extensions in various styles, it not only highlights the versatility and beauty of the hair but also sets a standard for what is fashionable and desirable. For instance, several Hollywood stars and influencers, such as Quimmah Russo have been spotted wearing Indian curly hair at major events, influencing fans and followers worldwide to embrace these styles. This kind of endorsement has helped cement Indian curly hair’s status as a premium, desirable product in the global market.

Fashion and Beauty Industry Trends

The fashion and beauty industries continually evolve, often leading the charge towards new looks and innovative uses of traditional materials. Indian curly hair extensions have become a staple on runways and in fashion shoots, where their ability to add volume and exotic appeal is unmatched. The fashion industry’s embrace of diverse beauty standards has also played a role, as more designers and brands seek to represent a broader range of hair textures and styles in their work.

This inclusivity has helped promote the acceptance and demand for Indian curly hair extensions, celebrating its unique texture and versatility as a fashion statement. These market trends highlight how shifts in consumer preferences, amplified by celebrity influence and industry acceptance, have facilitated the rise in popularity of Indian curly hair extensions.

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity and sustainability, Indian curly hair extensions stand out as a trending and unique product in 2024. For those interested in exploring the world of high-quality natural hair extensions, visit Hair Maiden India to discover a range of authentic, beautifully crafted Indian curly hair products that promise to transform your hair experience. Whether you’re a stylist, a consumer, or a distributor, Hair Maiden India provides the perfect blend of quality, authenticity, and ethical beauty solutions to meet all your hair extension needs. Explore today and bring a touch of Indian elegance to your style!

The UG-SRC under the leadership of 2023 -2024 led by Frank Tsikata, in collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Network-Ghana (GEN-Ghana) will host the cohort 2 of, UG-SRC Skill-UP for Jobs Bootcamp which is slated for July – August 2024.

The UG-SRC (Skill-UP for Jobs™)  Bootcamp project is an experiential training and exposure programme that has been designed to train, inspire, and equip 1000 students per cohort with job creation skills. It is intended to be a weekend training programme over a one-month duration comprising in-person practical skills and virtual soft skills sessions that will focus on sequential employability skills in selected disciplines. 

The participants are coached to apply and showcase the acquired skill in micro-projects at the end of the training in the form of a prototype on proof of concepts. Experts from industry have been poached to mentor the participants on their microprojects.

The bootcamp training programme will be climaxed with a Skills for Job Conference and Exhibition, where students will have the opportunity to ask questions from industry experts on the skills needed for current and emerging jobs of the future. This is expected to motivate students to appreciate skills training at first hand.  

The goals of this student-initiated project include to:

• Bridge the entrepreneurial skills gap of students 
• Respond to the changing employment situation by encouraging initiative
• Create an enterprise culture and stimulate entrepreneurial activity
• Increase the rate at which students participate in experiential learning
• Provide insights and connections for students to be part of mentoring networks

Features: 

• The  programme will feature  practical masterclass Skills training 
• Skills for Jobs Summit and Expo event. 
• Affirmative action for gender and persons with special needs have been mainstreamed

Four Key Practical Skills Training Clusters which advance the targets of the UN agenda 2030 (SDGs) have been selected. These include Creative Arts, Food- and Agri- Business, Digital and Tech Skills and Micro Manufacturing. 

“Young people continue to be the hardest hit by the job crisis. There are multiple and complex causes behind youth unemployability. Young people often have little or no labour market experience, and frequently lack relevant skills. The challenge of quality and relevance of the skill acquired in formal education can be harnessed by the UG-SRC through the Skill-UP for Jobs Bootcamp as an added specialised experiential learning during the students life on UG campus. 

Of the two routes for young people to enter employment, the labour-market training is being adopted due to its mass accessibility and cost effectiveness than work experience programmes at workplaces,” says Frank Tsikata, President UG-SRC 2023-2024. 

“GEN-Ghana is delighted to be working with UG SRC 2023-24 leadership to implement this project at the University of Ghana. We call on corporate organisations, development agencies, public sector institutions and the UG community to support this project,” says Stephen Gyasi-Kwaw, Country Founder/ MD (GEN-Ghana)

The expected outcomes include:

• Participants will be exposed to employability and job creation  opportunities 
• Participants will create new business & new markets
• 1000 students will be directly trained and equipped with job skills 
• Contribute to the Ghana’s achievements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Provide students with life-long skills and experiences to thrive economically whilst helping Ghana to prosper
• Interactions with mentors will influence student perspectives on the possibilities open to them after graduation
• Participants will appreciate work and its function in the economy
• Participants will develop work habits and attitudes necessary for job success

For more information visit www.ugsrcskillupforjobs.com 

#End

About UG-SRC:

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is the umbrella body of all undergraduate students at the University of Ghana, Legon. The SRC as the official mouthpiece of the entire student body advocates for the interests of students and fosters their welfare as well.  The SRC communicates the interests of students to authorities and represents the student populace on the university council and other boards. 

Also, it coordinates the activities of academic, cultural, religious, political and recreational clubs and societies. The SRC also fosters good relations between students of the University and the outside world by coordinating with other student organisations in Ghana and elsewhere in matters of mutual interest. In recent times, the SRC has assumed more prominently the added role of being development partners of the university and the Ghanaian society at large.

About GEN-Ghana:

Global Entrepreneurship Network – Ghana (GEN-Ghana) is an entrepreneurship and innovation advancement organisation that provides and promotes a platform of local, / international programmes and activities aimed at making it easier for anyone to start and scale a sustainable business. 

We work by fostering deeper cross border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurial support organisations. We work with government, corporations, NGO’s, development agencies to fuel healthier start and scale ecosystems that create more jobs, wealth, educate individuals, accelerate innovations for sustainable social and economic impact.

GEN-Ghana is a company limited by guarantee under the laws of Ghana, registered in March 2010. We are a member of Global Entrepreneurship Network which operates in over 160 countries independently, working to build one entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world. 

www.gengh.org or www.genglobal.org 

International policymakers and industry leaders are preparing to gather in the UAE for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, where they will examine how entrepreneurship and innovation are reshaping the global tourism industry. The 31^st edition of the exhibition will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May.

Over 200 speakers will participate in more than 50 sessions during the course of the four-day event. Experts from around the world will take to ATM’s Global Stage and Future Stage (formerly the Travel Tech Stage) to address some of the sector’s most pressing issues, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of aviation, how to stand out in the luxury segment, retail tourism, and sustainable travel.

As the Middle East’s leading exhibition for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, ATM 2024 will build on last year’s record-breaking 30^th edition with its theme: ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Exhibitors and attendees will have the chance to explore new market opportunities, the benefits of collaboration and connectivity, how to attract investment and more.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The future of the global travel industry will be shaped by innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why we are so excited to shine a spotlight on the latest insights and technologies at ATM 2024. From startups to established brands, this year’s exhibition will showcase fresh thinking on how the sector can enhance customer experiences, drive efficiency and deliver positive economic impacts across the Middle East and beyond.”

Exhibitor participation is expected to be 23% higher than last year, making ATM 2024 the largest edition in the event’s history. Growth is expected across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (19% larger), Europe (32% larger), Asia (20% larger) and Africa (28% larger). The exhibition’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% greater on the show floor, with products from the sector demonstrating 33% growth year on year. Hotel participation, meanwhile, is projected to be 21% higher than last year.

This year’s edition will once again enable attendees to move beyond traditional leisure travel by exploring opportunities related to luxury, business, and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). ATM 2024 will feature an array of discussions on these subjects, including sessions dedicated to premium offerings, healthcare meetings, global business travel, sustainable procurement, sporting events and more.

ATM 2024 will host a selection of regional and international policymakers, including His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; Teodora Marinska, Head of Public Affairs, European Travel Commission; Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director, Middle East at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); and Lindsay Bowman Fraser, Leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE), Sport and eSport, Qatar Tourism.

Speakers at ATM 2024 will explore a series of emerging and established market segments, such as experiential, accessible and multi-generational travel, highlighting opportunities for growth, transformation and disruption. Delegates will also consider the implications of advancements in fields such as AI and how these technologies are impacting the Middle East’s travel industry.

“With less than a month to go before the international travel community converges on Dubai, we are looking forward to welcoming our biggest-ever cohort of exhibitors and guest speakers,” Curtis added. “For more than 30 years, ATM has provided a forum in which participants can share insights, overcome challenges and seize opportunities, and the 2024 edition will be no exception.” 

Building on ATM 2023’s ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ theme, environmentally responsible travel will represent another key focus this year. Informed by the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which took place in Dubai last year, ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a greener travel and tourism sector for future generations.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.

To register your interest in attending ATM 2024 or to submit a stand enquiry, visit https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.

In the realm of fragrance, women’s body sprays offer a delightful way to indulge in luxurious scents without breaking the bank. With a wide array of options available at various price rates, finding the perfect deodorant that fits your budget is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. From fresh and floral to fruity and exotic, affordable body sprays allow you to explore an array of captivating scents while keeping your wallet happy. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some budget-friendly women’s body sprays that offer exceptional quality and irresistible fragrances, proving that luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Join us on this journey as we explore the best women’s body sprays that offer a perfect balance of affordability and allure with Amazon Coupon Code.

As we delve into the world of pocket-friendly women’s deodorants, it’s crucial to recognize that affordability doesn’t equate to compromise when it comes to scent and quality. These carefully curated selections are proof that you can enjoy luxurious fragrances without overspending, allowing you to elevate your everyday routine with a touch of elegance and sophistication.

• Victoria Secret Warm & Cozy Body Spray

Victoria Secret is a well-known brand which provides a fantastic fashion and beauty products to its consumers. This Body spray is also one of the best among the other brands. It is a dermatologically tested body spray with a fresh, dreamy and sensual fruity fragrance. It is comforting, addicting and a soft blend of essential oils making you feel confident and good. With key notes of vanilla, toasted coconut and passionfruit, this scent will make your presence unforgettable. The best thing about it is that it wasn’t tested on animals. It inspires passion and comfort in you with a warm, addicting aroma. The mood-lifting notes will make your day full of warmth and affection.

• Sol De Janeiro Body Fragrance Mist

It is a perfect blend of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla, conjuring the happiest and most sensual summer vibes. It will assign your personality a new identity with its iconic, incredibly delicious fragrance. You will feel irresistible after spraying it on yourself with the beachy, warm scent. The jasmine sweet and alluring smell can turn heads on your way wherever you go. It is both body and hair spray with its sunny yet seductive scent enticing layers of pistachio and salted caramel. It is an inspiration taken from an addictive scent of Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.

• Yardley London Lavender Body Spray

It is a perfect body mist for using after gym or heavy workout to smell enticing. It keep your skin fresh and accentuate your presence with its bewitching and radiant flowery scent. It also has anti-bacterial properties, providing protection from bacteria causing odor. It provides you a refreshing, long-lasting feeling from sunrise ‘til sunset. Its sweet fragrance will help in calming your nerves with the nuances of an English candy. For the discerning, it is a perfect combination of lavender’s floral freshness with deep musk notes.

• Pacifica Beauty Body Mist

If you’re looking for a light, alcohol-free body spray, then this Pacifica Beauty Body Mist is for you! It has the ability to provide a more clean and refreshing look. It can be a perfect addition in your body fragrances with its sensual blend of sweet and sultry vanilla with honey-jasmine notes. The fruity touch is what makes it more attractive for women. The long-lasting effect of it will keep you shine all day long. It is formulated with natural fragrances and free from any harmful chemicals like SLS, petroleum, parabens and sulfates. It is known to be inspired by the unique magic of Tahitian Vanilla.

• GUESS Bella Vita Fragrance Body Mist

A brand-new, sophisticated, and opulent scent for the stylish girl. Guess returns to its Mediterranean and Southern California heritage with this new amazing, sensual scent. This seductive fragrance is a deadly combination of shimmering black cherry, sensual tuberose, and brilliant Tonka bean, creating an enticing aroma that will linger long. It has an elegant, sophisticated and luxurious fruity fragrance. It is based on floral orientation with a long-lasting impression. Spray it on pulse points like neck, wrists and behind your ear for best results.

• Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa’68 Body Mist

The key notes of this irresistible body mist are pink dragonfruit, Brazilian Jasmine, Sheer Vanilla and Sun Musk. Its fruity yet seductive floral scent will make you feel tempted and uplifts your mood instantly. It inspires joy and helps in building meaningful connection with others. It is vibrant and in bloom with a vivid aroma of pink dragonfruit and Brazilian jasmine, making you feel refreshing and alluring. You’ll receive compliments whenever you’ll wear this scent. It is named Cheirosa for a reason as in Brazil; cheirosa means irresistible. This scent will take you into a garden by the sea. You may also use it with Beija Flor Elasti-Cream for heightening your scent experience. With its mood boosting and smile-inspiring scent, you’ll be left satisfied for long hours!