People & Lifestyle
Yvette Tetteh and the Or Foundation complete historic swim across entire Volta River
It’s not everyday that drummers and dancers parade along the banks of the Volta River, but then again it’s not everyday that someone finishes the longest recorded swim in Ghanaian history.
Yvette Tetteh, 30 year old Ghanaian-British agribusiness entrepreneur, athlete and activist, is the first person ever to have swum across the Volta River from Buipe to Ada. Over the course of the expedition, Yvette and the crew of The Or Foundation’s accompanying research vessel The Woman Who Does Not Fear, ventured down Ghana’s largest internal waterway conducting extensive research into microfiber pollution from textile waste and raising awareness about the impact of waste colonialism on the ecosystems that give life to millions of people throughout the region.
The crowds that came to the river banks in Ada as Yvette finished the final kilometers were celebrating many records and many firsts. The longest swim in Ghanaian history. Likely the most kilometers kayaked in Ghanaian history. The first solar power research vessel in Ghana and groundbreaking scientific research on the state of water quality in the Volta River System and in Accra.
Yvette reported that the final day of the swim was one of the hardest yet as the current from the Gulf of Guinea at the Ada estuary pushed her upstream. Yet she persevered all the way to Tsarley Kope Beach Resort where a celebration awaited.
She explains “the expedition started in Buipe on March 7th with the challenging task of putting the made-in-Ghana aluminum research vessel into the water. The Swim Team, as members of the expedition crew have come to call themselves, then ventured down the Black Volta onto the Volta Lake, stopping in towns and villages along the way, many that have been flooded by rising waters and some that don’t appear on common maps at all.
The expedition spent several days in Yeji to top up on supplies and creature comforts, including hair cuts, and then continued on to Kete Krachi and Tapa Abotoase for minor boat repairs before swimming onward toward Kpando and Akosombo. The choppy waters south of Kpando made for especially challenging swimming, with waves often breaking above her head. One day after several hours of swimming, she had only made it 1.5 kilometers, or one tenth of her usual pace”.
Photos by Ofoe Amegavie
This could have been disheartening, but together with the expedition crew they chose to push through and prove that anything is possible with the right determination and teamwork.
The chief and community leaders gathered with area youth and a drum troupe surrounding Yvette as she emerged from the water in her custom made recycled swim costume with an anklet holding a water sampling device to record the chemicals in contact with her skin. After taking a deep breath recognizing her accomplishment, Yvette and the crew thanked the cheering crowd and took questions from community members and foreign and local press in front of the custom built solar powered research vessel that The Or Foundation will now deploy along the coast of Accra to map ocean pollution.
Throughout the expedition, Yvette was accompanied by a kayaker to ensure her safety in the water.
Expedition documentarian Ofoe Amegavie, and Science Lead / The Or Foundation Communications Manager, Edwin Dzobo, performed a combined many hundreds of kilometers of kayak duties, likely setting a record as well for the longest distance kayaked in Ghana. The home stretch of the expedition was truly home for Ofoe, who is from Ada and who has worked for much of his career to document the changing water patterns disrupting life in the coastal area. It was with this eye for how humans and the environment interact that Ofoe documented the monumental human-environmental interaction swimming Ghana’s largest waterway.
The expedition builds on a year and a half of scientific research by The Or Foundation into the environmental impact of secondhand clothing waste flowing through Ghana as one of the largest recipients of used clothing in the world. The Or Foundation, an Accra-based NGO operating at the intersection of Environmental Justice, Education and Fashion Development, estimates that Ghana sees 15 million items of secondhand clothing from Global North countries such as the EU, the UK, and the USA entering local markets every week and that on average 40% of every bale of secondhand clothing opened in Accra, Ghana’s largest secondhand market, Kantamanto, is discarded as waste, causing enormous environmental and social upheaval in a country where the only engineered landfill blew up in 2019 due to overflowing volumes of clothing waste. The Or Foundation has recorded thousands of textile tentacles, or tangled masses of discarded clothing, some over ten meters long, along Accra’s beaches. Now, the Agbetsi Living Water Swim that completes this week is tracking the impact of textile waste throughout the country. “Agbetsi” is an Ewe word, a local language in Ghana, for living water, an apt name for an expedition seeking to keep Ghana’s waterways alive.
Once in Akosombo, The Or Foundation team, led by Special Projects and Logistics Manager Enoch Nsoh and supported by local boat builder Benlex Engineering, worked to move the boat overland around the Akosombo and Akuse dams, while Yvette was supported by the Bravehearts Expeditions team to swim between the two dams.
In addition to swimming between 10 to 20 kilometers every day, Yvette and the expedition crew, including boat captain JayJay Addo-Koranteng of Bravehearts Expeditions, Ofoe Amegavie, a celebrated documentary photographer, Edwin Dzobo and Isabel Abreu, artist and environmentalist, collected water and air samples every day following the same protocols as The Or Foundation team gathering samples in Accra. The expedition crew also shared information with communities along the route of the swim to keep track of the expedition as it progresses.
The Or Foundation has released a first of its kind collection of stories about the Volta River System and the people who live along it – “The Untold Stories from The Volta”, a series of 12 commissioned stories from along the expedition route accessible through the campaign website https://livingwaterswim.org. On Friday the 19th of May at 6pm, The Or Foundation will be hosting an open screening of the film stories on the rooftop of their Adabraka office in Accra.
Photos of hundreds of the water samples taken along the expedition are available through the project website, and The Or Foundation plans to publish an in-depth analysis of the findings within the coming months. In the meantime, citizen scientists and aspiring swimmers can still engage with the expedition through the video updates, daily dispatch audio diaries, and the Untold Stories collection, all available on the website https://livingwaterswim.org, and by following @livingwaterswim and @theorispresent on Instagram.
Radio & TV
Get a glimpse into the culture of South Africa’s Gen Z with the fascinating mini-docu series, Habits of Gen Z
M-Net invites families to engage in open conversations, challenge perceptions and celebrate connections as we get to know Gen Z’s perspectives, lifestyles, and motivations
Prepare yourself for an engaging adventure as we unravel the enigmatic world of Gen Z in this insightful mini-docu series,Habits of Gen Z. Premiering on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on Thursday, 9 November 2023 at 21:00, this interesting exploration of Gen Z’s lives, influences, and aspirations fosters intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
Waldimar Pelser, M-Net’s Director for Premium Channels says: “This is a truly innovative and dynamic generation. Habits of Gen Z is a captivating docu-series that will challenge our perceptions and hopefully start a conversation that will foster understanding between different generations. It’s an eye-opening experience that will spark meaningful discourse within families. By bridging the gap through sharing this docu-series, as a channel we hope to encourage families to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate what connects us all.”
Throughout this riveting series, you can expect vibrant thought starters:
Episode 1: Raised By The Internet
Plunge headfirst into online culture, where Gen Z embraces the internet’s opportunities and challenges. This episode will unmask the digital realm and explore the intriguing topics of technology, cybercrime and how social media has shaped the way Gen Z sees the world and themselves.
Episode 2: Sex Exploration in the Digital Age
This episode is a thrilling journey into Gen Z’s ever-evolving exploration of relationships and sexuality in the digital realm. Witness the exhilarating highs and challenging lows as this generation navigates sex and intimacy complexities.
Episode 3: Substance Use & Abuse
Prepare to confront the realities of substance use and abuse as we delve into Gen Z’s encounters with drugs and alcohol. Peer into the hidden corners as Habits of Gen Z shines a light on the challenges faced by this generation, from illegal and prescription drugs to alcohol, smoking, and even psychedelic medicine.
Episode 4: Identity and Expression
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Gen Z’s diverse identities and expressions. Step into a world where LGBTQIA+ rights, ethnic and cultural identity, and the power of self-expression take centre stage. Marvel at the courage and resilience of this generation as they assert their individuality and challenge societal norms.
Episode 5: The End of the World… As We Know It
Discover Gen Z’s role in shaping the future. Examine the urgent issues of climate change, intersectional activism, and society’s evolving landscape. Witness firsthand how this generation is fearlessly taking a stand and leading the charge for a better world.
Directed by renowned South African filmmaker and former CNN journalist Jo Munnik, Habits of GenZ brings together a diverse group of voices and experts who share their insights and experiences. Engage with thought leaders such as Ronen Aires, founder and CEO of Student Village; Bronwyn Williams, Futurist and Business Trends Analyst; Dr. Eve, a leading Sexologist; Casey Delport, Gen Z Writer for Bubblegum Club magazine; Cassandra Roxburgh, Gen Z transgender freelance journalist; and Lindiwe Mngxitama, Editor of Bubblegum Club magazine.
Don’t miss the stimulating Habits of Gen Z premiere on Thursday, 9 November 2023 at 21:00 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) – The Home of Entertainment. You can also live-stream on DStv Stream, and DStv Catch Up after broadcast. Visit the M-Net Website and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
People & Lifestyle
Starting Over After Loss of a Spouse or Divorce: Navigating Financial, Emotional, and Legal Challenges
The Emotional and Mental Struggle
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Changes in Family and Social Relationships
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People & Lifestyle
What the Statistics Show About Reasons Online Casinos Are Growing Increasingly Popular in Ghana
Online casino gamblers have significantly increased in several African nations, including Ghana. In reality, iGaming operations have increased across the whole continent, particularly in South Africa and Ghana, which, along with Kenya, have the most lucrative and rapidly expanding iGaming sectors. Both sports betting and gambling at online casinos have grown considerably throughout African iGaming markets in contrast to the same industry just three years ago.
Putting the above in other words: Greater numbers of players began turning to online options rather than the more established brick-and-mortar casinos. The coronavirus epidemic was one of several factors contributing to the rise in the attractiveness of online casinos, as well as sports betting sites. Additionally, the extraordinary expansion of online casino gambling in Ghana and numerous other African nations has been fueled by cutting-edge technologies and a significant increase in digitization across the continent.
According to research conducted by the Ghanaian government, the number of young residents of the nation participating in online casino gambling behaviors has increased. The youth of Ghana gamble online, which constitutes one of the research topics that has received the least attention. The majority of research focuses on the connections between young people and work, development, education, and politics.
Another study on the gambling industry in Africa found that the following nations, in descending order, had the greatest numbers of gamblers:
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Morocco
- Botswana
- Ghana
According to this survey, Ghana is among the 10 nations, even eight nations, in Africa with the highest concentration of gamblers, which is not surprising given the country’s lax iGaming rules and regulations. While South African gamblers account for more than 80% of those who gamble on the gorgeous Savanna-filled continent, Ghana’s iGaming industry is one of the richest there.
Gambling in Ghana: What the Numbers Tell Us
Gambling is widely accepted in Ghana. As a result, it is estimated that 45% of people in the nation have gambled at some point. The country’s youthful population contributes to the growth of both sports and casino betting there. An estimated 30 million Ghanaians between the ages of 19 and 34 enjoy betting on casino games and sporting events.
The business that was launched as an outcome of the 1960 Lotteries Betting Act, the 1973 Gambling Machines Act, and the Casino Licensing Act appears to be flourishing at the moment. Ghanaians have access to a wide range of gambling activities, including sports betting, lotteries, slots, and bingo, according to officials of some of the best Ghanaian casino sites, which we contacted for expertise. This, together with the abundance of offline and online suppliers, indicates that the sector has enormous continued potential.
Both Online and Offline Casinos’ Home
Ghana is pleased to let operators of both brick-and-mortar and Internet casinos do business there. Numerous land-based casinos provide their patrons with additional alluring amenities like restaurants and swimming pools. There are several physical casinos located all around the nation. There are six physical casinos located in Accra, the country’s capital.
Gambling is common in Ghana and is not just found in physical locations. The web-based gambling and sports betting sectors are also booming. As a result, there are over 250 gambling portals operating in the nation, albeit most bettors only use a few of the most well-known ones.
The Effects of Gambling on Ghana’s Economy
In Ghana, sports wagering alone generates over $3.5 million in NGR (net gaming revenue) each month. About 17.5% of this is taken by the government in taxes.
A fresh set of regulations for the gaming sector is now being developed by the Ghanaian Gaming Commission with the goal of maximizing the revenue it generates. This project was inspired by the fact that the country is thought to lose out on about $300 million Ghana cedis (close to $26 million) in income each year due to leakages in the sector.
Ghana’s Online Gaming Industry’s Future
In five years, the gaming sector in Africa is predicted to increase between 5% and 12%, based on the most recent estimates. The popularity and accessibility of mobile gaming devices are the key drivers of the industry’s growth. Younger people gamble more on mobile devices, and African nations have the largest youth populations in the world. When it pertains to the prospects of Ghana’s online gaming sector, the country’s youth are crucial.
Ghana is home to several worldwide online casinos and sportsbooks, including Betway, 22Bet, 888 Casino, Casino.com, Mansion Casino, and Jackpot City. This implies that Ghanaian gamers have tremendous prospects provided by reputable, profitable, and long-standing international businesses. This implies that gamers from Ghana will not have any trouble locating a trustworthy online casino where they can enjoy playing conventional table games, slot machines, and other well-liked games.
The future of Ghana’s online gaming sector appears quite promising as more and more foreign companies develop their operations there. In Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, where there are the most young people, the African online gaming market is anticipated to develop the fastest, according to a survey from Research and Markets, a trusted source of market data and stats. The most profitable online gaming market in Africa is located in South Africa. The country’s total gaming revenues are expected to hit the $2 billion level in two years, according to the most recent estimates.
In the sub-Saharan region, Nigeria has the most profitable market, based on projected gross gaming revenues for 2020. Tanzania and Kenya are two more African nations with favorable gaming conditions for foreign operators. The Ghana Gaming Commission, which oversees the majority of the country’s gaming operations, has been working extremely hard to provide a comprehensive iGaming regulatory framework. The Ghanaian online gambling sector is the most stable and is projected to develop, while not being the largest.
Conclusion
The gaming sector in Ghana has been affected by epidemic limitations, as with many other industries, particularly in terms of physical and mortar establishments. The popularity of Internet gambling is still quite strong, though.
Ghana is, as we stressed, already one of the top 10 gaming destinations in Africa, and this trend appears to be continuing. The country’s gambling industry is
People & Lifestyle
Peace Hyde and WEF Young Global Leaders tour billion-dollar oil refinery established by Aliko Dangote
President and chief executive officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has celebrated the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGLs) and the tremendous potential of this unique World Economic Forum community to develop the next generation of African leaders from all parts of society.
The Young Global Leaders programme is an accelerator for a dynamic community of exceptional young people from all over the world with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world. This year, British Ghanaian media mogul, Peace Hyde, joined this exemplary group of African change makers who are also part of the Aliko Dangote (WEF Africa YGL) fellows.
Now in the 12th year of collaboration with the WEF YGL programme, the Aliko Dangote (WEF Africa YGL) Fellows continue to represent the continent on the global stage and give back to their communities in a multiplicity of impactful ways.
The executive director, Dangote Industries, Fatima Dangote expressed happiness at the diversity and high proportion of female fellows in the 2023 Cohort, where the nine chosen YGLs represent the media/arts/entertainment, technology & innovation, health, and government sectors.
The ADF-YGL Lagos Convening which took place on September 8, 2023, was an excellent opportunity for the participating current and alumni YGL Africa Fellows to meet and interact with their patron, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
According to Hyde, “I am deeply honoured to be part of this illustrious community of changemakers. The work Dangote is doing with the Refinery is inspirational and the sheer scale and impact of the facility will empower Africans for years to come.”
People & Lifestyle
Animal Welfare League vaccinated 198 animals in Sokode Communities in the Volta Region to celebrate World Rabies Day in 2023
Animal Welfare League is an animal advocacy organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare in Ghana. They aim to address legislative challenges, uphold institutional and corporate responsibilities for better animal welfare, and develop policies to enhance community and public capacity for creating a better world for animals.
Animal Welfare League, in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Directorate in the Volta Region, identified a distressed community that had reported five suspected cases of rabies in animals. Unfortunately, the suspected animals were killed and disposed of before veterinary investigations could confirm the cases.
The Sokode area comprises five communities: Etoe, Ando, Bagel, Lokoe, and Gbogame, hosting the main campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences with an estimated population of 40,000 people.
To celebrate World Rabies Day in 2023 with the theme “Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All,” Animal Welfare League collaborated with the School of Veterinary Medicine at KNUST and the Veterinary Services Directorate. They conducted a free rabies vaccination exercise and provided education on dog-bite prevention in four communities within the Sokode Area in the Ho municipality of the Volta region. Through this effort, 198 pets (124 dogs and 74 cats) were vaccinated against rabies.