KSM writes: Are GH entertainers "starving"?

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The term "starving artist"is a common phenomenon worldwide. In the US when you hear of a "starving" artist. It simply means that the artist has made a serious commitment to develop his or her craft. They do this by investing whatever money they make to enhance their skills. So they are not "starving" as in being broke with no money, but "starving" as in sacrificing whatever money they make to push their talent.

The last time I was in LA, I was amazed to find out that from a good number of skilled computer whiz kids, to waiters, to uber drivers, to hotel managers etc were all aspiring actors, scriptwriters, dancers etc. The point here is that they were not "starving", they were making an income and investing it in building their craft. Whether or not they get break their are looking for, they continue to push.

In GH however, "starving" literally means starving. Many performing artists complain of being broke and starving. Its sad to see in some cases of former veteran artists sadly wearing the badge of poverty and soliciting financial assistance from the public. Very heart breaking indeed. We sometimes make it look like its almost a curse to be a performing artists in GH.

That is the worse thing we can do for the industry. When we wonder why others are not placing the correct value on entertainment, we forget that this badge and proclamations of poverty and starvation is one of the major causes. Many of us have put ourselves in situations that the Event Organizers who engage us actually consider it as doing us a favor. This wrong but we are partly to blame for it. A timely advice to some comedy practitioners here.

I really hope that this and the next generation of performing artistes will raise the bar. Some have started to do this remarkably and I trust it will rub of others.

Another point, raising the bar does not mean raising our arrogance. We have to step up our level of professionalism. When you have a cast call at 8am, and a so called 'A' actor can show up at 2pm. What arrogance! This and many such attitudes us what is impeding our growth as a serious industry.

The final advice to all performing artistes is to know that our market is not as vibrant as it can be yet. When the market is not dynamic, it is very difficult to have professional guilds that work efficiently. I know we have some guilds of some sort, actors, directors, producer -etc. But in a "loose" market, like we have now, these guilds need to consider some serious revamping to make them useful for their members.

No one has be to be a STARVING artist. What we want to be is a working ARTIST SACRIFICING to build their craft. There should be an OVERALL vision, but the steps must be INCREMENTAL .

THE FUTURE CAN BE VERY BRIGHT, IF WE ALLOW IT.

 

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Rwanda closes 700 churches

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Authorities in Rwanda have closed more than 700 churches in the capital Kigali for failure to meet safety and hygiene standards, the privately-owned The New Times reports.

It says the operation began a week ago and has so far targeted 714 churches and one mosque.

A state official, Justus Kangwagye, told the news site the houses of worship were in breach of safety standards.

“Worshiping should be done in an organised way and meet minimum standards. Exercising your freedom of worship should not encroach on other people’s rights. They have been asked to halt operations until they meet the requirements,” he said.

He said some churches had not renewed their licences and the authorities were not going to allow them to continue to operate.

The report says some churches were operating in tents and did not have adequate parking for the worshippers, who ended up parking on the side of the road and causing traffic jams.

Kigali residents, according to the report, gave mixed reactions to the operation. Some supported the move but others called on the authorities to give the churches more time to comply with the rules.

Bishop Innocent Nzeyimana, the president of the Churches' Forum in Nyarugenge district, pleaded on behalf of the churches that they should be allowed to operate until the raised issues are fixed, the report said.

BBC

Leaked tape: NPP probes Obiri Boahen’s “false claims” 

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP)  has denied claims that the Flagstaff House advanced an amount of “GHC 50 billion” to the NPP in support of the conduct of the party’s 2017 National Annual Delegates Conference held at Cape Coast.

A secret recording of Deputy General Secretary  of the party Nana Obiri Boahen, alleging that the Flagstaff House, gave the NPP GHC50 billion old cedis  to hold last year’s  National Conference  at Cape Coast  in the Central Region , has gone viral on social media.

In the said recording, Obiri Boahen said he had completely been neglected by the party and that as General Secretary, he has no official vehicle.  

“When we were going Cape Coast the other time, I was given GH¢3,000 as a member of the Resolution Committee and an additional GH¢2,000 for fuel. Meanwhile, the Flagstaff House gave the party an amount of GH¢50 billion”, Obiri said in the alleged secret recording.

However, in a statement  the NPP said the claims were false  adding, “the party takes serious view of his unfortunate comments and has accordingly tasked the Steering Committee to immediately look into the matter and make appropriate recommendations”.
Below is the full statement:

NPP RESPONDS TO LEAKED OBIRI BOAHEN’S TAPE

The attention of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been drawn to a secret recording making rounds on social media involving the deputy general secretary of the party, Nana Obiri Boahen, in which he alleged that the Flagstaff House advanced an amount of “GHC 50 billion” to the NPP in support of the conduct of the party’s 2017 National Annual Delegates Conference held at Cape Coast.

The party wishes to place on record that, no such thing happened and that, the claims are a palpable falsehood.
Indeed, Nana Obiri Boahen himself has subsequently admitted to the falsity of his baseless allegation.

Nonetheless, the party takes serious view of his unfortunate comments and has accordingly tasked the Steering Committee to immediately look into the matter and make appropriate recommendations.

Finally, we wish to assure our members and the Ghanaian people that, the NPP is scrupulously minded of the line that exists between government and the party and would uphold the distinction at all times.
Thank you.

…Signed…
JOHN BOADU
General Secretary (Ag)

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Gov’t will ensure full benefits from our natural resources – Dr Bawumia

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Government has begun discussions with mining companies in Ghana, especially those engaged in the mining of Gold, to ensure that the country derives the maximum revenue from the exploitation of our natural resources.

The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), which is mandated by law to assay all minerals mined in Ghana, is also gearing up to acquire the necessary equipment and resources to undertake its duty.

The Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, made the disclosure when he gave the keynote address at the ongoing Regional Conference on “Fiscal Management of Mining and Petroleum [Resources] in West Africa” in Accra on Tuesday February 27, 2018.

The Conference is being hosted by the Africa and Fiscal Affairs Departments of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with participants drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania, as well as senior officials of the IMF.

Ghana’s mining laws stipulate that the PMMC assays the gold and other minerals mined in the country but the major mining firms have for years been assaying gold mined from their mines by themselves before export. While the companies have not been accused of any wrong doing, Government believes the institution of state mandated to undertake this critical task must be appropriately resourced to discharge its duty.

“It is simply not acceptable that for a very long time an institution of state with the powers to help in properly accounting for our mineral resources was not enabled nor allowed to perform its job. This has to change. I know of a bauxite mining company that over the last five years has paid no dividends to government because it claims it has made no profits yet it continues to mine vigorously. This cannot be right.

“Thankfully we have now begun conversations about the process of making sure that every single bar of gold leaving our shores is properly weighed, tested, valued, and accounted for.

“While the process may not be as robust as we want, it is a positive step in the right direction and we are impressed with the collaboration between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company in making sure we expedite the full spectrum of accounting for our gold resources.”

The Vice President urged the Conference attendees to deliberate on a number of areas militating against resource rich countries, including revenue leakages by means of improper accounting for resources, locking out of resource-rich countries from the high-value ends of value chains, limited local content and the lack of full participation of local businesses in resource industries, and growing revelations of illicit financial flows through ‘external accounts’ and  mispricing of trade transactions, indicating that they go a long way to deprive ordinary citizen of the full benefits of their natural resources.

“I would also like you to consider during your deliberations the difference between the contracts in the oil and mining sectors. In the oil sector for example, for a 100 barrels of oil drilled, per the contract, we know what Ghana’s share is. This is not the case for a 100 tonnes of gold mined. Why should there be such a difference?” the Vice President quizzed.

Ghana | atinkaonline.com

“Africa must build value-added, industrialised economies” -Akufo-Addo

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The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says Africa must build value-added, industrialised economies with modernised agriculture, which takes full advantage of the digital revolution, if she is to create wealth and prosperity for her peoples.

Describing Africa as “a rich continent, if not the richest”, President Akufo-Addo indicated that Africa has the world’s second fastest economic growth rates, the world’s fastest-growing region for foreign direct investment, and is in possession of nearly 30 percent of the earth’s remaining mineral resources, with a young, vibrant population.

“Indeed, six of the world’s ten fastest growing economies in 2018 are in Africa. And yet, the masses of the African peoples remain poor, when we have no reason to be poor,” he added.

Thus, in order to create prosperity for the African peoples, President Akufo-Addo indicated that “our first priority must be to change the structures of the economies on the continent, which are dependent largely on the production and export of raw materials. It is this reliance on raw material exports that feeds our dependence on foreign aid, and subjects us to the politics of the West.”

The willingness of many African youths to cross the Sahara desert on foot and drown in the Mediterranean Sea, in a desperate bid to reach the mirage of a better life in Europe, he explained, should serve as a wakeup call for governments on the continent.

“Africa needs to transform stagnant, jobless economies, built on the export of raw materials and unrefined goods, to value-added economies that provide jobs, to build strong middle-class societies and lift the masses of our people out of dire poverty. We can only do so if we participate in the global market place on the basis not of the exports of raw materials, but on the basis of things we make,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Tuesday, 28th February, 2018, when he delivered the keynote address at the 5th German-African Economic Forum, held in Dortmund, Germany.

The continent’s second priority, he said, should be to increase trade and investment co-operation, and not aid, as it is one of the ways healthy economic relations can be developed between Africa and Germany, and, indeed, with the rest of the world.

“With Africa’s population set to reach some 2 billion people in 20 years’ time, there are immense opportunities to bring prosperity to Africa, and to Germany too, with hard work, enterprise and creativity. I urge German organisations and companies present to take advantage of this, and enhance their trade relations with Africa,” the President said.

He continued, “The time to deepen German-African trade and investment is now. We must generate investments in agro-industry, the energy and power sectors, and infrastructural development of Africa, capable of producing positive outcomes for the private sectors, especially small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), of Germany and Africa.”

Thirdly, President Akufo-Addo urged for co-operation between Germany and Africa in ensuring the promotion of transparent, and inclusive policy and decision-making processes at local, national, regional, continental and global levels.

“Fourthly, in order for us to build an Africa that meets the aspirations of the African peoples and opens up opportunities for all, especially its youth, we must also prioritise our budgetary arrangements to ensure that funds are available to strengthen key institutions of state, such as the Legislature, Judiciary, and fiscal institutions,” he said.

He continued, “It is important that we promote and develop a culture of accountable governance, free of corruption, whereby these institutions of state see themselves as independent public entities serving the wider public interest, not the temporary conveniences of governments of the day. We have a responsibility to make our countries attractive to our young people. They should feel they have a worthwhile future, if they stay and help build their nations.”

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

GRA refutes 'new taxes' reports

Daniel Opare
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The Commissioner General for Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has asked the general public to disregard media reports on the introduction of two new taxes by the GRA.

Some  online portals reported that businesses will soon be paying more to the government because of the introduction of two new taxes by the GRA.

However, in an interview with Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive Tuesday, Commissioner General for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Nti explained that the two alleged new taxes are existing taxes that have only been re-categorised as part of a routine exercise conducted in the sub-region.

The two re-categorised taxes are the excise tax stamp and the Harmonised ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET).

According two him, the excise tax stamp which deals with the importation, manufacturing or wholesale of excisable goods such as canned or bottled drinks, non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, cigarette and tobacco products has been in existence since 2013.

He added that the revenue which the excise tax stamp generated for the economy has reduced hence its reintroduction.

“The excise tax stamp has reduced from 3.4% as at 2010 to 1.9% in 2017. Importers who are supposed to pay have been reluctant in the payment. We want to enforce the tax and help grow the economy together hence the reintroduction,” he added.

He also explained that the Harmonised ECOWAS CET, on the other hand, will affect importers of goods classified under the Common External Tariff (CET)

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa

Secret recording: My accuser demanded $10,000 from me –Obiri Boahen

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Deputy General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Nana Obiri Boahen, has alleged that the gentlemen who leaked a private conversation to the media, demanded an amount of 1000 dollars from him in order to bury the story .

A secret recording of the controversial politician, alleging that the Flagstaff House, gave the NPP GHC50 billion old cedis  to hold last year’s  National Conference  at Cape Coast  in the Central Region , has gone viral on social media.

In the said recording, Obiri Boahen said he had completely been neglected by the party and that as General Secretary, he has no official vehicle.  

“When we were going Cape Coast the other time, I was given GH¢3,000 as a member of the Resolution Committee and an additional GH¢2,000 for fuel. Meanwhile, the Flagstaff House gave the party an amount of GH¢50 billion”, Obiri said in the alleged secret recording.

Speaking to Atinka Midday News Tuesday, he  confirmed  that the voice captured on the tape was his, but said he deliberately concocted the statements to elicit sensitive information from the other party to the conversation.

The Deputy General Secretary said   he later got to know that, the gentleman in question was Kweku Skirt,  a popular NDC activist based in the USA.

According to the NPP guru,  his strategy worked to perfection, adding that he gathered some sensitive information on the NDC.

Obiri Boahen told Atinka News that, Kweku Skirt later revealed that the private conversation had been recorded and demanded 10,000 dollars   to kill story.

“I refused to pay the 10,000 dollars because I got to know he was a crook and a treacherous character. John Boadu even advised me to be careful of that guy because he is dangerous guy.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com   
 

26-year old Kenyan lady busted at Kotoka over drugs

Daniel Opare
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A 26-year old Kenyan woman is in prison custody for allegedly trafficking three kilograms of narcotic substances to Ghana.

According to NACOB the estimated street value of the substance is about 90,000 dollars.

The suspect whose name was given as Ivy Mugure Daniel was arrested by officials of Ghana’s Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) at the Kotoka International Airport on January 9, 2018 when she landed with Ethiopian Airline flight ET 921.

According to the statement from NACOB, a search conducted on her luggage revealed a big parcel wrapped with a black polyethylene material containing an off-white powdery substance.

“A test conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority on the substance proved positive to “speed ball”, a mixture of cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of $ 90,000.00,” the statement said.

According to NACOB officials, although the suspect claimed ownership of the luggage she mentioned that one Benson, her boyfriend in Kenya bought her the air ticket and gave her the travelling bag to pack her things and meet him in Ghana with the bag.

The suspect has however been arraigned before court and placed in prison custody pending trial.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Armed robbers storm Royal Motors; steal over GHC 10,000

Daniel Opare
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Reports reaching Atinkaonline indicates some unidentied armed men this morning  stormed the premises of Royal Motors, dealers in motorcycle and motorcycle spare parts.

According to reports, they made away with an unspecified amount of money belonging to the company and those belonging to some staff of the company.

Workers were seen running towards the main road in expression of fear for their lives. Eye witnesses said they were going about their normal duties when they heard gun shots  from the administration block of the company.

Some victims who had direct encounter with the armed robbers said they were ordered to lie prostrate and hand over their phones. A sales manager said, his personal money and phone were taken by the robbers.

 The robbers  also made away with the CCTV recording device to wipe away evidence.

Ghana | atinkaonline.com | Bismark Brown 

Atinka FM’s Regina Asamoah wins best graduating student award

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One of Atinka FM’s finest broadcast journalists, Regina Asamoah, was over the weekend adjudged one of the best graduating students of the School of Graduate Studies and Research at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. 

She emerged the best student in Master of Arts (MA) in Development Communication programme for the 2016/2017 academic year.
 


A total of one hundred and seventy-eight (178) students in four MA Programmes were awarded degrees in the University’s third Congregation held on 23rd February, 2018 at University’s premises premised on the theme ‘Communication as a catalyst for National Development’.

Ms. Asamoah works in Atinka FM’s News Department as Assignment Editor and Executive Producer for some of the station’s programmes including ‘Obrempong Ahyasea’ and ‘Nana Mmo’ programme on Atinka Television.

She has over eight years’ rich experience in both broadcast and print journalism with specialty in gender and social issues.

 

In an interview with this paper, the Distinction student said her award did not come as a surprise as she studied hard to merit it. What came as a surprise rather, according to her, was the combination of her busy schedules at work and studies to have achieved this feat; a thing she said was as a result of her reliance on God and strong determination.

She recounted that in 2010 in the same University as a Diploma student, she swept three awards in Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing.

 

 

Work

Ms. Regina Asamoah started her journalism profession in 2009 at then Sena Radio in Ashaiman as an attachment student and subsequently retained as permanent staff in the News Department. Starting as a reporter and producer, she rose through the ranks to become the Acting Head of News due to her versatility, hard work and commitment.

She also worked as a sub- editor for the Wir Newspaper ( a catholic newspaper) for a two-year period.

It was no surprise that she was retained alongside other colleagues from Sena Radio when the station became Atinka Fm before moving to Accra.

Since she joined the Atinka Media Village, one of Ghana’s emerging multimedia networks in 2015, Ms. Asamoah has undoubtedly been one of the stations’ pivots as far as broadcast journalism is concerned.

Ms. Asamoah works in Atinka Fm’s News Department as Assignment Editor and Executive Producer for some of the station’s programmes including ‘Obrempong Ahyasea’ and ‘Nana Mmo’ programme on Atinka Television.

She also contributes content to the Station’s online platform (www.atinkaonline.com).

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

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