Category: Politics

Reggae Dancehall/Afropop artiste, Stonebwoy, has expressed gratitude to patrons and stakeholders, who made his ‘5th Dimension Tour’ a success. He took to his X (Twitter) page on Tuesday expressing appreciation saying: ‘Gratitude is a must. Let’s continue to win together.’ Having released his fifth studio album in April this year, the Tuff Seed composer had been on an European tour, performing in cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Dusseldof, Birmingham, Manchester and London. The ‘5th Dimension Tour’ culminated in a well patronised performance at Electric Brixton in London on October 29, 2023. Electric Brixton was reportedly transformed into a vibrant center of culture and music as fans from all walks of life, including renowned football stars Thomas Partey and Kudus Mohammed, gathered to witness Stonebwoy’s enthrilling performance. According to management of the award-wining artiste, the sold-out show was not just a concert, but a celebration of African music and a testament to the artiste’s influence on a global scale. Known for his distinctive lyrical style and thought-provoking music, the Overlord of Bhim Nation was said to have delivered an enticing performance, which exceeded expectations. ‘His setlist showcased his growth as an artiste, from his early hits to the tracks from his latest billboard charted album 5th Dimension…Each song connecting with fans on a different level. ‘The crowd got wilder as 1GAD went deeper into the set, shouting the lyrics, he delved into some of his biggest hits, captivating the audience with his exceptional talent and undeniable charisma,’ the Managers said. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation added a communal element to the performance, creating an unforgettable chorus of voices that resonated throughout the venue. The ‘5th Dimension’ tour was described as a celebration of an incredible journey, which authenticates the Run Go composer’s ability to connect with fans on a global stage. Stonebwoy would entertain his Ghanaian followers at the Bhim Concert later in December this year.

Source: Ghana News Agency

It was a night of upbeat music, dance and camaraderie when patrons gathered at a maiden cultural festival for Haitian-American citizens and Ghanaians in Accra. Dubbed: ‘Taste of Afro Caribbean Meets Ghana,’ the event, among other things, sought to strengthen existing bond between both nations. It was a fusion of Ghanaian, Haitian and Caribbean culture on a platform filled with a variety of arts and thrilling performances. The show featured indigenous storytelling and craft by Lododo Arts, Afro Boys Band, Militant Dance Family, and musician Ken Ayiah. Curated by Hospitality Management Company, Destination Konpa, the celebration brought together hundreds of revelers from Ghana and abroad. Mr Nathan Fragelus and Ms Fabienne Reid, Managers of Destination Konpa, said the company organised events and tours across the world, but decided to make their trip to Ghana a memorable adventure for the patrons. ‘We’re about 75 percent of Haitian-Americans born and raised in the United States of America (USA), but always interested in connecting with the black culture. ‘We have similarities and wanted to immerse ourselves, connect and network with people within the Ghanaian community,’ the organisers stated. Ms Reid said the aim was to ‘shed light within the black Diaspora community’ and experience the common cultures in the Caribbean, USA and Ghana. Expressing excitement about the turnout, she said the event could be held annually in the future. In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Emmanuel Ray Quarcoo, Ambassador of Haiti to Ghana, praised the cultural convergence at the event, and called for support for Haiti. ‘The world owes Haiti a resolution; it’s not a matter of options. There should be the need for a legitimate support for Haiti, a national unity government, the only bridge that can carry us together. If there’s any time Haiti needed support, it is now!’ He stated. Dr Sarah Dorgbadzi Ossei, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Artistic Director of Lododo Arts, commended organisers of the event, adding that Lododo Arts would continue to deliver on its mission, which included reviving and telling authentic African stories through arts and culture.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa, South Korea’s Chuncheon City Mayor Yook Dong Han arrived in Addis Ababa with his delegation for a working visit and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the two sister cities.

Upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the delegation was received by Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, Jantirar Abay.

In addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the two sister cities, Mayor Yook Dong Han will discuss with his Addis Ababa Counterpart Adanech Abiebie on ways of further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two cities.

During its stay in Addis Ababa, the delegation is expected to visit various development activities including mega projects, according to Mayor Office of Addis Ababa.

It to be recalled that, on August 28, 2023, Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebie visited Chuncheon City.

During the occasion, they agreed to work on issues related to urban development, smart cities, education, training, and land management.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen arrived in Juba, South Sudan, this afternoon for an official visit.

South Sudanese Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan welcomed him upon his arrival at Juba Airport.

During his visit to Juba, Demeke will meet with President Salva kiir Mayardit to deliver Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s message to the president.

He will also held talks with other high-level officials of South Sudan.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received Yvan Gil Pinto, the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela earlier this morning.

The Foreign Minister of Venezuela has also conferred with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Monday and discussed bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest.

On the occasion, Demeke commended Venezuela for its principled and consistent support at multilateral forums.

Venezuela is desirous of working closely on agriculture, tourism, energy, and health with Ethiopia.

Ethiopia and Venezuela have also agreed to commence the Joint Ministerial Commission between the two countries, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, conferred on Friday with South Korean President Special Envoy and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Bang Moon-Kyu.

Demeke welcomed the Special Envoy and praised the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the Republic of South Korea, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Having lauded the historical relations between the two countries, Demeke congratulated South Korea for its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council effective from 2024.

Recalling the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea, the specials envoy expressed his honour to visit Ethiopia.

He came with high-level delegation composed of the Vice President of the Korean Import and Export Exim Bank, representatives of LG Company, and other textile and chemical companies.

He also expressed his country’s desire to invest in Ethiopia in various fields.

The Special Envoy pointed out that the Korean Import and Export Exim Bank would avail 900 million US dollar low interests and long-term loan to Ethiopia, it was indicated.

The South Korean delegation also inked cooperation agreement with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration on the same day.

The special envoy delivered the message of the South Korean President to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inviting him to attend the upcoming Korean African Summit which would take place in Seoul in 2024.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke reaffirmed Ethiopia’s desire to further scale up the bilateral relations in investment and trade sectors.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The situation of the Social Democratic Front Party, SDF, 5 years down, can be assessed as a political mishap for the one-time main opposition party that once gained grounds across the country.

Looking back from the February 24, 2018, presidential elections, the SDF came 4th with 3.35% after PCRN with 6.28% and the MRC topped the opposition with 14, 23% votes.

Fall from grace to Grass?

The SDF political grip has continued to decline as they left from having 14 Senators in the 2013 senatorial elections to just seven Senators in the 2018 senatorial elections.

The March 12, 2023 senatorial was also an ignominy to the party as just 1 Senator was appointed from the SDF.

The CPDM grabbed all 70 seats during the elections while 15 others were appointed increasing their number to 94 with just 6 left for the opposition.

Consequently, following the February 9, 2020, municipal elections, the SDF currently controls only 1 municipal council, the Bamenda III council in the North West region out of the 360 local councils in the country.

The SDF holds 5 seats in the 180-member chamber of the National Assembly with UNDP coming second after the CPDM with 7 seats.

These challenges have also been aggravated by internal squabbles plaguing the party.

The National Union for Democracy and Progress, UNDP currently is the leading opposition after the CPDM with 7 Members of Parliament at the National Assembly.

As SDF candidates begin the race to succeed the late president, Ni John Fru Ndi, many look up to the next national Chairman to revive the one-time main opposition.

Source: Cameroon News Agency