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Virgin Atlantic returns to Ghana

virgin atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has announced its return to Ghana with the reintroduction of daily flights between Accra and London Heathrow, starting in May 2025. 

This marks the airline’s first operation on this route since 2013, promising increased competition and more travel options for passengers. The new service comes in response to the rising demand for travel between Ghana and the UK, home to the world’s third-largest Ghanaian diaspora. 

Passengers will also enjoy connections through London to Virgin Atlantic’s extensive US network, which includes destinations such as New York, Boston, Washington, DC, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Starting on 1st May 2025, the daily flights will be operated using a mix of Airbus A330-300 and A330-900 Neo aircraft. These planes will feature Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, Premium, Economy Delight, Classic, and Light cabins, along with an onboard social space. 

The route is also expected to be a strong cargo corridor, with the airline offering 30 tonnes of capacity per flight for goods such as fresh produce between Ghana and key markets in the UK and US.

Virgin Atlantic made this known in a statement released on Monday, September 2.

Virgin Atlantic, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, is renowned for its innovation and exceptional customer service. As part of the global Skyteam alliance, the airline offers three cabin classes, each providing unique experiences. 

Passengers can enjoy complimentary food and drink, over 300 hours of entertainment, and a fully connected Wi-Fi fleet. Upper-class passengers benefit from fully flat beds, a private security channel at London Heathrow, access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and a Revivals lounge.

In 2024, Virgin Atlantic was recognised as Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the eighth consecutive year and holds a five-star rating from SkyTrax.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic, commented on the new service: “The UK is home to the third largest Ghanaian diaspora in the world, and we see huge opportunities to connect friends, relatives, and businesses with our new service, as well as providing much-needed competition and choice on the Accra to London route.

“We look forward to launching in 2025 and reminding Ghanaians of the iconic Virgin Atlantic brand and award-winning experience, delivered by our amazing people.”

KA Technologies Successfully Completes One Teacher-One Laptop Initiative

KA technologies, teacher laptops

KA Technologies, the company responsible for supplying and distributing laptops to educators under the government’s One Teacher – One Laptop initiative, has announced the successful completion of the program.

The initiative, designed to enhance digital teaching and research capabilities, has equipped 300,000 teachers within the Ghana Education Service (GES), including those at the kindergarten, primary, junior high, and senior high levels, as well as educators on study leave and non-teaching staff.

In a statement released over the weekend, KA Technologies expressed its satisfaction with the completion of the nationwide rollout, which included the supply, training, and distribution of laptops.

“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the nationwide supply, training and subsequent distribution of Computer Laptops to qualified teachers (Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Senior High Schools), teacher’s on-study leave and non-teaching staff under the Ghana Education Service (GES).”

To further support educators, KA Technologies has established 24/7 Aftercare Centers across the country, offering continuous customer and technical support. “Our user-friendly Katcare App allows the booking of repair services and the purchase of Laptop accessories. Teachers may also call toll-free line 0800790555 to report any complaints or inquiries,” statement further read. 

The company expressed their gratitude for being given the chance to aid in the advancement of teaching in Ghana. They said, “As a local firm, we are indeed gratified to have contributed towards the delivery of digital-aided advancement in teaching in Ghana and remain committed to leapfrogging technology to transform all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.”

About KA Technologies

KA Technologies (KAT) is an indigenous private limited liability company, engaged in manufacturing, training, connectivity, and technology solutions for identifiable societal segments such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, among others.They deliver value to institutions and individual users through an integrated and optimized blend of hardware and software.

Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities Ask John Mahama to Apologize For Mocking Stammerers 

John Mahama

The Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs) has called for an apology from John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer after his comments about individuals who stammer during a recent campaign event. 

The Coalition condemned Mahama’s remarks as deeply offensive and a harmful misrepresentation of people with speech impairments.

In a press release dated August 30, 2024, and signed by Elias Kadeologo and three other persons, the Coalition expressed their dismay over Mahama’s comments. 

They criticized the former president for suggesting that stammering is associated with dishonesty, following his critique of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s speech during a media encounter. 

Parts of the statement read, “As an organization committed to the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana, the Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs) expresses our deep concern and disappointment regarding recent comments made by Former President John Mahama.

The statement highlighted that Mahama’s comments—implying that stammering indicates deceitfulness—perpetuate damaging stereotypes and expose individuals who stammer to public scorn.

John Mahama during his speech had said that when someone who usually speaks fluently begins to stammer, it is a sign of lying, likening it to a malfunctioning machine gun and suggesting that such individuals are untrustworthy.

But the coalition in the statement warning about the repercussions of such utterances said, “Former President Mahama reportedly remarked that Dr. Bawumia, who typically speaks fluently, began to stammer during a media encounter. He further suggested that such stammering is a sign of dishonesty, stating that “any person who does that is a liar.”

“We, the members of the CCPWDS, find these remarks to be deeply offensive and an unfortunate misrepresentation of individuals who stammer.”

The Coalition emphasized that stammering, or stuttering, is a common speech disorder that does not reflect a person’s honesty, intelligence, or capability. They argued that such remarks from a prominent public figure reinforce negative attitudes and discrimination against those with speech impairments and other disabilities. 

“Stammering does not reflect one’s honesty, intelligence, or competence. Such comments from a prominent public figure not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also reinforce negative attitudes towards people with speech impairments and other disabilities,” the statement read.

The former president, commenting on Dr. Bawumia’s media encounter during a party meeting at Ada on August 28, 2024, said, “You know how to tell when somebody is lying. People who are smooth talkers, who can speak rat-ta-ta-ta-ta like a machine gun. When they become stammerers and start stammering, you know they are lying.

 “Somebody who can speak ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta like AK-47, suddenly, media encounter… the person started stammering, and you can’t tell the head or tail; the fundamentals are weak,” he said.

Tyrone Iras Marhguy Secures $1.4 M Scholarship to University of Pennsylvania

Tyrone Iras Marhguy

Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the former Achimota Secondary School student who made headlines for his fight to wear dreadlocks at school, has just scored an impressive academic victory. Marhguy announced on Wednesday, August 28, that he has been awarded a full scholarship to study computer Engineering at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania in the United States.

Sharing his excitement on social media, Marhguy revealed that he had received scholarship offers from three other top universities, bringing the total value of the offers to a staggering $1.4 million. This financial aid will fully fund his education for the next four years.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a full scholarship to pursue computer engineering at the University of Pennsylvania,” Marhguy wrote. “Joining the class of 2028 as a proud Quaker, this incredible opportunity comes after carefully considering breathtaking offers from #upenn, #duke, #Williams, and #F&M, all totaling $1.4 million over the next four years!”

Marhguy and fellow Rastafarian student, Oheneba Nkrabea, gained national attention when Achimota Secondary School denied them admission due to their dreadlocks, citing a school policy against the hairstyle. The school insisted that the students would only be allowed to attend if they cut their dreadlocks.

Refusing to compromise their cultural and religious beliefs, Marhguy and Nkrabea took the matter to court, challenging the school’s decision. In a landmark ruling on May 31, 2021, the court ordered Achimota School to admit both students. Marhguy’s recent scholarship triumph is not just a personal achievement but also a powerful testament to his advocacy for educational rights and cultural identity.

His journey, from standing up for his beliefs to securing a spot at one of the world’s top universities, continues to inspire many. Congratulations to Tyrone Iras Marhguy on his incredible achievement as he prepares to join the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 2028!

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South African Billionaire Johann Rupert Overtakes Dangote as Africa’s Richest

Africa's Richest

South African billionaire Johann Rupert has recently surged ahead of Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to claim the title of Africa’s richest person, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Rupert, who controls Richemont—a global luxury goods giant known for brands like Cartier and Montblanc—has seen his net worth climb by $1.9 billion, bringing it to $14.3 billion. This impressive increase has propelled him to 147th place on the global billionaire list, 12 spots ahead of Dangote.

In contrast, Dangote’s fortune has dipped by $1.7 billion this year, reducing his net worth to $13.4 billion. This decline highlights the economic challenges facing Nigeria, where Dangote’s conglomerate is heavily involved. Since President Bola Tinubu took office last year, Nigeria has faced significant economic shifts, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have contributed to inflation soaring above 30%. These reforms, while aimed at long-term growth, have impacted local businesses like Dangote’s, whose assets are tied to the struggling naira.

Dangote, 66, made his fortune in cement and sugar, recently expanding into the oil sector with a new refinery in Lagos. However, his business empire has been hit by production delays and supply chain issues. Despite being recognized by Forbes as Africa’s richest man for 13 consecutive years, Dangote now holds the second spot on Bloomberg’s list and is ranked 159th globally.

Rupert’s rise has been fueled by the robust performance of Richemont and his other investment ventures through Remgro, a South African investment firm with stakes in over 30 companies. Rupert inherited his family’s business from his father, Anton Rupert, and transformed it from a tobacco-focused company into a multibillion-dollar luxury enterprise.

Educated at the University of Stellenbosch, Rupert left his economics studies in 1984 to join his father’s business. He has since become a prominent figure in South Africa, known for his advocacy on political and environmental issues. Residing in a luxurious mansion in Cape Town, Rupert also owns properties in Geneva and London. 

The top five richest individuals in Africa now include Nicky Oppenheimer with a net worth of $11.3 billion, Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris with $9.48 billion, and South African investor Natie Kirsh with $9.22 billion. As market conditions evolve, the title of Africa’s richest person is likely to continue shifting among the continent’s elite.

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Finance Ministry Releases GH¢700M for Asset Mgt Companies Bailout

Dr. Amin Adam

In a major relief for investors, the Finance Ministry has processed the release of the first tranche of GH¢700 million as part of a broader GH¢1.5 billion package aimed at bailing out the remaining Asset Management Companies (AMCs), including Blackshield Fund Management Ltd. This marks a significant step in addressing the financial strain on individuals affected by the collapse of several fund management companies.

Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, August 29, shared the welcome news. He revealed that the funds are set to be released by the Controller and Accountant-General, underscoring the government’s commitment to easing the stress of affected investors.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Finance has processed the release of the first tranche, GH¢700 million, of the additional GH¢1.5 billion to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to further bail out the remaining AMCs, including Blackshield Fund Mgt Ltd. Yesterday, I instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to release the funds to mitigate the stress on affected persons,” Dr. Amin Adam announced.

amin adam

This move follows the government’s promise, made during the 2024 Mid-Year Review of Fiscal Policy, to allocate an additional GH¢1.5 billion to provide relief for those whose funds have been locked in the defunct AMCs. The bailout package will be disbursed in three tranches, with the initial GH¢700 million already in motion.

The first tranche is expected to significantly impact investors, with 92% of Blackshield’s 82,096 investors set to receive full settlement. Additionally, 78% of the remaining fund management companies’ 12,069 investors will also see their funds restored.

This latest intervention brings the total number of investors settled under the bailout scheme to 94,165, representing 90% of the 105,178 validated claims. Despite the tight fiscal space, Dr. Amin Adam reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief, especially to vulnerable groups like pensioners.

“This intervention is being done despite the tight fiscal space, a clear testament to the government’s commitment to provide relief to investors of the defunct AMCs, especially the pensioners,” Dr. Amin Adam emphasized.

The bailout offers a glimmer of hope for thousands of investors who have faced uncertainty for months, signaling a renewed effort by the government to address the lingering financial fallout from the collapse of these institutions.

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Simone Biles Flaunts Her Historic Olympic Gold in a Photoshoot

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is still basking in the glory of her historic triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added to her legacy as the most decorated gymnast of all time. The 27-year-old athlete, recently put her success on display in a glamorous photoshoot featuring her collection of Olympic medals.

In the shoot, Biles proudly posed with her impressive hardware from the Rio (2016), Tokyo (2020), and Paris (2024) Games. After her record-breaking performance in Paris, Biles took a well-deserved moment to revel in her achievements, showcasing all 11 of her Olympic medals — the most ever won by a U.S. gymnast.

“6-year-old me would be proud,” she wrote on social media, accompanying a series of captivating images shared on Tuesday, August 27. In the first photo, Biles sat elegantly in a white dress, her smile radiant as she playfully bit into one of her many gold medals. The remaining medals were draped around her, each gleaming under the spotlight. In another image, Biles stepped aside, letting her medals take center stage in a powerful display of her hard work and dedication.

Biles‘ Olympic journey began in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, where she won four gold medals and one bronze in the women’s all-around, team final, and individual events in vault, floor, and balance beam. Her remarkable performance made her a household name alongside her Team USA teammates Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, Gabby Douglas, and Madison Kocian.

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles faced unexpected challenges, including the “twisties”—a mental block that affects spatial awareness — forcing her to withdraw from several events. Despite the setback, she still claimed a bronze in balance beam and silver in the team final alongside teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Grace McCallum.

Fast forward to the 2024 Paris Games, where Biles returned stronger than ever. She led Team USA to gold in the team final, with the help of returning teammates Lee and Chiles, as well as newcomers Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera. Biles’ Paris performance pushed her past the previous record set by American gymnast Shannon Miller, securing her place as the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. With her latest gold in the women’s all-around and individual vault final, Biles now holds 11 Olympic medals, a testament to her resilience and excellence in the sport.

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Dr. Bawumia Promises Youth Job Creation as Top Priority in Presidential Bid

Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has placed job creation for the youth at the heart of his presidential agenda. Speaking at a media event in Accra, Dr. Bawumia praised the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration, which has generated over 2.1 million jobs in the past seven years. However, he acknowledged that the youth still face significant employment challenges.

“There are many areas that we will tackle to ensure young people can secure jobs,” he emphasized, underscoring the urgent need to address youth unemployment.

Central to his plan is fostering business growth to create more job opportunities. Dr. Bawumia explained that his administration would offer a variety of incentives to help businesses expand and hire more workers. “We are looking at the growth of businesses, which will lead to more hiring, and we have proposed a number of incentives to help businesses grow,” he noted.

Dr. Bawumia also revealed plans for a comprehensive tax reform initiative aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment, including the introduction of a flat tax rate and tax amnesty.

Dr. Bawumia

In addition to supporting businesses, he stressed the critical importance of education and skills development for the youth. He highlighted his commitment to enhancing investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), ensuring young Ghanaians are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. “We believe that training the youth is very important, so the investment we are making in TVET will be significantly improved,” he stated.

Moreover, Dr. Bawumia is keen on equipping the youth with cutting-edge Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, opening up both local and international job opportunities. “We are also committed to training the youth in a broad area of ICT skills, and many of our trained youth will have the opportunity to secure jobs in Ghana and from various places abroad,” he added.

With job creation and skills training at the core of his campaign, Dr. Bawumia promises to deliver a brighter future for the youth of Ghana if elected president.

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6 Motivational Phrases to Boost Your Work Week

motivational phrases

Motivational phrases and positive self-talk can be a game changer in your daily routine.

Dopamine is the happy hormone that controls the brain’s reward system and drives us to do things that feel good. It is key in motivating you to reach your goals by activating your internal reward system.

A new work week can often feel challenging, especially if you start to think of the workload, weight of deadlines, meetings, and other responsibilities you need to achieve.

In these moments, you must condition your mindset rightly because having that dopamine released can make all the difference.  

Here are some powerful motivational phrases to say to yourself throughout your workweek to stay energized and inspired.

1. “I Can Do Hard Things”

This motivational phrase sends a signal to your mind, reminding you that you are capable of taking on any challenging task or project. It reinforces your resilience and reminds you that no challenge is too great to conquer. By doing this, you will approach work with greater confidence and determination.

2. “Progress, Not Perfection”

Perfectionism can be paralyzing, especially when trying to achieve great things at work all at once. Try not to be fixated on getting everything perfect.  Consistency is key to making progress so encourage yourself to keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time. Be realistic and celebrate your progress, step by step. 

3. “I Am In Control of My Attitude”

Your attitude can shape your entire workweek. It is therefore very important to remind yourself that you are in control of how you react to situations. Your words have the power to empower you, either positively or negatively. 

When you are tempted to be out of character, let this phrase serve as a reminder that your attitude and response are always within your power.

4. “I Choose to Focus on What I Can Control”

Work can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when faced with tasks that are beyond your expertise. In such cases, take a break and focus on the aspects of your job that you can work out at that moment.

 Reduce your feelings of helplessness and increase your sense of empowerment. This mindset shift can help you tackle your responsibilities with greater clarity and purpose.

5. “Every Day Is a New Opportunity”

When you start each day with this motivational phrase, it allows you to approach your workweek with a sense of renewal and possibility.

 Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or unfinished tasks, you can embrace each day as a fresh opportunity to improve, grow, and accomplish your goals. 

This is a forward-thinking mindset that helps you stay optimistic!

6. “Small Wins Lead to Big Victories”

Celebrating small achievements can significantly boost your morale and motivation. Recognize that every small win contributes to your overall success. 

So be sure to maintain a positive outlook even on days when the larger goals feel out of reach.

Let this phrase be the encouragement you need to acknowledge and appreciate your progress, no matter how incremental.

Incorporating Motivational Phrases into Your Daily Routine

To make the most of these motivational phrases, consider incorporating them into your daily routine. Here are some practical ways to do so:

  • Morning Affirmations: Start your day by repeating one or more of these phrases to set a positive tone for the day.
  • Sticky Notes: Write down your favourite motivational phrases and place them where you’ll see them often—on your desk, computer monitor, or even your bathroom mirror.
  • Journaling: At the end of each workday, reflect on how you applied these phrases to your challenges and successes. This practice can reinforce a positive mindset and help you internalize these affirmations.

These simple yet powerful affirmations can help you stay focused, maintain a healthy attitude, and navigate challenges with greater ease. Remember, your mindset is one of the most important tools for achieving success—use it wisely!

Nana Kwame Bediako to Launch Presidential Manifesto This Sunday

Cheddar independent candidate

Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, an independent presidential candidate and leader of the New Force Movement, has announced the launch of his manifesto, scheduled for Sunday, September 1, 2024. The virtual event, kicking off at 7:30 PM, will reveal his visionary document, “The 12 Pillars of Economic Freedom,” which aims to pave the way for prosperity, opportunity, and a brighter future for all Ghanaians.

Despite being unable to officially register the New Force Movement as a political party in time for the upcoming December 7 election, Bediako is expected to file his nomination as an independent candidate. He explained that delays in obtaining approval from the Electoral Commission led to his decision to run independently. “If we had waited three months for the license, we would barely have two months left to campaign,” he said.

Nana Kwame Bediako, cheddar

In January, Bediako, revealed that his presidential bid is driven by what he calls a divine calling from God. Although he admits to having little knowledge of traditional political processes, such as becoming an assemblyman or MP, he felt a higher voice guiding him toward the presidency. “I’m not a politician. I don’t even understand the ins and outs of politics, but I felt the call to run for the top office where real change can happen,” he shared in a recent interview.

Bediako, a successful private investor and developer, believes that being president would provide the authority and leverage needed to implement national-scale development projects. Reflecting on Ghana’s political landscape, he expressed disappointment with the slow pace of progress under the NPP and NDC, despite their decades of leadership.

“I’ve developed key landmarks across the country as a private investor, but as a nation, we’re still lagging behind,” he added. Cheddar’s candidacy promises to be a bold, new force in Ghana’s political arena, with his manifesto outlining a fresh vision for the country’s economic future.

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