President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed a significant milestone in road infrastructure development under his administration.
Speaking at the launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) in Accra, the President highlighted the completion of an unprecedented 12,830 kilometers of roads across the nation since 2017.
Funded through a collaboration between the District Assembly Common Fund and various donor partners, DRIP is set to revolutionize infrastructure within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The initiative aims to tackle longstanding infrastructure challenges and expedite the completion of vital road projects in these regions.
Beyond enhancing connectivity, DRIP is poised to revolutionize the agricultural sector by providing crucial support to farmers in rural communities.
By addressing the lack of agricultural equipment, the program is set to significantly boost farming activities and improve livelihoods in these areas.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to further upgrading Ghana’s road network, emphasizing the remarkable progress achieved thus far.
Notable accomplishments include the completion of 12,830 kilometers of roads nationwide, alongside the addition of six new interchanges.
These achievements encompass a range of developments, including asphalt overlays covering 1,936.48 kilometers, new constructions spanning 659.81 kilometers, and gravelling and regraveling initiatives.
In a candid interview with MC Lawry on the Orange Overdrive, renowned Ghanaian gospel singer Diana Hamilton opened up about her diverse career journey, spanning music, nursing, fashion, and more. With a career that began in the ’90s as a backing vocalist and blossomed into a celebrated gospel artist, Diana’s story is one of faith and resilience.
Early Beginnings in Music
Diana Hamilton’s musical journey started at an early age. She recalled her days as a backing vocalist for Francis Agyei at just 14. Although these early years were not considered a commercial endeavour, they laid the foundation for her passion for music. It wasn’t until 2007 that she officially entered the gospel music scene with her debut album.
A Life of Balancing Roles
Apart from her music career, Diana Hamilton is also a qualified nurse. She shared her experiences of balancing her nursing duties with her musical career. “I did and still do practice nursing,” she stated, highlighting her dedication to both her patients and her music. This dual commitment showcases her versatility and dedication to making a difference in multiple spheres.
Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur
Diana is not just a nurse and singer; she also owns a fashion brand, DH by DH. Her love for fashion is evident in how she dresses her band and singers, especially during significant events like “The Experience.” She proudly mentioned how her brand provided clothing for the entire crew, emphasizing her hands-on involvement in her fashion business.
The Inspiration Behind ‘The Doing of the Lord’ Song
One of the highlights of the interview was Diana’s discussion of her latest song, “The Doing of the Lord.” The song, deeply spiritual and reflective, was inspired by a visit to her childhood home in Kumasi. Walking through her old neighbourhood and reminiscing about her journey, Diana felt a profound sense of gratitude for how far she had come. “It’s purely the doing of the Lord,” she remarked, attributing her success to divine intervention.
A Passion for Family and Creating Memories
Diana’s love for family shines through as she discusses her favourite activities during vacations. Whether visiting Disney with her children or simply spending quality time, creating lasting memories is always at the forefront. She humorously noted how family vacations are less about her getting ready and more about ensuring her kids are prepared and excited for their adventures.
Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts
The interview wrapped up with a mention of her upcoming event, “The Awake Experience with Diana Hamilton,” set to take place at the Bantama Church of Pentecost. She encouraged fans to come expecting a powerful move of God, emphasizing the spiritual atmosphere and meticulously planned performances that attendees could look forward to.
In her final words, Diana expressed gratitude to her sponsors and supporters, including Awake Purified Drinking Water,Enterprise Life, and Zoomlion, among others. She also highlighted the availability of exclusive merchandise at the event, with proceeds supporting the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
Stay connected with all the latest news and exclusive updates from Diana Hamilton’s journey by tuning in to Orange FM. Whether you’re looking for information on her upcoming events like the “Awake Experience” or want to hear more from her inspiring interviews, Orange FM is your go-to source. Keep an ear out for special broadcasts, and join the conversation on our social media channels. Let’s celebrate the power of gospel music together!
For more exclusive updates and interviews, tune in to the Orange Overdrive every weekday from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Follow Orange FM on social media for the latest news and interviews with your favourite artists.
In the Orange Health Lounge Show, the host, Dr. Kwasi Baffour Gyimah engaged Regina Agyei and Gloria Agyeiwaa in a compelling discussion on the importance of women setting health goals for themselves. They began by emphasizing the unique physiological aspects of women. Gloria highlighted that while fertility and reproductive health are significant concerns for many women, especially those trying to conceive, these are just a part of a broader spectrum of health considerations.
Regina addressed common misconceptions about fertility, noting that a delay in conception, even up to a year after marriage, does not necessarily indicate infertility. She reassured women that it’s normal to take some time to conceive and encouraged patience and understanding of one’s reproductive health.
A Holistic Approach to Health
The conversation expanded beyond fertility, touching on the comprehensive health planning that women should consider. They stressed that women’s health encompasses a wide range of aspects, from physical to mental well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the critical areas discussed:
1. Regular Medical Check-ups: A Preventive Measure
Regina and Gloria both emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups. These routine visits help in the early detection and management of potential health issues. For women, this includes screenings for cancers such as breast and cervical, monitoring for cardiovascular risks, and managing conditions like osteoporosis. Regular health assessments provide valuable insights into one’s health status, allowing for timely interventions.
2. Nutrition: Building Blocks of Health
A balanced diet was highlighted as a foundational element of good health. Women have specific nutritional needs that vary across different life stages. The discussion underscored the importance of consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Proper nutrition not only supports physical health but also enhances mental clarity and emotional stability. Women are encouraged to set realistic dietary goals, such as incorporating more whole foods into their diet and understanding nutritional labels.
3. Physical Activity: Essential for Well-being
Physical activity was another critical area of focus. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts mood. The conversation encouraged women to find enjoyable forms of physical activity, whether it’s yoga, dancing, or strength training. Setting achievable fitness goals, such as aiming for a specific number of workouts per week, can help women stay motivated and monitor their progress.
4. Mental Health: A Vital Component
The discussion also highlighted the importance of mental health. Women often juggle multiple roles, which can lead to stress and burnout. Regina and Gloria stressed the need for regular mental health check-ins and seeking professional help when needed. They advocated for incorporating mindfulness practices, engaging in hobbies, and prioritizing self-care. Setting mental health goals, such as dedicated time for relaxation or practising gratitude, can significantly enhance overall well-being.
5. Lifestyle Choices and Healthy Habits
Finally, they addressed the impact of lifestyle choices and habits on health. Avoiding harmful behaviours like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress effectively, and getting sufficient sleep are all critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Women were encouraged to make informed decisions that support their long-term health.
The Orange Health Lounge discussion with Regina Agyei and Gloria Agyeiwaa provided valuable insights into the importance of setting comprehensive health goals for women. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel. Join the conversation and stay informed about health issues by tuning into Orange FM. Stay proactive about your health and well-being, and let Orange Health Lounge be your guide on this journey. Tune in for more discussions and tips that can help you achieve your health goals!
Telecel Ghana, a leading provider of telecommunication services, has left customers excited in Kumasi with its highly rewarding cash prize campaign called the Telecel More Money Promo.
With the grand prize of GHS 1 million up for grabs, this exciting promotion aims to celebrate and reward the loyalty of Telecel Ghana’s valued customers with opportunities to win cash prizes through daily, weekly, and final draws.
Starting on July 10, 2024, and running until the end of September, all Telecel customers, including mobile, prepaid, fixed, and business customers, are eligible to participate in the Telecel More Money Promo for a chance to win cash rewards simply by recharging their Telecel account.
Speaking to Orange Business News during the promotion at Adum in Kumasi, the Executive Head of Telecel in the Ashanti and Bono Regions, Kwaku Asiedu, said the initiative is aimed at rewarding customers and promised exciting times ahead for customers as Telecel is planning several initiatives to reward them.
“The motivation is to reward our customers and also to show them appreciation for all that they’ve done for the business over the period. Since we migrated from Vodafone to Telecel, they’ve been with us throughout the journey and we’ve thought it wise that it’s about time we also gave back to our customers and the society,” he noted.
Mr Asiedu also expressed his excitement about the patronage received since the launch of the Promo and encouraged customers to continue participating for more exciting rewards.
He also urged non-customers to get their Telecel SIM cards to join the Promo and stand a chance to win mouth-watering rewards.
Customers were advised to dial *500# and select option 1 to enrol in the Promo.
A total of 150 customers have the opportunity to win 100 cedis daily, with weekly rewards ranging from 30,000 cedis for 2 to 4 customers.
The ultimate prize is 1 million Ghana Cedis for one lucky customer at the end of the Promo in September 2024.
Mr. Asiedu said given the current economic challenges, customers should make the most of the Promo to alleviate their struggles.
He assured customers of a stable network, mentioning that the company is actively working to resolve any issues.
Richard Ofori, a 41-year-old father of two, was visibly elated as he received a cash prize of 30,000 cedis during an awareness event for the Promo in Kumasi.
Richard shared that life had been challenging for him, especially with difficulties in paying his children’s school fees and sustaining his business.
Feeling hopeless, Richard’s situation took a positive turn with the introduction of the Telecel More Money Promo, which not only provided relief but also addressed a significant portion of his challenges.
Richard’s colleague noticed the Promo messages on his phone at work and suggested they both participate.
Taking the Promo seriously, Richard used his mobile money to purchase airtime and other services, leading to his cash prize win.
He encouraged other customers to take advantage of the Promo to win substantial rewards and support themselves and their families.
Passers-by were also thrilled as they took turns participating in a spin game during the promotion, winning items such as Telecel branded T-shirts, bangles, and other exciting prizes.
Parliament has concluded its session amidst controversy surrounding the approval of a 250 million dollar loan facility for the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme.
The house, in its final meeting of the fourth session, successfully passed several bills including the Affirmative Action, Gender Equity Bill 2024, the Ghana Shippers Authority Bill 2024, and the National Service Authority Bill 2024.
During the session, Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, presented the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review to the members.
However, tensions rose when the minority caucus won a voice vote against the loan facility approval, leading to the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, adjourning the house indefinitely on Tuesday.
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, expressed disagreement with the Speaker’s decision to adjourn the house unilaterally.
He announced plans for the group to mobilize support and recall the house under the law, setting the stage for further political manoeuvring in the coming days.
More often than not, courteous behaviours are learnt through observation. Due to this, the topic, of courtesy, is not frequently discussed.
Today, however, on the Orange Urban Mix show, Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong engaged listeners in exploring courteousness. She asked listeners to share behaviours they considered discourteous.
Consider it: What behaviour from a stranger would make you see them as ill-mannered? While you ponder this, let’s look at three behaviours some listeners found highly improper.
Blowing Nose In Public
A listener said that blowing one’s nose in public is a clear sign of being ill-mannered. In many cultures, certain bodily functions are considered private and should be handled discreetly.
Aside from cultural significance, publicly blowing your nose can be considered a lack of awareness and respect for the comfort and well-being of others. Most times, it is also visually and audibly unpleasant for others.
In Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, an individual can be charged KSh10,000 or jailed for up to 6 months if caught blowing their nose without a handkerchief in public.
While blowing one’s nose is natural and sometimes unavoidable if you should do it, be mindful of how and where you do so.
Picking Nose in Public
Another enthused listener waded into the conversation, pointing out that picking one’s nose in public and discarding it anywhere is a sign of poor upbringing.
They elaborated that although picking one’s nose in itself is not the problem, some people are not discreet when they do it.
They pick, and play with it for a while, and may not even wash or sanitize their hands afterwards. This he said, is a clear sign of being ill-mannered.
Unkind In Words
Another listener also mentioned that failing to use kind words such as “please,” “sorry,” and “thank you” are all signs of improper upbringing.
While these courteous words may seem like they should be part of daily interactions, some people find it hard to use them.
For most children, these words are often among the first manners to be taught; therefore, an individual’s reluctance to use them may mean they had a fairly poor upbringing.
In contrast, another listener said it all boils down to perspective. They argued that judging an individual’s character is based on upbringing, so while one person’s judgment of another may seem wrong, it could be perfectly reasonable to someone else.
While perspectives indeed play a huge role in how we judge people’s character, some behaviours are generally seen as courteous. It is important to consider exhibiting such behaviours when in public.
We hope you can take a cue from these outlined behaviours and improve your social etiquette. Remember, people are always watching!
Tune in to the Orange Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong every weekday from 10 am to 12 pm to share your views.
The Court of Appeal has overturned the trial court’s decision in the ongoing Ambulance case, leading to the acquittal and discharge of Minority Leader, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa.
The appeal was filed after the trial court dismissed the submission of no case made by the lawyers for the accused persons, ruling that a case had been established against them.
However, the Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 majority decision, upheld the appeal and set aside the order for the accused persons to open their defence.
The Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tamekloe, expressed relief at the Court of Appeal’s decision, highlighting the importance of upholding justice and fairness in the legal process.
Previously, the High Court in Accra had rejected Ato Forson’s application for mistrial and an inquiry into the conduct of the Attorney General in the case.
The trial judge found no legal basis for a mistrial and dismissed the application.
A leaked tape between the Attorney-General and the third accused, Richard Jakpa, raised concerns about potential coaching to implicate Ato Forson in the trial.
Ato Forson’s legal team argued that this misconduct by the Attorney-General warranted a mistrial.
The Kumasi High Court has dismissed an application for interlocutory injunction to block the extension of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The applicant, Clement Kofi Ohene Asare, sought to prevent the reappointment of Prof. Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson for a second term starting on August 1, 2024.
However, the judge, Justice Frederick Tetteh, ruled that the application lacked merit and questioned the plaintiff’s claim of being an alumnus of the university.
During the court proceedings, the plaintiff’s counsel argued that the reappointment process did not adhere to the university’s statutes, specifically citing issues with the Search Committee’s composition and the advertisement of the Vice Chancellor vacancy.
In response, the defendants’ counsel, representing the University and the Vice Chancellor, maintained that they followed all necessary procedures.
Following the dismissal of the injunction application, the plaintiff filed a stay of execution and an appeal against the defendants.
A dispute arose when the bailiff attempted to serve the university lawyers at the court premises, with the lawyers insisting on being served at the university officially.
The court imposed a cost of 9,000 Ghana cedis on the applicant, and the University Relations Officer, Dr Noris Bekoe, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, encouraging all parties to seek an amicable resolution rather than escalating legal actions.
In a related development, another staff member of the university has initiated a separate lawsuit to halt the Vice Chancellor’s reappointment, adding to the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the issue.
Isaac Mensah has taken legal action by filing an interim injunction to block the extension of Professor Akosua Dickson’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
This development comes in the wake of a similar lawsuit initiated by a university alumnus, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
The decision to extend Prof (Mrs) Dickson’s term was officially announced by KNUST on June 20, 2024, following approval by the University Council during its 282nd routine meeting.
The Council endorsed the Committee’s recommendation to extend her tenure by two years, commencing from August 1, 2024, and concluding on July 31, 2026.
The University Registrar, Ansah Boateng, confirmed this renewal through an official communication disseminated to the university community and the public.
In a notice of motion dated July 29, Mensah argued that the extension contravened the university’s statutes and laws, asserting that it lacked a basis in sound reasoning.
Amidst these legal challenges, the KNUST alumni community has called upon the initial applicant to withdraw the injunction against Prof Dickson.
Additionally, various university unions have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability amidst the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Vice-Chancellor’s term extension.
The lawyer representing Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, also known as Lil Win, has reiterated his client’s innocence in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy.
Despite being arrested in connection with the incident, Lil Win’s legal counsel, Margaret Mary Adjei Twum, remains confident that her client will not face prosecution once the Attorney General’s office provides its advice.
The actor was granted bail following his arrest on June 3, 2024, after the accident involving a vehicle he was driving claimed the life of the young boy.
The court has been awaiting guidance from the Attorney General’s office before proceeding with the case.
Twum emphasized that Lil Win was not at fault during the incident and expressed the impact of the negative publicity surrounding the accident on the actor.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and the loss of life, Twum highlighted the need for closure and healing for the deceased boy’s family.
She stated that their focus is on defending Lil Win’s innocence until proven otherwise, with plans to adjust their legal strategy based on the reports from the Attorney General’s office.
The lawyer also mentioned the impact of the incident on the actor’s professional endeavors, particularly on a movie project, and expressed hope for a resolution that prioritizes healing and understanding for all parties involved.
