Ghanaian artist Kurl Songs has acknowledged Highly Spiritual Records as the cornerstone of his music career.
According to the “Jennifer Lomotey” hitmaker, his recognition in the music industry would not have been possible without the support of Highly Spiritual Records.
“Where I am now, if it weren’t for Highly Spiritual, I wouldn’t be here,” he explained.
However, Kurl Songs believes that as individuals pursuing growth in the music industry, it is common for artists to part ways with their record labels.
“It’s important for us to grow, and sometimes as business-minded individuals, we may not want to remain with one label for too long. Eventually, the time comes when artists want to explore other opportunities and see what comes next,” he added.
In an interview with Afia Owusu on Xzone on TV XYZ, Kurl Songs highlighted the importance of artist management. He believes that having proper management has been beneficial to his career.
“For me, having management is crucial. It has helped me tremendously,” he emphasized.
Kurl Songs emphasized that after parting ways with Highly Spiritual Records, he is currently not under any management.
Dr Bawumia paid a visit to NIA in 2017, along with the current NCA Boss Mr Anokye and some CEOs. As Head of Systems at the time, it was my responsibility to take him and his entourage through the NIA systems. That is, where we started from, where we are now, and where we plan to go.
Below is a picture of me explaining the systems we had in place and how we are transitioning from the old centralised system, which only captured two fingerprints, to a new system that will capture all ten fingerprints of an applicant, Iris, phone numbers for SIM registration, and issue cards immediately.
As part of my briefing, I informed Dr. Bawumia and his team that we needed to transition to instant issuance printing because the previous system was expensive because it was centralised printing. That is, we register Ghanaians, bring their data to the NIA office, process it, print it, and return to the field to distribute it to applicants. However, with the new system, cards would be issued immediately.
Again, I informed Dr. Bawumia and his team that the old system, which had approximately 16 million Ghanaians’ data, had been successfully migrated to the new system. This is to ensure data consistency and integrity. That is why if you register now and change your Date of Birth, and it does not match what you registered with in the previous system, it will be flagged for investigation.
Dr. Bawumia and his team were informed that the new system had completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) in December 2016 and was now ready for the final acceptance test, the Site Acceptance Test (SAT), prior to its launch.
Dr. Bawumia and his team were also informed that the new system is a public-private partnership (PPP) between Margins Group and the NIA, with the first contract to pilot instant card issuance completed in 2013 as part of the FIMS project.
It is therefore surprising that Dr. Bawumia, in his lecture yesterday, took credit for the new system while condemning the previous government for doing nothing. That is obvious DISHONESTY. In my next post, I will share email exchanges between NIA and the Margins group as we migrated old system data to new ones.
The only thing they have added is the Digital address field on the forms. That was even done wrongly. Go to NIA now an give them any digital address and the system will pick so far as it is consistent with the format of the addressing system.
The Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to conduct the 2024 elections with integrity, transparency, and trust.
He issued the clarion call at the 8th Harmattan School, of the University for Development Studies, Tamale.
Speaking as the guest of honor, the Speaker urged the EC to prioritize the will and safety of the voter, and the stability of the country.
He further cautioned the media to be circumspect in their reportage and not be hasty in declaring results. The media must also be fair, impartial, and responsible in their coverage of political parties and their activities.
He reiterated the need to protect Ghana’s democracy as violent extremists within the sub-region are poised to take advantage of tensions that characterize elections.
He spoke on the theme; Accountable governance, violent extremism, and the 2024 elections.
The Lumi Implementation Team (LIP) of the Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana has stepped up engagements to facilitate how businesses can harness financial opportunities available through the Swifin platform.
The meeting with the Swifin Team in Ghana centered progress report including challenges that need immediate redress.
The two teams, which fashioned out a roadmap for Lumi implementation in Ghana, emphasized on economic growth and financial inclusion.
The primary focus is on empowering youth, with plans to employ over 10,000 individuals in the Swifin Ghana community staff and Agents division.
Collaboration possibilities with Commissioner Prof. Hugh Aryee and the recent agreement between Vanuatu and Eco-6 for a second stimulus in Lumi have sparked interest.
Despite facing financial challenges, optimism remains high with the imminent use of Lumi for transactions and this reflects available data indicating over 50,000 Ghanaians have already registered on the platform.
The Swifin Team is determined to witness Lumi in action, enabling people to enjoy their balances and facilitating loans for businesses.
The Executive Division Head (EDH) of the Swifin Team, expressed gratitude for the courtesy request by His Excellency Amb. Prof. Hugh K Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana.
The EDH outlined the comprehensive measures taken by the Swifin Team, including the strategic division of Ghana into five zones for streamlined registration.
This vision of the Lumi Implementation Team (LIT) – includes ensuring Ghana reaps the full benefits of the stimulus packages; encourage the Swifin Team to leverage the historical significance of Lumi and the need for alignment with the 4th industrial revolution.
The Trade Commissioner was informed that businesses and individuals on the Swifin platform were yet to be demarcated.
TProf. Hugh Aryee also proposed celebrating “Lumi Day” as done in some other African countries and encouraged the Swifin Team to use the history behind the Lumi currency to spread awareness.
Both parties, the Vanuatu Trade Commission and the Swifin Team agreed to adapt their challenges for mutual success.
They also agreed on the need for an office space to enhance visibility and operations.
The Vanuatu Trade Commission emphasized the need for extensive education about Lumi and encouraged the Swifin Team to share news links for increased awareness.
As Ghana embarks on this groundbreaking journey towards Lumi implementation, the collaboration between the Vanuatu Trade Commission and the Swifin Team reflects a shared commitment to economic prosperity.
This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step forward in the implementation of Lumi in Ghana, with both teams committed to overcoming challenges and realizing the potential impact of this innovative financial platform.
Former President and Flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama has been nominated for the 2024 African Heritage Awards (AHA).
The list includes the former President of Liberia, George Weah and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian.
The African Heritage Awards is a gathering organised to celebrate and recognise outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora in areas of business, politics, philanthropy, entertainment & Arts, culture, science & Technology, and Social Innovation.
Also nominated for the same award is the Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States, Robert Smith; and Mama Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Founder of Mama Doing Good Origination.
The rest are Strive Masiyiwa and his wife, Founder and Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners; Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, Founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited; Othman Benjelloun, Co-chair of BMCE Bank Foundation; and Madam Graca Machel, Founder of Graca Machel Trust, and many others.
According to the organisers, the 2024 edition will be chaired by His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and will be attended by former Heads of State and Captains of Industries across the African continent.
The recognition and awards, according to the organisers, have become imperative to sustainably foster the African culture of excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and create an ecosystem that will further retell the true African story towards the advancement of the continent’s full potential.
A potential dream collaboration between Ghanaian star Stonebwoy and global pop icon Rihanna is brewing, thanks to an unexpected nudge from American rapper Rick Ross.
During a recent Instagram Live chat, Ross, impressed by Stonebwoy’s talent, expressed his desire to work with him on his upcoming Africa-focused project. He then took things a step further, casually dropping the bomb to connect Stonebwoy with Rihanna “this week”!
Stonebwoy, clearly excited, named Rihanna as his dream female collaborator, making Ross’s offer even more enticing. While Ross playfully joked about having a busy week full of birthday celebrations, he confidently reassured Stonebwoy, “We gonna do that.”
This potential collaboration has music lovers buzzing. Ross and Rihanna have a history of successful tracks together, like “Cake Remix” and “Pour It Up Remix,” hinting at the magic they could create with Stonebwoy’s unique Afrobeat flair.
While details remain under wraps, the mere possibility of a Stonebwoy-Rihanna link-up is electrifying. It would be a major milestone for Stonebwoy, solidifying his international presence, and a new chapter for Rihanna’s ever-evolving sound.
Celebrated afrobeat artiste Rema, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African artist to win a prestigious Chinese music award.
Rema’s groundbreaking accomplishment was attained through his collaboration with American superstar Selena Gomez on the remix of his track “Calm Down,” which earned the title of Best Collaboration of the Year at the 2024 Hito Music Awards in the Republic of China.
The award ceremony, hosted by DJ Andy and presented by Hit FM Taiwan, positioned Rema among esteemed international musicians. He joined the ranks of notable American and British artists who have been honored by the Taiwanese music industry.
Among the most celebrated international artists at the awards ceremony is American global pop star Taylor Swift, who has amassed over six awards.
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and is already receiving treatment that will prevent him from undertaking public duties for the immediate future, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Although no further details about what type of cancer he has are being released at this stage, Buckingham Palace said it was not prostate cancer. It was discovered when the 75-year-old monarch recently underwent treatment at the London Clinic for a benign enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace said the king “remains wholly positive about his treatment”.
He began regular outpatient treatments on Monday, and although he has been forced to postpone public-facing engagements, he will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork, his red boxes and private meetings.
The king personally informed both his sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, of his diagnosis, as well as his three siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York.
Prince Harry had spoken with his father about his cancer diagnosis and would be travelling to the UK to see him in the coming days, the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed. It is believed he will travel alone with Meghan staying in the US with the couple’s two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. The king is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
The king returned to London from Sandringham on Monday morning to begin treatment as an outpatient.
It is understood there are no plans to appoint counsellors of state, who can be appointed to stand in if the monarch is incapacitated. At present, these include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew no longer to be called on as non-working royals.
It is expected that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is also expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the prime minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.
He was last seen in public at Sandringham in Norfolk on Sunday, where he attended a church service with the queen, which was the first time he had been seen since he was discharged from the London Clinic. He smiled and waved to wellwishers as he walked to St Mary Magdalene church in the village.
Charles apologised for the medical decision to postpone his forthcoming public duties after his cancer diagnosis. A palace spokesperson said: “Regrettably, a number of the king’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.”
It is understood details of the king’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said the queen would continue with a full programme of public duties.
The postponement of his public-facing engagements comes as Catherine, Princess of Wales, recovers at home after planned abdominal surgery, also at the London Clinic. She has determined to keep her medical details private, although her condition was said to be non-cancerous.
But with her also out of action – she is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter – it presents problems for the monarchy, which is significantly diminished in the number of working royals because of the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Kensington Palace announced earlier on Monday that the Prince of Wales, who took time off while his wife was in hospital, would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London air ambulance in the evening.
The announcement brought a stream of messages from wellwishers.
The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, reacted to the news by tweeting: “Wishing his majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, wished the king “all the very best for his recovery”.
He tweeted: “On behalf of the Labour party, I wish his majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”
Joe Biden said he was “concerned” about the king and planned to call him later. He told reporters: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.” The US president, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, later tweeted: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. [My wife] Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”
Former US president Donald Trump wrote on social media : “He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!”
The Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, told MPs: “I know the whole house will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with his majesty the king following the news announcement this evening.
“Our thoughts are, of course, with his majesty and his family, and we’d all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight’s news.”
Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, posted on X: “The Liberal Democrats join the rest of the nation in wishing a full and quick recovery to His Majesty.”
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss also sent their best wishes. Johnson posted on X: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.”
Truss posted: “Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!”
Scottish first minister, Humza Yousaf, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the king and I hope for a speedy recovery and return to public life. My thoughts are also with Her Majesty the queen and other members of the royal family at what I know will be a worrying time.”
Mark Drakeford , the first minister of Wales, wished him a “full and swift recovery”. In a post on X, he said: “I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving to attend a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham on Sunday. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA
Northern Ireland’s first minister, Michelle O’Neill, wished him a speedy recovery. “I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,” she posted on X.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson posted: “Sending His Majesty the King every good wish as he commences his treatment. We pray for a full and speedy recovery.”
The king has largely enjoyed good health throughout his life. The first signs of any significant concern came with Buckingham Palace’s surprise announcement on 17 January that he had sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. The palace stressed that his condition was benign and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure.
Charles had checked in to the London Clinic on Friday 26 January, and was discharged three days later on Monday 29 January, the same day that Kate was also discharged. The queen told wellwishers at an engagement at a Maggie’s cancer support centre at the Royal Free hospital in London on Wednesday that Charles was “getting on, doing his best.”
He was said to be personally keen to share details of his benign prostate diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves checked.
Former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has served yet the strongest caution to the Electoral Commission against any agenda intended manipulate the electoral process come December 7, 2024.
According to the Tamale South Legislator, early signals being sent to the public by the Commission, defies common sense and any attempt the status quo or undermine the integrity of the election will be resisted
.
Citing proposals to close polls at 3pm and abandon the use of indelible ink as some of the ‘funny’ indicators, Haruna Iddrisu who was addressing a Town Hall meeting at Gushegu, today during NDC 2024 candidate, John Mahama’s tour of the Northern region, questioned why EC, failed to test the system during the just ended NPP primaries even after dropping that unpopular hint, yet want to believe it can experiment that in a crucial Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
“Why did you use it (Indelible Ink) for NPP primaries and all of a sudden its not relevant for general election. Go and think again but we would want results aggregated Polling station by polling station, Constituency by Constituency” he said.
“Jean Mensah is also proposing to political parties to accept change of Election date from December 7 to November 7. The EC is also proposing that polls close at 3:00pm instead of the 5:00pm and finally that the 2024 elections will not witness the use of indelible Ink. How possible”? – he quizzed.
He stressed – “We (the NDC) think they must engage further with stakeholders and we do not think that Parliament may be able to build a consensus on that matter. Because it requires a constitutional amendment to article 112(4) and article 113. We think this matter should be deferred for the future and allow 2024 election to be held on 7th December”.
He continued – “it defies common sense. The right to vote established article 42 is not a divisible right. You cannot tell somebody that when its 3:00pm go home. That is above Jean Mensah and the electoral Commission. It is a common-sense matter”
Haruna Iddrisu who spent most part of his address to explain the NDC’s position on use of indelible ink said the relevance of every democracy is the harmony between the elections body and the political parties.
“There is no Electoral Commission anywhere in the world and in any democracy- it is only relevant so long as political parties are relevant. So she (Jean Mensah) should stay off all this trouble and conduct a free fair and credible elections” he warned.
Another campaign wing Voice Out, Vote Out of the ndc launched dubbed ‘Voice Out, Vote Out’ VOVO for short, the initiative is intended to empower the youth particularly students to boldly speak out on the bad governance resulting in the economic mess, hardship facing Ghanaians, abuse of power and assure them of the hope the alternative, the NDC, whose track record is verifiable, have post 2025, of John Dramani Mahama wins
Speakers including Dan Abodakpui – a member of the party’s Council of Elders, NDC Director of Legal Affairs – Edudzi Tamakloe, Elikem KOTOKO, a deputy National Organizer of the NDC, among other described the crisis facing Ghana today as a result of greed, corruption and mismanagement visited on the nation by a few family and friends in government
Describing the current situation as a ‘generational’ curse, Lawyer Edudzi TAMAKLOE cautioned that through the signs are written on the wall and opinion polls have consistently indicated John Mahaama will win the December 7, 2024 elections, Ghanaians must not be complacent
He said biting out the Nana Akufo Addo led government will not a walk over and that an all hands on deck approach to maximize cites, protect the ballot and secure a resounding victory
Edudzi TAMAKLOE described attempts by the NPP to rebrand Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, now NPP’s 2024 candidate, will fail because electorates are awake and won’t be deceived again
“ Tou know why since November 4, Dr Bawumia and his campaign team have gone underground? His consultants are struggling how to repackage him after the lies he told and his lost credibility’. Are they going to push a change agenda or continuity? Each will be difficult for Bawumia and we are waiting for his Wednesday event and we shall face him squarely to expose the rot he has been part of” – he noted
Ambassador Dan Abodakpui who is confident about NDC’s victory reminded the party of the strong advise late former President and Founder, Jerry Rawlings gave the party in 2016 at the Cape Coast Sport Stadium that .. “ the NPP is dangerous and will come in various forms once they win an election and removing them will be an ardent task” to paraphrase
He commended the organizers and cautioned their operations should be in tandem with the party structures and not to create unnecessary divisions
Present at the launch was NDC 2020 flagbearer, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang
The Overlord of Dagbon Ndanaa Yaa Naa Abukari II has strongly advised the 2024 Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama to hold the bull by the horns and ensure very competent appointees help him fix the crisis Ghana is facing today.
According to the King, John Mahama must guard against surrounding himself with loyalists who ll wichurn out mediocrity.
“When you get the nod from Ghanaians, do not shy away from reshuffling your team to get the right ones on board by merits and competence and lay off even loyalists but misfits who will only churn out mediocrity for your government,” – he emphasized
In a statement read on his behalf when John Mahama paid a courtesy call on him at the Gbewaa Palace, Yaa-Naa Abukari II explained that the counsel applies especially to those who will form his next cabinet “this applies especially to your kitchen cabinet, because they in reality rule you and the country” – he noted.
He warned that the wrath of Ghanaians will not elude him if he does not learn from the past.
“That will be a mistake and no Ghanaian will forgive you if you happen to be the chosen one” – he stated expressing hope that John Mahama’s return as President, will be a greater good for the country.
“We understand that you seek to serve our country once again with dedication, wisdom and deep commitment to the well-being of all it’s citizens”.
“I believe you are not coming to make more money for your family but to leave a legacy that your children will not only be proud of but will pave the way for them wherever they find themselves in the future when you are long gone to your maker,” he added.
John Mahama accompanied by Dr Calistus Mahama, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, MPs and some former appointees are touring the Northern region as part of his Building Ghana Tour.
2024 Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has expressed disappointment that eight years on, government has not been able to complete the Yendi Water Supply project.
The former President who was speaking during a courtesy call on the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, as part of his tour of the Northern region, expressed disappointment that, nothing much has changed after the preparatory works handed over to the Nana Akufo Addo led government.
“I am disappointed that in spite of all the works we did government abandoned the Yendi Water supply project. 8yrs on there is still no water in Yendi” – he emphasized.
He assured that the next NDC government, which completed the design for the expansion of the Yendi water supply system, will work hard to fix the perineal crisis to provide enough water for the Yendi Municipality and the surrounding towns.
” I want to assure that when we come, the Yendi Water supply system will be my priority and we will ensure that you will not be thirsty again” he told the Yaa Naa.
The former President, also promised to build a referral hospital at Yendi, to help bridge the gap in health care access within the Dagbon enclave.
It will be recalled that 29th July 2020, barely four months to the elections, President Nana Akufo Addo led a funfair to cut sod for the water project.
According to him then, a $30 million facility from the India Exim Bank, secured was to supply fifteen thousand (15,000) cubic meters of water daily to the people of Yendi, Ghani (Ngani), Sambu, Adobo, Sokoli, Nakpachei, Gbungbalaga and Kuga when completed.
“Yaa-Na Mahama Abukari II, when I told you that ‘great days lie ahead of Dagbon’, this is what I meant, as this Project signals the beginning of infrastructural development for Yendi. And, as you know by now, when Akufo-Addo makes a promise, he keeps it.” – he promised.
Almost four years on, the project has virtually been abandoned.
By:Wisdom Hededzorme/ myxyzonline.com/Ghana
Ghana HomePage, Your Source of Breaking News in Ghana, Sports, Showbiz, Opinions.
