Osabarima Asare Twe II, the Chief of Kade (Kadehene), has addressed the poor water supply situation in Kade, the district capital of Kwaebibirem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Through his initiative, he has established a state-of-the-art water treatment plant to provide clean, safe, and hygienic water for his people.

The water treatment plant uses water sourced from the Birim River, which has been compromised by illegal mining activities known as “galamsey.”

Osabarima Asare Twe II’s vision is to provide quality water for his community and to complement the efforts of the government. This initiative is unprecedented in Ghana and deserves significant recognition.

In Akan culture, such achievements are applauded with the appellation: “Ɔsabirima ayɛ bi o, wayɛ bi aboa, Ayɛboafo, yɛma no amo!” This translates to the traditional leader having done exceptionally well and deserving commendation.

UN SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation

Established in 2015 to replace the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations General Assembly set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all interconnected.

SDG 6 focuses on Clean Water and Sanitation, urging UN member states, including Ghana, to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” This goal is connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Poor countries often struggle to provide clean water due to budget constraints. Without access to clean, safe, and hygienic water, achieving zero hunger and ensuring good health become challenging. Quality education is also impeded if school children lack access to safe water.

In line with SDG 6, Ghana aims to have approximately 70% of the urban/peri-urban population and 50% of the rural population connected to safely managed pipe water networks by 2023.

The people of Kade Traditional Area, in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region, are direct beneficiaries of Osabarima’s initiative. This project will contribute to Ghana’s progress towards achieving SDG 6.

Potential for foreign investment attraction

Osabarima’s initiative could attract foreign or international investment, potentially serving as a catalyst for similar projects across the country.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC), 87.7% of Ghanaians have access to basic water supply services. However, 8% still rely on unsafe water sources despite the high access rate.

The World Bank Report of 2012 highlights that Ghana loses US$290 million annually due to poor sanitation, with unsafe water contributing significantly to this loss.

Maintenance culture

The water treatment plant will require a strong maintenance culture. Studies by Globalwaters.org show that approximately 25% of water and sanitation infrastructures in Ghana become non-operational within just 5 years, with many remaining facilities either underutilized or repurposed.

GWJN and CONIWAS

The Ghana Water and Sanitation Journalists Network (GWJN) and the Coalition of NGOs for Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) are independent organizations working closely with state institutions such as the Water Resource Management, the Ministry of Sanitation & Water Resources, and the Ghana Health Service to improve water supply services.

GWJN and CONIWAS could partner with Kadehene’s initiative to contribute positively towards achieving SDG 6.

Public health concerns for GHS

Water supply is a public health issue, and the Public Health Department of the Ghana Health Services (GHS) should take an interest in this project.

Amoako-Gyampah (2019) presented a conference paper titled “Health through Pipes: Towards Hygienic and Potable Public Water Supply in the Gold Coast from the Late 19th Century to 1950.” The paper examines colonial attempts at providing potable water in the Gold Coast and highlights that even in the 21st century, the initiative in Kade underscores the challenges faced in public water supply.

Illegal mining activities, or “galamsey,” have severely damaged the Birim River, highlighting the need for urgent public health action. Osabarima’s initiative exemplifies outstanding leadership, and it is crucial for the Ministry of National Security to consider the river’s condition as a national security threat that requires serious attention.

It was a colourful event on the evening of Saturday 10th August, 2024 at the Malvern Retreat House in Pennsylvania, USA. Organizations sold out to various voluntary services that benefit the society were honoured with the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And this included the Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations, also known as RAIN Foundations.

Birthed in August 1997, RAIN Foundations as a Non-profit organization has in the last 27 years been sold out to helping hundreds of thousands of people in America and across many other nations to maximize the gift of life through purposeful living. The organization, over the years, has helped transform the lives of prisoners, street kids, and countless youth.

Speaking to the founding president, Mr. Raphaelle Antwi, widely known as Author Ralph, he said that the entire membership of RAIN Foundations was excited and appreciative of the award, and would continue to pursue their vision of seeing many the world over maximizes their lives.

Author Ralph also mentioned that the organization has 12 networks aimed at helping various communities around the world to secure the future and make the world a better place.

Ultimately, RAIN Foundations encourages everyone to give pre-eminence to living with eternity in view.

In a surprising twist, DJ Azonto during his interview revealed that while he has shown support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the past, he is not opposed to backing the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—but only if the offer is right.

The “Fa No Fom” hitmaker stated that his allegiance isn’t set in stone, and he would consider switching sides if the NDC presents an offer that includes nothing less than two private jets and ownership/partnership of the Accra Sports Stadium.

“I’m a businessman, and I’m open to offers. If the NDC can meet my demands, I don’t see why I wouldn’t support them,” DJ Azonto said with his characteristic confidence. “But let me be clear, it has to be a private jet and the Accra Sports Stadium—nothing less.”

This declaration comes on the heels of his recent performance at a rally for Vice President Dr. Bawumia, which he claimed made him “extra rich” and plans to open a microfinance company 1st of any month.

He is currently promoting his new song dubbed “Letter To King Paluta”, where he discussed his $10 million compensation from the current vice presidential of Ghana.

Stream the song from below

In yet another bold statement, DJ Azonto has announced his intention to provide financial support to the Ghanaian government through his microfinance business.

During a recent interview, DJ Azonto revealed that he is willing to offer the government a substantial loan from his micro-finance to help reduce its reliance on borrowing from China.

The artist, known for his controversial and flamboyant persona, claimed that he plans to use part of the $10 million compensation he expects from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to fund the loan.

According to DJ Azonto, his microfinance business, aptly named DJ Azonto Microfinance, is prepared to step in and support the nation’s financial needs.

“I will give the Ghana government a loan from the Vice President’s $10 million compensation,” DJ Azonto stated during the interview. “We don’t need to keep borrowing from China when we have the resources right here. My microfinance is ready to provide the funds, no collateral needed.”

He is currently promoting his new song dubbed “Letter To King Paluta”, where he discussed his $10 million compensation from the current vice presidential of Ghana.

Stream the song from below

Fa No Fom hitmaker, DJ Azonto has announced the opening of a microfinance business following his recent performance at Sammy Awuku and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia healthwalk.

In a recent interview, DJ Azonto expressed how performing for the Vice President had inspired him to open a microfinance business, named DJ Azonto Microfinance.

According to DJ Azonto, after his performance under the rally, he realized how dedicated Dr Bawumia is and the struggle to be where he is today, inspiring him to also provide financial assistance and essential services to a wide range of individuals, including DJs, musicians, market women, mothers, to mention but few.

Unlike other microfinance where collateral is a must in order to get financial support, DJ Azonto Microfinance operating under the slogan “Loan in a Second,” promises to offer loans without the need for collateral, making it accessible to those who need it most.

In addition to the financial support, DJ Azonto will be committed to providing free medical screenings for mothers, ensuring their health and well-being.

“I believe in giving back to the community and supporting those who have supported me throughout my career,” DJ Azonto stated.

“With DJ Azonto Microfinance, we aim to make a positive impact by providing easy access to loans and essential health services.” Dj Azonto added.

DJ Azonto is currently promoting his new song dubbed “Letter To King Paluta”, where he discussed his $10 million compensation from the current vice presidential of Ghana.

Stream the song from below

The U.S. Embassy in Accra is moving to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024.

According to the Embassy, access to the old visa service provider’s website and services will cease on August 16, 2024.

Also, you cannot make a new visa appointment, cancel or reschedule an existing appointment, or access customer service between August 16 and August 26, 2024.

All current nonimmigrant visa interview appointments remain valid.

If your interview is scheduled on or before August 16: No further action is required. You may continue to access your account at ustraveldocs.com to review your appointment details and contact customer service as necessary.

If your interview is scheduled between August 16 and August 26: No further action is required, but you will no longer have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16. This means you can not cancel or reschedule your appointment from August 16 to August 26 and will not have access to customer service. You should print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16, and we strongly encourage you to attend your visa interview. If you fail to appear for your scheduled interview, please check here after August 26 for instructions on rescheduling your appointment.

If your interview is scheduled for August 26 or later: No further action is required, but you will no longer have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16.  This means you can not cancel or reschedule your appointment from August 16 to August 26 and will have no access to customer service.

Beginning August 26, check this website for a link to the new visa services website and updated information on creating a new user account.  You will need to create this new account to review your account information, make changes, submit requests, or to contact customer service.  Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16 in case you experience technical issues in creating your new account. Applicants must resubmit requests for expedited appointments if they have not received a response by August 16.

If you have paid the visa application fee but have not scheduled an interview: We strongly encourage you to schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible, and read the information provided above based on your interview date.

If you have not paid the visa application fee and are planning to travel to the United States in August or September: We strongly encourage you to pay the visa application fee and schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible, and read the information provided above based on your interview date.  Please note that visa appointment slots in August and September are very limited, and you may not be able to schedule your appointment before your travel date.  If so, you may wish to wait until after August 26 to begin the nonimmigrant visa process.

If you have not paid the MRV fee and are planning to travel to the United States after August or September: We recommend that you wait until after August 26 to begin the nonimmigrant visa process.

IMPORTANT DATES:

August 16 – Last day to access your account on ustraveldocs.com to pay the visa application fee, schedule appointments, and contact customer service.

August 21 – Last day to drop off your documents at Premium Delivery locations.

August 23 – Last day to drop off your documents at locations in Ghana for delivery to the Embassy.

August 26 – New visa appointment website goes live. Fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service are available.   New document drop-off and pickup locations are available.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Kwame Wilder, a 25-year-old journalist and digital media expert, is poised to lead the Mass Communication and Journalism Students Association at Kumasi Technical University as its next President. With a commanding lead of about 80% of votes, Kwame Wilder’s candidacy has generated significant buzz among students.

Kwame Wilder’s impressive resume boasts leadership experience as Deputy Day Prefect at Aduman Senior High School and Vice President of the National Union of Presbyterians. His professional experience includes stints as Digital Media Officer at Despite Media, Producer, and Media Aide to Kofi Akpaloo, Flagbearer of the Liberal Party Ghana.

Kwame Wilder’s vision for the association focuses on amplifying student voices, connecting and collaborating with industry professionals, and empowering students through improved resources and facilities. His policies aim to establish a student-run media platform, create a safe space for expression, and foster partnerships with media organizations.

If elected, Kwame Wilder’s leadership, combined with his expertise in digital media and journalism, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the association. His passion for empowering students and promoting free expression aligns with the values of the association, making him an exciting prospect for the role.

Liberal Party Ghana’s Flagbearer, Kofi Akpaloo, is rumored to be considering David Opare Donkor, popularly known as Kwame Wilder, as his running mate. At just 25 years old, Kwame Wilder has already made a name for himself as a seasoned journalist and digital media expert.

With a strong educational background in media law and ethics, Kwame Wilder has honed his skills through various roles, including Digital Media Officer at Despite Media and Media Aide to Kofi Akpaloo. His experience in producing content and managing digital media makes him an attractive choice for the Liberal Party Ghana.

Kwame Wilder’s leadership experience is equally impressive, having served as Deputy Day Prefect at Aduman Senior High School and Vice President of the National Union of Presbyterians. His vision for empowering mass communication and journalism students is evident in his proposed policies, which focus on amplifying student voices, connecting and collaborating with industry professionals, and advocating for improved resources.

If chosen as running mate, Kwame Wilder’s youthful energy, combined with his expertise in digital media and leadership, could bring a fresh perspective to the Liberal Party Ghana’s campaign. His passion for empowering students and promoting free expression aligns with the party’s values, making him an exciting prospect for the upcoming elections.