Quincy Jones, a titan of American entertainment who worked with stars from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson and Will Smith, has died aged 91.

Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said he died on Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Jones was arguably the most versatile pop cultural figure of the 20th century, perhaps best known for producing the albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad for Michael Jackson in the 1980s, which made the singer the biggest pop star of all time. Jones also produced music for Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer and many others.

Jones was married three times, first to his high-school girlfriend Jeri Caldwell, for nine years until 1966, fathering his daughter Jolie. In 1967, he married Ulla Andersson and had a son and daughter, divorcing in 1974 to marry actor Peggy Lipton, best known for roles in The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks. They had two daughters, including the actor Rashida Jones, before divorcing in 1989. He had two further children: Rachel, with a dancer, Carol Reynolds, and Kenya, his daughter with actor Nastassja Kinski.

He never remarried, but continued to date a string of younger women, raising eyebrows with his year-long partnership with 19-year-old Egyptian designer Heba Elawadi when he was 73. He has also claimed to have dated Ivanka Trump and Juliette Gréco.

He is survived by his seven children.

Source: The Guardian

Last November, Ghanaian media personality and artiste manager, Sadick Abubakar Ayivor, popularly known as Saddique Friend, vanished after being caught in a compromising position with his gay partner. Rumors swirled about his whereabouts and sexuality. Now, it appears he has resurfaced in the Netherlands, rebranding himself as Mysta Dique on social media.

Despite our attempts to reach out to him for confirmation and an interview, he has remained tight-lipped. However, our research reveals that Mysta Dique (formerly Saddique Friend) has joined the LGBTQ+ community in the Netherlands and is actively engaged in the media space there. He has made public speeches and appeared on radio shows, further fueling speculation about his sexuality and reasons for leaving Ghana.

We are relieved to have found him safe and hope he can continue working with his artist, Ishak Spark, who wishes to maintain their professional relationship. We will provide updates on Mysta Dique’s journey as more information becomes available.

Committed to advancing careers and excellence through globally recognized standards, transformative courses, and expert-led training, International certificate center has successfully hosted its September graduation ceremony.

The graduation ceremony which was held at the British Council Ghana on 13th September, 2024 saw high profile scholars from different educational backgrounds connecting to the course of ICC. With over 45 students from different institutions joining the International certification Venter for the Chartered professional development courses to enhance their expertise and further embark on a new professional journey.

As an epitome of excellence, participants who graduated from ICC in various professional courses expressed their satisfaction and the need to hold certifications from International Certificate Center and the Global Academy of Finance and Management in high esteem.

International Certificate Center offers a wide array of professional development courses that cater to individuals at all career levels. Whether you’re looking to enhance your expertise or embark on a new professional journey, their courses are tailored to suit your aspirations.

Click on the link below to visit their Website.

https://internationalcertificationcentre.org/

Renowned Ghanaian musician, DJ Azonto, known for his popular hit song “Fa No Fom,” has garnered significant attention following the use of his music during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign.

In response, DJ Azonto currently known as Ice Boss with his Rolls Royce Family label publicly seeking a settlement of $100 million from the NDC for the use of his intellectual property, which he feels has played a pivotal role in energizing their recent campaign.

In addition to his monetary demand, Ice Boss has made a unique request to the NDC leadership. Should the NDC assume power in the upcoming elections, Ice Boss has called on the party to immortalize his image and that of his family by featuring himself, his mother, his wife, and his children as the Big Six on a future Cedi note.

DJ Azonto’s statement reads as follows:

The use of my song, ‘Fa No Fom,’ without prior agreement signifies the recognition of the value my brand brings to the political discourse.

However, if the NDC seeks to benefit from my creative work, I require a financial settlement of $100 million.

Furthermore, I would appreciate a lasting honor that transcends monetary value by featuring myself, my mother, my wife, and my children as the new Big Six on a future Cedi note, should the party come to power. Ice Boss stated.

Ice Boss is currently awaiting an official response from the NDC regarding this matter.

Electromart Ghana is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest showroom, located in the vibrant Oxford Street Mall. This new location promises an enhanced shopping experience with a significantly larger floor area, offering customers an extensive selection of appliances, mobile phones, and IT gadgets from top-tier brands such as Bruhm, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Infinix, and more.

To celebrate the opening, Electromart launched a month-long discount sale, culminating in a spectacular three-day mega sale featuring incredible discounts of up to 50% on all appliances and mobiles. Additionally, shoppers during this period enjoyed complimentary KFC meals, adding an extra delight to their shopping experience.

The showroom’s grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by prominent figures, including the Head of Electromart Retail, his deputy, the Retail Operation Head (Electromart). This event not only highlighted the strategic importance of the new showroom but also underscored Electromart’s commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

“We are excited to bring a new level of shopping convenience and variety to our customers,” said the Head of Electromart Retail. “Our expanded showroom and the wide range of trusted brands we offer reaffirm our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”

Visit the new Electromart showroom at Oxford Street Mall to experience firsthand the enhanced shopping environment and take advantage of the best pricing and promotions.

Order now on our new website at www.electromart.com.gh and enjoy free delivery. Give us a call or WhatsApp on 0552777905.

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