Need a Tech Guru? iCann Technologies is here for you
Welcome to iCann Technologies, where tech dreams become reality! At iCann Technologies, they’re all about providing the coolest tech services in town. Think of them as your team of tech superheroes, ready to save the day for your business or organization. And guess what, when it comes to graphics! Their graphic designers will make your brand shine like never before. Imagine eye-catching flyers that turn heads and t-shirt designs that make people ask, “Where did you get that?!” Their graphics team is all about taking your brand to the next level and leaving a lasting impression. Get ready for some serious “wow” moments! But wait, there’s more! Their web development and software team is all set to make your online presence sparkle like a supernova. They create sleek and stylish websites that will make your competitors green with envy. Whether you’re selling products or showcasing your company, their talented web developers have the skills to make it happen. But that’s not all! At iCann Technologies, they’re not just about delivering awesome services; they’re also passionate about nurturing talent. Their training programs are like magic schools for future software wizards. They have produced a bunch of certified brilliant developers who are ready to conquer the tech world. Join them and unleash your inner tech genius! Mark your calendars because iCann Technologies has some exciting events lined up. Their web development courses will blow your mind and equip you with all the skills you need to thrive in the digital landscape. And for all you creative souls out there, their graphics design tutorials will unleash your artistic superpowers. Get ready to bring your ideas to life in the most amazing way! Don’t just take my word for it, explore the testimonials and success stories from their satisfied clients. They are a testament to iCann Technologies’ ability to turn tech dreams into reality. With iCann Technologies, you can trust that your brand and business are in capable hands. As a Brand Consultant, I can personally attest to the exceptional services provided by iCann Technologies. Having tried and tested their offerings for all my brand needs, I can confidently say that iCann Technologies delivers outstanding results. From their website development expertise to their graphics design and software development capabilities, they have consistently exceeded my expectations. The iCann team’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and innovation shines through in every project they undertake. If you’re seeking a trusted partner to transform your brand and unlock its full potential, I highly recommend experiencing the power of technology with iCann Technologies. They are the real deal! NEXT: Find out more about TwoCents and why you should sign-up.
Ghana’s Prince Gyasi chosen to create 2024 Pirelli Calendar
Prince Gyasi, a talented Ghanaian photographer known for his hyper-real style, has been chosen to create the highly anticipated Pirelli calendar. With a strong commitment to representation and culture, Gyasi has revealed that a portion of the project will be based in his home country. Gyasi’s distinctive visual aesthetic is influenced by his experience with synaesthesia, a condition that intertwines the senses. In his case, he associates colors with words, resulting in vibrant and captivating compositions. From aquamarine to “Wednesday,” his work is infused with an explosion of hues that evoke a sense of life and energy. Considered a visual artist first and foremost, Gyasi initially ventured into the world of photography more freely when he acquired an iPhone at the age of 16. Prior to that, he nurtured his passion by experimenting with disposable cameras during his childhood. Since then, his talent has taken him around the world, exhibiting his captivating imagery in countries such as Japan, Brazil, and France. The Pirelli Calendar, often referred to as “The Cal,” is a highly regarded annual publication that not only showcases the featured talent but also highlights the creative vision of the chosen photographer. Originating in 1964, the calendar is published by the U.K. subsidiary of the renowned Italian tire manufacturing company, Pirelli. Throughout its history, the Pirelli Calendar has earned a reputation for its careful selection of photographers and models, presenting glamour photography that has captivated audiences from the 1980s to the 2010s. Now, for the highly anticipated 2024 edition, the responsibility of crafting this iconic calendar has been entrusted to the self-taught Ghanaian prodigy, Prince Gyasi. This appointment not only recognizes Gyasi’s immense talent but also signals a significant shift towards embracing diversity and promoting underrepresented voices in the world of art and fashion. By inviting Gyasi to lead this project, Pirelli demonstrates its commitment to breaking boundaries and showcasing a more inclusive and culturally rich perspective. As fans eagerly await the release of the 2024 Pirelli Calendar, there is no doubt that Prince Gyasi’s distinctive style, rooted in his Ghanaian heritage and inspired by his unique synesthetic experiences, will captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on this iconic publication. Through his lens, the world will witness a celebration of culture, representation, and the boundless creativity that emerges when diverse perspectives are given a platform. READ NEXT ON: Former Chairperson of National Commission for Civic Education, Josephine Nkrumah, Honored with Law Doctorate
Serenity Beach
For those looking to unwind and enjoy a leisurely day by the sea, Serenity Beach is a highly acclaimed attraction in Accra. Renowned for its stunning white sands and pristine, crystal-clear waters, Serenity Beach is often hailed as one of the finest private beaches in Accra. At Serenity Beach, visitors have the opportunity to partake in a variety of exciting water sports and activities. Whether you’re keen on kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply indulging in a refreshing swim, the beach offers a range of options to suit different preferences. For sun-seekers, there are ample opportunities to bask in the warm glow and work on your tan. To complement the beach experience, there are several beachside bars and eateries conveniently located nearby. Whether you’re craving a chilled beverage to quench your thirst or looking to savor a delectable meal, these establishments provide a delightful array of options. From tropical cocktails and refreshing fruit juices to mouthwatering seafood delicacies and local culinary delights, you’ll find a diverse range of flavors to satisfy your cravings. Serenity Beach truly offers a serene and enjoyable retreat where visitors can relax, embrace the coastal beauty, and indulge in a memorable beachside experience in Accra. READ NEXT ON: Bojo Beach
History of the Hausa People
Ghana is a tropical country that lies along the coast of West Africa. The Hausa People make up the largest ethnic group in West Africa, and a majority of them are Muslims. The Hausa are originally from an area known as “Hausaland,” a region covering 75,000 square miles and straddling the borders of Niger and Nigeria. They first began to settle in Ghana about 500 years ago. In the fifteenth century, the first Muslim traders from Hausaland arrived and settled in the northeastern section of Ghana. With the expansion of trade in the eighteenth century and the “holy wars” of Fulani in the nineteenth century, Hausa immigration to Ghana increased. Hausa traders, Muslim priests, and Hausa-speaking slaves helped to spread the Hausa culture in Ghana. Some have wrongly assumed that Boko Haram comes from the Hausa because the term itself is from the Hausa language. But Boko Haram mainly originates from the Kanuri and Fulani tribes, as well as other tribes. What Are Their Lives Like? Since the fifteenth century, Hausa traders have imported textile products, leather goods, metal locks, and horse equipment to the area of present-day Ghana. Until the beginning of this century, slaves, kola nuts, coffee, gold, and elephant tusks were the products that the Hausa traded in exchange. With the expansion of trade, Hausa immigration into Ghana increased. Very few of the Hausa immigrants came to Ghana with wives. Instead, as soon as they began to make a living in any area, they would take local wives and start to build families. However, they would invite Hausa priests to settle near them so that their children would be educated in the Quran. This was done to reduce the influence of the children’s non-Hausa mothers and to preserve the Hausa culture. Hausa women are given fewer educational opportunities than men and are required to marry at a young age. They are often confined to the home, except for visits to relatives, ceremonies, and work. They are primarily responsible for tending to the children and doing household chores, including providing water and fuel for cooking. Additionally, they are expected to engage in some form of trade in their remaining time. The money they earn is used to finance their daughters’ dowries. The Hausa are known for their industriousness, and idleness is not tolerated among them. They are known to hold multiple occupations simultaneously, including positions in the military, trade and commerce, social services, and the propagation of Islam. As a result, they have come to exert significant influence in the country, particularly in the areas of religion and commerce. The national dress of the Hausa consists of loose flowing gowns and trousers. The gowns have wide openings on both sides for ventilation, while the trousers are loose at the top and center but tighter around the legs. Leather sandals and turbans are also typical. Today, the wealthy in northern Ghana still wear these gowns and sandals, but more people have begun adopting European-style clothing and tailored garments. What Are Their Beliefs? The Hausa of Ghana are predominantly Muslim, which is a significant proportion in a country with a small Islamic population. Both the Qadiriyah brotherhood and the Tijaniyah order have followers among them. However, the religious practices of the Hausa have been influenced by local traditions. For example, they believe in a variety of spirits, both good and bad. Traditional rituals involve making sacrificial offerings to the spirits and to spirit possession. Most rituals are performed by family members, but specialists are called upon to cure diseases. The Hausa priests, known as malams, are believed to possess powerful charms. According to the malams, different magical formulas have different effects, and they claim to have cures for every aspect of human concern. Source: Hausawa READ NEXT ON: History of the Kusasi People
Ghanaian Cuisine: Aprapransa
Aprapransa, originally known as ‘Akplijii’ or ‘Akplidzi’, is a traditional Ghanaian GaDangme (or Ga) dish created by combining roasted corn flour with a sacred GaDangme soup called ‘Palm Nut Soup’. This dish holds great significance as ‘Palm Nut Soup’ is an ancient and revered soup among the GaDangme people. It is traditionally prepared alongside another sacred corn flour meal known as ‘Kpokpoi’ or ‘Kpekpele’ during the ‘Homowo’ festival, an Ancient Religious Hebraic Harvest Festival. The GaDangme people introduced these culinary practices to ‘Ancient-Ghana’ and shared the knowledge of preparing the delectable ‘Palm Nut Soup’ with other tribes, similar to how the ‘Akans’ shared their soup called ‘Abunebunu’ or ‘Ebunuebunu’. It is worth noting that outside of Ghana, other tribes such as the Yorubas, Igbos, and so on in Nigeria have their own distinct method of processing ‘Palm Nut’ into a soup called ‘Banga Soup’, which bears similarities to the Ghanaian version. As time passed, the preparation of ‘Palm Nut Soup’ in Ghana became more widespread and lost its sacred status. However, it is fascinating to know that the GaDangme people have utilized the palm tree in various sacred ways since ancient times. These practices include preparing ‘Palm Nut Soup’, burning dried figs as incense for spiritual cleansing and warding off evil spirits, and constructing new houses each year using fresh palm tree branches. Akplijii or Aprapransa, a variant of the dish, holds a special place as it is served on significant occasions. Sadly, there is a concern that this cherished dish may gradually disappear from our culinary heritage. It is not commonly found on the streets of Ghana or prepared regularly in households. Instead, it is primarily served by the Akan tribe during momentous events like marriage ceremonies, naming ceremonies, birthday celebrations, and family cookouts. The name ‘Aprapransa’ originates from the fact that it is a wholesome meal where the soup or stew is integrated, allowing one to simply wipe their hands (prapra wo nsa) and enjoy the dish in its entirety. Ingredients for Apapransa (Without Palm Nut Soup): Directions to Prepare Apapransa (Without Palm Nut Soup): Ingredients for Apapransa (Using Palm Nut Soup): Directions to Prepare Apapransa (Using Palm Nut Soup): Guess this was helpful! READ NEXT ON: Ghanaian Cuisine: Ampesi & Kontomire Stew
