Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a traditional sacred grove conservation established in 1993 as a community-based ecotourism project under the supervision of a Peace Corps Volunteer. Tafi Atome is the home of Mona and Patas monkeys. The sanctuary is situated in Ghana’s Volta region, about 230 kilometers northeast of Accra and 43 kilometers south of Hohoe. The monkeys, which can be found in the tropical forest near the small village of Tafi-Atome, have been revered for the past 200 years because it was thought that they were messengers from the gods. The village started making more extensive efforts to safeguard its forest and monkey population in 1996. They also started giving visitors tours. A group of villagers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations joined forces to create the sanctuary. These initiatives have increased the population of monkeys and preserved the forest’s diverse bird and butterfly species. READ NEXT ON: Nzulezu: The village built on stilts
Bakatue Festival
The Bakatue Festival is celebrated by the chiefs and peoples of Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana. The celebration, which dates back at least to 1847, always takes place on the first Tuesday of July. The celebration serves to signal the start of the fishing season in Elmina. The name Bakatue, which means “draining of a lagoon,” is derived from the Fante language. The festival’s celebration was created to honor Elmina’s founding by the Portuguese during the first stages of the Gold Coast’s colonization. Additionally, it is used to thank the gods and pray for a successful fishing year. It coincides with Ghana’s yearly rainy season. Tuesday was selected because it is believed in the area to be the day of the sea god. As a result, fishermen in Elmina, like those in many other fishing communities in Ghana, stay ashore on Tuesdays to pay respect to the sea god. During the festival, the Paramount Chief, his deputy chiefs, and the entire state of Elmina offer Nana Brenya, the river god, the sacred festival food of eggs and mashed yam mixed with palm oil, along with prayers for peace. The royal family of Elmina takes part in a royal possession comprised of chiefs and stool carriers on the morning of the festival. In the Elmina paramount region, chiefs of higher towns ride adorned palanquins. The chief priest casts his net into the Brenya Lagoon three times after the procession and addresses from selected chiefs and invited guests. READ NEXT ON: Origin of the Kente cloth
Origin of the Kente cloth
Kente cloth is a type of textile that originated from the weaving traditions of Ghana, a West African country. The practice of textile weaving has been a part of West African cultures for thousands of years. One of the most well-known and revered textiles in Ghana is kente, which may have originated from various weaving traditions that were present in the region prior to the 11th century. Archaeological discoveries of spindles, whorls, and loom weights during local excavations serve as evidence for this claim. During the rise of the Ashanti Empire in the 18th century, kente became popular among Akan royalty, and by the early 19th century, master weavers and kente houses could be found all over the Ashanti capital of Kumasi. Kente is derived from the word “kenten,” which means “basket” in the Asante dialect of the Akan language, and refers to its basket-like pattern. The Akan ethnic group in Ghana also refers to kente as “nwentoma,” which means “woven cloth.” According to Ashanti folklore, weavers created kente by attempting to imitate the intricate patterns of Anansi the spider. Kente is made of handwoven strips of silk and cotton, as well as other materials, and has been traditionally worn by royalty from ethnic groups such as the Ashanti and Ewe. Today, it is also worn by Queens, princesses, and other Dagbon women for special occasions. The wearing of kente cloth to commemorate special occasions has become a common practice in Ghana, with master weavers leading highly sought-after kente brands. Due to the popularity of kente cloth patterns, a mass-produced variation known as kente print has become well-liked in the West. It is utilized internationally in the creation of academic stoles for graduation ceremonies. Authentic kente cloth is the most expensive, while kente print varies in price depending on the production style. Kente production can be classified into three categories: authentic kente cloth made by traditional weavers, kente print produced by brands such as Vlisco and Akosombo Textile Ltd. Weaving kente is traditionally considered a male practice, and weavers are typically apprenticed under a master weaver or company for a number of years before producing their own patterns. There are hundreds of different kinds of kente patterns, each with a name or message by the weaver. Ghanaians choose kente cloths as much for their names as their colors and patterns. The cloth symbolizes high value and is identified primarily by the patterns found in the lengthwise (warp) threads, although there is often little correlation between appearance and name. Names are derived from several sources, including proverbs, historical events, important chiefs, queen mothers, and plants. The designs and motifs in kente cloth are traditionally abstract, but some weavers also include words, numbers, and symbols in their work. READ NEXT ON: History of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST)
Ghana Hosts the 3rd AAA Conference
The African Arbitration Association (AAA), established in 2018 is a non-governmental pan-African organization aimed at developing the practice of International Dispute Resolution mainly through arbitration. They do this by providing access to information/technical knowledge, enhancing awareness of arbitration activities, facilitating member coordination, and recognizing great contributions to the development of International Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in general. The first AAA conference took place in 2019 in Kigali. However, Covid ensured that the second conference was done virtually and a year behind schedule. This year, Ghana had the honor of hosting the 3rd AAA Conference from 3rd to 5th November 2022 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra. The theme ‘Africanisation of International Dispute Resolutions’ brought together professional arbitrators, students aspiring to become Arbitrators, lawyers or non-lawyers alike looking to explore arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism, and over 45 speakers and keynote speaker, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The 3-day event commenced with a captivating opening ceremony. There was a beautiful display of Ghanaian cultural dances by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, a welcome address by Chief Bayo Ojo, president of AAA whose 3-year presidency ended with this conference, a Keynote address, a launch of SOAS 2022 Arbitration in Africa Survey, and a cocktail reception. Friday and Saturday saw active informative panel discussions divided into 8 sessions. Then the conference ended with an award ceremony and a Gala night. There was distribution of awards to both individuals and institutions who had promoted arbitration in Africa. The Gala night where participants were beautifully dressed in black and gold, ate and danced the night away to music provided by the National Symphony Orchestra and the live band. READ NEXT ON: Brilliant Legon Student Creates An Automated Twitter Bot That Estimates E-levy Charges
Brilliant Legon Student Creates An Automated Twitter Bot That Estimates E-levy Charges
A University of Ghana (UG) final-year student has created a Twitter bot that automatically calculates and tweets the E-levy fees one would incur on any amount. When a user uses the hashtag @ghanainfohub and inquires as to how much they will pay for E-levy on a specific amount of money, the bot known as “Ghana Information Hub” responds. Then, in less than a minute, it replies to the tweet and provides feedback on the precise E-levy that needs to be paid for the given sum of money. Kenneth Frimpong, a final-year student in the Department of Information Studies, described how the bot operates by saying that “one has to sign up or log in to a Twitter account and tweet “@ghanainfohub how much e-levy do I have to pay on an amount of money?” for example, “$1,000.00.” “After that, the person gets the retweet, “You will pay $15.00 on $1,000.00. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the Twitter user receives the response in less than a minute, he continued. To give users current information on job openings, current events, weather, and the cost of fuel and different currencies, Kenneth Frimpong says he is working to add more features to the bot. READ NEXT ON: CIArb Successfully Launches A Chapter In Ghana
CIArb Successfully Launches A Chapter In Ghana
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), through its Nigerian Branch, officially inaugurated a Ghana Chapter on Tuesday, 1 November 2022. Justice Nene Abayateye Ofoe Amagatcher delivered the keynote address. He recounted to the audience how Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo and many others, including himself, had originally wanted to start this back in 2011. He discussed several instances where varied efforts made by numerous people to bring CIArb to Ghana had been derailed. He expressed his intense satisfaction at witnessing the realization of this dream even if it takes more than a decade. As a non-profit association of Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) specialists, CIArb has 42 branches spread throughout all continents over 150 jurisdictions with more than 17,000 professionals and 10,000 students as members. The Nigerian branch has four chapters including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and the recently opened Ghana chapters. The Ghana Chapter as stated in Rule 15.3 of Regulations of the CIArb, 2019 is necessary to promote and represent CIArb throughout Ghana, provide localized networking opportunities and also conduct technical activities, training courses, and assessments on behalf of the Nigerian Branch. The launch which took place at the Holiday Inn, Accra Airport Hotel began promptly at 9:00 am. The ceremony had distinguished personalities such as the keynote speaker, His Lordship, Justice Amegatcher, the Deputy Attorney-General of Ghana, Hon Diana Asonaba Dapaah, the Chairman of CIArb Nigerian branch, Chief J.A . Akingbola Akinola, the President of the African Arbitration Association (AfAA) Chief Bayo Ojo, and many ADR professionals and students. It is this writer’s hope that someday, the Ghana chapter would attain the title of the branch with chapters located in all sixteen regions of Ghana. That she someday lives in a world where ADR mechanisms such as arbi8tratin would no longer be referred to as alternative but as primary and preferred as stated new chair of the interim steering Committee, Nania Owusu-Ankomah(Mrs) stated at the inauguration. Until then, this inauguration is a step in the right direction and a beacon of hope to all ADR practitioners in Ghana. READ NEXT ON: Students at KNUST create a healthcare app for the hearing- and speech-impaired
Internet Branding: A Digital-Centric Way to Develop Brands
Why Brand Yourself Online? The fundamental concept of creating your company identity is applied to the online world through online branding. This covers your website, social media profiles, online store, email advertising, and more. All of these various components work together to tell your story, but they also facilitate customer interaction and communication for your company. Online branding uses the internet and all of its platforms to strengthen your position within your sector. Without it, customers will be perplexed and your company will have lower conversion and retention rates as well as less competitiveness with other brands. 4 Types of Internet Branding Techniques Online branding is based on four essential components. These consist of: Giving customers a great online experience is essential if you want to connect with them as a business today. Your overall online presence, including your company’s logo, customer service representatives’ demeanor, and more Mobile apps, website banner ads, Google or Microsoft advertising, and social networks are all examples of digital advertising. You can reach a large, diverse audience with your creative content and introduce them to your products by using these channels. Later on, we’ll go into more detail about the significance of social media usage for your online brand. However, these online platforms are excellent for showcasing pertinent content and enhancing your online brand. Finally, you want to encourage brand loyalty. There are countless wonderful methods for doing this. However, concentrate on offering helpful and quick customer service, maintain consistency in the posts and products you make, and offer rewards to your customers. How to Build Your Own Online Brand Credit: Ron Sela READ NEXT ON: Sophia C. Apenkro and 3 others selected to be UNESCO RSSR Campaign Ambassadors
Nzulezu: The village built on stilts
Nzulezu is a unique village located near Beyin, in the Jomoro District of the Western Region of Ghana. It is situated 90 kilometers west of Takoradi and overlooks Lake Tadane. The village is entirely constructed on stilts and platforms and is home to over 500 people. In the year 2000, the site was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has since become a popular tourist destination. The village was built over Lake Tadane for protection and safety during times of war, as it lies five miles inland of the Southwest shores. The inhabitants of Nzulezu primarily engage in agriculture, while fishery plays a secondary role. The lake is considered by the local population as a protective barrier against certain risks, such as fires. Nzulezu was nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance in anthropology. It is one of the few ancient settlements on stilts and platforms that remain in the world, and it preserves a wealth of local traditions connected with the cult of the lake. Lake Tadane is integral to all religious rites, and Thursday is considered a sacred day for the lake. Therefore, it is forbidden to use and work on the lake for any activity throughout the day on Thursday. Tourism has become an increasing source of income for the village. However, visitations to the town are only allowed once a week, and the village can only be reached by canoe. The route to the village crosses the rainforest and takes approximately an hour to cover a distance of 5 km. Hotels perched atop the lagoon are now comfortable places for tourists to unwind. Visitors to this location with its lovely ambiance can enjoy swimming, diving, boating, etc. Visitors frequently see monkeys and crocodiles in addition to the water and the houses at this location. READ NEXT ON: The Stunning Beach of Busua
The Stunning Beach of Busua
Located in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region in Ghana, about 30 kilometers west of the regional capital, Sekondi-Takoradi in the Gulf of Guinea, Busua is a charming fishing village and beach resort that offers a perfect getaway for visitors looking for a serene and adventurous vacation experience. One of the highlights of the beach is its stunning beach, where visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as sunbathing and surfing. The beach also offers freshly cooked lobster, which is a must-try delicacy for seafood lovers. The resort town is well-known for its luxurious accommodations that are in close proximity to the beach, offering visitors a chance to bask in the beauty of the ocean and the sun. Choosing Busua beach as your vacation destination in Ghana is an excellent choice that will leave you satisfied. In addition to the beach and luxurious accommodations, visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine at nearby restaurants and food stands set up by the beach, adding to the unique cultural experience of Busua. READ NEXT ON: How the famous Nogokpo was founded
Students at KNUST create a healthcare app for the hearing- and speech-impaired
Accessing healthcare can be a significant challenge for the hearing-impaired and speech-impaired communities in Ghana. Most hospitals lack the necessary support to cater to these individuals, including sign language translators who could facilitate communication between the patients and healthcare providers. This communication gap has resulted in the isolation and stigmatization of the hearing and speech-impaired community in Ghana. The majority of society communicates through speech, while these individuals communicate through sign language. As a result, many people do not feel the need to learn sign language, which perpetuates the communication barrier. To address this issue, students at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have developed an app called SignTalk. The app is a first-step initiative aimed at bridging the communication gap and reintegrating the hearing and speech-impaired community back into society. SignTalk offers speech-to-sign-language translation and sign-language-to-speech translation features, making it easier for patients and doctors to communicate effectively. The speech-to-sign-language translation feature allows doctors to speak into their device’s microphone, which then translates their speech into sign-language videos that represent exactly what the doctor said. Conversely, the sign-language-to-speech translation feature leverages computer vision and deep learning to enable the hearing and speech-impaired to perform sign language in front of their device’s camera. SignTalk then translates the sign language into speech played audibly by the doctor. SignTalk’s features effectively act as a communication facilitator and translator between the hearing-impaired or speech-impaired patient and their doctor. This innovation will likely restore confidence in the speech-impaired and hearing-impaired community to access healthcare since they can effectively communicate their ailments and receive medical directions from their doctors conveniently. READ NEXT ON: ShaQ Express Named Postal and Courier Company of the Year at the 33rd CIMG Awards
