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Tag: Festival

  • Thousands flock to Mjthecomedian’s 8th 1xbet Dashiki Festival

    Thousands flock to Mjthecomedian’s 8th 1xbet Dashiki Festival

    The 8th edition of the 1xbet Dashiki Festival, spearheaded by renowned Ghanaian stand-up comedian and content creator Timothy Musah Junior Abaadu, popularly known as Mjthecomedian, witnessed an unprecedented turnout on July 6, 2024.

    The annual event, known for its vibrant celebration of culture and unity, drew thousands of attendees, marking a significant increase in participation from previous years.

    The festivities kicked off at the forecourt of the Accra International Trade Fair Centre with an invigorating aerobics session. As the morning sun rose, a DJ stationed on a truck set the mood with soothing tunes, energizing the crowd and eliciting cheers as the journey commenced, marked by a cacophony of honks.

    The festival quickly transformed into a lively spectacle. Both young and old participants danced with abandon to a mix of popular Ghanaian and African hits.

    Mjthecomedian, embodying his charismatic persona, took to the truck’s microphone, entertaining the crowd with his signature humor. He also took the opportunity to advocate for peaceful elections in December, a message that was met with laughter and applause.

    The procession wound its way through some of Accra’s most iconic landmarks, making a notable pause at Independence Square. The revelry continued as the parade moved down Oxford Street, eventually reaching the La Girls School Park, where a stage had been set up for the day’s main events.

    At La Girls School Park, the energy remained palpable. A lineup of musicians took to the stage, delivering captivating performances that kept the audience enthralled. The festival’s theme of cultural diversity was highlighted through traditional performances by the Ga and Builsa communities, reinforcing the festival’s “Rep Your Tribe” hashtag and celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural tapestry.

    Representatives from 1xbet, the festival’s primary sponsor, engaged with the crowd throughout the day. They provided updates on various initiatives and hosted interactive giveaways, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

    This year’s edition not only celebrated Ghanaian and African music and dance but also promoted messages of unity and peace, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next edition.

  • Asamankese Obuodwan Festival in photos

    Asamankese Obuodwan Festival in photos

    The resounding beats of tradition filled the air as the Asaman community inaugurated the annual Obuodwan Festival with a captivating ceremony.

    Osabarima Adu Darko III, adorned in majestic war regalia, led a procession to Asuokaw – the ancestral home of Asaman – where a significant encounter with the chief and people of Asuokaw unfolded.

    At the core of the ceremony was the revered ‘Obuodwan,’ symbolized by fire and a sacred stone, brought by Asuokawhene and presented to Asamanhene.

    Serving as the heart of the festival, the ‘Obuodwan’ embodies the spiritual and cultural significance of the community, bridging past and present generations.

    In a profoundly symbolic gesture, Asamanhene received the ‘Obuodwan’ with deep respect and gratitude, symbolizing the unity and shared heritage between Asaman and Asuokaw.

    The sacred item was then ceremoniously conveyed to the palace, officially marking the commencement of the Obuodwan Festival celebrations.

    Renowned for its distinctive blend of spiritual and cultural elements, the festival is poised to unfold in the coming days.

    Asamanhene expressed gratitude for the ongoing preservation of this rich cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of unity and collective celebration.

    The festival not only serves as a celebration of cultural identity but also as a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity within the Asaman community.

    Below are Photos from the festival

  • One dead at Burning Man festival during heavy rain in Nevada

    One dead at Burning Man festival during heavy rain in Nevada

    An investigation has been initiated into the death of an individual during heavy rainfall at the Burning Man festival in the US state of Nevada.

    Due to the adverse weather conditions that transformed the festival grounds into deep, slippery mud, thousands of festivalgoers find themselves stranded at the event.

    Attendees have been advised to seek shelter and conserve their food, while the roads leading in and out of the festival have been closed because vehicles are struggling to move.

    Burning Man is typically held in the dry and dusty Black Rock Desert.

    The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Saturday, stating that it is “currently investigating a death which occurred during this rain event,” without providing further details about the circumstances. The statement noted that the person’s family had been notified.

    These unusual rainstorms arrived as the nine-day festival neared its conclusion, with the largest crowds gathering to witness the grand finale – the burning of the giant wooden man.

    According to BBC Weather, the worst of the rain has now passed, but there is still a possibility of some additional showers and thunderstorms.

    It may take several days for the ground to dry up sufficiently for people to leave, and for this reason, attendees have been instructed to conserve their food, water, and fuel.

    Festival-goers have also reported that the festival’s toilets are out of order because service vehicles cannot traverse the muddy terrain to empty them.

    The sheriff’s office revealed that some individuals who attempted to drive out of the festival ended up worsening the already muddy conditions.

    Although more than 70,000 people had arrived at the site before its closure on Saturday, the exact number of those still present remains unclear.

    Some individuals have managed to depart the site, including American DJ Diplo and comedian Chris Rock, who walked five miles (8 kilometers) to a road, where they received a ride from fans.

    Others have had to rely on the kindness of strangers.

    One festival-goer, Ashley Smith, shared with the BBC that he and his friends left much of their gear behind and walked to the road, where they hitchhiked to San Francisco. The entire journey took 14 hours.

    The event’s organizers have arranged for buses to pick up people from the road and transport them to the city of Reno, which is over 100 miles away.

    A woman walks through mud using a bin bag at Burning Man in Nevada
    Image caption,Some revellers are using plastic bags to protect their shoes from the squelchy mud

    Photos show tents partially submerged in muddy flood water.

    Milia Nirshberg, 12, who is at the festival with her father for the second year running, told the BBC that they had let friends stay in their campervan, and were also allowing people to use the van’s toilet.

    “The people in the tents are having a hard time because it’s flooding. Since we’re in a campervan we’re trying to invite people to come stay with us because they don’t have food or water,” she said.

    Burning Man is one of America’s most well-known arts and culture events. Visitors create a temporary city in the middle of the desert, and are expected to be largely self-sufficient while they are there.

    “We have come here knowing this is a place where we bring everything we need to survive,” said Burning Man in a statement. “It is because of this that we are all well-prepared for a weather event like this.”

    As well as music, the festival usually features giant interactive art installations – but many of the attractions had to be cancelled.

    Nonetheless, many were trying to make the best of the situation, dancing in the mud to techno music.

    “We’re taking it as an opportunity to hang out and spend more time with our new friends and old friends in the camp,” reveller, Josiah Roe said.

    People walk through the mud at Burning Man in Nevada
    Image caption,Burning Man participants have been trying to make the best of the bad weather conditions

    Burning Man was founded in June 1986 and was first held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert in 1990.

    Tickets can be very hard to get and festival-goers sometimes interview to get into popular camps and have to prove their commitment to its ideals.

    Some groups spend the entire year planning their camp, artwork and theme.

    But this year there had been worries about the weather and tickets were changing hands on the secondary market at below market rate.

  • Photos from 2023 Ada Asafotufia

    Photos from 2023 Ada Asafotufia

    The Ada Asafotufiami Festival unfolded in a magnificent display of tradition, culture, and heritage, captivating attendees and enthusiasts alike.

    Hosted annually in the Ada Traditional Area of Greater Accra Region, the festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of customs and rituals dedicated to preserving the Ga-Dangme people’s rich heritage.

    Leading the festivities was Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, Paramount Chief and President of the Ada Traditional Council.

    Spanning several days, the festival honored the bravery and prowess of Ada warriors, providing a moment for reflection and gratitude toward the gods’ blessings.

    The celebration exuded a joyful ambiance with its lively performances, striking colors, and time-honored practices.

    A notable highlight was the procession of warriors, donned in traditional attire and bearing ancient weaponry.

    Their proud march symbolized reverence for ancestors who courageously defended their lands and traditions.

    The festival also showcased the Ada people’s intricate craftsmanship, featuring elaborate beadwork, vibrant clothing, and ornate accessories.

    Special patron of the event, President Akufo-Addo, was warmly received with cheers.

    During the 2023 festival, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his support for local industries, emphasizing Electrochem Ghana Limited’s Songor Salt project in Ada.

    He expressed commitment to the area’s development, despite not having the mandate of the Ada people.

    The Ada Asafotufiami Festival encapsulated the spirit of heritage, unity, and cultural pride, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

    Check more photos below:

  • Government to establish rice processing factory in Kintampo

    The government has announced plans to establish a rice processing factory in the Kintampo municipality of the Bono East Region.

    This will bring to five the number of factories in the region operating under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme.

    The factory is expected to facilitate value addition and increase rice production in the region, officials said.

    The Bono East regional minister, Kwasi Gyan, made this known at the climax of the 2022 Bankadi Kurubi festival in Kintampo.

    “We understand that times are hard but be rest assured that the government is hoping to turn things around with the Planting for Food and Jobs programme,” Gyan said.

    “We believe that something good will come out of these factories in Kintampo.”

    “Under President Akufo-Addo and his vice Dr Bawumia we have four different factories that we are establishing, the fifth one, we are about establish is a rice processing factory,” Gyan added.

  • In sha’Allah, we’ll fix the economic challenges – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghanaians that the Akufo-Addo administration will tackle the economic challenges facing them.

    He told Ghanaians that the challenges are also being felt in most countries around the world, not only Ghana

    In a remark at the Hogbestosto Festival at Anlo in the Volta Region on Saturday November 5, he said “we all know we are facing global economic crisis which Togbe Sri III referred to.

    “This is a crisis that is being felt all over the world and the cost of living accelerated across the globe.

    “If you look at the cost of living as measured by the rate of inflation, between 2019 and now, the rate of inflation has increased by five-fold in Ghana, it has increased by sixteen-fold  in Togo, it has increased by eleven-fold in Senegal, it has increased by seven-fold in Cote D’Ivoire and eight-fold in the United Kingdom.

    “The increase in the cost of living has caused hardships not only in Ghana but many countries.

    “In fact, the BBC noted about two weeks ago that so far, this year, in 93 countries we have had public protests against the increased cost of living. It is important to know however that amidst all of this turmoil we should put things in perspectives.”

    He added “The government of Nana Akufo-Addo has over the last six years  taken many steps to reposition and transform the economy.

    “So whiles we have hardships today, which we are working very hard to alleviate, and In sha’Allah we will deal with it, let us not forget what we have been able to do in the last six years.

    “Let me recall that our government in the last six years has created more jobs than  any other government  in the Fourth Republic, let me recall that we have constructed more roads than any other government in the Fourth Republic, Let me recall that we have built more interchanges than any other government in the Fourth Republic, we have built more airports than any other government in the Fourth Republic, more railways than any other government , we have built more classrooms than any other government  in the Fourth Republic.”

    Source:  3news.com

  • We’ve built more schools, interchanges, roads than any gov’t in the 4th Republic – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumaia has indicated that the Akufo-Addo administration has over the past six years in office built more schools, roads, airports, interchanges than any other government in the Fourth Republic.

    He has appealed to Ghanaians to recollect these achievements of the government in the midst of the economic turmoil they are saddled with currently.

    Dr Bawumia indicated that the hardships are being felt globally, not only in Ghana.

    In a remark at the Hogbestosto Festival at Anlo in the Volta Region on Saturday November 5, he said “we all know we are facing global economic crisis which Togbe Sri III referred to. This is a crisis that is being felt all over the world and the cost of living accelerated across the globe.

    “If you look at the cost of living as measured by the rate of inflation, between 2019 and now, the rate of inflation has increased by five-fold in Ghana, it has increased  by sixteen-fold  in Togo,  it has increased by eleven-fold in Senegal, it has increased by seven-fold in Cote D’Ivoire and eight-fold in the United Kingdom.

    “The increase in the cost of living has caused hardships not only in Ghana but many countries. In fact, the BBC noted about two weeks ago that so far, this year, in 93 countries we have had public protests against the increased cost of living. It is important to know however that amidst all of this turmoil  we should put things in perspectives.

    He added “The government of Nana Akufo-Addo has over the last six years  taken many steps  to reposition  and transform the economy . So whiles we have hardships  today which we are working very hard to alleviate, and Insah Allah, we will deal with it, let us not forget what  we have been able to do in  the last six years.

    “Let me recall that our government in the last six years  has created more jobs than  any other government  in the Fourth Republic, let me recall  that we have constructed more roads than any other government in the Fourth Republic, Let me recall that we have built more interchanges than any other government in the Fourth Republic, we have built more airports than any other government in the Fourth Republic, more railways than any other government , we have built more classrooms than any other government  in the Fourth Republic.”

    Source: 3news

  • Nigerian city celebrates its many twins with annual festival

    Twins appear to be unusually abundant in Nigeria’s southwestern city of Igbo-Ora.

    Nearly every family here has twins or other multiple births, says local chief Jimoh Titiloye.

    For the past 12 years, the community has organized an annual festival to celebrate twins. This year’s event, held earlier this month, included more than 1,000 pairs of twins and drew participants from as far away as France, organizers said.

    There is no proven scientific explanation for the high rate of twins in Igbo-Ora, a city of at least 200,000 people 135 kilometers (83 miles) south of Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos.

    But many in Igbo-Ora believe it can be traced to women’s diets. Alake Olawunmi, a mother of twins, attributes it to a local delicacy called amala which is made from yam flour.

    John Ofem, a gynaecologist based in the capital, Abuja, says it very well could be “that there are things they eat there that have a high level of certain hormones that now result in what we call multiple ovulation.”

    While that could explain the higher-than-normal rate of fraternal twins in Igbo-Ora, the city also has a significant number of identical twins.

    Those result instead from a single fertilized egg that divides into two — not because of hyperovulation.

    Taiwo Ojeniyi, a Nigerian student, said he attended the festival with his twin brother “to celebrate the uniqueness” of multiple births.

    “We cherish twins while in some parts of the world, they condemn twins,” he said. “It is a blessing from God.”

    Source: Africa News

  • Anomabo climaxes Okyir festival

    The chiefs and people of Anomabo in the Central Region, at the weekend, climaxed their annual Okyir festival with a call on the government to reinforce discipline as a critical component in the nation’s educational structure for sustainable development.

    In a message delivered on his behalf by Nana Baffoe IV, the Kontihen of the area, the Omanhen of the Anomabo Traditional Area, Nana Amonoo Kantamanto XI, said disciplined educated citizens remain a significant ingredient for the nation’s accelerated socio-economic development.

    He indicated that while there was so much attention on developing education through financial investments, little attention was given to the attitudinal and behaviourial growth of students.

    This year’s durbar themed “Education and discipline: Tools for development” was in its full grace and colour, as hundreds turned out to celebrate the festival after its two-year break due to COVID-19.

    Kantamanto Amonoo said the country needed a discipline-oriented education system to shape behaviour and attitude for an accelerated sustainable development.

    Meaning of Okyir

    Okyir, which literally translates as “abomination”, is used as a platform to campaign against social vices, including poor sanitation, teenage pregnancy, greed and injustice.

    The week-long festival, which is celebrated in the second week of October, is also used to thank the ancestors for their protection and guidance and engender unity for progress among all citizens in Anomabo.

    Kantamanto Amonoo called for a shift in focus, saying that discipline remained an invaluable asset needed for development in Ghana, stressing that no country could attain a meaningful growth without educated and disciplined citizens.

    He thanked successive governments for their contributions to the development of Anomabo and appealed to the government to expedite work on ongoing or abandoned projects in the town.

    Government pledge

    In a message delivered for him by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Mfantseman, Ike Lord Enu, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said government would continue to impact every community with development.

    He said Anomabo had had the greatest share of government’s support in the area, with, among others, a five-million-dollar sea defence project, a gari factory and a fisheries college which was 97 per cent complete.

    He stated that these projects and the Anomabo new market, which would be completed next year, would all promote the well-being of the people of the area.

    A management consultant and chairman for the occasion, Mr Ernest Egyir De-Graft, touching on the theme, said discipline should be an integral part of education and adopted as a major Key Performance Index.

    Eschew greed

    The chairman further urged leaders on all levels to eschew selfishness and greed that enrich themselves at the expense of the people they served in order to support development efforts in their communities.

  • Hogbetsotsoza to be launched on September 21

    The Volta Region‘s Hogbetsotso Festival, held annually by the chiefs and residents of Anlo, was postponed for two years because to the COVID-19 pandemic is back.

    In accordance with the COVID-19 regulations, the celebrated festival, also known as Hogbeza, which honors the fabled Ewe-Dogbo people’s escape from Notsie in modern-day neighboring Togo, was suspended to stop its spread.

    In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Silas Aidam, the publicity chair of the 2022 Hogbetsotsoza Planning Committee, stated that preparations were in progress for the launch on September 21 to announce events of the one-month festival.

    “The launch is happening on 21st September after which the rest of activities and ceremonies will follow to climax the festival on Saturday, November 5,” he said.

    These include ‘dodede’ – removal of diseases and expulsion of evil spirits; ‘nugbidodo’ – reconciliation; glimetoto – an enactment of the departure or escape from Notsie, and mini Hogbeza – best described as dress rehearsal for the main festival.

    The others are MTN Hogbetsotsoza health walk, Anlo State dinner dance, congress of chiefs, Mama Hogbe beauty pageant, and musical concerts.

    “The message we want to send to our Anlo citizens home and abroad, local and foreign tourists, is that after the COVID-19 break, Hogbeza bounces back in a special form.”

    Hogbeza is celebrated every first Saturday in November at Anloga, the traditional and ritual capital of the Anlo State.

    It is usually characterised by a display of rich tradition and culture with people treated to a variety of drumming and dancing, including the ever-popular “agbadza”, “atsia” and “misego” or “husego”, the incorporated dance style of the backward movement of the people during their exodus from Notsie.

    The 2022 edition is on the theme: “60 Years of Anlo Hogbetsotsoza: Uniting for development, sustaining our unique cultural commonwealth for future generations.”

     

  • 2022 Aboakyer Festival unveiled

    The 2022 Aboakyer Festival of the chiefs and people of Effutu has been launched with a call on the celebrants to be circumspect in their actions in order not to mar the beauty, peace and success of the festival.

    The festival, which commences on Saturday, April 30, with a sanitation project, will be climaxed on May 7 with a grand durbar.

    Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of Effutuman, who launched the festival, enumerated the unique tradition bequeathed to them by their ancestors to keep the religion and culture of the people sacred.

    He said the weeklong festival was also of economic importance, which would help tourism to flourish as well as comprehensive entertainment, including sports.

    To boost tourism, the tourists would be allowed to freely participate in all the customary practices with the Asafo companies while the sponsors would have the opportunity to sell their products.

    Neenyi Ghartey said the culture and social values of the festival included its unifying force and the rebuilding of the confidence among the people of Effutu.

    He, therefore, called for the full participation of the people to contribute their quota towards a peaceful and successful festival, saying the COVID-19 protocols must be strictly observed for people to avoid contracting the disease.

    Activities earmarked for the celebration from April 30 to May 6, include a Gospel Musical Night, general clean-up and consecration of the shrine, football tournament, Aboakyer Food Bazaar, and parading of deities by Tuafo Number 1 and Dentsefo Number 2 Asafo companies through the streets of Winneba.

    On Saturday, May 7, a grand durbar will climax the festival after a deer hunting in the morning by the two Asafo companies.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana is honouree country for Memphis Festival 2020

    Ghana has been officially announced as Honouree Country for the 44th edition of the month-long Memphis in May International Festival (MIMIF) in 2020.

    This implies that for the whole month of May, 2020, Ghana will be projected and afforded the rare opportunity to promote her art and culture, investment opportunities, tourism, cuisine, made-in-Ghana products, among others, in the city of Memphis in Tennessee, United States of America.

    Programmes of educational, commercial, and cultural nature will be organised during the festival with the aim of promoting understanding between citizens of the American Mid-South State and the honoured country.

    The Festival in honour of Ghana is dubbed “Salute in May”.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com