General Overseer of theProphetic Hill Chapel, Nigel Gaisie, has clarified that his prophecy regarding Kamala Harris becoming President of the United States refers to a future election and not the 2024 race.
In an interview with UTV, Prophet Gaisie explained that while God showed him a vision of a woman named Harris who would lead the world, he never specified that it pertained to the 2024 election.
“In March or April, I was in Florida engaged in service when God revealed to me that a woman named Harris would lead the world. To be clear, God did not use me to predict that Harris would win the 2024 elections; what he showed me was a woman in a position of leadership on a global scale.”
“Harris is still alive and not dead, so let’s wait and see what happens in her life. This prophecy was not about the 2024 election. I had already said that Trump would make a comeback, and that has happened. Now, let’s see what happens in the life of Kamala Harris,” he said.
He continued, “On November 12, 2020, afterTrump lostthe elections, I prophesied in my church that he would make a comeback. The videos of that prophecy are available, and they can be found on my Facebook page.”
He concluded, “We should give time to the prophecy the Lord has given. It will surely come to pass, and that does not make me a false prophet.”
High-profile endorsements have been pouring in for the election, with big names lending their support.
Celebrities like Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen have made rally appearances in support of Harris, while Arnold Schwarzenegger and Taylor Swift have shown their backing on social media.
Cardi B poses on red carpet in black velvet gown, sleeveless white shirt with velvet black tie and velvet gloves
Supporting Trump’s campaign, billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been a prominent advocate, alongside endorsements from rapper Kanye West, F1 commentator Danica Patrick, and social media influencer Jake Paul.
Buzz Aldrin, the second astronaut to walk on the moon, has also shown his support for Trump online.
Meanwhile, after a controversial comment about Puerto Rico at a recent Trump rally, stars like Jennifer Lopez, Luis Fonsi, Don Omar, Ricky Martin, and Marc Anthony have voiced their backing for Harris.
Nicky Jam, who had previously endorsed Trump,has since withdrawn his support in response to the remark.
“If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot,” she said in a jokey exchange during a livestreamed event in Michigan with host Oprah Winfrey on Thursday.
After a laugh, the Democratic presidential nominee continued: “I probably shouldn’t have said that, but my staff will deal with that later.”
Harris, who highlighted during the recent presidential debate that she was a gun-owner, went on to reiterate that she supported a ban on assault weapons.
A firearm of that type was “literally designed to be a tool of war,” she told Winfrey. “It has no place on the streets of a civil society.”
When questioned by Oprah Winfrey about whether she had been a gun owner “for a while,” Kamala Harris confirmed that she had.
Harris emphasized her support for the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms in the U.S. However, she also outlined her stance on banning assault weapons, pointing to the country’s ongoing issue with school shootings as a critical reason for the need for such restrictions.
It was “bone-chilling” for a child to have to go through a drill for such an incident, Harris said. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she added.
After one of the most recent US mass shootings, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with murdering four people at a high school in Georgia.
During Thursday’s event with Winfrey – who also spoke at last month’s Democratic National Convention – Harris was also questioned on topics including immigration and the economy.
Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez featured in the session, which was watched by about 300,000 people.
Harris’s gun ownership has been a matter of public record since 2019, when she said: “I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do – for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor.”
Kamala Harris’s ownership of firearms gained widespread attention in the U.S. following her recent presidential debate with Republican contender Donald Trump.
The 2024 showdown marked the first time the subject surfaced during the campaign.
During the debate, Harris refuted Trump’s allegation that she intended to seize guns from all citizens if she were to become president.
She clarified that both she and her vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz—an avid hunter—were gun owners themselves.
Pope Francis has urged members of the Catholic Church to view the upcoming U.S. presidential election as a decision between the lesser of two evils.
While flying back to Rome on Friday, the Pope expressed his concerns about the two leading candidates—former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party and Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party—without naming them directly.
He highlighted that both candidates, in different ways, hold positions that he believes are “against life.”
“You must choose the lesser evil,” he stated. “Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, [has to] think and do this.”
Abortion and immigration remain key determinants in American politics, and according to the Pope, refusing to welcome immigrants is a “grave” sin, and abortion is akin to an “assassination.” Hence, the electorate must choose between the lesser of two evils.
He, however, emphasised the need for citizens to exercise their franchise, noting that “not voting is ugly.
“It is not good. You must vote,” he stated.
Throughout its history, the Catholic Church has firmly opposed abortion while advocating for more compassionate immigration policies.
The Biden-Harris administration has positioned itself as pro-choice, implementing policies that support women’s right to make decisions regarding abortion.
Meanwhile, Donald Trumphas maintained a hardline stance on immigration and has outlined plans to introduce stricter immigration policies if he wins the presidency in November.
With just 50 days until the November 5 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump are the main contenders in the race for the White House.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president following Tuesday night’s debate against Donald Trump.
In an Instagram post, Swift announced her support for Harris, calling her “a steady-handed, gifted leader” and praising her commitment to causes the singer holds dear.
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” Swift wrote, explaining her decision to break her silence on the 2024 election. This isn’t Swift’s first time backing a Democratic nominee—she was also vocal in her support for President Joe Biden and Harris in the 2020 election.
Swift, known for her massive social media presence, emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in calm rather than chaos. “I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos,” she added. Alongside her statement, she shared a photo of herself with one of her cats, signing off as “Childless Cat Lady” in a playful nod to derogatory comments made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance.
Vance, the Republican candidate for vice president, had previously referred to prominent Democrats, including Harris, as “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives,” a statement he later dismissed as sarcastic. Swift’s subtle rebuke of these remarks underscored her decision to align herself with Harris.
In her post, Swift also praised Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, lauding his long-standing defense of LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and women’s reproductive freedoms.
The singer revealed that she felt compelled to go public with her political stance after an AI-generated image falsely portraying her as a Trump supporter was shared on his website. “It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” Swift explained. “It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter.”
Swift’s followers, known as “Swifties,” reacted strongly to Trump’s embrace of the fake images, accusing him of spreading false information. Swift’s Instagram post has since garnered over 4.5 million likes within just three hours of being uploaded, demonstrating her influence.
Swift concluded her post by urging young people and first-time voters to register, promising to share a link with more voting information. “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice,” she stated. “Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make.”
This endorsement from one of the world’s biggest stars follows other high-profile endorsements of Harris from celebrities like John Legend, Olivia Rodrigo, and George Clooney, while Trump has received support from figures like Elon Musk and former wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Despite Swift’s influence, some experts believe her endorsement may not have a significant impact on shifting the election’s outcome. Lauren Rosewarne, a professor at the University of Melbourne, pointed out that Swift’s fanbase—mostly young and female—already aligns with Harris’s supporter demographic.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate.
Known for his progressive policies and straightforward communication style, Walz is expected to bolster Harris’s appeal among rural, white voters.
Walz, a 60-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and former teacher, gained prominence after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from a Republican-leaning district in 2006.
He served for 12 years before becoming the governor of Minnesota in 2018. As governor, Walz has championed a progressive agenda, advocating for free school meals, climate change initiatives, middle-class tax cuts, and expanded paid leave.
Additionally, he has been a strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights while also defending agricultural interests and gun rights during his tenure in the House.
Harris, whose parents immigrated from Jamaica and India, has added a popular Midwestern figure to her ticket. Minnesota, while reliably Democratic in presidential elections, is bordered by crucial battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Walz’s ability to connect with rural, white voters, a demographic that heavily favored Donald Trump in previous elections, is seen as a strategic advantage.
The Harris campaign is banking on Walz’s military background and relatable persona, including his time as a high school football coach and his “Dad joke” videos, to attract voters who may be undecided about a second Trump term.
“For the records, Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Friday had a very successful campaign tour of Winneba in the Effutu constituency. She visited market women in their shops and stalls at the Winneba market, and interacted with shoppers and lorry drivers, amongst others, amidst cheers and encouragement from the public.
“She also drove through some principal streets of Winneba and was given a rousing welcome.”
Harris, 59, revitalized the Democratic Party’s electoral hopes after becoming the candidate following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign on July 21 under party pressure.
Walz, previously a relatively unknown figure on the national stage, gained significant attention during the Harris “veepstakes.” His selection was reportedly backed by influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who played a crucial role in persuading Biden to exit the race. Harris and Walz will face off against Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, in the upcoming November 5 election.
Walz, often seen campaigning in casual attire like a camouflage baseball hat and T-shirt, has been vocal in his criticism of Trump and Vance, calling them “weird,” a term that has resonated with the Harris campaign, social media, and Democratic activists.
In the 2016 election, Trump secured 59% of the rural vote, which increased to 65% in 2020 despite his overall loss. Walz’s 2022 gubernatorial victory, with 52.27% of the vote against his Republican opponent’s 44.61%, demonstrated his appeal, though rural areas still largely supported his opponent.
Throughout his career, Walz has supported key Democratic positions on issues like abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and the Affordable Care Act. However, he maintained a centrist voting record in Congress, advocating for farmers, military veterans, and gun rights, earning praise from the National Rifle Association. His stance on gun control shifted during his gubernatorial campaign, resulting in a failing grade from the NRA.
Walz’s evolution from a centrist congressman to a progressive governor may reflect the demands of his voter base in urban areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul, though it leaves him vulnerable to Republican criticism. Political analyst Dawkins noted, “He runs the risk of reinforcing some of the worst fears people have of Kamala Harris being a San Francisco liberal.”
Walz counters such attacks by highlighting his progressive achievements. “What a monster. Kids are eating and having full bellies, so they can go learn and women are making their own healthcare decisions,” Walz remarked in a July CNN interview. “So if that’s where they want to label me, I’m more than happy to take the label.”
As governor, Walz implemented mandatory face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic, signed a law making marital rape illegal, and managed several years of budget surpluses. His tenure also saw the high-profile prosecution of the police officer responsible for George Floyd’s death, a case that drew national attention.
With the backing of influential labor unions and a track record of addressing critical social issues, Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate aims to strengthen the Democratic ticket’s appeal to a diverse electorate in the upcoming election.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination through a vote by party delegates.
During a phone call, Ms. Harris expressed her gratitude, saying she was “honoured to be the presumptive nominee” as the virtual roll call continued ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month.
Ms. Harris has made history as the first black woman and first South Asian woman to be the presidential candidate for a major US political party. If she wins against Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in November, she will become America’s first female president.
After President Joe Biden stepped aside last month and promptly endorsed her, Ms. Harris ran unopposed in the virtual roll call. Several other potential candidates followed Biden’s lead in endorsing her.
On Friday afternoon, Ms. Harris officially became the nominee after securing support from 2,350 delegates, meeting the required threshold.
“We believe in the promise of America and that’s what this campaign is about,” she remarked briefly by phone upon reaching the benchmark. “We are in this, we are on the road and it’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get this done.”
Democrats have stated that 3,923 delegates, or 99% of the participants, intend to vote for her.
The roll call began on Thursday and will conclude on Monday.
While presidential and vice-presidential nominees are usually confirmed at their party conventions, the 2024 DNC’s relatively late date poses risks regarding state ballot access laws.
Ms. Harris, 59, born in Oakland, California, is the first Democratic nominee in the party’s nearly 200-year history from a western state. Her political career advanced from San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general, and then US senator.
Before his withdrawal, Mr. Biden had easily secured the Democratic primary, facing minimal opposition despite voter concerns about his age and gaining support from 99% of pledged DNC delegates. However, after a poor debate performance against Trump in June, he faced increasing pressure within the party to step down.
The decision to conduct a virtual nominating process before the 19-22 August convention was made while Biden was still the presumptive candidate. This move was influenced by Ohio’s ballot access rules, requiring candidates for the November election to be officially selected 90 days prior, by 7 August.
Although Republican leaders in Ohio had indicated they would enforce this law, lawmakers eventually created an exemption, as they have done previously. Democrats decided on an early roll call to avoid any risks of their candidates being excluded from the ballot.
Delegates do not need to vote on the vice-presidential pick. Ms. Harris is expected to announce her running mate by Monday.
Some Republicans and the Trump campaign have criticized replacing Mr. Biden with Ms. Harris, claiming she is the first major party candidate to secure the nomination without holding a press conference or sit-down interview, with some labeling the substitution a “coup.”
However, since Biden’s endorsement, Ms. Harris has actively campaigned, arguing against Trump in numerous rallies and fundraisers across key states.
On Friday, her campaign announced raising over $310 million in July, with more than two-thirds of donations coming from first-time contributors. This amount is more than double the $138 million raised by the Trump campaign last month, marking the largest fundraising haul of the 2024 election cycle so far.
Vice President Kamala Harrismade a grand entrance during her first official visit to her campaign headquarters on Monday evening, stepping out to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.”
A source close to Harris informed CNN that her team received approval from Beyoncé’s representatives to use the song throughout her presidential campaign.
Despite Beyoncé’s strict clearance guidelines for her music, she swiftly approved Harris’ campaign’s request to use “Freedom” just hours before Harris walked out to the song on Monday, according to the source.
While Beyoncé has not formally endorsed Harris since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term, granting permission to use “Freedom” as a campaign song suggests Harris has the superstar’s support.
Neither the Harris campaign nor a representative for Beyoncé responded to CNN’s requests for comment.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, endorsed Harris on Sunday, shortly after Biden’s announcement.
“New, Youthful, Sharp , energy !!!!” Knowles posted on her Instagram with a photo of herself alongside Harris. “Putting personal Ego, power, and fame aside.
That is the definition of a great leader, Thank you, President Biden, for your service and your leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let’s Go”
Beyoncé has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates. In 2013, she sang the National Anthem at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
In 2016, Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z headlined a pre-election concert for Clinton in Cleveland, Ohio, with her backup dancers dressed in blue pantsuits to honor the woman who could have been the first female president.
“I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless,” Beyoncé said at the time. “And that’s why I am with her.”
In 2020, Beyoncé endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, posting on her Instagram to encourage her followers to vote.
“Freedom,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, debuted onBeyoncé’s 2016 album “Lemonade.” The Grammy-nominated song became an anthem in many demonstrations following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
This significant announcement comes just four months before Americans head to the polls, dramatically reshaping the landscape of the upcoming election.
The decision follows weeks of mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, particularly after Biden’s lackluster performance in a debate against Republican contender Donald Trump at the end of June.
Critics highlighted Biden’s occasional incoherence and weakened voice during the debate, which his party attributed to a cold.
In a heartfelt letter posted on his social media account Sunday evening, Biden expressed his honor in serving as president and explained his decision to step aside. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.
He took the opportunity to thank Kamala Harris, calling her an “extraordinary partner,” and extended his gratitude to the American people for their faith and trust in him. “I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” he emphasized.
The president, who was diagnosed with Covid last week and has been recuperating at his home in Delaware, had indicated on Friday that he was eager to return to the campaign trail. However, this latest development marks a significant shift in his plans. Biden, who had previously stated that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw from the race, acknowledged that he would consider stepping down if faced with a health condition.
Biden’s statement concluded with an announcement that he would address the nation on this matter next week, signaling a new chapter in the 2024 presidential race. This endorsement of Kamala Harris positions her as a prominent contender and brings a renewed focus to her campaign as the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming election.
In a surprising moment during a high-stakes press conference on Thursday, President Joe Biden inadvertently referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
The slip occurred while Biden was addressing the qualifications of his vice president.
“Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if she was not qualified to be president. So start there,” Biden said, quickly correcting himself to clarify that he was referring to Kamala Harris.
President Biden emphasized that he selected Kamala Harris as his vice president because she is eminently qualified to be president. He highlighted her extensive career as a senator and prosecutor before assuming the vice presidency. In response to a reporter’s question, Biden praised Harris’s performance, particularly her advocacy for women’s reproductive freedoms over the past four years.
“She is qualified to be president,” Biden affirmed. “That’s why I picked her.”
Despite the verbal gaffe, Biden’s remarks reinforced his belief in Harris’s qualifications and her role in advancing key policy issues.
The incident quickly garnered attention, with political commentators and social media users reacting to the mix-up.
Harris was talking with actor and comedian Jimmy O Yang when he asked her what it’s like to be the first vice president of Asian descent and how her heritage affects her as a leader. Harris’ mom was from India, her dad was from Jamaica, and she’s the first woman to be elected as vice president.
Harris talked a lot and told the young people to stay strong when they go to places where no one else is like them.
“We need to understand that some people will open the door for you and keep it open,” Harris said. “Sometimes they will not. ” And then you have to forcefully open that door.
The crowd cheered and clapped loudly. Harris laughed and said, “Sorry for my language. ”
When Joe Biden was vice president, he was heard telling President Barack Obama that newly passed health care legislation was a very important deal. Harris usually doesn’t use that kind of language in public.
The vice-president spoke about her thoughts at a meeting during the annual Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit. The talk was shown live on the White House website.
Harris talked on Monday at a party in the White House garden for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with President Biden and actor Lucy Liu.
Liu said that Harris becoming the first female Black and Asian vice president shows that anything is possible in America.
Biden said that people from Asian backgrounds, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing group in the US. He said they stand for people who come from other countries to live in America, young people who dream of a better future, and a country that cherishes freedom.
The president started talking by saying, “I’m Joe Biden. ” I work for Kamala Harris.
White House officials said Benny Gantz, who is a rival of Netanyahu, asked for the meeting. The Democratic administration thought it was important for Harris to talk with Gantz, even though Netanyahu didn’t want it.
The United States President Joe Biden, Vice President Harris, and other top government officials are openly expressing their unhappiness about the growing number of deaths in Gaza and the suffering of innocent Palestinians as the war continues for almost five months.
“The president and I have been on the same page since the beginning,” Harris told reporters before meeting with Gantz. Israel can protect itself. Many innocent Palestinian people have been killed. We need to bring in more help and rescue the hostages. “That is still what we believe. ”
The White House said that Harris and Gantz talked about how important it is to free over 100 hostages in Gaza held by Hamas. Seven attacks on Israel. She also said the administration supports a short-term cease-fire to free hostages and give more help to people in Gaza.
Gantz thinks like Netanyahu on most things, but he is more willing to make deals on important issues, such as giving more help to people in need.
The meeting is happening after the United States. On Saturday, they dropped off food and supplies to help the people in Gaza. It was the first of many planned drops.
The situation shows that the relationship between the U.S and Israel is becoming more uncomfortable. Had to fly much-needed help over its close friend’s area to increase support for people in Gaza who really need it. The first airdrop happened shortly after more than 100 Palestinians were killed while trying to get food from an Israel-organized convoy.
The White House said yes to meeting with Gantz, even though someone from Netanyahu’s party said Gantz didn’t have the prime minister’s approval for the meeting in Washington. Netanyahu spoke sternly to Gantz about the visit, showing that there is a growing division within Israel’s wartime leaders.
“We have been talking to all the important people in charge of making decisions about the war, like Mr. Smith” “Gantz,” said John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House’s national security team. “We think this is a normal result of those talks. ” We won’t miss that chance.
Besides meeting with Harris, Gantz also met with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk. Gantz had a meeting with the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and he will also meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.
Before his White House meetings, Gantz told a reporter from Israel’s public broadcaster that there will be a frank discussion between two friendly and important countries.
Biden is staying at Camp David, a place near Washington, until Tuesday. He is getting ready to give the State of the Union speech later this week.
During the weekend, Harris strongly asked for a short break in fighting in Gaza. It would stop the fighting for at least six weeks, according to administration officials. She also told Israel to not stop aid from getting into the region. The White House has been pushing for that agreement for weeks.
A senior official from the Biden administration said that Israel has basically agreed to the deal. The White House has said that it’s up to Hamas to also agree to the deal.
Biden is under a lot of political pressure because many people are unhappy with how he’s dealing with the fighting between Israel and Hamas. It all started when militants from Hamas attacked, and a lot of people were killed or taken hostage.
In the Michigan presidential primary last week, over 100,000 Democratic voters chose “uncommitted” on their ballots. Biden still won the primary, but the “uncommitted” votes showed that many left-leaning voters are not happy with the president’s strong support for Israel, especially after their military actions in Gaza resulted in over 30,000 Palestinian deaths. The number of votes is worrying for Democrats in a state that Biden won by a small margin in 2020.
Gantz is considered a strong candidate for prime minister. He is seen as a moderate in politics. But he has not clearly said whether he supports the idea of Palestinians having their own country. Biden thinks it’s important for a peaceful resolution, but Netanyahu strongly disagrees.
It is also believed that when the intense fighting calms down, Gantz will quit the government, which could make early elections more likely.
Gantz joined Netanyahu’s war Cabinet with two other ministers in October. Authorities have found that he is easier to work with than Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
So far, there haven’t been many calls for elections because of the war. But experts believe that when Gantz leaves the government, it will show the Israeli people that the time for working together is over and the push to remove Netanyahu’s government can start.
Gantz wanted to make connections with the U. S, get more help for Israel and try to bring back Israeli hostages. The officials talked without giving their names because.
The finale episode of Ghana’s leading edutainment series, YOLO Season 7, will feature Douglas Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States of America and husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, recorded his cameo appearance during his visit to Ghana with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in March 2023. In the seventh season of the YOLO series, he presented the trophy to the winning team at the interschools basketball competition.
The YOLO series is a collaborative effort between the Ghana Health Service and the National Population Council, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Accelerating Social Behavior Change (ASBC) Activity. It is produced by Farmhouse Productions Limited.
The acclaimed TV series provides guidance to young people dealing with the challenges of adolescence. YOLO, which premiered in 2016, has garnered a substantial following, amassing 9.3 million cumulative views on YouTube for Season 7 alone.
In Season 7, YOLO actively conveyed important messages pertaining to Sexual and Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Antenatal Care, Exercise, Gender Equality, and Disability Inclusion, among other crucial topics.
The highly anticipated season finale of YOLO Season Seven will be available for free streaming on the Farmhouse Movie App on January 23, 2024, at 3 pm, on YouTube on January 26, 2024, at 3 pm, and on TV3 on January 26, 2024, at 8 pm.
YOLO is also broadcasted on Zaa TV, Northern Television, and Sagani TV in English and three local languages.
The series serves as a sequel to the Ghanaian TV series “Things We Do for Love.” YOLO stands for You Only Live Once!
Douglas Emhoff, the spouse of Vice President Kamala Harris, took centre stage in the concluding episode of YOLO Season 7, Ghana’s premier edutainment series.
The Second Gentleman’s cameo was recorded during his visit to Ghana alongside Vice President Harris in March 2023, where he presented the championship trophy to the victorious team in an inter school basketball competition.
This popular TV series, which has garnered a substantial following since its 2016 debut, focuses on guiding youth through the challenges of adolescence.
Season 7, with an impressive 9.3 million cumulative views on YouTube, emphasised critical messages related to Sexual and Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Antenatal Care, Exercise, Gender Equality, and Disability Inclusion.
YOLO, a collaborative effort between the Ghana Health Service, the National Population Council, and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Accelerating Social Behavior Change (ASBC) Activity, is produced by Farmhouse Productions Limited.
The eagerly awaited season finale of YOLO Season Seven will be available for free streaming on the Farmhouse Movie App on January 23, 2024, at 3pm, on YouTube on January 26, 2024, at 3pm, and on TV3 on January 26, 2024, at 8pm.
The series is also broadcast on ZaaTV, Northern Television, and Sagani TV in English and three local languages. YOLO serves as a sequel to the beloved Ghanaian TV series “Things We do for Love.”
Many counties in Florida have said there is a big problem, because strong winds from storms have taken off the roofs of houses and knocked down power lines.
Early on Tuesday, there were twelve tornadoes in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. They caused a lot of damage and in some places, people had to be rescued.
In Houston County, Alabama, a tornado destroyed mobile homes and RVs and an 81-year-old woman died.
A storm hit a mobile home park in Claremont, North Carolina and one person died.
In Clayton County, Georgia, a driver died when a tree fell on their car while they were driving.
A person who lives in Panama City, Florida, said that when the wind toppled the home across from theirs, it sounded very loud and strong, like a freight train hitting a brick wall.
“He said it was very loud,” he told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
The storms in Panama City made roads impossible to travel on, damaged buildings by tearing off roofs, and brought hail as big as baseballs.
A curfew is in place for the downtown area of the city until 6:00AM EST (11:00AM GMT) on Wednesday morning.
“Don’t go to this area at night,” the Bay County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said that stronger storms are expected to happen in the east of the US.
Some areas in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina might have more powerful tornadoes that can cause strong winds and hail. Strong winds of up to 50 mph and heavy rain in the eastern US could cause flooding from Florida to southern Maine. In South Carolina, heavy rain caused flooding in some areas as four to five inches of rain fell before sunset on Tuesday.
Over 1 foot of snow fell in the middle of the US, leaving drivers stuck and stopping presidential campaigning in Iowa.
A big snowstorm is expected in Canada from southern Ontario to central Quebec. Over 1 foot of snow is predicted.
A strong and rare blizzard in the Pacific Northwest knocked down trees and caused power outages for over 25,000 customers in Washington state. It also affected thousands of people in Canada’s British Columbia province. Snow and strong winds made mountain roads and ferries close. People were warned about possible avalanches.
There is a warning for possible flooding along the coast of New Jersey until Wednesday.
The governor of the state, Phil Murphy, said there is a big storm coming and told people to take it seriously.
In New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul said the storm could be very dangerous. She especially warned that the heavy rain and snow together could cause flash floods, which could be life threatening.
About 2,000 people who left their home country and now live in a tent shelter in Brooklyn were moved to high school gymnasiums because of the storms.
There was a brief stop of planes coming in and out of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport because of too much snow and ice, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
A warning for a tornado was issued at Tampa International Airport in Florida, so they had to stop flights.
Severe weather has also caused problems for people traveling on the roads in Nebraska and Kansas. The state patrol has had to deal with lots of weather-related issues.
“Please don’t go out,” a Kansas state trooper wrote on the internet. “We might not be able to help you if you get stuck because it’s hard for us to move around. ”
The NWS said the very bad weather will start to get a little better on Wednesday, but there could still be some snow in the areas that have already been hit hard in the central US and the northeast.
Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt has condemned President Akufo-Addo for not being forthright with his position on the issue of homosexuality, during a joint press brief with the US Vice President, Kamala Harris.
The President has recently come under massive bashing following his responses to a question on the LGBTQ+ community during his joint press conference with US Vice President Kamala Harris.
When asked about Ghana’s stance on the issue, the President talked about the country’s anti-LGBTQ bill saying “the bill is going through the Parliament. The Attorney General has found it necessary to speak to the committee (the constitutional and legal committee of parliament) about it regarding the constitutionality . . . of several of its provisions. The parliament is dealing with it. At the end of the process, I will come in”.
He stated that the President has addressed the LGBTQ+ brouhaha on three different platforms and on each platform, his statements have been different.
“The President has shared his thought on three ocassions, when you listen to the first one it is different from the second one, when you listen to the third one it is different from the first one, one person you have three different thoughts, why? . . . It is a worry, as President when you talk you need to be firm and plain so we all know your stance . . . ” Kwesi Pratt said.
This, to him, it is a cause for worry, so he advised Nana Addo saying “as a President, you have to firm on your position but for this one, you can’t know where he stands when he talks”.
” . . What worries me is the inconsistencies . . . if you won’t state your position just keep quiet,” Kwesi Pratt told Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show while addressing the President’s statements on the subject.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris who is on a tour of three African countries – Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia – has drawn criticism over her support for LGBTQ rights.
In Ghana, in a speech calling for “all people be treated equally” she appeared to criticise a bill before the country’s parliament which criminalises advocacy for gay rights and proposes jail terms for those that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
The country’s Speaker Alban Bagbin later called her remarks “undemocratic” and urged lawmakers not to be “intimidated by any person”.
In Tanzania, a former minister spoke against US support for LGBTQ rights ahead of the visit and in Zambia some opposition politicians have threatened to hold protests.
Where is homosexuality still outlawed?
Some countries, including several in Africa, have recently moved to decriminalise same-sex unions and improve rights for LGBTQ people.
In December 2022, Singapore’s parliament repealed a controversial law which banned sex between men.
In the same month, the high court in Barbados struck out laws that criminalised gay sex.
In July last year, the courts in Antigua and Barbuda declared a law criminalising same-sex acts between consenting adults unconstitutional.
In February 2021, Angola’s President Joao Lourenco signed into law a revised penal code to allow same-sex relationships and ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
In 2020, Gabon reversed a law that had criminalised homosexuality and made gay sex punishable with six months in prison and a large fine.
Botswana’s High Court also ruled in favour of decriminalising homosexuality in 2019. Mozambique and the Seychelles have also scrapped anti-homosexuality laws in recent years.
But there are countries where existing laws outlawing homosexuality have been tightened, including Nigeria and Uganda.
Uganda’s parliament recently passed a law to crack down on homosexual activities, prompting widespread condemnation.
Image caption, Campaign against LGBTQ rights in some African countries has intensified in recent weeks
And in some countries, efforts to get the laws removed have failed.
In May 2019, the high court in Kenya upheld laws criminalising homosexual acts. In February his year Kenya’s highest court ruled that it was wrong for authorities to ban the gay community from registering a rights organisation. but it stressed that gay sex remains illegal.
Colonial legacy
Many of the laws criminalising homosexual relations originate from colonial times.
And in many places, breaking these laws could be punishable by long prison sentences.
Out of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth – a loose association of countries most of them former British colonies – 29 have laws that criminalise homosexuality.
Although the original British laws applied only to men, countries that criminalise homosexuality today also have penalties for women who have sex with women.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Ilga) monitors the progress of laws relating to homosexuality around the world.
It says the death penalty is the legally prescribed punishment for same-sex sexual acts in Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and in some northern states of Nigeria.
In five countries – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates – there is no legal clarity and the death penalty could be applied.
Image caption, An Indian gay rights activist protests against a court ruling in 2013 upholding a law which criminalises gay sex.
Sudan repealed the death penalty for consensual same-sex sexual acts in 2020.
Some observers note that the risk of prosecution in some places is minimal.
For example, a 2017 report on Jamaica by the UK Home Office said that Jamaica was regarded as a homophobic society, but that the “authorities do not actively seek to prosecute LGBT persons”.
Activist groups say the ability of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) organisations to carry out advocacy work is being restricted.
Changing trend
There is a global trend toward decriminalising same-sex acts.
So far, 33 countries in the world recognise same-sex marriages, and 34 others provide for some partnership recognition for same-sex couples, Ilga says.
In Africa, same-sex marriages and civil unions are only legal in South Africa, and the French Islands of Mayotte and Reunion.
The U.S. vice president’s week-long journey through Africa is now over. On her three-leg trip, Kamala Harris met with the leaders of Tanzania, Ghana, and Zambia.
She made an effort to strengthen and recast American relations with the continent if the influence of other foreign powers was a concern during her tour.
On Saturday April 1 2023, she emphasized significant advances made in that direction.
“My visit has convinced me more than ever, that we must all around the globe appreciate and understand the importance of investing in African ingenuity and creativity. The type I have seen during the course of this trip,” she said.
“In my meetings with the presidents of Ghana and Tanzania, and here in Zambia, we have launched new initiatives to strengthen our business ties. We have also advanced our work to support democracy and good governance on the continent, which will invariably create greater stability, predictability, the type that businesses require and need to invest,” she added.
“In each of these engagements. It has been clear there was a strong desire from leaders on this continent, from young entrepreneurs on this continent to increase investments on this continent.”
Digital access to Africa’s economy
If Harris acknowledged some places on the continent lead the world in digital solutions, she laid out an agenda for partnerships in digital solutions as she pointed to discrepancies across Africa. For these, she vowed U.S support.
“[…] In other places on the continent, we see that there is a lag and that there are many who lag behind and we must be clear about the challenges presented to close these gaps and then commit to take action because solutions are within sight and within reach.”
The United States have ramped up efforts to reengage with African countries after last year’s US-Africa summit. President Joe Biden said he intends to visit this year as well.
“President Biden, through these initiatives, has pledged to work with the United States Congress to invest $350 million and to facilitate nearly half a billion dollars in development financing, to make sure that people across the continent can participate in the digital and global economy.”
After speaking during a roundtable discussion with business and philanthropic leaders in Lusaka, Kamala Harris departed for Washington.
Harris’ visit is the latest in a string of visits to Africa by high profile U.S officials.
Martin Kpebu, a private attorney, has asserted that he has given up advocating for gays in society since he cannot speak on behalf of the faceless.
According to him, they should come out and speak or fight for themselves for themselves
Mr Kpebu explained that he is aware of big lawyers in thiscountry who are homosexual but are not prepared to come out publicly to defend their actions.
Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, April 1, he said “To be very frank with you I do not intend to go into the merits of the debate on LGBTQ. I have made comments on it in the past, briefly stating that if some people want to fight for it it is within their right to fight for it but the reason I am no longer interested in joining this debate aggressively is that the people who practice LGBTQ, they don’t want to show their faces. So I ask, how am I going to advocate for a faceless person?
“So that is the disconnect. It is a very sensitive matter, I have been crying here Saturday to Saturday that the Ghanaian doesn’t want to fight, this is another of that. Privately, I have seen big lawyers involved, big lawyers who are gays and they can’t fight for themselves and you are saying Kpebu should come and fight, no, you can’t fight everything. There are big lawyers, I am telling you on authority, in this country involved and they don’t want to show their faces. At least they should come out, let’s see them explain their situation.
“I have been telling some of them privately that if we even get fifty of them to snap a picture, and come out to address a press conference when they speak, they will evoke compassion.”
The discussion on the Key Points centered on President Akufo-Addo’s decision to dissociate from the Proper Human Sexual Rights & Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the Ant-Gay Bill.
Proposed under a Private Members’ Bill, the anti-gay bill is expected to criminalise some of the activities of homosexuals in Ghana.
Answering a question put to him at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 27 when US Vice President Kamala Harris called on him, President Akufo-Addo confirmed that the bill is currently before Parliament, which will decide on it, but most of its provisions are being fine-tuned.
“It hasn’t been passed, so the statement that there is legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate,” he said.
“Parliament is dealing with it and at the end of the process, I will come in,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo welcomed US Vice President Harris to the seat of government as part the latter’s three-day visit to the country.
She stressed how strongly she feels about the importance of supporting and fighting for the cause of human rights including rights of LGBTQs.
“For the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the globe including as well as the LGBTQ community and I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for quality among all people.”
On Friday March 31 2023, during a trip to Zambia, the final stop on a continental tour, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed her appeal for a “quick finalization” of the country’s enormous debt restructure.
The U.S. has been pushing for creditors, including China, to ease the country’s estimated $17.3 billion foreign debt. Zambiadefaulted in 2020 amid the Covid pandemic.
“We will continue to advocate for the speedy completion of Zambia’s debt treatment and restructuring,” Harris said at a press conference after a meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka.
“The international community must help countries like Zambia get back on their feet. So I will reiterate the call that I have made many times to all bilateral creditors to make significant debt reduction.
Ms. Harris’ visit comes a few months after that of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The US is seeking to assert its presence on the resource-rich continent in the face of Chinese investment.
The U.S. has accused China, the largest creditor of many African countries, of dragging its feet since Lusaka requested assistance under a G20 mechanism for restructuring the debt of the poorest states.
“Our priority as a country is to rebuild our economy. What is holding us back is debt,” Hichilema said.
Kamala Harris, the first woman and first person of color elected to the U.S. vice presidency, arrived in Lusaka Friday after visiting Tanzania and Ghana.
She had already visited Zambia in her youth to visit her maternal grandfather who worked there. In Lusaka, she stopped briefly at the place where he lived in the 1960s. “My grandfather was one of my favorite people,” the oldest of her grandchildren told reporters.
Partnerships between African governments will focus on what America can do with Africa, not only what it can do for Africa, according to USA Vice President Kamala Harris.
She made this statement while giving a keynote speech on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Black Stars Square in Accra as part of her activities while visiting Ghana.
“So, then, what does it mean that the United States of America is all in? It means that the United States is committed to strengthening our partnerships across the continent of Africa — partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society, and all of you.
“Partnerships based on openness, inclusiveness, candor, shared interests, and mutual benefits,” she said.
She continued,”And to be clear, America will be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but what we can do with our African partners. Together, she said America and Africa will address the challenges they face and and as well pursue the incredible opportunities ahead.
Investment in innovation
Kamala Harris also recommended the investment in innovation for African Governments.
“Innovation I believe to be the pursuit of what can be unburdened by what has been. Innovation results in one’s ability not only to see, but to do things differently. New methods, new products, new approaches, new ideas. We innovate to be more effective and to solve problems.
“From the invention of new technology, to the origin of social movements, innovation has come about by challenging the premise, questioning the status quo, and bold thinking,” she said.
The US Vice President added that, ”And so to the young leaders here today, you, by your very nature, are dreamers and innovators. It is your spark, your creativity, and your determination that will drive the future.
“And with that then, African ideas and innovations will shape the future of the world. And so we must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, not only for the people of the 54 countries that make up this diverse continent, but for the American people and people around the world.”
In light of Kamala Harris’ visit, Ghana’s president modifies the nation’s position on a harsh anti-LGBTQ law.
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana stated that after his administration’s intervention, “substantial elements” of a harsh anti-LGBTQ bill that the country’s parliament was considering “have been modified.”
The announcement was made by Akufo-Addo and US Vice-President Kamala Harris on Monday during a press conference held in conjunction with Harris’ visit to the country of West Africa.
He emphasised that the proposed legislation, disguised as a “family values” bill, was actually a private member’s bill that sought to enact some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws on the African continent. In August 2021, the bill made its initial appearance in the legislature.
“The bill is going through the parliament. The attorney general has found it necessary to speak to the committee (the constitutional and legal committee of parliament) about it regarding the constitutionality … of several of its provisions. The parliament is dealing with it. At the end of the process, I will come in,” the Ghanaian leader said.
After parliamentary deliberations, a final bill will be sent to the president for assent.
“My understanding … is that substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the attorney general,” Akufo-Addo said.
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In suggesting that the bill may end up being watered down in the amendment process, Akufo-Addo added that he was convinced the parliament will consider the sensitivity of the bill to human rights issues as well as the feelings of the Ghanaian population “and come out with a responsible response.”
Anti-gay bill still “rigid and tough”
However, one of the parliamentarians who introduced the bill, Samuel Nartey George, insists that the proposed law remains “rigid and tough.”
“The bill has not been substantially changed. The bill remains as tough and as rigid as it was,” George told local media in a televised interview.
He added: “When the bill is laid before the House (of parliament), you will realize that the focus of the bill which has to do with voiding (gay) marriages, preventing them from adopting or fostering children, the clampdown on platforms and media houses that are going to do promotion and advocacy or push those materials still remain enforced.”
George also implied that restrictions against “expressions, be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender are all still there. “So when he (Akufo-Addo) says the bill has been watered down, he doesn’t know what he is talking about.”
The proposed aw would see LGBTQ Ghanaians face jail time, or be forced into so-called “conversion therapy” – a widely discredited practice debunked by much of the international medical and psychiatric communities.
Under the bill, advocates of the LGBTQ community would face up to a decade in prison; public displays of same-sex affection or cross-dressing could lead to a fine or jail time, and certain types of medical support would be made illegal.
The new law would also make the distribution of material deemed pro-LGBTQ by news organizations or websites illegal. It calls on Ghanaians to report those they suspect of being from the LGBTQ community.
Harris, the US vice-president, said at the press conference she felt very strongly about supporting the freedom and equality of the LGBTQ community.
“This is an issue that we consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change,” she said.
Ghana not pressured
Ghana’s information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, also told CNN on Tuesday that the outcome of the parliamentary debate on the bill may differ from its original provisions.
“The bill is now in an enactment process. What will come out in enactment when 275 members get on the floor and start dealing with it clause by clause and voting clause by clause, may end up being different from what was proposed. You propose a bill and parliament … can tweak it and make it harsher or less harsh … it is in the hands of parliament now,” Nkrumah said.
“We are not pressured in any way to focus on things that are not essentially within our main priorities. Our priority number one is getting the Ghanaian economy on track and that’s what we’re focused on.”
“This conversation is not part of our mainstream conversation here in Ghana,” he added.
Old sodomy laws dating back to 1960 remain on the statute books in Ghana but they are rarely enforced.
Activist Danny Bediako, who runs the NGO Rightify Ghana, told CNN that living in Ghana would become tougher for the LGBTQ community if the bill passes in parliament.
“It’s going to make it difficult for the (LGBTQ) community to exist. They are just trying to erase the community through this bill, so it will definitely lead to an increase in attacks,” said Bediako, who added that his organization had documented 27 cases of violent attacks targeted toward the LGBTQ community in the country this year.
“There have been different types of cases, but the most dominant one is the activities of violent groups and they are widespread. So if this bill is passed, these activities are going to continue and it’s only going to also get worse.”
Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Armiyawo Shiabu, has expressed concerns over President’s inability to unequivocally condemn LGBTQ activities in Ghana during a joint presser with US Vice President Kamala Harris.
On Monday, President Akufo-Addo stated that there is no LGBTQ legislation in Ghana yet, as the bill is currently before Parliament.
“The legislation is a legislation that is being proposed as a Private Members Bill. This is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that is being mooted by a handful of private members,” the President said.
According to Sheikh Armiyawo Shiabu, “the President was over cautions in trying to talk about it as if not wanting to offend a certain force that is coming from somewhere.”
He noted that this so “because I have heard the president speak fought rightly with strong tone about certain things like some of his encounter with Macron.”
For him, the president missed the opportunity to tell the world the stance of the majority of Ghana over the issue of LGBTQ.
“He has not been that spot right in indicating his personal position and a certain feeling about how in our national mindset as somebody who is also a man of faith coming up clearly on the note of even Christian revulsion action to say no this thing is not something that I will ever support and I think we should have heard something like this from him.”
He continued that “I was expecting that even on this particular case with is at the very core of the survival of the family system in both Christianity and Islam and Traditional I would have expected him to come up stronger and more definite on the issue.”
On the other hand, he lauded the Speaker of Parliament for maintaining his promise to the Chief Imam by asserting that he will see to the passing of the bill.
“I am very comfortable with the tone of the speaker and I support and commend him for that.
“I go strongly with the speaker since he has remained consistent with the tone with which he has spoken against this LGBTQ and also speaking in support of the passing of this anti-LGBTQ bill,” he said on JoyNews.
The spokesperson added that the push for the passage of the bill was not from that of human rights activists but that of a religious leader who had the mandate to ensure the continuity of the legacy of the family system.
“The issue we are dealing with is from the faith community level and as a nation, we are not doing it from a human rights angle but viewing it as something that undermines the very survival of the family.
“It is not so much of a human rights issue. The damage it does to the family and once you want to destroy a community you begin destroying the family and you succeed. That’s how God made it,” he added.
According to Speaker Alban Bagbin, it is undemocratic for the US to intervene in Ghana’s national issues.
The US Vice President, Kamala Harris, yesterday announced a $1billion investment fund to advance women’s economic empowerment initiativeson the African continent.
The support, targeting three key areas; information communication technology, finance and healthcare sectors, is expected to afford women entrepreneurs and those in small businesses access to capital and digitilisation, improve healthcare, education and combat gender-based violence on the continent.
Ms Harris made this known at a roundtable meeting with selected women entrepreneurs in Accra yesterday.
“The Bill-Melinda Gates Foundation together with our administration will establish the women in digital economy fund, a $60 million global fund which among others,will address access, affordability, digital literacy and gender inequality.
“In addition, the Gates Foundation is investing an additional $40 million to support these goals. Beyond this, I am also pleased to announce a series of other significant private sector commitments alongside the US government efforts to promote the economic empowerment of women,” she stated.
Vice President Harris noted that the gapping digital divide globally was a major disincentive to women’s economic empowerment and Africa bore the major brunt.
Digital inclusion and services, she stressed, remained essential to “21st century economies” and all efforts must be made to bring women at par in the digital space.
“Women must have the opportunity and access to all that is necessary to achieve their goals, their desire, and their potential to also live so the investments that I have outlined, we believe will help build a future where women are not just treated equally but are able to thrive.
Where women have the opportunity to live and a future simply put, where there will be no barriers for the ability of women to participate in the economy, where they can enjoy freedom from violence and equal access to healthcare and education and where they shatter every glass ceiling,” she stated.
In a bid to track progress on women development, Ms Harris said an Advisory Council has been established at the US Embassy to keep conversations around women economic empowerment going and to uplift women entrepreneurs across the country.
“I know there are many factors that will impact the women’s ability to survive and thrive and one of those factors is women’s economic impact. When we lift up the economic status of women we lift up the economic status of families, communities and almost all society benefit.
I have seen how economic empowerment of women has a direct impact on their health and by extension the health of their families and communities and the economic empowerment of women relates directly to the ability of that person to engage in innovation in a way that makes real the aspirations, the vision and the dream that she naturally has,” the Vice President said.
Vice President Harris, who ended her three-day visit to Ghana yesterday is expected to visit Tanzania and Zambia as part of her African tour.
The visit is borne out of a renewed drive to strengthen US-Africa relations with a focus on economic development, climate change, food security and women and youth empowerment.
US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has asked global investors to put their money into Africa’s development innovations for economic growth across the world.
Ms Harris said Africa was endowed with innovations that could spur growth in science and technology, agriculture and clean energy, noting that African ideas and innovations were shaping the world and solving global problems.
“Before Venmo and Apple pay, there was Mpesa in Kenya, a mobile phone payment service that revolutionalise the digital financial system. Right now, African nations are pioneering the delivery of healthcare supplies by drone,” she noted.
“In Rwanda, it [drone] has reduced the delivery time of emergency blood supplies, in Ghana, the service has delivered more than nine million vaccines, including those for COVID-19. The service has expanded to Kenya, Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire,” she added.
The continent of 54 countries is creating the world’s largest free market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), worth an estimated $3.4 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities,” Ms Harris said, when she delivered her keynote address at the iconic Black Star Square, Accra, on Tuesday.
Making a case for global investment into Africa, she said, African nations played a critical role on issues of global importance, including food security, climate crisis, public health, and resilient supply chains, which were important to the American people, and the world.
“In South Africa, part of the world’s largest radio telescope is under construction, which will help answer some of the biggest questions of humanity about galaxies and gravity,” the Vice President noted.
She also cited the issue of Tanzania, which is set to host the continent’s first facility that will process minerals for electric vehicle batteries, battery energy storage systems in Malawi, and fintech startups in Nigeria.
She said America’s renewed partnership between Ghana and the rest of Africa, “will be guided by not what we can do for our African partners, but what we can do with our African partners.”
The partnership with governments, the private sector, and civil society, she said, would together, address “the challenges we face and the incredible opportunities ahead through openness, candor, shared interest and mutual benefits”.
“The Biden-Harris administration and the American people stand ready to partner with you, to help accelerate the innovations and entrepreneurship that is already underway,” Ms Harris said.
She said access to digital services and the internet drove growth and created an opportunity for innovation, adding that once people were online, they had greater access to education, information, and financial services.
Ms Harris will end her three-day working visit to Ghana on Wednesday, March 29, and depart for a similar visit to Tanzania and end her week-long trip to Africa in Zambia, before returning to Washington.
Russian Embassy in Accra has disputed some allegations made by American Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit in Ghana for three days.
The precise remarks related to concerns about food security in relation to the war between Russia and Ukraine, with Harris allegedly blaming Moscow of starting a scenario where grain exports have been halted.
The Embassy tweeted a picture that referred to Harris’ remarks as being false and listed what they claimed to be the facts of Russia’s grain supply.
Their tweet was captioned: “The recent visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Ghana hasn’t gone without another portion of anti-Russian fakes that do not stand a simple fact-checking.”
What Kamala reportedly said:
“In terms of the Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine. There have been a number of impacts globally and to the United States included. In particular, it relates to the prevalence of our ability to have access to certain foods, and grain in particular, globally has been an issue.”
The facts as stated by the Embassy
FACT: European officials acknowledged that Ukraine has already supplied 53 million tonnes of grain and other food products – its annual export amount (for comparison: in 2019-2020 season – 54.9 M tonnes, in 2020-2021 – 44.9 M tonnnes.
QUESTION: Why is then Africa facing food insecurity?
ANSWER: 1) Because of EU and US sanctions that block the RUSSIAN grain export.
2) Because 45% of the total volume of grain exported from Ukraine went to Europe and only 3% went to Africa.
The recent visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Ghana hasn't gone without another portion of anti-Russian fakes that do not stand a simple fact-checking. pic.twitter.com/jQuvK3GJJG
— Russian Embassy in Ghana (@RusEmbGhanaEng) March 29, 2023
On the account of Ghanaian entertainer, Michael Blankson, an aeroplane he was onboard to Ghana had to spend an extra hour in the air due to an alleged closure of the Kotoka International Airport as part of the security protocols for Kamala Harris.
The Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris paid a three-day working visit to West African state, Ghana.
She departed for Tanzania from Ghana on March 29, 2023. Her next stop on the African continent will be Zambia.
Michael Blankson in a tweet on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 29, raised concern about the temporal closure of Ghana’s international airport due to Kamala’s presence.
“We about to land in Accra and they said the airport is closed because Kamala Harris is there so they going to hold us in the air for another hour smh.
We about to land in Accra and they said the airport is closed because Kamala Harris is there so they going to hold us in the air for another hour smh. Man land this plane Kamala is good, been in the air 9 hrs I’m ready to eat some banku
“Man land this plane Kamala is good, been in the air 9 hrs I’m ready to eat some banku,” read Michael’s tweet sighted by GhanaWeb.
Kamala and her husband, Douglas Craig Emhoff, arrived in Ghana on Monday, March 27 as part of their three-nation African tour.
Speaking in a joint conference with Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she said: “President Biden and I have made clear the United States is strengthening our partnerships across the continent of Africa.”
Kamala Harris calls for full participation of women in economic activities
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has warned Zambabians against organizing anti-gay rights demonstrations while US Vice-President Kamala Harris is visiting the nation.
According to the international media, the party intends to demonstrate before the democracy summit, which will be held in the capital city of Lusaka.
Kamala Harris is set to speak at the summit, which is being co-hosted by Zambia, the US, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and South Korea, and is anticipated to arrive in the southern African nation on Friday.
The gathering is allegedly a part of a plan to force gay rights on Zambians, according to approximately 50 members of parliament.
Amnesty International Zambia has urged the administration to defend LGBTQ rights vehemently and to prevent demonstrations from delaying the summit.
According to Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu, the government would not tolerate lawlessness at the conference.
Despite Media journalist, Afia Pokuaa alias Vim Lady has said that the rate of ignorance and misinformation in Ghana is at an epic stage.
Her comment is in line with public reactions to the lighting of Ghana’s seat presidency with colours of the United States and Ghana flags.
As part of the visit by US Vice President, Kamala Harris to Ghana, the Jubilee House on Monday, March 27, 2023, was lit with colours of the Ghana and American flag.
However, some critics miconstrued the incident instead claiming that the two flags put side by side reflected the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ+ movement, going on to claim that the whole episode was an attempt to propagate homosexuality in the country.
But reacting to this in a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, Afia Pokuaa attributed the criticism to ignorance and misinformation while bitterly lamenting the fixation of Ghanaians on otherwise trivial matters instead of productive issues.
“The level of IGNORANCE and MISINFORMATION in this country is at an epic level. How can anyone say that the jubilee house has been draped with LGBTQ+ colours yet the same people were jubilating when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit with Ghana colours????? Seriously? It doesn’t take you taking an international relations class to understand these basic things oh?
“Ghana has moved from producing tires, batteries, and glass to a state where we can’t even produce commercial starch from cassava and this is the issue that we are focusing on. ASSUMING IT WAS RAINBOW COLORS, SO GOD DIDN’T CREATE THE RAINBOW AFTER THE NOAH FLOOD EH,” she added.
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Meanwhile, the US vice president during a joint address with President Akufo-Addo on Monday raised human rights concerns about the anti-homosexuality bill currently before Parliament.
“Let me be clear about where we stand. First of all, for the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the board including those related to the LGBT community.
“And I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting the freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people and that all people be treated equally.
“I will also say that this is an issue that we consider and I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she stressed.
In response to the subject, President Akufo-Addo assured that government had through the Attorney General made significant input into the legislation.
He said that the anti-LGBT bill, which was championed by “only a hand full of MPs”, is currently being considered by Parliament.
Akufo-Addo added that even if the bill is passed, it will still have to be ratified by him.
Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, has appointed US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, a liaison officer between Oguaa Traditional Council and the US.
She made the appointment while at Cape Coast on Tuesday following a request by the Paramount Chief of Ogua, Osaberima Nana Kwesi Atta II.
US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer
The liaison, according to the chief, will improve contacts between the White House and the paramountcy in order to support the latter’s undertaking of specific development projects with the help of the former.
U.S Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff received a traditional Kente cloth, from the Chief of Cape Coast, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, at the Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast.
Kamala Harris further noted that a positive relationship will assist both groups forge a stronger bond and enable them to re-learn history for the benefit of passing it on to future generations and preserving their sense of historical pride.
The Oguaamanhene further asked for a reciprocal visit to the White House as a show of solidarity between Oguaa and the United States of America.
“I have intentionally not talked about the castle which I know you’re going to visit. Over the years we’ve had President Obama and the wife visiting the castle, we’ve had the wife of President Trump, we’ve had Pelosi and now it’s your turn.
“When you go there, and you carefully look around, you’ll ask yourself so many questions. Why should anybody treat anybody the way our ancestors were treated and this gives a lot of thought but we’re not in those days now,” he indicated.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris is expected to leave Ghana on Wednesday to continue her 9-day trip in Africa.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has accused the US Vice President for meddling in the affairs of the country following her comments on the country’s position on LGBTQ+.
This was after Kamala Harris was asked about the development at the Jubilee House on Monday. Madam Harris did not directly address the Anti-gay bill in Ghana’s Parliament but restated her stance on human right violation against minorities adding that her position remains unchanged.
However, the Speaker has described the comments as undemocratic.
“This thing should not be tolerated. That is undemocratic. That someone else would have to dictate as to what is good and what’s bad? It’s unheard of,” he said during a meeting with some religious leaders.
He further criticised President Akufo-Addo for saying that he will “come in” after Parliament decides on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Sam Nartey George has lambasted the Vice president of the United States of America, Kamala Harris over her comment on the the issue of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana.
According to Sam George, the vice president, who is currently in Ghana on a mission to strengthen ties between Ghana and the United States, is unqualified to lecture Ghanaians on human rights issues because human rights violations are common in her home country.
He proceeded by suggesting that Americans should understand the legislative process in order to address such a difficult problem because human rights issues are prevalent in the US.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on March 28, 2023, Sam George added that the American people should visit Ghana and learn a few things about the lawmaking process from our parliament because they are willing to assist them.
“For the president to run away from his own government’s position on the Bill is unbelievable and worrying but let me assure you that we are not going to be cowed by the undemocratic comments of the American Vice President.
“The American people should be coming to Ghana to learn a few things from our Parliament when it comes to issues of lawmaking because we will be in a good position to help them,” he stressed.
He voiced unhappiness with President Akufo-Addo for his recent remarks regarding the LGBTQI+ bill when he spoke with Kamala Harris at a joint press conference.
President Akufo-Addo is quoted to have said that the anti-LGBT bill, which was championed by “only a hand full of MPs”, is currently being considered by Parliament.
Akufo-Addo added that even if the bill is passed, it will still have to be ratified by him.
It may be recalled that Kamala Harris spoke on the issue of LGBTQ+ activities while responding to a question at Jubilee House, in Accra, on Monday, March 27, Kamala Harris said that for her, the LGBTQ+ issue was one that bordered on human rights.
She added that every person has the right to live as he/she wants.
“Let me be clear about where we stand. First of all, for the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues and equality issues across the board including those related to the LGBT community.
“And I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people and that all people be treated equally.
“I will also say that this is an issue that we consider and I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she stressed.
Ghanaian politician and member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, has criticized US Vice President Kamala Harris for her comments on LGBTQ rights in Ghana.
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Akufo-Addo on Monday, Harris expressed her support for the freedom and equality of all, including the LGBTQ community.
However, Sam George, a key proponent of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill or the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, criticized Harris’s comments and suggested that she focus on school shootings in the United States rather than LGBTQ issues in Ghana.
“Mrs Kamala Harris should be the last person to come and talk about human rights in Ghana. In the country where she is a vice president, in the United States, a gun woman, a lady in her 20s walked into a school with (inaudible), shot and killed three school children and three adults. Those are the human rights of her country’s citizens that Kamala Harris should be worried about. ….on a daily basis, more people die from gun violence in the US than malaria kills in Africa or in Ghana. That should be of concern to her. Kamala Harris is a woman of colour, if she wasn’t a senator first or wasn’t the vice president of America, she most likely could have possibly been a victim like other Black Americans like George Floyd of white police brutality … Those are the human rights issues Kamala Harris should be worried about because those are what the people who voted for her in America are expecting her to focus on,” he said.
The Bill, which was introduced as a private bill by eight MPs in July 2021, aims to prohibit advocacy of same-sex or homosexual practices in the country and is under review in parliament.
Several local and international human rights advocacy groups have expressed concern about Bill’s existence and its supposed infringement on the rights of LGBTQ+ persons.
President Akufo-Addo, however, has disassociated himself from the bill. Speaking at the same press conference with Harris, he clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the bill.
“The legislation was a legislation that is being proposed as a Private Members Bill. This is not an official legislation of the government, but it is one that is being mooted by a handful of private members” he said.
He added that “the bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality or otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it. “At the end of the process, I will come in, but in the meantime, the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all, its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population, and we’ll come out with the responsible response,” he added.
However, several legislators have expressed disappointment in both Harris’s and Akufo-Addo’s responses on the subject, with Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin declaring his support for the bill and suggesting that it will be passed.
“This thing should not be tolerated. That is undemocratic. That someone else would have to dictate as to what is good and what’s bad? It’s unheard of. Because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging? Come on. The Bill will be passed. This is a word to the President of the Republic, there is no way you can intervene,” he noted.
The divergent views of Harris and George on the issue of LGBTQ rights in Ghana highlight the complexity of the issue in the country. While international organizations advocate for the protection of LGBTQ+ rights as a fundamental human right obligation, proponents of the anti-LGBTQ bill argue that the promotion of LGBTQ rights is incompatible with Ghanaian culture and family values.
The debate also raises questions about the relationship between Ghana and the United States, particularly with regard to future US aid initiatives in the country. While President Akufo-Addo’s disassociation from the bill may alleviate concerns in this regard, the tension between the two countries on this issue is likely to continue.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill will be successfully passed and how the country’s relationship with the United States will be affected.
LGBTQ+ and Africa
The legislation enjoys broad public support in Uganda
This stance is rooted in cultural and religious beliefs that view homosexuality as a deviation from societal norms.
However, over the years, there has been a growing movement to promote LGBTQ rights, but it has faced fierce opposition from conservative groups.
Uganda’s recent passing of a bill that criminalizes homosexuality is a clear indication of the country’s stance on the issue. The bill imposes life imprisonment for same-sex relations and criminalizes the promotion of LGBTQ rights. This move has been criticized by human rights organizations and Western countries who view it as a violation of fundamental human rights.
On the other hand, Ghana has taken a different approach to the LGBTQ issue. Although homosexuality is illegal in Ghana, the country has not been as aggressive in enforcing the law.
The country’s leaders have also shown some level of tolerance towards the LGBTQ community, with some leaders calling for a dialogue on the issue. However, conservative groups in Ghana have also been vocal in their opposition to the LGBTQ agenda.
The East African LGBTQ community has been under siege, with many facing discrimination and violence.
There have been reports of attacks on LGBTQ individuals and organizations, with some facing imprisonment and harassment.
This situation has forced many LGBTQ people to flee their countries and seek asylum in other countries.
Africa’s stance on the LGBTQ agenda is a complex issue, with cultural and religious beliefs playing a significant role. While some countries have taken a more tolerant approach, others have criminalized homosexuality, leading to a hostile environment for the LGBTQ community.
It is essential to promote dialogue on the issue and work towards promoting tolerance and acceptance for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.
Young Africans have been urged by US Vice President Kamala Harris to make an effort to give their fair share to the development of the continent.
Madam Harris is confident that this will help to maintain the mission to realize Africa’s enormous potential and its role in determining the course of the world.
Madam Harris is optimistic that this will work towards keeping to the mission to realise the vast potential in Africa and its role in shaping the world’s future.
She made this comment when she addressed hundreds of people who throng the Black Star Square in Accra to hear her public lecture.
Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-
Madam Harris is optimistic that this will work towards keeping to the mission to realise the vast potential inAfricaand its role in shaping the world’s future.
She made this comment when she addressed hundreds of people who throng the Black Star Square in Accra to hear her public lecture.
Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries – Tanzania and Zambia.
“So all of this to say you and in particular the young leaders here, you have a role to play and together we have a role to play. So then, let us dream with ambition and lead with conviction,” she said.
This forms part of her three-day visit to Ghana. Speaking to the teeming youth on Tuesday, Kamala Haris expressed excitement about the possibility of positive change awaiting the world if industrious African youth put their shoulders to the wheel.
“I am optimistic about the future of the world because of you, the woman who will shatter every glass ceiling, the entrepreneur who will identify the next digital breakthrough, the activist to fight for the dignity of every human being, student and scientist, athletes and artists, farmers and fishers and the young innovators who will solve problems that we haven’t yet identified with solutions. We can’t even yet imagine,” she added.
After the speech, the US Vice President is expected to tour the Cape Coast Castle where she may deliver another remark.
Kamala Harris touched down at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
Speaking during a meeting with some religious leaders, he said the President cannot interfere with the works of the House.
“This is a word to the President of the Republic, there is no way you can intervene,” he said.
The Speaker’s comment was in reaction to a claim by the President regarding the passage of the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ before Parliament.
President Akufo-Addo, during a joint press brief held on Monday, March 27, 2023, for himself and the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, at the Jubilee House, distanced himself from the Bill.
He clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the Bill and further asserted that he would “come in” after the passage of the Bill.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.
Ghanaian musician, Black Sherif, was spotted among celebrities who accompanied US Vice President, Kamala Harris, on a tour at the Vibrate Space, a community recording studio for young creatives at the Freedom Skatepark in Accra.
The US Vice President who is currently on a 3-day visit to Ghana visited the studio in the company of African American celebrities including; Idris Elba, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Baaba J, Ria Boss, Moses Sumney, and Ghanaian musician,Black Sherif.
In a couple of pictures making rounds on the internet, Kamala Harris was seen interacting with the celebrities as they were taken on a tour around the edifice.
This comes after they embarked on a ‘meet and greet’ with the cast of the popular YOLO TV series, which features the likes of Jackie Appiah, Adjetey Annang and many others.
Kamala Harris’ visit to Ghana precedes a weeklong trip to Africa, as part of concerted efforts to broaden US outreach in some countries on the continent.
Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, delivered a public lecture at Black Star Square.
The Vice President has spoken about women empowerment since her arrival in Ghana. She also says US will invest in Africa.
She will later visit Cape Coast Castle, the place in Ghana where shackled Africans were held in squalid dungeons before being shipped off into slavery in the U.S. and elsewhere.
In honor of US Vice President Kamala Harris, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo threw a state banquet on Monday evening.
On March 26, 2023, the US Vice President flew into Ghana on a three-day state visit. After a quick ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport, she was welcomed by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
On March 27, President Akufo-Addo hosted a dinner for the US Vice President and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, as part of their visit.
Several well-known Ghanaians from the corporate, political, sporting, and entertainment worlds attended the state banquet.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, National Security and Defence Ministers, Kan Dapaah and Dominic Nitiwul, as well as Attorney-General Godfred Dame were present.
Among the notable personalities were Osei Kwame Despite, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Asamoah Gyan, and Zoomlion CEO Joseph Siaw Agyapong.
Others included Church of Pentecost Chairman Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, and former MP for Jomoro Samia Nkrumah.
Music stars Amakye Dede, Wiyaala, and Efya were also present to deliver impressive performances on the night.
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday visited Vibrate Studios, a recording studio in Accra, where she interacted with musicians and other creatives.
She engaged Ghanaian rapper, Black Sherif, during her visit with British actor Idris Elba and American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Other artistes present included Amaarae, Mensah, Joey B, Ria Boss, Baaba J and Poetra Asantewa.
In her address, Kamala Harris spoke about the great connection between Ghana and America and appreciated the works produced by Ghanaian creatives.
She acknowledged that the culture and creative industries are influencing the world beyond measure.
Kamala Harris in suit, Sheryl on her right, Black Sherif behind Sheryl and Idris Elba behind Kamala Harris
Meanwhile, the US Vice President has announced that she has created a playlist that features songs by Ghanaian artistes Black Sherif, Amaarae and others on music streaming platform Spotify.
She made the announcement in a tweet after meeting some selected people from the creative industry in Ghana, on Monday, March 27, 2023.
“I am releasing a playlist featuring the artists from my travels across Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, including many of the Ghanaian and Ghanaian-American artists I met today like @blacksherif_ and @amaarae,” she wrote.
I am releasing a playlist featuring the artists from my travels across Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, including many of the Ghanaian and Ghanaian-American artists I met today like @blacksherif_ and @amaarae.https://t.co/B057ZDcpv8
President Akufo-Addo has indicated that the substantial elements of the Anti-LGBTQI bill, which is currently before Parliament, have been modified.
He explained that the modification was done upon the intervention of the Attorney-General, adding that the final outcome is yet to be determined.
The President said this during a joint press briefing with US Vice President, Kamala Harris at the Jubilee House on Monday.
“My understanding with the recent discussion I had with the chairman of the committee is that, substantial elements of the bill have already been modified,” he stated while responding to a question from a New York Times journalist.
President Akufo-Addo also dismissed claims that there is already a legislation governing the activities of the LGBQI+ fraternity in the country.
Clarifying the matter, he noted that the Anti-LGBTQI bill has not been passed yet.
“The statement that there is legislation to that effect is not accurate,” he emphasised.
According to him, he has no doubt that Parliament will consider the sensitivity of the human rights aspect.
“The legislation is a legislation that is being proposed as a Private Members Bill. This is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that is being mooted by a handful of private members,” President Akufo-Addo clarified.
It would be recalled that on July 2021, eight members of Parliament introduced the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ bill.
The bill seeks to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in the country.
However, International organizations have raised concerns that the Bill could infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ persons who are a minority group in the country.
Although the bill is at the consideration stage in Parliament, the Attorney-General says portions are unconstitutional.
Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame explained that some of the “provisions will violate some fundamental human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to privacy.
This is contained in a response to a request for memoranda on the position of government by the Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Parliament dated October 19, 2022.
According to Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Anti-LGBTQI bill, in its current form, will therefore face some fundamental challenges during its implementation.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris has teamed up with Spotify to create an official playlist of African music during her first official trip to Africa.
Billboard.com reports that the playlist titled “My Travels: Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia,” is now available on the streaming platform and highlights the artists and sounds from her travels across these countries.
During her trip, which began on March 26 in Ghana, Harris will be visiting Tanzania on Wednesday and Zambia on Friday before returning to the United States on Sunday.
The playlist was curated in collaboration with Spotify and features several Ghanaian and Ghanaian-American artists, including Sarkodie, M3NSA, Amaarae, Moses Sumney, and Black Sherif.
On Monday, Harris will also visit Vibrate Space, a music workstation in Ghana that was launched by Surf Ghana with Spotify’s support last year.
She plans to meet with local artists, including some of those featured on her playlist, during her visit.
Click here to listen to the playlist, and check out the full tracklist below:
1. All My Cousins, “Act a Fool” 2. Moses Sumney, “Me in 20 Years” 3. T’neeya, “Pretty Mind” 4. Amaarae, “Reckless & Sweet” 5. Herman Suede, “Kumbaya” 6. Moliy, “Ghana Bop” 7. Ria Boss, “Call Up” 8. Harmonize, “Single Again” 9. Chile One Mr Zambia, “I Love You” 10. Black Sherif, “Kwaku the Traveller” 11. Jux, Marioo, Papi Cooper & Tony Duardo, “Nice (Kiss) 12. Zuchu, “Utaniua” 13. Yo Maps, “Aweah” 14. Alikiba, “Mahaba” 15. Jay Melody, “Sawa” 16. Mbosso feat. Costa Titch & Alfa Kat, “Shetani” 17. Sarkodie feat. Black Sherif, “Country Side” 18. Platform Tz & Marioo, “Fall” 19. Darassa feat. Bien, “No Body” 20. Chef 187 & Blake, “Nobody” 21. Kuami Eugene & Rotimi, “Cryptocurrency” 22. Coolguy Pro, “Cherry” 23. Marioo & Abbah, “Lonely” 24. M3NSA, “Fanti Love Song” 25. Baaba J, “Lumumba”
Five countries in coastal West Africa will benefit from a $100 million aid to help combat possible extreme terrorism.
This was announced by Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, on the second day of her visit to Ghana.
The countries include Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Guinea, and Togo.
This is in line with the US initiative to boost it eliminate violence and propel stability in areas vulnerable to conflict.
This was announced by US Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to the Jubilee House in Accra.
She was hosted by President Akufo-Addo where they both held pertinent discussions of mutual interest.
“Today I am pleased to announce $100 million in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo,” she said on Monday.
“Last week President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability.”
She expressed hope that the funding will help implement the policy outlined by US President Joe Biden in the strategic plan.
Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries – Tanzania and Zambia.
First it was the US secretary of state who visited Africa, then the vice president, and later in the year the president is anticipated to go.
This flurry of trips by senior US government officials reflects a growing understanding that the country has to strengthen its ties to Africa.
All of this occurs in the face of escalating opposition from other major world powers, particularly China and Russia.
Vice-President Kamala Harris started her nine-day trip in Ghana on Sunday, where she was greeted by drummers and dancers at Kotoka International Airport. She will later go to Tanzania and Zambia.
Ghana, with its focus on strengthening ties with the African diaspora as well as a record of several peaceful democratic transfers of power, provides an ideal launchpad for Ms Harris.
Her trip, according to an official statement, is intended to “build on” December’s US-Africa summit in Washington where President Joe Biden said the US was “all in on Africa’s future”.
But it is that future, boosted by a youthful and growing population as well as the continent’s immense natural resources, that have attracted a lot of other powerful nations vying for influence.
While Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s recent visit to Ethiopia and Niger focused on these countries’ security challenges, the vice-president’s tour will take her to nations facing serious economic problems.
Ghana’s once-thriving economy is going through its most difficult financial crisis in decades.
The country is seeking to restructure its debt amid surging inflation of over 50%. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has just been in Beijing leading negotiations with the Chinese government.
“So far, very positive and encouraging meetings in China,” the finance minister tweeted as he expressed optimism that it would secure external assurances “very soon”.
It needs the assurances to unlock financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
It is not clear what, if any help, Ms Harris can offer, but it will be under pressure to act like a willing partner in the wake of Mr Ofori-Atta’s China visit.
‘US a friend – like China and Russia’
Economist and professor of finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Alufar Bokpin, does not think the visit will deliver “an immediate dividend” to help alleviate the country’s financial woes.
“Having China on board is complicated,” he said, while noting that Ms Harris’ visit was “a very important” one for Ghana as it “elevates our relationship with the US to another level”.
He told the BBC the interest the US is showing in the country and its debt crisis “is good” but he is worried about what he described as “unfavourable terms of trade” with creditor nations.
Image caption,First Lady Jill Biden, seen here in Namibia in February, was another US dignitary to have recently visited the continent
Zambia finds itself in a similar position to Ghana.
The copper-rich nation became the first African country to default on its debt when the Covid pandemic hit.
It is in prolonged discussions with China to restructure its debt and has also sought financial support from the IMF.
The Reuters news agency quotes a senior US official as saying Ms Harris “would discuss the best ways for the international community to address debt challenges faced by Ghana and Zambia”.
Like Prof Bokpin, Zambian analyst Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa thinks China holds more influence when it comes to restructuring debt. But the US wants to be seen as the more reliable partner.
There is a growing sentiment on the continent that Africa should have a free choice in its relationships with the rest of the world.
“Zambia sees the United States in the same way as it sees China and Russia – a friend,” Dr Sishuwa told the BBC.
“When a country turns to China, or Russia, or the US for support, this should not be seen as snubbing one major power bloc or the other.”
He said attempts to seek exclusive relationships with African countries may be counterproductive and unsustainable.
This echoed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments during a visit to Washington last year when he said: “We should not be told by anyone who we associate with.”
Senior US officials have told the BBC it is not their intention to tell African countries who they can be friends with.
The US has however been keen to emphasise its focus on democracy in its relationships with African countries, something the vice-president is also expected to discuss during her visit.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is due to co-host a virtual Summit for Democracy, along with four other heads of state including President Biden, shortly before receiving Ms Harris in the country.
It is one of the values, along with human rights and good governance, that the US government says underpins its relationships with the continent – and sets it apart from China and Russia.
Scepticism in Africa
China has a non-interference policy in countries’ internal political affairs – something that has smoothed its engagement with autocratic leaders.
And Russia’s presence in African countries that have experienced coups recently – Burkina Faso and Mali – has led to a souring of relations between them and the West, especially France, the former colonial power which had maintained close ties to both countries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has no doubt given Western nations an added sense of urgency in winning over more African countries. UN votes to condemn it divided African nations which accounted for half of all abstentions, including Tanzania which is also on Ms Harris’ itinerary.
Image caption,Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan first met Vice-President Harris in Washington nearly a year ago
The US vice-president – the first woman to hold that position – will meet President Samia Suluhu Hassan, her country’s first female head of state.
This shared experience of being pioneering women is creating a buzz in Tanzania.
Many are also touting the visit as an endorsement of the progress the country is making and its growing visibility on the global map.
It was not that long ago that Tanzania was something of an outcast under the presidency of John Magufuli, who was seen as having autocratic tendencies, curtailing the activities of the opposition and independent media.
Ms Harris is the most senior US official from the Biden administration to visit Africa and the fifth since December’s US-Africa summit.
Others have been the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, First Lady Jill Biden and Mr Blinken.
But with the renewed interest comes a demand from the continent to be treated fairly.
Ghana’s Prof Bokpin said there was a level of scepticism about the heightened interest in Africa.
“There’s a belief that a new Scramble for Africa is in play,” referring to the subdivision of the continent by European nations in the late 19th Century which led to decades of colonialism and exploitation.
“This engagement needs to emphasise mutual respect,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo has disassociated himself from the anti-gay bill that is currently being considered by parliament.
Speaking at the Jubilee House during a joint press brief with the U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris, on Monday, March 27, 2023, he clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the Bill.
“The Legislation was a legislation that is being proposed as a Private Members Bill. This is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that is being mooted by a handful of private members,” he said.
His comment was in response to a question posed by a New York Times journalist who was inquiring about the position of the US government on Ghana’s proposed LGBTQI Bill during the joint press conference with the US Vice President and President Akufo-Addo.
Kamala Harris in response noted that the subject of the LGBTQI is an issue of Human Rights, thus, the US government prefers to treat it as such.
“A great deal of my work has been on human rights issues and equality across the board including the LGBTQ community. I believe strongly in supporting freedom and providing equality to all people and that all people be treated equally. I will also say that this is an issue I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she said.
Reacting to the same question, President Akufo-Addo dismissed assertions that an anti-gay bill has been passed in the country.
“We don’t have any such legislation in Ghana. A Bill has been proposed to the Parliament of Ghana which has all kinds of ramifications which is now being considered by the Parliament. It hasn’t been passed so the statement that there is Legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate. No legislation.
He added that “the bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney-General has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with the responsible response to the proposed Bill,” he added.
Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, has indirectly condemned the anti-LGBTQ bill formally known as Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill currently before Parliament.
In a joint presser with President Akufo-Addo on Monday, the US Vice President noted that she supports freedom and the equality of all including the LGBTQ community, a position the anti-LGBTQ does not support.
According to Kamala Harris, LGBTQ rights is human rights per her understanding and belief.
In response to a question posed by a New York Times journalist on the current bill, she said: “A great deal of my work has been on human right issues and equality across board including the LGBTQ community. I believe strongly in the supporting the freedom and providing equality on all people and that all people be treated equally. I will also say that this is an issue I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change.”
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was introduced in July 2021 in Parliament by eight MPs as a private bill.
The eight are Sam Nartey George (MP, Ningo-Prampram), Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).
It has been close to two years and Parliament is still considering the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values 2021 which will amongst other things, prohibit advocacy of same-sex or homosexual practices in the Country.
International organizations have raised concerns that the Bill could infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ persons who are a minority group in the country.
United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer has advised Ghanaians and their representatives in Parliament to respect international obligations and Domestic laws which centre on the need to protect the rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation.
MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, believes otherwise. He says LGBTQ rights does not qualify as human rights.
Speaker Alban Bagbin, on the matter, has indicated that “the sexual rights and human values Bill that is being handled by the committee will definitely be passed before the next elections.”
Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, will meet President Akufo-Addo today at the Jubilee House for bilateral talks.
A number of ministers including Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, are also present at the Jubilee House.
Vice President Kamala Harris touched down in Ghana on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2023, to begin her 9-day trip to Africa.
On Tuesday, the US Vice President will deliver a speech to a young audience and visit the Cape Coast slave castle to speak about the brutality of slavery and the African Diaspora.
On Wednesday, she will meet with women entrepreneurs in Accra to discuss the economic empowerment of women.
From Accra, her next stop will be Tanzania and Zambia.
US Vice PresidentKamala Harris‘ speech upon her arrival at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Sunday, March 26, 2023:
On behalf of the president and our entire nation, we bring you greetings and we are looking forward to this trip and the very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on the continent of Africa.
I’m very excited about the future of Africa. I’m very excited about the impact of the future of Africa on the rest of the world, including the United States of America. When I look at what is happening on this continent and the fact that the median age is 19 years old and what that tells us about the growth of opportunity, of innovation, of possibilities, I see in all of that great opportunity, not only for the people of this continent but the people of the world.
Especially when we understand that by the year 2050, we believe one in four people on earth will be on the continent ofAfrica. The partnership between this continent, its people and the people of the United States and reinforces the work that we will continue to do together. Be that on addressing the climate crisis, to supply chains to our work together on international rules and norms.
In particular, on this trip, I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls. Empowerment of youth. Entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and supporting the work that must be done to increase food security, including adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis.
I look forward to my meetings with President Nana Akufo-Addo, President Suluhu Samiya and President Hichilema. We will build on the previous meetings I have had with each of them to strengthen democracy and good governance, promote peace and security, build on long-term economic growth, and strengthen our business ties.
I also look forward during this visit to meeting with entrepreneurs and artists and students and farmers to witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent and inspiring the world. We have a lot of work ahead of us. And again, I’m so very excited to be here and I thank you all for the very warm welcome.
The second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, Ghana, as well as other African nations, will benefit economically from stronger links between the United States of America and those countries, according toUS Vice President Kamala Harris.
Her visit to Ghana, since becoming the Vice President of US, comes at a time when Ghana is facing an economic crisis.
Ghana secured a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility to support the country’s economic recovery and put it on a sustainable path of growth.
Kamala, who was welcomed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, amid traditional drumming and dancing and cheers from some schoolchildren on Sunday, said, her visit was to promote economic growth and food security in Ghana and other African countries.
“On this trip, I intend to do work that’s focused on increasing investment here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and support the work that must be done to increase food security,” Harris said in a short speech after her arrival at the Jubilee Lounge, Kotoka International Airport.
She said she would build on previous meetings with President Akufo-Addo, to deepen democracy and good governance, promote peace and security, build long-term economic growth, and strengthen business ties.
She said, “I also look forward to, during this visit, meet with entrepreneurs, students and farmers to witness, first-hand, the extraordinary innovation and creativity that’s occurring on this continent and inspiring the world.”
She said the US saw the visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia as a further statement of the long and enduring important relationship and friendship between her country and Africa.
“We (Ghana) see the visit of Kamala Harris as a very important one obviously because of the times in which we are, where the world is facing a lot of economic challenges,” Mr Jefferson Sackey, Deputy Director of Communication at the Presidency said in an interview with the media.
“She’ll be visiting Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, and the key focus of this particular visit is to find ways and means of helping each of these countries and find ways of addressing a lot of our economic woes,” Mr Sackey added.
As part of her three-day visit to Ghana, Kamala would hold talks with President Akufo-Addo, and meet with female entrepreneurs as her country seeks partnerships and investments in entrepreneurship.
After spending three days in Ghana, she would go to Tanzania for two days, before stopping over for a night in Zambia, as her country deepens its relationship with Africa. The highlight of her trip to Ghana, will be the delivering of a speech at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 28.
Harris would also visit a recording studio, and visit the Cape Coast Castle, Central Region, where enslaved Africans were once loaded onto ships for America.
It is a wonderful honor for her to be in Ghana and on the African continent, according to US vice president Kamala Harris.
During her arrival in Accra on Sunday, schoolchildren, dancers, and drummers greeted the delighted second most important person in America.
As she starts her three-day official visit to Ghana and a nine-day visit to Africa, she was beaming with smiles on a journey intended to deepen U.S. relationships as China extends its capture of the continent.
An excited Kamala Harris could not hide her joy as she was welcomed by vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other government officials.
With a hand placed on her heart, she smiled as she passed by the hard-hitting drummers and the graceful dancers.
On her left-hand side were children cheering and waving both the Ghanaian and American flags.
“What an honour it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa,” Harris said.
“I’m very excited about the future of Africa.”
She said she wanted to promote economic growth and food security and welcomed the chance to “witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent.”
“We are looking forward to this trip as a further statement of the long and enduring very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on this continent,” Kamala Harris said.
The Vice President of the United States of America has started her much anticipated diplomatic visit of Africa.
On Sunday, March 26, 2023, Kamala Harris landed to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport.
The Vice President expressed her desire to strengthen ties between the United States and Ghana and the continent while present with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and other top US officials.
Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via Facebook
Madam Harris is embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries – Tanzania and Zambia.
US Vice President, Kamala Harris in the company of her husband and other top US officials. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via Facebook
Delivering her first address, Madam Harris highlighted the significant role of Africa in the world .
She, therefore, hoped that her engagements while on the continent will foster investment in Africa.
These are some of the forever-frozen moments of Madam Harris’ memorable visit to Ghana.
Kamala Harris descended from the plane after touching down at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. Photo Credit: David AndohA young Ghanaian presents a bouquet of flowers to the US Vice President. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via FacebookVice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, welcomes US Vice President, Kamala Harris. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via FacebookKamala Harris exchanges pleasantries with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister. Photo Credit: David AndohCulture on full display as Ghana welcome US Vice President, Kamala Harris. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via FacebookKamala Harris walks to the podium to deliver the first speech of her three-nation African tour. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookSome Ghanaian students wave flags to welcome US Vice President. Photo credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookUS Vice President Kamala Harris touched by the warm welcome. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookKamala Harris delivers the first speech of her one week diplomatic tour of Africa. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookAmong other things, Madam Harris hoped her engagements during the tour would increase investments in Africa. Photo credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookKamala Harris radiantly smiles at the students who gathered at the Airport to welcome her. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookUS Vice President walks towards students gathered on the grounds. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information via FacebookKamala Harris interacts with students who cheered on her arrival. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via FacebookKamala Harris escorted to the Jubilee Lounge after her address. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via FacebookGhana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia interacts with US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Jubilee Lounge. Photo Credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via Facebook
