Author: Kobby Josvan

  • Ghana’s newly imported train involved in accident during test run

    Ghana’s newly imported train involved in accident during test run

    The recently purchased train by Ghana was involved in an accident during a test run in the Asuogyaman district. The train was shipped from Poland and was supposed to run on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.

    The accident happened on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at about 12:10 p.m, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways Development.

    According to the Ministry, the train struck a stationary car that was parked directly across the rail track as it approached the curve at Km76+100.

    “Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle.”

    The Ministry affirmed that all onlookers, drivers, passengers, and crew members were safe and that no deaths had been reported.

    “It is important to note that the vehicle was unmanned, and the location where it was found is not designated as an authorized level crossing. Thankfully, there were no injuries sustained by passengers on the train or bystanders. However, there was minor damage to the driver’s cab section of the train.”

    It stated that the police had been notified of the incident and that investigations were still ongoing.

    “The incident has been promptly reported to the Police, and investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The DMU involved has been moved to the Workshop for further assessment and necessary repairs.”

    The Ministry assured the public of security and promised to keep the railway system operating safely.

    “We assure the public that safety remains our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring the continued safe operation of our railway systems. We urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols when operating or crossing railway tracks.”

    The two modern diesel-powered trains were purchased by the government from Poland in order to improve the railway transportation network.

    Engineers are currently fixing the damaged train, according to Railway Development Minister Peter Amewu, in an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM.

    “Engineers are currently working on it, the train has been brought back to the workshop. The KIA driver has reported himself to the police station. The good thing is that none of the passengers, crew on board got injured, we’re currently in the process of assessing the damage to the train. Technically, the train is still in good form, nothing in terms of the electricals or engine have been disturbed. We’re hoping that the insurance company will work on it as quickly as possible to bring the train back on the line.”

    According to him, the test run was known to the community members.

    According to reports, the state purchased 12 trains for the Ghana Railways Company, which is anticipated to run both long- and short-distance routes.

    The Ghana Railway Development Authority refuted the reports, nevertheless.

  • I won’t date anyone in the music industry – Gyakie asserts

    I won’t date anyone in the music industry – Gyakie asserts

    Gyakie, the stage name of Ghanaian music sensation Jackline Acheampong, has been transparent about her experiences in the dating scene.

    The ‘Rent Free’ hitmaker admitted that although romantic relationships with people in your field might be difficult, love is undoubtedly beautiful in an exclusive interview with 3FM.

    The “Song bird,” Gyakie, went on to say that while love is unpredictable, she would not be dating anyone in the business at this time.

    “I won’t advise myself to do that if I have another version of me. I wouldn’t advise that because it can be very, very tricky but you never know.

    Love is a beautiful thing. I wouldn’t say its wrong but at the same time, right now, I wouldn’t advise myself to be with an industry person,” she said

    This comes after the celebrated vocalist shared the meaning behind the song “December,” which was released recently. She revealed that she decided to gather her emotions and write “December” as a coping mechanism after meeting with a “special someone” and being disappointed and heartbroken.

  • Davido and Stonebwoy perform spectacularly together at Madison Square Garden (Watch)

    Davido and Stonebwoy perform spectacularly together at Madison Square Garden (Watch)

    Nigerian afrobeats singer, Davido surprised crowds at his just ended Timeless Concert at Madison Square Garden where he shared the grand stage with Ghanaian Afro-dancehall act Stonebwoy, wow fans with a spectacular performance.

    The performance showcased the synergy between the two artists, making it a highlight of the night. It also further solidifies the bond between Stonebwoy and Davido demonstrating their shared commitment to uplifting the African music scene on a global stage.

    The enthusiastic crowd was thrilled when the pair gave an amazing performance of their hit song “Activate,” which they co-wrote. Fans sang along to every word, throwing off a unified and unforgettable moment that created a heated atmosphere in the room.

    The highlight of the evening was the performance, which demonstrated the two artists’ synergy. Additionally, it strengthens the relationship between Stonebwoy and Nigerian musicians by highlighting their mutual desire to elevate the African music landscape internationally.

    At the African Games closing ceremony in Ghana, Stonebwoy invited Nigerian rapper Odumodu Blvck for an exclusive performance of their new song, “Ekelebe.”

  • Shatta Wale & Stonebwoy Uniting?The Bigger Picture –  Kobby JosVan speaks

    Shatta Wale & Stonebwoy Uniting?The Bigger Picture – Kobby JosVan speaks

    Rather than escalating the conflict and commotion between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, I believe it would be better to work together to promote harmony and peace between these two incredible and remarkable artists.

    Who is Shatta Wale?

    Shatta Wale is a popular Ghanaian musician known for his dancehall and reggae-influenced music. He has amassed a sizable fan base and put out a lot of successful songs.

    Who is Stonebwoy?
    Stonebwoy is another talented Ghanaian musician who specializes in dancehall and reggae music. He has a sizable fan base and has also experienced considerable success. Both Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale are prominent figures in the Ghanaian music industry.

    To draw a line here, both artists are well-known, prominent and have accomplished a lot in their own unique ways.

    Imagine both celebrities putting aside their differences to work together towards a single creative mission; the outcomes will be astounding.

    Taking you back to 2019, at Ashaiman to The World, a street and outdoor event organized by Stonebwoy as means to show love and pay back to society where Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy shared the stage and performed together. It was an event and a history that would never be forgotten in Ghana Music’s annals. Not to talk about the fun, love and buzz that event generated.

    The Asaase Radio Sound Clash

    Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy’s Asaase Radio sound battle was an exciting spectacle. It gave a unique opportunity for them to interact with their fans and displayed their amazing talents. The two artists engaged in friendly competition and a great deal of excitement following the clash. It was an iconic moment for the fans of both Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, solidifying their positions as the biggest musicians in Ghanaian music.

    However, what are we currently witnessing? It hurts me to watch these incredible acts of fighting all the time.

    Yes, indeed! If a cause is identified, potential remedies may also exist.

    In my opinion, the media is exacerbating the conflict between Shatta and Stonebwoy. We will continue to face these problems in our industry until the media returns to its core objectives and values; educating, entertaining, and informing the public.

    Important Concerns:

    1. One-sidedness/ Biases
      Some media outlets, in my opinion, have a lot of biases and favouritism; rather than addressing the issues at hand, we take sides based on our individual interests.
    2. Poor research
      Some media outlets do not do adequate fact-checking or research, which primarily results in clout. Some term go in for content that will generate the attention and mileage but educating the general public on the actual happenings
    3. Competition
      Some media personalities seem to be in a competition with celebrities for attention, numbers, popularity, and perceived superiority; rather than adjusting and rectifying when they make mistakes or fall short, they choose to fight these celebrities.

    The Bigger Picture

    A collaboration between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy would be incredible. A joint project could attract a larger audience because they both have distinct styles and fan bases. It would create more buzz and generate more revenue and a lot of excitement among their fans. Their combined abilities would also produce a vibrant and unforgettable musical performance. It is always wonderful to see artists collaborate to create something truly unique.

    The Way Forward

    Resolving the controversy between Shatta and Stonebwoy is a collective responsibilities by the media, industry players, and stakeholders.

  • “I have taken £80,000 to perform at Medikal’s concert” – DJ Azonto asserts

    “I have taken £80,000 to perform at Medikal’s concert” – DJ Azonto asserts

    Ghanaian musician and disc jockey Mark Kwesi Arthur, better known by his stage name DJ Azonto, has revealed that he will be taking part in Medikal’s upcoming London show.

    According to the singer of “Fa no fom,” the rapper has already partially compensated him for coming to his upcoming show at London’s O2 Arena.

    DJ Azonto revealed that he has been billed as one of the performers for the show and has already received a staggering amount of £80,000 as part payment for his performance in an exclusive interview with Dr. Prekese on Onua FM’s Efie Ne Fie.

    He continued by saying that the remaining £20,000 will be paid following his performance at the show, as £100,000 was the agreed-upon payment amount.

    “Can Medikal have the show without me? Have you seen any father who eats and does not feed his sons? I have received pounds from Medikal, you will see me live in London. Medikal has paid and billed me.

    “I’m taking £100,000, he has already paid me £80,000 [after performance then I take the £20,000],” he said.

    Medikal’s highly anticipated show at the esteemed O2 Arena is scheduled for May 3. The rapper has been gaining momentum for his concert and drawing attention since March.

  • Former MASLOC CEO jailed 10 years for causing Financial Loss

    Former MASLOC CEO jailed 10 years for causing Financial Loss

    Former MASLOc CEO Sedinam Tamakloe received a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour, while Daniel Axim, the organization’s former chief operating officer, received a five-year sentence with hard labour.

    On 78 counts, including conspiring to steal, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and causing damage to public property in violation of public procurement law, they were both found guilty.

    Since 2019, the two have been put on trial. Sedina Tamakloe, the first accused, was tried in absentia after she fled the country with permission from the court to seek medical attention abroad. The state called a total of six witnesses. On the other hand, the second accused party gave a direct testimony without calling any witnesses.

    The offences for which the defendants have been found guilty centre on the embezzlement of funds intended for MASLOc operations from 2013 to 2016.

    In one of the cases, it was discovered that the convicts had taken out a GHc 500,000 loan for the Obaatampa Savings and Loans company. However, when the financial institution declined to give them a twenty-four percent commission on the deal, the convicts demanded a refund of the money.

    The state’s evidence revealed that, despite the existence of proof of the aforementioned refund to the convicts, it was not recorded in the books and accounts of the organisation that filed the complaint, MASLOc.

    Additionally, the pair was found guilty of stealing more than 1.7 million Ghanaian cedis intended for a sensitization campaign. The case’s facts state that MASLOc was supposed to give each of the 85,300 beneficiaries, or 1.7 million cedis, 20 Ghana cedis. Only 1,300 cedis, however, were used for the intended purpose; the remaining funds were embezzled by the convicts.

    Similarly, of the 1.4 million cedis, only 579,800 were given to the victims of the Kantamanso fire, with the remaining monies going to the two defendants.

    The case also concerned the purchase of several cars for MASLOc, wherein funds were disbursed in excess of the cars’ then-market value. A similar circumstance applied to the purchase of some Samsung phones.

    Despite being purchased in bulk, the evidence indicated that the amounts were greater than the going rate at the time.

  • Attempting to combat corruption as president will result in death – Okyeame Kwame

    Attempting to combat corruption as president will result in death – Okyeame Kwame

    Okyeame Kwame asserts that the solution to Ghana’s issues lies in educating the next generation.

    From his vantage point, meaningful change appears unachievable due to the pervasive corruption in the current political environment.

    The rapper has voiced doubt, claiming that because corruption is so pervasive, any leader who tries to implement significant reforms will suffer dire consequences and may even endanger their life.

    “NDC/NPP cannot help Ghana; family is what can help Ghana. The problem affecting us as a people is a problem of the mind. The corrupt system cannot fix itself; it makes a lot of people rich and happy. If a president wants to come and fight corruption in the country right now, he will be dead in 2 weeks. It’s not about pay; it’s not about money; it’s about morality,” he asserted.

    Ghanaians’ current generation’s mentality, according to Okyeame Kwame, is the primary cause of corruption. He suggested that fostering corruption in young people from an early age would be the most successful course of action.

    “The politician was put in power by you and me; they are a representation of us, so if they are corrupt, it shows that you are corrupt. I agree that politicians are causing problems, but as you fight the politicians, train your child not to think like a politician. My vision is that we train our children to be incorruptible so that they will grow up and do away with this corrupt system. That is the only way I think Ghana would develop. Let us focus on training the young ones now,” he emphasized.

    When questioned about the politicians in charge right now, Okyeame Kwame gave a fatalistic response, implying that they will all eventually die. He emphasised that the best way to create good change in the future is to teach children to be selfless.

  • Disability group criticizes Shatta Wale for mocking Stonebwoy

    Disability group criticizes Shatta Wale for mocking Stonebwoy

    Ghanaian Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has received a warning from the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) regarding his alleged mockery of people with disabilities during a recent performance.

    This caution is in response to Shatta Wale’s mockery of Stonebwoy during one of his live videos with the fans.

    According to the GSPD, Shatta Wale is not only making fun of his colleague musician, Stonebwoy but also people with disabilities .

    “You are a bad person that is why God made you a disabled person, you are a disabled person don’t try and fight an able person” Shatta Wale said.

    The incident has spurred discussion about the value of inclusivity and respect for every person.

    The GSPD in a press statement issued on April 15 in reaction to the incident, disclosed that making fun of people with disabilities is not only disrespectful but also against their rights. The GSPD demanded awareness-raising and instruction to uphold inclusivity and dignity for every person, irrespective of their capacity.

    Shatta Wale & Stonebwoy

    “The GSPD takes exception to this statement and ask Shatta Wale to retract the statement, remove such video from social media and apologize to all persons with disability and Ghanaian,” the statement said.

    The law considers it unlawful to make fun of people with disabilities. As a result, the GSPD has asked the appropriate authorities to look into the incident and, if needed, take appropriate action. Such acts may have fines and even jail time as legal repercussions.

    “Using a person’s disability to mock him or her or making derogatory remarks about a person’s disability is a punishable offence by law, refer to disability Act 715.”

    “Disability indeed can be anyone’s lot at any given time” they stated.

    Read full statement below;

  • Celebrating the musical journey of Ghanaian legendary GYEDU BLAY AMBOLLEY

    Celebrating the musical journey of Ghanaian legendary GYEDU BLAY AMBOLLEY

    Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a Ghanaian highlife musician, songwriter, producer, and composer. Simigwa is a musical genre that Ambolley invented. He was the first person in Ghanaian music history to formally incorporate rap forms into traditional highlife rhythms. His distinctive musical style, Simigwa, is a blend of highlife, funk, and jazz, earning him the moniker “Simigwa Do Man.”

    Throughout his career, Gyedu Blay Ambolley has put out multiple albums and has been active in the music industry for a number of decades. The catchy melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and infectious rhythms of his music are well-known. Gyedu Blay Ambolley is a true musical pioneer from Ghana who has had a big influence on the highlife genre.

    The Genre, Simigwa

    Simigwa music is a unique genre created by Gyedu Blay Ambolley. Its vibrant and energising sound is the result of a fusion of jazz, funk, and highlife. The catchy melodies, groovy basslines, and infectious rhythms of simigwa music define it. It creates a unique and enthralling musical experience by fusing Western influences with traditional Ghanaian music elements. Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s inventive songwriting has made Simigwa a popular genre among fans of Ghanaian music.

    One popular song of genre is “Simigwa Soca.” A great example of the fusion of jazz, funk, and highlife elements is this upbeat and groovy track. “Akoko Ba” is another amazing song that will get you moving. It has a catchy melody and catchy rhythms.

    Impact on the Music Industry

    Gyedu Blay has had a significant impacts on the music industry, especially in Ghana. His distinct style and infectious rhythms have influenced many musicians and inspired the development of new genres. The contributions of Gyedu Blay Ambolley have shaped the Ghanaian music scene and brought him recognition on a global scale. He is commended for his musical prowess, inventiveness, and ability to captivate audiences with upbeat performances. His impact on the music industry is nothing short of remarkable.

    Over his career, Gyedu Blay Ambolley has bestowed upon us a plethora of hit songs. “Adwoa,” “Fa No Dem Ara,” “Akoko Ba,” and “Simigwa-Do” are a few of his best-known songs. These songs, which highlight his distinctive fusion of jazz, funk, and highlife, have stood the test of time in the music space.

  • Rising star Mr. Stickz gears up for a new EP “Man Like Stickz”

    Rising star Mr. Stickz gears up for a new EP “Man Like Stickz”

    Mr. Stickz, real name Adesegun Babatunde Adetola, is getting ready to release “Man Like Stickz,” his first studio EP.

    Stickz, is getting ready to release “Man Like Stickz,” his debut studio EP, which will be a big step in his musical career. With five different tracks—”MY LIFE,” “LUCI,” “IFUNANYA,” “MU NA MU BL3,” and “ACCRA”—this EP looks to be an engaging compilation.

    Every song on “Man Like Stickz” exhibits Mr. Stickz’s versatility as a musician and storyteller, reflecting his distinct style and artistic vision. The EP offers a wide range of sounds and emotions, from reflective introspection to catchy rhythms, giving listeners a rich and engrossing musical experience.

    Mr. Stickz

    This EP stands out because every song was written and composed entirely by Mr. Stickz, showcasing his abilities as a composer as well as lyricist. His ability to exercise creative control enables him to deeply connect with his audience by bringing his unique experiences, viewpoints, and passions to every song.

    The EP also features excellent production quality, as all of the tracks were created and mastered by the gifted E’Sharp Beatz. The expert production work of E’Sharp Beatz combined with Mr. Stickz’s skillful songwriting guarantees that “Man Like Stickz” has a polished, polished sound that appeals to listeners of all stripes.

    Man Like StickZ

    Expectations are high among music lovers and fans of Mr. Stickz as he gets ready to release his debut EP. “Man Like Stickz” has an amazing storyline, catchy tunes, and excellent production, all of which will make it impossible to ignore this song and solidify Mr. Stickz’s status as a rising star in the music industry.

    You can follow Mr. Stickz on these social media platforms by tapping on the links below.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/8gD3tSvxs2cccjgZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/eministickz?s=21

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/man.like.stickz?igsh=a2xuamtlZ3czcDhr

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@man_like_stickz?_t=8lT1nTL78yb&_r=1

    Check Previous Projects Here

    https://ffm.bio/jdb9ydv