Happenings In Gold Coast

Ghanaian Youtuber and Digital Creator Kwadwo Sheldon has expressed optimism over Kojo Oppong Nkrumah's rejection by NDC MPs which stops him to be passed as a minister. The Ofoase Ayerebi MP was rejected unanimously by the NDC MPs on the committee. According to these MPs, the overall reason for refusing to pass Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as Minister for Information was that he was dishonest with his answers at the vetting. On the back of that, Kwadwo Sheldon who is an unapologetic sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party has said he is unbothered with the deliberate attempt by the NDC MPs to stop Kojo Oppong Nkrumah from being passed as MP. In a tweet, the "Content Nyame" said he believes Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will still be passed as Minister for Information despite the current setback. Source | Summary

Controversial dancehall act Shatta Wale has pitched his colleague Stonebwoy to run for Ghana Music Rights Organization President. Shatta Wale who was at the studios of Starr FM to celebrate the birthday of the EIB Network boss, Bola Ray stated that he knows Stonebwoy will be perfect for the position. When asked what he thought of Shatta Wale's comments, Stonebwoy replied saying: " He just wants to give me pressure". The two hit it off at the studio with Shatta Wale making it clear they both listen to each other's songs. Shatta Wale went ahead to say his favorite Stonebwoy song and Stonebwoy also did same. Source | Summary

Some of the UK's most prominent Ghanaians have joined together to condemn their former homeland for its stance on gay rights in what will be seen as an extraordinary show of diaspora power. The influential names in fashion, film and media, including Idris Elba and the Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, have signed an open letter in support of Ghana's LGBTQ+ community. Naomi Campbell not of Ghanaian heritage, has also put her name to the letter. Last week a community centre for LGBTQ+ people in the west African country closed its doors after mounting pressure by religious groups and anti-gay organisations against sexual minorities. The letter, signed by 67 celebrities, politicians and other influential people largely of Ghanaian heritage, said they were deeply disturbed by the events and called on Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and other political leaders to offer protection to the LGBTQ+ community. "We have watched with profound concern as you have had to question the safety of your vital work at the LGBT+ Rights Ghana Centre in Accra, and feared for your personal wellbeing and security. It is unacceptable to us that you feel unsafe," it said. "As prominent and powerful advocates for this great country, we are beseeching His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and political/cultural leaders to create a pathway for allyship, protection and support. We petition for inclusivity which will make the nation even greater and even stronger," it continued. In recent weeks several high-profile figures in Ghana had demanded the closure of the centre, intended to be a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to meet and find support. Although same-sex relationships are illegal in Ghana, the law is rarely enforced, according to a 2018 report by Human Rights Watch. The community centre was set up by LGBT+ Rights Ghana. A fundraising event to mark the opening was attended by the Danish ambassador, the Australian high commissioner and EU delegates, which caused outrage and prompted repeated claims that the international community was promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. Earlier this month, the Catholic church in Ghana bishops' conference released a statement demanding the centre be shut down and condemned "All those who support the practice of homosexuality in Ghana". It urged the government "Never to be cowed down or to succumb to the pressure to legalise the rights of LGBTQIA in Ghana". Roslyn Mould, a board member of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, said the group hoped the community space would protect LGBTQ+ people from the abuse they had faced in Ghana in recent weeks. Ghana's National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values has in recent weeks ramped up abuse against sexual minorities, Mould said. Source | Summary

UK based gospel singer, Diana Hamilton has made it known that, being a celebrity does not interfere with her duties as a wife and mother. In an interview on Kastle FM's Amansan Kraakye, the singer, fashion designer and nurse emphasized that it is God's grace that enables her to successfully multitask. "First things first, whatever job God assigns you to do comes with who'll be your helper. In all what I do I still have time for my husband and kids," she said. "I'm still being a mother, wife, sibling, friend, family or church member. It is by the grace of God that we are able to accomplish all these tasks seamlessly despite my busy schedules," the singer continued. "Just now when you called I was busily untying my daughter's braided hair. I think you even heard her speak and I told her to go to her room so that I can continue with the phone interview," Diana further added. Source | Summary