The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revised the application fees for passport services, with the fee for a 32-page standard booklet now set at GHC500 and GHC644 for a 48-page standard booklet, effective April 1, 2024.
Similarly, expedited services will cost GHC700 for the 32-page booklet and GHC800 for the 48-page booklet.
These adjustments were outlined in the Ministry’s 2024 Budget estimates, approved by Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee.
Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey had previously proposed the fee review to mitigate losses in passport printing. The updated fees are now reflected on the Ministry’s online passport application page.
Minister Botchwey emphasized the need for realistic prices, stating, “It is time for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports they acquire to travel beginning next year.”
Additionally, she pointed out that Ghana’s current fee of $7.7 was the most economical within the sub-region, contrasting it with the charges in neighboring countries. For example, Cameroon’s fee stands at $180, Guinea at $57, Guinea-Bissau at $65, Burkina Faso at $80, and Nigeria at $54.29 for similar passport services.
The proposed fee adjustments sailed through the committee level unopposed within 21 days, facilitating their implementation.
Canadian songstress Céline Marie Claudette Dion, known professionally as Celine Dion, has recently opened up about her personal struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), shedding light on the challenges of living with this rare neurological disorder.
Marking international Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day on March 15, 2024, the iconic singer revealed that coping with SPS has been one of the most daunting experiences of her life. In an Instagram post, the ‘I’m Alive’ vocalist expressed her determination to eventually return to the stage and live as normal a life as possible.
Accompanying her heartfelt message was a photo of her with her three sons René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy. Dion shares her three children with her late husband René Angélil, who passed away in 2016.
Media personality and event organizer, Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, who recently fell short in her world record attempt for the longest singing, has unveiled her intentions for a ‘Thank You tour’ commencing on August 24, 2024.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Afua expressed her gratitude to the countries that stood by her during her Guinness World Record attempt. She revealed that the tour would commence in Toronto, Canada, welcoming both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians to participate in the festivities. The tour, generously sponsored by Airmart, a prominent travel agency, will continue until September 3, 2024.
“I have a tall list of Countries i am so grateful to for their immense support for me during my GWR record attempt. It’s time to say thank you beginning with all Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians in Toronto, Canada. Join us for an amazing experience from August 24 -September 03, 2024,” she said on the X app.
Afua’s ‘Thank You tour’ offers a comprehensive package for participants, including flight tickets, 10 nights of hotel accommodation, Canadian visa fees, biometric fees, and guided tours in Toronto. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Despite her unsuccessful attempt to break the record in December 2023, completing her singing marathon at 126 hours and 52 minutes, Afua remains undeterred. The Guinness World Record later explained that her failure to meet the required “break timings” was the reason for her attempt being invalidated, a standard rule across all of their longest marathon records.
Nonetheless, Afua is determined to show appreciation to her supporters through this special tour.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to introduce an innovative program aimed at improving digital access and education in Ghana’s secondary schools.
Planned for March 25th, the “One Student One Laptop” initiative is geared towards revolutionizing learning opportunities for Senior High School (SHS) students nationwide.
This initiative will provide every SHS student with their own laptop, marking a substantial stride in bridging the digital divide and empowering students with the necessary tools for success in our technology-driven era. The distribution of laptops will promptly begin after the official launch.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the program seeks to enhance computer literacy and technological proficiency among Ghanaian students by providing each SHS student with a government-supplied, pre-programmed laptop. It aligns with the government’s efforts to promote e-learning, digitalization, and prepare students for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen SHS education by offering Teaching and Learning Management Systems, Digital Learning Content, and Education Devices to all SHS and TVET schools nationwide.
Last year, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing laptops to every SHS student. The impending launch of this initiative underscores the government’s steadfast dedication to secondary education, particularly following the implementation of free education at the SHS level in 2017.
Majority Leader of Parliament and MP for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has firmly stated his stance on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
He emphasized his opposition to homosexuality but also criticized custodial sentencing as a method to address it.
Speaking to Sefah Danquah on Happy FM, he stated, “I am against homosexuality, but I am equally against custodial sentencing as a means of stopping it. I support a law to ban homosexual relationships, but I am against a law that would incarcerate a person because he’s involved in homosexuality.” Meanwhile, the Office of the President has asked Parliament to hold off on sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo due to pending court orders. The President’s Secretary, Nana Asante Bediatuo, emphasized that it would be inappropriate for Parliament to proceed until the legal matters are resolved.
The Attorney-General has also advised against the President’s involvement until the issues raised by the ongoing legal suits are addressed by the Supreme Court. Afenyo commented on this, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s yet to get to the President. But I also know that the case is in court, so eventually, the court would decide and rule on this matter, and we’ll take a decision as a country based on the ruling of the court.”
Comedian and actor Funny Face, whose real name is Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng, has once more found himself in a public dispute with his ex-partner Vanessa, sparking a fresh wave of controversy.
Taking to social media, he expressed his frustrations, feeling drained from an ongoing struggle for custody and visitation rights to his children. In a series of heartfelt posts, Funny Face opened up about the difficulties of maintaining a relationship with his kids amidst a turbulent co-parenting situation.
He revealed that after four years, Vanessa allowed him to reconnect with the children via video calls, only to suddenly cut off communication. Perplexed by Vanessa’s sudden change, he expressed his disappointment, feeling deceived by her earlier attempts at reconciliation.
In one of his Instagram posts, he lamented the challenges of being separated from his children for four years and questioned Vanessa’s sincerity, accusing her of reigniting his hope for a co-parenting arrangement only to snatch it away again. He emphasized that his calls were solely about seeing his children and expressed his determination to overcome the obstacles placed in his path.
Funny Face conveyed in an Instagram post, “In life, the most treacherous person is two-faced. Someone who changes like a chameleon. Vanessa, it’s been four years since you separated me from the kids. When I apologized to Bola Ray and he forgave me, I extended that forgiveness to you too. Then you came back, pleading for co-parenting, professing your love for me, and so on. Was it all a facade? Did you realize I wasn’t taking your words seriously? Because I knew you were insincere. You reignited my love for our kids, only to snatch them away again. “Now you dodge my calls, claiming to be busy or asleep, or having others answer on your behalf. But my calls aren’t about you; they’re about seeing my children. Four years without them is tormenting. You know how much I adore them. After all the suffering you’ve caused me, you’re doing it again? The kids will grow up and understand what I’ve endured. No amount of influence from your family can alter their perception of me.”
In a separate post, Funny Face expressed his frustration, stating, “Take the children and chew them. I’m tired of fighting to see my own blood. I will sell my house, cars and lands and some few properties I have left and relocate to a different country and start my life all over again.”
Scientists have announced a groundbreaking advancement in HIV treatment, claiming successful eradication of the virus from infected cells using Crispr gene-editing technology, a Nobel Prize-winning innovation.
Crispr acts as molecular scissors, precisely cutting DNA to remove or inactivate problematic segments.
Although current HIV medications can impede the virus’s progression, they do not eradicate it entirely.
The University of Amsterdam team, sharing their initial findings at a recent medical conference, emphasized this constraint. They emphasized that their research, while encouraging, is still in its early phases and does not yet provide a conclusive cure for HIV.
Dr. James Dixon, an associate professor specializing in stem-cell and gene-therapy technologies at the University of Nottingham, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for further research and validation of their findings.
“Much more work will be needed to demonstrate results in these cell assays can happen in an entire body for a future therapy.
“There will be much more development needed before this could have impact on those with HIV,” he said.
Other researchers are also exploring Crispr’s potential for combating HIV. Excision Biotherapeutics conducted a study involving three HIV-positive volunteers who experienced no significant side effects over 48 weeks of observation.
However, Dr. Jonathan Stoye from the Francis Crick Institute in London emphasized the formidable challenge of completely eliminating HIV from the body’s reservoirs. He expressed concerns about unintended side effects and long-term consequences associated with the treatment.
It may be several years before Crispr-based therapy becomes standard practice, even if its effectiveness is confirmed.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has alleged that Fantasy Entertainment, the operators of the recently dismantled Fantasy Dome at the Accra Trade Fair, engaged in electricity theft through an unauthorized connection.
The dome’s demolition exposed the illegal power hookup, triggering a fire outbreak during dismantling due to the electricians’ lack of awareness about the unauthorized connection.
In response to the incident, on-site ECG officials have urged Fantasy Dome management to provide a report to the Revenue Protection National Taskforce within 48 hours. Non-compliance could lead to legal consequences.
According to Asaase News, the revenue protection division of the ECG provided a report detailing the illegal connection carried out by the owners of the Fantasy Dome.
“You are requested, in your interest, to report within 48 hours from the date of this notice to (CSD) REVENUE PROTECTION NATIONAL TASKFORCE at ECG PROJECT OFFICE BEHIND THE VIP TRANSPORT YARD (CIRCLE), preferably between the hours of 8.00 AM and 5.00 PM to regularize your power service connection. You may bring along any relevant ECG document. EGG reserves the right to institute criminal proceedings against you at its convenience,” the report reads.
The Fantasy Dome, present since January 2018, was removed on March 16, 2024, for the ongoing Ghana International Trade Fair Center Development Project. Despite efforts by the Trade Fair Company Limited post-expiry of its tenancy agreement in December 2023, Fantasy Entertainment resisted, claiming to have an injunction which the Trade Fair Company denies.
Supervised by the Ghana Police Service and the National Security Ministry, its removal aimed to facilitate construction works for the project. Established in 1960 to boost Ghana’s trade, the Ghana Trade Fair Company is undergoing redevelopment to position Ghana as a trade hub for West Africa, with infrastructure works already underway.
Famous singer-songwriter and actress, Stephanie Benson recently shared her fitness journey with fans, disclosing her motivation to maintain a toned physique reminiscent of Jane Fonda’s.
Starting at the age of 22, she committed 15-20 minutes daily to exercise, driven by her aspiration to shine on stage, impress her partner, and keep up with her kids’ energy.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Benson shared throwback photos, emphasizing the importance of self-care and gradual progress through workouts. She recounted enrolling her son in martial arts, eventually joining him and igniting her fitness journey.
After giving birth to her fifth child, Benson’s trainer urged her to compete in bodybuilding, resulting in her remarkable triumph as Miss Figure SE in 2001 and securing the 2nd place in the UK. Her victory highlighted the fruits of perseverance and dedication.
Reflecting on her path, Benson emphasized that fitness is a gradual journey with enduring rewards. Now in her late 50s, she attributes her current physique to consistent effort and self-nurture. Her message resonates, advocating for self-love as the cornerstone of personal development and well-being.
Read the full post below:
“I started exercising for 15-20 mins a day before my first child Alex, at 8months old, would wake up. I was 22. How that journey started will be revealed later.
At the time, I wanted to look like Jane Fonda. I giggle now, but it’s true. My goal was to look the best I possibly could for stage, my husband and to be energetic for my children. I wanted to be able to spend time playing football, rugby etc with my boys and running track, playing hockey, netball and basketball with my daughters.
I enrolled my 3rd child, my 7yr old son JJ, in a Taekwondo and Kickboxing class, but I enjoyed watching so much, I ended up training with him in the same class. That’s when my journey to real fitness started.
After my 5th child Cameron, my trainer encouraged me to participate in a Bodybuilding competition, in the Ms Figure category.
I was a complete novice, but I do not fear challenges. A little late to enrol and 8 weeks to train, I ate rice, potato, tuna with cayenne pepper, boiled eggs, grilled chicken and sweetcorn 5 times a day for 8 weeks. Lord, It was a gruesome diet, but a temporary discomfort for achieving the body you see in that picture. Especially after 5 children.
2001, I won Ms Figure SE, and placed 2nd in UK. My 5th child Cameron was only 1 year old.
Investing in yourself through exercise, didn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that has its benefits in the long term. At 56, going on 57, the benefits is the body you see everyday in my posts.
Following their separation a year ago, Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez have officially concluded their divorce, as confirmed by the Associated Press.
The Los Angeles Superior Court finalized the dissolution of their three-year marriage on Tuesday (March 19), six months after Grande, aged 30, filed for divorce from Gomez, aged 28.
Absence of children or notable legal contentions notwithstanding, the couple, who had a prenuptial agreement, finalized the terms of their divorce in October. Nonetheless, a six-month waiting period ensued before the court’s decree could be enacted.
As per reports, Ariana Grande is set to provide Gomez with a lump sum payment of $1.25 million, forego any future alimony obligations, and apportion half of the proceeds from the sale of their Los Angeles residence to Gomez, in addition to covering up to $25,000 of his legal expenses. Irreconcilable differences were cited as the grounds for their separation in the divorce petition.
Their alleged romance commenced in early 2020 but remained under wraps until May of that year when they publicly disclosed their engagement, accompanied by a collection of images, one highlighting Grande’s engagement ring. Their wedding took place five months afterward, in May 2021. Following their split, Grande has reportedly been romantically associated with her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande’s latest album, “Eternal Sunshine,” made a remarkable debut by clinching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, underscoring her consistent success with a sixth consecutive chart-topping album. Simultaneously, all 12 tracks eligible for the charts from the album secured positions on the Hot 100, with “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” leading the pack by debuting at No. 1.
