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AFAJATO ANTHOLOGY: NAVIGATING THE DEPTHS OF VOLTA LAKE SOTRIES

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  The event "Afajato: Stories from Around the Volta Lake" is a celebration of regional literature and cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity and richness of stories from the Volta Lake region. On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing (AAACCW) launched its latest anthology, "Afajato: Stories from Around the Volta Lake," at the B&PD Centre at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Adabraka, Accra.   This collection of short stories, centered in the Volta region of Ghana, features the works of 15 authors, most of them beginners, and a few seasoned writers. These authors are now part of the 76-member alumni of the Aidoo Centre, carrying forward the legacy of the late Ama Atta Aidoo. The anthology was compiled and edited by Nana Sandy Achampong, the Anthologist and director of the AAA Centre for Creative Writing, showcasing the diverse narratives from the regions surrounding the Volta Lake. The event began w...

THE ADINKRA SYMBOL - PEMPAMSIE

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  The Pempamsie symbol, being part of the broader Adinkra symbols used by the Akan people of Ghana, does not have a specific year of discovery.  These symbols have been a part of Akan culture for centuries and have been passed down through generations. They are believed to have originated in the 19th century, but the exact timeline of their development and usage is not well-documented. The Adinkra symbol "PEMPAMSIE" originates from the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa. It is derived from the words "pem," which means to "keep" or "preserve," and "pamsie," which means "separate" or "unite." The symbol represents the importance of being firm and steadfast in one's decisions and actions, as well as the need to guard against negative influences. PEMPAMSIE is often associated with readiness, steadfastness, and the ability to endure hardships. It is a symbol of strength and resilience, reminding individuals to remain s...

THE ROLE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN MEDIA CONSUMPTION

Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information, arguments, or situations. It involves questioning, reasoning, and examining evidence to form well-reasoned judgments or conclusions. It's like putting on your detective hat and looking at things from different angles to get a clearer picture. And yes of course, critical thinking is very important when it come to media consumption.  It is important because, It helps us analyze and evaluate the information we receive, so we don't just believe everything we see or hear. One real-life illustration of the importance of critical thinking in media consumption is the spread of misinformation or "fake news." Without critical thinking skills, individuals may believe and share misleading or false information, which can have serious consequences. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous false claims and misinformation about the virus and its treatment circulating on social medi...

SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION: CRAFTING A ROBUST PRIVACY AND SECURITY PROTOCOL FOR YOUR ONLINE NEWSROOM

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In the digital age, where information flows seamlessly across the internet, the need for a robust privacy and security protocol in an online newsroom cannot be overstated. As journalism students gearing up for a dynamic industry, it's crucial to understand the significance of safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the trust of your audience. In this blog post, we'll outline a comprehensive privacy and security protocol tailored for an online newsroom. 1. User Authentication and Authorization: Implement a secure user authentication system to control access to the newsroom's internal systems. Utilize strong password requirements and two-factor authentication to enhance security. Assign specific roles and permissions based on job responsibilities to ensure appropriate access levels. 2. Secure Communication Channels: Ensure that all communication within the newsroom and with external sources is encrypted. Use secure email services, encrypted messaging apps, and virt...

BOOTLEG GOODS IN GHANA

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In the past five years, the selling of fake products has increased as compared to the selling of authentic products. As of 2023, the purchase of bootleg products has increased by $487.6 billion worldwide .      Pricing is a main factor of purchasing bootleg products. The original price of a genuine Hermes bag can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, while a fake one may be significantly cheaper. Most people prefer to buy bootleg products due to economic hardship because these products cost lesser than the original product to save up some money.   Speaking to Mr Arthur Barnes Cyril, a GRA personnel he explained there are tax invasion on bootleg goods because they are the “black market”. These are goods that are smuggled or did not go through the right process or channels for government to tax them.   The bootleg product affects our local authorities because there are not enough factories. The local factories cannot compete with smuggled products ...

REVIVING HOPE: DONEWELL INSURANCE AND HAPPY 98.9FM JOIN FORCES FOR THE 2022 BLOOD DONATION INITIATIVE

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In a heartening collaboration, Donewell Insurance and Happy 98.9FM have once again united to breathe life into the annual blood donation exercise. Following a two-year hiatus due to pandemic-related challenges, the 2022 edition of this life-saving event marked a triumphant return. This partnership, now in its third year, reflects a shared commitment to the community's well-being and underscores the collective responsibility to address the persistent shortfall in voluntary blood. As we embark on this meaningful journey, we aim to gauge the community's response and satisfaction. We invite you to participate in our post-event surveys and share your thoughts, helping us better understand the impact of this initiative on the community's well-being. Our objectives for this year are clear—to increase voluntary blood donations by 20%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. We encourage you to join us in this life-saving mission and be a crucial part of reaching our set target. To keep you...

LIFE OF STREET HAWKERS IN ACCRA, GHANA

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  As a   student journalist, I spent several days     following a group of street hawkers in Accra, Ghana, observing their work and speaking with them about their experiences. What I found was a group of hardworking individuals who faced a range of challenges in their daily lives. Many of the street hawkers I spoke with were women who had migrated from rural areas to the city in search of work. They sold everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing and household goods, often working long hours in the hot sun to make ends meet. Despite their hard work, however, the street hawkers faced numerous challenges. They were often harassed by police and local authorities, who saw their work as illegal and disruptive to the city's economy. Many had been fined or had their goods confiscated, leaving them with no way to earn a living. Additionally, the street hawkers faced competition from other vendors, both legal and illegal. This made it difficult for them to find good lo...