Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2014; Ten things to look out for

Fifteen years down the lane, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is by far Ghana's biggest music awards festival.

From performances that make people dance to winning probabilities, here are ten things to look out for in this year's edition of the VGMA happening on Saturday May 3, 2014.

1. This is the fifteenth year of the awards and no female artiste has ever won the overall best Artiste of the year.

2.  No gospel artiste has ever won the Overall Best Artiste of the year. If Sonnie Badu wins it this time, he would have achieved what previous promising contenders like Lenny Akpadie and Cwesi Oteng failed to do.

3.  Last year, veterans Amandzeba Nat Brew, VIP and Akatakyie stole the show with back to back hits from the past. If showgoers could select one performer who gave them their money’s worth, they will pick Kontihene. Nana Appiah Kontihene just kept releasing hits, one after the other from Asesa to Akatesia to Esi whiles the crowd sang and danced themselves out of control. This year, who is going to get the crowd dancing? A hot star or a cool veteran?

4.  One of the hottest highlife singers of the early 2000s is now a pastor. But before Ofori Amponsah dropped his mic and picked up his bible, he set a new record by hauling seven (7) awards in one edition of the GMAs in 2006. This year, if Sarkodie wins all his eight (8) nominations, excluding an appearance on Joey B's Tonga, he'll break Ofori Amponsah's record.

5.  Over the last five years, Okyeame Kwame has received nine (9) awards - picking four of them in 2013, three in 2009 and two in 2012. Sarkodie follows with eight (8) awards, sweeping five of them in 2010 and three (3) in 2013. In that same period, Tema based R2bees have bagged five(5) awards, four(4) of which came only last year and the other in 2011. Kwabena Kwabena and Efya also have four(4) each to their name. Kwabena Kwabena won two in 2011 and one each in 2009 and 2012 whilst Efya picked two of them in 2013 and one each in 2011 and 2012.

6.  Shatta Wale is the only artiste who appears in three (3) different songs nominated in the same category -Reggae / Dancehall song of the year.

If Shatta Wale wins an award, he'll follow a tradition of artistes who have openly criticised the awards one year and returned to win it the next year. Blakk Rasta and Kwaw Kesse are some of the recent acts to do the same.

7.  MzVee has been selected as this year’s unsung act. Many people will see the former D3 member in action for the first time if she performs on the night.

8.  Nima based VIP, now called VVIP, are the first and only group to win the overall Artiste of the Year twice. Kojo Antwi was actually the first to do a double, and after VIP, Sarkodie is the only other artiste to have won the biggest award twice. VIP got their second award in 2011 after first winning it in 2004 with hit song 'Ahomka wom'.

9.  With three ladies and three gentlemen, Gospel Song of the Year has more female nominees than any other category. The simple probability that a female performer will win this category is 1 out of 2. The probability that a female will win the Artiste of the year is zero (there are no female nominees).

10.  The Vodafone song of the year is chosen entirely by the public using mobile phones. Six (6) of the ten nominated songs are about Love, romance, an attractive girl or sex.

May deserving artistes win.

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About the author

Fatima Ibrahim has been a keen follower and analyst of contemporary African music and movies for years. When she is not checking out the latest in entertainment and current affairs, she spends her time working on a career as a professional telecoms engineer. 

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven. Our goal is to inspire ambitious young people to achieve their big dreams. We do this by providing high quality content on personal development, success lessons, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles and current sports and entertainment. Follow us on Twitter @newaccra [] Facebook.com/newaccra 

photo; ghanamusicawards

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DOMAIN NAMES FOR SALE

Buying one of these handpicked domain names today can make you a fortune quickly. An internet address like www.facebook.com is called a domain name.  A good domain name is like a property in a location that everybody wants. You could rent it, sell the land or develop the property and then sell it off.  It’s the same with a good domain name. You can sell just the name, you can build a website and sell it for higher,you can even build a full business around it or simply use it for your existing brand. The choice is yours.

These domains are up for sale. Buy yours NOW!

#	Popularity
www.hotkenkey.com	This catchy domain name will work well in entertainment, food and many other areas. Also useful in Asian countries.  Has a wide appeal.
www.koftown.com	Nickname of popular cities in Ghana, USA and Eastern Europe and music brands etc. This is a good buy
www.visitkumasi.com	Very popular destination among tourists and visitors to Ghana. Suitable for tourist / event or informational website. Several thousand monthly searches.
www.visithoniara.com	Honiara  (capital of Solomon Islands) is fast becoming a popular destination among  European and American tourists. This domain is ideal for a buyer who can hold on to it and sell at a massive profit later.  Similar site VisitBerlin was sold for 230 million USD.
www.itlogistiks.com	Logistics is a popularly searched term. This domain can be used for a website for a new or existing company, brand, education /informational site etc. A very good buy.
www.toursolomons.com	This name will work well for travel and tour businesses and other businesses. Has various uses.

Don’t waste time. BUY YOUR DOMAIN NOW!  We guarantee the safety of your transaction and will personally contact you when you send an email  -  info@newaccra.com

Not exactly what you want? No problem, we still have a few more. Let’s talk about what you want and we may be able to help you find it 

Do you have a domain and want to list it for sale? We have a handful of slots in this upcoming sale.  Get in touch and let’s talk.

Know someone who'll be interested? kindly share with them.

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National Character and the leader

Leadership expert John C. Maxwell said what has now become a common saying - "everything rises and falls on leadership". This means that whether family, society, nation and world will progress greatly depends on her leaders. One is therefore right in saying that as a people, we are collectively where we are today as a result of the average strengths and weaknesses of our leaders, past and present. So the question is, are we comfortable with where we are as a people?

If we are comfortable, then those who lead us are doing a great job. If not, they have failed us. But if we stop here, then we are playing the blame game and shirking our responsibility, two habits which have sadly become our National Character.

In the few years I have lived, it appears to me that some of us are waiting for a messiah, maybe another Kwame Nkrumah to come and rescue us from the continuum of chaos in our nation. It looks like we are waiting for a miracle that will transport us into our dream society. I have repented, put on sackcloth and with a new state of mind, I tell you that there won't be another Nkrumah, there will only be you and I with the same potential to make our nation great and strong. A sage once said, ‘when I was young and clever, I wanted to change the world. Growing old and wise, I want to change myself’. The change we so much want to see in our families, towns, cities, nations and continent actually rests with us. So how do we change ourselves?

To change ourselves, we need to stop seeing the world through our challenges and know that if we decide to 'stand in the gap', positive change will blossom. If we will stand to be counted, change agents will become the majority with a voice. If we will start reaching for perfection, change will come and if we stop looking and start being, we can embrace that change we want. The leader we all expect won't come until we conquer our fears of standing in the arena of our lives and knocking out self and challenging him / her to change.

Leadership is about function and not position. So whether or not we bear titles, we can all start functioning as leaders in our small chiefdoms. The rippling effect will be strong leadership in every facet of family, society, and a strong National Character. Everybody can begin by practicing the 3Ps - identifying your Purpose, knowing your Potential and maximize it to develop People.

The reality is that leaders come from society, so weak leaders may imply a generally weak society. People always get the leader they want, either by desire or acquiescing. In simple terms, are you confident enough to vote for the person in the mirror to occupy the same positions you criticize others for?

The challenge to you and I is to be that leader who will bring our national dream to pass in our generation. It lies within our locus of control, so let us take action today because the benefits are endless for God, country and self. Start the change process. Be a change agent. Stand to be counted. Leadership challenge accepted!



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About the author

Kwamina Ekremet is a youth leader, volunteer and a Process Engineer. He believes that individual Africans can change Africa by making Africa's problem their personal problem and then solve it in their generation. He is in love with Africa’s potential and her rise to become a force to reckon with in world affairs.

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven. Our goal is to inspire ambitious young people to achieve their big dreams. We do this by providing high quality content on personal development and success, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, and current sports and entertainment. Follow us on twitter for more @newaccra or Facebook/Newaccra or by email- info@newaccra.com

photo; coachfore.org

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EASTER 2014; Five places to check out

There is good news for you last-minute people still wondering how to celebrate this Easter. Newaccra Magazine has got you covered.  Just like we did on Val’s day, we called our friends at Pleasure Sights, a rising events and tourism company and they have handpicked the following Easter eggs for you;

Harvest Praise 

This is a good way to begin your Easter festivities. You will be glad you attended this event happening on the 18^th of April, 2014 at the International Conference Center.

It promises to be an amazing experience as Kurt Carr headlines the show supported by the Harvest Gospel Choir. A host of other seasoned gospel artistes like Deacon Yaw Antwi Dadzie, Daughters of Glorious Jesus and Nana Folson are all billed to rock. The good news is this is all so affordable.

Beige Village

The long list of what Beige Village offers this Easter includes paint balling, family carnival and  barbecue dinner with live band music. There is also paragliding at Kwahu Mountains and they will provide a free shuttle from Accra to Kwahu for this.

You also get to visit the Largest palm plantation in Ghana and help yourself to your pick from a menu of a big Easter breakfast,  kid’s Easter Bonnet & Hat Making,  Golf clinic, relaxation Spa and Night club events.

Kpando Calling

When it comes to celebrating Easter, the Volta region has its own style. But if any town can come close to Kwahu, it will be Kpando, a bubbly town that offers a sight that is truly great to behold and is home to Bishop Herman College.

There is a lot of love as almost everyone goes back home to be with family. Whilst you are there, there are budget places to sleep like Cedes and Tricko Villa Lodge and good meals at Rose’s (ask any native for directions). There are lots of activities as local artists and dance troupes pass through to entertain crowds with live performances. The bonus is that Kpando is close to good tourism sights like the Biakpa Mountain Paradise, Wli Falls, Afadjato, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.

Kumasi Connects

This year, the Garden City of Ghana looks packed with Easter activities and will be ideal if you want a fun place for a change.

Plus 2 pub will try to calm your sad nerves with some good live band music on Good Friday and Sister Akos Kitchen will serve you some nice and affordable fufu on Saturday. This is all to get you ready for Efya and Sarkodie’s shows on Easter Sunday and Castro’s gig on Easter Monday. If all this is not enough, Lake side will also be a wonderful place to be on Easter Monday and Wildwin Resort has pedal boats, table tennis, swimming and good music. Keep in mind that Golden Tulip also has a very wonderful Easter package planned for visitors.

Kwahu Easter

Easter celebration in Ghana is incomplete without a mention of Kwahu, a collection of towns that includes Atibie, Obomeng , Pepease and Mpraeso.If you go to this famed Easter location, you can enjoy paragliding in Atibie organized by Ghana Tourism Authority.  TV3’s Music Music and boat rides will be happening in Mpraeso whilst radio stations and food stands take over Obomeng, leaving revelers spoilt for choice in sight and sound.

Several Ghanaian artistes will perform live shows at various locations and there will be a big jam at Ohene Nana Classic. After you have had enough, find your accommodation at Jays Lodge, Ohene Nana Classic, WAGS and Modak. Accommodation package covers three days and ranges between 800 and a 1500GHS per a person.

So there you have it. If you want all the latest updates on events in Ghana, follow @PleasureSights on twitter.

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About the author

Pleasure Sights is an events and tourism company that is fast becoming known for organizing  tours and trips for local and foreign nationals to beautiful but less known locations.The company seeks to take Ghana out of its comfort zone onto the international tourism map and is currently building a one-stop location where all tourists entering the country can have information, both online and offline about tourism in Ghana. Follow them on twitter@pleasuresights or Facebook

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven. Our goal is to inspire ambitious young people to achieve their big dreams. We do this by providing high quality content on personal development and success, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, and current sports and entertainment. 

Twitter @newaccra [] Facebook.com/newaccra  [] info@newaccra.com. 

photo; various

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5 LIFE LESSONS ON THE CROSS

The celebration of Easter, no doubt, brings us into remembrance of what our Lord and King Jesus Christ had to do for us on the cross. Beyond the celebration, have you really thought of the life lessons the whole episode of Christ’s death and resurrection presents us? Here are five of them;

1.       “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

The reason Jesus went onto the cross was for Him to serve as a sacrificial lamb through whom our sins would be forgiven. He couldn’t have come for the reason of forgiveness and yet be bitter towards those who hurt Him. He needed to practise what He came for.

Most of us do not practise what we preach. As politicians, we don’t deliver on our promises; as parents, we tell our children to do one thing, and we do the contrary. And when they ask us why we’re not doing as we instructed, we’ll normally tell them, “Do what I say, not what I do.” If you want to live a fruitful life, you must be consistent. Do as you preach!

2.       “And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is Christ, the chosen of God.” Luke 23:35

Your opponents know the power you possess. They definitely know that if you’re in your elements, they can’t contend with you. However, it’s when you fall that they get the opportunity to make fun of you. Do you remember what happened to Sampson? After they had cut off his hair – the source of his strength, they could then make him a laughing stock.

Don’t be perturbed when you fall in life. Those low moments of life will come. When such times come, it may seem your enemies have won over you. But like Christ, you’ll arise again.

3.       “And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar.” Luke 23:36

It was at this point that Jesus felt thirsty. And the least He could do was request for some water. And what was given Him? Very sour vinegar!

The greatest mistake we often make sometimes is to ask for advice from an opponent on how to get out of a mess. More often than not, we don’t know people’s thoughts towards us. Don’t try asking for help from just anyone when you’re facing trials. Not everyone has your interest at heart. Someone wants to see you in even deeper trouble. During challenging moments, be strong, exude strong mental fortitude. Only seek advice from genuine friends.

4.       “And the superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrews, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Luke 23:38

I believe without a pinch of doubt that these soldiers knew of the kingship of Christ. Look, your opponents know you’re powerful. They know you too well. Deep down inside of them they know they can’t contend with you. The best they can do is to condemn you. The soldiers’ condemnation of Christ did not stop His kingship over the world.

Don’t let people’s opinions of who and what you are prevent you from seeing yourself in the way God sees you. Their condemnation is only a ploy. Don’t go by their plan. Do you believe in God’s report of who you are or that of humans?

5.       “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto you, Today shall you be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Don’t try to write people off in life. Don’t see how people have started in life and draw conclusions about them. One of the things many of us, myself included, have developed is to be quick to judge people without fitting ourselves into their shoes.

I believe if you and I had observed this thief who was crucified alongside Christ, we will have condemned him to death. But see what happened at the end. You can never write anyone off; no matter how badly they started, until the race is finally over. That’s why I am an ardent supporter of the glorious club, Accra Hearts of Oak for one reason. Their motto says, “Never say die until the bones are rotten.”Until your bones are rotten, you still have the opportunity to make a comeback to God, to the path towards toward your destiny, to revive that dead relationship, and any other dead end.

For more like this
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About the author

Jonathan Adzokpe is an agribusiness entrepreneur aside being a speaker, writer,and petroleum engineer. As a writer, he’s authored over a hundred articles on personal development, Africa, and social issues. He’s also the host of Nash Radio’s flagship motivational radio talk show, “Motivational Arena”, which airs every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 GMT. You can contact him via his email; jadzokpe@gmail.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/jonathan.adzokpe

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven. Our goal is to inspire ambitious young people to achieve their big dreams. We do this by providing high quality content on personal development and success, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, and current sports and entertainment. 

Twitter @newaccra [] Facebook.com/newaccra  [] info@newaccra.com. 

photo; freestockphotos.biz

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WHY DID JESUS COME ?

Next Sunday is Easter and we bet you know why Jesus came. But how many reasons do you know ?  Take a read to see our reasons and see if you have more.

1.       To teach us

According to Bible scholars, and indeed so, Jesus was referred to as, “Rabbi”, twelve times in the Bible. The word Rabbi is a Hebrew word which means  ‘teacher’. Clearly, Jesus did not only come to die and save us from our sins; one of His main missions was to teach us the way of the Lord. No wonder He committed three years of His ministry on teaching us on the subjects of love, forgiveness, and holiness. Jesus’s life was an epitome of a teacher teaching His students, not only by the Word but more importantly, by His deeds.

2.       To serve as an example

It is really instructive to know that Jesus taught on love, forgiveness, and holiness by the way He lived than He spoke. Simply put, He practiced as He taught. He lived the very example of what He came to teach us. Now, that is leadership by example. The greatest leaders are not those who command their followers around while they lazy about. Great leaders, of course Jesus being the greatest, live by an example. They speak by their actions. They live by the principle of integrity. Their words do not only bind their followers, but themselves. Jesus was and continues to be an example worthy of emulation.

3.       To serve as our mediator

Which of these lawyers will you go for; one who knows the book and has the experience or one who knows the books but has no experience ?  The former, because they are more likely to understand your situation and put up a strong defense for you. No wonder Jesus came. To face the trials we face, to feel what we feel, to know and understand "our world" so that He can mediate between us and our Father. This is why the Scriptures say in  Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

4.       To die and save us

Jesus was the Lamb of God that took away the Sin of the world. As indebted as we were to the Prince of this world, he came to this sinful world (His own) to redeem us from our sins which had separated us from God. He paid our debt in full, giving us the liberty to be co-heirs with Him in our Father's (God) Kingdom.

5.        To give us life abundantly 

As the Good Shepherd, He always leads us beside still waters and nutritious pastures. He gives us the peace we crave for in this stormy world. His philosophies makes us prosperous, healthy and wise. His personality assures us of eternal life with our a Heavenly Father. We no more live life passively, not knowing where we are going; we live it fully because in Him is life. He teaches us how to enjoy that life.

Did you get all our reasons or do you have more ? Why don't you share with us.

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About the authors

Irene Danquah, Kwamina Ekremet and Jonathan Adzokpe.

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven. Our goal is to inspire ambitious young people to achieve their big dreams. We do this by providing high quality content on personal development and success, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, and current sports and entertainment. 

Twitter @newaccra [] Facebook.com/newaccra  [] info@newaccra.com. 

photo; Mathew Maxwell, journeyonline.ca

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Small bite, big threats - Sanitation, Vector-borne diseases and the Ebola virus

I love Ghana, not just because I am Ghanaian or because I have spent most of my life here but because there is something special about Ghana. Take for instance her people; peace-loving, hospitable, passionate and oh, how can I forget about their good sense of humour ? There is something truly special about Ghana. 

During the football season, all 25 million citizens become football analysts and during elections, they all become pollsters. Currently, the economic situation has turned all of us into economic analysts. And we do all of this with a good sense of humour. Maybe this is the reason we can still afford to laugh or smile because of jokes being shared on all forms of media, public transport and virtually anywhere two or more Ghanaians gather.

The country Ghana is so beautiful with a rich landscape and diverse culture but unfortunately the beauty of Ghana has been dimmed due to poor sanitation in both her urban and rural areas. It is not only her beauty which is being dimmed but also the inability of her populace to yield their potential as a result of sanitation-related diseases like malaria and yellow fever (known as vector borne diseases). Poor sanitation negatively affects tourism and productivity, causes the spending of huge sums of money for both prevention and curing of vector-borne diseases, and results in the loss of both present and future leaders. All of these negatively impact the economy of Ghana and perhaps Africa and the world at large.

In the years I have spent living in two of Ghana's major cities, coming across stagnant water, choked gutters, overflowing waste bins, dirty public transport, littered public places and filthy markets have unfortunately become a normal sight for my eyes. I wonder if this poor sanitation is the result of our bad attitudes towards the environment or due to the inefficiency of the authorities charged with taking care of Ghana's sanitation/environment or both. But with the negative implication of poor sanitation as well as an estimated 50% of the world's population at risk of vector-borne diseases, I believe this is not the time to call the police but the ambulance. I believe it is time to join the World Health Organization campaign against vector-borne diseases, which was launched on 7th April, 2014, during the celebration of the World Health Day.

We the citizens of Ghana, Africa and the world at large must make a decision to take very good care of our environment considering the consequences doing otherwise. Indiscriminate littering, improper disposal of all forms of waste, poor food safety practices among others by individuals and groups must stop. It is time the authorities charged with keeping our environment clean, be equipped well and become more efficient and effective. It is time sensitization on the environment be intensified in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. These and other interventions will help reduce if not eradicate vector-borne diseases to ensure our economies grow for citizens to enjoy life to the fullest and live it, longest.

Here are some simple things we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones from vector-borne diseases.

1. Sleeping under a bednet

2. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers

3. Using  insect repellents

4. Ensuring food safety and

5. Staying informed and taking proper precautions if engaged in travel, trade and migration as they increase your vulnerability.

Ebola Virus

Personal hygiene is even more important now because of the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. We can protect ourselves by avoiding close contact with Ebola patients, washing our hands regularly, wearing gloves and protective clothes when we handle meat and raising awareness about the outbreak.

Remember, it takes #Just1bite, though a small bite it yields big threats. Let’s say no to poor sanitation!

Follow @Olimehealth on twitter for more health updates like this.

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______________

About the author

Irene Danquah is a public health nutritionist and director of Olime Health, a total health brand on a mission of enabling people to choose and live healthier lifestyles. The brand advocates for an environment which encourages and supports the health and nutritional wellbeing of people. Twitter @Olimehealth or Facebook.com/olimehealth

Newaccra Magazine is a positive lifestyle magazine for the young and driven, with Africa in their hearts. It is an ideal source for high quality content on lifestyle, personal development, sports, health and entertainment that inspires, develops and entertains ambitious people. 

Twitter @newaccra or facebook.com/newaccra or simply drop us a line - info@newaccra.com. 

photo and facts; WHO

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