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Why meeting Portable was refreshing – Skepta

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Popular British rapper, Skepta speaks on why meeting Portable was refreshing, as he hails the singer.
Gistreel recalls that the duo had collaborated on a music “Tony Montana” which they both shot in UK, where Skepta had invited him to in 2023.
Skepta and Portable.
In a recent post on his X page, Skepta spoke on his relationship with Portable.
According to him, he had met a lot of folks who are fake in the industry, but Portable struck him as different in a refreshing way.
He noted that he could relate to

National Cathedral: Mahama compares Ghana’s $400m cost to Nigeria’s $30m facility

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President John Mahama has criticised the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government over the cost of the abandoned National Cathedral project.

According to Mr Mahama, the proposed cost is excessive, and he believes the building can be completed at a more reasonable amount.

He pointed out that a similar facility in Nigeria was constructed at a much lower cost than the one planned for Ghana.

“This project must be completed at a reasonable cost. Given the current circumstances Ghana is facing, it makes no sense to undertake such a project at a staggering sum of $400 million. I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which serves all Christian denominations in Nigeria, was built at a cost of $30 million. I believe we can achieve this project at a much more reasonable figure, and together, we can raise the necessary funds,” he said.

Speaking at his first National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra on Sunday, January 12, Mr Mahama added that his government might decide to continue the project, and the location could also be reconsidered. “Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project,” he noted.

The National Cathedral project, initiated by former President Akufo-Addo, was set to cost $400 million. Akufo-Addo had originally stated that the project would be funded through private fundraising efforts rather than public funds; however, it later emerged that state funds were being used.

Despite the use of public funds, the project remains incomplete, with accusations of mismanagement of the funds by those tasked with overseeing the work. The former government has since faced significant criticism for alleged corruption or possible financial loss to the state.

Meanwhile, Mahama reaffirmed that his government would not use state funds to complete the cathedral. “On the future of the project, the Cathedral, I believe that all of us, as Christians, must forge a consensus on how to achieve this project without recourse to public funds,” he stated.

Currently, the project is at the foundation stage. Once completed, the National Cathedral will serve as a denominational centre for religious bodies in the country, providing a venue for their activities.

It is also intended to become a tourist site, featuring several facilities such as a museum, learning centre, and other auxiliary amenities.

Benin-American actor Djimon Hounsou shares his Hollywood struggles

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Djimon Gaston Hounsou is a Hollywood actor Djimon Gaston Hounsou is a Hollywood actor

Benin-born American actor Djimon Gaston Hounsou has recently discussed his challenges in the Hollywood film industry, expressing his concerns.

Despite working in Hollywood for nearly thirty years, Hounsou feels that he is not compensated as well as some of his peers in the industry.

This lack of fair pay has resulted in financial difficulties for him, despite his fame and roles in major movies.

“After being in the industry for over two decades, receiving two Oscar nominations, and appearing in blockbuster films, I am still struggling to make ends meet. I am definitely being underpaid,” he revealed during an interview with Larry Madowo on CNN.

Hounsou also shared a heartbreaking incident where he was overlooked for a Golden Globe Award because the organisers did not believe he deserved the recognition.

He emphasised that the Hollywood industry needs to address issues of racism, as Black actors are often not given the respect they deserve.

“I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but the Oscars overlooked me. They viewed me as someone who had just arrived and was not worthy of recognition. Despite proving them wrong, I still did not receive the respect I deserved as an actor. The idea of diversity still has a long way to go, and systemic racism cannot be eradicated overnight,” he stated.

Watch the interview below:

SB/MA

Meet Professor Wisdom Tettey, Carleton University’s 17th President

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Carleton University has officially welcomed Professor Wisdom Tettey as its 17th President and Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Tettey, who assumed his new role on January 1, 2025, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation, equity, and student success.

In a video message to students, Prof. Tettey expressed his excitement about the transformative possibilities that lie ahead for the university community.

He emphasised his commitment to fostering a bold community of conscientious and adaptable global leaders who challenge the status quo and champion transformative change.

“As I begin my tenure as Carlton University’s 17th President and Vice-Chancellor I want to let you know how honoured, humbled and grateful I am for the significant privilege of serving you. I am excited about the transformative possibilities that lie ahead as we embark on this journey together and collectively build on a solid reputation that you together with our partners have forged.

“Notwithstanding the current challenges that we and indeed our sector face Carleton’s future looks bright. I believe in our capacity to sustain the unstoppable momentum that is supported by Carleton’s commitment to its mission, culture and spirit of inclusive excellence, innovation, engagement and impacts,” Prof Tettey stated.

He further thanked all who made his entry into the university possible.

“Thanks to everyone who helped to make my entry into this community possible through involvement in a broad engagement process that shape what we are looking for in a leader.”

Prof Tettey joins Carleton from the University of Toronto, where he served as Vice-President and Principal of the Scarborough campus. His extensive background includes roles as Dean of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, as well as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary.

Born in Ghana, Prof Tettey completed his bachelor’s degree and a graduate diploma at the University of Ghana. He holds a PhD from Queen’s University and a master’s degree from UBC. His interdisciplinary research interests include media, politics, and civic engagement in Africa, as well as African higher education and the knowledge society.

Carleton’s Board of Governors announced Tettey’s appointment in April 2024, describing him as an inclusive and authentic leader. He succeeds Jerry Tomberlin, who served as interim president following the resignation of former president Benoit-Antoine Bacon.

We’ll uncap NHIS levy in our next budget

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President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to uncap the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy in the next budget to enhance healthcare access for all Ghanaians.

Speaking at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium, University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on January 12, 2025, President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and equitable.

“We will prioritize healthcare and ensure that every Ghanaian, no matter their location or economic status, has access to quality medical care,” he stated. “In this regard, we will compile an inventory of all uncompleted health facilities and prepare a plan and programme to complete and operationalize these.”

He further explained that uncapping the NHIS levy is a crucial step toward equipping the National Health Insurance Authority with sufficient funds to reimburse healthcare providers for the services they render.

“This is important so that the National Health Insurance Authority can have sufficient funds to reimburse health service providers for the care that they provide to the public,” he added.

President Mahama also emphasized education as another key focus of his administration, with plans to improve infrastructure, equip teachers with essential resources, and expand access to technology for students.

These efforts, he noted, are part of a broader vision to elevate critical sectors of national development.

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Nigeria set to welcome new 50,000 bpd refinery as oil marketers strike major deal

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The Dangote Refinery has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria's econom The Dangote Refinery has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s econom

Nigeria’s oil industry is poised for growth as petroleum marketers prepare to launch a new 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery.

According to Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the refinery will be developed in collaboration with three oil companies and located in Akwa Ibom State.

As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria has long faced the challenge of being a leading crude oil exporter while heavily dependent on imported refined products.

To address this imbalance and enhance its oil production capacity, the country is making refinery development a key focus of its energy strategy.

This strategy focuses on building new refineries, modernizing existing facilities, and fostering partnerships to enhance efficiency and achieve self-sufficiency in the petroleum sector.

Significant progress can be seen in the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries like Warri and Port Harcourt and the promotion of modular refineries nationwide.

The Dangote Refinery has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s economy, positioning itself as a major player in the global petroleum industry.

Between April and September 2024, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) reported that the refinery supplied 489,500 MT of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 29,000 MT of Jet A1 fuel.

These were distributed via 17 AGO shipments to Lagos, 6 to Warri, 2 to Port Harcourt, and 1 to Calabar, highlighting its key role in domestic fuel supply.

The Dangote Refinery has also commenced exporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to several African countries, including Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Cameroon, and Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing regional fuel supply and reducing dependency on external sources.

According to The Punch, Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), confirmed a partnership agreement with Claridge Petroleum Company Ltd, Oasis Petrochemical Products Limited, and Afrintech.

This collaboration aims to ensure Nigerians have access to affordable fuel, further strengthening the refinery’s role in addressing local and regional energy needs.

“The deal is that we have requested for them to not import for us but to set up a refinery in Nigeria and they have agreed to that. So within the period that the process will be, they can be importing only diesel for us and maybe base oil; but PMS, we must have to do that locally,” Gillis-Harry told The Punch

This new arrangement effectively nullifies the group’s earlier agreement on petroleum importation.

In November last year, PETROAN had announced plans to import and sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at prices below those offered by the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

However, Gillis-Harry revealed that the importation plan has been scrapped in favor of establishing a new refinery, aligning with the association’s commitment to boosting local production and ensuring affordable fuel for Nigerians.

Genoa open talks with Southampton to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana on loan

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Southampton’s Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana might be on the verge of a fresh start as the Saints negotiate with Genoa for a potential move, according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 22-year-old joined Southampton in January 2023 for a club-record £22 million but has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League.

With just two starts in nine appearances this season and no goals or assists, Kamaldeen has found game time limited, and his frustrations have been evident, particularly after his early substitution in a heavy defeat to Tottenham.

Genoa, under the guidance of manager Patrick Vieira, sees Kamaldeen as an ideal addition to their squad.

Vieira has a track record of nurturing young attacking talents, including Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, during his Crystal Palace tenure.

A loan deal appears to be the most likely outcome, giving Kamaldeen a chance to rediscover his form and confidence in Serie A.

Despite his struggles, Southampton’s new manager Ivan Juric has praised Kamaldeen’s work ethic and mentality, hinting at a potential future for him at St. Mary’s.

With Southampton languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, creativity and flair are desperately needed, and the Ghanaian’s departure could leave a significant gap in an already struggling squad.

Minister of Electricity shows off ‘Sister Bethina’ dance moves [video]

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Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramakgopa has once again shown off his dance moves in a clip taken at the ANC’s birthday celebrations in Khayelitsha over the weekend.

The bubbly cabinet minister is known for showing off his electrifying energy – pardon the pun – on the dance floor.

Ramakgopa – nicknamed Sputla – was sworn in in 2023 and is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of energy provider Eskom. Under him, South Africa has had almost a year without rolling blackouts, also known as load shedding.

MINISTER OF ELECTRICITY SHOWS OFF DANCE MOVES

In a clip posted on social media, Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramakgopa was seen dancing to South Africa’s unofficial anthem, Sister Bethina.

The video was taken at the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha.

In the clip, the 49-year-old was seen showing off moves better than people half his age.

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It’s not the first time the Minister of Elecriticity has ruled the dancefloor at a public gathering.

Take a look at these clips of him at official ANC events.

KGOSIENTSHO RAMAKGOPA TURNING 50, AND FABULOUS

In the video’s comment section, South Africans felt that Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramakgopa deserved to be celebrated, given that the country has been without load shedding for almost a year.

Later this month, the lively minister will be turning 50 years old.

Likely also keeping him young is his wife, Georgia Shekeshe, who is 13 years his junior.

The couple – who have been married for almost a decade – met in 2011 when Georgia was a PA to the-then Tshwane mayor. At the time, she was 23 years old.

When their relationship turned romantic, Georgia resigned from her post and reported IOL.

They have a son together.

John Mahama Questions $400M National Cathedral Costs, Announces Investigation

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President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to investigate the National Cathedral Project, an initiative spearheaded by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a national Christian worship centre and symbol of Ghana’s religious heritage.

The project has been plagued by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, raising concerns about its execution and funding.