Pulse Contributor

The song, which he sang predominantly in the Ga Language, preaches unity and oneness in this festive period.

Officer Charis is a police officer with the Ghana Police Service, but he has been using music to spread motivation and the Gospel of God.

In December 2022, the singer and songwriter released his first official single titled “God no go shame us” and has now followed it up with “Afi”.

Speaking about the idea behind his latest single, Officer Charis said he aims to use music to spread Ghana’s culture to the world.

Afi is a message for the world in general, looking at the import of the message, as it is relevant in any part of the world, talking about oneness and unity, between families and the community at large.

An inspiration stemming from a cultural point of view, identity, and belonging. Revealing the beauty of our cultural heritage to the rest of the world as well as preaching peace in this festive season and beyond.

Meanwhile, Afi is out on all streaming platforms and has also been uploaded on YouTube. Officer Charis has also urged his fans to anticipate more projects from him in the coming year.

Officer Charis preaches unity and oneness in Christmas song titled ‘Afi’

Motivational and gospel musician Michael Tetteh, known in the music industry as Officer Charis, has released a Christmas banger titled “Afi”.

Directed by Emmy-winning writer and filmmaker Nic Stacey, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy pulls back the curtain on the world’s top brands, exposing the hidden tactics and covert strategies used to keep all of us locked in an endless cycle of buying—no matter the cost.

With Ghana as a case study, the film explores the human and environmental impact of these corporate practices, particularly on the Global South – including plastic pollution; fast fashion and textiles; big tech, planned obsolescence and e-waste and fast moving consumer goods.

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy grants viewers exclusive access to the secretive world of the richest and most powerful brands, including Apple, Amazon and Adidas. Stunning revelations from insiders and whistleblowers reveal everything from billion-dollar marketing machines to the design ploys and psychological tricks intended to manipulate consumer behavior on a global scale.

With a playful and subversive style, the film takes audiences on a wild ride through the dirty world beneath the gloss and glam, where nothing is quite as it seems—while arming them with life-altering insights to protect themselves from the tricks of the trade.&nbsp;

This is the story big business doesn’t want you to know. Through a playful, eye-catching, and unique approach inspired by pop culture classics like They Live and The Truman Show, Buy Now! explores the destructive consequences of the lies we’ve been sold to fuel an endless drive to spend.&nbsp;

Using epic CGI to give the film a cinematic feel and imagery borrowed from advertising clichés, the film uncovers the hidden toolbox of brand manipulation and reveals the madness of a world profiting from waste at every level. It exposes how many large companies have mastered the art of concealing the damage they cause to our lives and the world around us.&nbsp;

Chloe Leland, BAFTA and Emmy Award winning Executive Producer and Creative Director of Grain Media said:

<blockquote>Grain is proud to have been able to bring such an original and important story to life. Rather than pointing the finger at, lecturing and guilt-provoking consumers, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy does the opposite, turning the lens on those selling us all this stuff. It was essential that the film be both inspiring and motivating, while also playful, mischievous, and visually striking. We hope that viewers feel empowered and that the film will encourage big brands to take responsibility for their actions and products.</blockquote>

<blockquote>To me, it felt like now was the perfect time to make this film. Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy is about power, control, and the relentless drive to make us buy more. I started out thinking of myself as a ‘well-informed consumer,’ but was repeatedly shocked by the interviews with people in high-ranking positions at major companies. We found that the system is far more troubling than most people realize. The truth is, there’s a highly sophisticated machine at work, making it incredibly hard for us to make conscious and responsible choices. My hope is that when people watch the film, they realize that we can take back control. While the subject is inherently dark, I wanted to present it in an honest and entertaining way—emphasizing that as consumers, it’s not always our fault. Here’s how we can break the cycle.</blockquote>

Grain Media is a leading UK creative production house, making wide-reaching and purpose-driven programming across film and television. Grain has won over 150 international awards spanning multiple genres including two Academy Awards, an Emmy, a BAFTA, a Peabody and a duPont-Columbia Award for outstanding journalism.

Credits include: Academy Award and BAFTA winning, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (if you’re a girl) for A&amp;E Networks; Academy Award winning The White Helmets for Netflix; Emmy-winning and Academy Award / BAFTA-nominated Virunga for Netflix; Emmy-nominated Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America; Emmy-nominated Lost and Found for National Geographic; BIFA-winning Evelyn for Netflix; Emmy-nominated Convergence: Courage in a Crisis for Netflix, Emmy-nominated India’s Forbidden Love for Al Jazeera English; BIFA-nominated Seahorse: The Dad Who Gave Birth for the BBC; Jackson Hole Film Festival winning From Devil’s Breath for MSNBC; Death in Bollywood for the BBC; and Heart of Invictus for Netflix.

Ghana features in Netflix documentary that reveals secret tricks of major global brands

Netflix has announced the premiere of Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, an unpredictable and revealing new documentary from the Academy Award-winning Grain Media that features Ghana.

Fawan Issah Iddi, a PhD candidate at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, has become the first Ghanaian in the university’s history to publish in the <a target="_self" class="editor-link" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15623599.2024.2429345?fbclid=IwY2xjawGwZ6BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSTsImvEDSXkmeyOWfu2ZeOcCNDI41Ng4m5wsi0HjL7MOx6LKtKOyp54gQ_aem_uJajA8HYwqnHHK1boaR9RQ">International Journal of Construction Management (IJCM)</a>, a prestigious Q1 journal renowned for its high impact in the field.

Sharing the milestone on Facebook, Fawan wrote:

<blockquote>I am pleased to share my little achievement as the first Ghanaian PhD candidate to publish in IJCM, a Q1 journal (high impact and top journal in construction management) in the history of Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. Big gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. S. P. Sreenivas Padala.</blockquote>

<h2>Examining Sustainability in Ghana’s Construction Sector</h2>

Fawan’s paper, titled “Examining Factors Affecting Sustainable Performance of Building Construction Projects in Ghana Using Structural Equation Modelling”, explores critical issues affecting sustainability in the construction industry.

The study highlights the increasing criticism of the construction sector for its harmful environmental effects and the limited adoption of sustainability concepts in Ghana’s building projects. Most projects in the country primarily focus on reducing environmental impacts, often neglecting social and economic sustainability.

The research, which adopts a life cycle perspective, evaluates the environmental, economic, and social impacts of building construction projects. To achieve this, the study:

Reviewed extensive literature to identify relevant indicators.Conducted surveys using shared questionnaires, collecting 420 valid responses from experts.Employed structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse relationships between the indicators.

The findings revealed that environmental impact is the most critical factor when considering sustainable performance in Ghana’s construction sector, followed by social and economic impacts. The operation phase of buildings showed the strongest influence on sustainability, while the demolition phase had the weakest, although all phases were found to have statistically significant relationships with sustainability.

The paper asserts that there were no conflicts of interest among the authors. Additionally, the data supporting the study’s findings are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author, Fawan Issah Iddi.

Fawan’s achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also sets a precedent for other Ghanaian researchers aspiring to make their mark in the global academic community. His work adds valuable insights to the discourse on sustainability in construction, particularly within the Ghanaian context.

Ghanaian PhD candidate makes history with groundbreaking research publication

Philip Matogo

According to psychology, this phenomenon is called Communal Narcissism.

“Communal narcissism is a form of maladaptive narcissism. As the name suggests, it refers to inflated perceptions of oneself within a broader social context,” says Dr Patrice Le Goy, an acclaimed psychologist.

The concept of communal narcissism gained traction after a study on the subject was published in 2018 in the Journal of Research in Personality.

The study noted, “These findings support the notion that communal narcissism may represent an effort to gain favourable appraisals from others in the absence of a genuine communal self-view.”

In other words, a communal narcissist derives self-esteem by imagining how others perceive them for their contributions.

“Communal narcissism is defined by the same sense of entitlement and grandiosity that we associate with traditional narcissism,” explains Dr Le Goy. “The main difference is that a communal narcissist seeks validation outside of themselves to affirm their worth.”

The outcome of these actions, says Dr Le Goy, is that communal narcissists can be seen as altruistic individuals who are committed to helping others, reaping the associated praise.

There are, however, situations that allow us to peer beyond the veil of societal pretence and narcissism to reveal people’s true nature.

Read: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/how-to-deal-with-a-gaslighter-using-their-own-tricks/skxsywx">4 ways to gaslight a gaslighter</a>

If you want to test a person’s character, present them with a crisis that casts them in a starring role. It is in times of crisis that our instincts take over, and our true colours come through vividly, exposing who we really are. Whether it’s a breakup, a financial setback, or even a bad day, crises have a way of stripping away the veneer of respectability to reveal our core selves. As the saying goes, adversity introduces us and others to our true selves.

If you are the sort who rushes around in panic during a crisis yet remains cool and composed otherwise, it’s likely the latter behaviour is just a facade.

<h3>Dealing with Service Staff</h3>

Imagine going to a restaurant with your significant other, enveloped in love, with Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” practically playing in your heart.

Then, a waiter or waitress approaches, and you lose your smile, snapping at them simply because you can. This shows that your behaviour towards those you see as ‘lower’ in status reflects class consciousness and snobbery. It also reveals you as rude, arrogant, and lacking empathy.

How you treat waiters, cleaners, retail workers, and others in service positions reveals who you are because you have nothing to gain from them, and thus, you can afford to be yourself. If you let power dynamics influence your behaviour, it reflects your view of society — a side you conceal because you lack the authority to be your true self openly.

When Money is Involved

We all know that friend who was overly polite when they were broke, only for a sudden windfall to change their behaviour entirely. With newfound wealth, their humility evaporates, and they begin bragging, “I’m the greatest!” à la Muhammad Ali. Those who once treated others with respect may now act as though they are superior.

Money is power, and as the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln once remarked, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Money, therefore, unveils true character, revealing traits that adversity alone might not expose.

Black man angry at phone (image used for illustration) [Freepik]

The concept of communal narcissism gained traction after a study on the subject was published in 2018 in the Journal of Research in Personality.

3 situations where a person’s true colours always show, according to psychology

The exclusive anniversary soirée will be held at No. 19 Bar and Restaurant in Osu on 13 November 2024, with doors opening at 5 p.m. This special event marks ten years since AD DJ began his journey as a passionate university DJ, evolving into an international sensation with performances across Africa and appearances on major global platforms like the BBC and Capital Radio.

AD DJ celebrates 10-year career milestone with an exclusive anniversary soirée

“There will be a weekly event scheduled from Tuesday, 12 November to Sunday, 17 November 2024,” AD DJ announced. Throughout the week, he will be joined by fellow artists, collaborators, and friends who have supported him over the years.

The soirée will include a special segment dedicated to showcasing AD DJ’s most memorable moments and achievements, spanning from his early days in Ghana to his appearances on international stages. This event provides a unique opportunity for fans, industry insiders, and peers to connect, reflect, and celebrate Ghanaian and African music’s vibrant growth.

“Reaching this 10-year milestone means so much to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received from fans, friends, and family. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and look forward to what the future holds,” AD DJ shared.

AD DJ, one of Ghana’s most celebrated DJs, invites fans, industry leaders, and music enthusiasts to join him in commemorating a decade of music, milestones, and unforgettable moments.

AD DJ celebrates a 10-year career milestone

Ronnie Mugizi

A new study reveals a sharp rise in deaths from the disease since the Covid pandemic, with nearly a 50 per cent increase in cases since 2013. Data from Cancer Research UK shows that head and neck cancer rates have surged by over a third since the early 90s, with women aged 25 to 49 experiencing a 60 per cent increase from 1993 to 2019, and men seeing a 34 per cent rise.

The main causes of these cancers include smoking, alcohol, and the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and the University of Sheffield analysed data, noting that head and neck cancer diagnoses in England rose from 10,735 cases in 2019 to 12,400 cases by 2021. Deaths increased from 3,213 to 3,469 in the same period.

Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue, is a major contributor to the rising numbers, with cases up by 47 per cent since 2013. HPV, often transmitted through oral sex, is responsible for around 70 per cent of throat cancer cases. Dr Hisham Mehanna of the University of Birmingham highlighted that having multiple oral sex partners significantly increases the risk, with research dubbing the situation an "epidemic."

Although HPV is generally harmless and affects eight in ten people at some point, certain strains can cause cancer. The HPV vaccine, available for children aged 11 to 12, has proven over 80 per cent effective at reducing these cancer rates. Yet, vaccination uptake has dropped, with only 67.2 per cent of girls and 62.4 per cent of boys fully vaccinated in 2021/22.

Professor Ali Khurram from the University of Sheffield stressed the devastating impact of head and neck cancer, calling for increased awareness and action to address these alarming trends.

Doctors report a troubling increase in throat cancer cases among younger patients, attributing this trend to the prevalence of oral sex.

Doctors warn of rise in throat cancer cases linked to oral sex

The billionaire SpaceX and Tesla CEO aims to send astronauts to Mars on his colossal Starship rocket by the end of this decade. Eventually, Musk hopes men and women will establish a colony and reproduce to grow the Martian population.

However, scientists warn that the obstacles to having sex on Mars make this vision highly improbable. Bioscientist Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of A City on Mars with her husband Zac, told The Times that people who want to populate Mars "don’t understand how reproduction works." She remarked, "These billionaires think it’s an engineering problem. They think if they get a rocket that’s big enough, biology will take care of itself – but it won’t."

Attempting conception in space could harm unborn babies, whether on Mars or the ISS. Weinersmith’s book addresses the complexities of recreational and procreational sex on Mars, where gravity is just 38% of Earth's. Such a low-gravity environment could hinder sperm movement or embryonic development. Additionally, Mars lacks an atmosphere and ozone layer, exposing the surface to radiation that could damage DNA, causing mutations in the womb.

Even if births were successful, Mars’ harsh conditions make it unsuitable for raising children. Ethical concerns and the need for genetic diversity also pose significant challenges. A founding population would require hundreds of humans, and AI may need to match couples based on genetic compatibility.

David Cullen, a professor of astrobiology at Cranfield University, highlighted the urgent need to address unanswered questions about sex and reproduction in space. He pointed to concerns about the effects of altered gravity on human development, noting the musculoskeletal impact from childhood through adolescence.

While Musk aims to make humans a “multiplanetary” species to mitigate civilization-ending disasters, scientists remain sceptical. Despite SpaceX’s ambitious plans to launch cargo to Mars as early as 2026 and send humans by 2028, the biological challenges remain daunting.

Attempting conception in space could harm unborn babies, whether on Mars or the ISS.

However, scientists warn that the obstacles to having sex on Mars make this vision highly improbable.

The embarrassing setbacks of sex on MARS

According to the Vice President, the IGP is on course to achieving his vision of making the Ghana Police Service a reference point for excellence in Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 53rd Police Cadet Officers’ Course in Accra, the Vice President expressed pride in the achievements of Dr Dampare and his management team.

“The systemic re-orientation and reform of the Ghana Police Service since the coming into office of the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, have brought tangible results; results that continue to give me pride as Chairman of the Police Council. I am proud to stand side by side with such a visionary leader who continues to set the pace and is on course to make the Ghana Police Service the reference point for excellence in Africa and beyond. Dr Dampare, the reformer, Ayekooo to you and your team,” he said.

The Vice President further observed, “The constant pursuit of perfection on the part of the IGP and his management team has extended to the Police Academy. With government and my own personal support, the Police Administration embarked on an ambitious infrastructural development of the Training School that has transformed the look and feel of this place. This is so beautiful.”

Dr Bawumia also commended the leadership of the Police Service for their display of humanity by visiting the affected families in the East Legon accident.

“In fact, I am particularly touched by the recent visit of the IGP and his management team to the families and victims of the recent tragic accident at East Legon, Accra, that claimed the lives of two innocent young ladies. This level of commitment goes beyond the call of duty, and I will entreat the graduating class to learn from the Police leadership and conduct yourselves accordingly when deployed.”

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's commendation of Inspector-General Dr George Akuffo Dampare highlights the significant progress and transformative reforms within the Ghana Police Service. His emphasis on the tangible results achieved under Dampare’s leadership reflects a commitment to enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the police force.&nbsp;

Your effective policing is visible -  Vice President Bawumia commends IGP Dampare

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has described the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, as a reformer who has achieved tangible results since assuming the role.

Bawumia hails 'reformer' Dampare for transforming police

The medical officer attending to the preacher’s son at the University of Ghana Hospital claims he is not fit to be interrogated by the police, even though he has been discharged from the hospital, sources close to the development have revealed.

This development has heightened suspicions and concerns among all parties involved, as the move appears to be a deliberate attempt to hinder the police in their efforts to bring justice to the families of the deceased victims and to stall the judicial process.

“It is unbelievable and shocking that a doctor will go ahead to discharge the boy from the hospital after undergoing all the various processes of healthcare, and yet that same doctor has written a note to the police saying the boy cannot be interrogated by the police until he, the same doctor, says so. How is this fair to the families who are going through this difficult time? Why is the doctor bent on preventing the police from doing their work?” a family member of one of the victims lamented.

A staff member of UGMC, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “This is very strange; the boy is looking strong and in good shape, so we cannot understand why Dr. Fred Salawu appears to be shielding him from the police. It seems Dr. Salawu is being motivated by something else because this is very strange. It is just not fair to the girls who died and their families. Will this special treatment be extended to every person, or is it because his father has money and influence?”

East Legon Accident: UGMC's Dr. Salawu blocks police questioning of Elrad Salifu Amoako

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the police are disappointed with the stance of the medical officer, as all efforts to get the suspect interrogated are impeded by the physician.

Nonetheless, officers of the Ghana Police are keeping an eye on the suspect until such time as the medical officer clears him as fit for an encounter with the law enforcement agency.

The accident, which ignited massive public outcry, led to the untimely death of two young girls after their car caught fire following a collision with the speeding vehicle of Elrad Salifu Amoako.

Pastor Salifu's 16-year son behind gory accident, footage shows him speeding

Anger and disappointment have engulfed the families of the two young girls who died in the fatal East Legon accident involving the son of popular preacher <a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/east-legon-accident-elrad-salifu-amoako-under-heavy-police-guard-at-hospital/l6r9frn">Salifu Amoako.</a>

Nana Romeo discussed the song's release during a recent broadcast, speculating that some opposition politicians may have funded the track to highlight economic challenges. He shared his belief that the song’s focus on financial hardship serves as a subtle critique of the current economic climate, one that could resonate with everyday Ghanaians facing similar struggles.

According to Nana Romeo, “Yenkodi is a song Bisa Kdei might have been paid to produce. Based on what I’ve heard from multiple sources, I believe this is purely a political song.”

"Yenkodi," which translates to "Let’s go and chop," narrates the story of a man who, facing economic hardships, decides to use his last savings for a night out. For many listeners, the song’s storyline captures resilience and finding joy amidst adversity, themes that resonate widely in the current economic climate.

Bisa Kdei, known for his unique blend of traditional highlife and contemporary sounds, has not yet addressed Nana Romeo’s remarks. Throughout his career, Bisa Kdei has maintained a neutral stance, openly stating his lack of affiliation with any political party.

The highlife star rose to fame with his 2013 debut album Thanksgiving, and has since become a central figure in African music. His ability to combine inspirational themes with festive rhythms has cemented his reputation, particularly with seasonal hits like "Asew," which reached international audiences after being featured in the Hollywood movie Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. His latest album, Original (2022), showcases his evolution as an artist, with tracks that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

For the festive season, "Yenkodi" is already building momentum as a go-to anthem, though its possible political message remains the subject of widespread debate.

Opposition politicians may have paid Bisa Kdei to release ‘yenkodi’ – Nana Romeo

Popular Ghanaian highlife musician Bisa Kdei’s new release, "Yenkodi," is making waves, but not just for its vibrant beat and relatable lyrics. Nana Romeo, a well-known Accra FM radio personality, recently claimed that the song’s political undertones may have been deliberately crafted to criticise the current government, suggesting that opposition figures could be behind the project.

Ayorkor Botchwey was elected to the office last week, succeeding Patricia Scotland, and will officially begin her tenure on April 1, 2025.

In a statement, the Executive Director of POWA, Victoria Hamah, congratulated Ayorkor Botchwey on her election and described the occasion as historic.

“The Progressive Organisation for Women's Advancement (POWA) hereby extends its hopeful regards to Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her historic election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” she wrote.

“As being the first Ghanaian and African woman to head this organization, makes it a significant milestone of breaking new ground for women across the Commonwealth.

“We hope that POWA's dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, advancing human rights, and addressing pressing climate issues might align with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway’s prospects of championing equality and resilience for all.”

Executive Director of POWA, Victoria Hamah

<h2>Read POWA’s full statement below:</h2>

The Progressive Organisation for Women's Advancement (POWA) hereby extends its hopeful regards to Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her historic election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

As being the first Ghanaian and African woman to head this organization, makes it a significant milestone of breaking new ground for women across the Commonwealth.

We hope that POWA's dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, advancing human rights, and addressing pressing climate issues might align with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway’s prospects of championing equality and resilience for all.

As advocates for women’s advancement, POWA is particularly inspired by this development, and we look forward to seeing more African women break the glass ceilings in the highest echelons of decision-making spaces.

At POWA, we believe that “Women’s Power is People’s Power,” and we hope that Hon. Botchwey’s appointment will prove to be a powerful testament to this principle.&nbsp;

POWA also hopes that Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchway's new position will result in the sustainable growth and improvement of the wellbeing of all Commonwealth citizens, as we are confident that she can use her expertise and passion to bring meaningful progress for women and marginalised communities across the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

The Progressive Organisation for Women's Advancement (POWA) has backed Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to bring meaningful progress to women and marginalised communities following her election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Victoria Hamah  writes to Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as Commonwealth Secretary-General

In a world often dominated by fleeting trends, she created the Twins Raudoh brand, which she describes as a beacon of timeless elegance and creativity. Omotayo's vision reflects a culture of strength and inclusivity, encouraging everyone to express their individual styles with confidence.

Omotayo’s journey into fashion was inspired by her mother, a talented designer in her own right. After dedicating five years to honing her craft and furthering her education with certifications from renowned fashion courses, she launched Twins Raudoh. Initially serving students and faculty, her designs quickly gained popularity, earning her recognition at prestigious events like the El Mor Fashion Show and the Miss LASU pageant.

“Twins Raudoh isn’t just a fashion label; it’s a celebration of diversity and personal expression. With the tagline ‘Be Bold. Be You. Be Timeless,’ the brand encapsulates the belief that fashion should be a meaningful experience, empowering individuals to showcase their true selves,” she explains. Each piece is designed with a blend of modern elements, drawing inspiration from global fashion trends and personal experiences.

Omotayo emphasises that the brand's core principles—creativity, sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment—are woven into every design. “From the carefully selected fabrics to the thoughtful details, Twins Raudoh is dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but feels good, too,” she adds.

To elevate personal style, Omotayo advises fashion enthusiasts to select timeless pieces that reflect their uniqueness at events. “Twins Raudoh is more than just a brand; it is a movement encouraging individuals to be bold in their fashion choices. With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, the brand invites you to explore their stunning collection and find pieces that resonate with your unique identity,” she states.

In essence, Omotayo Afusat Adeyemi’s Twins Raudoh brand embodies a philosophy that transcends fashion trends, promoting self-expression, cultural pride, and authenticity.

Dress to impress yourself - afusat adeyemi shares insights on fashion authenticity

The Heart of the Brand: Creative &amp; Sustainable Fashion

At Twins Raudoh, creativity flows from a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Each piece is designed with care, blending classic and modern elements that transcend borders. Omotayo crafts garments that resonate with a diverse audience, ensuring that her brand remains relevant and impactful.

When it comes to building a versatile wardrobe, the Ready-to-Wear collection from Twins Raudoh is essential. Here are some practical tips for selecting timeless pieces that will elevate your style for any occasion:

<ol><li>Choose Timeless Basics: Invest in well-fitted staples like tailored blazers, classic trousers, and simple dresses. These pieces can easily transition from day to night.</li><li>Opt for Neutral Tones: Colours such as black, white, beige, and navy are perfect for mixing and matching, ensuring your outfits are always chic and cohesive.</li><li>Focus on Quality Fabrics: Look for durable materials such as cotton, wool, and blends that maintain their shape and comfort over time.</li><li>Layer Wisely: Incorporate layering pieces like cardigans and lightweight jackets to adjust your look based on the occasion or weather.</li><li>Mix and Match: Ensure each item you select complements multiple pieces in your wardrobe. A well-curated collection provides endless styling options, making your wardrobe more sustainable and practical for everyday life.</li></ol>

By embracing these tips, you’ll not only enhance your personal style but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion future.

Join the Twins Raudoh Movement

Twins Raudoh is more than just a brand; it’s a movement encouraging individuals to be bold in their fashion choices. With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, the brand invites you to explore their stunning collection and find pieces that resonate with your unique identity. Ready to elevate your wardrobe? Discover the latest designs and join the Twins Raudoh family at Twins. Be bold, be you, and let your style tell your story!

Renowned fashion designer Omotayo Afusat Adeyemi believes that fashion should be a meaningful experience where individuals showcase their true selves and boldly express their cultural values through what they wear.

Dress to impress yourself - Afusat Adeyemi shares insights on fashion authenticity

Psychologists developed the scale due to concerns that excessive use of adult material can significantly harm health.

The test helps therapists diagnose problematic pornography use (PPU), where someone struggles to control their urge to watch porn, even when it negatively impacts their life.

Doctors insist that porn consumption can be part of a healthy sex life. However, PPU is on the rise and is linked to a range of conditions, including erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms. Nine in ten adults now admit to viewing adult material.

The UK has the second-highest incidence of internet porn searches in the world, with an average of 16.6 million porn searches each month.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of young people now regularly use online pornography, according to Paracelsus Recovery, a leading mental health and addiction clinic.

A quarter of 16 to 21-year-olds first encountered pornography on the internet while still at primary school. By the age of 13, 50 per cent had been exposed to it.

Some research suggests that one in ten adults may now suffer from PPU, with even higher numbers among young people. They may watch porn for up to 12 hours a week.

International experts, including academics from Nottingham Trent University, created the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale by surveying hundreds of porn users of both sexes. Men were found to be more likely to score highly than women, regardless of sexual orientation.

The outcome was an 18-point questionnaire that can be completed at home, which is featured here. The developers claim the result is 98 per cent accurate in determining whether a person suffers from PPU.

Roughly four per cent of participants in the study fell into the 'at risk' category for PPU, the experts reported.

Answer the following questions and rate them by how much you feel they apply to you, from 1 to 7:

1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = occasionally, 4 = sometimes, 5 = often, 6 = very often, 7 = all the time

<ol><li>I felt that porn is an important part of my life.</li><li>I used porn to restore the tranquillity of my feelings.</li><li>I felt porn caused problems in my sexual life.</li><li>I felt that I had to watch more and more porn for satisfaction.</li><li>I unsuccessfully tried to reduce the amount of porn I watch.</li><li>I became stressed when something prevented me from watching porn.</li><li>I thought about how good it would be to watch porn.</li><li>Watching porn got rid of my negative feelings.</li><li>Watching porn prevented me from bringing out the best in myself.</li><li>I felt that I needed more and more porn to satisfy my needs.</li><li>When I vowed not to watch porn anymore, I could only stick to it briefly.</li><li>I became agitated when I was unable to watch porn.</li><li>I continually planned when to watch porn.</li><li>I relieved my tension by watching porn.</li><li>I neglected other leisure activities due to watching porn.</li><li>I gradually watched more 'extreme' porn because what I watched before was less satisfying.</li><li>I resisted watching porn for only a short time before I relapsed.</li><li>I missed porn greatly when I didn’t watch it for a while.</li></ol>

Add up your score. A score of 76 or greater suggests problematic levels of pornography use.

Earlier, MailOnline reported that regular porn users who try to quit abruptly can suffer withdrawal-like symptoms, such as headaches, chills, and nausea.

After reviewing 14 separate studies, they concluded that 72 per cent of people with PPU experience withdrawal.

One study found 57 per cent of participants experienced cravings, while 52 per cent also experienced heightened emotions, difficulties with focus, and nervousness.

A smaller number, about one in 20, reported sleep difficulties, headaches, sweating, chills, and nausea when they tried to quit porn.

Other studies found participants abstaining self-reported symptoms such as depression, brain fog, loneliness, and restlessness.

The review’s authors called for further research to investigate the onset, characteristics, duration, and prevalence of withdrawal-like symptoms.

Psychologists developed the scale due to concerns that excessive use of adult material can significantly harm health.

The test helps therapists diagnose problematic pornography use (PPU), where someone struggles to control their urge to watch porn, even when it negatively impacts their life.

Simple test reveals if you might be watching too much porn

In response to the growing number of threats faced by individuals worldwide, German sexual health brand BILLY BOY has partnered with agency Innocean Berlin to create a first-of-its-kind digital condom designed to prevent non-consensual recording during sex.

Developers say the CAMDOM app is “as easy to use as a regular condom” and protects users against the stealth recording of photos, audio, and video by locking the cameras and microphones of all devices present in the bedroom.

To activate it, sexual partners place their phones close together and swipe down on a virtual button to lock their devices during intimate moments.

If one person attempts to break the lock prematurely to secretly document the encounter, an alarm will sound to alert others of the potential threat of non-consensual recording.

The button must be pressed simultaneously by all participants to unblock the camera and microphone.

The “digital condom for the digital generation” was developed by Felipe Almeida and can block as many devices as necessary.

Almeida said: “Nowadays, smartphones have become an extension of our bodies, and we store a lot of sensitive data on them.

“To protect against the recording of non-consensual content, we’ve created the first app that can block your camera and mic simply through the use of Bluetooth.”

Brand manager Alexander Strümann explained: “BILLY BOY is a brand known for protecting people in the analogue world. We wanted to take the next step and protect the digital generation from a threat that a regular condom can’t tackle, but a digital one can: namely, the leakage of non-consensual media during sex.”

CAMDOM by BILLY BOY is now available on Android and will be launching soon on iOS.

Revenge porn—the sharing of private, sexual photos or videos of another person—is on the rise in the UK, with reports increasing by 106 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

Digital condom launched to block non-consensual recording during sex

In Africa, 17 countries – including South Africa, Mali, Tunisia, and Ghana – will be electing new leaders too. Ghana has long been celebrated for its peaceful and democratic electoral history, characterised by seamless transitions of power since the Fourth Republic kickstarted. This track record has firmly established Ghana as a beacon of democracy within the African continent, with a commitment to multi-party representation during elections.

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds a significant position as a center-right and liberal-conservative political force in Ghana. Following Ghana’s transition to democracy in 1992, the NPP has stood as one of the two dominant parties in the country’s politics, with its main rival being the center-left National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both parties have actively governed the country for 16 years apiece and their performances often sharply divide opinion among citizens.

We live in a country where we have witnessed power alternation and this has led to situations where party members have blamed each other for not doing better than the other. This observation underscores the complex interplay and perceptions within Ghana’s political landscape.

This blog aims to enlighten the voting populace, political parties, stakeholders, and all parties involved on the three blocs that will shape this year’s election, whether positively or negatively (based on where you stand).

<h2>Presidential Candidates from Both Parties</h2>

The NPP has chosen vice-president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate for this year’s election. The party has also since announced Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.

On the side of the opposition, former president John Dramani Mahama emerged as the presidential candidate of the NDC. He then retained Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. This was after a National Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday, March 4, 2024, in Accra. Both running mates are former Education Ministers and will be bringing to bear their expertise to support their respective party tickets. Do these running mates have any influence on their presidential candidates?

<h2>Understanding the Voting Terrain</h2>

Citizens tend to vote for one political party or the other based on the policies and messages they sell during their campaigns and manifesto reading. For the NPP, their 2016 manifesto touched on some key areas like the economy, trade and industry, education – where the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Policy comes into play – and Health, where the national health insurance scheme was the song on the lips, and infrastructure across all sectors. The NDC also tailored its message to putting people first, building a strong and resilient economy, providing reliable infrastructure, and improving accountability in governance.

In the end, the opposition NPP, led by Nana Akufo-Addo, secured victory in the 2016 presidential election, winning 53.9% of the total votes in the first round, unseating the incumbent president John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. Mahama received only 44.7% of the total valid votes.

In Parliament, the NPP won a majority of 169 seats while the NDC garnered 106, as per the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

It is important to note that these political parties have their strongholds, which we can term their “world bank”. While the NDC’s stronghold is the Volta Region, that of the NPP is the Ashanti Region.

In 2020, the NDC obtained its highest percentage of votes (84.8%) from the Volta Region, while the NPP won its highest vote percentage (71%) from the Ashanti Region.

Over time, these two aforementioned regions have been the political strongholds of the two parties. Also, during the 2020 elections, around 6.79 million votes were accumulated by the NPP, while approximately 6.17 million votes went to the NDC. These intriguing statistics make it challenging to predict who will emerge as the people’s choice in this year’s election.

The next part of the article dives into three fascinating groups of people in the country who might seem like underdogs but have the power to sway the election results. Keep an eye on them!

<h2>Three Key Blocs That Will Influence the Upcoming December Polls</h2>

Today, Ghana is among the African countries with the highest cost of living. Citizens have expressed their frustration on how the economy is draining every facet of their lives.

From the pervasive issue of youth unemployment to the rapid depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar and escalating government debt; from deteriorating roads and inadequate infrastructure to the controversial sale of state-owned properties; from rampant corruption and widespread looting to the unjust distribution of wealth, many citizens are seeking answers. Additionally, the deteriorating state of our water bodies due to galamsey activities adds to the urgent need for solutions.

But what will people be voting against, who will be voting and who will be observing? Below are three blocs.

The first group of people is the Floating Voters. The floating voter hypothesis originated from Lazarsfeld, Berelson, and Gaudet’s (1944) observation that Erie County citizens who “wavered” during the 1940 campaign were uniquely uninformed about politics.

In its original form, the floating voter hypothesis bears on intra-election change. Based on their observation that the citizens who were most susceptible to persuasion during election campaigns were the least informed members of the electorate, they inferred that the citizens who contributed to intersection change in the two-party vote for president were the same poorly informed citizens.

These types of voters have not yet decided which way to vote in an election, or they do not consistently vote for the same political party. Such people are difficult to predict as they make last-minute decisions to vote.

This year, 50 countries are expected to hold elections. According to the Center for American Progress, a US policy institute, more than two billion voters worldwide will participate in these elections.

Pulse Contributor

Articles written by the author

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