Graphic@70...Thanksgiving, Awards

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

To crown a year-long of activities to mark its 70th anniversary, the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) on December 24, 2020 held a thanksgiving service to appreciate the Almighty God for seeing the company through all the years and especially 2020.

Awards were also presented to long serving staff who had been with GCGL from 10 years to 30 years. The various departments of the company also nominated the most hardworking of their staff to receive awards.

The Overall Best Staff Award went to Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor, a journalist with the Kumasi office, while the MD's Special Award went to Resident Physician, Dr Jacqui Barnes and Reporter, Timothy Ngnenbe.

The following clicks by Edmages sums up the atmosphere at the event.

#Graphic@70 #gcgl #truthaccuracyeveryday #canonshots

Election 2020: Graphic Strongroom

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Journalists as well as designers and other support staff working for the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) like their colleagues in other media houses stayed awake on election day, December 7, just so they would be able to monitor proceedings at the polling stations and collation centres to report accurately proceedings to all Ghanaians.

Edmages captured some scenes in the newsroom (strongroom) where all the action was and stories emanated from for the reading public.

#Election2020 #gcgl #Corporatesforpeace #graphic #Ghanavotes2020

Drums beat for peaceful general election - Northern Region

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

On Thursday, November 12, 2020, the Graphic, Spring Consult-led Corporates in Ghana Peace Campaign plane landed in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.

The intent of the campaign was to preach peace championed by all stakeholders in Ghana's 8th Presidential and Parliamentary elections which come off today, December 7, 2020.

Culture was on full display at the Town Hall Meeting held at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre, with drums heralding the arrival of all participants to the venue of the event. Apart from the peace messages that constituted most part of the programme, Batakaris or smocks of all shades also adorned the hall.

All participants also pledged to promote peace before, during and after the elections (https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/tamale-graphic-holds-town-hall-meeting-today.html.) Captured below are some scenes from Edmages.

#Election2020 #Corporatesforpeace #gcgl #Graphic@70 #Ghanavotes2020

Graphic, Spring Consult Peace Campaign - Ashanti Region

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) with partner Spring Consult in the run up to the 2020 General Election have launched the Corporates in Ghana Peace Campaign to rally all stakeholders and corporate organisations to push for peace before, during and after the elections.

Originally planned to be launched in all 16 regions, the launch of the campaign had to be limited to just three to represent the entire country - they were the Ashanti, Northern and Volta regions.

The team was in Kumasi, Tamale and Ho to preach peace with political parties, security services and stakeholders such as the National Peace Council, the National Commission on Civic Education and the Electoral Commission.

Below are some scenes captured by Edmages from the Kumasi engagement which was in two parts - the Ashanti Regional Spotlight launch & Peace Campaign.

#Peace #Peacecampaign #CorporatesinGhanapeacecampaign #Election2020 #Peacefulelections #Ballotsnotbullets #Kumasi #Tamale #Ho

My tribute to Rawlings

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

When Thursday, November 12, 2020 dawned on us no one knew it was going to bring the whole of Ghana, Africa and the entire global community some sad news.

The first President and first John of Ghana's Fourth Republic, Flt Lt (retd) Jerry John Rawlings was larger than life itself and so no one expected a man still full of charisma, humour and a statesman to die just like that.

No wonder when news broke of the unsettling event many classified it as fake news and brushed it aside until the President and many media houses conformed it. 

With all the activities heralding the upcoming eighth general election since Ghana took to the democratic path in 1992, no one imagined death would lay its icy hands on the one who paved the way for Ghanaians to opt for the ballot box.

Well I had the chance to meet the late former President Rawlings when he joined the Jospong Group of Companies as a Special Guest during their annual end-of-year thanksgiving service in December 2018 at the headquarters of Zoomlion Ghana Limited (https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/ghana-news-rawlings-asks-for-community-vigilantism-to-fight-insanitary-conditions.html).

Find below some images captured of him by Edmages while he spoke passionately about sanitation, using anecdotes most of the time that left the audience in stitches. May his soul rest in peace.

Graphic@70 Loyalty Promo on...4 cars for grabs

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

As part of activities marking the Graphic Communications Group Limited's (GCGL)70th anniversary a loyalty promo has been launched to afford readers the opportunity to win four KIA saloon cars provided by Rana Motors.

Staff of GCGL on Friday, October 30, 2020 wore their branded promo 'T' shirts to publicise the promo. Edmages was able to capture some images and shares them here.

#loyaltypromo #Graphic@70 #graphic #gcgl

Graphic@70...All the exclusives

By Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in commemoration of its 70th anniversary held several programmes. 

Posted below are some of the exclusive portraits captured by Edmages' lenses of some staff of GCGL.

#Graphic@70 #gcgl #truthandaccuracyeveryday

8th Ghana Garden and Flower Show opening held virtually

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

Imagine if the whole world were a big garden with flowers of all colours, leaves of all shapes and trees of all sizes and girth adorning it with streams and rivers running across.

That would not only be refreshing but it will make us want to live forever just beholding nature's beauty.

The 8th Ghana Garden and Flower Show opened today, November 4 on the theme "Live the Change" and will hold till November 8, but its opening had to be done virtually due to the presence of COVID-19.

The virtual opening done by former Electoral Commission Chair and currently the United Nations International Elections Commissioner, Mrs Charlotte Osei, however, took nothing from the event because it was held in a garden where nature's beauty and presence could be felt so strongly.

Joining in the event via zoom were a representative of Stanbic Bank, a sponsor of the show, people from Nigeria and Kenya, as well as the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Ron Strikker. Gracing the occasion were the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Shani Cooper and the Dean of the School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Daniel Bruce Sarpong. There were also representatives from ABSA Bank, also a sponsor.

Birthed by Ms Esther Cobbah and her Stratcomm Africa organisation and given the fillip by the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement which has the show as its flagship activity each year, the event has been supported over the years by many organisations. 

They believe trees and flowers give humans the oxygen to live (and rightly so) and so every effort must be made to protect flora.

Well, it was my first time at the annual event, but I found myself at home because I love nature. Find below some of the images captured by Edmages.

Graphic@70 climaxed with Ball

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

Last Saturday, October 24, 2020 the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) climaxed its year-long 70th anniversary celebration with a Ball, which was graced by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, some ministers of state as well as stakeholders, former and retired staff of GCGL who had contributed to the success of the company over the years.

Past editors and journalists who have won the prestigious Journalist of the Year awards for the company were all awarded on the night. It was a night of glitz and glamour as all attendees came dressed to the hilt in their ball gowns and dresses, suits, tuxedos and traditional attires.

Well, Edmages was around to bring you some of the sparkling images from the red carpet and actual event.

#Graphic@70 #gcgl #graphic #truthandaccuracyeveryday

Mavis Kitcher retires after 37 years with GCGL

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Last Monday, the Director, News of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mrs Mavis Kitcher, was bid an emotional farewell to start her mandatory pension after attaining age 60 and offering 37 years of service to the GCGL.

She was for most part of her service (18 years and six months) the Editor of the Junior Graphic which was established in the year 2000.

The farewell was attended by younger sister, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, executives of the Ghana Journalists Association including the President Mr Affail Monney, the General Manager, Ghana News Agency, Mrs Beatrice Asamani Savage and the Director-General, Welfare of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

As usual the roving lens of Edmages was on hand to capture some of the scenes. 

GCGL marks 70 years with a float

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Last Friday, October 2, 2020, marked exactly 70 years when the first newspaper from the Graphic Communications Group (GCGL) stable - the Daily Graphic, hit the newsstands.

To commemorate that epoch event, the GCGL in the morning went on a float through some principal streets of Accra distributing complementary copies of the Daily Graphic and nose masks to the public.

A loyalty promotion to reward readers was also announced during the float. Readers of any of the brands in the GCGL stable stand the chance to win one of four KIA saloon cars at stake as well as other prizes.

In the evening staff dressed up in their white or red Graphic@70 lacoste treated themselves to a music-laden cocktail and cut the anniversary cake. It was a day of fun and excitement pervaded the air at the GCGL's headquarters as well as regional offices.

Well Edmages could not help but capture some scenes from the float and some portraits of staff which it shares here. Enjoy!

Graphic@70: Unveiling of Anniversary Cloth

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Precisely on Friday, September 25, staff of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), reported for work looking resplendent in their attires made with the Graphic@70 anniversary cloth.

It was a competition of styles, creativity and sheer beauty to behold. There were those who went the combination way using one or both of the red and white (grey) and brown and golden variants of the cloth.

Some came in blouses or shirts (both long and short-sleeved, spaghetti or a hybrid) beautifully crafted, others in the traditional slit and kaba, dresses, kaftan, shorts and a top among other intriguing designs.

As usual Edmages was on hand to take few shots of staff in their beautifully designed anniversary cloth attires and gives you a peek of what happened last Friday.

#Graphic@70 #gcgl #dailygraphic #truthandaccuracyeveryday

Celebrating a classy lady

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (c)

Sometimes you wonder how you became that blessed to have beautiful souls around you. Becky epitomises a wonderful being who is beautiful both inside and out... and above all she is very classy.

Also a lady extraordinaire who takes her job very seriously. Well if you think I am bragging about her please allow me to. She needs to read all these while she is bubbling with life. And....shhh! Don't let her know this - that I have always liked the way she mentions my name (Said that to her several times anyway).

Edmages has been privileged to take some shots of this Angel and shares these with all admirers as she celebrates yet another milestone. Happy Birthday Sweet One, from Edmages where we give you Images for Life!

Graphic@70: Old Timers arrive in style

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C) 

Hats, braces, stockings, wigs, hand bags, baggy trousers and bell bottom trousers became the fashion trend at the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) last Friday, September 11, 2020 which was dedicated to old 'skuul' and funky attire.

It was the fourth in the series of 'Fantastic Fridays' instituted to commemorate the GCGL's seven decades of existence. 

Staff tasted "Red & White" the corporate colours of the establishment, "Jungle Fever" which was the wearing of animal prints, went "Sporty", but apparently no one knew that the old 'skuul' fervor was going to be the most exciting and competitive.

Everyone knew when the day arrived that the judges faced a herculean task in choosing the winners in the various categories.

Edmages captured some shots and posts below 70 of them for your viewing pleasure and comments. Who really went back in time to yesteryears?

#Graphic@70 #gcgl #graphic #fantasticfridays

When God had Mercy on Jonathan...*It was 'Graphically' witnessed

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

It is the dream of most young men to find their missing rib, settle down and have kids but it is not always that Mercy finds those men.

Well, Mr Jonathan Brocke last Saturday, September 5, 2020 was not only 'welded' to his missing rib found in his longtime school heart throb, but found Mercy to become a complete man.

Some staff of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), publishers of Ghana's foremost newspaper, the Daily Graphic, witnessed it all, and it was a joyous occasion which attracted a great cloud of witnesses. 

This time it was not Jonathan making a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:3), but with Mercy for a lifelong marriage journey.

#Edmages brings you some of the highlights of the ceremony held in Accra.

Hold it Honey! - I got you babe, you can lean on me

And David danced...with his bride

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) last Saturday, August 22, 2020, became one eligible bachelor short when one of its designers, Mr David Aryeetey, took his longtime sweetheart, Jemima to the altar.

As usual staff were around to lend their support, be witnesses to their union and wish them well on their life-long journey. The groom took to the dance floor and danced his heart out with his bride and colleagues - It was indeed a happy day for the couple.

#Edmages captured some moments and shares them with you. Thanks to #kasamoahphotography for lending support.

#ghanaianmarriage #gcgl #lovematters #weddingbells

What an Arabian adventure on the desert!

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Nothing prepared us for the heart-pounding, adrenalin-filled and exhilarating dives and ascents on the dunes although we knew we were going on a desert safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

With no warning the cross-country vehicle we were travelling on just did a dive, a steep climb, then there were twists and turns that were both exciting and frightening at the same time.....

Those deft maneuvers by our experienced driver, Khurshid, drew spontaneous involuntary shrieks and sometimes moans of fright with a tinge of pleasure from some of the occupants of the vehicle.

The Sundowner Dune Desert Safari had been arranged as part of a media familiarisation tour of Emirates’ facilities and in the vehicle were some selected Ghanaian journalists on the trip.

Join Edmages for a ride as captured by our lenses.  #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter #FlyEmirates #Emirates @Dubai

We counted over 30 of the same make of vehicles ahead of us

Sporty August @ Graphic

 Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (c)

As part of the'Fantastic Friday' fiesta instituted to mark the Graphic Communications Group's 70th anniversary, staff last June painted the town red, went on a jungle safari in July and  last Friday, August 14, 2020 went sporty.

Edmages was around for some exciting shots of the sportsmen and women who reported for duty. Who stole the show? Your pick. #Graphic@70 #gcgl #dailygraphic #fantasticfriday

Tigress Wood was there with her golf kit

Fire man on the Dubai desert

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

Every grown up knows that you can't play with fire and not get burnt. However, on February 24, 2020 when a group of journalists from Ghana touring Dubai courtesy Emirates Airlines had the privilege to visit a Bedouin style camp at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve they saw something different.

A fire man who entertained guests in the camp ate and did all manner of things with red hot fire synchronising his movements with music playing in the background and did not get burnt during his antics.

Well Edmages was on hand to capture the amazing fire man as he displayed. #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter #FlyEmirates #Dubai #travelphotography #canonshots

CAPC 2017 at The Bund

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (c)

As part of a 10-month study tour in China in 2017, fellows of the China Africa Press Centre (CAPC) comprising 27 African journalists from an equal number of countries visited famed city Shanghai and took a breather at the Bund, a beautiful touristic site.

Edmages reminisces that visit during which the journalists had some fun taking some pictures apart from stretching their legs to shake up stress that had taken the better part of them.

Big hug to a beloved daughter

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (c)

Every parent's wish is to have his/her children make him/her proud so they can boast about them wherever they go or find themselves, especially among other parents.

Children honour their father, mother and guardian when they excel in what they do by working very hard whenever they have any duty to perform and also trust in the God of Heaven in the performance of such duties.

Whenever I think of where you are coming from and where you have reached because of your sheer determination, stubborn faith and leaning on the everlasting arm of our Father in Heaven and the heights you would certainly reach as you continue to depend on Him, I can only praise God for your life daughter.

As you mark another milestone do permit me to celebrate you and ask God's divine blessings on your life wherever you find yourself.

Edmages wishes you long life filled with laughter, good health, wealth and many more major breakthroughs and testimonies. 

May your husband, children, colleagues and friends call you blessed because of the Lord's favour on your life. Happy Birthday Mrs Sarah Brainoo Arhin!

Celebrating an Angel

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (c)

Years ago when I joined the GCGL and I was being taken round the various departments I met an Angel and said to her 'Because I see you here I will join this family'. She looked at me and smiled.

Looking back I am so glad I made that choice because all through the years she has been one of the very amazing beings I have come across and she has truly been an Angel making me laugh when I am down and her presence alone has given me strength to work even when I am weak and tired.

Bless you for being such an awesome friend Mrs Elizabeth Okwabi. Your family is truly blessed and I join them to celebrate you as you mark another milestone.

To the unknown Chef…It’s Sustainable World Gastronomy Day 2020

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

One of the things that has fascinated me whenever I have traveled is the different cuisines of the countries I have visited, especially the way the food is served and which makes the food very appealing. The caterers understand what it means to garnish your food. Diverse cultures, diverse foods, you would say.

The UN General Assembly on December 21, 2016 adopted its resolution A/RES/71/246 and designated June 18 as an international observance, Sustainable Gastronomy Day. The decision acknowledges gastronomy (food) as a cultural expression related to the natural and cultural diversity of the world.

Well an opportunity presented itself to sample cuisines from other countries during a visit to Dubai in February, 2020, courtesy the Emirates Airline. However, it is an Iranian meal that has been etched on my mind because of the rare experience of having a chef prepare some dessert for us after our main dinner.

Enjoy some exclusive pictures from that experience and other meals during a Bateaux ride on the Dubai Creek, Arabian Tea House as well as food prepared by Emirates' Flight Catering Department and also served aboard our aircraft as captured by #Edmages.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates @dubai

International Museum Day - Spotlight on Dubai Museum

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

Each year since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organised International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.

The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”

The Day which was first celebrated 43 years ago is marked on May 18 each year or around this date.

All around the world, more and more museums participate in International Museum Day. Last year, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in about 158 countries and territories.

Although the day has already come and gone, Edmages takes you through the Dubai Museum visited earlier this year during a media familiarisation tour organised for a select group of Ghanaian journalists by Emirates Airlines. The museum tells the story of how Dubai has evolved over the years. All pictures were taken without flash to give viewers the real feel inside the museum.

The late Sheikh Rasheed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum chose the historic Al Fahaidi Fort to be Dubai’s Museum in honour of his ancestors and laid the foundation stone for the museum in 1971.

In the museum are discoveries from 3,000 BC including Dubai’s ongoing love story with the sea.

Museums are places of history and it is why every country must do well to preserve its monuments and museums. Enjoy the virtual tour.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates @dubai

Graphic@70...It's Red, It's White

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) publishers of the Daily Graphic and other national newspapers is 70 this year.

As part of the activities to commemorate the anniversary, staff last Friday, June 5, 2020 were asked to spot attires that matched a colour theme - red & white, which incidentally are the colours of the establishment.

Well pictures convey messages better than words so as usual Edmages was on hand for some clicks. Who rocked the colours better? You will be a better judge.

All hail Laura, Will... Emirates, all Cabin Attendants, Trainers

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

It is International Flight Attendant Day today and an opportune time to celebrate the cabin crew of Emirates Airline and all other cabin crew of the world's airlines who ensure comfort for all passengers to their destinations.

Each year more and more airlines and trade unions dedicate the last day of spring (May 31) to the hard-working cabin crew staff. The celebration is meant to raise awareness about the importance of this often-overlooked profession.

Much as most flights have been grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still a good opportunity to salute the hardworking flight attendants who put on broad smiles even in the face of turbulent weather and sometimes provocation from unruly passengers.

Many admire the cabin crew as they strut the airports smartly dressed in their beautifully designed attire, either on their way to board their aircraft or to their hotel after they have landed.

However, what most passengers are oblivious of, is the fact that flight attendants go through very rigorous training just to enable them handle all sorts of situations once they are airborne - no wonder they seem calm even during sticky situations above the clouds.

A group of Ghanaian journalists had the chance to visit the flight training school of Emirates Airline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in February 2020 and were amazed at what they learnt.

Below are some clicks of the amazing trainers and facilities for training captured by #Edmages from the tour.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates #emirates @Dubai

With Laura, a trainer of cabin attendants

Some fans for Emelia...It's her day

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

Everyone who really knows Emelia Ennin Abbey should know two things about her - She loves to laugh and loves pictures. 

So on this special day Edmages is pleased to share some of the exclusive pictures that have been captured of this amazing lady who chooses to call me Sweet Daddy.

So my Sweet Daughter on this momentous day there is no better way to celebrate you than to flow you some fans with few of the pictures I have of you on my blog.

May you continue to laugh out loud because of God's Goodness over your life. You are really loved for your sweet spirit and hard work. Cheers Mimi!

Today is Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

Today is Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. This holiday which is marked every – May 24, originated in the US, but is currently celebrated by Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) professionals worldwide. 

The date was not selected at random, as May 24 is the birthday of Charles Taylor, the first aircraft mechanic, who worked with the legendary Wright Brothers.

Edmages salutes all aviation technicians with some shots taken during a visit to Emirates' Engineering Department in the early part of this year.

We (a group of journalists on a tour) found amazing the extent the technicians go and the dedication to duty, to ensure the safety of all passengers by virtually ripping apart entire aircraft to make sure nothing is left to chance in maintenance, repairs and overhaul.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates @emirates #dubai

I met the Queen of Botswana

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

We meet wonderful people in life's walk and they make the world go round and make it a wonderful place to be. It is always good to celebrate them while they are alive.

I met one of such wonderful beings in my sojourn in Beijing, China in 2017. Ms Queen Mokwape who is mostly called Queen is celebrating her birthday today (May 12, 2020) and what an opportune time to let her know she is appreciated.

Edmages on behalf of CAPC 2017 wishes you all the best in your endeavours The Queen and may life always reward you with only the best. Cheers to another year.

Below are some shots captured in 2017 of The Queen.

An ode to my mother

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

“Woman you have been away from my company for one year now. I know you are with the Lord resting. I pray He continues to keep you till we join you in His own time 🙏🏾.”

Mum, this is from the man whom you affectionately called Kwame Alex, the one with whom you brought all four of us into this world – Myself, Jackie, Nana and Dada (Ecow).

Even before I could think of the right words to mark your passing exactly a year ago, he had already beaten me to it. He has always been talking about you and explaining why of all the endearments in the world he chose to call you WOMAN!

We couldn’t have asked for a better mummy. You brought us up well. It has been difficult living without you for a year but the Lord has been our strength.

The memory of that fateful day – May 11 at around 2 a.m. when I received that strange call from daddy, will however live with me for the rest of my life because it was a very strange phone call and I instantly knew there was something amiss.

Little did I know you had already bid us bye to a better place, even before we could celebrate you on Mothers’ Day but God knows best. You are sorely missed Bibio. Rest well mummy till we meet again. Forever in our hearts. 

A toast to Aisha

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

She is my personal person and I can't afford not to celebrate her as she marks another milestone. Young, a model, friendly, sassy, pretty and hardworking Aisha, my protégé when it comes to handling the camera. 

My daughter, sweetheart and friend, here's to more fulfilling years and may the Almighty God whom you serve ever so faithfully grant all your heart's desires and bless you with all the blessings of Heaven. Edmages is proud of you and wishes you a Happy Birthday!

44 Gun Salute to Hadiza

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

Well as your official paparazzi, please do allow me to join the host of others who have wished you a double celebration today - Your Birthday and Mothers Day.

May I please take it a step further by giving you a 44 gun salute on this auspicious day Hadiza.
For those who know Hadiza, saying she is a workaholic is an understatement. She also loves what she does writing on anything from Archaeology to Zoology.

Edmages is proud to be associated with you Assistant Editor of the Mirror and we publish 44 shots to celebrate you. May God give you more grace as you go about your work, continue being you and we join Mr Maurice Quansah to thank God for your life barracks girl.

Yes sir madam sir! Happy Birthday!

It's World Pilots' Day...Let's celebrate Captain Solomon Quainoo

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Yeah! It is my first time hearing about such a day - World Pilots' Day. Well if for nothing at all the commemoration of this day just struck a chord because my dad is a retired Ghana Air Force pilot.

But pilots did not have a professional day until 2014 when the Turkish Airline Pilots’ Association shared their vision with the international community. April 26 marks the maiden flight of Fesa Evrensev – Turkey’s first pilot.

I would, however, like us to, apart from doffing off our hats to all pilots who transport thousands of people across oceans and mountains all over the world, celebrate Ghanaian-born pilot and captain on Emirates’ A380 jet, Solomon Quainoo.

He is among four Ghanaians currently flying Emirates aircraft and making Ghana and Africa proud. Salute to all the fine pilots and their crew.

#Edmages shares pictures from an encounter with him recently at the Emirates headquarters in Dubai during a media familiarisation tour.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates #dubai #canonshots

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/captain-solomon-quainoo-the-bus-driver.html

Salute to all pilots

The Jumeirah Mosque …Ramadan is here!

By Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Ramadan is the Holy Month on the Muslim calendar and it is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast by adult Muslims (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. The fast includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the Holy Month.

Muslims also believe the Quran was revealed in Ramadan. During the Holy Month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar.

It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar.

This year 2020, however, there would be no mosque affairs globally due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia's grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, the highest religious authority in the kingdom, has already urged that prayers during Ramadan, including nightly Tarawee and Eid al-Fitr prayers, should be performed at home as the pandemic rages on around the world, the Saudi newspaper Okaz has reported.

If the moon is sighted on the 29th day of the fast the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, May 23.

Otherwise, Ramadan fasting will carry on for 30 days and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 24.

#Edmages was privileged to visit the Jumeirah Mosque a very famed meeting place for Muslim faithful in Dubai which would have been a beehive of activities if we were in normal times, during a Media Familiarisation tour organised by Emirates. Find below some clicks of the Muslim place of worship. Edmages wishes all Muslim brothers and sisters a fruitful Ramadan period.

#flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates #canonshots @Dubai

Frankincense, Myrrh ...Spices from Dubai

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

Most know about the gifts presented to baby Jesus Christ by the Three Wise Men. They were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Nonetheless, while gold is very known, not many people have seen and touched Frankincense and Myrrh. 

Well Edmages brings you clicks taken of some Frankincense and Myrrh plus other spices during a visit to Dubai's Herbs Souq courtesy Emirates Airline's media familiarisation trip 2020. #flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates @Emirates #dubaidiaries 

Frankincense

Frame of Dubai

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

This frame in the centre of Dubai is meant to remind the citizens of how the city intends to be framed. A kind of reminder of where they are going. Edmages during a visit earlier in 2020 found this concept intriguing and took both day and night shots of the huge frame which has an observatory. 

Daily Graphic Volta Region Spotlight launch

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

The flagship of the Graphic Communications Group Limited last Saturday launched the Volta Region Spotlight, a special supplement on the Volta Region. It was the 5th of such editions to be launched since July 2019 and was preceded by a health walk.

Edmages brings you some pictures from the historic event.

Graphic@70 Launch

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved  (c)

For seven decades their name has been synonymous to a newspaper in Ghana. Truth & Accuracy Every Day has been their mantra. Of course I am referring to Graphic and the larger GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS GROUP LIMITED (GCGL) which has survived the storms for 70 solid years. Happy 70th Anniversary Graphic from Edmages.

The Dubai Bateaux Experience

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

One of the very relaxing moments we enjoyed on a recent visit to Dubai for a media familiarisation tour organised by Emirates was the Bateaux sailing and dining ride experience on the Dubai Creek. Edmages captured some colourfully lighted boats filled with people also taking in the night splendour of Old Dubai . 

Oh that Ghana would also emulate this tourist attraction on our water bodies instead of polluting them. #flyemiratesflybetter #flyemirates @emirates #dubaidiaries #canonshots

 

This is Xuzhou

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

One of the first and amazing provinces CAPC 2017 was privileged to visit was Jiangsu. There the fellows of the China Africa Press Centre were awed by how a vast coal mining area had been turned into a beautiful eco tourism park among other exciting places visited. Below are some of the lovely scenes captured by Edmages. 

A section of the Pan'an Ecotourism Lake

Welcome to Nanjing

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Nanjing means capital of the south and a former capital of the People's Republic of China. There are many memories from the amazing city captured by Edmages in March 2017. 

It would not be fair to humanity if some of the lovely scenes and unforgettable experiences were not shared. 

So this marks the beginning of the posting of pictures from my 10-month sojourn in China in 2017.
The following were pictures captured with my Infinix Note 2 phone. Enjoy.

A bronze work of a man and two boys playing traditional chess in the old Mengdong community down the city wall. 

And the King, clothed in royal apparel danced

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved

Nana Amponsah Adepa Yeboah I is a woman but she is the Kyidomhene of Akyem-Tafo in the Eastern Region. She was the Special Guest of Honour at the 5th Graduation Ceremony of the College of Counselling and Psychology (CCP), Accra, which was on the theme; "Healing a hurting world: The role of the Counsellor which was held on January 11, 2020. In all 84 students graduated with Executive Certificate in Counselling.

Nana Yeboah I did not only grace the occasion with her presence but she also danced majestically to traditional drumming which heralded her arrival and saw her off after the function.

Well the roving lenses of Edmages captured some kingly steps.

Red carpet moments from the GCGL Editorial Party

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved (C)

You may choose t call it green carpet and you would not be wrong but the most important thing is that there was a specially designated place for photos during the event.
Some shots by Guest Photographer DAF.