'78 Abongo Boys & Girls 2024 End-of-Year Meet

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Originally planned for 10 members of the group who indicated their availability for the 1978 Abongo Boys & Girls (Services Primary School, Takoradi) 2024 End-of-Year Meet, it ended up with only half that number being able to make it.

But it was all good cheer and fellow feeling as the five (One man and four women) who were able to make it to Afrikiko on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in the evening sat around the table, had some drinks and food and spoke about interesting things that came up during the conversation.

Ably spearheaded by Dr Afua Ansre aka Mama Addo and enjoying the company of two guests - Ruth and Gideon who eventually became the group's photographer, it will indeed remain a night to remember. 

Touching base with colleagues you have known for over 40 years amid all the hustle and bustle of city life doesn't happen all the time or come cheap. 

Grateful for life, grateful for friends that stick together for decades. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

#Edmages #canonshots #abongoboysandgirls #servicesprimaryschool

Nana weds Naa (N & N 2024)

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

It is always a joyous moment when two love birds tie the knot to begin a lifelong journey together.

And so it was when Nana Yaw Essah, a facilitator of the ABC class of his church, got married to his betrothed, Abigail Naa Quartey on November 30, 2024 at the Holy Ghost Temple of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), at Frafraha in Accra.

Friends, loved ones, family and church members were present to witness the momentous occasion (solemnisation of holy matrimony) officiated by Rev. (Prophet) Christopher Yaw Annor, and also celebrate the bonds of marriage with Nana and Naana.

See below for some of the moments captured at the ceremony. We wish Mr & Mrs Essah the best on this journey.

#marriage #wedding #Edmages #canonshots #ghanaianmarriage

   

Ataa Quaye, Graphic's Photo General bows out

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) officially saw off Veteran Photo Journalist, Emmanuel Quaye aka Ataa Quaye, who retired earlier in the year after attaining 60 years and serving the GCGL for 39 years and 10 months.

Ataa Quaye thus virtually spent all his working life at GCGL, during which period he took pictures and contributed to the Daily Graphic and other publications in the GCGL stable, very memorable shots as a staff working in the photo unit.

He especially excelled in sports photography, bringing images alive from different stadia and sports arenas across the country and the world.

Starting off as a Copy Boy in 1984, Ataa Quaye rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Photo Editor of the company. His farewell included his last participation in the flagship Daily Graphic's editorial conference, where members shared their experiences working with the veteran photo journalist.

We wish Ataa Quaye a happy and well deserved retirement.

Find below some scenes captured during a send off organised by the Editorial Board of the Editorial Department for him.

#retirement #pension #Edmages #canonshots

Daniel Institute 5th Graduation ... Ps. Gina Nyamekye, others released for ministry

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

On Saturday, November 16, the Daniel Institute (DI) held its 5^th Graduation Ceremony at the ICGC Open Heavens Temple at Adjiringanor in Accra, thus releasing more labourers into the white fields.

It was presided over by DI’s Provost, Dr. Fred Brako, and had the Chancellor of the Central University, Dr Mensa Otabil in attendance.

Find below some scenes that were captured during and after the ceremony.  

#Edmages #canonshots #danielinstitute #graduation #icgcworldwide

Kwabena weds Esinam...KwEsi2024

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

All praise to God, a member of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Holy Ghost Temple Contemporary Choir (HGTCC), Ms Praise Esinam Atakuma, got hooked up and was taken off the spinsters market on Saturday, October 5, 2024 by Kwabena.

Family members, work colleagues, friends and members of the HGTCC and church witnessed the nuptials at the ICGC Holy Ghost Temple at Frafraha near Adenta in Accra.

Find below some of the scenes captured at the solemnisation of holy matrimony.

#marriage #wedding #hgtcc #icgcholyghosttemple

The 28th GJA Awards Night

Pictures by Edmund & Eustacia Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, held its 28th media awards, at which 32 journalists and media houses were recognised for their sterling performance in the past year.

Media organisations that received awards included the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Media General, Multimedia, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, New Times Corporation and EIB Network.

Yours truly was awarded the Best Columnist of the Year and Best Domestic Tourism Reporter while the P. A. V. Ansah Journalist of the Year Award went to Edward Adeti, Media Without Borders.

The event which enjoyed the distinguished presence of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was on the theme: "75 Years of Excellence in Journalism. The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections."

Also gracing the occasion were the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar; the United Nations (UN) Resident Representative to Ghana, Charles Abani; the Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle Chiir, who was the chairman for the event; the Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh; the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, and other dignitaries.

For some of the glitz and glam that characterised the awards night, find pictures below.

This Far By Grace Concert 2024

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

This Far By Grace Concert (TFBG). What a night of Worship, Praise and Jam for a worthy cause.

It all happened live on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Association International School, Airport Residential Area, in Accra. Piecing the concert together was Ps Edwin Dadson, with support from Joe Mettle, Mabongi Fero, Naa Mercy Sinclear, Isaiah Fosu Kwakye, Akesse Brempong, Elliot Lamptey and Philip Adzale among others.

Incidentally, it was Philip Adzale who opened the curtain with some worshipful tunes accompanied by the keyboard. 

Themed "Proof of Grace", the concert was in support of children with congenital heart defects in Ghana. Kudos to all the musicians on the night. It was certainly one to remember and one that touched God's heart.

If you missed, find some scenes captured by #Edmages below. #tfbg #gospelmusic #heart 

The last post sounded...Danny Boy responded

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

On Friday, June 21, 2024, a retired senior officer of the Ghana Armed Forces and pilot (Flying Instructor) of the Ghana Air Force, Sqn/Ldr Reginald Daniel Lartei Larkai, affectionately called Danny Boy who had passed into glory at 77 years, was seen off at the Garrison Methodist & Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp in Accra.

Sqn/Ldr (ret'd) Larkai was also an old boy of my alma mater, Mfantsipim School, which he completed in 1965.

My siblings and I grew up knowing and referring to him as Uncle Dan because he was like one to us and connected with us even in our adulthood. So affable, jovial and a lover of children whose jokes always sent us cracking our ribs.

Uncle Dan thanks for making our childhood so memorable and though your sudden home call on April 5, 2024, came as a shock to us we know that you are in a better place. Rest in Peace Soldier!

Some pictures from Uncle Dan's heavily attended funeral follow. #dannyboy #funeral #soldier #burmacamp #Edmages #canonshots

Experiencing Laoshe Teahouse

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

One of the very memorable times we (CAPC 2017) had whilst in the Orient, was when we were taken out for some tea and a mixture of music, dance and acrobatic performances at the Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing. What a night it was on that fateful day, Wednesday, April 26, 2017. 

#capc2017  #beijingdiaries #china2017 #phonephotography #travelphotography

Eid Mubarak (Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024)

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

Eid-Ul-Fitr, a celebration of completing a month of fasting, praying and abstaining from all negative actions and thoughts, is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan - the holy month of fasting when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day.

On this day, Muslims show their gratitude to Allah for offering them health and endurance to get through the long fasting period of Ramadan.

On this auspicious day, Muslims worldwide thank Allah for giving them the strength, will and endurance  to observe the month-long fast and obey His commandments during Ramadan.

Edmages joins the Muslim fraternity worldwide to celebrate the Eid with some pictures of people in traditional attire akin to those won by Muslim faithful.

#Eidmubarak #Edmages #canonshots #ramadan #fasting #Islam

Little Kankam naming

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

The birth of a baby is always celebrated in many jurisdictions because a new human being has been added to a family.

The feeling was no different at the naming of a son to the Kankams on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Qadish Church, Spintex in Accra, when family members and friends gathered to witness the momentous event.

Hurray! Kester Obrempong Fokuo Kankam is now a full member of the family and the nation at large.

#Edmages #canonshots #naming #dedication. #baby

The Baidens welcome new member

Pictures by Edmund Smith-Asante. All Rights Reserved ©

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given....Isaiah 9: 6-7. So it happened, that the third boy born to the Baidens on Friday, October 27, 2023, Oheneba Adepa Kofi Baiden, was named on Saturday, December 23, 2023. 

It can be said that Christmas came early for the Baidens and all loved ones. All praise and thanks to God for this bundle of joy and gift of another human.

#Edmages #canonshots #babyboy #namingceremony