HTU Denies Revocation of VC’s Appointment

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February 14, 2019

Prof. Honyenuga — Prof. Ben Honyenuga, [Photo credit: Bonecstasy]

By: Abdul-Iddrisu Faisel | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Ho Technical University (HTU) has denied reports of revocation of the appointment of the University’s Vice-Chancellor, describing it as coming from “institutional non-conformists and rebels seeking to tarnish the hard won reputation of the University.

The Herald Newspaper reported the revocation of the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ben Quashie Hoenyenuga by the Minister of Education, Mathew Opoku Prempeh in its Wednesday, February 13 edition of the publication on the basis of his questionable academic qualification.

However, the University in a press statement, signed by the Interim Registrar, urged the student body, alumni and the general public to disregard the publication.

“We wish to state for the information of the University Community, alumni and the general public that neither Council nor Management of the Ho Technical University has been served notice of the revocation of the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor for the University.”

The statement said “the University has on record, a call for a probe into the authenticity of Professor Hoenyenuga’s doctorate degree from two faculty members of the University” and after the investigations, it was confirmed that “the certificate awarded to Mr. Ben Q Hoenyenuga is authentic and comparable to doctoral degrees in the relevant subject areas awarded by recognised tertiary institutions in Ghana.”

Appointment of Prof. Ben Quashie Honyenuga

The Council of the Technical University at its 29th Special Meeting held on Friday 18th January, 2019 approved the appointment of Professor Ben Quashie Honyenuga, as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

His approval followed the report of the Search Committee for a Vice-Chancellor of the University, constituted by the Council, and chaired by Prof. K.K. Adarkwa, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

The National Council for Tertiary Education has since been notified of the Council’s decision and requested for the appropriate terms and conditions under which the Vice-Chancellor should be appointed.

Prof. Honyenuga was the Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Substantive Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Acting Vice-Chancellor, prior to his appointment.

He also served as the Dean of Students and Vice Rector, during the days that the Institution operated as a Polytechnic.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Chiefs and People of Kedzi Embrace Keta Port Project

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Volta Online

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February 14, 2019

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ahead of the construction of Keta Port by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in collaboration with Diamond Cement, the traditional authorities of Kedzi, in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, where the port is expected to be situated, have embraced the economic opportunity that is coming to their area.

Dufia of Kedzi, Torgbui Joachim Acolatse V at the launch of Norvikporgbe Za 2019 in Accra, acknowledged the plethora of opportunities that the Keta Port project would bring when develop, stating his vision of ensuring that the human resource at the town’s disposal would take full advantage of the impending project.

According to Torgbui Acolatse, “recently the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signed an executive instrument declaring the entire coastline of Kedzi as a port.”

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, he said, “has since mapped out the Kedzi coastline for this purpose. By this gesture, we believe an opportunity has opened up for the people of Kedzi to effectively utilise their natural resources to fuel development.”

The Norvikporgbe Za, instituted about 5 years ago, is an annual celebration by the indigenes of Kedzi during Easter celebration which brings citizens (home and abroad) together to deliberate on issues of socio-economic development of the community.

Chiefs and people of Kedzi at the launch of Norvikporgbe Za 2019

The Minister of Fisheries, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye who is also the development queen of Dzelukope (also in the Keta Municipality), Mama Dunenyo I explained that it was in the government’s strategic agenda of identifying needed areas for development, that it chose the Kedzi area for the construction of the Port.

“This port for the Keta enclave by its visibility reveals that siting this facility here will generate employment and attract foreign investment into the area.”

Project Engineer of GPHA, Komla Ofori said feasibility studies had been conducted and the area declared ideal and that construction works would begin soon.

He said the project plan is expected to be double-faceted, with one side of the port allocated as a commercial port and the other, for tourism.

“There are fresh opportunities we need to look at. So, there are investors, let us start talking, let’s create the platform for the people to come and invest and build a facility that is good for us to work in,” he added.

Source: www.pulse.com.gh

Adopt Alternative Discipline to End School Unrest-VR Education Dir.

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Volta Online

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February 13, 2019

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By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Director of Education, Enyonam Amafugah has advised teachers in the region to adopt alternative disciplinary measures to end students’ rioting.

According to her, alternative discipline will guide students using non-violent response, adding that the new model would also allow teachers to create a positive environment so that students can understand the values modeled to them.

She made this call at Nkwanta Senior High School when she inaugurated the Board of Members of the school and handed over 16 motorbikes to teachers whose motorbikes were destroyed during students’ riot on October 28, 2018.

Students of Nkwanta South Senior High School on October 28, went on rampage and ransacked teachers’ bungalows, destroyed 16 motorbikes and school properties.

The Nkwanta South Municipal Director of Education, Stephen Kwame Tsuatorfe thanked Management for fulfilling their promise and assured that discipline would be ensured to achieve academic excellence.

Speaking to the school Bursar, Aaron Alfreh Nsia, he indicated that all the properties that were destroyed by students had been repaired to ensure effective teaching and learning in the school.

Chief of Nkwanta Adele, Nana Amoah Boafo III also thanked the school authorities for ensuring that teachers who had their properties destroyed during the riot had been duly compensated.

Nana Boafo advised the students to eschew immoral behaviours that have the tendency of destroying school properties and landing them into problems.

Some teachers whose motorbikes were destroyed were grateful for the replacement and promised to put the incident behind them and ensure effective teaching and learning in the school.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Media Urged to Support Malaria Elimination Agenda

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Volta Online

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February 12, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has called on key stakeholders especially the media to lead the advocacy for eliminating malaria in the country.

Programmes Manager, NMCP, Dr. Keziah Malm, in addressing journalists during a training workshop in Accra, said the country had taken significant steps in controlling malaria and solicited their support to rein in the disease.

She touched on various intervention programmes including the distribution of Insecticide treated c (LLINs) throughout the country last year aimed at controlling the disease.

The 2-day workshop organised by NMCP in collaboration with African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) for selected journalists drawn from five regions of the country, aimed to update and sharpen the skills of journalists on malaria reporting.

The workshop themed, “Role of the Media in Promoting Malaria Elimination Agenda”, saw wonderful presentations on topics such as Malaria Control in Ghana, Preventive Interventions in Ghana, Malaria Case Management and Communication on Malaria.

A section of journalists at the workshop

World Health Organisation Representative, Dr Felicia Owusu-Antwi on the global situation of Malaria said, although some gains were made between 2010 and 2016, regarding malaria cases and deaths, progress stalled in 2017, thus, the need for concerted efforts for the needed impact.

Dr. Owusu-Antwi mentioned the 10+1 initiative aimed at accelerating reduction of malaria deaths and case incidence in top 10 countries in Africa (including Ghana) and India, and underscored the need for governments of these malaria endemic countries to commit to supporting the agenda.

Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah, NMCP, advised covering clean waters, drying out all stagnant waters around households as well as clearing all materials that may become breeding sites for malaria vector.

He among other things, urged people to sleep under treated mosquito nets at night as malaria-transmitting mosquitoes bite late at night.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom Adomako, NMCP insisted that people should always visit the hospital any time they have symptoms suspected to be malaria.

According to Dr. Adomako, not all fevers are caused by malaria and so one must undergo testing to be sure they are suffering from malaria before treating themselves for the disease.

Meanwhile, Deputy Programmes Manager, NMCP, Mr. James Frimpong hinted of a phased implementation of malaria vaccine, RTS,S which is expected to be piloted in Central , Volta and Brong-Ahafo regions and some 4 selected districts in Upper East Region this year.

The vaccine would target babies aged six months to be given four doses within a specified duration to prevent malaria in children.

Executive Secretary of AMMREN, Dr. Charity Binka charged the media with the responsibility of informing and educating the citizenry on malaria to cause positive change in malaria prevention and control efforts, and holding policy makers accountable in the management of the disease.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

The Nine Saint Corpses and One Evil Deceased [OPINION]

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Volta Online

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February 12, 2019

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By: Shallom Lumor |

Some of us do not like attending funerals not because we do not have the time, but they always look boring, mind boggling and time taking.

But it is good to mourn with mourners.

“Even though he was heavily addicted to alcohol, he found the chance to make peace with those he normally had problem with.”

Everyone present at the funeral ground shouted, “what a biography!”

This was the 8th biographies out of 10.

Ten corpses in 10 caskets nicely arranged in line, 10 different family mourners, about 16 canopies, 9 or less different churches with the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church of Ghana, leading the funeral service, one funeral ground, 2-hour service and less than 20 minutes sermon by the Principal of Amedzofe Training College, Dr. Dickson Etsey.

This was Amedzofe last Saturday, mass burial for 10 bodies, not because they died on the same day or in one tragic event, but because that has been the arrangement of the traditional leaders of the town. A date set aside for all deceased persons expected to be buried in the Amedzofe Township.

Funeral proceedings started at 9: 00am, with each family bringing the casket of their deceased ones to the funeral service ground. The EP church was leading the service with a woman as the service leader. Instructing how every casket should be arranged, how every family canopy should be mounted to allow guests and mourners to find a place.

Only biographies were expected to be read, no tributes, no funfair of mourning skills. One after the other, the biography detailed the life and achievements of the deceased. The nine out of 10 tributes were read by family members between the ages of 40-70 years, whiles the youngest of the deceased person’s biography that caught my attention was read by much younger, fluent and eloquent family member or a friend I guessed.

To some of us, this was the most honest biography ever written. All other 9 biographies were published nicely in different funeral hand books, while my 38-year old dead buddy’s own was read from an old brown diary by a gentleman. God knows the relationship he had with the deceased.

Then he continued, “our friend and loved one was very controversial, heavily addicted to alcohol but loved everyone in the community, he was everyone’s friend and served everyone who needed his services humbly.”

He tried to get married but could not sustain all the three women who got 3 different children for him.”

“We loved him and may his soul rest in peace.” Simple and short.

All the other deceased persons were presented as saints, no faults, no life mistakes, their big achievements, great educational backgrounds, hard working in their various churches.

Actually, these 9 persons might have been worse off than our one devil whose true nature was presented but it looked like he was the devil among the saints laid down there waiting to be carried away.

Often times we always present the great side of the deceased. We lie in biographies and tributes as if lying was in our DNA.

Observing the ceremony and the families of these bodies said a lot of different things about life.

The church life of this young man was not mentioned, which meant that ideally, the family would have to beg a church to organise funeral service for him, but because of the initial arrangement of the town, this guy also found favour in the eyes of EP Church to perform the service for him knowing well that one must be a recognised member to be buried by the church upon death.

What does this tell you today? Some happenings and decisions of others can give you a certain honour at a certain time. The others might have worked hard to be buried by the church but for our one drunkard, favour had found his body.

Secondly, when it was time for each deceased to be carried away, about 5 or 6 ambulances were present, with each being led by either a borborbor group or brass band, and some with nicely branded pallbearers. But for our “brother”, he was carried away by his “classmates” who were all almost looking like him in his picture serving as pallbearers.

His pallbearers were 4 in number, his friends and family I guessed, playing their own borborbor song and marching along with him with one wreath to the cemetery. Theses pallbearers had their own brands, mouths looking reddish, eyes looking sleepy and in red apparels. With love and heavy heart, they took their deceased to the cemetery to be buried.

But at the end of the day, all these 10 deceased persons went down 6 feet, same soil.

The type of coffin does not matter, whether branded pallbearers or not, whether whisked away with fellow mates or carried in an ambulance, what’s important is that, everyone will get buried at the end.

Life has an end, prepare for it.

NB: The writer is a Journalist and Executive Director of a non-governmental organisation, Shalom Word Foundation

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Abort Plans to Rename HTU after Dr. Amu- Asogli Chiefs Tell Council

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Volta Online

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February 12, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Chiefs of Asogli State in the Volta Region have cautioned the Governing Council of Ho Technical University (HTU) to abandon plans of renaming the Institution after Ghanaian musicologist, Dr. Ephraim Amu, saying such an attempt will meet stiff resistance from the Asogli State.

According to the chiefs they opposed the renaming of the University when they got winds of it and so “shall not sit down for anyone or a group of people to undermine our authority through disrespect.”

At a press conference in Ho addressed by Chief of Ho Dome and Warlord of Asogli State, Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII on Monday, the chiefs said they raised the issue when a delegation from the University led by then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Sakyi called on them leading to the 50^th anniversary celebration of the University.

Togbe Howusu said the Chiefs of Asogli State followed up on March 2, 2018 to communicate their disapproval of the change of name to the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa after the delegation from HTU assured that the chiefs would have been consulted saying, “no firm decision had been taken to rename the University.”

He said the Asogli State was therefore surprised when the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo “confirmed the decision of the Council when he mentioned it in his address at HTU’S 50^th anniversary celebration.

President Nana Akufo-Addo in his address at the event in August said he welcomed the decision by the Governing Council of the University to rename the institution after the great Ghanaian cultural icon, Dr. Ephraim Amu.

“It is wholly fitting that this great, modest man, composer of what easily passes for our unofficial national anthem, Yen Ara Asase Ne, should be properly honoured by a grateful posterity, and, especially, by citizens of his native Volta Region,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo disclosed that the decision was being considered and once parliamentary process was completed, the University would be called the Ephraim Amu Technical University, Ho.

But the Asogli Warlord said the chiefs were unhappy the University Council took such a decision “without recourse to the chiefs and people Asogli State, through whose efforts the then Ho Technical Institute was established in 1968.

He said though they recognised the achievements and contribution of Dr. Ephraim Amu to the country’s development, it was “improper to rename the University after him without due diligence and consensus building on the issue.”

The chiefs argued that there were other pressing issues bordering on transforming the University into an excellent one rather than renaming it.

“We do not understand why the Council should be bent on changing the name of the University as though that is their top priority when in fact, there are other pressing challenges facing the University which in our opinion should rather have engaged their attention.”

Togbe Howusu said the chiefs and people of Asogli insist the name should remain Ho Technical University so as not “to do anything to jeopardize the peace that we are all enjoying.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

United, Mawuli See Double Victories in Volta Cricket League

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Volta Online

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February 11, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

United MA Basic and Mawuli Basic A, clinched double victories over Heve Basic and Dome R.C. Basic respectively in week 4 of the Volta Cricket U-12 Schools League at the Ho Sports Stadium.

Having won 1 match each in week 2, both teams came all out to ensure their 4 points was assured on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Mawuli after losing against United Girls in week 2 scored 78 runs, for 2 wickets in 13 overs and won by 8 wickets as Dome R.C. scored 76 runs for 1 wicket in 15 overs in the first innings, with the latter winning toss.

Dome R.C. Girls were exciting to watch in the first innings but lack of coordination in fielding caused their second defeat in a row.

Mawuli Boys, on the other side of the field, chose to field after winning the toss. Dome R.C’s over confident, ended the game very early as they scored 38 runs, all out in 11.2 overs. Mawuli, in the second innings scored 40 runs, for 3 wickets in 5 overs and won the game by 7 wickets.

United played all 15 overs with Heve as the former won toss and chose to bat. United scored 118 runs for 2 wickets in 15 overs, with Patience Husi scoring 56 runs off 36 balls, not out, while Heve could only manage 70 runs, for 3 wickets in 15 overs. United then won by 48 runs.

United’s Emmanuel Kortey stood his grounds for his team to win their first match, scoring 55 runs, off 36 balls, not out in their total score of 118 runs for 6 wickets in 15 overs in the first innings after Heve won toss and chose to field. Heve boys pushed for it but were limited to score 78 runs for 6 wickets in 15 overs. United won by 40 runs.

In the girls table, United MA moved top with 4 points, from 3rd, pushing Ho Kpodzi to 2nd, also with 4 points, while Mawuli moved 1 place up, 6th with 2 points. Heve, who were 2nd on the log with 2 points dropped to 5th whereas Dome R.C. moved from bottom to 8th with no point with an NRR of -1.3, shifting Methodist who played just a match to the bottom spot.

Mawuli Boys now lead their table with 4 points, followed by Ho Kpodzi and Anglican with 2 points each. United moved from the bottom 2 to 4th with 2 points while Dome R.C. and Heve placed 6th and 9th with 2 points and no point respectively.

The single round robin league, which is heavily supported by the Ghana Cricket Association, continues on Saturday, February 16 with great fixtures.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Sibi Residents Cry for Potable Water

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Volta Online

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February 10, 2019

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By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Residents of Sibi, a farming community in the Nkwanta North District of the Volta Region, have made a passionate appeal to the assembly, philanthropists and corporate organisations to provide them with potable water to safeguard their health.

According to them, lack of good drinking water in the community has compelled over 3,000 households in Sibi to depend on contaminated water from dugouts for domestic activities including drinking and cooking.

The residents attributed the situation to a number of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, tuberculosis, among others which the people in the community mostly suffer from.

A visit by this reporter to the community revealed that the village folks, especially women and children had to walk for long distances to fetch water from the dugout for their household chores.

Some school children in the community lamented about the absence of potable water in the community saying, it was among other things, affecting their academic performance.

According to them, teachers kept refusing posting to the area making the few teachers available stressed up as they had to take on more tasks, thus, telling on their delivery.

They appealed to the authorities to come to their aid to alleviate their suffering.

Speaking to the Chief of Sibi, Nana Gmanja Nimoar III said since the establishment of the community, they have never had access to good drinking water adding that the situation had led to some people suffering from serious water-borne diseases in the area.

He therefore called on the authorities to provide them with good drinking water to release them of the stress of having to walk for miles in search of contaminated water.

Meanwhile, District Chief Executive for Nkwanta North, Jackson Kwame Jakayi in reaction, noted that his outfit was working closely with regional water management to extend potable water to the Sibi community.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

SASADU Queen Asks Gov’t to Quicken Nkonya-Alavanyo Peace Process

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Volta Online

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February 10, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Development Queen of Saviefe, Akrofu, Sovie and Alavanyo Development Union (SASADU), Mamaga Ngoyinyonufiaga Akosua I, privately known under the name, Cornelia von Wülfing has appealed to government to take steps to bring peace to the warring communities of Nkonya and Alavanyo in the Volta Region.

Mamaga Akosua said it was important that government commits to ensuring that the two ethnic communities reach a truce as the protracted conflicts were having a toll on developmental projects in the communities.

According to her, she had attempted initiating a peace deal between the communities without success.

The German national made the call on Saturday at a brief ceremony to cut sod for the construction of a modern classroom complex at Alavanyo Kpeme in the Hohoe Municipality.

The construction of the GH¢600,000 six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities including computer laboratory expected to be completed in three months, is one of the developmental projects of the Ngoyinyonufiga in the SASADU areas, Volta Region and in the country.

The project when completed will serve as the new classroom block for Alavanyo Kpeme R.C. School which is currently located at the outskirts of the community at the border of Nkonya.

Mamaga Akosua I and Mamaga Ametor II jointly breaking the ground for the construction

Mamaga Akosua who was installed as Ngoyinyonufiaga of SASADU in 2000, promised to in partnership with her donors, bring more development to the areas.

Paramount Chief of Alavanyo Traditional Area, Togbega Tsedze Atakora VII thanked the Ngoyinyonufiaga for accepting to bring the project to Alavanyo Kpeme.

Togbe Atakora underscored the need for the new building for the school which is currently using an old building as classrooms having been relocated from its former place (on the border with Nkonya) for fear of attacks.

He explained that although the pupils have never suffered directly from the agelong conflicts (which claimed many lives), it was necessary to relocate the school to a more conducive environment for learning until there was peace to avoid the children from experiencing such encounters.

Municipal Chief Executive for Hohoe, Andrews Teddy Ofori pledged to provide furniture for the new classroom complex after completion as the assembly’s contribution to the good cause.

Mr. Ofori urged residents to show support through communal labour for early completion of the project and asked that they commit themselves to ensuring a lasting peace in Nkonya and Alavanyo areas.

Also present at the ceremony were chiefs and queens from SASADU areas including Paramount Queen of Alavanyo, Mamaga Ametor II.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Kayin Selorm, Volta’s latest Rap Sensation

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Volta Online

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February 9, 2019

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By KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The music scene in the Volta region continues to witness great budding talents who are set to take the Ghanaian music industry by storm.

One of such talents, is the latest rap sensation, Kayin Selorm who burst into the scene not so long ago but already making waves in the music arena.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria to Ghanaian parents, Kayin, known in official cycles as Kelvin Kporwofa, is gearing up to take on the Ghanaian Hiphop scene through dint of hard work.

Already, the artiste’s recent single titled, “Happy Day” featuring Remy J, is receiving massive airplay and it’s becoming a toast of music fans with its melodious and afro rhythm.

Kayin’s unique rap style and urban infusion have been the talk of several entertainment pundits and it is therefore not surprising that, he has received two nominations, in the Best Rapper and Discovery of the Year categories for the 2019 edition of the HelloAdipa Volta Music Awards.

The artiste who had also been featured on Artiste of the Moment quarterly chart by the Standout EntertainmentGH, has come to stay and live up to the billing, his management, Aces Media Agency, has stated.

Source: www.Voltaonlinegh.com