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Exploring Cultural Narratives: A Conversation with Kwame Brenya on "Adrinka Kasa"

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On April 3, 2024, journalism students gathered at the Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Arts for a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate tapestry of Ghanaian culture with author Kwame Brenya. A captivating discussion centered around Brenya's enlightening book, "Adrinka Kasa." Amidst the backdrop of creativity and learning, students eagerly anticipated gaining deeper insights directly from the author himself. This event served as a beacon for those passionate about understanding and preserving cultural heritage, as Brenya's expertise promised to shed new light on the profound themes woven throughout his literary work. "Adinkra Kasa" by Kwame Brenya is a book that delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Adinkra symbols from Ghana. These symbols are not just artistic designs but carry deep meanings and wisdom that reflect aspects of Ghanaian culture, values, and philosophy. Brenya explores various Adinkra symbols and their significance, drawing

Unveiling Afajato : Stories from Around the Volta Lake

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The Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing (AAACCW) proudly presented its latest anthology, "AFAJATO: Stories from Around the Volta Lake," a compelling collection of short stories deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the Volta region of Ghana on Thursday, 28th March, 2024 at the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Adabraka, Accra .  It was Compiled and edited by the Anthologist and director of the AAA Centre for creative writing, Nana Sandy Achampong, the anthology features the work of 15 authors, predominantly newcomers, alongside a few seasoned writers. These authors, now part of the esteemed Aidoo Centre alumni, have embraced the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of the late Ama Ata Aidoo. The launch event commenced with a warm welcome address by AUCC President Prof. Abeku Blankson, who emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity. He commended the authors for immortalizing their narrati

BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT: ADJETEY ANANG'S MEMOIR ON HUMILITY, IMPACT, AND SHAPING NARRATIVES

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February 28, 2024, at the Ama Ataa Aidoo Centre for Creative Arts, renowned actor Adjetey Anang captivated journalism students with his inspiring narrative. He shared profound insights into the transformative power of the acting industry and delved into his personal journey through his memoir. Let's delve into the highlights of this enriching discussion." In the world of acting, there are those who shine brightly on stage and screen, captivating audiences with their talent and charisma. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, there are individuals like Adjetey Anang,  whose journey goes beyond the spotlight, rooted in humility, impact, and shaping narratives.  His journey is not just about acting but about influencing lives and leaving a lasting impression. Born with a passion for the arts, Adjetey Anang's story began like many others, with dreams and determination. Growing up, he immersed himself in the world of acting, honing his skills and crafting his artistry. But what set

Exploring the Meaning of the San Kofi Symbol in Ghanaian Culture

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One prominent semiotic symbol in Ghana is the Adinkra symbols . These symbols are deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture and serve as a visual language, conveying a range of meanings and messages. Derived from the Akan people of Ghana, Adinkra symbols are primarily used on fabric, pottery, and other traditional crafts, but their significance extends far beyond mere aesthetics.  In Ghanaian culture, symbols hold deep significance, conveying messages and representing values that are cherished by the people. One such symbol is the San Kofi symbol, which carries rich cultural meaning and serves as a powerful emblem in various aspects of Ghanaian life. O ne of the most well-known Adinkra symbols is the Sankofa bird, which symbolizes the importance of learning from the past to move forward. This symbol is often depicted as a bird with its head turned backwards, retrieving an egg from its back. It serves as a reminder to embrace one's roots and heritage while also looking towards the future . 

WHY THINKING CAREFULLY IS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU WATCH OR READ THE NEWS

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  Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate its credibility, and make informed judgments. In the realm of media consumption, this skill is essential because not all information presented to us is accurate or trustworthy. Without critical thinking, people may easily fall prey to misinformation, propaganda, or biased narratives. The importance of critical thinking in media consumption in Ghana is the issue of political elections. During election campaigns, various political parties and candidates often utilize media platforms to convey their messages and garner support. However, not all information disseminated during these campaigns is factual or unbiased. Without critical thinking skills, voters may be swayed by false promises, misleading advertisements, or manipulated news stories. For instance, in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election in Ghana , social media platforms were flooded with both authentic and fabricated news articles, memes, a

PRIVACY AND SECURITY FOR AN ONLINE NEWSROOM

  In an online newsroom, safeguarding sources and protecting whistleblowers is a responsibility. Privacy and Security is important to uphold journalistic integrity and ensures the ethical collection and dissemination of information .  Secure Access: use strong, unique passwords for all team members, implement two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.  Sensitive Data Handling: Encrypt confidential data, such as sources or unpublished articles. Limit access to critical information based on job roles. Regular Training :Conduct periodic training on security best practices. Educate team members about phishing risks and how to identify suspicious emails. Update Systems: keep all software, including content management systems, up to date. Regularly patch security vulnerabilities to prevent unauthorized access. Secure File Sharing: Use secure file-sharing platforms with end-to-end encryption. and limit access to shared files and regularly review permissions. 7. Anonymous T

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN FOR NEWS OUTLET

 As an online and digital journalism student, creating a community engagement plan for a news outlet enhances a friendly interaction with my audiences. It involves creating an environment where everyone feels involved and heard. Building a great neighborhood takes time, but with these simple steps, you will be the go-to spot for news in your digital community. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS :You need to find out who your audiences are and understand what they care about, and what makes them curious. SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE:  Utilize platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share news updates, engage in conversations, and create polls or surveys to involve the audience. INTERACTIVE CONTENT: Introduce quizzes, polls, and interactive stories on your website to encourage audience participation. BE SOCIAL : Hang out where your neighbors are on social media, share news, ask questions, and be part of the online conversation. Make it fun by use of quizzes, polls, and interactive stories to turn