Culture

Morocco marks independence to celebrate sovereignty ‘after more than 40 years of colonial rule’

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2023

Morocco on Saturday marked its independence.

On the occasion, Google celebrated Morocco’s independence day anniversary with a special Doodle to commemorates the country’s long struggle to gain independence from French and Spanish colonial rule.

On the special occasion, the search engine giant paid tribute to the anniversary with a Doodle at the center of its homepage depicting the Moroccan flag, with an explanation that Morocco’s Independence Day marks the nation’s liberation from over four decades of colonial rule in 1956.

“Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Morocco Independence Day!” the search engine wrote.

“On this day in 1956, Morocco regained its sovereignty after more than 40 years of colonial rule. The nation’s journey to freedom was made possible through peaceful negotiations and diplomacy led by King Mohammad V.

“On Independence Day, Moroccans attend parades, flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, and firework shows. They wear traditional clothing like djellabas (decorated robes with pointed hoods) and kaftans (elegant, long-sleeved dresses) while waving the red and green national flag — like the one in today’s artwork.

“Moroccan cuisine also plays an important role in festivities. National dishes like couscous, tajine (braised chicken stew), and pastilla (savory chicken pie) are enjoyed by all.

“For dessert, people gorge on fried cookies made with sesame and honey called chebakia. Mint tea, which symbolizes hospitality and warmth, is also served throughout the country.

“Happy Independence Day, Morocco!”, it said.

Google’s celebration of Morocco’s Independence Day has become a yearly tradition when the search engine would change its logo and drape it in the national colors of the North African country.

Related Topics:Celebration Doodle Featured Google Independence Anniversary Morocco

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”