Culture

Outbreak of Marburg virus forces Rwanda to limit funeral sizes

Published

3 months ago

September 30, 2024

The outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in Rwanda has forced authorities to restrict funeral sizes for victims in an effort to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

In new guidelines to halt the spread of Marburg, the Rwandan Health Ministry said no more than 50 people should attend the funeral of a person who died from the disease.

So far, eight people have died during Rwanda’s first outbreak of the virus, which was confirmed on Friday by the nation’s Health Ministry.

On Saturday when the official death toll was put at six, Rwanda’s Health Minister said most of the victims were healthcare workers in a hospital intensive care unit.

Director of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Dr Nahid Bhadelia, who spoke with BBC’s Newsday programme, said curbing the virus’s spread may be challenging as most reported cases have been in the densely populated capital city, Kigali, while previous outbreaks have often been in remote rural areas where they are are easier to contain.

She added that there is hope as Rwanda has “a lot better infrastructure and history of public health coordination that many other countries”.

The country’s Health Minister said on Sunday that officials were tracking about 300 people who had come into contact with individuals affected by the Marburg virus.

To this end, the authorities have urged the public to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing as this is the first time Marburg has been confirmed in Rwanda.

Marburg virus which has a fatality rate of up to 88%, is from the same virus family as Ebola and spreads to humans from fruit bats and then through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Marburg virus can bring on symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and, in some cases, can cause death through extreme blood loss.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

23 hours 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.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.