Latest news with #Ghana-based


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'My wedding dress cost £350 was made in 24 hours - but the level of detail is insane'
A video has been viral of woman's detailed wedding dress which only took a day to make at the price of £350 leaving viewers shocked at the speed such a detail dress could be made A TikTok bride has gone viral after her jaw-dropping wedding dress turned heads for its bold colour, beaded detail and the story behind it. Benee, known as @Bkziah on TikTok, is Ghanaian and knew exactly what she wanted for her traditional wedding: a vibrant, intricately beaded Kente gown that reflected her culture. But it wasn't just the design that had people talking - it was the speed, her dream dress was handmade in just 24 hours. For many, the idea of pulling off a wedding dress in a few days sounds impossible. Weddings are often synonymous with hefty costs and long planning timelines especially when it comes to the dress. But Benee's journey flipped the script completely, it comes after a woman claimed 'My friend is naming her baby after a fish – she can't see how ugly it is'. In her video, she explains how she designed her dream gown herself and found a dressmaker in Ghana to bring the vision to life. But she quickly found out the process isn't easy. 'Getting your outfit made back home is not for the faint-hearted,' she warned, adding that while it's worth it for the cultural meaning, some of the quotes she received were way over budget. Eventually, Ghana-based designer @Dashis_label agreed to make the dress for £350 which worked out to roughly GH 7,000 in Ghanaian currency. A few weeks before the wedding, Benee flew from London to Ghana to get fitted - only to arrive and find out the dress hadn't even been started. 'You can imagine my bewilderment,' she said, adding that the delay left her 'unleashing her bridezilla.' But within 24 hours, the dress was done and all that had to be done was the final beading. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. By the next day, Benee was fully glammed up in her orange, purple and pink masterpiece, covered in glistening beads and traditional detailing. 'I was blown away and so impressed by the work they had done.' A little over a month later, the dress was done and it came exactly how she designed it and Benee explained it made her enjoy the day more saying 'there's nothing quite like feeling good about how you look.' Videos of her wedding dress has gained huge traction on Tiktok, with people stunned by the design and just how quick it was to make. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!


The Star
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Ghana's public health agency partners with Chinese firm for AI-driven transformation
ACCRA, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Ghana will collaborate with the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), a Ghana-based Chinese private firm, to improve healthcare and lay the foundation for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled health solutions in West Africa, an official announced on Tuesday. During the launch of the upcoming China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo, Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, director-general of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said that the collaboration with the Chinese company seeks to transform Ghana into a sub-regional hub for medical innovation and regional health advancement. "Through this collaboration, we aim to establish AI treatment centers across Ghana, deploy AI-powered medical imaging and diagnosis systems in key healthcare facilities, and equip public and private hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centers with cutting-edge medical technologies," Akoriyea said. Akoriyea said Ghana would also set up a cancer treatment and research center to serve national needs and expand access to modern surgical equipment, pharmaceutical solutions, and medical training resources through public-private partnerships. About the upcoming expo, jointly presented by GHS and HCOWA, Akoriyea said this year's edition would attract over 1,500 stakeholders from across West Africa, more than 100 Chinese medical enterprises, and delegations from the public sectors in all 15 West African countries. HCOWA Vice President Prince Opoku Dogbey said an AI medical supply chain platform, a digital platform, would be launched during the expo to enable foreign and local companies to trade medical supplies, forecast needs, and manage inventories with speed and precision, with Ghana as the pilot country.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company buys Ghana assets
Coke bottler Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company is to buy Ghana-based businesses Voltic (GH) and West African Refreshments. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Voltic is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. West African Refreshments (WARL) is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and The Coca-Cola Company. In a joint statement, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) said the deal will reinforce ECCBC's position as a 'leading authorised bottler' within the Coca-Cola system in Africa. The transaction will "enhance [ECCBC's] ability to serve the Ghanaian market more effectively and efficiently", they added. ECCBC, which is already present in 13 African countries including Ghana, will oversee the bottling and sales of drinks in Ghana including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Voltic. ECCBC CEO Alfonso Bosch said: 'This acquisition presents significant opportunities to enhance our service offerings and deliver a positive impact to our stakeholders.' CCBA is the eighth-largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler by revenue, representing over 40% of the volume of Coca-Cola-branded beverages sold in Africa. Sunil Gupta, CEO of CCBA, said: 'This transaction allows CCBA to focus our attention on our core markets in southern and east Africa and prioritise resources for sustainable growth opportunities on the continent.' CCBA operates in 15 countries, with key markets including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Namibia. In November, CCBA made a $50m investment in a new bottling line at its plant in Windhoek in Namibia. The new bottling line, capable of producing 27,000 bottles per hour, will increase the facility's production capacity by 30%. CCBA operates two bottling plants in Namibia, in Windhoek and Oshakati, which produce 11 brands including Appletiser sparkling apple juice, Predator energy drinks and Fanta. It also manages warehouses in Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay and Keetmanshoop. "Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company buys Ghana assets" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Mid East Info
01-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EPSIP Sets Sail for Industrial Excellence at GITW and Beyond - Middle East Business News and Information
Engineering Progress, Powering Growth – Across Africa and the Middle East Information had the opportunity for a quick interview with EPSIP, a leading force in industrial infrastructure and marine engineering. As they prepare to participate in the upcoming GITW and its co-located events, Africa Build Show and Megawatt, EPSIP shares their long-term vision, strategic objectives, and the unique strengths they bring to the region. From addressing critical industry gaps to fostering innovative partnerships, this conversation highlights EPSIP's commitment to sustainable development and regional impact across Africa and the Middle East. Mid East Information: What is the long-term vision your organization aims to achieve through platforms like GITW and its co-located shows Africa Build Show and Megawatt? EPSIP: EPSIP's long-term vision is to be a driving force in advancing industrial infrastructure and marine engineering across Africa and the Middle East. Participating in platforms like GITW allows us to connect with stakeholders, explore growth opportunities, and reinforce our commitment to sustainable industrial development. We see this as a strategic step toward deepening our roots in West Africa while promoting innovation, safety, and quality. Mid East Information: What key challenges or industry gaps are you looking to address through this event? EPSIP: We aim to address the need for reliable, high-quality industrial fasteners, PPE, and marine solutions in emerging markets. Many local businesses struggle with inconsistent supply chains or substandard products. At EPSIP, we bring consistent quality, technical support, and region-specific solutions to bridge these gaps, especially in the construction and marine sectors. Mid East Information: What strategic objectives are you hoping to accomplish by being part of GITW and its co-located events? EPSIP: Our key objectives include expanding our footprint in West Africa, showcasing our engineering capabilities, and forming new partnerships with construction firms, shipbuilders, and government infrastructure bodies. We also aim to raise awareness of our Ghana-based shipyard and its role in supporting regional marine logistics. Mid East Information: Are you targeting any new markets or audiences through this participation? EPSIP: Yes, while we already have a strong presence in Egypt and Ghana, we are actively looking to reach new clients across West Africa—particularly in Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. We're also keen on engaging with international contractors and NGOs working in infrastructure, marine, and energy development. Mid East Information: What unique strengths does your company bring to the table at such a platform? EPSIP: EPSIP offers a rare combination of marine expertise, on-ground infrastructure, and a diversified product portfolio. Our Ghanaian shipyard positions us as a regional logistics and maintenance hub, while our construction fasteners and PPE lines meet the demands of both large-scale projects and everyday industrial needs. Our focus on quality, safety, and compliance sets us apart. Mid East Information: How does your presence here reflect your commitment to innovation, collaboration, or sustainability? EPSIP: We invest heavily in sustainable maintenance practices, safe work environments, and long-term customer partnerships. By participating in this event, we signal our openness to co-developing smarter, safer, and more efficient solutions with regional and international players. Mid East Information: What kind of collaborations or partnerships are you hoping to foster at the event? EPSIP: We are looking to establish ties with construction companies, port authorities, marine service providers, distributors, and governmental bodies. We are also open to collaborating with technology firms for smart logistics and safety innovations that can enhance our service delivery and client outcomes. Mid East Information: How does showcasing at GITW and its co-located shows help amplify your brand's global influence or thought leadership? EPSIP: Being part of a high-profile event like GITW places us on a platform where innovation, investment, and industry excellence converge. It allows us to demonstrate our technical strengths, share knowledge, and position EPSIP as a trusted regional leader with a global outlook. Explore our journey at GITW, Africa Build Show, and Megawatt. Let's build smarter, safer, and stronger infrastructure together. 🔗 Register for GITW | Africa Build Show | Megawatt


The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Interview: China's tariff-free trade pact for African countries brings development opportunity, says Ghanaian analyst
by Xinhua writer Justice Lee Adoboe ACCRA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- China's recent decision to expand its preferential trade policy, granting zero-tariff access to a total of 53 African countries, has huge positive significance for both global trade and China-Africa trade, a Ghanaian analyst has said. "This is a defining moment for Africa and a shining example of what it means to stick to the principles of globalization and free trade, which we are advocating for," Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA), a Ghana-based think tank, told Xinhua recently in an exclusive interview. The initiative to expand the preferential trade policy, offering tariff-free treatment to all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, was announced during the recent Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province, earlier this month. Frimpong said the preferential treatment elevates China-Africa relations to a new historical high, highlighting China's attitude of giving equal treatment to all African countries and actively helping them achieve development. China's gesture is also a significant boost for global trade in the complex international environment, where recent reckless imposition of unnecessary tariffs destabilizes and disrupts the global trading architecture, according to Frimpong. "While the world has spent decades building an ecosystem around globalization, multilateralism, and trade. But in recent times, we've seen a movement that undermines this ecosystem that we spent years building," he said. The analyst noted that many global institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), were built to promote global trade, and all WTO members need to promote global trading principles by removing all trade barriers, including punitive tariffs. "However, some recent developments seek to undermine these principles," he observed. Frimpong, therefore, has seen China's expansion of its free-trade policy to 53 African countries as not only an opportunity for Africa but also a perfect substitute for all the least developed countries (LDCs) across the world bearing the brunt of the new tariff war. He recalled that among the countries around the world that already enjoy free access to the Chinese market, 33 of them were African LDCs. The new measure will enable 20 more African countries to enjoy free access to the Chinese market. "This preferential trade treatment presents a significant opportunity for Africa to bridge the trade deficit between the continent and China by utilizing the 1.4-billion-people Chinese market," he said. China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade volume surpassing 2 trillion yuan for the first time in 2024 to reach 2.1 trillion yuan (about 293.2 billion dollars), data from the General Administration of Customs of China showed. From January to May this year, China-Africa trade totaled 963.21 billion yuan, marking a 12.4 percent year-on-year increase and hitting a record high for the period. Frimpong said that research by the ACCPA and other institutes indicates a strong demand in the Chinese market for African exports, which is an opportunity for Africa to develop their manufacturing capacities to export value-added products to the Chinese market. "Obviously, this free market for Africa gives African countries the opportunity to diversify their products and meet the demands of the Chinese market. And of course, they will also earn more for their countries," he added.