Celebrated investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and other high-level speakers at the 2016 edition of TEDxAccra have called on Ghanaians to rethink their priorities, as part of efforts to move Ghana from a developing to a developed nation.
TEDxAccra2016, themed ‘Rethink’ hosted celebrated speakers like Edwina Momoh, Ivy Prosper, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Priscilla Birago, Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama, Robert Nii Arday Clegg, Kojo Yankson, Apiorkor Ashong, Nana Boakye-Yiadom and others who challenged the status quo with their rethink experiences.
Sharing true stories of how his day-to-day investigative duties rid Africa and the world over of corruption and human rights abuse, Anas Aremeyaw Anas prescribed rethinking as the key to catapulting Africa, and especially Ghana into achieving its developmental agendas.
“For 17 years, I made it a mission to use elaborate disguises to expose all stripes of criminals, from seedy outlaws to crooked cops to rotten public servants. Looking back, these exposés are tangible results I felt when I began to report in different ways that maximise impact.”
On how his childhood imaginations became an asset that sets him apart, Kwaku Sintim-Misa Ghanaian actor, director, satirist, talk show host, and author said: “our educational system is sitting on our creativity hence whatever it takes to allow the creativity to flow is what we need. Rethink is the way forward”.
Nana Boakyi-Yaidom, a Citi FM editor said people the world over are digging into graphs, infographics and other data elements to tell fantastic developmental stories.
“The way things are changing, journalist no longer have the rights to breaking news. Today, data journalism and citizen journalism is redefining the definition of breaking news. Traditional media has got to wake up”.
Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama, writer, trainer, entrepreneur, world traveller and philanthropist charged Ghanaians to address why are still having power cuts in 25 African countries, cities are littered and other thorny issues plaguing the continent.
“It’s time we rethink tribalism, long-term thinking, making learning a priority, taking responsibility for our actions, stopping littering, respecting time, and maximising our brains”, the globe trotter added.
Commenting on the rethink theme, Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, Head of Communications and External Relations for TEDxAccra, said:
“With 25 remarkable speakers, 1500 unique attendees and a line-up of interesting and topical events, this year’s edition has truly fostered networking under TEDxAccra’s passion for sharing ideas that inspire people towards rethinking our priorities. All the events so far, the African Innovations Demonstration Talk, Ahasproah vs Diasporah, and our first highlight event on rethinking arts media and entertainment at Kempinski have helped to redefine our perspectives and show how our nation needs to rethink its priorities. We’re excited that the remainder of the events will also go successfully; Unplugged Arts and Entertainment Showcase at Impact Hub Accra, Womenomics at the Netherlands Ambassador’s Residence, and our main event at the National Theatre on Saturday, 23rd.”
Ms Ofori-Dwumfuo said TEDxAccra is only in its second year has attracted high-level speakers and passionate individuals from all backgrounds curating experiences for intellectual and creative growth.
Arts & Entertainments Session of TEDxAccra 2016 was an experience like no other here in Accra. The event is organised with the support of various sponsors and volunteers.
The main event is billed for Saturday April 23 at the National Theatre from 9:00am-3:00pm.
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Credit: TEDxAccra