Author: Chukwu Godlove
Fraudulent practices and the rise of middlemen posing as visa facilitators are raising serious concerns as the United States Embassy in Ghana revealed that out of 61,000 visa applications submitted in 2024, only 25,000 were approved This came to light at media engagement session on last Friday in Accra when the Consul General, Mr Elliot Fertik, addressed key issues around the visa application process, urging Ghanaians to avoid fraudsters and false promises. He cautioned against paying so-called “fixers” who claim they could secure a U.S. visa for a fee, and said “the visa application process is simple and can be…
It’s pouring with rain and the four of us, sharing two umbrellas, are standing between two gigantic lion’s paws. Like a scene straight out of Lord of The Rings, the pair of monumental paws form what was once the base of a whole lion, created from as many as three million stones and bricks, and stretching to the top of the sheer sided, massive monolith of red rock, that looms 200m above us. Sigiriya, Lion Rock, the Castle in the Sky, call it what you will, this ancient fortress, perched on the top of rock that juts dramatically over the…
Monrovia — QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, has warned the public about individuals fraudulently using its name to scam unsuspecting victims by promising foreign jobs and travel visas. Speaking Friday during a media workshop at the Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia, Cheriff Abdoulaye, QNET’s deputy general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company does not offer overseas employment or operate as an investment or travel agency. “QNET is not a travel or investment scheme. QNET does not offer employment opportunities abroad in countries such as the United States, Canada or elsewhere,” Abdoulaye said. He emphasized that…
My husband and I celebrate birthdays differently. We avoid big parties, balloons, and crowds and rather escape the noise to remote cottages across the Western Cape. This year, I spoiled him with a romantic getaway to Spier in Stellenbosch. It has been one of our favourite experiences as a couple since 2015, and we’re returning to celebrate my birthday in October. Everything was on point, and I really appreciate the attention to detail. So here’s our itinerary for two nights and three days. There are a variety of activities available on the farm, and I suggest spending at least two full days…
Fine dining is not just about exquisite cuisine. It is also about the ambiance, culture and unique experiences that each city offers. Here’s a look at are some famous cities around the world which are renowned for their unparalleled fine dining experiences: Picture: Unsplash / Jay Wennington Copenhagen, Denmark Celebrated for its innovative approach to food and sustainability, Copenhagen has emerged as a culinary capital. The city’s vibrant dining scene is characterized by a focus on local ingredients and a commitment to the New Nordic cuisine movement. Beyond its acclaimed restaurants, Copenhagen offers a rich cultural backdrop, with historic architecture,…
Satguru Travels, which has operated in Rwanda since 1989, joined the country’s commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial on May 9. The visit offered staff members a deeper understanding of the Genocide’s historical context and Rwanda’s path forward. Speaking to The New Times, Satguru Country Manager Sunilkumar S said the decision to participate in this year’s national remembrance events stemmed from the company’s long-standing ties to the country. “As a company that started its journey from Kigali in 1989, Rwanda holds a special place in our history,” he said. “Participating…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been binge-watching every season of “The White Lotus” as soon as it dropped. Just hearing that intro song gets me excited! The HBO series is highly addictive because it contains so much tension, glamour, secrets that keep you guessing, but most of all – locations that can only be described as wanderlust fantasy. But Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand are old news… Rumour has it that Season 4 might be set in Africa – possibly at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. So, I couldn’t resist imagining what the next chapter of HBO’s luxury-meets-chaos series might…
The Museum of Illusions is set to open its doors on Saturday, 31 May 2025, adding a playful twist to the already cultural hub that is Kloof Street. Picture/MOI Cape Town Already a hit in global cities like New York, Paris and Dubai, this world-famous museum franchise now brings its mind-boggling magic to the Mother City. It’s only the second Museum of Illusions in South Africa (after Johannesburg’s wildly popular launch last year), and the 61st to join the international line-up. The international line-up includes cities like Barcelona, Paris, Shanghai, New York, and Dubai, to name a few. What can…
As the race to elect the next Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) intensifies, candidate Shaikha Al Nowais is making headlines for her bold call to reposition Africa not just as a destination but as a driver of the global tourism agenda. Her platform, rooted in digital inclusion, equity, and regeneration, offers a compelling vision for a sector long in need of systemic reform. Al Nowais, a business leader and the first Arab woman ever nominated for the UNWTO’s top post, is using her campaign to spotlight the untapped potential of Sub-Saharan Africa’s youth, tech sector, and…
Image: X / @Lanseria_Int Lanseria International Airport, South Africa’s only privately-owned international airport, is set for a possible name change. Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero confirmed the development during his State of the City Address on 8 May 2025, reports African Insider. “We are informed that the airport management is contemplating renaming the facility to more closely reflect and celebrate its connection to our city,” said Morero. “The city will support this initiative, which will strengthen the airport brand and foster a stronger sense of belonging.” The name change is part of a broader strategy to grow Lanseria’s identity and…