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Plot to oust IGP Dampare: Bugri Naabu Advised Us To See A Mallam … Supt Asare tells Atta Akyea Committee

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Supt. L. Asare, George Akuffo Dampare - IGP and Mr Bugri Naabu

It has emerged that a stalwart in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, allegedly insisted on a visit to Mallams to fight spiritually for Commissioner George Alex Mensah to become Inspector General of Police (IGP).

According to Superintendent George Asare, Bugri Naabu informed him that despite COP Mensah being a Christian, it was prudent that the Commissioner also consult Mallams.

This was an answer to a question posed by Eric Opoku, Member of Parliament for Asunafo South.

Supt. Asare said, “Chief Bugri Naabu made an emphatic statement about this thing. I want to quote him verbatim, but it will be difficult. In this thing, you have to fight it both physically and spiritually. And then he gave us examples, and by those examples, he meant people that he helped fight for the positions spiritually.

“It was a private conversation and I don’t want to make it public here. But for the spiritual one, he went further to show us which places he could go. So, it was on the premise of this that I made the statement that, Alhaji, you are the spiritual controller. Because you [Bugri Naabu] made us understand that I didn’t even know that, when you are fighting for a position, you have to fight it in two ways, both spiritually and physically.”

Superintendent Asare was on Monday, September 4, 2023 answering questions from the Parliamentary Committee and probing the leaked audio about plans to oust the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

EVIL

The Member of Parliament for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Boamah, asked what was running through Supt. Asare’s mind when Bugri Naabu was talking about consulting Mallams.

He started by indicating that the leaked audio being probed had been doctored and that the culprit did so with “evil” intentions, as the part where he objected to the use of Mallams was edited.

“The one who doctored the tape actually meant something evil because this is a conversation we have had; what was going through my mind, I said it, but it wasn’t captured on the tape,” he said.

He continued, “What was going through my mind? I said it, but it wasn’t captured on tape. I said that, as for Master [COP George Alex Mensah], I don’t think he will like these things. He is a staunch Christian, so I don’t think he will buy into this idea of fighting this spiritually because he’s a Christian. He [Bugri Naabu] mentioned some Imams that can help pray for him [COP Alex Mensah].

“Some Imams can help him with prayers. Chief Bugri Naabu insisted that he also had to see some Mallams. He recommended about three, some in the north and some from his village. It was Chief Bugri Naabu himself that came forth with that suggestion,” Supt. Asare insisted.

Earlier, Eric Opoku had sought explanation about an incomplete statement, ‘ɛnkyɛ,’ which translates into English as “it would not be long”.

Responding to that, Supt. Asare indicated that Bugri Naabu told them in Twi that it would not be long before he, Dampare, would be removed.

“But what is contained in the tape is ɛnkyɛ [it will not be long]. He made a complete statement. That is why I initially said that tape is doctored,” he explained.

LOBBY

He answered No to a question from Peter LancheneToobu, about whether he had been contracted to lobby for anyone. He had earlier debunked an assertion that, based on the recommendation he made about Commissioner, he would be the next IGP, meant that he was lobbying.

Regardless, he noted that lobbying had been with man since Adam.

He told the committee that he was invited to Bugri Naabu’s office after he had accompanied Naabu’s son to see his father, which was his first time meeting Bugri Naabu.

Upon arriving, Bugri Naabu indicated that there was a scout for a new IGP and whether he had someone he could recommend, which he mentioned COP George Alex Mensah, COP Dr. Ernest Owusu, COP Christian Tetteh Yuhono and COP Maame Tiwaa Addo Danquah.

Climate crises require collective action -Jinapor

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admin
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Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and co-Chair of the Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), Samuel Abu Jinapor, has pledged Ghana’s commitment to providing leadership for nature-based climate action.

He said the climate crisis requires collective action from all countries, and Ghana is ready to partner with other nations, both north and south, to promote nature-based climate action.

The Minister said this at the launch of the FCLP working group on Strengthening Supply and Demand of High-Integrity Forest Carbon Credits, on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit underway in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Summit is one of four regional climate summits to be held, ahead of the twenty-eighth Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework on Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Speaking at the launch, which had in attendance the United States Presidential Envoy on Climate and Co-Chair of the FCLP, Secretary John Kerry, Mr Jinapor said the Africa Climate Summit is timely and must be an urgent call for all stakeholders to work together to address the climate crisis.

He said forests, which contribute a third of global climate solutions are crucial to attaining the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

“The role of preserving, restoring, and sustainably managing our forests has become paramount in our global mission to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of climate change,” the Minister said.

He said the FCLP is committed to halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030, in accordance with the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.

The Minister announced that a working group, co-led jointly by Ghana, Gabon, Guyana, and the United Kingdom, has been constituted to address High-Integrity Forest Carbon Credit Supply and Demand issues.

He said the Group will unveil a roadmap and strategy for fortifying and expanding forest carbon credits by COP28 and COP30, and will include mid-term actions to bolster high-integrity forest carbon finance and the announcement of forest carbon results-based finance transactions.

Mr Jinapor said Ghana will continue to play a lead role in this Group and the broader FCLP, to accelerate nature-based climate action.

He called on all nations and all stakeholders to join hands with Ghana to usher in a new era of sustainable forest management and climate resilience for global climate action.

Police have no locus in going to High Court to stop demo -NDC

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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The MP for Bawku Central addressing the media

Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Lead Counsel for the leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, says the Ghana Police Service has no capacity to run to the High Court to conduct any case on behalf of the Republic.

The police have a fiat to prosecute or conduct specific cases on behalf of the Attorney-General (A-G) at the lower courts – District and Circuit courts – but not the superior courts – High, Appeal and Supreme courts.

Mr. Tamakloe raised the preliminary objection against a motion filed and signed by the Police Director of Prosecution, Superintendent Sylvester Asare, to bar the Minority leadership from protesting against the Bank of Ghana and its Governor, Dr. Ernest Kwamina Yedu Addison.

The court, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, was told by Lawyer Edudzi that: “The motion paper is signed by Supt. Sylvester Asare. We wish to say that the signing of the motion paper and the conduct of this case by the said Supt. Sylvester Asare Esq. offends Section 19(a) of the State Proceedings Act, and same ought to be struck out as defective.”

He explained that the motion paper made pursuant to the Public Order Act was an originating action with the same effect as a writ or petition.

Thus, per Article 88(5) of the 1992 Constitution, and the State Proceedings Act, it was only the A-G who could institute the instant action.

“Lawyer Sylvester Asare is not the A-G or an officer authorised by the A-G, and, therefore, cannot purport to sign this originating process for and on behalf of the Republic,” Lawyer Tamakloe argued.

He added that the A-G by a fiat allow the police to prosecute criminal cases and nothing more, urging that if the police wish to do the right thing, they could get the A-G to issue a fiat under Public Order Act, and they do not have any problem with that.

The Lead Counsel also contended that in one breathe the instant application was titled the Republic versus Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Kwame Governs Agbodza, Masawudu Mahama, Bernard Mornah, Rex Owusu Omar, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, while at another point the applicant was Isaac Yeboah.

He stated further that the affidavit in support indicates that Supt. Isaac Yeboah was an applicant in the case by virtue of being granted authority by the Inspector General Police (IGP), and submitted that the Ghana Police Service was a corporate body to sue and be sued in perpetual succession, and that the IGP had no bearing on the application.

He quoted authorities such as Justice Date-Baah in the case of Ghana Lottery Operators vs. Ghana lottery, Republic vs. Cecilia Dapaah, Republic vs. Circuit court Accra exparte Gifty Oware-Aboagye vs. AG and Police (unreported) to support his argument.

Supt. Asare was opposed to the application on the grounds that the Ghana Police Service was a corporate body, which could sue and be sued.

He rebutted that since the Ghana Police Service could sue and be sued, filing the process before the court did not render the application irregular.

Supt Asare added that “I will continue to refer to Tsatsu vs. CJ (I will furnish the court with the citation) it was followed by Amegatcher, the Supreme Court in this case and A-G places the flurry interpretation of Article 88(5), which confers the A-G the legal office of the state and the requirement stated among other things that constitutional bodies or institutions established by the Constitution, including CHRAJ, should be allowed to sue and be sued or initiate an action in their processes

“We admit that the A-G is a nominal defendant in actions brought or commenced by the state, from these decisions of the Supreme Court, it is clear that Ghana police service being an institution in charge of internal security is alluded to these processes.”

He argued that the Public Order Act is clear as to who should apply because the matters therein bother on security, adding that the application is competent.

Demonstration postponed

The MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, told journalist at sitting that the issues raised by Mr. Tamakloe have really not been canvassed in any court before, and therefore, the judge feels that he needs to take a more serious note at the arguments.

He said the judge has adjourned sittings to Friday to deliver ruling on the preliminary objection raised.

The MP added that “So as law abiding citizens, we don’t want to side step the police because we will need them to protect us one day, but the court has not stopped us from demonstrating or changed the route of the demonstration or they have any intention to change the route of the demonstration.”

Anti-corruption group vows to go after individuals using its name to extort money

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Mr Joseph Bediako addressing the media

The Movement for Truth and Accountability says it is going after individuals who were using its name to extort money from companies it reported to state agencies to be investigated and prosecuted.

The Convener of the anti-corruption group, Joseph Bediako, told journalists in Accra yesterday that this act of criminality would not go unpunished.

He alleged that information received by the group indicated that the perpetrators had made it a lucrative business to extort money from these companies that they believed were in defiance of the law.

Mr. Bediako said the group had dragged those companies before the Economic and  Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Commission for Human Rights and Administration Justice (CHRAJ), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

As the name suggests, he said, the group stands for truth, transparency, integrity and accountability to the people of Ghana, and not shield criminals.

This, he said, had given room to these miscreants to take advantage of the situation to blackmail and extort money from these defaulting companies in the group’s name.

“Therefore, any company that has paid money to any individual should go ahead and take the money back, because the movement was not formed to blackmail any company or extort money from companies. Our aim is to sanitise the system to reduce corruption and bribery,” he added.

He continued that the group would also not limit itself only to the anti-corruption agencies, but would use the courts to ensure justice was served to the Ghanaian public.

Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo outdoors new Adehyiehene

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admin
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The newly installed Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo Adehyiehene Nana Yaw Dankyi.

The Abusuapanin of the Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo Family in the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region, Mr Amankwah Britwum, has called for peace and unity among the rank and file of the community.

According to him, no community would see any meaningful development in an environment full of misunderstanding, hatred and disunity, hence it would be more important for the people of Pepease to consider peace and unity.

Comparing the state of chieftaincy dispute to war, the Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo family Abusuapanin averred that the recent chieftaincy disputes, which greeted the area have negatively affected its development.

He continued that, the chieftaincy disputes did not only affect development negatively, but many precious human and physical resources were lost and it was time the people of Pepease came together for the good of the next generation.

Abusuapanin Britwum made the call on Sunday during the Akwasidae celebration held at Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo royal house, which was climaxed with the installation and outdooring of a new Kwahu Pepease Santase Bretuo Adehyiehene, Nana Yaw Dankyi.

He appealed to the security agencies and Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Eastern Regional minister, Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong and the king makers of Kwahu Pepease to abide by the ruling of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) to follow Akan custom and tradition to install a chief for Kwahu Pepease.

Abusuapani Britwum finally advised the youth and residents in Kwahu Pepease not to take the law into their hands rather take advantage of rule of law through going to the court to seek for any redress where necessary.

Nana Abena Kyeiwaa, queen mother of Nkawkaw Nanchia who is currently, the caretaker for the queen mother of Kwahu Pepease, Nana Oforiwah Pokua, in her address advised the newly installed Adehyiehene Nana Yaw Baah Dankyi to be law abiding and obey tradition and culture.

Nana Abena Kyeiwaa finally pledged her support  to Nana Yaw Baah Dankyi, the newly installed chief  with Akan custom and tradition.

The installation of Adehyiehene Nana Yaw Baah Dankyi is in line with a judgement given by the National House of Chiefs recently in Pepease chieftaincy matters.

Background

The Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) recently  declared the enstoolment of Nana Bonsu Ayirepe as Kwahu Pepeasehene as null and void.  It  subsequently asked the Queenmother, Nana Oforiwah Pokua, who is also the Kyidomhemaa of the Kwahu Traditional Area, to follow due process to install the Chief as prescribed by Akan custom.

The case of the appellants has been that the Pepease Stool belongs to the Santase Bretuo Royal Family, and that members of the said royal family were eligible to contest the Stool.

Following the demise of the late Chief of Pepease on October 5, 2013, there was the need for the vacancy to be filled, but this resulted in the misunderstanding or dispute that has culminated in the appeal.

The appellants contended that it was the members of the said Santase Bretuo Family alone who had ascended the Pepease Stool from time immemorial, and that even though there were other branches of the larger Bretuo Clan, each of them had its own distinct heads of family and stools.

The appellants argued that, Kwaku Osei Bonsu was the son of Nana Osei Mensah, Asomenasehene, from the Osei Mensah Bretuo Family, and that the said Osei Mensah Bretuo Family was distinct and separate from the Santase Bretuo Family of Pepease.

They (appellants) have in the view that each of these families had its own head of families, they inter-married and do not share funeral debts.

The appellants contended that the brother of the Queenmother of Kwahu Pepease, Nana Oforiwah Pokua, called Opanain Yaw Sem married the sister of Kwaku Osei Bonsu called Serwaa and had six children and is, therefore, it was not possible for Kwaku Osei Bonsu and Osei Mensah to belong to the same Bretuo Family, to the extent that Kwaku Osei Bonsu would occupy the Stool.

It was further contended by the appellants that the procedures adopted to nominate, select and enstool Kwaku Osei Bonsu as the Chief of Pepease was in itself flawed and sinned against all known norms and practices of Kwahu Pepease, and in particular Akan tradition.

Notwithstanding all the issues raised by the appellants, the respondents argued that there was no distinct Santase Bretuo Family, and that they all belonged to one stock called the Bretuo Family.

According to the respondents, there was only one Bretuo Royal Family, which could inherit the Pepease Stool, and that this family had four gates, namely, Yaa Boadiwaa, Oforiwaa Pokua, Ama Gyafo and Nana Sawiri.

Judgement was however given in favor of the appellants against the judgement of the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, dated March 10, 2018, in favour of the respondents, Nana Bonsu and five others.

According to the judgment, the appellants – the Queenmother of Kwahu Pepease, Nana Oforiwah Pokua, and Amankwaa Biritwum – commenced the chieftaincy action at the Judiciary Committee of the Kwahu Traditional Council claiming the following reliefs, including a declaration that Kwaku Osei Bonsu and Nana Osei Mensah were not members of the Royal Santase Bretuo Family of Pepease, and, therefore, the purported installation of Kwaku Osei Bonsu as Chief of Pepease was against custom and tradition.

The appellants, among other reliefs, placed a perpetual injunction restraining Kwaku Osei Bonsu from acting as the Chief of Pepease.

The respondents challenged the position of the appellants, since to them the appellants had no such capacity to place an injunction restraining Kwaku Osei Bonsu as Chief of the area.

A Trial Committee, which was constituted to look into the matter on June 3, 2019, delivered its judgment in favor of the respondents.

Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Trial Committee of the Kwahu Traditional Council, the appellants appealed against the same at the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.

On March 10, 2019, the Judicial Committee delivered its judgment again in favor of the respondents.

The appellants, who were again not satisfied with the judgement, appealed at the Judiciary Committee of the National House of Chiefs on March 24, 2021, where a five-member committee was constituted.

The five-member committee was made up of Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV as the Chairman, with Togbega Patomia Dzekley IV, Nana Mprah Basemuna III, Krachiwura, Osagyefo Kwame Akonu X and Osabarimah Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako, Drobohene as members.

The five panel members of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) unanimously pronounced their ruling by stating: “Consequently, we hereby direct and/or order that the whole process initiating the making of a Chief to occupy the Pepease Stool (to wit: the process of nomination, selection or election and enstoolment or installation) be commenced afresh and in accordance with the requisite customary law practice and usage.”

The panel declared the enstoolment of Nana Bonsu Ayirepe, Kwahu Pepeasehene, who is also the Kyedomhene of Kwahu Traditional Area, as null and void. It, therefore, ordered the Queenmother of Kwahu Pepease, Nana Oforiwah Pokua, to follow the due process to install the Chief as prescribed by Akan custom and tradition.

The order was given in October 2022, but information received by the media indicated that the issuance of the hard copy which would be the evidence for the various authorities to enforce the order was not produced by the Registrar of the National House of Chiefs.

The hard copy of the judgement has since been presented to both parties for the commencement of the installation of the Kwahu Pepease Chief.

Soldiers drill Prison officers

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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D.D.P Joseph Asaabre presents a citation to Colonel Henry Ansah-Akrofi

The Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces has organised a two-week training for personnel of the Manhyia Local Prisons Service in Kumasi.

The training, which started from August 22, 2023 to September 1, 2023 at the Command Headquarters, Idris Barracks, in Kumasi, was aimed at enhancing the personnel’s professional knowledge, skills and competence to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in discharging their duties.

Prison Officers undergo weapon firing drills

The 29 participants who benefited from the training were taken through theoretical and practical lessons in Weapon Handling, Voice Procedure, Field Craft, Physical Training, Drills and Range Classification.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, the Command Operations Officer (COO), Colonel Henry Ansah-Akrofi explained that, the purpose of the training was to equip participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to address any challenges they may face in the line of their duties.

He advised them to conduct themselves professionally at all times and entreated them to lead by example, by eschewing any form of laziness and malingering.

The COO also charged them to discharge their duties with integrity and professionalism.

Mr Joseph Asaabre, Deputy Director of Prisons in Charge of the Manhyia Local Prisons Service, commended the Central Command for its continuous support and assistance.

He expressed the hope that the relationship between the two Services will continue to be stronger.

The military trainers and the participating trainees in the group picture

He presented a citation to the General Officer Commanding, Brigadier General Charles Agyemang-Prempeh and the COO, on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Prisons Service.

Colonel John Frempong-Manso, the Command Logistics Officer, the Command General Staff Officer grade II (GSO II) Operations and Training, Maj Allen Akwei Hammond and the Command Legal Advisor, Squadron Leader Daramy graced the closing ceremony.

Normalisation of the delay in NSS allowance payment becoming alarming

By
admin
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Opinion

Delay in the disbursement of allowances for National Service personnel have over the years become a norm. To a large extent, these personnel have placed reliance of the allowances for their survival, yet for as long as one can remember, these allowances always delay; sometimes for several months before they are paid to these graduates.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) was established and initiated in 1973 to develop the potentials of Ghanaian graduates who complete their education from approved tertiary institutions and create opportunities for them to deliver quality services to the disadvantaged. The Scheme, which is celebrating its 50 years anniversary in 2023 has provided the country with millions of human resources to aid in national development as their mandate is to place graduates to all parts of the country and in all sectors to contribute to building the nation.

After placing graduates from the various universities to undertake their one-year mandatory service, it is required to pay monthly allowances to these graduates to support themselves during the period of work. The initial amount paid to these personnel was GH¢350, however there was an increment in April 2017 that shot up the allowance to GH¢559.04.

Just recently, the management of the National Service Scheme announced that they had obtained government’s consent for a raise in the monthly allowances provided to National Service personnel from GH¢559.04 to GH¢715.57 with effect from January 2023 and management has assured personnel of the immediate disbursement of their arrears.

The 2022 batch has also begun to voice out their concerns and frustrations as a result of the delay. Few have however, began making comments and putting up posts on their social media platforms to share their experiences in order to draw attention to the issue.

Considering the fact that some of these graduates are posted outside of their comfort zones and to towns where they have no relatives or friends. It becomes difficult to get accommodation, hence the need to rent, which usually requires one to cough up thousands of cedis at a go.

It is worthy to also note that graduates who want pursue a degree after offering a diploma programme depend on the allowances to save up to settle fees. Taking the current batch of NSS personnel as a case study, the past few months have not been easy for most as they have not been paid, hence still have to rely on parents and sometimes friends for transport fare to their various places of service.

In a couple of interviews, the acting director of corporate affairs of the scheme: Mr. Ambrose Entsiwah Jnr. has attributed the delays in payment to a process of monthly verification that seeks to confirm if persons were actually at post during the period before payments are made. This process entails NSS persons filling up forms, getting it signed by their supervisors and submitting to their regional offices.

The management of the scheme however must figure out an efficient way of undertaking this procedure to reduce the delays. In as much as there may be inconveniences within the time frame of the release of their monthly allowances, there should be transparent communication to get the much informed with tangible reasons for the delay and steps being taken to resolve it.

The NSS management can use various channels such as email, SMS, and social media to keep personnel informed. There can also be a feedback mechanism where service personnel can provide input and report delays.

The management should also identify and address the cause of the delay whether it is due to technical issues or financial constraints. By identifying the root cause, they can take effective measures to prevent similar delays in the future.

Besides that, there should be implementation monitoring systems to ensure that the disbursement process is closely monitored.

Seeking additional fund could help solve the delay if financial constraint is the cause. The National Service Secretariat can engage with relevant government authorities and other stakeholders to secure financial backing.

It is very crucial for the National Service management to proactively address the delay issue, and continuously improve their systems to ensure timely disbursement of the National Service allowances and make it sustainable in the long run; as that seems to be the biggest motivation for these young graduates to graciously serve the nation.

By Esi Wilson

 

Editorial: Ban fire rituals on university campuses

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admin
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Editorial

The ‘Chief Priest’ of Opoku Ware Hall of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) passed away last two weeks at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after his traditional regalia caught fire whilst performing rituals as part of the hall’s activities.

The ‘Chief Priest’ was engaged in incantations when his traditional regalia caught fire and he was severely injured. He subsequently died at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on August 25, 2023. According to the students of AAMUSTED, they occasionally perform such rituals using fire as part of their hall week celebrations.

Following the incident, there have been mixed reactions for such activities in the universities to be discontinued, whilst another school of thought view them as a source of entertainment and socialising for students.

Much as the rituals performed by the students are deeply rooted in Ghanaian cultural traditions and customs, The Chronicle holds the view that it is high time we reconsider their place on university campuses, where the primary focus should be on education, safety and the well-being of all students.

First and foremost, The Chronicle believes it is essential to emphasise that university campuses are not just educational institutions; they are also communities where diverse groups of students, faculty and staff come together to learn and grow. In this context, safety must be a top priority. Fire rituals inherently carry a significant risk, as witnessed in the recent AAMUSTED tragedy. The performance of such rituals using fire has the potential to cause harm to oneself and others, making them incompatible with the safety standards expected on university grounds.

While it is vital to respect and appreciate cultural traditions, it is equally important to ensure that these traditions do not infringe upon the safety, well-being or beliefs of others. Fire rituals, by their nature can be disruptive and potentially offensive to some members of the university community, causing discomfort or even fear. In an era where inclusivity and respect for all are paramount, it is critical to prioritise practices that foster unity rather than division.

The Opoku Ware II Hall incident is not an isolated occurrence. Similar incidents have been reported on other university campuses in Ghana, especially among the male halls. This underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of such practices. In recent years, universities have taken significant steps to enhance campus safety and, therefore, banning fire rituals by students would be a logical extension of these efforts, as it would help safeguard the well-being of all students while promoting a more harmonious and respectful campus environment.

Critics of a potential ban may argue that it infringes upon freedom of expression and cultural traditions. However, it is essential to strike a balance between freedom and responsibility. Universities have a duty to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all and sometimes this requires setting limits on certain practices.

Banning fire rituals on campus does not prevent individuals from participating in extra curricula activities where they can do so without endangering others or disrupting the educational mission of the institution.

In conclusion, the recent incident at Opoku Ware II Hall should serve as a wake-up call. It is time to reevaluate the place of fire rituals on campus and prioritize the safety and well-being of all members of the university community.

94 Year Group of Christ the King gives uniforms to Asasekorkor Basic School

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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These young girls and boys can only say thank you to AIG and 1994 year group of CKI

The 1994 Year Group of Christ the King International School in Accra has demonstrated unexpected alms-giving as ‘John Holmes’ once said that there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

The old students of Christ the King International School donated 55 school uniforms to pupils in deprived communities in the Akuapem North Municipality in the Eastern Region, as part of activities to commemorate the 29th celebration of the school.

The kind gesture was in collaboration with As I Grow (AIG), an Akuapem-Larteh based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that focuses its activities on deprived communities in the country.

According to the leader of the group, Nana Ama Ahwoi, the year group considered supporting these young girls and boys with the school uniforms to advance quality teaching and learning, as well as to inject refreshed confidence among them.

The CEO of AIG Mr. Isaac Bekoe Debrah with other members of the 1994 year group presenting one of the uniforms to a pupil

Nana Ama Ahwoi, who is also the Acting Head, Corporate Affairs and Digital Brand Marketing at Zenith Bank Ghana, averred that the donation would go a long way to motivate the pupils to study harder to become good leaders in society and the country at large.

The leader of 1994 Year Group, an experienced communications professional with keen interest in Stakeholder Engagement, Media Relations and Campaigns, Digital Marketing, Events and Product Launches, stated that the group was focused on supporting the younger generation to get better education and attain higher standards in life.

She gave the assurance of the readiness of the group to support the Akuapem-Larteh based NGO, and by extension deprived communities, and called on other concerned individuals and groups to contribute their widow’s mite towards making our communities a paradise.

The group charged parents, teachers, NGOs and society to rise to the occasion of advancing the quality life of their members and help fight teenage pregnancy that was gradually becoming a canker in deprived communities.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIG, Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe, made a separate donation on the same day to Atwetwerede D/A Basic School, where almost all the children come to school without uniforms.

The farming community was momentarily reduced to a jamboree and wild jubilation when the children were presented with the uniforms and shoes by the NGO.

Manya Krobo State must grow … Konor of Manya Krobo charges subjects

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Some chiefs and elders at the festival launch

The Konor of Manya Krobo State, Nene Sakite II, has charged the chiefs and people of the area to consciously prioritise unity and peace as the most important ingredients towards building the State.

According to Chief, the journey to development starts with unity, hence it was imperative for all and sundry within and outside Manya to embrace peace and unity.

This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the Overlord of Manya Krobo by the Djasetse of the Manya Krobo Paramountcy, Nene Kpabitey Kwao III, during the 2023 Ngmayem Festival launched at Akuse.

The 2023 Ngmayem Festival celebration is scheduled from Saturday 21st October to Sunday 29th October 2023, under the theme “Development in Unity: Reviving Patriotism through Unification.”

Touching on the relevance of the theme for the celebration, the Overlord stressed: “Our strength lies in our ability to set aside our differences, build bridges, and work hand in hand for the betterment of our community.”

The theme was carefully chosen to reflect the collective desire of the people of Manya Krobo to continue to foster unity, good neighborliness, and renew kinship and ties to create the needed atmosphere for progress and development.

“Let us take a cue from this and rekindle that same spirit of unity, patriotism, and collaboration to help propel Krobo land to higher heights,” he emphasised.

The Ngamyem Festival was instituted by their forebears to celebrate the bountiful harvest of ‘Ngma.’ History has it that ‘Ngma’ was the staple food on which their forebears mainly survived, particularly during their sojourn amidst the many warfares from their earlier places of settlement to the present location, which has become the home of the Krobo people.

The people of Manya Krobo have come to be associated more with Ngmayem than any other group of people with the same or similar celebrations. ‘Ngmayem’ is a fusion of two terms, ‘Ngma’, which is the local name for millet, and ‘Yemi’, which is simply the Danmge word for the act of eating. It stands to reason, therefore, that Ngmayem means ‘the eating of millet.’

The Manya Krobo Traditional Area spans two political municipalities, namely, Lower Manya Krobo, with Odumase-Krobo as its capital, and which has notable communities such as Atua, Odumase, Kpong, and Akuse, among others, and the Upper Manya Krobo District, which has the ever-bustling commercial community of Asesewa as its administrative capital. Other notable communities in Upper Manya include Akateng, Sekesua and other communities.

The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, and all ministers of state present, the Members of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo constituencies, the Municipal Chief Executive of Lower Manya Krobo, the District Chief Executive of Upper Manya Krobo, respected traditional leaders, members of the Clergy, chief executives from the business communities and other dignitaries from all talk of life supported the 2023 Ngmayem Festival launch.

Mark Okraku Mante, who represented the Minister and launched the festival, lauded the people of Manya Krobo for the continuous projection of their culture and urged them to continue forging on in unity.

“What we are doing today is very important to the government. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government wants to make tourism the number one contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the moment, it is the number three contributor. If this target must be achieved, we will need our rich and colourful traditional festivals like Ngamyem to make it a reality,” he said.

Touching on the theme for the celebration, he noted that before any tourist visits any country, the first thing on the checklist that is ticked is how peaceful the country is.

He added: “Ghana is number three in Africa, in terms of peac,e and so it means that every region, traditional area, district, constituency or locality must be experiencing a degree of peace to help sell out tourism to foreigners.”

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