The event, held on Saturday, September 26, was celebrated by Daasebre Mireku Afari, who serves as both the Okyeman Benkumhene and Begorohene. This year’s festival was organized under the theme: “Empowering the Youth Through Education, Tradition, and Culture.

The colorful celebration attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including: Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo (Okyeman Nifahene), Ambassador Senior Rev. Osei Bonsu (Founder of Father’s Chapel International), Nana Ampaw Kwame Addo Frimpong (Abuakwa North MP), Captain Smart, and Dr. Kingsley Agyeman (Abuakwa South MP).

Daasebre Mireku Afari emphasized his commitment to education by establishing an educational fund to support local children.

He specifically urged men within the Okyeman Benkum Division, particularly in Begoro, to support young girls’ education so they can become productive community members. Furthermore, Daasebre Afari issued a stern warning against impregnating school-aged girls.

He stated that if any such cases are brought before him, he will show no leniency, adding that he is not God to forgive sins and viewing such actions as destructive to the nation.

The Member of Parliament for the Fanteakwa North constituency, Kwame Appiah Kodua, praised the program’s theme as both timely and important.

He emphasized that improving quality education in Fanteakwa North is a collective duty shared across government officials, politicians, traditional rulers, the clergy, and all citizens. By uniting to strengthen the educational system, the community can cultivate future leaders who will drive local growth and development.

Ambassador Senior Reverend Isaac Osei Bonsu, General Overseer of Fathers Chapel International, has donated GH¢20,000.00 to the Begorohene’s educational fund. This contribution aims to support local children in pursuing their education and achieving their long-term career aspirations.

Speaking with Kontihen Kofi Oboh during the event, Rev. Osei Bonsu emphasized that education is the backbone of global development. He urged Ghanaian children to maximize the opportunities provided by the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Additionally, the General Overseer counseled youth to prioritize their studies and completely avoid hard drugs, warning that substance abuse serves no purpose other than destroying future careers.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region marked a historic milestone on Friday, September 25, 2026, celebrating the highly anticipated 200th anniversary of the Akuapem Odwira Festival at Akropong.

The grand occasion was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including Daasebre Okuamoah Agyapong, Kwahu Omanhene, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng, New Juaben Omanhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene, and Nana Akufo-Addo, former President of Ghana.

While addressing the gathered crowd, the Akuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, strongly urged the people of Akuapem, particularly the youth, to unite and actively champion peace throughout the Traditional Council.

Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III emphasized that unity among community members creates an unbreakable bond that drives local growth and development.

Reflecting on the recent violent clash between Okuapamman Senior High School and H’Mountain Senai Senior High School, the traditional leader noted that the unfortunate destruction of property could have been avoided if local youth were united.

He stated that it is unacceptable for students to travel from distant places for an education only to engage in riots and vandalize school property.

Akuapehene called on the youth of Akuapem to prevent future clashes, safeguard all second-cycle institutions, and maintain peace across the region.

Speaking as the special guest of honor, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, noted that attacking and insulting leaders has become a modern trend that contradicts the country’s core cultural values.

The Okyenmanwura urged individuals engaging in this undisciplined behavior to stop, emphasizing that it damages the nation’s reputation and that choosing a more respectful path would bring God’s blessings upon Ghana.

Representing the government, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey extended congratulations to the Akuapehene and his cabinet.

She commended them for celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Akuapem Odwira Festival and for their ongoing efforts to promote national peace.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

As part of its corporate social responsibility to support the 200th anniversary of the Akuapem Odwira festival, the Home Sweet Home Ghana Network, in partnership with the Kwayisibea Foundation, organized a free health screening for residents of Akropong and its surrounding areas on Thursday, September 24.

The initiative was held to honor the family legacy of the late Sisi Ama Kwayisibea Okraku.

In an interview with Kontihen Kofi Oboh, Dr. Adwoa Twum-Antwi, Coordinator for the Home Sweet Home Ghana Network, noted that the exercise helped identify various health conditions within the community.

She revealed that over 200 people benefited from the program, adding that High Blood Pressure was identified as the most common medical condition among the participants.

During the health outreach, we provided vital screenings for conditions such as malaria, diabetes, HIV, and vision issues. Following these evaluations, patients received free medication.

Dr. Adwoa Twum-Antwi noted that a significant number of individuals remain unaware of their high blood pressure due to a lack of routine medical checkups. This lack of awareness is driving a continuous rise in hypertension cases across the country.

She attributed the growing number of high blood pressure cases in Ghana to specific lifestyle factors, including excessive alcohol consumption, high intake of meat, and eating late at night.

Dr. Twum-Antwi urges the general public to prioritize their well-being by visiting nearby health facilities for regular checkups. Proactive screening ensures that potential medical issues are detected early, allowing for timely treatment before complications arise.

“She took the opportunity to wish the people of Akuapem a happy new year and a wonderful celebration of their 200th anniversary of the Odwira festival slated for Friday, September 25, 2026.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Agyekum Dampare has officially filed his nomination forms to contest the vacant Chairmanship position for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Fanteakwa South constituency in the Eastern Region.

In a coordinated effort, all aspiring team members running alongside Dampare for various constituency-level executive positions also submitted their official paperwork. The submissions were completed at the party’s constituency office in Osino on Thursday, September 24.

The NDC is scheduled to hold its internal constituency executive elections on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026. The upcoming vote will determine the new leadership team tasked with steering the party’s constituency affairs for the next four years.

Agyekum Dampare announced plans to establish a life insurance welfare scheme for members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) if elected to office.

To journalists after successfully filing his nomination forms, Dampare emphasized that a strong leadership structure is vital for the party to maintain power in the 2028 general elections.

Dampare criticized the party’s current reliance on ad hoc contributions during emergencies, calling the practice unsustainable.

He revealed that preliminary discussions with insurance providers are already underway. Under the proposed policy, any member would be entitled to a minimum payout of GH₵10,000 to support their families in times of crisis.

“This is just one of many initiatives we plan to introduce to ensure our party members feel valued and to uplift their standard of living, should we be elected as the next constituency executives,” he stated.

He seized the opportunity to appeal to the Fanteakwa South NDC delegates for their votes, asking for the mandate to serve and enhance the party’s appeal within the constituency.

“Our primary objective is to work relentlessly to secure victory for the party in the 2028 election,” he added.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Mark Okraku, the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) chairman for the Fanteakwa South constituency in the Eastern Region, has officially submitted his nomination forms at the party’s office in Osino. Seeking re-election for a third term, Okraku aims to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

Additionally, all members of his executive team who are up for re-election have filed their respective forms, signaling their collective readiness to serve.

The NDC is scheduled to hold its constituency executive elections on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, to choose leaders who will pilot the party’s affairs until 2030.

NDC Fanteakwa South Chairman Mark Okraku is calling on delegates to retain his executive team for the 2028 elections following a historic performance in 2024.

Reflecting on his eight-year tenure, Okraku noted that his team successfully normalized wearing NDC colors in what was once a strict NPP stronghold.

“Thanks to targeted strategies, the NDC saw an unprecedented jump of over 3,000 votes in the 2024 elections compared to 2020,” he noted.

Asserting that his leadership has become a major challenge for the NPP, Mark Okraku urged delegates to maintain continuity to guarantee a party victory in the next election cycle.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II, the Aburihene of the Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, has called on chiefs and queen mothers nationwide to humble themselves and respect their people.

He criticized the trend of traditional rulers viewing themselves as more powerful than the citizens they are meant to serve, labeling the attitude unacceptable.

Instead, he emphasized that a leader’s primary responsibility is to respect their community members and to drive development initiatives.

Akuapem Adontenhene made these remarks at Nsakyi on Wednesday, September 23, after the successful lifting of the noise-making ban (Adaebue).

The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, August 12, was lifted to pave the way for the 200th anniversary celebration of the Akuapem Odwira Festival, slated for Friday, September 25, at Akropong.

He argued that community members play a crucial role in the life of every Chief or Queen Mother. Without the people, traditional leaders cannot succeed, and their reign would ultimately fail.

He highlighted that no traditional leader can carry themselves in a palanquin during public festival celebrations; it takes the community members, especially the young men, to perform that task.

“For this reason, leaders must remain humble and dedicated to their people to ensure the success of their traditional rule,” he added.

The Akuapem Adontenhene then advised Chiefs and Queen Mothers across Ghana to work collaboratively with their people to drive community development.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Barima Boampong Darkwaning II, the Chief of Akyem Asafo under the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, is urging residents to actively participate in the palace’s daily initiatives to foster communal growth.

He emphasized that the palace belongs to the community. It serves as a central hub where traditional leaders deliberate on decisions before sharing them publicly, ensuring townspeople remain informed about ongoing development plans.

According to the Chief, active public engagement offers residents valuable learning opportunities. Furthermore, it creates a collaborative space where community members can pitch innovative ideas directly to traditional leaders to help transform the area.

Barima Darkwaning II emphasized that championing community infrastructure projects requires inclusive collaboration. He stated that everyone must be brought on board regardless of their tribe, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the area.

The Akyem Asafo Chief shared these remarks on Saturday, September 19, during the official outdooring ceremony of the community’s newly installed Akyempemhemaa, Nana Akosua Gyamfua Awoh.

The successful and memorable event was graced by family and friends of the Akyempemhemaa, including Nana Kofi Ofosuhene, the Asakyeri Abusuapanyin of New Juaben Traditional Area and Akyem Asafo.

Following the coronation, Barima Boampong Darkwaning II tasked the Akyempemhemaa with prioritizing the development of Akyem Asafo above all else, reiterating that the growth of Asafo remains deeply important to him.

Joseph Oppong, the event’s Chairperson, called upon Nana Akosua Gyamfua Awoh to dedicate her efforts toward driving development for the people of Akyem Asafo.

Mr. Oppong also used the opportunity to urge residents to fully support her, ensuring a successful reign as the Akyempemhemaa of the Akyem Asafo Traditional Council.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Dr. Kwadwo Opare, Chief Executive Officer of the Simple Birdman Foundation, has been officially installed as the Kyebi Panohene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region to spearhead community development.

According to Okogyeaman Apagya Ofori, the Kyebi Apapamhene, Dr. Opare’s leadership is well-earned. Serving as the regent of the Pano community for over a decade, he has already championed numerous vital infrastructure projects in the area.

The Apapamhene emphasized that Dr. Opare has consistently served the people of Pano with integrity and respect.

“This proven track record gives the community full confidence that entrusting him with this higher traditional leadership role will drive further progress and delivery,” he added.

Okogyeaman Apagya Ofori assured him of his steadfast support whenever needed.

The event took place at Kyebi Pano on Monday, September 21, 2026, and was well-attended by notable figures, including prominent Chiefs and Queen Mothers from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.

In response, Dr. Kwadwo Opare expressed his gratitude for the honor, vowing to Apapamhene and his cabinet that he would not disappoint them.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to working tirelessly toward the continuous development of the community.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Recent events involving the arrest, detention, and remand of citizens over things they have said or published should concern every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation.

Freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by a government to those who speak politely about it. It is a constitutional right, and its real test comes when the speech is offensive, irritating, unfair, or deeply critical of those who exercise power. In 2001, President John Agyekum Kufuor’s Government took the historic step of repealing Ghana’s criminal libel and seditious laws through Act 602.

That reform, championed in government by then Attorney-General Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was an important statement about the kind of Republic we wanted to build: one in which governments answered criticism rather than criminalised it. Ghana should not recreate criminal libel in substance under different statutory labels.

This does not mean that all speech is legally protected. True criminal behavior such as inciting violence or making threats must be prosecuted according to the law. Similarly, false and defamatory statements can lead to civil lawsuits. However, there is a crucial distinction between protecting the public from actual crime and using state power to punish speech that is merely offensive or inconvenient.

This responsibility does not fall on the Executive branch alone. The police and security forces must exercise their authority with restraint and remain loyal to the Constitution. Furthermore, the courts serve as the citizen’s ultimate shield against government overreach. Because of this, judges must ensure that arrests, detentions, and excessive bail requirements are not weaponized as a form of punishment before a trial even takes place.

These principles must apply whether the speaker is NPP, NDC, or belongs to no political party at all. Governments change. The precedents we create while exercising power remain for those who come after us.

Ghana travelled a long and difficult road away from the culture of silence. We should be extremely careful not to find our way back there through another door.

Our democracy is strong enough to tolerate criticism. Our institutions must be strong enough to protect the freedom to make it.

#FreeNurseSalomeyAwityBaffoe.

Source// Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East constituency-E/R. Facebook Wall.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The  Eastern Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Osei Sarkodie, affectionately known as SOS, has held a high-profile meeting in the United States with Ghanaian international and LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil to explore sports-driven youth empowerment initiatives.

Currently in the U.S. for personal engagements, SOS attended LA Galaxy’s recent Major League Soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.

Following the game, he met with Paintsil to strategize on using sports as a tool to uplift and create sustainable opportunities for young people across the Eastern Region and the rest of Ghana.

The discussions gained further momentum when former Germany international and current LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus joined the duo.

Together, they deliberated on progressive youth development frameworks and underscored the transformative role sports can play in unlocking the potential of Ghanaian youth.

The meeting focused on collaboration, as Sarkodie and Paintsil explored leveraging their platforms to empower youth through sports. Their discussion centered on discovering, nurturing, and supporting talented young footballers across Ghana, with a specific focus on the Eastern Region.

Paintsil’s background as an international professional footballer and his ongoing work with the Black Stars offer critical insights into the pathways and obstacles for rising Ghanaian athletes. Concurrently, SOS is expanding his youth leadership footprint in the Eastern Region following his recent election as Regional Youth Organiser.

Having previously served as the New Juaben North Youth Organiser, he brings valuable experience in constituency-level youth engagement.

Both parties believe their combined expertise can drive meaningful youth development, particularly by leveraging sports to inspire talent and create new opportunities.

The meeting between SOS and Paintsil served as an excellent starting point to explore collaborative ways to support young people and advance sports development across the Eastern Region and Ghana.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.