The Eastern Regional First Vice Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Alhaji Umar Bodinga has urged the Legislators of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be good citizens of the country but not a spectators as admonised by Prez Akufo-Addo.

“I now understood the reasons why Prez Nana Addo stated in his 2016 speech that ‘we should all be a citizen but not a spectator’ when he was swearing in as the Prez of the Republic. Prez Akufo-Addo knew that a time will come where everybody would be needed on board to help contributes to the country’s development” he underscore.

This, according to Alhaji Bodinga, the NDC caucus in the 8th Ghana’s Parliament is alleged to used their numbers to quashed any good policy or bill that would be brought before the Parliament by the NPP gov’t to be passed to have positive impact on the Ghanaian citizens.

He asked the NDC Members of Parliament to be of notice that, their constituents voted them to go and represent them in Parliament to lobby for developmental projects for them, and not because of their handsomeness.

Alhaji Umar Bodinga however charged electorates in all the 275 constituencies in Ghana especially where the NDC MPs are at post, to write petition to the Speaker of Parliament to impeach any Member of Parliament who tries to fight against any bill in Parliament by the NPP gov’t that will be of their benefit.

Adding that, any Lawmaker who impose such move is an ‘enemy’ and ‘disaster’ to the development of this country as well as their constituency.

Alhaji Umar Bodinga who made these remarks during an interview with Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, stated that, the core mandate of every MP is to bring development to its constituents but not to fight against the gov’t in power all in the name of personal interest.

In the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic, both the NDC and NPP caucus has 137-137 MPs including 1 Independent candidate.

He further stated, he disagree with those suggesting their National Executives should resigned from their various posts immediately due to the heavy lost of their parliamentary slot to their main contenders- NDC.

Alhaji Bodinga explained that, the National Executive Council has set up a committee led by Hon. Nana Yaw Osarfo Marfo to probe the issue to find out what caused them loose all those parliamentary seats to the opposition NDC MPs.

“I can’t say going into the 2020 elections our National executives didn’t provides leadership to the Regional, Constituency, polling and electoral area executives. I think we did our possible best for the party” he noted.

Alhaji Umar Bodinga hinted that, since 1992 elections no Prez has ever increased his vote in his second term except Prez Nana Addo.

Source// Obohnews.

By/ Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Before the Euphoria Evaporates: How do we Reward our Gallant NDC MPs?

We have been jubilating at a rare history. The John Mahama’s NDC sponsored candidate won over Akufo-Addo’s sponsored Candidate for the Speaker of Parliament. This is the first in the 4th Republic, having selected for the 8th time, when the Speaker of Parliament and the President belong to different parties, without prejudice to the petition at the Supreme Court.

The value such an architecture delivers to our democracy cannot be loss on us and espousing that may drown the equally important dimension I intend to highlight in this write up.

First of all, we must not pretend that it was an easy achievement. We can only appreciate what happened on the floor of parliament, telecasted to us for at most 14 hours. We have not brought our minds to the days and hours before our valorous MPs dressed in white entered the August house, since they were voted and declared winners after the December 7th general elections. Let us not pretend that they were all insulated from pressures from all corners, of which some of our gallant new MPs were experiencing for the first time. I can imagine the physical, monetary and cognitive pressures these defenders of democracy had to endure to deliver us such a new year gift. All these sacrifices must not be lost on us. Let us not pretend, that there were no options available to them. They simply chose to do what will advance the cause of the NDC and extend the boundaries of our democracy a little further.

Consequently, we have congratulated them and praised them with the kindest words available. Our leader and Flagbearer, His Excellency the President John Mahama, on whose back this record has been made has shown gratitude to our MPs. What else can we do to recognize this collective sacrifices. I believe all of us, as members or supporters, must begin to think, how much sacrifice we can give back to these gallant 8th MPs. Along the way, the pressures from the NPP will continue and they would be called upon to survive it.

Can we all agree, for example, to make their reelection easy for them whilst we concentrate on flipping other blue seats?

Whilst this may be controversial or some may believe, this may be an early call, it is important we dont lose sight of this rare sacrifice as the euphoria dries with time. For example, a lot of us may have Parliamentary ambitions or may be interested in supporting candidates in one of these constituencies. Our Sacrifices may be suspending such ambitions whilst allowing our gallant MPs to concentrate on this new, uncertain emerging roles they are expected to play without looking back to feel insecure.

The events of 7th January should teach all of us that, we may have to fall on our personal sacrifices at times to deliver collective outcomes.
Congratulations to our men of honor!!

Source// Kevor, Mark-Oliver.

By// Oliver Kevor

Catholic Priest of St. George Cathedral Church at Srodae in Koforidua of the Eastern Region, Rev. Father Emmanuel Opoku Boateng has urged Christians in Ghana to stop going to church on only 31st December night to seek for God’s protection and guidance to enter into a new year.

According to the priest, even though it is key to attend church on 31st night of December to give Glory to God for guiding ones life throughout the whole year, it shouldn’t be a grounds or yardstick to only go and seek for protection, guidance and favor.

This, Rev. Father Emmanuel Opoku admonished Ghanaians of the Christians fraternity to usher their lives into God’s hands as worshippers over “church goers”, and have a shortened legs before the Lord.

He added that, “we see God in his church, we see God through his word, and we see God on his Holy Altar whenever we go to church as a Christian.

Again, he called on all Christians to devoid from such act, and charged to take it upon themselves that, each and everyday in life, seeking for God in his church should be imminent.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Opoku Boateng made this known to KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH of
Kingdom FM fame in an interview on Sunday, January 3, 2021 after the Holy Mass Celebration at St. George Cathedral Church at Koforidua- Srodae.

He further stressed, on the birth of Christ and his outdooring to the whole world to know that the Messiah was born to save all respecta of persons.

Rev. Fr. Boateng said, “we are not travelling to Bethlehem to look for the Christ like the three wise men. But rather the Messiah was born to stay inside our hearts. Therefore as a Christian we have to exhibit good character for others to know that Christ is in us.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnews.

The Leader, Founder and General Overseer of United Alpha and Omega Church in Koforidua – Adweso of the Eastern Region, Prophetess Felicia Manyo has disclosed of misunderstanding and chaos between among Ghanaians on January 7, 2021 that will led to bloody clashes.

“I saw this revelation at exactly 11:40 PM which is 20mins to enter into 2021” she emphasized.

She then noted that, since God reveal to redeemed, they prayed against that chaos and misunderstanding between some Ghanaians which was set to occurred on January 7, 2021 in the country.

“Bible says where two or more people have gathered in his name to pray, God says I am in their midst. So God have answered our prayers to safe Ghana from such an incident” she assures.

Prophetess Felicia Manyo quoted from the book of Romans 8:31, It has written that “if God be for us who can be against us?”. Therefore no demonic and witchcraft power can cause mayhem in Ghana.

She mentioned these at her church during the 31st watch night service.

She further advised the general public to remain united in 2021, because if we remain united as one citizen of Ghana nothing can separate us.

Prophetess Felicia Manyo added, we need togetherness, peace and love in Ghana and I want our leaders to understand themselves. There is proverb that ” two Kings or Chiefs can’t sit on one stool to rule its people unless only one person.

She declared 2021 as year of victory and peace.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source//Obohnews.

Founder and General Overseer of Leaders Light International Church of Koforidua-Osabene of the Eastern Region, Apostle Dr. Samuel Dadzie has urged the Leader and Flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) , Mr. John Mahama to accept the outcome of the 2020 election petition verdict by the Ghana’s Supreme Court after their proceedings.

According to the man of God, irrespective of the outcome from the supreme court, he sees no danger looming following the aftermath of the it.

“I don’t see that, there would be fight and hooliganism in Ghana after the Supreme Court verdict but some people are trying to make such incident to happened” he indicated.

Apostle Dr. Dadzie however is of the believed that, most Ghanaians are civilized, hence, no individual will endanger his/her life in a fight for a politician, since they will be busy doing their daily activities to ensure that in the end of the day there will be peace in Ghana.

He continue that, right from the December 9 , 2020, when the chairperson for the electoral Commission declared Prez Akufo-Addo as the Prez – elect, many prominent Ghanaians including men of God called on Mr. John Mahama to forgo the issue.

Apostle Dr. Samuel Dadzie told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH in an interview after the December 31, 2020 watch night at his church.

Furtherance, he said “Indeed Former Prez John Dramani Mahama is respected man and he has done a lot for Ghana. I don’t think he will let this elections petition to tarnished his reputation”

“For us to continue enjoying our peace, I’m humbly urging Mr. Dramani Mahama to welcome the outcome of the Supreme Court final verdict on the case” Apostle DR. Samuel Dadzie pleaded.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnews.

The Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has handed over One Hundred and Twenty (120) Buses to Senior High Schools across the country at a ceremony held today at the Accra High School.

Making the presentation, Dr Prempeh stated that he was honoured to, on behalf of H.E. President Akufo-Addo, hand over these buses in fulfillment of government’s commitment to ensure that the education sector was adequately resourced to deliver improved learning outcomes in this country.

He said that in the course of the year, vehicles and motorbikes had been distributed to Regional Directors of Education, Circuit Supervisors and various senior high schools, in a bid to support education delivery.

The Minister urged the various School Heads who had been given the responsibility for these vehicles to ensure that they were taken good care of so that they could serve the purpose for which they were imported.

Dr. Prempeh reiterated that Government would continue to invest in the frontline managers of the country’s educational institutions because they were central to the education reforms that the Ministry sought to pursue.

Business activities around the Koforidua Central Business District in the New Juaben South Municipality in the eastern region yesterday came to an abrupt halt when a renowned Koforidua-based Prophet Albert Asihene- Arjarquah led the congregation of Omega House Chapel Assemblies of God for a spirit filled and prophetic street evangelism.

The renowned firebrand prophet and prayer revivalist took a turn to anoint the street of Oteng House and used it as a point of contact of the entire of the New Juaben South Municipality and the region as part of preparation to usher into the new year.

Like everyone pens down his/her new year resolution, Prophet Asihene Arjarquah in his sermon on the theme “The verdict will change” said the time has come for believers to come together and over turn that evil pronouncement contributing to the collapse of businesses in the municipality.

He proclaimed abundant flourish of businesses within the municipality in 2021.
His presence on the street caused human and vehicular traffic as many traders abandoned their businesses and joined faith with the fire-brand Man of God to pray for fertility of the land next year 2021.

Prophet Arjarquah led the traders who turned into congregation through series of prayer points, key among them was against the attitude of hatred, jealousy, backbiting, bitterness and the “pull him down” spirit which has existed among business operators and have led to the collapse of businesses in the municipality.

Prior to his arrival, the Omega Choir charged the street hot praises as a substance of thanksgiving to God for His protection from January till now.

By// Kodjo David.

Source// Kodjo David

The Trom Full Life Family Assemblies of God, Ghana in Koforidua of the Eastern Region has donated food items to over 200 widows and aged in Trom and its environs to support them as we all celebrates this year’s Xmas festive.

After the presentation, leader of the Church, Rev. Gilbert Nyarko in an interview with Kingdom FM’s Kontihen Kofi noted that, during Christmas times those days, what to eat becomes a challenge for his family.

“So when God called me into his ministry I decided to do something for such people in the community where the church is established and not only for my church members alone. This motivated me to do this programme for aged and widows in every year because putting smile on someone’s face is a blessing”.

Rev. Nyarko indicated that, they began this programme with a few number of people but now the number has increased. Last year 2019 we donated to over 175 people but this year we have increase the number to over 200 people from the various communities.

He then admonished his fellow colleagues men of God whom God have blessed with something to also learn from what his church did to support the vulnerable ones in various communities.

Adding that “This is what God expected from we the men of God to do for such people” he stressed.

Following this, some of the beneficiaries show their profound gratitude to Rev. Nyarko and the Assemblies of God, Ghana for remembering them in this Xmas festive.

“We say, may God bless and keep them. Even in the midst of covid – 19 they have been able to do this for us”

Later on, Pastor Mrs. Joyce Nyarko made a humbly appeal to the general public, NGOs, cooperate institutions, individuals and philanthropist to come to their aid to support them in financial aspect so that they can be able to do it big and support more people coming next 2021.

She also advised the aged and widows to take good care of their health and devoid from late eating.

By// Krontihene Kofi Oboh.

Source//Obohnews.

Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region who doubles as the Deputy Minister for Information, Hon Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah Adjei has stated that NPP’s victory in the just ended 2020 elections came as a result of God’s will to reward their unprecedented works.

According to the re-elected MP, Ghanaians have been good to the New Patrotic Party especially the good people of Akuapeman for given them another mandate to do more for them.

“We are going to work tirelessly in the next 4yrs to ensure massive development hit every corner of this country” she assures.

However, lamenting on NDC’s rejection of the December 7, Presidential results declared by the Electoral Commission, the Lawmaker, said, she’s not surprised of the opposition’s actions, since their publications before the polls, indicate they were not ready to accept any outcome of the contest apart from emerging victorious.

“I’m not surprised that, today they are saying they won’t accept the results after they have lost the game woefully” she hinted.

She added, “from the Sene West Constituency parliamentary results, we lost only 16 votes to NDC and we (NPP) has accepted the results why can’t you also accept the defeat margin of over 500,000 presidential votes to NPP and you’re trying been a to sour loser”

“If the NDC feels they are being cheated by the EC, they can go to court for justification as we did in 2012 because the 2012 Supreme Court hasn’t changed its name” Hon. Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah Adjei stressed.

This, she noted that the ruling NPP government are much focused amidst January 7, 2021 where Nana Akuffo Addo will be sworn in as the reelected President to continue his good works for mother Ghana.

Hon. Nana Ama Dokua made this known in an interview with Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH when she joined and worshipped with Calvary Hill Christian Ministries in Akropong, and glorified the God almighty for her re-election as MP for the Counstituency.

In attendance, was her husband Mr. Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Wonuawonto Bissiw, family members together with constituency and regional NPP executives that accompanied her and heap praises to God for giving them another victory to lead the country.

Notwithstanding, the General Overseer of Calvary Hill Christian Ministries, Rev. Dr. Fred Kwayisi Darkwah also gave thanks to God for the peaceful and successful elections in Ghana without hearing any bad news aftermath of the exercise.

He again asked Ghanaians to continue praying for both leaders and supporters of the biggest politcal Parties [ NPP, NDC] to remain calm as he believes with prayers, there will be peace in Ghana.

Rev. Dr. Kwayisi Darkwah then advised his colleagues men of God to be extra careful of the their prophecies about elections as giving out false prophesies could jeopardize the country with war.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh

Source// Obohnews

Kumasi the capital of the Ashanti region is made up of many people from different ethnic
backgrounds. After the defeat of the Ashanti Kingdom by the British during the Sagrenti war in 1874, the British consolidated their power and established the Gold Coast colony in the south and by 1901; Asante became British colony after the Yaa Asantewaa war.

Railway became the main transport of cocoa and gold from the hinterland to the coast. The first construction of the railway line in Ghana begun in 1896 and the railway line started from Sekondi on the coast and reached the gold mines of Tarkwa and Obuasi in May 1901 and December 1902 respectively. The railway line was extended to Kumasi in 1903 and most of the railway workers the colonial government employed were Fantes.

During the construction of the railway in Kumasi, the Fante workers requested for a parcel of land from Nana Asem who was then the chief of Asem a suburb of Kumasi. These Fante rail workers started to built their new settlements at a area which was known as New Town Ejisu Road because at first Kumasi to Ejisu and Accra road passed through that place but as time went on the name of that place changed to Fante New town because most Fantes upon arriving in Kumasi go there to settle at that place. Most Fante women who came with their with husbands also brought bread baking and fish smoking to Fante New town before it spread to other parts of
Kumasi .However, this article seeks to throw more light on coffin making in Fante New town.

When someone passes away, the usual tradition here in most part of Ghana is to bury the dead with coffin. Today coffin remains fixture in our culture. The word ‘coffin’ derived from the Greek language, where it used to be called “Kophinos” which literally means ‘basket’.

However, later on, it has been said that the word was derived from the French word “cofin”. A coffin is usually a funerary box and it has been used for centuries in various forms. No matter the civilization, from ancient Egypt to this modern time, coffin has always had the same purpose, example. To act as a container preserving the body of loved ones as the pass away to the ancestral world.

Coffin making in Fante New town was introduced by Nana Yaw Anokye according to Agya Adu who migrated from Fante Nyankomase in the Central region of Ghana. Nana Yaw Anokye gave birth to two(2) sons namely Opanin Kwabena Mensah and Akwasi Gari who continued with coffin making after the death of their father around 1970’s but Agya Asare also joined the coffin making venture.

Agya Adu started coffin making with his uncle Opanin Kwabena Mensah around 1982 and since then, many people came around to learn how to make coffin. Around
1982, the coffin which was been made was known as “Rubber Adaka” because it was rubber which was used to cover the coffin with a white linen used inside it, as time went on, they made a coffin known as “Ank)meyie” around 1985.

Today new varieties of coffin have emerged with different designs.
Materials that is used to make coffin include Wawa, Krodua, Kyedua, Terk, Manzonia and the prices of coffins depends on the materials been used outside the coffin especially coffin
ornaments such as handles, crucifix which are made with rubber,brass, gold and silver. Many decorations on coffins are based on the religious order the decreased belongs.

In Fante New town, prices of coffins ranges from Ghc 1,000 to Ghc5, 000. Coffin making in Fante New town has employed many people from all over Ghana and many people from all over the country come to Fante New town to learn coffin making with more than 1,000 master craft artisans.

Some of the challenges facing the coffin making industry in Fante New town is the price of raw materials and during rainy season, most people don’t patrionize coffins because most funerals are done during this season.

When you talked about coffin making in Fante New town, it was Nana Yaw Anokye who spearheaded coffin making especially in Ashanti region and currently, Fante New town is the leading name when it comes to coffin making in all over Ghana and some of their coffins are sent to other parts of the country such as the Eastern and Greater Accra regions.

Source//Kofi Frimpong.

By// Kofi Frimpong.