The Member of Parliament for New Juaben North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Nana Osei-Adjei, has donated GH¢5,000.00, streetlights, bottled water, toiletries, and soft drinks to St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.

The cash donation is to cover the medical bills of mothers who have delivered at the hospital and are unable to pay. The bottled water, toiletries, and soft drinks will be shared among the nursing mothers.

The streetlights are meant to help the hospital improve security in the area.

According to him, If the world is celebrating mothers whose contributions have been a phenomenon towards the development of Ghana, he can’t sit at home and enjoy this day with my family alone, hence the donation to the hospital to put a smile on their faces.

He added, “Women go through a lot of pain during the pregnancy period before they give birth to us. On a day like this, we have to show love and appreciate them for giving us life because it’s not every woman who does that…”

Nana Osei-Adjei reaffirmed his commitment to supporting women in his constituency so they feel truly recognized for their efforts toward the growth and development of New Juaben North.

Dejoe, as he is popularly called, also acknowledged the challenges confronting hospitals in the constituency. He stated that in the coming weeks, he will visit the health facilities to see how those challenges can be addressed to ensure smooth operations and the delivery of quality healthcare to clients.

Claudia Asamoah, the Unit Head of the Children’s Ward, received the items on behalf of the hospital’s management and thanked the MP for his kind gesture.

She used the opportunity to appeal for children’s beds, noting that the ones currently in use were in a bad state and unsafe.

“This is one of the key challenges confronting us, and we would be glad if we get support from philanthropists, stakeholders, NGOs, the government, or individuals anytime soon to safeguard the children from falling out of their beds,” stressed Claudia Asamoah.

The Women’s Organizer for the constituency, Dorah Quarshie, congratulated Ghanaian mothers on the special occasion and stated, “Before a mother can fully enjoy the aroma of Mother’s Day, she must properly train her children well.”

“In doing so, it helps you as a mother to be proud of yourself. Therefore, I will urge all mothers to train their children through the Christian doctrines, and this will guide their path to live righteously to become good leaders of the country.”

Dorah Quarshie further advised women to be respectful and supportive in their marriages.

“If they do that, their marriage would be attractive for others to emulate,” she said.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Ama Serwaa, a resident of Asiakwa in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council within the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, was kidnapped and taken to an undisclosed location in Nigeria.

According to reports, the incident occurred in April 2025 and came as shocking news to the people of the Asiakwa community.

In an exclusive interview, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, the Asiakwahene and Okyeman Nifahene, revealed that Ama Serwaa’s family paid a courtesy call at his palace to inform him of the distressing situation.

He recounted that after hearing the news, he advised the family to report the matter to the police, as the kidnappers were demanding a significant ransom for her release.

Daasebre Dr. Ampofo II emphasized that he did not treat the matter lightly but escalated it to the National Police Headquarters, recognizing their capacity to engage with the kidnappers through advanced cybersecurity tools capable of tracking them in Nigeria.

He commended both the Ghana Police Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative efforts, which led to the successful arrest of the kidnappers in Nigeria.

The Asiakwa Royal Palace also expressed gratitude to a group named ‘Proudly Asiakwa’ for its substantial financial contributions that supported the rescue mission.

They extended appreciation to everyone who played a role in rescuing Ama Serwaa, who is now reported to be safe and receiving medical attention.

Speaking on the matter, Asiakwa Bremsohemaa, Nana Adwoa Gyekyewaa I, advised young girls and women in Ghana, especially those from Akyem Abuakwa to be vigilant and cautious of flashy offers from men to avoid falling victim to similar incidents.

She further encouraged women to become self-reliant and engage in productive ventures to better care for themselves.

Additionally, Anyinasinhene Osaberima Ata Appiah Korang Adjei cautioned the general public to be wary of foreigners residing in the country, alleging that many of them are behind kidnapping incidents. He urged communities to be vigilant in how they interact with such individuals.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for the Atiwa East constituency in the Eastern Region, Abena Osei Asare, has reiterated her commitment to ensuring that home-based players get equal opportunities in the Black Stars team.

The MP believes that these players often deserve slots in the team, as they are potentially good compared to most of the foreign players.

Mrs. Osei Asare is the only female MP in Parliament advocating for more local players to be included in the Black Stars.

“When local players are given the opportunity in the Black Stars, they perform better than most of the foreign-based players. We saw the classical performance of the 3 local players who took part in the two World Cup qualifier games, especially Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, who kept 2 clean sheets for the team. It is about time we give more slots to our locally based players in all the national teams to showcase their talent,” said the Atiwa East MP.

She entreated local players to be consistent in their performance and stay strong, to earn them call-ups into the various national teams.

She assured them that she would keep on fighting for them to get their fair share in the national teams, especially the Senior National Soccer Team, the Black Stars of Ghana.

The Atiwa East lawmaker made this assertion when climaxing the 10th edition of the annual Easter Gala in the area where 29 football teams participated.

At the end of the year’s competition, Moseaso FC was crowned the winner of the tournament by defeating Kwakwaduam FC by a lone goal. They were given ¢6,000.00, a set of jerseys, and 3 footballs, while the second-placed team also went home with ¢4,000.00, a set of jerseys, and 2 footballs.

Mrs. Osei Asare rewarded all the participating teams who couldn’t reach the money zone and wished them better luck next time. She also thanked them for taking part in the 10th edition of the Easter Gala.

Albert Nuamah, the NPP Chairman for the constituency, commended his MP for organizing such a competition for the youth in the area, indicating that such events unite and bring them together.

He added that, if not for this gala, most of the youth would have gone to Kwahu and engaged in social vices that could destroy their lives.

He further stated that youth development is the topmost priority of his MP, hence giving most of them jobs to enable them to cater for themselves and their families.

The coach of Moseaso FC, Isaac Appiah, said they didn’t win the game on a silver platter, but they came into the tournament with determination and hard work to win the trophy.

He then commended the MP Abena Osei Asare for organizing the competition annually to enable them to exhibit their talent and believed that the exposure the players have gained will open doors for them to get an opportunity to play for Ghanaian top-flight teams.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The General Overseer of Leaders Light International Church, Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie, has described the Bawku conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi as a national concern.

According to him, no Ghanaian citizen should say they are not from Bawku and therefore remain indifferent while people continue to kill each other until the last soul perishes.

He stressed that such a statement is unacceptable.

Apostle Dr. Dadzie explained that the ongoing violence in Bawku poses a serious threat to the country’s development, noting that no investor would risk investing in a country lacking peace and harmony among its citizens.

“If Bawku is at war, it affects the good name of Ghana because our country is well known as one of the most peaceful countries around the globe. So, therefore, we should not sit down aloof and allow them to continue fighting,” said Apostle Dadzie.

He emphasized that the Bawku issue is not one to be taken lightly, but rather demands a collective effort from all Ghanaians to find a lasting solution and bring peace to Bawku and its surrounding communities.

Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie made these remarks at the Nkawkaw branch of the Church on Friday, April 18, 2025, during the Easter Convention.

The Founder of Wisdom Chapel International, Bishop Professor Richard Digo, who was the guest of honor at the event, also expressed concern about the rate at which the youth are shedding blood on Bawku land.

He firmly stated that it is time for national leaders to come out boldly and tell both factions the truth, that their actions are leading to the collapse of the country.

He urged them to cease fire and resolve the conflict amicably to restore peace in the area.

By: Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Asiakwahene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II has outlined plans to plant 1,500 coconut and oil palm seedings on the reclaimed galamsey lands in the community.

It comprises 1,000 coconut seedlings and 500 oil palm seedlings.

Daasebre Dr. Ampofo II is targeted to planting 12,000 tree seedlings in Asiakwa to augment the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s 1 million tree planting initiative in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to sustain the environment from the harm caused by the illegal miners.

The Asiakwa Royal Palace has planted 4,000 trees and is expected to plant another 1,500 seedlings, bringing the total number to 5,500, which is remarkable.

This move aimed at restoring the destruction of both lands and forests by the activities of illegal mining to enable Asiakwaman to go green again.

Addressing the people of Asiakwa during the Akwasidae durbar, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, who serves as Okyeman Nifahene, noted that protecting the environment is paramount to him. Therefore if a tree is cut down by illegal miners, it should be replaced by multiple of it to ensure the land doesn’t become empty.

According to him, the illegal miners would enter the forest to mine if the land was empty, but they would back off if they saw that trees had been planted, indicating that they were aware of the consequences if they dared to touch them.

Despite banning mining activities in his community, he called on the community folks to keep on supporting him to fight the menace to safeguard the environment for the unborn generation.

Okyeman Nifahene used the opportunity and pleaded with his people to get involved in the tree-planting program, and he believes that if they come on board and join him, their target of planting 12,000 tree seedlings is feasible.

By// Kontihene Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The former Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency in the Eastern Region, Daniel Kweku Botwe, has donated GH¢350,000.00 to support educational funds in the constituency.

This gesture by the former Okere MP is aimed at improving access and providing equal opportunities for brilliant but needy students to pursue both SHS and tertiary education without stress. The GH¢350,000.00 will be disbursed to seven educational funds in the following towns:

Abiriw, Awukugua, Abonse, Adukrom, Aseseeso, Apirede, and Dawu. Each town will receive GH¢50,000.00 to support children’s education and help secure a better future for them.

In his speech, Daniel Botwe said that after retiring as a Member of Parliament, any funds he receives would be invested in education to help produce more scholars in the future who can take over when the current generation is gone.

“In 2024, when all 7 towns held their festivals, their Chiefs spoke about education, and I realized that quality education was very paramount to them, but I didn’t contribute anything to their educational funds.

“I decided to do it this year [2025] through my late father’s Master Darko Memorial Foundation, hence contributing ¢50,000.00 each to their educational funds,” he opined.

He made this known at the Akuapem Nifahene’s Palace on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during a special joint appreciation  with the current MP, Daniel Nana Kenneth to the Chiefs and people of  Okere. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chiefs and People of Okere for their love and support.

Dan Botwe assured that he would continue to support them whenever the need arises because he does not want school fees to become a barrier to any student’s education in Okere.

The incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, said the gesture from his predecessor was a show of appreciation to the people for accepting him when he sought their blessing in 2008 to stand for the MP position after declaring his bid.

According to him, 16 years ago, Okere was not widely known, but through Dan Botwe, the image of Okere had risen significantly and the area has now become commonly known across the country.

He commended Mr. Botwe for honoring Okere and lobbying for numerous developmental projects.

For his part, Akuapem Nifahene, who also serves as Adukromhene, Ahunuabobrim Osuodomgya Otutu Ababio V, described Dan Botwe as a “development-oriented person” who always wants to see his people prosper in life.

He added that the former MP did not come into power to amass wealth for himself but used his position to transform and develop Okere.

Ahunuabobrim Osuodomgya Otutu Ababio V highlighted the various roads constructed during the former MP’s tenure, including the Koforidua to Adukrom through to Somanya road, and the Adukrom to Abiriw road, just to mention a few.

‘He also gave us a District Hospital and a Court, and as for the educational infrastructure, it is numerous, and such a person deserves to be hailed,’ added the traditional leader.

The Akuapem Nifahene then assured Dan Botwe that just as they rallied behind him to succeed, they will replicate the same support and energy for the incumbent MP, Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, to continue the good work for the Okere district.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The fight against illegal mining activities in Ghana, popularly known as galamsey—remains a significant challenge confronting the nation. Illegal miners have devastated forests, polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and degraded vast stretches of land.

For years, Ghana has battled galamsey, but the struggle has proven difficult, sparking nationwide discussions and concerns.

Some Ghanaians are frustrated with national leadership, accusing top government officials and politicians of secretly enabling these activities, thereby making it nearly impossible to control them. Others blame certain traditional rulers for allegedly extorting money from miners and allocating land for illegal operations in their communities.

Despite several initiatives such as Operation Vanguard and GalamSTOP, the outcomes have been disappointing. These initiatives aligned with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ending galamsey, a promise he declared he would stake his presidency on during the 2016 general elections.

Unfortunately, all these efforts have proven futile, leaving many Ghanaians to believe that the eradication of illegal mining might remain a dream—even as its devastating effects mount, threatening national survival.

There is a growing concern that if the Central Government does not adopt pragmatic, long-term strategies to halt illegal mining, Ghana may one day be forced to import water for daily use.

While much has been said about political will and civil society efforts, the contributions of traditional leaders in this fight must not be underestimated or ignored.

Notable among them are the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who, along with other traditional authorities, have made consistent efforts to protect the environment from illegal mining.

Recently, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Amah Kofi Buah, described illegal miners as terrorists, insisting they should be treated as such when caught in the act.

In a related development, the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed, announced that expatriates who are predominantly involved in illegal mining will be deported if found guilty. This statement has stirred debate, with Ghanaians questioning whether the Ministries of Interior and Lands are aligned in their goals. Others have described the move as discriminatory-arguing that if foreigners are deported, Ghanaian offenders should not be treated with leniency for the same crime.

The debate rages on: do political leaders truly want to end galamsey?

In the midst of it all, I acknowledge the commendable efforts of some traditional leaders, particularly the Okyeman Nifahene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region—Daasbre Dr. Twum Ampofo, also known as Asiakwahene—for his bold and effective actions in his community.

What many government leaders and chiefs have failed to do, he managed to accomplish in just two weeks.

The Okyeman Nifahene and his cabinet first issued repeated warnings to miners in Asiakwa, urging them to engage in responsible mining. When these warnings were ignored, he placed a ban on mining near water bodies and farmlands. Despite this, the miners continued their activities.

The Chief and his cabinet then visited the mining sites to assess the damage firsthand. Overwhelmed by what he saw, the Asiakwahene reportedly wept at the sight of the environmental destruction.

No longer tolerating the situation, he issued a two-week ultimatum: reclaim the degraded lands and leave the community.

Fast-forward to April 4, 2025, I, Kontihene Kofi Oboh, a renowned Broadcast Journalist, led a media team to inspect the site and verify compliance. We observed that the miners had removed their excavators. While some reclaimed the land before leaving, others left open pits behind.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Asiakwa Royal Palace regarding when the ban will be lifted, as the national fight against galamsey continues.

We cannot sit back and be complacent. I urge all Chiefs in mining-prone areas to emulate the Asiakwahene’s bold leadership to protect our environment for future generations.

I admit that gold often fuels greed, but as responsible citizens, we must rise above this and act wisely.

Galamsey is now a national threat. Let us stop trading our conscience for money or partisan politics. Let us unite and fight again and again until we find a lasting solution.

Long Live Okyeman Nifahene!
Long Live Asiakwa!!
Long Live Ghana!!!
Say No to Galamsey!!!!

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Some residents of Asiakwa, especially market women and traders, have called on Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, the Asiakwahene, and his cabinet to review the ban imposed on mining in the community.

Asiakwa is known as one of the mining areas in the Eastern Region, and many people, particularly farmers, have raised concerns about how illegal mining activities are affecting their crops and the community’s water bodies.

This concern, raised by the farmers, drew the attention of the Asiakwahene, who held several crucial meetings with miners to prevent mining near water bodies and farmlands, and to promote responsible mining that protects water bodies, land, forests, and farms. However, these efforts yielded no positive results.

In late March this year, the Asiakwa Royal Palace placed a total ban on mining in the community and issued a two-week ultimatum to miners to remove their equipment and vacate the sites.

This directive from the Asiakwa Royal Palace aimed to protect the Supong River, the Birim River, farmlands, and forests from pollution caused by illegal mining in the area.

Our media team, led by KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, visited some mining sites on April 4, 2025, to check compliance with the directive. We observed that the miners had removed their excavators from the sites. However, some reclaimed the land before leaving, while others abandoned open pits.

Since mining operations ceased, according to market women and traders in Asiakwa, business has come to a standstill. They are calling on Daasebre Twum Ampofo II to revisit the ban and regularize mining to allow for responsible operations.

They added that the directive is crippling their businesses, as they now struggle to find buyers at the market. For food vendors, the impact has been even worse.

They also mentioned that, apart from mining, there are no other jobs available for the youth. They are therefore pleading with Daasebre Twum Ampofo II to reconsider his decision so the miners can resume work, allowing business to pick up again and helping them support their families.

Adding his voice to the issue, the former Assemblyman for the Supong Electoral Area and a farmer, Yaw Amoako, said the Farmers’ Association in Asiakwa had planned a massive demonstration against miners for damaging water bodies and farmlands.

“We then had several engagements with Daasbre Dr. Ampofo about the canker, and he asked us to give him two weeks, and after that, we would hear from him,” he recounted.

Yaw Amoako stated that they were pleased the Asiakwahene had halted mining. However, they expect proper measures to be implemented so the ban doesn’t become a nine-day wonder.

So far, there has been no official communication from the Asiakwa Royal Palace regarding when the ban will be lifted.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for the Akuapem North constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, has vowed to make agriculture attractive by strengthening it to benefit the farmers in the area.

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, hundreds turned out for the maiden edition of the Ofie Market at Amanokrom. The Ofie Market paved the way for farmers to come into direct contact with consumers and sell their farm produce at affordable prices.

However, traders and market women and men also participated, selling various items.

This initiative was spearheaded by Samuel Awuku and the Amanokrom traditional rulers and is aimed at making Amanokrom a business hub.

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North said this initiative formed part of his 2024 campaign messages because he realized that, apart from the Adawso market at the lower hills, there was no major market day at the upper hills of the constituency to help farmers benefit from their harvest, hence, the Ofie Market.

According to Sammi Awuku, the main purpose of establishing the Ofie Market at Amanokrom was to ensure agriculture became the backbone of the Akuapeman economy.

He stated that the Ofie Market day is scheduled for the last Saturday of every month to avoid disrupting the Adawso market day.

The Gyasehemaa of the Akuapem Traditional Council, who serves as the Amanokromhemaa, Nana Manko Aba II, commended Samuel Awuku for collaborating with them to introduce an initiative that will help improve the local economy.

“The Ofie Market wouldn’t only change our local economy but also give hope to the farmers at the upper hills of the Akuapeman enclave, enabling them to bring their farm produce to the market, sell directly to consumers, and take their money home without the middlemen who normally visit farms and purchase produce at low prices,” she added.

Nana Manko Aba II then entreated traders, businessmen, and women to come to Amanokrom every last Saturday of the month to do business, emphasizing that the Ofie Market has come to stay.

By // Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Mount Mary College of Education in Somanya, in the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, successfully celebrated its 75th anniversary on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the school’s auditorium.

The celebration witnessed many dignitaries, including the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite, some principals of colleges of education in the region, representatives from various teacher unions, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Awatey, among others.

The anniversary was celebrated under the theme; CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF TEACHER EDUCATION AT MOUNT MARY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WITH CATHOLIC VALUES: IMPACT, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS.

Speaking at the program, the Catholic Bishop of the Koforidua Archdiocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, bemoaned how some residents in the area are claiming ownership of the school’s land.

According to him, for the past 8 years, the institution has suffered delayed projects because of such land litigation.

Most Rev. Afrifa Agyekum revealed that he currently has a court case on his table, to which he is preparing himself to respond, something he described as retarding the development of the institution.

“We have documents, indenture that certifies that the land is being properly acquired by the Founding Fathers of the College and the necessary compensations have also been paid, and I don’t understand why we still have to go through all these litigations,” he told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.

Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum then used the opportunity to appeal to the traditional rulers in the Krobo enclave, especially Nene Sakite, the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, to speak to their people to leave Mount Mary College of Education in peace to enable them to have a sound mind to run and develop the institution to benefit all and sundry.

The Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite, in his speech, urged them to remain committed to their core values of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

He stated that their dedication to providing a holistic education that combines academic rigor with character development has earned them a reputation as one of the premier institutions of education in Ghana.

“As you mark your 75th anniversary, we also celebrate with you the many lives you have impacted as an institution.”

Nene Sakite, further entreated the students to remember that education was not just about acquiring knowledge, but rather it is about developing the skills, values, and character that would enable them to make a positive impact in this world.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.