The Chief of Akyem Asafo of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Barima Boampong Darkwaning II, has endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy market project.

The ultramodern market project is the first of its kind in Ghana, and it comes with many features such as a lorry park, a warehouse, a daycare centre, a women’s bank, a police station, a post for the Ghana National Fire Service, a restaurant, a sick bay, a clinic, and a pharmacy, among others.

Out of the 33 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Eastern Region, 25 assemblies were selected, including the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly.

During the handover of the site to the contractor to commence work within two weeks at Akyem Asafo on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Barima Boampong Darkwaning II thanked the President and Abuakwa South MCE, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, for bringing such a historic project to his community.

According to him, the project will bring relief to the townsfolk as it will create many job opportunities for them during and after its completion within 24 months.

“Already, my overlord, Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, has accepted it, and we will rally our support behind the contractor to complete the project within the given timeframe to boost the economic activities in Akyem Asafo as well as Abuakwa South,” he indicated.

The Abuakwa South MCE, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, disclosed that they will use 25% of every common fund the Assembly receives to facilitate the project.

“One of the major challenges confronting the Assembly is the heavy-duty trucks that normally park at the Apedwa, Bunso, and Asafo junctions, which cause a lot of accidents on the stretch, and it is very disturbing.

“As part of the 24-hour economy market project, the Abuakwa South Assembly is adding a Public-Private Partnership to construct a big parking lodge so that those trucks can park there compulsory to curb the road accidents in the area,” mentioned Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) Ghana celebrated its 30th anniversary on Thursday, May 14, at the MTN House in Accra.

The colourful event brought together dignitaries, including the Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, media personnel, and various department heads from MTN Ghana.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary media launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, commended the Ghana Government, particularly its clients, for their support over the past 30 years, which has made their stay in the country successful.

In his speech, he mentioned that they had invested billions of Ghana cedis to provide quality service to customers and ensure they have a stable network for their daily activities.

Blewett said education is one of their top priorities, and over the past three decades, the MTN Ghana Foundation has invested in Ghana’s education sector to help students access a serene learning environment and modern equipment for their studies.

According to him, in the next 10 years, AI will take over the world, and measures are far advanced to strengthen its network so that young people can use it to run their businesses effectively.

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George noted that the government is committed to maintaining ties with MTN Ghana by ensuring stress-free and quality network services for Ghanaians.

He used the occasion to urge the management of MTN Ghana to improve its network, as many Ghanaians complain about unstable network services for their daily activities.

A situation that the Communication Minister described as very devastating.

Mr. Nartey again revealed that Ghana would soon be enrolled in 5G network services, and the government is considering giving MTN Ghana a slot as one of the beneficiary telecom companies in the country.

On behalf of the government, the minister congratulated MTN Ghana on its 30th anniversary celebration and its contribution to the growth and development of the country.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Gyaasehene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Twumasi Dankwa, has criticised traditional leaders who participate in active partisan politics.

He acknowledged the vital role of chiefs in national development but swiftly referred to those involved in active politics as ‘weak-minded.’ 

Nana Twumasi Dankwa made this statement on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the government’s 24-hour economy market project at Agatha Market in Koforidua.

The event, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, Ransford Owusu Boakye, was attended by Nanaanom of the New Juaben Traditional Area, residents, and market women.

The project, under the Ministry of Local Government, is expected to be completed within two years.

Speaking at the event, the Gyaasehene noted that the project would go a long way to significantly aid community development, as residents had long awaited a modern market.

He emphasized that it is the responsibility of chiefs to champion infrastructure projects for their people, irrespective of political affiliation.

Nana Twumasi Dankwa stated that any chief who involves themselves in active politics and opposes government projects demonstrates a “weak mindset.” 

“It is about time chiefs come together and embrace government projects that will transform their communities and set aside their political divisions,” he opined.

He reaffirmed the traditional area’s commitment to supporting government initiatives that will bring development to the people.

In his speech, the MCE, Ransford Owusu Boakye, stated that once completed, the project would enhance trading activities and create economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth within the municipality.

He further said that the 24-hour economy market, module two, is situated on a three-acre plot and will offer functional facilities for 25 districts.

The market will include lockable stores, a supermarket, food court, a stock bay, cold store, and retail spaces for traders.

Mr. Boakye added that the complex will also feature a clinic, pharmacy, daycare center, women’s bank, police and fire stations, and other amenities to serve women.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The world observes Mother’s Day on May 10 every year to recognize mothers for their unflinching sacrifices and contributions toward the development of their respective countries, and Ghana is no exception.

As part of this special occasion, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Nana Ampaw Kwame Addo Frimpong, popularly known in political circles as Chief Buffalo, organized a dinner for widows in Akyem Anyinam and Old Tafo, respectively, to let them know that they are not alone.

After dining with them, every widow who attended the event went home with a package and a token for transportation.

Chief Buffalo collaborated with the Breads and Bounty Foundation to put smiles on the faces of widows drawn from the aforementioned two communities in the constituency.

Speaking at the gathering, Addo Frimpong noted that politicians often focus on the youth and forget to take good care of widows and widowers in their various communities.

“Most of these people are encountering so many challenges in life and measures have to be taken to provide a little support to make them happy and feel that they are part of us,” he revealed.

Nana Ampaw Frimpong further stated that women in Abuakwa North contributed immensely to the success of securing the Parliamentary seat in the 2024 election.

He, therefore, reaffirmed his commitment to offering a helping hand to the women in Abuakwa North, particularly widows, to appreciate them for making him who he is today.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Breads and Bounty Foundation, Dorcia Addo Frimpong, suggested the need for a home that would provide comfort for the aged.

According to her, some people tag the aged in their families as the cause of their suffering in life, and due to that, they end up maltreating them based on accusations they know nothing about.

Mrs. Addo Frimpong added that when people reach old age, sickness can even cause them to behave differently, but it does not mean they are witches or wizards.

She believes that if an aged home is available, such persons can be brought there and taken care of when they face such challenges in their various homes, to give them peace of mind and help them live longer.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Founder of the Base Movement, Dr. George Oti Bonsu, has fired shots at Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, for appointing former rival Kennedy Agyapong as Co-Chair of the party’s Policy Committee as part of its reorganisation.

He argued that those who took that decision lack the credentials, stressing that Mr. Agyapong is superior to those who made the appointment.

His statement comes after a purported letter on social media suggested that the former Assin Central MP had turned down the opportunity to become Co-Chair to Dr. Bawumia while the party navigates efforts toward effective political organisation for the 2028 election.

Later in the evening on the same day, the spokesperson for Ohene Agyapong, Kwasi Kwarteng, came out and stated that his boss hadn’t declined any offer from the Flagbearer of the NPP, saying it was “fake news.”

However, during the Base Movement free health screening exercise held at Asokore in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region on Saturday, May 9, for mothers in the community ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations, Dr. Oti Bonsu reiterated that under no circumstances will Kennedy Ohene Agyapong work for anybody.

Something he described as “it won’t occur today nor tomorrow,” adding that Mr. Agyapong is a very respected man in Ghana and he would not belittle his integrity to that low.

On his part, 2020 Independent Presidential Candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah, popularly known as JOY, added that Ghanaians have carried wine for a very long time, and it has made them drunk, and as a matter of fact, they can’t continue getting drunk under both NPP and NDC governance in 2028.

“It is about time Ghanaians break away from wine and carry water as well to see the difference between the two, and the water that is coming to save the country from the captivity of both NPP and NDC is The Base Movement, and we will force Kennedy Agyapong to become the leader in 2028 and lead us to the promised land,” he indicated.

The Acting Eastern Regional Chairman of the Base Movement, Victor Asare Gyapong, who spearheaded the free health screening, mentioned that he has been doing the exercise annually during every Mother’s Day celebration.

He explained that the free health screening aimed to offer an opportunity for women, especially the aged in New Juaben, to know their health status and take steps to stay healthy to enable them to celebrate their special day.

Mr. Gyapong further said he partnered with The Base Movement in his community initiative, a free health screening programme, to make it bigger because their group is for every Ghanaian.

As part of the screening exercise, they donated items like cloth, 32-inch digital TVs, refrigerators, irons, gas cylinders, pillows, and curtains, among others, to appreciate them for their relentless efforts rendered to the country.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Akyem Asafohene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Barimah Boampong Darkwaning II, has advised his newly installed Mankrado, Nana Boateng, to make peace with his family members to help him become successful in his reign.

According to him, before his installation as the Mankrado of Akyem Asafo, some members of his family stood against his candidature, which delayed the process.

However, he noted, through proper dialogue, tempers were calmed, and subsequently, he was finally installed as the next Mankrado of the area to succeed the late Mankrado of the community, Barfuo Baah Ammatem II.

Barimah Boampong Darkwaning further said he should put aside the pain he went through and bring all his family members on board, especially those who were against his selection, and unite with them to enable them to guide his path in championing infrastructure projects for Akyem Asafoman.

“There’s gossip and back-biting everywhere, including the Palace; therefore, as you have been initiated into the Akyem Asafo traditional area, be ready for everything, but stay focused and know why your family nominated you to occupy the Mankrado stool in our community,” he told Nana Boateng.

Barimah Boampong Darkwaning II again advised him that now that he has become Mankrado of Akyem Asafo, there are certain things he can no longer do, as he holds one of the sensitive positions in the chieftaincy hierarchy that contributes meaningfully to the development of every Traditional Council in the country.

On his part, Nana Boateng, the newly installed Mankrado of Akyem Asafo, thanked his family members for believing in him and honoring him with the opportunity to become their Mankrado to steer the affairs of the family.

Nana Boateng assured them that he would not disappoint them but rather would put in place measures to bring transformation to the community.

He said youth development and education are his priorities, which he is coming to work on to change the narrative.

“I have observed that education in Akyem Asafo is not encouraging and I would collaborate with the various stakeholders to see how we can work together to ensure the children in the area take their studies seriously and uplift their academic performance,” he said.

The Akyem Asafo Mankrado used the opportunity to wish the BECE candidates in his community well and pledged to support anyone who secures good grades to SHS.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Abomosu Ankobeahemaa of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Nana Adepa Korangtemaa, collaborated with Yaktest Medical Laboratory and Ultrasound Center to organize a free health screening for the Abomosu community.

The program was designed to provide residents, especially the aged, with the opportunity to know their health status and take steps to stay healthy.

Speaking to journalists, Nana Adepa Korangtemaa indicated that the health of her people is paramount to her, noting that many lives have been lost because individuals could not afford to undergo medical screening.

Research shows that uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading global cause of death, responsible for more than 10 million deaths annually. Often referred to as “the silent killer,” it is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

Reacting to these mind-blowing statistics, she said most of these deaths could have been prevented if people had undergone regular screening to detect the condition and seek treatment.

The Ankobeahemaa further stated that she wants her people to live long so they can help build Abomosuman together, hence the screening exercise.

The screening exercise covered conditions such as high blood pressure, HIV, blood group, typhoid, hepatitis B, among others.

She commended residents, particularly the aged, for attending in large numbers, saying this demonstrates that Ghanaians are increasingly recognizing the importance of regular health checks.

Nana Korangtemaa advised people to take advantage of free health screening programs and ensure their aged parents are tested to know their health status, stressing that as people grow older, they become weaker, and such exercises help detect health issues early for timely treatment.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsinline.com.

On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) joined the world in commemorating International Firefighters’ Day at its Regional Headquarters in Effiduase, New Juaben North Municipal, in recognition of their gallant heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice at fire scenes.

The region marked this memorable day with the theme: “An Attack On Firefighters And Equipment Is An Attack On Public Safety: End Assault And Protect The Firefighter.”

Addressing the gathering, the Eastern Regional Ghana National Fire Service Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah, stated that he has been in active fire and rescue management for 36 years. Over these years, he has witnessed fire not just as an element but as a force that tests their preparedness, unity, and compassion.

“Today, we bow our heads to honour our fallen brave colleagues (men and women) who answered the call and never returned. We again remember those who sustained injuries in the line of duty whose scars are silent testimonies of courage,” added Mr. Asamoah.

He indicated that across Ghana, particularly in the Eastern Region, they have seen the devastating impact of fire outbreaks, including residential fires that occurred at Akyem Kwabeng in the Atiwa West District, which destroyed property and displaced families.

“Each incident reminds us that behind every fire statistic is a human story a family, a livelihood, a future interrupted,” he mentioned.

The Akim Oda Municipal Fire Service Commander, Division Officer I (DO I) Hughes Kwasi Columban, delivered the speech on behalf of the Eastern Regional Fire Service Commander, ACFO II Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah.

However, he said in recent times, the GNFS has faced not only flames but also challenges from the very communities they serve.

“There have been troubling reports of attacks on firefighters during emergency responses, acts that endanger not only personnel but the entire public safety system,” he noted.

DO I Kwasi Columban emphasized that an attack on a firefighter is an attack on public safety itself.

He further stressed that, despite these challenges, their personnel continue to demonstrate professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment to national development, despite limited resources.

New Juaben South Municipal and Suhum Municipal Fire Service Commands’ were rewarded for their outstanding performance to the Ghana National Fire Service.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The Atiwa East District Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Division Officer I George Korda, has appealed to Parliament to expedite the passage of the Fire Personnel Protection Bill into law. 

He noted that personnel are sometimes attacked when responding to fire scenes to protect lives and property, describing the situation as very worrying. 

“The bill is already laid before the floor of Parliament and we are humbly pleading with them to uplift their game and pass it to become law to enable them to prosecute anyone who dares to attack their men in line of their duty,” he stated. 

DO I Korda made the call on behalf of the Eastern Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Fire Officer II (ACFO) Emmanuel Asamoah, ahead of the International Firefighters Day Commemoration scheduled for May 4, 2026, in Koforidua.

As part of the celebration, the Eastern Regional GNFS  embarked on a float through the principal streets of New Juaben North and South to sensitize the public on fire safety. 

George Korda explained that International Firefighters Day was instituted in 1999 to honor five firefighters who lost their lives in a bushfire in Australia in 1998.

“So on May 4, 1999, the Fire Association across the continent set aside a day to commemorate these in recognition of the fallen heroes of the Fire Service to appreciate them for their unflinching sacrifice and contributions made to the country,” he recounted.

DO I Michael Korda believes that when Parliament passes the bill into law, it will help safeguard their work to operate fully without fear whenever they respond to emergencies.

He further admonished the public to regard fire personnel as friends and allies rather than enemies, stressing that this would facilitate the transformation of the country.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Anyinasinhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Osabarima Atta Appeakorang Agyei II, has bemoaned the growing indiscipline among some youth in his community.

According to him, some young people in Anyinasin have risen against him and his cabinet, and are consistently attacking their personalities and insulting them for reasons unknown to him.

Osabarima Atta Agyei II argued that someone is behind the actions of these young people, who are targeting the Chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders of the Akyem Anyinasin Palace. However, he noted that, they would soon be brought to justice

“Kofi Richard, Broda, Kofi Asante, and Yaw Eric, among others, have been heard in several tapes raining an insult on us each and every day,” he mentioned.

The Anyinasinhene made this known during the 3rd Akwasidae observation at the Akyem Anyinasin Palace on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

He pleaded with the youth who attended the event in their numbers not to retaliate against the aforementioned people, while continuing to enjoy the peace of the area.

“Have you seen a youth having a successful life after insulting an elderly person before? Osabarima Atta Appeakorang Agyei II asked.

He then advised that if you’re a youth and you want to be successful in life respect the elderly person and God will bless you abundantly.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to championing infrastructure projects in Anyinasin to better the lives of the people in the community.

Osabarima Atta Agyei II noted that he is accountable to his people; therefore, he charged his cabinet, particularly those responsible for lands, to ensure they discharge their duty diligently to help develop the area together and make Anyinasin one of the fastest growing communities in Akyem Abuakwa.

He also used the occasion to thank the residents of Anyinasin for coming out in their numbers and rallying behind him to give his late Mother, Madam Cecilia Ampaabeng Afia Siaa Peasah a befitting burial on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Anyinasin.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.