On Sunday, April 8, 2026, Odauman ended its over 250-year friendship with Okyeman for reasons best known to them.
Speaking at an emergency meeting held with sub-divisional chiefs, elders, and people of Akyem Abuakwa at Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi on Thursday, April 23, Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, expressed worry over the move by Odauhene, Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, to separate himself from Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and form Odau Traditional Council.
According to him, he felt that Odauhene had betrayed him because he did not expect that there would be a time Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe would rise against him and form his own kingdom.
Amoatia Ofori Panin added that Okyeman remains resolute and focused, and is ready to work with anyone willing to serve the Ofori Panin Stool.
Okyenhene then emphatically stated that they would not work with a coup plotter at Ofori Panin Fie, in case Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe rescinds his decision to rejoin the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the future.
The National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers (NABH) held its 8th Eastern Regional graduation ceremony in Koforidua on Wednesday, April 22.
The event, themed “Skills For Success, TVET For A Brighter Future”, saw 120 female artisans successfully graduate.
Speaking to journalists, Nana Yaa Oparebea, Eastern Regional Vice Chairperson of the Association, noted that many people believe handiwork or artisanship is reserved for those who are not academically inclined, describing such claims as untrue.
She stated that artisans are the cornerstone of every developed country and urged society not to undervalue their capabilities, instead encouraged individuals who are idle at home to join the trade, become self-reliant, and help reduce the country’s unemployment rate.
Madam Oparebea used the opportunity to further advise the graduates to pursue additional professional courses to advance themselves and compete with colleagues globally.
The Eastern Regional Assistant Manager of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in charge of Talent Management and Development, Margaret Larbi, noted that TVET equips individuals with practical skills in diverse fields such as engineering, hospitality, construction, fashion, and agriculture.
According to her, these are not just skills but survival equipment.
She observed that, over the decades, many people considered TVET a second option for those who did not perform well in traditional education, but that perception is now changing.
She added while speaking on behalf of the Eastern Regional TVET Director, Evelyn Dansoa Boateng.
Madam Larbi stressed that TVET is no longer a choice but a necessity for anyone seeking to thrive in today’s competitive world.
For her part, Obaahemaa of the Adonten Division of the New Juaben Traditional Area and Oyokohemaa, Nana Akomah Serwaa Bonsu, said that artisans are currently among the most financially successful in Ghana and encouraged the public to embrace artisanal work.
She also advised parents to encourage their Senior High School graduates to learn artisanal skills rather than wait for government employment.
The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Engineer Julius Kwame Kpekpena engaged the leadership of the Company on April 1, 2026, across all the Regions and Districts in the country, in a strategic summit in Accra to come out with new measures to enable them to strengthen and provide quality service to the general public.
Ing. Kwame Kpekpena used the occasion to reward the best-performing region and district in 2025, appreciating their efforts, sacrifices, and commitment, which contributed to Ghana’s growth and development.
The Eastern Regional branch of ECG walked home with more awards than any other region including the most prestigious MD’s award.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Eastern Regional ECG Headquarters in Koforidua on Wednesday, April 15, the Eastern Regional General Manager of the Company, Ing. Emmanuel Appoe mentioned that they did not win the MD’s special award on a silver platter but rather it took the effort of some dedicated staff to secure it.
He explained that on July 4, 2025, at about 12 AM the Akim Oda plant shut down, and the entire District experienced a total blackout.
“Our staff in the District quickly attended to the situation, worked tirelessly to restore the power back to the people and this touched the heart of Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena to present his maiden edition of a special award to the Eastern Region including 6 other awards and 3 citations in recognition of our timely response to the situation,” he noted.
Ing. Emmanuel Appoe also used the medium to thank his staff for working assiduously to make this history together for the Region.
He further expressed that Team Eastern Region wishes to assure its cherished customers that the laurels attained have become a motivational factor to go the extra mile to delight its customers.
The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Michael Okyere Baafi, has been warned by the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area against using their party to revive his political career.
According to the New Juaben South NDC, the lawmaker should desist from any attempt to use the incumbent party to stay relevant.
The MP, Michael Okyere Baafi, has come under scrutiny after making tribal remarks about the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey. He accused her of taking the allocation of the Koforidua Jackson Park event center from its managers and handing it over to NDC members.
He cautioned that the minister should be mindful of her actions and inactions, claiming that as a Krobo, she cannot dictate to the people of Juaben how they should go about their activities.
Mr. Okyere Baafi further criticized the Municipal Chief Executive, Ransford Boakye, alleging that he refused to sign a document that would have allowed him access to his Assembly Common Fund to undertake developmental projects.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the NDC Constituency Chairman of New Juaben South, Salessie Amuzu, condemned Okyere Baafi’s comments and urged him to maintain the little integrity left rather than trying to use the NDC to resurrect his dead political career.
According to him, Okyere Baafi wants to contest the 2028 election, which is why he is deliberately engaging in such attacks on both the Regional Minister and the Municipal Chief Executive to solicit sympathy from his party members, since he is unattractive to the NPP grassroots.
Chairman Amuzu added that as a Member of Parliament, people expect high moral integrity from him, not derogatory statements that can create tension in the region.
Salessie Amuzu further stated that the people of New Juaben South are united, and Michael Baafi should not create fear and panic in Koforidua, stressing that he cannot do anything because the NPP is in opposition.
He cautioned Baafi not to make any attempt to attack Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey and Ransford Boakye, indicating that otherwise he would face their wrath.
“All the 33 Municipal and District Assemblies are under the supervision of the Regional Minister and nothing can prevent her from monitoring the activities of any of the Assemblies,” he noted.
He also used the opportunity to school Michael Okyere Baafi, pointing out that the person in charge of managing the Jackson Park event center in question hails from Koforidua and is not a stranger, contrary to Baafi’s claims.
A group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Koforidua has accused the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Ransford Boakye, of retarding the development of Koforidua.
According to the aggrieved group, Mr. Boakye has been reluctant to sign a document that would allow the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Michael Okyere Baafi, to access his common fund and use it for infrastructure projects.
They alleged that for more than a year, the MP has made several attempts to get the documents signed by the New Juaben South MCE, but these attempts have proven futile, as he claims he cannot find them.
“However, after a thorough investigation by a journalist, it came to light that the said documents were in his car. Meanwhile, the MP needed the money to run the constituency,” they noted.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Legion Hall in Koforidua on Monday, April 13, the convenor of the group, Israel Kofi Osei Asante, mentioned that the people of Koforidua, especially the youth, are seeking development, but the MCE has sat on it, which is very worrying.
“New Juabenman is very united, and we are calling on Ransford Boakye to do the needful as soon as possible to calm nerves down between the two parties because they won’t sit down for Koforidua to get deteriorated,” he stated.
Mr. Osei Asante then signaled that they are giving Ransford Boakye a two-week ultimatum to put in place measures to enable Okyere Baafi to receive his common fund; otherwise, they will demonstrate against him.
More than 250 years of friendship between Odauman and Okyeman came to an end on Sunday, April 12, at the Odau Fie in Akyem Etwereso, due to the escalating chieftaincy dispute in Osenase.
For some time now, the Osenase stool has remained vacant and Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin selected Asafo Agyei to occupy the stool.
However, the Etweresohene, Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, and the Ofosu-Pema Aduana Royal Family claim that the candidate does not belong to their lineage, and therefore, they disagree with the Okyenhene’s choice.
This dispute led Ofori Panin Fie, on Friday, April 10, to ban the Etweresohene or Odauhene from setting foot in Ofori Panin Fie. A sheep was slaughtered, and his Daasebre title was stripped, symbolising that they no longer had any ties with him.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Etwereso Fie on Sunday, April 12, the spokesperson for the Ofosu-Pema Aduana Royal Family, Barfuo Osei Afrifa, who also serves as Odau Twafohene stated that they accept the Okyenhene’s decision to part ways with Odauhene.
He emphasised that Okyeman did not conquer them through war, but rather, they voluntarily joined and served Okyeman due to their cordial relationship with Daasebre Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, the late Okyenhene.
Barfuo Osei Afrifa added that losing a title does not change a person’s identity and revealed that henceforth, anyone who ascends to the Odau Stool will be called Odeneho.
“Now that we are independent, the Odauhene will be called Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe,” he noted.
The Ofosu Pema spokesperson further explained that there are now four paramountcies in Akyem: Akyem Bosome, Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku, and Akyem Odau Traditional Councils, bringing the total number of paramountcies in the Eastern Region to twelve.
Barfuo Afrifa then warned Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin to stay away from their 12 towns and 58 villages to maintain peace.
In his remarks, Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, Odauhene, described Okyenhene’s decision to ban him from Ofori Panin Fie as very painful because they did not expect it, observing that in every circumstance, thanks should be given to the King of the Universe.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his sub-chiefs and the Ofosu-Pema Aduana Royal Family for rallying behind him during these hard times and elevating him to Odeneho, making him the Overlord of the Akyem Odau Traditional Council.
Speaking to Kontihen Kofi Oboh, some residents of Etwereso said they are excited to free themselves from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and pledged to support Odeneho Fosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe in his reign as Odauhene.
The Akuapem Nifahene, Ahunuabobrim Osuodomgya Otutu Ababio V, together with his cabinet, on Thursday, April 9, graced the send-off ceremony of the Eastern Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Hajia Habiba Yusufu.
Hajia Yusufu served in the public sector for 37 years, transforming agriculture in Ghana, particularly in the Eastern Region.
Her leadership contributed to many farmers in the region winning multiple awards during the 2025 Farmers’ Day Celebration held in Ho, Volta Region.
In his remarks, Ahunuabobrim Osuodomgya Otutu Ababio V described Hajia Yusufu’s tenure as Eastern Regional MOFA Director as purposeful and transformational, indicating that her work touched farmers, strengthened livelihoods, and brought hope to many.
The Akuapem Nifahene, who also serves as the overlord of Adukrom, added that as a traditional leader, he had personal encounters with her and found her commitment to development genuine and inspiring.
He stressed that she was always ready to collaborate, listen, and act in the interest of the people.
According to him, her wide networking and personal efforts enabled her to introduce investors from China to support infrastructure development in his community.
Otutu Ababio V used the occasion to wish her well as she retired from public service.
On her part, Hajia Habiba Yusufu advised those holding positions in the public sector to give their best, serve the country with dignity and integrity, and make time for their staff.
“Working in the public sector is not an easy task, which is why position holders need to team up with their staff and work hand-in-hand to succeed,” she stated.
The Eastern Regional Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Adamu Musah Raha, has hinted that the progress and development of youth in football is very dear to the heart of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East in the Eastern Region.
The MP’s annual Easter football Gala is held among communities within the constituency.
Musah Raha described the tournament’s impact as very meaningful, stating that over the past few years, it has produced players for the Ghana Premier League (GPL), with their performance being exceptional.
He made these remarks while speaking on behalf of the MP after the 2026 Easter Gala, where Team Anyinam Zongo were crowned the ultimate winners.
He mentioned that the initiative by Mrs. Osei Asare aims to discover talented footballers in Atiwa East and support them in harnessing their dreams to a higher level, ultimately becoming professionals.
The Youth Organizer used the occasion and urged the handlers of the Black Stars management to include home-based players in the team to help Ghana win matches.
He explained that the home-based players understand the style of Ghanaian football, and if they get the call-up into the Black Stars, they will deliver because they know themselves, just like the foreign players.
Adamu Raha added that, comparatively, most of the local players are far better than some of the foreign players, so the Ghana Football Association (GFA) should consider extending call-ups to these home-based players often.
He also advocated that Benjamin Asare should be maintained in the Black Stars squad because he is the only home-based player in the team and his performance is awesome.
Gala Finals
Anyinam Zongo clashed with Aworonsua at the grand finale, and the scoreline was 1:1 after regulation time.
Anyinam Zongo defeated their opponent 5:4 on a penalty shootout to clinch the trophy. They received ₵5,000, football medals, 2 footballs, a set of brand new jerseys, and the trophy.
Team Aworonsua was also rewarded with ₵4,000, football medals, 2 footballs, a set of brand new jerseys, and a silver trophy as the first runner-up.
However, Akyem Sekyere secured the 3rd position and was presented with ₵3,000, a set of brand new jerseys, and 2 footballs, while Enyiresi cemented the 4th position and walked home with ₵2,000, a set of brand new jerseys, and 2 footballs.
Anim Daniel, the Anyinam Zongo coach, said they didn’t win the tournament on a silver platter, but they worked extra hard to achieve the feat.
The General Overseer of the Leaders Light International Church, Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie, has underscored the importance of devoting one’s life to God and complementing it with regular church attendance.
Speaking at the Easter Convention at the Nkawkaw branch of the Church on Friday, April 3, the General Overseer entreated the youth to embrace the habit of attending church services if they want to prosper in life.
According to him, some young people perceive the Church as a threat to their progress and development because of its teachings.
Apostle Dr. Dadzie noted that this perception has led many to avoid attending church to hear the word of God.
The Man of God advised that it would be better for the youth to give themselves to Christ rather than engage in social vices such as illicit drug abuse and womanizing, which have no positive impact on their lives.
“Many promising young people’s lives have been destroyed as a result of their love for narcotics, and today they regret it,” he added.
“When we were growing up, some of my friends departed from God and engaged in such acts, and I gave my life to God in 1991, and I have become a blessing to many, including my family members, likewise them,” he recounted.
He believes that if people give their lives to Christ and follow His footsteps, Ghana will witness massive development because citizens will adopt good lifestyles and faithfully fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them, thereby glorifying God.
Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie made this clarion call as he joined the Christian fraternity worldwide to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during the Easter celebration.
The Member of Parliament for New Juaben North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Nana Osei-Adjei, popularly known as DeJoe in the political space, has officially initiated a tertiary education support fund and scholarship scheme for persons with disabilities.
As part of the rollout of this life-changing program, the MP donated Gh¢100,000.00 as seed money.
Speaking at the Church of Pentecost Easter Convention in Bohye in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly, the MP explained that the Tertiary Education Fund will specifically cater for brilliant but needy female students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in universities across the country to enable them to achieve their goals.
“However, the scholarship scheme will also take care of the PWDs to ensure financial constraints don’t become a barrier to denying brilliant but needy students the opportunity to further their tertiary education in New Juaben North,” he noted.
According to him, the Fund and scholarship scheme will cover all, regardless of political affiliation. He added that once a student is from the New Juaben North Constituency, they qualify to benefit from the initiative.
He revealed that the Pentecost Church played a significant role in his journey to becoming a Member of Parliament in the 2024 election, which is why he decided to launch this initiative during their Easter Convention to appreciate them.
Nana Osei-Adjei then appealed to the leadership of the Church to continue praying for him and to encourage more people to support the fund, so that vulnerable students in his constituency can access tertiary education and have smiles put on their faces.
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