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.

Uncontrollable emotions, goose bumps and tears of joy was the order of the day as the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly officially waves goodbye to their first Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum.

In a brief ceremony held in the assembly’s hall at Akyem Kukurantumi on the 22nd December, 2020, Mrs Ruth Woode, current municipal coordinating director, eulogized Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum as a pioneer of the assembly whose contribution is immeasurable.

She described the outgoing municipal coordinating director as a mentor, a colleague, a manager and a leader.

“As the pioneering municipal coordinating director, you were instrumental in operationalizing the newly established Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly. As one of the originators of the Assembly’s vision, mission and logo, you in no mean measure, defined the development and administrative philosophy of the Assembly.
It is therefore not surprising that, you managed the Assembly passionately and diligently to become an icon amongst MMDAs nationwide.” Mrs Ruth Woode.

She further acknowledged Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum’s great stewardship that saw the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly emerging as the only District in the Eastern Region with a perfect score in the 2019 District Assembly Performance Tool (DPAT).

On behalf of the Assembly, Mrs Ruth Woode presented a citation and gift to Mr Agyekum and eight other staff who are on either retirement or transfer and wished them the best of luck in his new endeavor.

Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum on his part, thanked God and all ensundry for being part of the success story of his stewardship with the Assembly. He said, it was team work with the staff, opinion leaders and the people of the municipality headed by the municipal chief executive, Honourable Owusu Twum-Ampofo that helped the Assembly to get to that far.

The outgoing municipal coordinating director with emotions said, it’s been awesome working in Abuakwa North Municipality.

He mentioned that, he is happy and sad at the same time.

“I am happy because not all are honoured as I have been honoured by the Assembly when they are done with their stewardship and sad because I am leaving a very lovely family of which I am going to miss so much. I thank the staff of the Assembly, assembly members, chiefs, opinion leaders and everyone who was part of my two year stewardship in Abuakwa North. God bless you all”. Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum.

Present at the brief ceremony were, Honourable Gifty Twum-Ampofo,MP Abuakwa North and deputy minister of education, all assembly members, departmental heads and staff of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, opinion leaders and the press.

Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum is the first municipal coordinating director to be posted to Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in 2018.
He worked with Honourable Owusu Twum-Ampofo as the municipal chief executive.
Mr Jeremiah Amoafo Agyekum has been currently transferred to Nsawam Municipal Assembly as the coordinating director and replaced by Mrs Ruth Woode in Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly.

By Nana Kwasi Asare.

Source// Nopras FM, Kukurantumi.

The Incumbent Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency in the Eastern Region who doubles as the Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Samuel Atta Kyea has opined to be proud of himself as Prez Akufo-Addo hails from his own constituency.

This he said, “only witches don’t appreciate good things” from their own background. Because it is not every constituency that has gotten a Prez from to lead the country and I can say am lucky MP”

Hon. MP stressed, “if you’re from Abuakwa South you have to appreciate the good things and give thanks to God for lifting Prez Nana Addo up to continue his good works”

“When the EC is doing its balloting and NPP picked number 1 on the ballot paper, I said that the God who has placed Prez Akufo-Addo number 1 on the ballot paper wouldn’t bring him down and he will remain on the top” he said.

Again the Hon. MP underscore NDC’s number 2 on the ballot paper during the polls, highlighting that they will remained there and, there’s no way they can come on top because that’s where God placed them.

Hon. Samuel Atta Kyea made this remarks to the media during a thanksgiving service organized at the forcourt of Okyehene Amotia Ofori Payin fie at Kyebi, to thanked God for extending his term in Parliament for another four years.

He was joined by his spouse, the constituency NPP executives including the Hon DCE for the Assembly.

He continue that, parliamentary proceedings would be difficult for Prez Akufo-Addo when taking a decision because looking at the number of both Majority and Minority (137-137 plus 1 independent MP) in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic would be very challenging.

“But I know that the God who made Prez Nana Addo won these elections will give him knowledge and direction to lead Ghana in the next 4yrs” Atta Akyea chastised.

By//Kontihen Kofi Oboh

Source//Obohnews

Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region who doubles as the Deputy Minister of Education In charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Hon Gifty Twum Ampofo has stated, her victory of retaining the parliamentary slot came with a new record in her constituency.

This according to her, she is the only MP of the Abuakwa North Constituency who have maintained the parliamentary seat for the second term in the history of the constituency and I praised God for that…

Hon. Deputy Education Minister ceased the opportunity to admonished her Constituents and Ghanaians as a whole to unite and embrace peace after the December 2020 polls.

She explained that, the fact that people have diverse political views does not make them enemies.

The honourable member of parliament who retained her seat after the December polls urged all political activists to come together for socio-economic development of Abuakwa North Constituency and Ghana in general.

“Elections are over and we are supposed to unite devoided of any political affiliations with positive mindset to expedite development in Abuakwa North and Ghana. If we agitate because our preferred candidates lost, it will hinder the developmental process of our Constituency” noted Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo.

She added that, all Ghanaians should embrace the outcome of the elections because the masses have spoken and thus the voice of the people is the voice of the Lord.

The parliamentarian also called on Ghanaians to give to their leaders the necessary support and respect to help them to also deliver on their mandate for Ghana’s development.

Hon. Gifty Twum made this statement when she joined and worshipped with Akyem Old-Tafo Presbyterian Church – Grace Congregation to thank the Almighty for being re-elected by her constituents to go and represent them in the 8th Ghana’s Parliament of the 4th Republic. Again we thank for peaceful and successful elections.

Hon Gifty Twum-Ampofo, was accompanied by some regional and constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party with sympathizers.

By// Nana Kwasi Asare

Source// Nopras FM, Kukurantumi.

The Concern Members of NPP in Akwatia Constituency of Eastern Region has ones again reprehended some topnotch members in their party whose behaviour made them lost the 2020 general elections parliamentary seat to NDC MP elect Mr. Henry Yiadom Boakye.

According to the chairman of group, Mr. Yaw Addo said, on Thursday December 10,2020, the nation witnessed a Machiavellian tactical press conference organized by the section of the greedy constituency executives in Akwatia led by the political entrepreneur NPP chairman of Akwatia Baba Yakubu aka Baba Yenkro.

The press conference which was mainly targeted the hard earned reputation of our hardworking MP, Mercy Adu-Gyamfi ( Ama Sey) was unfortunate, it was crass, uncultivated, stomachturning and lacks logical credibility to say the least.

We wish to address the issue raised especially those alleged by the party chairman Baba Yenkro as for our bad mannered ignorant constituency organiser, the least about him the better.

Mr Yaw Addo added that, it was clear to everyone here in Akwatia Constituency that changing the Ama Sey was virus that could cause the NPP to loose our slot in Parliament.

How and Why then did we change her.

1. greedy coming from selfness
2. envy emanating from jealousy
3. hatred growing out of envy

By Kate Abena Gyamfua, the national women’s organiser of NPP.

‘Our 2020 defeated was designed by the cabal between the national women’s organiser, Kate Gyamfua, Akwatia DCE, Hon. Seth Brinkorang, the party chairman, Mr. Baba Yakubu, and many other executives in Akwatia’ he cried.

He made these remarks in a press conference when addressing to the matters arising in the Akwatia Constituency after their defeat to NDC at Akwatia durbar grounds.

The Road To Our Defeat

Ama Sey had the popularity the advantage, distinct personality and was love by many across the constituency we should have maintained her.

He indicated that Ama Sey actually won the primaries but she was denied the rightful in result and further denied her the modest request for recount of the ballot papers we should have recounted to allow the truth to prevailed.

Mr. Yaw Addo again stressed, during the heat of the campaign when Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central Constituency in the C/R visited the constituency for a walk he advised the PC, Mr. Ernest Kumi and the party executives to find ways to apologize to Hon Ama Sey and asked for forgiveness as she has been stolen in the primaries.

….And this are their response ” we haven’t bought anything from her,we don’t own her any apology”.

‘At this point, we the sympathizers of NPP realized there was no way the imposed NPP candidate was going to win, because all of our strongholds have lost hope in the party and we were threatening not to vote on the voting day at all’ he hinted.

These could have affect H. E. Prez Akufo-Addo but Hon. Ama Sey toured the whole constituency to inspire people with the good things has done which he needs continuation and encouraged them to out in their numbers on the election day to vote.

After the media encounter, Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH spoke with some concern members of NPP in Akwatia Constituency and explained the reasons why they voted skirt and blouse.

Some said the Eastern regional chairman for NPP must vacate his position because they suspect he is part of their defeat to NDC MP elect Mr. Henry Yiadom Boakye

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh

Source//Obohnews

A highly flamed fire has gutted shops at a popular Obaa Yaa shop area, Koforidua early this morning and razed down a score of items worth thousands of cedis.

The cause of the fire is not yet ascertained according to the personnel of both Police and Fire Service who were on the ground combating the flame.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Isaac Appaw-Gyasi who visited the scene with his men to soldarize with the affected shop owners and assured them of government support.

He further advised the general public to take safety seriously to prevent outbreaks as we approach the Harmattan.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh

Source//Obohnews

The parliamentary electoral dynamics in Abuakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region of Ghana has it that, none of the members of parliament has been able to win the second term in office after the Abuakwa North Constituency was carved out of the Akyem-Abuakwa constituency in 2004 until 2020 and has been one of the safest seats of the ruling NPP until 2004 when the constituency was divided.

After the split, the late Hon Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu became the MP for Abuakwa North but lost the NPP Parliamentary primaries to Professor Samuel Kwadwo Amoako, hence making Hon Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu a one term Member of Parliament.

In 2008, Professor Samuel Kwadwo Amoako won the seat on the ticket of the NPP by polling 14,760 votes, the NDC candidate Simon Peter Asirifi obtained 9,714 votes, Eric Asamoadu Dwapanyin of CPP had 257 and Hagan Asiedu Isaac of PNC had 242 votes, whiles then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo obtained 15,377 votes and Professor Mills had 9,341.

The late Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu, came back strongly to win the fiercely contested Parliamentary primaries with the incumbent MP and subsequently, the 2012 elections with 18,812 votes, whiles the NDC candidate, Mr Victor Smith polled 12,309, in the Presidential, Mr Akufo-Addo obtained 19,162 and then President John Mahama polled 12,309.

Before the 2016 general election, the killing of the then MP, Mr J.B Danquah Adu in February 2016, occasioned a by-election, and Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, an educationist stood on the ticket of the NPP and won with 10,033 votes, however, the NDC boycotted that bye-election on grounds of sympathy.

Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, as incumbent went on to win the Parliamentary primaries of the NPP and contested in 2016 as their parliamentary candidate and obtained 17,838 votes while his contender, Mr Victor Smith of the NDC obtained 11,754 votes and an Independent Candidate Mr Adjei Danquah Patrick had 524 votes.

Nana Akufo-Addo maintained his dominance in the presidential race with 19,593 votes as against Former President John Mahama of NDC who had 10,004 votes, with the other five candidates obtaining 252 votes in total.

Hon Gifty Twum-Ampofo went ahead once again, to win the NPP primaries against other three contestants in 2020, namely, lawyer Kay Amoah, Mr Kofi Obeng Mensah and Madam Abena Serwah Acheampong.

At a fiercely contested 2020 general elections, the incumbent, Honourable Gifty Twum-Ampofo (NPP) polled 17,653 representing 53.17 percent of the total valid votes cast whilst his closest contender, Mr Charles Darko Yeboah (NDC) also polled 15,551 representing 46.87 percent of the total votes cast.

This is the first time an incumbent member of parliament has been elected for the second term in office in Abuakwa North Constituency.

After being declared as the MP – elect for Abuakwa North Constituency, her joy turned into tears and praised God for the wonderful thing He has done for her.

Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo couldn’t hide her happiness by appreciating the good works of the Abuakwa North NPP executives for their tremendous support. Let me cease this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my constituents for given 4 more term.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also won the tightly contested 2020 election.

He polled 6,730, 413 which represents 51.59% of the total valid votes cast nationwide whilst
his contender, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) polled 6, 214, 889 which represents 47.36% of the total votes cast.

By// Nana Kwasi Asare.

Source// Nopras FM

A group of thirty six(36) card bearing members of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in Sabon Zongo, New Tafo-Akim, have denounced their membership ahead of the 2020 general elections to join the rulling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to the leader of the group, Mr Moro Adams, a former NDC branch executive of Sabon Zongo, they have not seen any improvement in their community and lives after severally voting for the NDC.

He added that, their decision to defect to NPP was informed by the numerous developmental projects and flagship policies the Nana Akufo-Addo led NPP administration
has brought to their community and Ghana as a whole.

He therefore urged all to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and Hon Gifty Twum-Ampofo Ampofo cometh 7th December,2020 for continuous development.

They declared this publicly when Hon Gifty Twum-Ampofo visited Sabon Zongo community on Thursday 3rd December, 2020 to campaign ahead of the 2020 general elections.

Source// Nopras FM, Kukurantumi

By// Nana Kwasi Asare (OB4)

Constituency and branch Executives, as well as, the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency, with bitterness of sorrow in our hearts, announce to the general public the sad and sudden departure of our Constituency Chairman; Dr. Godfried Osei Bonsu Twum, which occured in the afternoon of 1st December, 2020 at Accra.

As at 30th November, 2020, he had been strong on his feet and was deeply involved in the campaign for his party in the run up to the general elections on December 7.

His passing is shocking and has delved a deep blow to the campaign machinery of the party in the Constituency. Indeed, he has left us all dumbfounded and speechless.

The family shall relate to us for onward information to you on the funeral arrangements.

Source//(NDC Dep. Communication Director; Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency)

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh

President Akufo-Addo has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide with immediate effect a 24-hour police protection to Martin A.B.K. Amidu.

This directive comes on the wake of an interview the embattled Ex-Special Prosecutor granted Accra-based Citi 97. 3 FM where he alleged inter alia threats on his life following his resignation from office last Monday, November 16, 2020.

He has also been encouraged by the president to assist the police with details of persons who have made these threats against his life so that they can be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.

Credit: Office of The President.