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 Oguaa goes gay with Fetu Afahye

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Osaberimba Kwesi Atta II
Osaberimba Kwesi Atta II

 The ancient city of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s historical cities, witnessed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people with an exciting, colourful, and traditional event to mark the celebration of the 61st annual Fetu Afahye.

Themed “Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative econo­my for sustainable growth”, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of events, interspersed with several cultural performances showcasing the traditions which depict the traditional, historical and ancestral heritage of the land.

It witnessed a colourful proces­sion of chiefs and various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction through the princi­pal streets of the town to the Jubi­lee Park, accompanied by drumming and traditional dances.

The chiefs and members of the asafo companies were adorned in regal attire symbolising the pride and unity of the community.

Fetu Afahye demonstrates Oguaa’s resilience, unity, and cul­tural pride as the town welcomed indigenes both within and outside, as well as people from far and near, desirous of participating in the festival.

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Various public spaces, including eateries and pubs, attracted pa­trons, and streets within the town witnessed bustling events with music blaring from the loud­speakers that had been placed by the roadside.

Bakatue

Massive turnout during the festival

Prior to the durbar was the Bakatue regatta, a canoe race on the Fosu Lagoon, organ­ised by ATL, a campus-based radio station located within the Univer­sity of Cape Coast (UCC) in collab­oration with the Oguaa Traditional Council.

The event saw a thrilling specta­cle as the three Asafo companies, Nkum No. 4, Bentsir No. 1, and Anaafo No. 2, battled aggressively on the Fosu Lagoon. Nkum No. 4 earned nine points to clinch the trophy, medals, and a cash prize. They were followed by Anaafo No. 2 with five points, while Bentsir No. 1 finished third with four points.

Orange Friday

Friday witnessed what has come to be known as the biggest street carnival in Ghana, known as ‘Or­ange Friday.’

It drew hundreds of people across the country. Clad in orange attires, the patrons gathered and moved through the streets of the town, creating a gridlock.

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The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osaberim­ba Kwesi Atta II, at the durbar of chiefs to climax the festival ac­knowledged the unifying factor in relation to culture among Africans and stated the need for Africans to take their destinies into their own hands.

He explained that festivals such as Fetu Afahye offer an opportunity for Africans to remind themselves of the future by working hard and embrace the future in order not to be taken by events.

The ‘Orange Festival’ brought together people from all walks of life

The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that the festival was far more than a ritual or an annual duty, saying, “It is an affirmation of an identity, a home­coming and a powerful testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of our forebears”.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Olu of Warri State in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, indicated that, the only thing holding Africans back was Africans themselves, which he said, was in the area of an African identity, and acting on that identity.

 From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast

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I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.

He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.

Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.

“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.

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He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.

According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.

“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.

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He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.

“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.

He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.

He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.

He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra

the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.

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He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.

He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.

He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.

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“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.

Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.

He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.

“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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