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Frank Kwabena Owusu enstooled as Guantuahene of Abiriw Akuapem
In a grand traditional ceremony marked by rich cultural display and royal pageantry, Mr. Frank Kwabena Owusu, popularly known in media and entertainment circles as Franky5, was enstooled as the Guantuahene of Abiriw-Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The colorful event, which took place at the Abiriw Palace, drew hundreds of well-wishers, dignitaries, family members, friends, and residents of Abiriw who came to witness this historic moment.
The enstoolment ceremony was performed under the auspices of Nana Kwame Henaku II, the Omanhene of Abiriw Traditional Area, together with the elders and kingmakers of the Abiriw Traditional Council.
The installation of Franky5 as Nana Kwabena Owusu I, Guantuahene of Abiriw, is seen as a recognition of his outstanding dedication to the development of culture, media, and youth empowerment, as well as his unwavering commitment to promoting the Akuapem identity both locally and internationally.
A Life of Impact and Service
Before his enstoolment, Frank Kwabena Owusu had carved an enviable niche for himself as a respected media personality, cultural advocate, and creative entrepreneur.
Known affectionately as Franky5, he has used his platform on Max TV and other media networks to promote Ghanaian music, culture, and the creative arts.
His popular programmes have spotlighted both emerging and established Ghanaian talents, helping to shape national conversations around culture, morality, and youth development.
A proud son of Abiriw, Franky5 has also been instrumental in supporting cultural initiatives in the Akuapem area, especially in the organization of festivals, heritage events, and community projects aimed at empowering the youth and preserving traditional values.
His passion for uniting the people of Abiriw and his advocacy for responsible cultural representation made him a natural choice by Nana Kwame Henaku II and his elders for this revered position.
A Symbol of the New Generation of Traditional Leaders
Speaking after his installation, Nana Kwabena Owusu I expressed deep gratitude to the Omanhene, elders, and people of Abiriw for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to serve with humility, integrity, and dedication, working closely with the traditional council to promote unity, development, and cultural pride.
“This is not just an honour but a call to serve. I believe that the youth have a critical role to play in sustaining our traditions while embracing modernity. I will do my best to bridge that gap and bring progressive ideas that benefit Abiriw and the larger Akuapem State,” he stated.
Cultural Splendor and Community Support
The ceremony was characterised by rich traditional drumming, dancing, and displays of regal attire that reflected the beauty of Akuapem culture.
Representatives from various traditional areas, clergy, media colleagues, and the creative arts community were present to celebrate the new chief. Notably, Max TV, where Franky5 has been a prominent face, provided extensive coverage, while community elders and cultural groups showered him with blessings and goodwill messages.
With this enstoolment, Nana Kwabena Owusu I (Franky5) joins the council of elders of Abiriw, expected to contribute his expertise and youthful dynamism toward advancing the traditional area’s social and developmental agenda.
The occasion reaffirmed Abiriw’s commitment to nurturing leaders who embody both traditional wisdom and modern innovation — qualities that perfectly define the new Guantuahene.
The coronation and swearing in ceremony comes off on 22nd December 2025, and this forms part of the arrangement for the upcoming Abiriw Ohum (Eba) Festival scheduled for December, 21-28.
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
