News
A Royal Reunion: Yagbonwura pays historic visit to Manhyia, pledges deeper traditional cooperation
The centuries-old relationship between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms received a significant boost on Monday when the Yagbonwura, Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, paid a historic visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The royal encounter, attended by paramount chiefs, queen mothers, traditional elders, government officials, academics and cultural enthusiasts, was more than a ceremonial exchange of greetings.
It underscored the enduring role of Ghana’s traditional authorities in promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and cultural preservation.
Accompanied by a distinguished delegation from the Savannah Region, the Yagbonwura arrived in regal splendour, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Gonja Kingdom through traditional drumming, praise singing, symbolic gifts and elaborate royal protocol.
The reception at the Manhyia Palace reflected the dignity and grandeur associated with the Asante Kingdom, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect between two of Ghana’s most revered traditional institutions.
Although the Gonja and Asante kingdoms share a history marked by periods of diplomacy, trade, rivalry and political interaction, the meeting demonstrated how historical relationships have evolved into one founded on reconciliation, cooperation and mutual respect.
The discussions centered on strengthening collaboration among traditional authorities to address contemporary national challenges, including peacebuilding, youth empowerment, education, environmental protection, cultural tourism and economic development.
Both monarchs acknowledged that traditional leadership continues to complement constitutional governance by promoting dialogue, resolving disputes and mobilising communities for development.
Observers described the meeting as a significant demonstration of the critical role chiefs continue to play in safeguarding Ghana’s peace and social cohesion.
The visit highlighted the growing influence of traditional institutions in national development. Across Ghana, chiefs increasingly contribute to conflict resolution, environmental conservation, educational advocacy and community development while serving as custodians of the country’s cultural heritage.
For many participants, the gathering reaffirmed that the authority of traditional rulers extends beyond ceremonial functions to include moral leadership and social responsibility.
The occasion also offered younger generations a unique opportunity to witness centuries-old customs that continue to shape leadership, identity and governance in modern Ghana.
The colourful display of royal umbrellas, ceremonial swords, linguists, traditional drumming and court protocol served as a vivid reminder of Ghana’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of indigenous governance systems.
A major highlight of the visit came when Otumfuo Osei Tutu II assured the Yagbonwura and the people of the Gonja Kingdom that he would pay a reciprocal visit to the Savannah Region.
The announcement was warmly received by the Gonja delegation and was widely interpreted as a symbol of renewed friendship and stronger collaboration between the two historic kingdoms.
The two monarchs reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, empowering young people, supporting education and healthcare, and fostering sustainable development within their traditional areas.
They emphasised that stronger collaboration among traditional rulers would contribute significantly to national cohesion and complement the country’s democratic governance structures.
As the royal delegation departed the Manhyia Palace, the significance of the visit extended far beyond its ceremonial splendour.
The meeting marked a renewed chapter in the relationship between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect in strengthening Ghana’s traditional institutions.
At a time when societies around the world continue to grapple with division and conflict, the image of two revered monarchs meeting in friendship offered a powerful reminder that unity remains one of Ghana’s greatest strengths.
The historic encounter is expected to deepen cooperation between the two kingdoms, promote greater cultural exchange and reinforce the enduring contribution of traditional leadership to Ghana’s peace, stability and national development.
From Geoffrey Buta, Kumasi
A woman who is accused of bolting with ‘susu’ money totaling GH₵156,445 has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
Martha Nana Esi Afful was alleged to have collected the money from 35 complainants.
Charged with 35 counts of fraudulent breach of trust, Martha, who was earlier remanded, pleaded not guilty.
The court, presided over by Mr Joseph Y. Kuunsong on Wednesday, admitted the accused person to a GH₵200,000 bail with two sureties.
One of the sureties, the court said, must be a public servant earning not less than GH₵5,000.
She is expected to reappear on August 12, 2026.
The Prosecution’s case before the court is that the complainants are traders and residents at La in Accra.
Prosecution described Martha as a ‘Susu’ collector, who resided at Burma Camp.
The court heard that the accused person run a business with the name ‘ZOE’ and she deceived the 35 complainants into believing that she collected ‘Susu’ daily, which was kept for a period of one-three years, and paid interest on the money invested.
The complainants contributed in 2023 for a three-year period, prosecution said.
In December 2025, when the complainants went to take their money with interest, Martha went into hiding and only took phone calls from a few complainants.
Prosecution said the accused provided a MTN Momo number through which a few of the complainants still paid monies.
It said all efforts made to collect the money, totaling GH₵156,445 from her, proved futile.
On June 14, 2026, a report was made to the police and Martha was picked up at a washing bay at Tse Addo.
During interrogation, she admitted the offence in her caution statement, saying she lost her husband and relocated to Swedru in the Central Region, hence the complainants were unable to reach her from December 2025 till date.
Prosecution said Martha further stated that she had invested the monies into refuse collection business and she needed time to pay the amount.
Police are investigating the claims. –GNA
A Public Health Nurse at the Roman Ridge Sub-Municipal of the Ayawaso West Health Directorate, Ms Patience Adoli Kporxah, has cautioned the public against coming into contact with floodwaters, warning that exposure can lead to serious diseases, infections and injuries.
Floodwater, she said, should always be treated as contaminated, regardless of how clean it appears, because it may contain sewage, human and animal waste, chemicals, fuel, sharp objects and disease-causing micro-organisms.
In an interview with The Spectator in Accra on Thursday, Ms Kporxah explained that contact with contaminated floodwater exposes people to bacteria, viruses, parasites, hazardous chemicals and other physical hazards that can result in illness or injury.
Her advice came in the wake of recent exposure to floodwater following Monday’s torrential rains that left vast areas of the capital flooded.
As a result, a lot of people were seen either ‘swimming’ in the floodwater to rescue people or retrieving items being washed away.
According to her, exposure to floodwater could cause skin infections, particularly where there are cuts or open wounds, as well as diarrhoea diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery and other forms of gastroenteritis if contaminated water was swallowed.
Other health risks, she said include hepatitis A, eye and ear infections, tetanus in people with untreated wounds or incomplete vaccination, and injuries from submerged sharp objects, debris or electrical hazards.
Ms Kporxah advised anyone who had contact with floodwater to monitor their health closely and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe headache, muscle aches, skin rash, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
She also urged people whose wounds became red, swollen, painful or begin to discharge pus, as well as those who accidentally swallow floodwater, to report to the nearest health facility without delay.
Although not everyone exposed to floodwater requires immediate treatment, she stressed that pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, individuals living with chronic illnesses and those with significant wounds should seek prompt medical evaluation.
On water safety, Ms Kporxah cautioned that rainwater was not automatically safe for drinking or cooking, especially during or after flooding. She explained that rainwater collected from roofs, gutters or open containers could be contaminated by bird and animal droppings, dust, leaves, bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical pollutants.
She advised that rainwater intended for drinking should first be treated by boiling, chlorination or another approved water purification method before use.
Touching on food safety, Ms Kporxah said factory-sealed bottled drinks and canned foods with intact packaging might still be safe after flooding.
However, she stressed that any containers submerged in floodwater should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before handling. Foods in paper packaging, damaged containers or products with broken seals should be discarded because contaminated water may have seeped into them.
She further warned that flooding increases the risk of outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever and other waterborne diseases through contaminated water sources.
In addition, she said flooding could contribute to respiratory illnesses in overcrowded shelters and mould-infested buildings, foodborne illnesses from spoiled or contaminated food, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression and trauma.
It could also disrupt access to medicines and healthcare for people living with chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma and kidney disease.
Ms Kporxah therefore urged the public to practice good hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact with floodwater, consume only safe food and drinking water, and seek medical attention promptly whenever symptoms develop.
She said observing these preventive measures would help minimise the risk of disease outbreaks and protect lives as the country continues to experience heavy rains and flooding in some communities.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
