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Akwamuman celebrates 60-year reign of Nana Afrakoma II
An illustrious 60-year reign of Nana Afrakoma II as the Queen mother of Akwamuman was over the weekend marked with a grand durbar held at the forecourt of Bogyawe Palace, Akwamufie in the Eastern Region.
The durbar was also to climax the celebration of the Akwasidae Kese of the people in the Akwamu Traditional Area.
In a colourful event, the durbar which featured the display of the rich culture attracted people from far and near.
Among them were the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and her children, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Asuogyaman Constituency, Mr Thomas Apem Nyarko, and a representative from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Others include the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, representing the Aduana fraternity, the Otublohum Asafo groups, traditional rulers across the country, and the local council of churches.
Preceding the durbar on Saturday, were activities such as a health walk, live band performances featuring musicians such as Kwabena Kwabena and Akwaboah.
Addressing the gathering at the durbar, Nana Afrakoma II thanked the people of Akwamu, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries in the country for the support given her during her 60-year reign as the Queen mother of Akwamuman.
She advised the youth to accord the elderly the needed respect in order to obtain the blessings from God and remain humble.
Also, long serving staff, chiefs, and other individuals were honoured with various citations and awards by the Queen mother.
For his part, the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, lauded Nana Afrakoma II for the exemplary leadership shown since her enthronement as queen mother at the age of 18 years.
He noted that initiatives by Nana Afrakoma II such as the Afrakoma Foundation and the Nana Afrakoma Vocational Institute had contributed to shaping the life of the youth and had helped tackle issues such as teenage pregnancy and school dropout.
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, therefore, urged the President to support the Nana Afrakoma Vocational Institute to enable it to provide the youth with the needed training and equip them with the requisite skills.
He also called on the President to revive Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), the company that provided employment for the youth.
President Nana Akufo-Addo supported the durbar with an amount of GH¢100,000 and boxes of Black Label, Hennessey, red wine and champagne.
Benjamin Arcton -Tettey
News
President John Dramani Mahama to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season in Accra
The 2025/26 Premier League will officially kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, performing the ceremonial kick-off ahead of the season opener between Accra Hearts of Oak and league debutants Hohoe United.
President Mahama will be joined by Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, members of the Executive Council and football fans from across the capital as the curtain rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years.
Giants Hearts of Oak will open their quest for a league title when they take on newly promoted Hohoe United under the floodlights of the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT).
The Phobians, bolstered by new signings and a strong pre-season campaign, are eager to end a four-year run without an opening-day victory, while United will be aiming to make a statement in their first-ever top-flight match.
Before the main fixture, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Black Starlets (Ghana U-17) and Auroras FC, the youth side of Hearts of Oak, at 4:00 pm local time.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, top Afro-dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla) will deliver a live performance at the venue, ensuring fans enjoy not only football but also top-class entertainment on opening night.
This season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with traditional heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and revitalized clubs all targeting glory. From title races to survival battles, fans are set for months of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.
News
GES opens promotion applications for teaching staff
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited applications from qualified teachers and officers for promotion to higher ranks within the service.
In a notice signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said the ranks available are Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
According to the statement, applicants must meet the minimum years of service required for each position.
Teachers seeking promotion to Deputy Director must have been promoted to Assistant Director I in or before 2021.
Similarly, those applying for Assistant Director I should have held the rank of Assistant Director II since 2021 or earlier.
Applicants for Assistant Director II must have been Principal Superintendents from 2021 or earlier, while those applying for Principal Superintendent must have been Senior Superintendent I since 2021 or before.
The GES stated that teachers with approved Master’s or PhD degrees may use their certificates to apply for promotion out of turn if the qualifications meet set conditions.
These include completing an approved course of study and obtaining the certificate after their previous promotion but not later than 2023.
Applicants are to complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format, except for the passport-size photograph.
The application window runs from Thursday, September 11, to Thursday, October 2, 2025. The GES urged all applicants who had applied earlier to re-apply.
By: Jacob Aggrey
