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Asantehene marks Akwasidae in Maryland …a scene of great picturesqueness and grandeur
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene last Sunday celebrated Akwasidae with some of his chiefs and elders, together with many US-based Ghanaians, particularly members of the Asanteman Association in the US, at his residence in Maryland, United States of America (USA).
Speaking at a ceremony of great picturesqueness and grandeur, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed the need for Ghanaians in the diaspora to trace their roots by exhibiting and living in accordance with the dictates of their traditions and cultural beliefs.
Clad in a beautiful blue and white decorated and designed kente cloth, the revered King expressed his profound gratitude to all the invitees for joining him to celebrate the Akwasidae in grand style.
“I am happy to see my people in such a great mood today of dancing the traditional Adowa, and this demonstrates the fact that you haven’t forgotten your history, and most importantly, our well-celebrated tradition and culture, ” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
The occupant of the Golden Stool advised his subjects who live in the diaspora, particularly those in the USA to be law abiding in whatever they did at their various places of work and residence, adding that “you should not do anything negative to drag the name of Ghana and Asanteman into the mud.”
He entreated all Ghanaians in the diaspora to uphold the great traditions and endowed cultural beliefs of their respective origins.
He advised the elderly and all parents to counsel their wards to embrace the most respected Ghanaian culture and traditions while they still live abroad.
The Akwasidae is celebrated by chiefs and people in Ashanti as well as Asantes in the diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks.
Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Pobee, former Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN, His Excellency, Mr. Kobee Komoson, former US Ambassador to Ghana, Aisha Braveboy, State Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency, Hajia Alima Mahama, were there to grace the occasion.
Oheneba Boachie Agyei Woahene II, Nana Osei Kwadwo (Mamesenhene), Nana Otimpie Aben (Otumfuo’s Saasamohene), Nana Yaw Atta Kyeremanteng (Bebrehene), Nana Gyedu Kumaning Amakye (Barehene), Nana Yaa Asantewaa (Paramount Queenmother of Ejisu Traditional Area), Nana Ama Afrakoma, Queenmother of Agogo Traditional Area and some dignitaries from the royal family were there in their numbers to showcase the tradition and culture of Asanteman.
Earlier, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had urged the members of Asanteman Association of New York to live in peace and unity, respect one another, and work for the progress and interest of the association.
He noted that there was no Asantefuohene (chief) in New York and called on the association to hold elections within three months to elect a new chief, queenmother and other officers of the Asanteman Association, and work in harmony to bring peace.
From Prince Osei Bonsu, Maryland, USA
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
