Hot!
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
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
