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Celebrating legends …Donald Gwira gets Seventh Degree Black Belt in African Goju
Communication Professional and Martial Arts Practitioner, Mr Donald Gwira, was part of 26 outstanding personalities recognised at the African Goju Awards held last Saturday in Accra by the Martial Arts institute.
He was named a Patron and awarded Seventh Degree Black Belt for attaining “the required level of fitness, attack-defence, ‘katas’ and fighting techniques” in African Goju.
He was again inducted into the Ken Gwira Hall of Fame for his contribution to the history and development of the Martial Arts Institute, African Goju and South American Goju.
With over 40 years experience in the discipline which teaches self-defense and other positive values, Mr Gwira obtained First Degree Black Belt in 1979 and Fifth Degree Black Belt in 1995.
His sharp tactics and contribution to the development of African Goju in Ghana, France and the United States of America (USA) led to his induction into the Hall of Fame of the Martial Arts Institute in 2010.
This notwithstanding, the ‘Great Warrior’ and ‘Flying Kick specialist’ told The Spectator last year that he was aiming to attain the highest degree possible. And true to his words, he continued to put in the effort and is now closer to reaching the ultimate.
“It is a great honour to be promoted. It gives me encouragement to go higher and possibly reach the 10th Degree Black Belt which is the highest level.
“I will continue to train and keep fit; keeping fit is a way of life and it has helped me over the years,” Mr Gwira said after receiving the award.
He added that he intended working with other Martial Artists to groom more young people to become “great warriors.”
The ceremony, according to Prof. Danny Gwira, Founder of the Martial Arts Institute, African and South American Goju, was to celebrate the sacrifices and continuous support of members to the growth of the institute.
He said African Goju, an indigenous style of Martial Arts, was not only about building physical strength but also the holistic development of an individual.
“African Goju among other things teaches you how to avoid a fight because it does not matter how strong, tough or skillful you are, you can still be beaten by a determined opponent,” he said.
African Goju was formed in Ghana in 1985 by Danny Gwira, a student of Professor Ron Van Clief the Founder of Chinese Goju.
However, Danny later realised that some of the techniques in Chinese Goju were not applicable to the African context hence the commencement of a “more realistic style” that teaches people to “stay alive and win any battle.”
The concept had since been extended to other parts of the world including Nigeria, England, Switzerland and Bolivia.
Other awardees included Former Trade Minister, Mr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah, who received the Honorary Black Belt while the Martial Artist of the Year award went to Mr. Partick Mintah.
By Ernest Nutsugah
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
