News
Doreen Kumangtun- Actress, entrepreneur & philanthropist -steadily writing her own euphoric chapter
For many who have met and worked with her, they’d tell you that she is not only a brain and charisma combined, but she is a powerful, fearless and pretty script, one you could not simply make up.
Doreen Kumangtun is a staff of cloud nine, an untouchable rose among thorns, and a force of nature from Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Africa.
The last born of four who came to Accra at the age of six, lost her precious mother at age twelve but family love from big brother and sisters have seen her grown into a paragon of beauty whose exact objective is to influence measures in her immediate environment and the world at large with her vision and commitment to selfless service.
Her acting career started after she encountered Kweku Sintim-Misa (KSM) by the road side at East Legon, Accra, after brief talks, she knew that her passion was about to take the upward toll – one she has not regretted till date.
She started with one scene as a ‘Journalist’ in the movie “Double”. Then Kaakyire Kwame Appiah’s production came through with an audition for ‘Owuo Saafoa’, which she gave a ‘go’; and the rest they say is history.
For ‘Miss Dee’ as she is fondly called, being an actress yesterday and what she thinks that has been missing in today’s space is that back then raw talents were scouted for from the scratch and they gave their hundred percent to everything that they found their hands doing; but today, it seems actors and actresses spring up from nowhere and are bequeathed with titles, showered with unjustifiably accolades.
For the personality behind the Awelema Productions, a Ghanaian based production house which has co-produced a series called, “Organized Chaos”; she has more to come from her stable.
It saddens her heart to hear people say that, “…the Ghana Movie Industry is dead.” This makes her wonder what could be put in place to bring back the good old days. Having worked and still does under Smarttys Management & Production Ltd (a place she calls ‘home’), over the years, she trusts that robust and visionary investors would make this industry soar and compete with other industries in the world at large.
With Awelema Productions which is set to create lots of contents for Ghanaians and the world, she says that she is in talks with investors over sponsoring a huge project from Navrongo; this comes after many have questioned why stories of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the likes haven’t been told in its totality.
She believes that stories about certain known greats are long overdue to be told, albeit, her Upper East of Ghana region has got equally inspired stories and that’s one of her major goals – to interpret those tales into masterpieces.
Before 2024 gets to its dénouement, the actress and executive producer has two interesting projects coming up in Accra and Navrongo, which she trusts that they are life changing feats which will inspire someone somewhere.
She believes that these projects are huge, thought-provoking and progressive. She knows that this is her own little way of adding her quota to the already expanding culture of the continent’s entertainment and lifestyle industry.
Being the gift that keeps on giving, Doreen Kumantung’s foundation, The Awelama Foundation is a channel of excitement that thrills her heart. The foundation’s core value revolves around caring for everyone (both young and old) especially the aged, the sick, widows and widowers alike.
Doreen is aiming at the stars, and for one who loves to face challenges and handle them squarely, her principles upon which she is guided are, respect, honesty and determination.
She understands that without morals, you’re worthless, thus, she wants to leave a legacy worthy of the support of her country and continent.
‘Blessings’, they say, come to the patient; Miss Dee knows that life is a stage that needs to be carefully gamboled through a process. She is aware that the presence of social media cannot be ruled out, and it’s playing a major role in the kind of reach she foresees in today’s world; so all she’s got to do is tell her stories through it, keep the faith, stay focused, push to the limit and break barriers.
For younger persons who are on the verge of giving up on their dreams, Doreen Kumangtun reiterates that walk through the wind, rain and storm with panache and sole dependence on God, as the battle for survival and search of glory starts from laughing in the face of assumptions and kicking doubts with zest.
The state has closed its case in the Republic v Akonta Mining and two others.
The case was heard earlier today at the Accra Criminal Court, where state prosecutors and CID investigators from the Ghana Police Service closed the Republic’s case.
In all, the prosecution called three witnesses to prove its case, two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
According to an update on the case, the two former employees testified to Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako’s deep involvement in Akonta Mining Company’s alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The police detective tendered in evidence drone footage and other audio-visual materials and official communications in support of the testimonies of the two former Akonta Mining employees.
The accused persons, through cross-examination of the witnesses, sought to dissociate themselves from every mining activity in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused persons asked the court to allow him to call the first prosecution witness back into the witness box for further cross-examination.
The court gave him up to Friday, October 30, to file a formal motion to recall the witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
