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Eid-ul-Adha 2022 commemorated in style

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• President Akufo-Addo exchanging pleasantries with Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu

Muslims across the country joined the much-anticipated Eid Al-Adha celebrations last weekend with many of them taking part in intercessory prayers for Allah to make their lives beautiful and meaningful. 

The Black Star Square in Accra hosted hundreds of worshippers from various Muslim communities as the National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers and urged the public to remain peaceful and share the little they have with others.

President Akufo-Addo graced the occasion where he, among other things, pledged to deliver on the commitments made towards the development of the Muslim community.

President Akufo-Addo, Vice Prez Mahamudu Bawumia & Greater Accra Regional Minister Mr Henry Quartey arriving at the Square

Dressed in stylish and colourful outfit, the celebrants including children and women praised Allah for His blessings and protection throughout the years.

Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captured some worshippers carrying their children on horses as they arrived at the Square.

Children took part in fun activities including horse riding

A handful of traders also tried to get some cash selling items before and after the prayers.

A trader did business on the occasion 1Photos – Elizabeth Okai

Some families and individuals also took to social media to flaunt their dresses which attracted positive reviews from well-wishers. It was again refreshing to see some Christians join their Muslim brothers in the celebration as some of them joked that they did not get their share of the ‘Sallah meat’.

In Arabic, EID AL-ADHA translates to “Festival of Sacrifice.” The holiday commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) when Allah commanded him to. Before Ibrahim could do so, Allah provided him with a ram to sacrifice in Ismail’s place.

As part of this year’s celebrations, hundreds of Muslims made the trip to Mecca. The first batch of about 400 pilgrims took off from Accra on June, 20, 2022.

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The increasing cost of items, however, reflected in the prices of livestock as some people complained they were unable to buy sheep and goats for the celebrations. Nonetheless some benevolent organisations ensured there was enough meat for the less privileged who could not afford it.

Some families went to recreational centres in Accra to continue their celebration although different beaches recorded low patronage. In all, it was a peaceful event just as various groups were told to abide by the rules and regulations in the midst of the celebrations.

By Elizabeth Ackon & Pamela Davordzie

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Prof. Ọbádélé Kambon enstooled as Apagyahene and Sunsum Ɔsahene of Akuapem Mampong 

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The professor who spends his days exploring the intricacies of African languages found himself at the centre of a different kind of lesson on Friday, October 2, 2026. 

Prof. Kambon getting prepared for enstoolment process

This time, there were no lecture notes, academic arguments or university classrooms. Instead, there was the weight of tradition, the rhythm of a community celebration and the solemnity of an oath at a royal palace.

Prof. Kambon getting ready with the elders to go through enstoolment process

Professor Ọbádélé Kambon, a full Professor of African Linguistics at the University of Ghana, was enstooled as Apagyahene and Sunsum Ɔsahene of Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region in a ceremony that brought academia and traditional authority together.

Professor Obadele Kambon middle before enstoolment

For the professor, the occasion was more than a new title. It was a moment that connected his academic interests in African languages and indigenous knowledge with the living traditions of an Akan community.

The day’s events unfolded through a series of customary observances. Kambon was first taken to the compounds of the Ɔkyeamehene and Gyasehene, where the preparations for his installation continued.

Then came the application of hyire, the white kaolin powder associated with traditional rites.

Wife of Prof. and a section his family at the enstoolment

With the customary proceedings underway, the new chief was lifted onto the shoulders of celebrants and carried along the main thoroughfare of Akuapem Mampong. 

The procession transformed the streets into a public stage for a ceremony rooted in the community’s traditional institutions.

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There was something striking about the image, a university professor, accustomed to the measured language of academic discourse, being carried through the town in a display of traditional recognition.

Yet the celebration was not complete with the procession.

A ram was sacrificed at the Mamponghene’s compound before Kambon was taken to the palace, to swear the oath associated with his new offices.

The ceremony brought him formally into his roles as Apagyahene and Sunsum Ɔsahene.

Beyond the colourful proceedings, the titles themselves carry layers of historical meaning.

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Kambon in his research explores the historical connections between Apagya and Akan political and military organisation. 

Accounts cited in his work linked Apagya to an asafo, or military company, while historical writing traces an Apagya stool in Asante to the reign of Opoku Ware I in the eighteenth century.

These historical associations offer a glimpse into the institutions that have shaped Akan society over generations, although they do not automatically define the precise responsibilities of the office in Akuapem Mampong.

Professor Obadele Kambon carried shoulder high after enstoolment

Kambon’s own professional life reflects a similar interest in preserving and examining African knowledge. 

His work encompasses Akan language structure, naming practices across the Black world, proverbs and indigenous intellectual traditions. 

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Through Abibitumi, the platform he founded, he also promotes language learning, scholarship and cultural engagement.

But tradition was only one part of the story that day.

When the formal ceremony gave way to a reception, the occasion expanded into a celebration of three milestones: Kambon’s enstoolment, his promotion to full professor and his daughter Ama’s admission to the University of Ghana.

The gathering therefore carried a personal significance that went beyond the honours bestowed on one man. 

It celebrated professional advancement, the continuation of family aspirations and a connection to cultural heritage.

For a father, seeing a daughter gain admission to the same university where he holds a distinguished academic position offered another reason to celebrate. 

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For the professor, the moment placed family achievement alongside his own professional and traditional milestones.

Kambon had already established a place in the traditional life of Akuapem Mampɔn through an earlier installation as Banmuhene Kyidɔmhene, recorded in 2017.

His latest enstoolment adds another chapter to that relationship.

In Akuapem Mampɔn, the day brought together the university, the palace and the family table in one celebration. And for Kambon, the journey from the lecture room to the traditional procession showed how scholarship, cultural responsibility and family achievement could converge in a single memorable occasion.

By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw

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STC interdicts driver over overtaking incident at Pokuase

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Intercity STC Coaches Limited has interdicted a driver captured in a viral video allegedly hitting a Sprinter bus during an overtaking manoeuvre at Pokuase before driving away from the scene.

In a public notice, the company described the driver’s conduct as unacceptable, stressing that it did not reflect the safety standards and professionalism it upholds.

Management said it had commenced an immediate investigation into the incident and identified the driver, who has been interdicted pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.

The company added that it was awaiting an official report from the Pokuase Police Command to help establish the facts surrounding the incident.

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STC reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and responsible road use, while thanking members of the public for bringing the incident to its attention.

Management assured the public that appropriate action would be taken following the investigation.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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