News
Frank Kwabena Owusu enstooled as Guantuahene of Abiriw Akuapem
In a grand traditional ceremony marked by rich cultural display and royal pageantry, Mr. Frank Kwabena Owusu, popularly known in media and entertainment circles as Franky5, was enstooled as the Guantuahene of Abiriw-Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The colorful event, which took place at the Abiriw Palace, drew hundreds of well-wishers, dignitaries, family members, friends, and residents of Abiriw who came to witness this historic moment.
The enstoolment ceremony was performed under the auspices of Nana Kwame Henaku II, the Omanhene of Abiriw Traditional Area, together with the elders and kingmakers of the Abiriw Traditional Council.
The installation of Franky5 as Nana Kwabena Owusu I, Guantuahene of Abiriw, is seen as a recognition of his outstanding dedication to the development of culture, media, and youth empowerment, as well as his unwavering commitment to promoting the Akuapem identity both locally and internationally.
A Life of Impact and Service
Before his enstoolment, Frank Kwabena Owusu had carved an enviable niche for himself as a respected media personality, cultural advocate, and creative entrepreneur.
Known affectionately as Franky5, he has used his platform on Max TV and other media networks to promote Ghanaian music, culture, and the creative arts.
His popular programmes have spotlighted both emerging and established Ghanaian talents, helping to shape national conversations around culture, morality, and youth development.
A proud son of Abiriw, Franky5 has also been instrumental in supporting cultural initiatives in the Akuapem area, especially in the organization of festivals, heritage events, and community projects aimed at empowering the youth and preserving traditional values.
His passion for uniting the people of Abiriw and his advocacy for responsible cultural representation made him a natural choice by Nana Kwame Henaku II and his elders for this revered position.
A Symbol of the New Generation of Traditional Leaders
Speaking after his installation, Nana Kwabena Owusu I expressed deep gratitude to the Omanhene, elders, and people of Abiriw for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to serve with humility, integrity, and dedication, working closely with the traditional council to promote unity, development, and cultural pride.
“This is not just an honour but a call to serve. I believe that the youth have a critical role to play in sustaining our traditions while embracing modernity. I will do my best to bridge that gap and bring progressive ideas that benefit Abiriw and the larger Akuapem State,” he stated.
Cultural Splendor and Community Support
The ceremony was characterised by rich traditional drumming, dancing, and displays of regal attire that reflected the beauty of Akuapem culture.
Representatives from various traditional areas, clergy, media colleagues, and the creative arts community were present to celebrate the new chief. Notably, Max TV, where Franky5 has been a prominent face, provided extensive coverage, while community elders and cultural groups showered him with blessings and goodwill messages.
With this enstoolment, Nana Kwabena Owusu I (Franky5) joins the council of elders of Abiriw, expected to contribute his expertise and youthful dynamism toward advancing the traditional area’s social and developmental agenda.
The occasion reaffirmed Abiriw’s commitment to nurturing leaders who embody both traditional wisdom and modern innovation — qualities that perfectly define the new Guantuahene.
The coronation and swearing in ceremony comes off on 22nd December 2025, and this forms part of the arrangement for the upcoming Abiriw Ohum (Eba) Festival scheduled for December, 21-28.
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
