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.
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
