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Gloria Holm-Graves promotes Ghanaian culture in Dubai
Gloria Holm-Graves
In the heart of the bustling COP28 conference in Dubai, a radiant figure emerged, captivating the attention of delegates from across the globe.
Gloria Holm- Graves, a Ghanaian cultural ambassador, stood tall and proud, her vibrant Kente cloth shimmering with gold trinkets, a symbol of her homeland’s rich heritage.
With each step, her elegant Ahenema slippers whispered tales of Ghanaian artistry, and her head-gear, a resplendent Takua adorned with gold ornaments, framed a face that radiated warmth and welcoming spirit.
A smile, as genuine as the Ghanaian sun, adorned her lips, and in her hand, a handmade Kente fan waved gently, a symbol of her nation’s gentle breeze.
Gloria’s presence was a symphony of Ghanaian culture, a melody that resonated with the diverse delegates of COP28.
Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine interest in connecting with others made her a cultural bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation for Ghana’s traditions.
As she gracefully navigated the conference halls, Gloria became a beacon of Ghanaian hospitality, her aura of warmth attracting delegates from every corner of the world.
With each encounter, she patiently explained the significance of her attire, sharing stories of Ghanaian craftsmanship and the deep-rooted cultural values that inspired her nation’s fashion.
Gloria’s charm was irresistible, and requests for photographs poured in. She never declined, her smile as radiant as the gold that adorned her attire.
With each pose, she captured not just a memory but also a piece of Ghana’s heart, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of those she met.
Her presence was so captivating that she became an unofficial ambassador-at-large, virtually invited to every event she graced. Her infectious energy and genuine interest in others made her a magnet, drawing people to her like moths to a flame.
Gloria’s story is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy, a reminder that sometimes, the most eloquent language is not spoken but embodied.
She represented Ghana with grace, dignity, and a genuine love for her heritage, leaving an indelible mark on COP28 and inspiring Ghanaians worldwide.
Gloria, Ghana’s radiant ambassador, has set a new standard for cultural diplomacy, proving that even amidst the global stage, the simple act of sharing one’s culture with open arms can leave an everlasting impact.
Her story is a beacon of hope, reminding us that cultural diversity is not just a concept but a tapestry of vibrant threads that connect us all.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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
