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Happy FM celebrates 20th anniversary of flagship Valentine Mass Wedding Initiative
Happy 98.9 FM, Ghana’s leading radio station, marked the 20th anniversary of its Valentine Mass Wedding initiative, a community investment project that promotes family values and celebrates love.
The ceremony, held at Bethel Baptist Church in Dansoman, brought together nine couples in holy matrimony after over a month of intensive premarital counselling conducted by Rev. Gabriel Sekyi-Yorke, Senior Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, alongside Rev. Kofi Annan and Mrs. Mary Anna Adu-Gyamfi.
“Twenty years ago, Happy FM embarked on a journey to bring people together, to create bonds, and to celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms. We are proud of this initiative and the fact that successive leaders have kept the dream alive to date, “ said Dr. Timothy Karikari, Director of Broadcast at Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company. “Through this initiative, we have witnessed over 800 couples take the step of walking down the aisle, united in their promise to one another.”
The event drew numerous dignitaries, including H.E. Ambassador Edward Boateng(Founder of Global Media Alliance for former Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China), Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, Director of Ghana Armwrestling, Reverend Canon Dr. Selwyn Sylvanus Adama Okine (Deputy Director of Prisons) among others.
Mr. Ernest Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Alliance, emphasized that the initiative extends beyond the wedding day itself. “Pre-marital counselling became the cornerstone of this program because a wedding is not just a day but for a lifetime,” he explained. “The essence is standing together, lifting each other up, and walking hand in hand throughout life’s journey, even in challenging times.”
For a commitment fee of GH₵1,000, participating couples received a comprehensive wedding package including costume, church ceremony, reception, professional photography and videography, makeup, hotel accommodation for honeymoon, luxury vehicles and official marriage registration with both the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Registrar General’s office.
The event was supported by numerous sponsors, including Blue Jeans Energy Drink, Tasty Tom, Perla, Cake Tekniks, Kasapreko, TSG Drive, 2nd Image International, Erata Hotel, among several others committed to strengthening community bonds and family values.
As part of the anniversary celebration, long-standing counsellors, sponsors, and partners were honoured with citations in recognition of their continued support over the two decades.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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