News
Jirapa gets new Paramount Chief
Justice Donglabong Dinaa
The Jirapa Traditional Council in the Upper West Region on Saturday enskinned and out-doored Mr Justice Donglabong Dinaa as its new Paramount Chief.
The ceremony which attracted indigenes, well-wishers and dignitaries witnessed beautiful display of culture through performances by the various cultural troupes amidst firing of musketry.
The 41-year-old educationist who is currently an Assistant Director at the Jirapa Municipal Education office comes as the fifth Paramount Chief of the area and the immediate replacement for the late chief, Naa Gbongbori Ansoleh Ganaa I.
Under the skin name, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III, the chief who trumpeted his passion about education said he was going to work hard to improve the fortunes of learners especially at the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) in the municipality.
The Chief lamented in an interview with the media that over the years, performance of pupils at the BECE had been an issue of concern and said that he would work with respective stakeholders to see how best they could enhance quality teaching and learning in the municipality.
As an educationist, he was very particular about quality teaching which would translate into improved academic performance.
The chief said he would work closely with stakeholders such as head teachers and supervisors to understand that there was a paradigm shift in teaching and learning and would also motivate them in order to ignite passion for action.
He said the St Joseph hospital in the municipality used to be a referral facility in the region but had lost its relevance in recent times and said he would work with staff of the facility to ensure the hospital returns to its former glory.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jirapa Constituency, Mr Cletus Seidu Dapilah said he had been interacting with the chief on how to develop the education, health and other sectors to develop the municipality.
“I will use this occasion to appeal to the chiefs that are here to resolve chieftaincy issues in their respective traditional councils to ensure that peace prevails in the municipality because we need peace for development and we can only get peace if we learn to forgive one another,” he said.
He advised the chief to remain neutral and not involve himself in partisan politics which could mar his reign.
The Chief of Ullo Tuopari, Naa Basignaa III encouraged the new chief to live beyond reproach and maintain a high standard of integrity so that he is able to administer the affairs of the traditional area in fairness.
“I will advise you to give everyone the same measure of attention so that you are able to gain their trust and stay away from arguments; particularly in public and from people who tend to flatter others for own parochial interest”, he added.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Jirapa
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.
