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Kofi Okyere Darko Appointed Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has appointed renowned media personality, fashion entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs.
With his extensive experience in connecting Ghana with its global diaspora, KOD’s appointment underscores President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghanaians abroad, fostering investment opportunities, and enhancing cultural and economic collaboration.
KOD over the years has created a longstanding relationship with Diasporans through his Nineteen57 Events company and other programmes like RhythmsOnDaRunway.
He has over the years become the bridge between Diasporans and the Ghanaian creative economy.
Against this backdrop, he has collaborated with many of them on varied projects and awarded some for their immense contributions.
It is expected that with his background in Public Relations and Marketing, he would create the necessary stakeholder relations for the benefit of Ghana.
The Mandate of the Diaspora Affairs Office, Office of the President, Ghana
Established in February 2017 within the Office of the President, the Diaspora Affairs Office was created to recognize and harness the immense contributions of Ghanaians living abroad, with a special focus on engaging African Americans and the broader African diaspora in reconnecting with their ancestral homeland.
At its core, the office is dedicated to strengthening ties between Ghana and its diaspora community. It serves as a bridge, fostering meaningful connections, celebrating achievements, and encouraging active participation in Ghana’s socio-economic development.
A key focus of the office is youth engagement, working closely with Ghanaian youth organizations abroad to ensure that second and third-generation Ghanaians remain connected to their heritage.
Additionally, the office maintains a comprehensive database of Ghanaians in the diaspora, streamlining their identification, location, and mobilization for national development.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Diaspora Affairs Office ensures that Ghanaians abroad have a direct link to government agencies, promoting investment and development initiatives that drive economic growth.
The office played a pivotal role in landmark initiatives such as the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019,”which commemorated 400 years since the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in Virginia, USA.
This initiative not only encouraged the global African diaspora to visit Ghana but also positioned the country as a prime destination for cultural exchange and investment.
Building on this success, the “Beyond the Return” initiative was launched as a 10-year program to sustain tourism, foster homecoming experiences, and enhance economic collaboration between Ghana and the diaspora.
Furthermore, the Diaspora Affairs Office has been instrumental in boosting Ghana’s tourism visibility by facilitating visits from top-tier Hollywood actors and influential figures of African descent.
These high-profile visits have showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and investment opportunities on a global stage.
Through its strategic initiatives, the Diaspora Affairs Office continues to position Ghana as the ultimate gateway for the African diaspora—unlocking opportunities in investment, knowledge transfer, technology, and cultural exchange while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity and progress.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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