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Let’s use Ada Asafotufiami festival to promote Ghanaian tourism-Mankralo
The Mankralo of Ada, Nene Agudey Obitchere III, has called on Ghanaians to utilise the celebration of festivals to promote tourism which will serve as huge economic boost for the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Ada Traditional Area, Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku II at the launch of the 2024 Ada Asafotufiami festival (for the people of Ada in the Greater Accra Region), he said, there were many tourism attractions within the country that could be highlighted and promoted during such celebrations.
“Aside the fact that festival serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by forefathers to secure the Ada state, with thousands of Ghanaians especially Ada natives, home and abroad expected to grace the festival, it would serve as a huge tourist attraction for the country at large,” he stated.
“Let us also be worthy ambassadors to the rest of the world. At least, we can tell people of the Estuary where the Volta River joins the sea and the beautiful islands created by the huge volumes of water washing its way right from Burkina Faso and entering Ghana from the north, all the way here to the lowest point in the South of Ghana,” he stated.
He said there were abundant spread of tourism and hospitality facilities in the area, with some offering horse-riding, jet skiing, kayaking canoeing, cycling and whale watching.
“Asafotufiami resonates with most Ghanaian communities, especially the Ga-Dangmes and it reminds us of the heroic traits of our forebears in fighting for self-preservation and fending off domination,” he stated.
He added that, it was important to celebrate, reunite and remind the younger generation of Ghanaian culture and identity.
The Mankrola who doubles as the Chairman of the 2024 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, added that, the festival would be a time to reunite, mend fences and work together towards development of Ada and the country at large.
“The euphoria that engulfs the celebrations lives beyond the few days that are spent here. Ada has benefitted greatly therefrom, and surely would keep the festival flame burning always,” he stated.
He called on the youth within and without to come on board to make the celebrations a memorable one for visitors and tourists.
This year’s festival, the 87th edition would be held under the theme, “Upholding the Discipline of Our Forebears as a Tool for Sustainable Development and Unity of Ada,” and scheduled for August 1-8.
The launch was held by the Ada Traditional Council in collaboration with the Asafotu Planning Committee with support from Electrochem Ghana Limited and other sponsors.
Consequently, Electrochem Ghana Limited,operators of the Songhor Salt Lagoon donated GHC200,000 to support the festival.
The launch was held amidst firing of musketry (a symbolic feature of the festival), performance by Awa Group (a traditional singing and dance group) as well as a display by the Ada Youth Organisation.
Aside the chiefs and traditional leaders, the occasion was also graced by dignitaries including the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah and the District Chief Executives of Ada West and East, Mr Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah and Ms Sarah Dugbaki Pobee respectively.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
