News
Oguaa goes gay with Fetu Afahye
The ancient city of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s historical cities, witnessed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people with an exciting, colourful, and traditional event to mark the celebration of the 61st annual Fetu Afahye.
Themed “Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative economy for sustainable growth”, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of events, interspersed with several cultural performances showcasing the traditions which depict the traditional, historical and ancestral heritage of the land.
It witnessed a colourful procession of chiefs and various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction through the principal streets of the town to the Jubilee Park, accompanied by drumming and traditional dances.
The chiefs and members of the asafo companies were adorned in regal attire symbolising the pride and unity of the community.
Fetu Afahye demonstrates Oguaa’s resilience, unity, and cultural pride as the town welcomed indigenes both within and outside, as well as people from far and near, desirous of participating in the festival.
Various public spaces, including eateries and pubs, attracted patrons, and streets within the town witnessed bustling events with music blaring from the loudspeakers that had been placed by the roadside.
Bakatue
Prior to the durbar was the Bakatue regatta, a canoe race on the Fosu Lagoon, organised by ATL, a campus-based radio station located within the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with the Oguaa Traditional Council.
The event saw a thrilling spectacle as the three Asafo companies, Nkum No. 4, Bentsir No. 1, and Anaafo No. 2, battled aggressively on the Fosu Lagoon. Nkum No. 4 earned nine points to clinch the trophy, medals, and a cash prize. They were followed by Anaafo No. 2 with five points, while Bentsir No. 1 finished third with four points.
Orange Friday
Friday witnessed what has come to be known as the biggest street carnival in Ghana, known as ‘Orange Friday.’
It drew hundreds of people across the country. Clad in orange attires, the patrons gathered and moved through the streets of the town, creating a gridlock.
The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osaberimba Kwesi Atta II, at the durbar of chiefs to climax the festival acknowledged the unifying factor in relation to culture among Africans and stated the need for Africans to take their destinies into their own hands.
He explained that festivals such as Fetu Afahye offer an opportunity for Africans to remind themselves of the future by working hard and embrace the future in order not to be taken by events.
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that the festival was far more than a ritual or an annual duty, saying, “It is an affirmation of an identity, a homecoming and a powerful testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of our forebears”.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Olu of Warri State in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, indicated that, the only thing holding Africans back was Africans themselves, which he said, was in the area of an African identity, and acting on that identity.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
News
TBCCC Women’s Ministry marks first anniversary
The Battle Cry Community Church (TBCCC) Women’s Ministry has commemorated its first anniversary at Adenta in Accra.
The five-day event which was held from Wednesday, August 27 to Sunday, August 31 was under the theme “A new chapter of beauty”.
Activities held included worship and prayer nights, and sessions of exhortations.
An Associate Pastor of Harvest Chapel International, Lady Pastor Hagar Hasford, in a sermon likened the journey of women to exchanging ‘ashes for beauty’ and urged them to lay down their burdens in prayer for total honour and restoration.
With biblical insights from Esther 2:12, she reminded women that obedience and covenant loyalty were keys to divine preparation.
She said true beauty is when one comes into God’s purpose with divine alignment.
Mrs Anna Owusu, a proprietress and leader of the TBCCC Choir, encouraged women to live with determination, maintain a growth mindset, and remain true to their God-given identity.
She said, stepping into a new chapter requires both spiritual and personal commitment.
A retired pastor, Rev. Mrs. Florence Baidoo, said beauty should be both inward and outward, reflecting Christ in a way that draws others to Him.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
News
New Times Corporation MD bids farewell, hands over to IMC
The Managing Director of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Mr Martin Adu Owusu, has officially proceeded on leave prior to early retirement.
Having served the Corporation for 29 years, Mr Owusu’s decision was precipitated on health grounds.
The Board Chairman of the NTC, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, made the announcement on Monday during a staff durbar.
In his absence, an Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been set up to be chaired by a board member, Mr Kwesi Adjei Kersi, and supported by Dr Charity Binka, also a board member.
Representing management on the committee are the editors of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers, Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman, and Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo.
They are joined by the Human Resource and Administrative Manager, Mrs Agnes Nketia.
Their mandate is to oversee the day-to-day running of the Corporation until the NMC appoints a substantive Managing Director.
Professor Kwansah-Aidoo commended Mr Owusu for his 29 years of service, describing his contribution as invaluable to the growth of the Corporation.
Mr Adu Owusu, in an emotional farewell, thanked the staff for the support he has enjoyed and asked them to work hard to improve the fortunes of the corporation.
Following the announcement, Mr Adu Owusu officially handed over the administration and operation of the NTC to the IMC at a brief ceremony on Wednesday.
The Chairman of the IMC, Mr Kwesi Adjei Kersi, called for unity and cooperation among the staff and members of the committee, insisting that “unity and cooperation are crucial ingredients needed for the survival and progress of the Corporation.”
Mr Kersi urged staff to work in close cooperation with the committee to overcome the challenges facing the NTC.
He stressed that without unity and teamwork, the organisation would falter.
Mr Kersi noted that the committee’s immediate focus would be to stabilise the company, strengthen accountability, and chart a path toward growth.
Present at the ceremony were the Board Chairman, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, the outgoing Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, the Editors of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahman and Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo respectively, and the Human Resource and Administrative Manager, Mrs Agnes Nketia.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie & Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
