News
Oguaa holds durbar to climax Fetu Afahye today
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II
Fetu Afahye, a unique cultural festival of the chiefs and people of the Oguaa Traditional Area in the Central Region will be climaxed today.
Unlike previous festivals, this year’s event has so far generated massive patronage throughout the days with merrymaking and other night life activities on some streets of the once capital of the Gold Coast.
The festival which normally witness various cultural performances is held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s festival is on the theme: ‘Celebrating the city of the first.’
Today’s durbar of chiefs will be graced by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the special guest. The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is also expected to attend the climax of the festival.
This year, being an election year will also attract notable political leaders in the country as they are expected to use their presence to increase their appeal among residents and well-wishers.
This year’s festival which is the 60th edition and the 25th anniversary of the installation of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, as Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
Series of activities were put in place by the organising committee to ensure that this year’s Fetu Afahye leaves a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of residents as well as patrons and well-wishers.
Among some of the activities is the regatta on the Fosu Lagoon which was supported by ATL FM, a University of Cape Coast campus-based radio station.
It was attended by members of the traditional council, residents, and visitors.
The 2024 ATL FM Oguaa Fetu Afahye Regatta is an annual canoe race between the three main Asafo companies namely: Nkum Number 4, Bentsir Number 1, and Anaafo Number 2.
At the end of the regatta, Nkum No 4 came up tops and they received cash, medals and a trophy as their prize.
Anafo Number 2 and Bentsir Number 1 followed in second and third, respectively.
In an interview, a member of the ATL FM Events Committee, Emmanuel Buckman, gave his general impression about the programme, saying the turnout was one of a kind.
The regatta was followed by the Bakatue (the “opening of the lagoon”) ritual.
Prior to the various programme of activities, there was a special homecoming carnival and a drama night to officially kick-start the celebration of the festival.
The event attracted splendid performances from notable groups including masquerades.
One of the outstanding performances was by Cape Vibes Brass Band as they rendered captivating renditions of various songs to the admiration of all.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
The Ghana Highway Authority has announced a temporary traffic management arrangement on sections of the Accra Tema Motorway and the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange as construction work continues on the motorway expansion project.
In a public announcement issued on March 5, the Authority explained that the arrangement forms part of ongoing construction works under the Accra Tema Motorway and Extension Projects.
It noted that the traffic adjustment is required to allow contractors carry out T beam launching works for the expansion of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange Bridge on the N1 highway.
Under the arrangement, lanes on the N4 northbound carriageway, which serves traffic moving from Accra to Madina, will be temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, the southbound carriageway from Madina to Accra, which currently has four lanes, will be reconfigured into two lanes in each direction to accommodate traffic moving both ways.
The Authority indicated that the temporary traffic changes will take effect from Monday, March 9, 2026 and are expected to last for four months.
According to the statement, the lane reduction is necessary to create a safe working space for construction personnel and to ensure the safety of motorists using the road.
The Authority therefore advised drivers to be cautious, obey traffic signs and cooperate with traffic management officials throughout the construction period.
It encouraged members of the public who require further information to contact its Public Affairs Division through WhatsApp on 0551622244.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Chief Imam, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has congratulated the Government and people of Ghana as the country marks its 69th Independence Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to national unity and democratic values.
In a statement to commemorate the celebration on March 6, he encouraged Ghanaians to use the occasion to strengthen their dedication to constitutional democracy, economic progress, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He observed that the world was currently facing several challenges, including the rise of authoritarian governments and increasing military conflicts among nations.
According to him, humanity was experiencing turbulent times, with genocidal attitudes and violent extremism becoming more widespread in different parts of the world.
The Chief Imam explained that such global developments should inspire Ghanaians to come together and deepen their commitment to nation building while embracing unity in diversity.
He noted that although colonialism left a painful mark on the country’s history, Ghanaians could take comfort in their collective determination to overcome colonial subjugation and build a free nation.
Reflecting on the country’s independence struggle, he indicated that Ghanaians now remembered the victory for liberty rather than the hardship endured during the fight against tyranny.
The National Chief Imam offered prayers for divine guidance and blessings for the President, John Dramani Mahama, the Government and the people of Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
