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Okaiman Zango chief calls on traditional leaders at Ga Mashie
The new Sariki of Okaiman Zango Muslim community, Sariki(chief) Mawiya Suleiman has paid a courtesy call on the traditional leadership of the Asere Stool in the Ga Mashie enclave.
The visit meant to introduce the new Sariki to the traditional leadership took place at Nii Ayi Okum Frimpong We, Asere Kotopon, the ancestral clan house since 1680, to signify his acceptance by the Asere clan under whose jurisdiction Okaiman falls in the outskirt of Accra Central.
Sariki Suleman was accompanied by Nii Amartei Shikatse,the Chief of Okaiman and an entourage of his councillors and elders of the Muslim community in the area.
Introducing the Sariki, Nii Shikatse explained that the Sariki Suleman was nominated and elected by the community to succeed his predecessor, Alhaji Yusuf Samba after his demise.
He said Sariki Suleman who had been a benevolent member of the community and hailed from Salaga in the Northern Region was an accomplished Accountant by profession and worked at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department had two children with Dr. Bakari Mariama as his spouse.
After his introduction, Sariki Suleman, presented a ram and an undisclosed amount of money to the traditional leadership of Asere Stool as custom demanded.
The leadership of Asere then took turns to advise the new Sariki about challenges which comes with the new position with Nii Teiko Ansah III,the Asere Mantse summing them up for the Sariki to
continue with his good deeds which endeared him to the community for him to garner an unanimous decision in his selection.
He advised him firm and fair in his adjudication of matters concerning the community adding that he must not hesitate to seek the advice from the traditional leadership of Okaiman if the situation warrants it.
Nii Ansah caution him to be wary of concerning himself with traditional matters which could bring tension between the Muslim community and other indigenes of the town since peaceful coexistence was paramount to development of any town.
Sariki Suleman had his early education at the Sakafatu Islamic Primary School and Tishegu Anglican JHS.He then proceeded to Tamale Technical University before moving on to Wisconsin International University in Ghana.
By Lawrence Markwei
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
