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Prampram Traditional Council gears up for Homowo 2023 with official launch.
In May this year when the rites for the last Kpledo were being performed at the landing beach at Lakple, Lower Prampram, to climax the celebration, Nene Nene Tetteh Wakah III, the Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area and President of the Prampram Traditional Council, overcome by joy, politely asked one of his aides to fold the umbrella shielding him so he can dance.
Responding to cheers from the hundreds of residents and visitors who had thronged the beach to observe the final bit of the THREE WEEK old celebration, Nene Wakah III, looking regal and supported by his able queenmother Naa Osabu Abbey I and a supporting cast of elders, male and female warriors, stool mothers and fathers and the chief priest and his associates of priestesses, actively participated in the various performances associated with the rites.
With many hanging on canoes just to catch a glimpse of the celebration, and the bright sunlight gently fading away into the approaching darkness, and lot more watching from the roof of Fort Vernon, the 1700s abandoned slave fort established by the Royal African Society to facilitate the slave trade which now lies in ruins and deteriorating by the minute, Nene Wakah III clutched his hands in acknowledgement of those who had come to help herald a beautiful end to the Kpledo.
Observers said attendance on that day showed Prampram had turn the corner, and people were willing to work together as a family to the growth and development of Prampram.
Since that time and now, and with Homowo less than three weeks away to be celebrated, most residents are confident the feel-good factor which took place during the Kpledo will be again felt in the town.
As a result of the plans to ensure the Homowo also becomes a success, and memorable for entire Prampram Traditional Area, an elaborate plan had been put in place to ensure the ultimate objective of ensuring the town regains its model status as charming and peaceful one, is achieved.
Already, the Traditional Council will on Saturday officially launch the Homowo celebration at the forecourt of the District Assembly.
The launch, expected to be attended by various organisations and individuals, elders from the various quarters and residents, as well as the paramount chief and his entourage, priests and priestesses, will also unveil the activities constituting the Homowo.
This year’s celebration is under the theme: OUR YOUTH, OUR FUTURE AND DEVELOPMENT. The theme reflects the readiness of the youth to work together for the peace and unity of Prampram, irrespective of our differences.
It also signifies the growing influence of culture and traditions as important ingredients in the economic advancement of Prampram and its environs.
Apart from the standard programs which include the ancestral homecoming and the sprinkling of Kpekple (prepared with a steamed and fermented cornmeal with palm nut soup and smoked fish) the others include a clean-up exercise in the entire traditional area, and Nene Tetteh Wakah III Health Walk and Screening exercise.
The health screening is particularly free, and residents are encouraged to avail themselves for it. The other programs include Atsorme Night, Yellow Friday, Pramfest, Arts and Culture fair and more.
On the sprinkling of the festival cuisine Kpekpl by the various quarters, the paramount chief will engage in an elaborate one through the principal streets of Prampram.
He will be escorted through the process by a retinue from the palace, to assist him perform the sacred exercise. On Wednesday, the various family heads will assemble their people at their quarters, to deliberate on important issues of concern to them. Such gatherings essential to the growth and development of the various quarters, and a good place to get to know each other.
This is also the time when indigenes who live outside of the town come home with their families, and they are introduced to everyone. The new additions to the family are also introduced on that day.
In effect, this year’s Homowo will be yet another fine display of the might of a people ready to work for the common good of all.
And for those who live abroad and may are worried they may be left out of the celebration, a local platform, PramcitiTV will bring every programme right into their homes.
By Anny Osabutey
The state has closed its case in the Republic v Akonta Mining and two others.
The case was heard earlier today at the Accra Criminal Court, where state prosecutors and CID investigators from the Ghana Police Service closed the Republic’s case.
In all, the prosecution called three witnesses to prove its case, two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
According to an update on the case, the two former employees testified to Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako’s deep involvement in Akonta Mining Company’s alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The police detective tendered in evidence drone footage and other audio-visual materials and official communications in support of the testimonies of the two former Akonta Mining employees.
The accused persons, through cross-examination of the witnesses, sought to dissociate themselves from every mining activity in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused persons asked the court to allow him to call the first prosecution witness back into the witness box for further cross-examination.
The court gave him up to Friday, October 30, to file a formal motion to recall the witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
