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Rare act: Female pallbearers at Tafi Agome
Though issues pertaining to women empowerment have had positive impact, the women of Tafi Agome in the Afadjato South District of the Volta Region, have taken a bold step to do the best of what men can do.
This gesture, according to the women of Tafi Agome was the last respect they could accord a female who died in her youthful age.
These women carry the mortal remains of their colleagues from the church to the cemetery.
“We the women feel delighted carrying the casket of our colleague because the deceased was one of us in social life and it is our responsibility to bid her farewell in a manner that we deem appropriate”.
These were the words of the late Madam Helen Honu, the Community Female Youth leader, who a decade ago spearheaded the idea of women carrying the casket of their kind to the cemetery.
Six women with the aid of pads on their heads, carried the coffin of the late Ms Mavis Edzidor to the cemetery on Saturday, February 12, 2022, and it was a delight to watch. They were assisted by another set of women when the first set became exhausted.
Mrs Gladys Bobi Edzidor, an elderly woman and an indigene, explained that this last respect was accorded deceased females between 18 and over 50 years.
She added that women were not responsible for carrying the corpse from the mortuary to the house, but only featured when all was set to move it to the cemetery for interment.
Mrs Edzidor, however, explained that the women’s group was not responsible for carrying the mortal remains of elderly women of the town.
Mr Paul Edzidor, a former staff of the New Times Corporation and the Stool Father of Edeveme Clan of Tafi Agome, also said that men of the town were full of praise for the performance of the gallant women. He was optimistic that women from the surrounding towns and beyond would emulate Tafi Agome women.
In a related development, the mortal remains of the late Mr Gilbert Bribi, a Graphic Designer and a former staff of New Times Corporation, Editorial Department, were laid to rest at Tafi Agome on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
By Raymond Kyekye
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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