News
Rev Prof Paul Frimpong-Manso bows out after 40 years… Assemblies of God of Church pays homage
• Rev Prof and Rev Mrs Frimmpong-Manso (right) receiving a plaque from Rev. Dr.
and Rev. Mrs Stephen Wengam
Having dutifully served the Christian community for over 40 years and having reached the time to bow out, a send-off service was held in Accra at the weekend for the past General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God (AG) in Ghana, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, and his wife, Rev. Mrs. Gladys Frimpong-Manso.
The ceremony was held to honour their over 40 years of service to the church, having served as local officers through to the top.
Touting the dedicated services he has provided to the church over the years, the General Superintendent, AG, Ghana, Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, referred to his predecessor as a man of many parts as he made great strides during his tenure.
He said Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso mobilised local assemblies in the church for remarkable endeavours and repositioned them as key Christian denominations in the country.
Again, Rev. Dr. Wengam noted that his predecessor was able to build 3,000 churches within five years, which had led to phenomenal growth in the church.
“During his tenure as pastor at the Gospel Centre AG, Old Tafo, he assisted in raising church membership from 50 to more than 1,000 and planted 12 strong branches in the Old Tafo area,” he added.
Rev. Dr. Wengam stated that it was during Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso’s tenure that the church saw the construction of an ultra-modern head office complex, a technical university, the establishment of the AG Ministers’ Pension Board, and the setting up of the AG Television Station.
The King of Akyem Abuakwa, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the church, the Christian Council, and the country at large were privileged to have a man after God’s own heart.
He emphasised that Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso was a man with vision, integrity, and an understanding and adept knowledge of the word of God, adding that his service to God and man had strengthened Christians in the country.
“As you officially retire from active duty, me, my wife and family, and the entire Okyeman appreciate and send you our best wishes.” After all your hard work and dedicated services to God and humanity over the years, I am glad you are retiring , and I appreciate you for being an exemplary, bold leader for the past decade,” he added.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso remarked that the successes chalked during his tenure were by the grace of God and added that, though he was retiring, he would continue to serve God and the church.
He used the opportunity to urge young pastors to seek the face of God in all the decisions they made. He added that success could only be guaranteed by God and not man.
By Spectator Reporter
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
