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Rich Ga culture, tradition on display …as thousands bid farewell to Ga Manye
President Akufo-Addo (thirdfrom left) filing past the late Naa Dedei Omaedru III in the casket
The rich tradition and culture of the people of the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) was on full display last Saturday when the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III was laid to rest.
The funeral, held at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra, drew hundreds of mourners clad in red and black, to pay their last respect to the revered Queen who reigned for 59 years before passing in 2022.
Amidst drumming, dancing, recital of appellations with a strong presence of royalty, the funeral attracted several dignitaries including the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Members of Parliament as well as present and former statesmen.
It also attracted diplomats and other foreigners who witnessed the true Ghanaian culture and tradition for the first time.
Various Asafo (Warrior) companies of the Ga State took centre stage to display their cultural prowess amidst firing of muskets.
The security on duty had a tough time warding off admirers of the respected Ga Manye who attempted to join in the activities to pay their last respect.
Naa Dedei Omaedru III known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah, died in December 2022, aged 88 after a short illness.
Her over 50 years reign was nothing short of reverence, selflessness, humility, compassion and served as a symbol of unity among the Ga people, hence the respect gained over the years and the huge crowd at her funeral.
By Michael D. Abayateye
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
