News
Traditional priest slaps interpreter for wrong interpretation
In one of the most unexpected moments of the solemn funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the ancient world of spiritual protocol collided with human error in a way that left onlookers gasping at the Manhyia Palace.
It was a powerful slap from a traditional priest to his interpreter for wrong interpretation in the presence of the Asantehene,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
It happened on Tuesday, second day of funeral event, during the traditional spiritual rites, as a fetish priest of Asanteman completed his reverential dance before the Asantehene.
The priest, his body still swaying with the rhythm of ancestral spirits, began reciting sacred incantations—words that carried the weight of centuries but needed translation for the modern moment.
The interpreter stepped forward, his role crucial in bridging the mystical and the royal.
The Asantehene watched with what observers described as amusement as the translation began, the sacred words flowing into contemporary understanding.
Then came the slap. Sharp, sudden, and delivered with the authority of someone who would not tolerate imprecision in matters of the spirit.
The priest’s palm connected with the interpreter’s face in full view of the king, the chiefs, and thousands of mourners. The sound seemed to cut through even the drumming and chanting.
“The translation was inaccurate,” the priest declared, his voice carrying the weight of spiritual indignation.
In the world of mysticism, words are not mere communication—they are vessels of power, bridges between the living and the ancestors.
And so, mistranslation is not just an error; it is a disruption of cosmic order.
The interpreter, perhaps shaken but understanding the gravity of his mistake, composed himself and resumed his work with noticeably improved precision.
The priest, satisfied that his message would now reach the Asantehene accurately, continued with the ritual, circling the king’s head with a sacred fly whisk as prayers for protection and guidance filled the air.
What might seem shocking to outside observers was, in context, a profound reminder of the serious spiritual work taking place.
In Asante tradition, the connection between the physical and metaphysical worlds is not ceremonial—it is functional, essential, and demands absolute respect.
The incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the funeral, a dramatic reminder that even in 2025, in an age of smartphones and social media, the ancient protocols of spiritual communication remain uncompromisingly sacred in Asanteman.
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a suspect in connection with the disappearance of a 27 year old man at Oyibi.
In a press release dated April 14, 2026, the Police identified the suspect as Wisdom Tetteh and said he is being sought over the disappearance of Theophilus Ashitey Amarh.
According to the Police, the case was reported on April 7, 2026, after the victim failed to return home.
He had left the previous day with the intention of selling his Hyundai Elantra saloon car after being introduced to a prospective buyer by the suspect.
Investigations revealed that the victim was last seen at the suspect’s residence at Saasabi, where he had gone to meet the supposed buyer.
The Police noted that a follow up visit to the suspect’s residence on April 10 led to the discovery of suspected bloodstains in a room, raising concerns of possible foul play.
The scene has since been examined by the National Crime Scene Management Team with support from the Anti Armed Robbery Unit of the CID Headquarters.
The Police added that search efforts involving community members and local authorities have been carried out in the area, but the victim is yet to be found.
Further intelligence suggests that the suspect may have fled the country to neighbouring Togo.
The Police indicated that steps, including INTERPOL processes, have been initiated to track and arrest him.
The Command assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to arrest the suspect and uncover what happened.
It also urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect or the missing person to report to the nearest police station to assist investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A team member of the Kwahu Business Forum and special aide to the Chief of staff, Benjamin Essuman has revealed that the team is working on developing the forum into a major platform to support business growth and policy dialogue in Ghana.
According to him, efforts are underway to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an International Conference Hub that will attract businesses and investors from across the world.
He made the remarks during an interview with ghanaiantimes.com.gh journalist, Jacob Aggrey in Accra.
He said the forum was designed to bring together regulators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors to share ideas and help shape policies that support business development.
According to him, the concept began in 2024 when John Dramani Mahama and his Chief of Staff conceived the idea during the Easter period in Kwahu, where many entrepreneurs gather annually.
He said the first edition created a platform for business people to engage leadership directly and present their concerns.
According to him, the success of the maiden event led to the decision to make it an annual forum.
He said the second edition in 2025 focused on improving access to finance by bringing banks and financial institutions to interact with businesses.
He said institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank participated and engaged entrepreneurs on funding opportunities.
According to him, the forum has now gone beyond dialogue and has become a platform for partnerships, negotiations and investment deals.
He said some entrepreneurs who participated in previous editions have secured support from financial institutions, with their projects progressing steadily.
According to him, the presence of the President at the forum continues to boost confidence among businesses and deepen engagement.
He said the 2026 edition was larger than the previous ones and was held at the newly developed Kwahu Business Village.
According to him, traditional authorities in Kwahu donated about 150 acres of land to support the development of a permanent business conference centre.
He said the forum is attracting both local and international companies, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.
According to him, the initiative also promotes tourism activities such as paragliding in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
He said the forum will continue to be held in Kwahu and is being positioned as Ghana’s version of the World Economic Forum.
Mr.Easuman further challenges such as overcrowding in previous editions have been addressed through the introduction of a digital registration system.
He said small scale businesses must take advantage of opportunities such as partnerships, mergers and government incentives to expand.
According to him, entrepreneurs should also collaborate with institutions like the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to access international markets.
He said the long term vision includes developing the Kwahu Business Village into a world class facility capable of hosting global conferences, with possible plans to construct an airstrip.
According to him, the forum remains an important platform for businesses seeking growth, funding and expansion beyond Ghana.
Background
The Kwahu Business Forum was introduced in 2024 as an initiative to bring together business leaders and government officials during the Easter festivities in Kwahu.
It was conceived as a platform for dialogue but has since evolved into an annual event focused on promoting investment, networking and policy engagement to strengthen Ghana’s business environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
