Ada Traditional Council welcomes Asafoatsengua Osraman Gadugah VI

The Dangmebiawer Clan of the Ada Traditional Area has installed Mr. Theophilus Tetteh Gadugah, a tutor at Legon Presby Senior High School (Presec) and a businessman as the Asafoatsengua (Senior Warlord) of the clan.

The head of Social Studies unit at Presec, will now be called Asafoatsengua Tetteh Osraman Gadugah VI.

In a cultural ceremony at the Ada Traditional Council (ATC) Hall at Big-Ada on Thursday April 4, the members of the Traditional Council accepted him as part of the council with immediate effect.

Nene Tetteh Lanuer Okumo IV, Wetsoyi for the Dangmebiawer Clan held the hands of the newly installed Asafoatsengua and introduced him to his colleague members of the ATC.

He then handed him over to Nene Angmertey Kplivi V, the Senior Linguist to the Ada State who welcomed him and gave him a vacant seat for his new position.

Some members of the Traditional Council gave him series of advice especially with regards to the Ada State.

Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuampong IV, Warlord for the Adibiawer Clan who led in pouring libation for the council asked the new Asafoatsengua to be truthful and avoid detrimental influences in order to live long as a senior Warlord.

Numo Tetteh Abebe Gadugah, Stool Father for the Gadugah family noted that the position rotates between the Apeku and the Gadugah families though they all belong to Dangmebiawer Clan which has six gates.

According to him, all the gates signed the resolution before they proceeded to make the introduction to the ATC.

On his part, the new Asafoatsengua Tetteh Osraman Gadugah VI stressed that he has a battle to lead as a warlord; which is to see to the progress of the Dangmebiawer clan and the Ada State at large.

According to him, he is going to unite all the gates of the clan and also collaborate with other clans to ensure peace, unity and progress of the Ada State.

He asked the youth to be diligent to secure a better future for themselves and the Ada State.

Other members of the Traditional Council who were present include Asafoatsengua Owusie Senakey IV, who was the Chairman for the day, Asafoatsengua Kotoko Debra V, of Kabiawer Kponor, Nene Titrim III, of Adibiawer, Numo Ebenezer Mettle Nunoo, Ada Registrar and several others.
END

Newsdesk report

Police Conduct Virginity Test On 16-year-Old Ga Queen

Reports has it that the Ghana Police Service has conducted a virginity test on 16-year-old Ga Queen Naa Okromo Yomo Ayemuade without parental consent.

The test which was conducted at the Police Hospital in Accra sources say confirmed the Queen was confirmed a virgin but police are yet to make public the result.

Family sources say the police conducted the virginity test on the young Ga Queen without parental consent.

The test was conducted after the girl was taken into protective custody by the police on April 2 after public outcry over her alleged marriage to a 63-year-old.

The police said the girl and her mother are currently under Police protection.

“The Ghana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to provide her with the necessary support while the matter is being investigated,” a statement issued by the Police said.


The Nungua Traditional Authority had explained the rationale for the “marriage” which raised concerns among the public.

The Office of the Overlord of Ga Dangme clarified that the marriage is strictly for traditional purposes as she will not be performing any conjugal rite.

Nungua Mankralo Tetteh Nii Gbotery Kofi Frankwa explained that the minor would only be assisting the  Overlord with his duties at the temple as a virgin.

Speaking in an interview with TV3 on Monday, April 1, he said “This is the second wife she is almost 90 years old, can one say that the Gborbu  Wulomo is having what concerns are being raised with her?  Obviously, no.  But is a customary duty It is a customary duty for Naa Yomo to perform and that customary duty calls for a virgin.”


“Her childhood  has never been denied,  there are many chiefs and queens that were installed chiefs and queens  when they were even in  their mother’s belly, their rights were never taken away, indeed it enhanced and gave them certain privileges that ordinary children will not even have.”

By the customs of their community, Naa Okromo now assumes the traditional name Naa Ayemoede.


But this union is not complete without further rites. Naa Ayemoede is to undergo a second customary ceremony, one centered on purification.

This rite will empower her to fulfill all the duties expected of her as the wife of the Gborbu Wulomo, including the crucial role of procreation.


Meanwhile, the Gborbu Wulomo temple has been saying that the 12-year-old girl has been designated to attend to one of the 99 deities of the Ga-Adangbe group, which necessitates her being a virgin.

The ceremony, which according to the spokesperson for the temple, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, began six years ago, was made public to ensure the young girl’s purity is maintained in order to protect her from sexual violation by men.

He has been explaining at a press conference that the role the young girl is expected to perform within the shrine is traditionally reserved for virgins.

He indicates that those criticising the practice and calling for the prosecution of the Wulomo lack insight on the Ga-Dangme tradition, something they should have consulted before laying bare their criticisms.

End.

Remain resolute, the future depends on you-NDC tells youth

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The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, Amos Blessing Armose, has charged the youth wing of the Party to remain resolute as the December polls fast approaches to secure a straight win for the NDC.

He said division will reduce the party’s chances of winning the elections hence the need to agree to disagree but never get divided.

Mr. Armose made the appeal on Thursday March 28 at Kasseh, during the inauguration of a working committee with its sub committees to oversee the performance of various youth groups in the Ada Constituency prior to the general elections.

Mr. Armose noted that it is the duty of every winner of the various internal elections of the party to embrace and work with everyone in the party despite their differences.

He made these comments after the Constituency Chairman nearly stopped the youth from carrying out the inauguration program because he feels they have disrespected him by not notifying him before the program.

“We should not put people in the position of apathy on the election day with our disagreement. When you disagree with someone’s opinion, it doesn’t make you enemies and that is why we are called Democrats,” he emphasized.

“Don’t vote skirt and blouse because of how you feel about someone. Remember it is about the NDC and Ghana”, he urged them

He appealed to the youth organizers of the various branches to work hand in hand with the constituency youth organizers to unite for a successful win in the 2024 general elections.

He also asked the youth to be loyal and pay allegiance to the various leadership of the party

Madam Catherine Dela Dzivenu, a former parliamentary aspirant of the constituency stated that politics is not about being rude or being respectful but a democratic way of expressing one’s view.

She encouraged the youth to be bold and fearless but polite in all engagements as the progress of the party depends on them. She asked them to focus and preach the good work of the NDC.

She asked them not to sit down with the perception that Ada is the stronghold of NDC but should go all out and talk to the people in the constituency about why the NDC should come back to power to rescue Ghanaians.

She urged the youth organizers to educate their subordinates on the constitution and also give copies of the party’s constitution to the youth in the constituency and educate them on it for the youth to know what the party stands for and to also arm themselves.

Hon. Mark Ayiku, the constituency organizer also added that everything shows that Ghanaians need the NDC and winning the elections will depend on the youth hence the reason for the inauguration.
End.

Opesika Tetteh Puplampu – Kasseh

Ada Songor to make dramatic change to Ghana’s economy – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed that, the Ada Songor Salt Project, currently operated by Electrochem Ghana Limited is poised to making a dramatic change to Ghana’s economy.

He described Dr. Daniel Mckorley, Chairman for the McDan Group which subsidiary is Electrochem Ghana as a dynamic entrepreneur.

DR. DANIEL MCKORLEY (MCDAN) Chairman for McDan Group of Companies.

In his speech at the Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary celebration on March 6 2024, at the Youth Resource Center in Koforidua, the president stated that, after many years of dispute, the people of Ada have finally allowed the exploitation of salt in the area which is capable of making Ghana the largest producer of salt in Africa.

“The other major project that is coming on stream, which is bound to make a dramatic change to the economy, is the Ada Songhor Salt project, being spearheaded by Electrochem Salt Mine Ltd, led by the dynamic Ghanaian entrepreneur, Mr. Daniel McKorley, aka McDan. After many years of disputes, which prevented the exploitation of salt at the site, work has finally started and salt will be mined on a large commercial scale” he stated.

According to the President, Electrochem Ghana Limited was able to produce 650,000 metric tonnes of salt in a year and has the capacity of producing 1 million metric tonnes or more in subsequent years.

H. E NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO president of the Republic of Ghana.

“With its initial ability to produce some six hundred and fifty thousand metric tons (650,000 MT) of salt per annum, and expanding its productive capacity to one million metric tonnes this year, and to two million metric tonnes by 2027, at ninety-nine-point-nine-nine-percent (99.99%) purity, the Electrochem Salt Mine will be the biggest salt producing facility in Africa.”

” These are figures that should spell a significant change in the economy, and cheer us up,” he emphasized.

The president later revealed that he is “optimistic that, together with other initiatives of this Government, we are on the verge of a breakthrough in our economic fortunes.”
End.

Opesika Tetteh Puplampu-Ada

Ada: Headteacher allegedly sells donated uniforms, desks to pupils

The Headteacher of Asigbekorpey Basic School, Mr. Alfred Huago Nokobi, has allegedly been selling school uniforms that have been donated by the Ghana Education Service and the Assembly member for the area.

He allegedly charged GHC 20 for a uniform.

According to some of the parents in the community, the names of some students have been written as beneficiaries of the donated uniforms but they were later asked to pay for the uniforms before getting it. Some students who are orphans and others,  brilliant but needy, were all asked to pay before they will be given.

Some of the students who spoke with our news team disclosed that, the District Education Directorate brought some uniforms earlier but they were asked to pay before they shall be given which they did.f

“We also learnt that the Assembly member for the area also brought some but the headmaster announced at a parade that some uniforms have arrived and so anybody who is interested should pay GHC  20, so some of us who don’t have money are not able to get it,” a student stated.

The assembly member for the area, Honorable Philip Tetteh Achia who confirmed donating uniforms to the school during his campaign period for the District Level Election, disclosed further that, he did same to Fantevikorpe Basic School and urged the schools to share them among needy students.

According to him, he confronted the headteacher after hearing that he was selling out the uniforms but the headteacher told him, it was a subsequent agreement by the management i.e School Management Committee (SMC) and the Parents  Association.

“It is very unfortunate and devastating”, he fumed.

Another source also disclosed that, some items and cash donated by the community to the school, meant to motivate the students for their performance during and after the inter-school competitions have also been hijacked by the headteacher and haven’t been accounted for as at the time of filing this story; a development that both students and teachers are aggrieved at.

A section of the teachers  who spoke on anonymity told our news team that, the headteacher also sold desks given to the school by the District Assembly at GHC 40 for one, dual desk, meaning that, two pupils will pay GHC 20 each to occupy a desk, a case which resulted in a parent demanding for a desk she paid for, as the ward was moving from class five to six, until the intervention of some of the teachers.

Meanwhile, the teachers who are against the issues were threatened by the headteacher that, he will write to the directorate for their transfer as punishment.

Responding to these allegations, Mr. Alfred Huago Nokobi who confirmed the issues explained that, the school’s management has agreed at a meeting to solicit funds through innovative means like placing a minimum amount on some donations like the uniforms and other necessary gestures from groups and individuals.

According to him, the school has identified some students who are in dire need of some items and  has put measures in place to take care of them.

He explained further that, the items and cash donated to the school were given by the New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary aspirant, Madam Naa Dornukie Norteye but the school management committee is yet to sit to discuss how the items will be handled.

He however didn’t confirm if the community indeed donated items and cash to the school.

Meanwhile, over eighty percent (80%) of parents who spoke with our news team said they are not happy about the development, urging the education directorate and the Ada East District Assembly to investigate and take the necessary actions.
End.

Newsdesk report. Reach us via email opemehnews@gmail.com

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Note: comments, opinions and suggestions by readers doesn’t represent outlet.

Advise your ‘Boss’ to cancel E-levy now if you really mean business -Dr. Bawumia told

The National Democratic Congress’ Ada Constituency Communication Officer, Mr. Lawrence Lomotey Sewu, has called on the New Patriotic Party to cancel E-levy now if it truly meant what its presidential candidate is promising Ghanaians.

“If Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he has what it takes to convince Ghanaians, he should convince the current president to cancel E-levy and other taxes”, he stated.

Mr. Sewu who is popularly known as ‘Arecho’ made the statement on Eagle Morning Show (EMS) with Samuel Kwabena Kwabla today, Tuesday, February 20.

According to him, Dr. Bawumia is Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s Vice President and also the flagbearer for the NPP and so he should be able to tell his president that the policy is against the will of Ghanaians.

“Bawumia has unveiled his campaign team which Akufo-Addo is the advisor; how can one convince Ghanaians that Bawumia can cancel E-levy when he has the originator and implementor of E-levy in his campaign team as an advisor? Are you telling me that Bawumia can cancel what his “Boss” started? Don’t you know that Bawumia is going to be surrounded by the same people in government. Is Bawumia bigger than the NPP and those who founded the party? Who is he choosing as ministers; same people or different people from different planets?” He quizzed.

Mr. Sewu further mentioned that the Member of Parliament and the District Chief executive of Ada have failed to use their protocols to lobby for development for the Ada State. He cited the poor road network, poor water supply system and the high rate of youth unemployment in Ada.

Disagreeing to the comments, Mr. Kinsley Ahumah Dzetro, a member of the NPP’s communications team stated that the campaign team unveiled, is made up of experienced and more learned people adding that the current administration is headed by the first gentleman of the land into whose hands certain powers, but not all, have been entrusted, therefore the assertion that Dr. Bawumia cannot cancel E-levy is just a propaganda.

He added that the current DCE, Hon. Sarah Dugbakie Pobi has performed and developed the Ada East District more than any other DCE who had ever held that office.

End.

Ada Songor: I’ll give out 530 acres of land for university project in Ada-says a Chief

The Chief of Afiadenyigba-Ada, Nene Amonortey Nangwah Apenkro IV, in a statement yesterday, has appealed to the paramountcy and traditional council of the Ada State, to use royalties derived from the Songor Lagoon to set up a university for the Ada State, to intensify education in the area.
He pledged to give out 530 acres of land belonging to the community for the project if the need arise.

The Chief, who is also a businessman and owner of former Sena Radio, noted that, the performance in education in Ada is on the decline and need an urgent attention. The low educational performance according to Nene Apenkro IV, has also affected the recognition of indigenes of Ada in government policy making.

The government in 2021, leased the 41,000 acres Songor concession to Electrochem Ghana Limited for 15 years which is renewable. The company, according to the lease, is mandated to give ten percent of its annual income made to the Ada State as Royalty.

Electrochem Ghana Limited, has in December 2023, succeeded in its efforts to making government pay GHC1, 250,000 as ground rent to the people of Ada, awaiting the arrival of the royalties.

Companies who previously managed the Songor Lagoon, according to sources, have also paid royalties to the Ada State through the government but has never been received by the people of Ada for reasons not clear per our findings.

According to Nene Nangwah, the royalties piled for years including that of McDan Group of Companies’ subsidiary, Electrochem Ghana Limited, have been released and will soon hit the account of the Ada Traditional Council through government and the Ada Paramountcy.

“When the ground rent came, a lot of the clans in Ada have been in dispute because of mismanagement on the side of some leaders of the clans. It nearly resulted in a fight among some elders. If ground rent which can be considered as ‘peanut’ can cause fight among us, what do you think  a piled royalty will do to us?” He quizzed.

“This is my reason of suggesting that, we should start building a university for the Ada State with such monies. At least the Terkperbiawer Clan who owns the Songor Lagoon and the other Okor Clans will have Halls in the university named after them. Aside that, there will be an agreement on a certain percentage of children in such clans to even have a free university package to assist brilliant but needy students of our land,” he explained.

The Chief, who is also the Stool Father for the Tekperbiawe Clan, appealed to the people of Ada, especially the youth, to be patient and have vision for the future, by supporting what will benefit the entire Ada state than falling for few people who only fight for their parochial interests, and must also work hard for the Ada Land to explore in its natural resourced state.

The Group Chairman for the McDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel Mckorley in the company’s one year anniversary in 2022 also stated that, he want to put up a chemical university in Ada in the years to come.
End.

By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu-Ada

Serious diseases you can contract through kissing

A Kiss can’t describe literally, it is an exciting sensation which show how much you are passionate about your love.

But wait and wake up before you go ahead, did you know the cons of kiss? If not then must read before you take a move.

1. Common cold and cough.

The most popular health issue through a kiss is common cold and cough. This is transmitted through saliva and weakness too. So be careful.

2. Sore Throat

the disease develops through a direct connection with an infected person. It’s a contagious disease so do take care while kissing if you have a sore throat don’t kiss until you heal.

3. Cold sore

Swelling lip and festering ulceration are the symptoms of a cold sore. It has no cure, the herpes virus is the main reason for cold sore. Please stay away from your partner until they’ve healed.

4. Hepatitis B

Though it grows through blood but in case if any cut in the mouth can transfer the virus from one body to another. Be careful.

5. Warts

Warts are caused by HVP. HVP are tiny tumors this virus can cause cancer in the mouth.

6. Hand and feet diseases

Spread mostly through feces, it occur when your hands have fecal bacteria on them. Guys like to put their hands on your lips during kissing.

Opesika Tetteh Puplampu

EC’s Indelible Ink: Use or Don’t use-Richard Kumadoe

The introduction of the Indelible Ink into the voting activities in Ghana, is with the purpose of marking the finger of a voter, who has cast his/her ballot in an election, at a particular polling station, or for the broad identification of same.

The use of the Indelible Ink on voters, also serves as, a key election security control measure: an important tool for the prevention of double-voting, multiple voting, and/or election malfeasance, to a very large extent.

Sidelining, or ignoring the use of the Indelible Ink, in the 2024 national elections, coupled with the inherited vulnerabilities associated with digital devices, such as, the Biometric verification machines, might be paving the way, for an increased election fraud vulnerabilities.

Waving a key election security control measure: the application of Indelible Ink to the fingers of voters, on election d-day, has the likelihood potential of raising critical issues, such as, transparency, fairness, and election Fraud-Risk, RED FLAGS.

Let’s be mindful, and proceed with maximum care, and thoughtfulness, especially, when national elections, in recent years, has posed many major national security threats, to nations within the West African Zone.

Richard Kumadoe
Founder, Independent Election Security and compliance.

Opesika Tetteh Puplampu-Ada

New Divisional Chief Installed in Kabiaweyumu Division of Ada

The Kabiaweyumu Clan of the Ada Traditional Area proudly welcomed Mr. Emmanuel Kabu Akuaku, a Chartered Accountant as their new Wetsoyi (Divisional Chief), the highest traditional position in the clan.

Mr. Akuaku, now Nene Okronipah Osakonor IV, was formally introduced to and endorsed by the Ada Traditional Council on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

The installation and introduction process was led by Setsengua Israel Kartei Akuaku, the Stool Father of the clan. During the ceremony, he emphasized the pressing need to fill such vacancy promptly, highlighting the adverse impact of delays on the clan’s progress.

The position had been left vacant for about thirty years (30) years following the passing of Nene Osakonor III, due to internal differences within the clan. Several attempts to fill the position, including the installations of Late Professor Akpanglo and Nathaniel Akuaku, were unsuccessful, leading to further discussions and ultimately the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Kabu Akuaku.

Nene Kabu Okronipah Osakonor IV echoed the collective desire for transparency in the clan’s affairs and emphasized the need for unity to overcome divisions that have hindered the development of the Ada State. He also promised to prioritize creating opportunities for the youth and stressed the importance of establishing a factual historical account of the Ada State for future generations.

Furthermore, the new Wetsoyi pledged to provide employment opportunities for the youth, demonstrating his commitment to the development of the Ada State.

The installation ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuapong IV, Asafoatsengua Sanakey IV, Asafoatsengua Kotoko Debrah V, Westoyi Osabutey Teteh Lanuer Okumo IV, Westoyi Kpebu IV, relatives, clan members, and other representatives of the Ada Traditional Council.

End.

Ocansey Joseph Akrofi and Opesika Tetteh Puplampu -Ada

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