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Asanteman marks Silver Jubilee of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana greets the Asantehene
The 25th anniversary of the ascension of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to the Golden Stool as the Asantehene, has taken off smoothly with a plethora of events.
It started with the successful commemoration of the 150th Sagrenti war with a durbar of chiefs who witnessed the presentation of regalia to the Asantehene by the University of California, of the first batch of seven objects looted in the third Anglo-Asante War of 1874.
It was dubbed the ‘Kuntunkuni’ durbar, as all and sundry wore black, to mark the commemoration of the 150 years of the Sagrenti War.
The seven returning objects go back to the period before Asantehene Kofi Karkari in the 1840s and include an ornamental chair of wood, brass, leather and iron, 10 large beads worn as bracelet or anklet; strand of seed or bug-shaped beads; gold of an elephant hair, glass and silver; a royal stool ornament; a royal necklace and a royal stool ornament.
At the Dwaberem of Manhyia Palace, the atmosphere was charged with the beating of Fontomfrom and other cultural drums and displays and the arrivals of Paramount Chiefs carried in palanquins.
Again, there has been the commissioning of a multi-purpose auditorium constructed by the King at the Manhyia Palace in March.
A non-denominational thanksgiving service was also held to celebrate the anniversary at Dwabrem where the Otumfuo praised religious bodies stressing that their spiritual guidance has been the source of his successful 25-year reign on the Golden Stool.
A commemorative postage stamp of the Asantehene was also unveiled by Ghana Post at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
The Mamponghene, Dasebre Osei Bonsu, thanked Ghana Post for the honour and announced that the Manhyia Palace Museum, under the auspices of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has also been re-opened to the public.
Also on display are seven sections of sheet-gold ornament, one silver spoon, one pair of silver anklets and one section of sheet-gold ornament.
Speaking at the homecoming of the looted artefacts, Otumfuo Osei Tutu indicated that the return of the items was a restoration of the Asante spirit.
“The items that came back are virtually the soul of the people of Asante. Not all of them have returned.
But, what we have here embodies the soul of Asante. Today is a day for Asantes and for the Black African continent. The spirit that we bore and share is back with us,” he said.
The celebration also witnessed a grand event of Asanteman queen mother’s day that highlighted the rich culinary heritage of the Asante Kingdom.
The event, graced by esteemed guests including the Asantehene, the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Frema Osei Opare, among others, witnessed a blend of tradition, culture, and gastronomy.
On April 26, 1999, the Asantehene was enstooled as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool.
The event would be climaxed tomorrow with a grand durbar of chiefs and people at the Dwabrem of the Manhyia Palace.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
• Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana greets the Asantehene.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
