News
Confusion in Berekum as Traditional Council enforces century old taboo
A decision by the Berekum Traditional Council (BTC) in the Bono Region to enforce a century old taboo that forbids the rearing of goats in Berekum has sparked confusion among citizens of the area.
The move by the Council, The Spectator gathered was to appease a river god (Asuokoraa) in the area which is said to be angry with the traditional authorities for allowing the taboo to be defied.
The issue has since gone viral on social media, attracting varying views and concerns.
In December 2023, the traditional council announced the enforcement of the taboo which led to the killing of many stray goats before and during the performance of the funeral and burial rites of the late Omanhene of Berekum Traditional Area, Daasebre Amankona Diawuo ll.
Nana Badu Kaakyire, Twafohene of the BTC, who confirmed this to The Spectator said the move was to avert any imminent calamity in the area.
He said the council was serious about the directive and would not spare anyone that flout it.
According to him, the river god was indeed angry with Nananom who were given the directive after consulting it.
He said, as a result, the queen of Berekum has been directed not to visit any community with goats.
The Council’s decision has compelled small holder farmers that engages in the rearing of goats in the Berekum area to close their farms.
One such entity is the Semanhyia Learning and Development Farms, a livestock breeding facility based at Senaase in Berekum.
According to the Chief Executive of the Farms, Mr Frederick Benneh Frimpong, this decision to evacuate about 200 goats made up of exotic and local breeds within two weeks has put him in a fix.
He explained that despite the existence of the taboo, it was not exactly adhered to until the recent development.
He said it was during the funeral of the late chief of Berekum, Daasebre Amankona Diawuo II funeral in December that prompted the slaughter of stray goats to enforce the taboo.
The development, he said, brought about some anger among the people in the area.
“Within three days, a group of young men with machete stormed the community and killed all goats in town,” he narrated.
Providing further details, he said he was invited to the chief’s palace and was ordered to evacuate the animals from the land in two weeks.
He said a plea for more time to prepare was ignored by the Council and recounted investments that was set to go waste.
He told The Spectator that looking at the over GH¢5million project going down the drain makes him very said.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Berekum
News
GBBF Treasurer, Aurora Commodore-Toppar eyes GOC Treasure slot at Elective Congress on Saturday
The treasurer of the Ghana Basketball Federation (GBBF), Madam Aurora Commodore-Toppar, has set her sights on becoming the next assistant treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) at the upcoming Elective Congress on Saturday.
The daughter of the former Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mr. Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, will be vying for the position against Bernard Quartey of the Ghana Boxing Federation and Edward Patrick Nii Lante Banerman of the Handball Association of Ghana.
Having had her nomination approved by the GOC’s Electoral Commission, the well-seasoned banker, with over 15 years of rich working experience, believes she is well-suited and positioned to help structure the finances of this esteemed organisation.
In a chat with Spectator Sports, the captain of the bronze-winning 2024 University of Ghana basketball team at the 11th African University Games in Zaire, Nigeria, revealed her commitment to effective and accurate financial management, growth, and development of all associated sports federations.
She said, “I am committed to the growth of the GOC, and I want to offer my financial knowledge to aid in ensuring that the GOC operates with the highest standards of financial governance and set-up.”
According to her, the mission is to help promote the GOC’s agenda widely, and having served for over two decades in sports—especially basketball—in various capacities and roles, she believes this experience will help protect the GOC’s finances.
“If elected as assistant treasurer, I will do my utmost, together with the treasurer, to manage the GOC’s finances, including accounting and financial reporting among others,” she added.
According to her, “Accurate financial record-keeping has been a problem across the board; I will help eradicate this issue.”
Aurora Commodore-Toppar stands for transparency, hard work, and an inclusive work culture, she further added.
The former Aburi Girls’ Secondary School basketball team captain has played pivotal roles in improving sports in the country—especially basketball—including being a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games, an LOC member for the recently concluded Hoop Rave SHS competition, a project lead for FIBA’s “Her World, Her Rules” initiative, chair for the 2024 Fetu Afahye Basketball Tournament, and founder of the Stomp De Yard Basketball Tournament, among others.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
News
113 Cardinals hold 3rd General Congregation in Rome
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
The Cardinals decided that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, instead of Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and that Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave, whose starting date has not yet been decided.
The Cardinals began a conversation about the Church and the world, deciding to hold the next General Congregation on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that 61,000 people have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis as of 1:00 PM on Thursday, adding that St. Peter’s Basilica should close at midnight on Thursday, unless large crowds are still queuing to enter.
Following the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, a Rosary will be held in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Mr. Bruni said the burial service for Pope Francis will take place in private.
Starting the morning of Sunday, April 27, the faithful may begin to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
