News
Midnight coffin carrier scares Abuakwa Manhyia residents
Fear gripped inhabitants of Abuakwa Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of Ashanti when a strange man was seen carrying a white coffin, deep in the night, to the town, ostensibly for some ritual purposes.
The strange man who declined to mention his name when he was arrested, had gone to deposit the coffin in the middle of the ‘T’-Junction of the town.
It contained nine brand new padlocks with their keys, a black coat, a pair of blue trousers, a white shirt, and a red tie.
The inhabitants were divided over the issue with some claiming that it was a ritual relating to the upcoming general elections as political parties jostled for political power, while others linked it to “juju money”or sakawa.
The inhabitants have appealed to the Sumankwahene (Head Priest of the Manhyia Palace) to do something about the incident to save their lives.
According to an eye witness, Kojo Setor Amenu,”this is not the first time something like this has happened here, and young boys and girls die mysteriously afterwards”.
“We used to wake up to see coffins sitting in the middle of our roads and within two or three days, young boys and girls will die for no reasons so this has led some of us to keep watch over our town when it is dawn, in order to stop these things,” Amenu said.
He said at about 1:00am on Tuesday, he saw a young man carrying a white coffin on top of an unregistered Toyota Corolla to the ‘T’ Junction of the town.
Mr Amenu, said that the man, who was not known to them in the town and its environs, tried putting the coffin down and as a result, we approached him.
He said, the man tried to give excuses that the coffin belonged to a traditional priestess who had been in the town for a year.
“But his claims were proven to be false when the priestess was called to the scene at that hour, and she said she had no knowledge of the coffin,” Amenu indicated.
He said this infuriated the youth at the scene to throw punches at the man for trying to use the inhabitants for his dubious agenda,”but elderly people in the town intervened and he was spared but he could have been lynched”.
Another eye witnes, E.K. Asare did not understand why the elders decided to take the man to the Abuakwa-Manhyia police station, without proper security measures resulting in his escape.
From Kingsley E.Hope,Kumasi
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
News
Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
