The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is grappling with the devastating loss of two students, Akosuah Owusuaa and Bertha Kookale Hammond, who passed away in separate incidents on March 9, 2025.

The university communi­ty is still reeling in shock as details of the incidents are scarce, leaving many to read meanings into the loss of these young lives.

Akosuah, a third-year For­est Resource Technology stu­dent, was said to have fallen ill before her passing.

Bertha, a final-year English student, also passed away on the same day, with the cause of her death still unknown.

The Association of Students of English, KNUST, released a statement announcing Ber­tha’s passing, describing her as a “dedicated and talented student” who will be deeply missed.

“It is with great sorrow that we write to you regarding the devastating loss of one of our very own, Bertha Kookale Hammond, a final-year stu­dent of English who has passed away, leaving behind a gaping void that cannot be filled.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to Bertha’s fami­ly, her friends, and loved ones during this agonising moment. May we find comfort in the memories of her bright smile and sheer enthusiasm.”

These recent deaths come on the heels of a similar incident involving a final-year Biological Sciences student, Joana Deladem Yabani, whose lifeless body was found near the KNUST Disability and Reha­bilitation Centre on February 27, 2025.

The cause of death is still under investigation, with initial police examination revealing marks of violence on her body.

CCTV footage analysis led to the arrest of a suspect, Daniel Tuffuor, a 21-year-old fellow student, and reportedly Joana’s boyfriend, the same day.

Tuffuor was remanded and is set to appear in court again on March 17, 2025.

The KNUST community is mourning the loss of these young lives, and the university is working closely with the au­thorities to ensure that justice was served.

 From Kingsley E.Hope,

Kumasi

 In a vibrant display of cultural pride, students of Antoa Senior High School (SHS) joined forces with the Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region, to launch the 2025 Ghana Month cele­bration.

The event was a mixture of tra­ditional cloth demonstrations, dance lessons, poetry recitals, and proverbs competitions.

Students and staff donned colour­ful traditional attires, showcasing their cultural heritage with infectious enthusiasm.

For most of the stu­dents, the event was an emotional reminder of their roots. “I never knew how rich our Ghanaian culture was until today. I’m proud to be Ghanaian!” One of them exclaimed.

The pro­gramme’s interactive presentation, partnered with the Ghana Ed­ucation Service (GES), aimed to educate students on Ghanaian cultural values and norms, promoting na­tional pride and identity.

According to Mr Peter Kofi Marfo, Ag. Regional Direc­tor of the Centre for National Culture, “We want to revive the cultural spirit among our youth. By sharing Gha­na’s rich heritage, we’re empowering them to become ambassadors of our culture.”

The Ghana Month celebration would continue in 18 schools across the Ashanti Region, ending on March 27, 2025.

According to Mr Marfo, the grand finale would feature a traditional cuisine festival among sister organisa­tions and associations at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture.

“Let’s Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, See Ghana, Speak Ghana, Hear and Dance Ghana – together, we’ll keep our cultural flame burning bright!”Mr Marfo intoned.

The Centre, he said, remained committed to promoting Ghanaian culture and heritage, preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions for future generations.

‘‘It’s also an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and ensure that younger generations appreciate and continue,’’ he said.

“We believe that this programme will be an enriching experience for the students and staff, and we are ex­cited about the opportunity to share Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with them,” said the Ag. Regional Director.

The Ghana Month celebration is an annual event held in March to com­memorate Ghana’s independence and rich cultural heritage.

The event is celebrated across the country, with various activities and programmes aimed at promoting Gha­naian culture and national pride.

 From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi