News
Trouble looms in Ada …over missing names of Chiefs in festival brochure
Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku II
Trouble is looming in Ada over the omission of some chiefs in the official brochure for the recently held Ada Asafotufiami festival.
Notably from the Kabiawe Clans, the pictures and names of key chiefs such as Nene Owusie Sakpiti II, Nene Kabu Dzabaku Kubi V, the Ada State Dzase and Naana Dagojo Dumaaley I-Paramount Queenmother of Ada were omitted.
Also missing from the festival brochure was the Divisional Chief of Korgbor, Nene Akiti III.
There was, however the unauthorised inclusion of pictures and names of some individuals who were not chiefs nor members of the Ada Traditional Council yet featured on the brochure.
The development, according to a source close to the Ada Traditional Council (ATC), has angered the Paramount Chief Dzetse Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku III.
Consequently, the source indicated that the development could result in a crunch meeting by the Paramount Chief to resolve the issue and persons found culpable could be sanctioned according to the laws of the land.
The meeting would ultimately correct certain mistakes that occurred during the festival, strengthen the unity among traditional leaders, and safeguard the integrity of the paramountcy.
“The disagreements and disregard to higher authority in certain decisions greatly troubled the Paramount Chief. It has the tendency to embarrass the entire Ada State and disrupt one of the most prestigious festivals in Ghana, hence the need to call everyone to order,” the source told The Spectator.
According to the source, these and other unresolved matters were causing disunity and unrest within the traditional leadership, a situation he said does not augur well for development.
“We need to understand that in all things, Ada comes first, hence the need to put differences aside, become united, and work towards growth,” the source emphasised.
The source reminded that without unity and mutual understanding among the leadership, Ada would be denied of development.
The source highlighted the importance of identifying and addressing people within the leadership that may be hindering progress with their actions, stating, “We need peace and unity to progress, so if there are people in our ranks that are against that, then they must be dealt with according to the laws of the land.”
He stressed that the activities of the paramountcy must be handled professionally to protect its image and avoid such compromises in future.
He said in future, the backgrounds of people should be investigated before elevated to the status of chiefs to avoid such troubles.
This year’s Ada Asafotufiami festival, held on August 1-8, attracted thousands of guests and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Ada State.
By Michael D. Abayateye
News
You won’t regret, I’ll make you proud – Newly elected GBA president
The newly elected President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has vowed to lead the Association towards a united and progressive future.
Speaking after her historic election in Kumasi on Wednesday, Ghartey pledged to resolve divisions and end factions within the GBA, emphasising the importance of unity.
She stressed that the Association’s success depends on the collective effort of all members and called for a shared commitment to advancing the GBA’s goals.
According to her, “The Bar has spoken and from this day forward it is a united Bar in service. No divisions, no factions. It is over. It is time that we put shoulders to the plough and work to deliver what we believe should be the bar in progress.”
“This indeed is something new, something novel that the bar for the first time has entrusted leadership to the ladies and I know that with God’s help, we shall make you proud,” she said.
“We shall serve you with all our ability and we shall make sure that you will never regret this choice,” she stated.
Mrs Ghartey’s election is being hailed as a transformative moment for the GBA, as it ushers in new leadership that is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the legal profession in Ghana.
She polled 1,278 votes to beat her closest contender Agbesi Dzakpasu who polled 1060.
Mrs Ghartey, a seasoned lawyer of over 30 years’ standing at the Bar and with an extensive track record of service to the GBA, was running for national president for the third time.
Her two previous attempts ended in a narrow loss to Tony Forson, the immediate past president of the GBA, and Yaw Boafo, the current national president, by thin margins of 67 and 65 votes, respectively.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Mrs Ghartey who is also the wife of former Attorney General, Joe Ghartey, spent the past six years consistently voicing her intention to lead the GBA.
In the Vice Presidential race, Victoria Barth polled 1624 of the total votes to win the race defeating Ebenezer Kwaitoo who polled 495 votes.
Victoria Barth is an accomplished legal professional, well known for her stellar academic career at the Ghana School of Law, where she has mentored and taught many young lawyers.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Alan Kyeremateng nominates Kwame Owusu Danso as running mate
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has nominated a young lawyer and media practitioner as his running mate.
Revealing his running mate, he said “I have nominated a young person, a lawyer by profession, a political activist, and his name is Kwame Owusu Danso, as my running mate.”
Speaking after submitting his nomination to contest for the Presidency at the Electoral Commission today, he noted that someone who is a youth advocate, Kwame Owusu Danso would bring his expertise to his candidacy for the needed transformation.
Mr.Kyerematen highlighted that Mr.Owusu Danso’s selection aligns with the aspirations of Ghana’s youth who are seeking greater inclusion in governance decisions.
Additionally, he stressed that Mr.Danso’s is a youth icon, recognized for his versatility and broad talents across corporate management, law, broadcast journalism, music, and civil society activism.
He is optimistic that God will guide their footsteps to victory come December 7,2024, adding that by this step, MFC is providing a platform for a non-partisan candidate to be elected as President.
Mr.Kyerematen further noted that Mr.Danso’s consistent history of advocating for public causes, especially in promoting quality governance, further strengthens his credibility.
His work with renowned professionals such as Dr. Lloyd Amoah of the University of Ghana, and governance experts like Dr. Kojo Asante and Dr. Franklin Oduro of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mr.Owusu Danso as a founding member of the Forum for Accountable Governance (FAG), Danso has been dedicated to issues such as anti-corruption, electoral reforms, environmental governance, and human rights over the period.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
