The 2025 Edition of the Ejura Sekyerene Festival has brought together thousands of people from across the country to Ejura, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom.
Display of rich culture
The festival, which is marked annually to open the yam season, was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the forecourt of the Ejura Palace.
The event was attended by paramount chiefs, queen mothers, Asantehene Abrempon, security services, clergy, state departmental heads, and various groups.
The festival featured traditional dance and drumming, highlighting the importance of Asante traditions and culture.
Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II together with Ejurahemaa Nana Akua Tiwaa II and their council of elders sat in state to welcome the thousands of individuals who graced the event.
The Ejura Nkosuohene, a member of the planning committee, Nana Anning Prempeh underscored the significance of the Sekyerene Festival, stating, “Our forebears have celebrated this festival since the discovery of yam in the 16th century to thank God for his mercies.” He added,
“Every year, we revisit this all-important festival not only to thank God but to remind ourselves where we come from.”
The Nkosuhene also noted that yams can now be harvested in commercial quantities due to the adherence to cultural activities in the festival.
The festival serves as a platform to showcase freshly harvested yams and officially marks the start of its consumption by the public.
About the Sekyerene Festival
The Sekyerene Festival is an annual celebration held by the people of Ejura to thank God, ancestors, and the traditional stool for providing them with a bumper harvest of fresh yams.
This year’s festival focused on youth development, with the theme “Disciplined Youth: Our Hope for Building a Prosperous Future”.
A sharp division is emerging within Ghana’s Muslim community as the Tijjanniya Muslim Council of Ghana, one of the largest Islamic groups in the country, has strongly rejected the legitimacy of the recently formed National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG), stating that the body does not represent all Muslims.
In an official letter addressed to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Council expressed deep concern over a circulating directive that allegedly designates the NMCG as the sole representative body for Muslims in Ghana.
The letter, signed by Imam Hassan on behalf of the Supreme Leader and President of the Tijjanniya Muslim Council, warns that such claims are “unfounded and unacceptable.”
“The Tijjanniya Muslim Council of Ghana had no involvement in the establishment of the National Muslim Conference of Ghana, nor is our Supreme Leader a signatory to its formation,” the statement noted.
The Council has called on President Mahama to intervene and prevent any group from assuming exclusive authority over Muslim representation in the country. The letter warns that allowing a single institution to monopolize Muslim engagement with government could lead to “destabilization” within the community.
The message also carried an appeal to other prominent Imams and Muslim leaders who have aligned themselves with the NMCG, urging them to reconsider their support in order to preserve unity and harmony.
Political and religious observers say this public statement could spark wider conversations around representation, legitimacy, and inclusivity within Ghana’s diverse Muslim population.
As President Mahama settles into his new term, how he responds to this internal religious dispute could set the tone for his engagement with faith-based groups across the nation.
Religious tension, much like ethnic and tribal conflict, poses a significant threat to national unity and security. The silent but deeply felt leadership vacuum and potential succession crisis within the Islamic religious community in Ghana demand urgent national attention.
This open petition respectfully seeks your intervention, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in addressing the following pressing concerns related to the Islamic faith in Ghana:
Establishment of an official succession plan for the Office of the National Chief Imam
Proper and accurate representation of Muslim leadership on the Board of the National Peace Council
Amendment to the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818) to reflect the realities of religious pluralism within Islam and Christianity in Ghana
Muslim Sects/Denominations in Ghana
The Muslim population in Ghana is far from monolithic. It comprises a diverse set of Sects and Denominations, each with its own leadership, constitution, and administrative structure. These include:
President John Mahama
Tijaniyya Muslim Community
Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (Sunni Muslim Community)
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Shia Muslim Community
Qadiriyya Muslim Community
Salafi Muslim Community (Salafi Movement)
Wahhabi Movement
Society of the Muslim Brothers (Muslim Brotherhood)
Non-Aligned Muslims
Other Sufi Orders not listed above
Each of these groups operates autonomously and has distinct theological and administrative identities. Any national-level religious decision or representation, therefore, must reflect this diversity.
Razak Kojo Opoku
However, currently, in accordance with the National Peace Council Act, 2011(Act 818), only the representatives of Ahlussunna Wal-jama’a(Sunni Muslim Community), Tijaniyya Muslim Community, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are members of the Governing Board of National Peace Council.
Lack of an Official Succession Plan for the Office of the National Chief Imam
Ghana is on the brink of a potentially destabilizing national Muslim leadership crisis following the eventual exit of His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the current National Chief Imam.
The Office of the National Chief Imam was politically created by former President Jerry John Rawlings without comprehensive consultations or consensus among all Muslim denominations/sects in Ghana. Though the office is widely recognized by political actors and institutions, it lacks a formal legal framework, constitutional mandate, or succession plan accepted by the full spectrum of Muslim sects/denominations in Ghana.
Notably, His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu is a member of the Tijaniyya Muslim Community, yet he is NOT the Supreme Leader or President of the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana. That title currently belongs to His Eminence Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo, the President and Spiritual Leader of the largest Tijaniyya population in the country.
Given this background, we strongly urge H.E. John Mahama, Ministry of Interior, and the National Peace Council to initiate inclusive consultations with all key leaders of the various Islamic sects in Ghana, including:
1. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo (Tijaniyya)
Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih (Ahmadiyya)
Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan (Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a)
Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen (Shia)
Leaders of other recognized Sufi Orders and Islamic Movements/Sects/Denominations in Ghana.
The aim of this dialogue must be to either:
1. Establish a broadly accepted succession framework for the Office of the National Chief Imam, or
Dissolve the “concept of National Chief Imam of Ghana” in favor of recognizing each sect/denomination’s leadership independently—similar to the recognition model used for Christian denominations in Ghana.
Misrepresentation on the Board of the National Peace Council
Section 4(Vii) of the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818) provides for Tijaniyya Muslim representation on the governing board of the National Peace Council.
However, there is a serious and unacceptable anomaly in the current implementation. That is,
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, currently occupies the Tijaniyya seat, despite not being a member of the Tijaniyya sect, but allegedly affiliated with Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (Sunni Muslim Community).
This contradicts the stipulation of the Act and represents an injustice to the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana and its members across the country.
As such, we call on H.E. John Mahama, the National Peace Council, and the Ministry of Interior to urgently correct this misrepresentation by replacing Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu with a legitimate representative nominated by the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana, led by His Eminence Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo.
Amendment to the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818)
The current framework of Act 818 does not reflect the full diversity of the Islamic or Christian faith communities in Ghana. We respectfully recommend the following amendments:
1. Expand representation on the Board of the National Peace Council to include all major Islamic sects and denominations.
Formally recognize registered Christian associations and councils not currently captured under the Act.
Such changes will enhance the legitimacy, inclusivity, and national relevance of the National Peace Council.
Inaction by Past Muslim Vice Presidents
Ghana has had two Muslim Vice Presidents under the 4th Republic namely:
1. H.E. Alhaji Aliu Mahama
2. H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Regrettably, neither was able to take concrete steps to resolve the Islamic leadership issues and potential succession crisis. Their failures to act has left a dangerous vacuum in the Islamic governance structure in Ghana, a vacuum that could escalate into division and unrest in the future.
A Humble but Urgent Appeal to H.E. John Mahama
Your Excellency, as a former President and a statesman respected across the religious spectrum, we humbly and urgently call upon you to help reset and resolve the looming leadership crisis confronting the Islamic community in Ghana.
We also respectfully urge that immediate steps be taken to replace Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu on the National Peace Council Board to uphold the legal provisions of Act 818 and respect the integrity of the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana.
Conclusion
This petition is not driven by sectarian interest, but by a commitment to justice, fairness, and peace in our beloved country. Ghana’s strength lies in its religious and ethnic diversity, and this diversity must be properly acknowledged and respected in national policy and governance.
The Christian Praise International Centre (CPIC) has extended heartfelt condolences to the President and all citizens following last Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom, near Obuasi, which claimed the lives of eight personnel engaged in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
A high powered CPIC delegation visited Jubilee House on Thursday to lay a floral tribute in honour of the fallen heroes and present a formal message of solidarity to President John Dramani Mahama . The team, led by Acting Chairman Apostle Seth Twum Barimah, conveyed the church’s deep grief and expressed unrelenting support for the bereaved families, the government, and the nation.
In its statement, CPIC described the tragedy as “a deeply saddening and irreplaceable loss” that has left a painful void in the hearts of many people. The deceased , including two Ministers of State and six others were praised for paying the ultimate price in the line of duty by safeguarding the country’s natural resources from destruction.
Speaking after the brief but solemn ceremony, Apostle Twum Barimah urged the country to unite in prayer for the families left behind and to honour the memory of the departed by continuing the fight against environmental degradation. He encouraged the public to draw inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of the fallen officers.
The CPIC leadership also prayed for divine mercy and peace for the nation, expressing hope that God will comfort the bereaved and strengthen the country in this period of mourning. They reaffirmed the biblical assurance that, one day, sorrow and tears will give way to eternal peace.
The August 6 tragedy has been described as one of the gravest setbacks in the county’s ongoing battle against galamsey. Many believe the loss of experienced officers and senior government officials spotlights both the dangers of the mission and the urgent need for national unity in safeguarding the country’s environment and resources.
There was a great joy as Caravan of Prayer Outreach Ministry at Gyinyase in the Asokwa Municipality of Ashanti region,marked its 19- year anniversary in grand style
The leadership of the church,members and invited guests marked the day with
prayer, praises and thanksgiving.
The head pastor of the church, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah in his sermon, entreated the congregation to renew their faith in God who is a destiny changer.
He said, though, things are not all that good but as Christians ,they should not take advantage of that and involve themselves in negative acts to make a living .
He, therefore, cautioned the members against corruption, prostitution among others social vices.
He explained that, the ultimate aim of every Christian is heaven and he charged them not to fall victim of things that could jeopardize their aim.
Apostle Braimah also urged them to have positive mindset in dealing with people at all the times.
” We must have positive mindset all the times as Christians and avoid thinking negative for others”. He said.
On what the church has done for nineteen years as part of her social responsibilities, he said, the church had been assisting over 20 students to tertiary institutions of which some have been graduated as nurses, teachers, doctors.
He said, the church wishes to do more but it is not financially stable.
According to him, the church has also bought buses for churches activities and had been also supporting community activities both spiritually and physically.
He said, currently the church apart from its headquarters has seven branches namely, Tanoso, Atonsu – Kuwait, Kuntenasi, Sefwi Eyuokrom, Mampenasi, Techiman.
He said, his next target is to open a branch at Assin Fosu in the Central Region.
The Queen of Gyinyase in Kumasi, Oheneyere Akosua Fobi Kusikyi II, who succeeded Oheneyere Abena Ako Bensua II, has visited the Caravan of Prayer Outreach Ministry to offer thanks to God and also seek His guidance, protection, blessing and direction.
The queen emphasised the need for God’s involvement in every aspect of life to ensure success.
Accompanied by her elders, Oheneyere Kusikyi II said her doors were widely opened for good advice and suggestions for the growth and development of Gyinyase and Asanteman as a whole.
The Head Pastor of the church, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, described Gyinyasehemaa as “development-oriented queen” and asked for co-operation from the residents of Gyinyase in the interest of development.
Oheneyere Kusikyi I, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah and other invited guests in a group photograph
He said for Gyinyasehemaa to come to church to offer thanks to God is a clear manifestation that the old system of kingship, in which chiefs and queens were confined to palaces alone, is no more in existence, but rather Christianity has improved modern-day kingship.
Apostle Braimah prayed for Gyinyasehemaa and her elders in order to have a successful tenure to the glory of God.
He appealed to her to focus more on the transformation of the youth in her community since they are the future leaders.
He said in every community, there are some recalcitrant and wayward youths who find themselves in drug addiction and other social vices that threaten the peace and development of Ghana; hence, she should include it in her plans to organise community durbars to talk to the youth about the dangers associated with these vices.
Apostle Braimah believes that when this is done, the youth will be transformed, and it will go a long way to produce quality and vibrant future leaders.
He assured Gyinyasehemaa and her elders of his full support from the church, be it spiritual or physical.
He highlighted Jeremiah 29:7 and shared the Scripture with Gyinyasehemaa, her elders and his congregation.
The Chairman of Sissala Empowerment for Change, Mr. Sule Baah Bitee, has bemoaned how some Ghanaian local languages are facing extinction due to lack of revitalisation efforts and preference for English, a foreign language.
He said we should be able to identify our cultural identity and traditional language no matter where we find ourselves.
Mr. Bitee was interacting with the media during the inauguration of Sissala Empowerment for Change in Kumasi. The event was on the theme: Let’s Stand for One Another.
Mr. Sule Baah Bitee
He stressed that Ghanaians must not promote the use of foreign languages at the expense of their indigenous languages.
“This is not wrong per se, but it is important that as we pride ourselves in our ability to rattle a foreign language, we do not forget our roots,” he added.
He explained that the Association, with over 800 members worldwide, aims to promote Sissala language and also seeks job avenues for those who are jobless.
According to him, to make the Association vibrant, a WhatsApp platform has been created in order for members to share their ideas on how best to move it forward.
He disclosed that he has a plan to establish a TV station in the near future solely for the promotion of Sissala language.
According to him, he is championing the sustainability of the Association to save the Sissala language from extinction for future generations.
President John Mahama has called for unity and vigilance against forces that threaten Ghana’s social cohesion.
“Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, against the voices of religious extremism, and against the poison of political hostility,” Mr Mahama warned.
He continued “These are the seeds of division that we must never let take root in our precious nation, Ghana.”
At the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held today in Accra, Mr Mahama emphasised the importance of fostering peace, compassion, and mutual respect among all Ghanaians.
“We must speak a language of peace, compassion, and mutual respect. We must build bridges, not barriers, for we are one people sharing one land and pursuing one identity and destiny,” he said.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
Sheikh Zakari Mohammed, a respected religious leader in Kumasi, Ghana, has officially disowned his son, Misbawo Zakari, for engaging in a same-sex relationship.
This disownment was formalized via a statutory declaration in a Kumasi High Court under Ghana’s Statutory Declarations Act, 1971 (Act 389).
Despite repeated attempts to counsel his son, the Imam stated that Misbawo continued the relationship, which culminated in a near-lynching incident by a group of Muslim youth.
The Imam cited reputational damage and moral considerations as reasons for his decision and stated that the entire family had cut ties with Misbawo.
One family member, Shakur Illiasu, opposed this disownment and assisted Misbawo in fleeing the country, citing severe threats to his life. Illiasu condemned the parents’ actions and defended his brother’s right to live freely.
Ghanaian state actors, have shown unwillingness or inability to protect LGBTQ+ persons.
Additionally, Ghana criminalizes homosexuality, and the LGBTQ+ community faces legal, social, and familial persecution. Although a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill was passed by Ghana’s previous parliament, it was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Pressure is mounting on the new parliament to revive the bill, with President John Dramani Mahama expected to assent if it is passed again.
In a blend of tradition and innovation, St. Cyprian’s Anglican Cathedral in Kumasi is set to host the celebration of Rogation Sunday, bringing together spiritual reflection and professional networking in an event poised to impact both hearts and livelihoods across the Ashanti region.
As the state observes workers day on May 1, the Anglican Church also observes Workers Day on the 5th Sunday after Easter every year.
“Rogation is a time of asking; that is asking God’s blessings on emerging crops. It serves as a time of prayer and reflection, specifically focusing on seeking God’s blessings on the earth, its harvest and the work of its people. It is a period of acknowledging human dependence on God for sustenance and provision,” said Very Rev. Michael Opoku Twumasi.
Rooted in a centuries-old Christian tradition, Rogation Sunday is typically observed as a time of prayer and thanksgiving.
But this year, St. Cyprian’s Cathedral is elevating the occasion by integrating a Corporate Networking Session into the sacred observance—positioning the Church not just as a place of worship, but as a catalyst for socio-economic empowerment.
“This initiative speaks to the evolving role of the Church in modern society,” said the representative of the Cathedral. “We are creating a space where spiritual values and economic aspirations can coexist and flourish.”
The event on May 25, 2025 in under the theme: “Commit Your Work to the Lord and Your Plans will be Established”, underscoring the Church’s commitment to community transformation.
By welcoming professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations into a space traditionally reserved for spiritual devotion, the Cathedral is opening new doors for meaningful dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and purpose-driven partnerships.
Attendees can expect a dynamic program that interweaves liturgical elements with interactive networking opportunities—encouraging the exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences, and formation of alliances that could shape the economic fabric of the region.
In an era where holistic well-being encompasses both spiritual fulfillment and economic sustainability, this initiative offers a timely response to the community’s broader needs.
Participating corporate institutions include MTN, Nestle, Infinix and Fidelity Bank.
