The General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP),Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua has extended well-wishes to Muslims throughout the world especially those in Ghana as they start Thirty days Fasting and Prayers (Ramadan Mubarak).
The message reads “Ramadan Mubarak.Allah Subhananu wa ta’ala has brought Ramandan back to our lives again. Don’t forget to prepare yourself, so that you can use your time well to gain nearest to Allah.Greetings of Ramadan to all”.
Backgrounder!Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm),prayer,refelection and community.
The Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church of Ghana, Apostle Abraham Amoh, has eulogized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the various interventions he has introduced describing them as positive which are gradually shaping the fortunes of the nation.
He explained that interventions such as the national digitalization project, the Ghana Card, the establishment of the Zongo Development Fund, the creation of the six new regions, the distribution of ambulances to all Districts Hospitals, the peaceful resolution of the boundary disputes and equipping the security service as well as the introduction of the Free Senior High Schools among other initiatives which are driving the development of the nation forward.
Speaking to the media in Kumasi on Sunday, Apostle Amoh was upbeat that the various initiatives of the government when allowed to continue for some years would go a long way for the transformation of the nation.
The Chairman indicated that the rolling out of the interventions was among the best things that keep on promoting the development of the country.
He again mentioned the re-introduction of nurses and teacher training allowances, and the restructuring of the nation’s economy after inheriting a weak economy from the previous government were all marks of a good leader in Nana Akufo-Addo.
Controversy
Apostle Amo called for the total amount paid as ex-gratia to all Article 71 beneficiaries to be reduced to a third of any amount paid to them in the past due to the current economic situation in the country and the rest of the world.
He explained that in a nation that is striving to recover from huge economic challenges arising from the covid-19 and the hardships from the Russian-Ukraine war, there was a need for all to sacrifice a bit to save the nation’s economy from a total collapse.
The Chairman appealed to all Ghanaians to contribute their quota towards the restructuring of the nation’s debt by making some sacrifices towards the recovery of the economy to save the nation’s economy from a shutdown.
He again appealed to traders and operators of businesses to ensure that they do not increase their prices too high since it would in the long run affect all irrespective of location.
END
The personality of Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia continues to be an attractive force to members within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and outside at public events.
His presence at last Sunday’s Akwasidae at the Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region is a testament to the fact that the second gentleman continues to be the toast of many.
Dr.Bawunia,his wife and MPs at Manhyia palace
Accompanied by over 80 Members of Parliament (MPs), the majority of whom are from the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia became the center of attraction as patrons could not just stop admiring his humility and shouted his name in admiration.
This is not the first time the Vice President is attending Akwasidae which is an important event in the calendar of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Festival is celebrated by the Asantes near and afar.
The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks and is believed to be the next only in importance to the National Day celebrations.
The ceremony opens in the throne room, where only the initiates are allowed. Ritual libations of blood and schnapps are poured onto the thrones of the former kings as offerings to them and to the ancestors.
Then the king, the Asantehene, makes an appearance in the royal court where he takes a seat under a large brightly colored umbrella. Dressed in vibrant colors and adorned with large pieces of antique gold jewelry, he greets his people. (Ashanti gold jewelry and masks are part of the masterpieces of African art)
In front of the king, a corridor opens up where members of the court come to swear allegiance to the king and give him some gifts. There are chiefs in the shade of their umbrellas, sword carriers, bearers of ritual knives, armed guards with loaded rifles and nobles with ostrich feather fans. Sitting next to the king are found the dignitaries of the court.
The royal speaker, called a “linguist”, is standing by the king’s side and holds in his hands a golden scepter as a symbol of the Asantehene’s power. The Queen mother, the most important woman in the realm, is also present and surrounded by her court exclusively made up of women.
To accompany the ceremony, “griots” tell the glorious stories of the past Ashanti kings, musicians play drums and ivory horns giving rhythm to the ceremony and women wrapped in bright red clothes dance performing traditional steps characterized by a succession of delicate and rapid movements.
The Vice President has had a very personal relationship with the King of Ashanti, who he considers as a father.
During the funeral of Bawumia’s mother in 2021, Otumfuo despite sending a high-powered delegation, issued a release to commiserate with the family.
A distraught Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he was sad the mother of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Hajia Mariama Bawumia would not be alive to see what the future holds for her son.
“On the roll of honor belongs Hajia Mariama Bawumia. She not only was the steady heart behind one of the titans of politics in the North during the most tumultuous periods of Ghana’s history, her guidance and tutelaghaveas produced a family whose impact on Ghanaian politics will be felt for generations,” Otumfuo said in his tribute. Source: Africannews.com
House of Faith Ministries (World Missions Church) will be celebrating the 70th birthday of its Founder, Rev Alfred Boakye Nyamekye and his wife Rev. Dr. Esther Boakye Nyamekye on March 26, 2023.
The special thanksgiving service which will be held at the House of Faith Ministries, Central church at Suame roundabout in Kumasi on March 26, will be attended by all sons and daughters, and pastors of House of Faith Ministries worldwide.
The All white Service shall also have in attendance several Senior Ministers of the Gospel from across the globe who have been working with the couple these past decades.
Even before the scheduled date of celebration of the couple whose obedience to the assignment of God for them is worth emulating, testimonies have began pouring in about how they have been a source of blessings to numerous people around the globe.
Please find below abridged profiles of Rev. & Rev. Dr. Alfred &Esther Boakye Nyamekye:
REV. ALFRED NYAMEKYEH’S PROFILE
Rev. Alfred Nyamekyeh is the General Overseer of House of Faith Ministries (World Missions Church), a global network of churches committed to missions, church planting, and leadership training.
Having been in evangelism and missionary work for more than 40 years, Rev. Alfred plants churches in Africa, USA and other parts of the world.
He founded the World Missions Foundation in 2005 and is the president of Atlantic Ministerial College in Kumasi, Ghana.
He is also the African Representative of Association of International Missions Agency based in the United States.
As one of the pioneers of Pentecostal-charismatic renewal in Kumasi – Ghana through the Faith Convention for which he is an Executive Board Member, Alfred was the principal of Faith School of Evangelism; the bible college offshoot of Faith Convention Renewal Movement.
He serves on the Apostolic Council of New Life Providence Church in Virginia Beach – USA.
Alfred is a mentor to many emerging ministers in Ghana and around the world.
Rev. Alfred lives in Kumasi, with his wife Esther. They are parents to four children and have five grandchildren.
Profile of Rev. Dr. Esther Nyamekye
Rev Dr. Esther Nyamekyeh is an Evangelist, and a celebrated Christian musician whose music ministry has had a global impact on many lives.
A native of Kwabre Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Esther was born at Kumasi where she had her basic and elementary education.
She began her secondary education at Labone Sec. School in Accra and completed at Yaa Asantewaa Girls Secondary School, Kumasi in 1972. Esther went on to Sullivan Business College, Louisville Kentucky (USA), where she studied Professional Executive Secretary (Secretarial Administration) from 1974 to 1976.
Starting out as a corporate career woman upon her return to Ghana, Esther worked with Bikkai Pharmacy in Kumasi for a couple of years.
However, from the very moment she gave her life to Christ in the 1970’s as a young lady, she knew she wanted to devote majority of her working life to preaching the word of God. She therefore entered full-time ministry as a Christian Music Minister from the early 1980’s ministering in churches, conferences, schools and crusades both in Ghana and abroad.
Upon the release of her first album in 1989 “Ofr3 a Yesu Afer3”, Esther became a household name and went on to release so many inspiring songs. Some of these are “)ne y3n adi no yie, Awurade ne me hw3fo, Wo amma me anwu” amongst others. She has seven albums to her credit.
In 1989, Esther completed her theological studies in Evangelism and Christian Leadership from the Faith School of Evangelism and was later ordained as a pastor of House of Faith Ministries, Kumasi in June 1992.
Alongside her music career, Esther has impacted the lives of many women though her pastoral ministry. As the women’s director of the House of Faith women ministry, she has successfully overseen the women ministry of the church for several years.
Under her tutelage, she has spearheaded the organization of many impactful seminars and conventions, which has transformed the lives of many people especially women in and out of her church. Her regular open air evangelistic assignments has brought many into the saving knowledge of Christ.
She is also a seasoned radio evangelist who has ministered on many radio stations in Ghana and outside Ghana. Additionally, she has made a cameos on the Turning Point Show on Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), USA and many other networks globally.
Esther, is married to Rev. Alfred Nyamekyeh the General overseer of House of Faith Ministries. Their union has been blessed with four amazing children and five grandchildren. She also has many adopted children.
Rev. Esther Nyamekyeh has received numerous accolades and honors for her excellent contribution made in her professional career and certifications from academia. Prominent among them is a doctorate award from the Pan African Bible Seminary an accredited institution to the Association of International Christian Colleges and Seminaries, Missouri, USA in affiliation with Alpha Christian University.
Some of her other awards are; LIFE TIME AWARD WINNER (UNITY AWARDS 2003), LEGENDARY GOSPEL AWARDS (GOSPEL LEGEND MUSIC AWARD 2016), WOMEN IN WORSHIP’S HONOURING & TIMELESS AWARD 2020, amongst many others.
Felicia Ama Otiwaa Obaapanin of Akakom Traditional Area in the Eastern Region has appealed to the Okyehene and the IGP to stop the nephew of the President, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko and the Queen mother of the area from installing a new Chief.
The Obaapanin says as custom demands, the area can only have a new Chief when the funeral of the late one is done.
Addressing a press conference today at Akakom, the Obaapanin of the area said information she has is that Gabby Otchere Darko and the Queen plan to install someone they have chosen to be the next Chief tomorrow morning in the community.
“As it stands now discussion for a new Chief has been inconclusive and that no one has the right to install a new Chief until we finish the funeral of the late Chief and discuss with the Oyoko family who is next in line so anyone who tries to do any installation is only a criminal and enemy of the community”, the Obaapanin stated.
Court Injunction:
On his part, an elder and royal of the town, Opanin Alex Adutwum revealed that the Koforidua High Court has placed an injunction on any installation of a Chief in Akakom.
The court, he noted in the injunction of last week wants the traditional area to use laid down procedures to select a replacement after it has finished with the funeral of the late Chief.
Any attempt as they have heard, the elder said would be an act of illegality in Akakom and a potential cause for bloodshed and mayhem.
“We have heard that Gabby Asare Otchere Darko wants his brother who we see as foreigner to be the next Chief of Akakom and has succeeded in lobbying the Queen mother to align with him to do so but that would be an attempt to unleash bloodshed in the area”, the elder noted.
Appeal:
Meanwhile, the town folks in Akakom have planned to confront any group or persons who would seek to carry out any installation in the community tomorrow.
They have however served notice to Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, the Okyehene to intervene to halt a possible blood shed in the community.
Similarly, they have served notice to the Kwabeng District Police Commander who is also aware of the court injunction to use legitimate means to prevent any planned installation from coming off tomorrow.
They contend that the Akakom Traditional area has remained a peaceful community until the simmering tension which has been engineered by Gabby Otchere Darko, who they claim is using governmental power and money to influence who becomes the next Chief of Akakom.Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
The “Possessing The Nations” agenda of The Church of Pentecost received a boost following the unveiling and dedication of a brand-new state-of-the-art truck for evangelism purposes.
The multipurpose truck, which has tailor-made systems for outdoor sound and visuals, was dedicated today by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on the sidelines of the Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
The dedication was witnessed by a jubilant crowd, most of whom were in awe of the 20-foot-long gigantic automobile.
The new truck has an inbuilt platform, clear sunlight screens on the sides, complete sound and lightning, three LED screens, and electrical gen set.
Dedicating the truck, the Chairman expressed gratitude to God for making the vision of acquiring the vehicle a reality.
He further expressed optimism that the facility will help the Church reach out to many with the gospel message of Christ.
The Evangelism Ministry Director, Apostle Dr Jimmy Markin, on his part, applauded the Apostle Eric Nyamekye-led Executive Council for the massive investment made in the Evangelism Ministry that would yield eternal rewards.
The newly-unveiled truck is said to be the longest evangelism truck in Ghana, and the second longest in Africa.
Present at the event were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director) and other ministers and officers of the Church.SourcePENTECOST NEWS.
This morning, together with my wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, I joined His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and the Muslim community in the Ashanti Region and beyond, for the commissioning and handing over of the reconstructed Kumasi Central Mosque, which I undertook.
A few years ago, during a visit to the mosque in Kumasi, I realised how the mosque required some renovation works, and I was touched by the Almighty God to consider a reconstruction of the mosque.
I thank God for granting me the will and the commitment to transform one of the oldest mosques in the country, into an ultra-modern and multi-purpose facility befitting the status of Kumasi.
The history of the Kumasi Central Mosque cannot be complete without the supportive role played by Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II, who gave out the land for the construction of the first Kumasi Centrak Mosque over one hundred years ago.
The presence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at today’s ceremony, underlined the value Manhyia places on Asanteman’s long-standing support for the Zongo Community, which has been further strengthened by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s remarkable leadership.
This beautiful cooperation between Asanteman and the Zongo community, is a reflection of the general tolerance and co-existence between Muslims and Christians across the country, which I urged all to promote for the continuous unity and peace of our country.
I thank His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his distinguished presence, as well as the numerous Members of Parliament from the Majority side, who accompanied me to the ceremony.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been welcomed with a tumultuous reception in Kumasi for the commissioning and handing over of the Kumasi Central Mosque.
Dr. Bawumia funded the reconstruction of the iconic mosque to an ultra-modern complex with expanded capacity from 4000 to 7000 as well as the provision of office complexes for Imams and Zongo Chiefs, a conference room, among other facilities.
Present at the ceremony was the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Ministers of State, MPs, the National Chief Imam, Regional Imams, Members of the Diplomatic Corp and a large number of Muslims.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied to the ground by a large number of NPP MPs from the Ashanti Region and beyond in a move which underlines his overwhelming popularity in the NPP.
As he arrived at the ground in the company of the National Chief Imam, the enthusiastic crowd mobbed him with songs of commendation, in admiration and in appreciation of his gesture for the Kumasi community.
The old Kumasi Central Mosque was considered one of the oldest mosques in the country.
Its transformation has significantly lifted its status to a modern mosque of international standard.
I had the honour and privilege of receiving the leadership of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana led by the Moderator, Rt Rev Lt Col Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd) yesterday.
The delegation was at Jubilee House to among others, express appreciation for my active participation in the launch of the Church’s 175th Anniversary celebrations, and to pray for the nation.
Harmonious religious diversity and acceptance is vital for our nation’s development.
I commend the leadership of the EP Church, and all religious leaders, for their continued efforts in nation-building.
Mamprugu Traditional Council is demanding an unconditional apology from the government over the military’s attempt to arrest the overlord and the purportedly installed Bawku Naba.
They made it known at a press conference attended by over 20 members of the council, youth and sympathisers in the area on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
According to the Paramount Chief of Gbankoni, Naba Lare Haruna Nasinmo II, the Mamprugu Overlord ‘Nayiri’ is the only legitimate enskinning authority of the Bawku Chieftaincy skin.
“We call for an unconditional apology and a public withdrawal of the statement issued by the Minister for Information. Government is to give recognition to whoever it pleases. What matters to us is who our enskinned authorities recognise,” he added.
Armed soldiers deployed to Nalerigu clashed with the town’s youth on the night of February 19.
The attempt by the soldiers followed a warrant issued by a High Court in Bolgatanga for the arrest of the two traditional leaders for their involvement in the enskinment of the chief.
In a press release issued by the Information Ministry on February 15, the government said the act is a national security violation.
According to JoyNews correspondent, Eliasu Tanko, the military forces upon their arrival on Sunday night, however, could not carry out the arrest as they were met by the angry youth of the town.At Tuesday’s press conference, the traditional council condemned the act.
“I want this to be the last time that the government event disrespects our kingdom in this manner,” the spokesperson added. nment could rely on eminent chiefs to lead media talks.Source: Myjoyonline.com
