Culture

Asantehene directs Mamponghemaa to bury late Mamponghene in next 3 weeks

Published

4 months ago

May 5, 2025

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has directed the Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, to organise the burial of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in the next few weeks.

Otumfuo has directed that the one-week observation of the second-in-command of Asanteman, should be organised next Monday, May 12, insisting that he does not want to entertain any delays in the organisation of the burial (Doteyie).

After the one-week observation, the Asantehene wants the burial (Doteyie) to be organised three weeks afterwards for him [Asantehene] to bury his second-in-command and Occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman.

In the meantime, the Asantehene has put all Asanteman Council meetings on hold until the burial is over.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s 75th birthday on Tuesday, May 6, will be observed in a solemn mood because of the demise of the Mamponghene.

At a meeting of Asanteman in Kumasi on Monday [May 5], Otumfuo Osei Tutu II directed that he wanted everything, including finding a replacement chief for the late Occupant of the Silver Stool, to be done immediately after the 40-day observation.

According to Otumfuo, he wants the successor to be found immediately after the 40 days, for the successor to organise the 80 days observation after the death.

These were the highlights when Asanteman gathered at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, where the death of the Asante Mamponghene was announced to the entire gathering of paramount chiefs in Asanteman.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II passed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

In line with tradition, the Asantehene was informed about the death last Monday.

Following that, a public announcement was made by the Gyaasehene, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa in Mampong.

The 86-year-old Mamponghene was first taken to the KNUST Hospital in Kumasi on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from where he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), also in Kumasi, where he was pronounced dead.

Who was Daasebre Osei Bonsu II?

Born on December 31, 1939, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was known privately as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie. He was an economist and a lawyer.

He served as a Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and retired in 1999.

He reigned as Mamponghene for over 28 years.

His mother was affectionately called Teacher Mary Gyimah (one of the pioneer women educationists in the Gold Coast and pre-independence era) of the Botaase Bretuo Royal Family of Asante-Mampong.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a product of Prempeh College and the University of Ghana, Legon.

He had a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics, Political Science and Modern History and held an L.L.B. (Hons) – Law.

Before Enstoolment

Before he was enstooled as Mamponghene, Daasebre started as an Assistant Registrar at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1972 and by dint of hard work rose through the ranks and was appointed as Registrar in 1991 till he retired in 1999.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was enstooled on August 25, 1996 when he succeeded his uncle, Nana Atakora Amaniampong II, who had abdicated.

The ascension of Daasebre Osei Bonsu to the Amaniampong Stool brought finality to the protracted chieftaincy litigation which had spanned almost two decades.

The chieftaincy litigation brought about disaffection and intolerance among the people and eventually brought development to a halt.

Mamponghene having assumed the mantle of leadership of the Amaniampong Silver Stool essentially changed the face of chieftaincy in his traditional area.

Indeed, he brought some satisfactory level of innovation, dynamism, diligence and progress to the traditional area.

Daasebre’s accomplished and outstanding administrative prowess manifested in his role as Chief of Mampong and Asanteman which had contributed to a lot of transformation and development.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu singled-handedly sponsored a large number of brilliant, needy children in the Mampong area in some tertiary institutions and senior high schools.

Traditional position

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a member and permanent Vice-President, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Asanteman Council, a member of the National House of Chiefs, a member of the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs.

Family

Daasebre Osei Bonsu was married to Mrs Janet Dorothy Gyimah-Kessie, a devoted and God-fearing woman.

The couple has one daughter, Dr Naana Mary Gyimah-Kessie, a medical practitioner.

Source: Graphic online

Culture

Tourism Ministry Refutes “False and Misleading” Allegations against Hon. Dzifa Gomashie

Published

1 month ago

August 5, 2025

DerrickManny EveryWhere

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has officially denied allegations circulating on social media that questioned the professionalism and conduct of Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie. The Ministry described these claims as “false narratives” and “gravely misleading”, insisting they were spread by a social media personality seeking sensationalism rather than truth.

According to the statement signed by Public Relations Head Delassie Mabel Awuku, the accusations portraying the Minister as disrespectful and unprofessional are completely unfounded and constitute a deliberate mischaracterisation of someone known for humility and dedication to Ghana’s cultural advancement.

The Ministry reaffirmed that Minister Gomashie has consistently engaged stakeholders and the public respectfully and professionally, accusing those behind the allegations of undermining the work of Ghana’s creative arts sector.

Furthermore, the Ministry demanded an unqualified apology from those responsible for propagating the falsehoods and urged the public to reject sensationalist content creators who prioritise attention over integrity.

Culture

PANAFRICA-GHANA hosts 3rd World Press Conference 25′ in Accra: A Bold step toward a Unified African Voice

Published

3 months ago

June 22, 2025

DerrickManny EveryWhere

In a remarkable show of unity, purpose, and global vision, Panafrica-Ghana (PAG) convened its 3rd World Press Conference 25 on Monday, 16th June in Accra, Ghana at the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and park, an event that proved both historic and forward-looking. The conference, held under the theme “Embrace PAN AFRICANISM- AFRICAN WAY OF LIBERATION”, aimed to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage. The 3rd World Press Conference 25 marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to connect African leaders, influencers, and changemakers across the continent and the diaspora.

A Celebration of Leadership and Vision

At the heart of the event was the inauguration of newly appointed Executive Members and World Artistic Ambassadors, distinguished individuals tasked with leading PAG’s advocacy efforts across borders. These leaders represent a wide range of sectors, including media, arts, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Their appointment signals a renewed drive to influence policy, promote cultural identity, and accelerate social impact across Africa and in international corridors.

A Convergence of Influencers and Change Agents

The event drew a dynamic and diverse audience: media professionals, creatives, diplomats, development experts, and youth leaders from across Africa and beyond. It served as a platform for networking, storytelling, and agenda-setting, all centred on advancing Africa’s narrative and potential.

Board Chairman of the organisation, HRH Nana Amoah Kwadwo II ( HON. Hadji Mustaphar Issahk addressed critical themes, including pan-Africanism, economic empowerment, digital transformation, and the need for inclusive leadership in Africa’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Founder and president Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi emphasised that PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG) is a significant initiative that seeks to revitalise the spirit of Pan-Africanism, a movement that has been a beacon of hope for African liberation and unity. As Ghana plays host to this renaissance, it is essential to explore the theme and its relevance in today’s world. Pan-Africanism offers a unique perspective on liberation, one that is rooted in African values, experiences, and aspirations. He stated.

Special guest of honour, Her Excellency Mrs. Fedilia Graand-Galon, Ambassador of Suriname to Ghana, also addressed the need for a united African front to foster development and build a better Africa for Africans.

PAG’s Growing Global Influence.

Since its inception, Panafrica-Ghana has positioned itself as a visionary organisation dedicated to promoting African unity, advocating for African-led development, and fostering international partnerships. The World Press Conference 25 was a vivid reflection of this commitment, fusing culture, activism, and diplomacy in one powerful gathering.

The Road Ahead.

As PAG ushers in a new generation of leaders and ambassadors, the call to action remains clear: Africa must speak with one voice, and that voice must be heard on every platform that shapes our shared global future.

With the momentum gained from this year’s event, Panafrica-Ghana is set to expand its impact through initiatives that elevate African excellence, empower communities, and influence decision-making on a continental and global scale.

Stay connected to PAG’s journey as it continues to champion Africa’s narrative through strategic collaboration, cultural pride, and global advocacy.

Culture

GOVERNMENT TO COMPLETE THE STALLED AMPHITHEATRE PROJECTS BY NPP

Published

4 months ago

May 21, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The director of creative arts and tourism at the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, Mr Divine Owusu Ansah, has revealed that the current government will complete the construction of the amphitheatres which was inherited from the previous government.

He was speaking to Kojo Preko Dankwa, host of Kessben Entertainment on Kessben 92.9 fm. In a telephone interview, Mr Divine Owusu Ansah explained that the construction of the amphitheatres during the NPP era was under the a world bank project called the Ghana Tourism Development Project. According to him, the project ended in July 2023, and an extension was given by the World Bank, which also ended in 2024.

This he further stated stalled the project and

the government then did not have the financial muscle to complete the amphitheatres projects since the World Bank project expired.

He said the current minister, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, and his deputy minister have engaged the minister for finance, honourable Ato Forson to help complete the construction of the amphitheatres which was inherited by the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts.

Mr Divine Owusu Ansah further revealed that the Ministry of Finance has agreed to complete the construction of the amphitheatres under the Ghana Economic Transformation project. Mr Divine Owusu Ansah said the paperwork is currently ongoing to see the project back on track.

It will be recalled that President john Dramani Mahama had promised to complete all projects under construction, which was left by the previous government.

This comes at the back of pressure from Foundation Of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) asking the ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts to immediately set out the parameters and also with immediate effect inform stakeholders the current situation of the construction of the amphitheatres.

Mark Okraku Mantey, the former deputy minister for Tourism Arts and Culture who led the agenda to construct the amphitheatres, failed to honour his promise to deliver fully functional amphitheatres across the country.

Story: Kojo Preko Dankwa.