The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Barbera Oteng Gyasi has indicated that, government will soon cut sod for the expansion of works at the Bonwire Kente Weaving Village in Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti region.

This project, when fully completed, will position the Bonwire Kente Weaving Village as an attractive destination for tourists and for commerce.

Hon. Barbera Oteng, made the statement at the signing of MOU between government of Ghana and China Bengbu International Technology & Economic Cooperation Ltd in kumasi for the construction of Theatre / Conference Centre in Kumasi, said opportunity for cultural goods in the global market is enormous. In 2019, the African Report indicated that Africa’s cultural goods sector employed about half a million people and generated USD4.2bn in revenue.

She emphasize that, Ashanti Region has a comparative advantage in cultural goods in the country, and we remain resolute in our endeavour to provide the right interventions to help us position ourselves competitively in the global cultural goods market.

Tourism development in Kumasi and for that matter the Ashanti Region, is going to be a concerted effort between statal and parastatal agencies, working in tandem with the private sector, academia and local communities in realising the set objectives of the industry.

“I am happy to say the innovative and revolutionary phenomenon that fuses Ghanaian culture with digital technology and further reemphasises the importance of arts and culture in the promotion and development of a country is the Kumawood movie industry”.

I want to also mention that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has made a remarkable progress with the preparation of the Creative Arts Bill, and its passage will help to put in place the requisite regulatory framework and infrastructure.

As a Ministry we also appreciate the enormous role that the celebration of festivals which are usually accompanied by rich folklore music and dances in the Region present, and when repackaged, will help to promote both domestic and international tourism in the country.

Hon. Barbera Oteng Gyasi said Using low budgets, record breaking production time and consistency, Kumawood has drawn a lot of attention from the global and regional film industries and has promoted Ghana well enough. Government recognises the extraordinary achievements of the Kumawood movie industry and sees the industry as a major cultural and economic tool that can be harnessed to revolutionarize the creative arts and cultural industry.

She streess that, the Creative Arts Bill when passed into law will be one of the major steps towards helping and enabling the Kumawood movie industry stand shoulder to shoulder with other major global industries like Nollywood, Bollywood and Hollywood.

She add that Kumasi’s status as the Garden City of West Africa has not totally effaced, and I believe in my heart of hearts that we can regain this status. That is why we as a Ministry, appreciate Government’s initiative of tree planting as spearheaded by the Forestry Commission.

We should therefore continue to find strategic ways of making urban greening a crucial consideration in our development projects, while urban greying mainly through wanton agriculture, unauthorized residential projects and internecine commerce should be moderated.

She said, the Ministry of Tourism will continue to work with all stakeholders especially Manhyia, KMA, Forestry Commission, KNUST and other agencies towards making Kumasi regain its green and Garden City status.

By: Frank Ntow, kumasi

The minister of health who double as member of parliament for Dormaa central in the Bono region, Hon. kwaku Agyemang Manu has said that, the npp government is showing commitment towards the completion of all fiscal projects started by the previous government in the areas of health and education.

He said the government has tasked contractors who were given contractor by previous administration of ndc government on the abandoned hospitals projects to go back to the site to ensure smooth completion of the projects includes kumawu and Fomena district hospitals and others in various Regions.

Hon kwaku Agyemang Manu was speaking during the sod cutting ceremony for the construction of 40 bed capacity district hospital for Sekyere Afram Plains district at Drobonso as part of his two days visit to the Ashanti region.

According to the minister, the project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months and has been awarded to VAMED Engineering Limited.

The district chief executive, Hon Joseph Owusu, Odenkyem in his part used the occasion to appealed to the people to consider the npp government commitment towards the developmental projects ongoing in the district and give npp government four more in office and vote for him as member of parliament comes December 7.to enjoy much more.

The chief of Anyinofi, Nana Amponsah-Teng Kakabo also used the opportunity to appealed to the government through minister of health to provide adequate logistics to the health professions in the district to help promote quality health care delivery in the various rural communities since many of them are finding it difficult to get access to it.

He however expressed gratitude to the government for the construction of the district hospital facility which he think will go along to reduce the difficulties of the people and used the occasion to passionately appealed to the people in the Constituency to help give the npp government and Mr Joseph Owusu, Odenkyem four more years to do more for them.

By:Joseph Amoateng Jnr, Drobonso

The Government of the Republic of Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between China Bengbu International Technology & Economic Cooperation Ltd for the Construction of a Theatre/Conference Centre in Kumasi.

The ultra-modern Theatre is designed for large conference, drama, music performance and modern dance.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, speaking at designed of MOU in Kumasi Golden Bean Hotel said the theatre will have 2000 seats in the main auditorium. There will be a hall for 600 seats to meet specially tailored conferences and meetings. The Theatre will combine with the entrance foyer to form an open Exhibition Area. The Theatre will also boast of a top-notch catering facility.

She stressed that, the theatre when completed will not only add to the architectural and cultural skyline of Kumasi. It will also bring new energies into the arts and culture space in and around Kumasi such as the commercial, economic and social energies to be drawn from the many events that it will host.

According to her, the 2020 Global Peace Index Report, ranked Ghana as the most peaceful country in the West African sub-region and third on the continent. The African Report in 2020 added that the creative arts sector generates $4.2bn in revenue across the continent. Literature is replete with examples that the nexus between tourism and the creative arts sector can be synergistic.

The creative arts sector has complementary and reinforcing attributes for the tourism and hospitality industry as whole.

Hon. Barbara Oteng noted that, government is committed to increase the country’s unique selling proposition in the creative arts sector cannot be overlooked, the announced support for the Creative Arts sector and Conference of Independent Universities and the Tourism Development Project Fund are some of the examples in this regard.

The Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, said The establishment of the modern theatre/Conference Centre in Kumasi will creates employment, increase in business and event tourism as well as the spill over effects on ancillary arts and culture space in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region and even beyond. It’s a known fact that the construction of the conference centre has been the long awaiting for the people of Kumasi and am happy the signing of this MOU today for the relaxation of this dream.

Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi indicated that, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is a seats of Asante kingdom and as such is recognized as an important centre for tourism culture and tradition which makes the metropolis the hub tourist destination in Ashanti region.

Kumasi is noted for it rich of culture tradition but this city Kumasi has it fundamental challenged in tourism especially when we talk about tourism related infrastructure.

The Construction of this modern theatre/Conference Centre in Kumasi is therefore a timely solution to some od the challenges confronting the movie industry by providing sweet table infrastructural Development for the people of Kumasi the capital of Ashanti region and second largest city of Ghana.

This project will not only serve as an alternative to the Accra International Conference Centre but provide a solid foundation for the economic and social economic development of the county as wile as the development of the region and the city at large.

By: Frank Ntow, Kumasi

The Minister for Youth and Sports who doubles as M.P. for Atwima Mponua Constituency in the Ashanti region Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah ( BOHYEBA) has reiterated that historic free shs everything by NPP government has saved many parents/ guardians properties as years back to gets access to secondary education was hectic as one ought to secure a loan ,sold a valuable properties or property as a form of guarantee to gets money to enable the child access to education.

Making special reference to his secondary education era, hinted his parents sold out cocoa land before entry to secondary education but with a good visionary leader by H.E.President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo,s government has removed that burden and 2020 Election is a year of showing appreciation for huge investment made by the government.

Addressing a mini durbar with Nyinahinman and empowering various NPP Youth Wing Executives and Membersto ahead of 2020 elections he hinted.
Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah ( Sports Min& M.P. for Atwima Mponua Constituency)

In attendance was Hon Sam Payne( Ashanti Regional NPP Secretary) who ecouraged them to be ambassadors of developmental projects by the NPP gov,t as the party fought hardly to annex power and hence to maintain the good legacy made by propagating the goodwill made through house to house campaign and must avoid complacency and syndrome of waiting for party executives to joins in campaign.
Hon Sam Payne ( Ashanti Regional NPP Secretary) of his motivation for the Youth wing and Npp fraternity at large.

By: Benjamin Kwarteng MABESH TV/OTEC FM

The Assembly Member for Mpatuam West Electoral Area near Nkawie in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti region Hon Frederick Kwadwo Nkansah (YENTUMI) has made passionate appeal to government as a matter of urgency to incorporate the Esaase-Bonteifufuo, Mpatuam,Tetrem enclaves roads project to that of Ahwerewa- Esuowin,Antoakrom roads project to boost the mining operations which generates income for the state.

According to Hon Yentumi a lot of petitions have been sent to the government through the DCE and MP but no positive response and hence the humble appeal.
Hon Frederick Kwadwo Nkansah (YENTUMI)- Assembly Man for Mpatuam West Electoral Area on that dilapidated roads project

Later, Benjamin Kwarteng of Otec fm/ Mabesh TV asked him what has been his motivation towards developmental projects for his folks as singled handledly helping his folks in areas of education, health, human empowerment and others as emphasized that his towards development.

By: Benjamin Kwarteng MABESH TV /OTEC FM

The Deputy Minister of Local government and rural development who double as member of parliament for Offinso north constituency, Hon Augustine Collins Ntim has said that, the position of MMDCE is very power with honor in controlling the affairs of the people but it takes the person in charge as MMDCEs to exhibit spirit of humility and good relationship with all stakeholders to enable them discharge their duties successful.

He said as part that, his administration as deputy local government minister is doing all possible best to always engage them with training workshop to help them discharge their duty successful to the benefit of the people.

Hon Augustine Collins Ntim was commending the district chief executive for Sekyere Afram plains who double as Dean of MMDCEs Hon Joseph Owusu for exhibiting good relationship with the traditional authorities and the people which he thinks has contributed to the unprecedented developmental projects in the district during the town hall meeting held at the district capital, Drobonso.

The program gave to the Dce opportunity to showcase over 45 major developmental projects executed by the npp government within the period of three and four months in office in the areas of education, health care delivery, potable water, telecommunication networks, security, agricultural and the ongoing road networks in various communities.

The program was attended by traditional authorities of Drobonso, Anyinofi and other caretakers of other communities, leaders from Zongo communities, security, the assembly members, staffs of the assembly and the citizens.

In his response the district chief executive,Hon Joseph Owusu a.k.a Odenkyem said that the assembly had within three and half years has executed over 45 major projects and will continue to discharge its duty.

He used the occasion to appealed to the people to vote for him as member of parliament and the npp government more years to do more.

The chief of Drobonso, Nana Dwamena Dankwah Dwubinsiaw expressed gratitude to the government for the developmental projects executing in the district and used the opportunity to appealed to the government to help complete some ongoing projects includes district Court, police commander’s bungalow and some road projects in the district to help boost economic wellbeing of his people.

By Joseph Amoateng /Simon Opoku Afriyie, Drobonso

The leadership of new patriotic party in the Ashanti region has inaugurated its constituencies campaign team for the 2020 Parliamentary and Presidential elections.

At Sekyere Afram plains constituency, the team members were sworn into office by the regional representative led by the CEO of Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr Oheneba Danso who was supported by the regional treasurer, Hajia Sallow Zeinabu, at a short inaugural ceremony held at the constituency capital, Drobonso.

The team made up of political bigwigs drawn from across the constituency including the current constituency executives and former leaders of the party were brought together comprised of operations, security and intelligence,information and technology unit, media leaison and legal unit.

The parliamentary candidate, Hon Joseph Owusu popularly known as Odenkyem is leading the victory team with other members includes, the constituency chairman, Mr Suleimana Hamidu, Mr Afram Joseph, first vice chairman, Mr Amoh Justice–the constituency secretary, Mr Obeng Adams–deputy secretary, Mr Salifu Ibrahim–orgsnizer, Mr Asare David–deputy organizer, Madam Yaa Adu–women organizer, Mad.Monica Mensah—deputy women organizer, Mr Michael Adosia–treasure, Mr Kwame Ofosu–financial secretary, Abdul Rahmam Latif–Nasara Cordinator.

The team moreover includes, Mr Suraj Amadu–deputy Nasara Cordinator, Mr Jigiri Alhassan Paul– communication officer, Mr Tanko Abdulia Mohammed–youth organizer, Mr Samuel Mbilamba–research, Mr kwaku Thomas–deputy youth organizer, Mr Abraham Bosompim–former secretary,Mr Apea Twumasi Ankrah–Lawyer, Mr Joseph Amoateng Junior–Media Liaison.

Others are Mr Christopher Kwame Nyamekye–secretary personnel, Mr Adu Agyemang Henry–IT coordinator, Mr Asante Emmanuel–deputy IT coordinator, Mr Sarpong Kwaku- former executive chairman and lastly but not the least Mr K.O Yeboah–council of elders chairman.

On his part, the chief executive officer of Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital, Dr Oheneba Owusu Danso charged the team and other party members to help propagates the good governance of president Akuffo Addo government and their parliamentary candidate, Hon Joseph Owusu to help the party secure its target of operation 47/47 seats in the region.

After the inauguration, Hon Joseph Owusu, when speaking on behalf of the team assured that, they are ready to do their best to claim the seat from the opposition ndc comes December 7 based on the tremendous developmental projects ongoing in the constituency in the areas of agriculture, education, health care delivery, security, potable water, road networks, communications networks and many others.

By Joseph Amoateng Junior, Drobonso.

Solace Ewoenam Ekpedzor popularly known as “Ewoe” of 2014 Ghana’s Most Beautiful fame is tremendously putting up an effort which has a direct link with government’s quest aimed at heightening the production and patronage of locally produced rice.

The beauty queen as part of her project to encourage women and young people in the growing and consumption of local rice,has established Ewoe Brands Limited, which is into production, processing and packaging of organic local rice under the brand name ewoe organic rice and foods.

The highly nutritious organic rice and brown rice tom brown packaged in mini bags are currently the mark of her accomplishments since the inception of the project.

As a young entrepreneur, she works with more than 1000 rice farmers across all the districts in Oti region aside women who are into cooperate groups.

When questioned by on what inspired her to opt for such a venture right after acquiring MSc Project Management 2019 from Southampton University-United Kingdom coupled with her working experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she underlined that though Oti region is highly endowed with farmers who are into the cultivation of local rice, she realized that challenges including poor processing, poor packaging, lack of machinery were affecting patronage hence the dwindling of their financial gains.

She underlined the foregoing canker as the cause of low patronage of locally produced rice in the region and Ghana as a whole.

Ewoenam told this medium in an exclusive dialogue that she therefore saw the need to initiate and kick-start the project in her district (Jasikan) as a way of addressing the situation, use that as a conduit to create job opportunity for youth in her area and cut down Ghana’s over-reliance on imported rice.

Her decision was to again challenge young graduates to quit over-relying on white-colour jobs and embrace farming as an alternative profession.

In her statement, she called on the President His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo to implement more policies that will harness the production and patronage of rice produced locally in Ghana and also whip up the interest of the youth to take up farming as a profession.

Ghana President, Nana Akufo Addo and the Hon Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon Dr. Owusu Afriyie are creating various viable youth agribusinesses.

The Ghana Agricultural Investment Program (GASIP) under MOFA is supporting young men and women with inputs and equipment to make agriculture viable and youth-friendly. Ewoe, the Beauty Queen, of 2014 Ghana’s Most Beautiful 1st Runner-up fame, is one of the beneficiaries of the thousands of youth supported under GASIP.

She is helping other young people to grow rice. She buys from them and process the rice to boost local rice consumption.

She is poised to play the role of ‘youth-influencer’, encouraging the youth to take up agriculture as viable business that employs other young people.

“The time to be a farmer is now. The business environment is good for agribusiness under the current regime. Create job for yourself in agriculture and get out of youth unemployment. Make money from agriculture. There is also fun in agriculture”, she underlined.

Source:Enock Akonor Kumasi

There is an uneasy calm at the Dwenti Senior High School (SHS) in the Sekyere- Kumawu District, following a high security presence at the School’s premises as students sit for the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

The development is said to have created an uneasy calm amongst the sitting candidates as policemen patrol the premises in the course of the examinations.

“We are perplexed at the high presence of policemen here, especially when there are no incidences of rowdiness, malpractices or indiscipline exhibited by the students,” some of the candidates complained to the media.

Investigations conducted indicated that the presence of the security personnel in a way tended to intimidate some of the candidates as they sat for the exams, which would be completed in September.

In the estimation of the School authorities, there was no justifiable reason for the development, because the institution was not under any crisis.

They, therefore, appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES), as well as the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to probe the issue.

Investigations conducted have established that there were earlier attempts by the District Security Committee (DISEC), chaired by the DCE, Mr. Samuel Addai Agyekum, to relocate the School’s WASSCE candidates to Kumasi, to sit for the exams.

This, however, did not materialize, following the intervention of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu and some traditional authorities.

“We believe that may be, because the DCE could not have his way, he might be using the police to show the School where power lies,” a Management Member of the School, noted, in an interview with the media. It would be recalled that the DCE in July, this year, ordered the closure of the School and subsequent arrest of the authorities, including the Proprietor and Headmaster, over COVID-19 safety protocol breaches.

This occurred during a monitoring exercise by the District’s COVID-19 Response Team.

According to the DCE, Mr. Addai Agyekum, the decision was to ensure that the students were safe as they prepared to write their final exams successfully without contracting the deadly coronavirus.

Source: Enock Akonor Kumasi

The former public relations officer for FIPAG Nana yaa serwaa osei has lamented that, Ghanas shouldn’t shock of Tracy and Mizbel papa nu issue.

According to her, many of the Ghana celebrities are doing much than them, 90% of the celebrities don’t have job to do then to sleep around big men’s and blackmail them, even some of the guys also do, they take money from women in abroad. it has become competition to they luxury life, big cars, but, big boobs, big rented houses so some of them don’t mind to sleep with dogs and cows, they travel country to country for this same job to get dollars. She added

It is not big deal to get a sponsor, who can be president or any worthy man , that’s is most of the ladies wish , Tracey is not first lady to date a president, we still have one of Ghanaian favorite celebrate who is dating a president from one of African country.

The difference is she is not married like Tracey,s, trust me those celebrities we see them in a big cars and houses are disgracing the showbiz industry in Ghana, especially the ladies are fooling themselves, some of them go to Nigeria, Dubai, and US to do it,the moment they heard of money, they will all sleep with this some person for money. That’s why they always fighting themselve .because of rivalry. Is a shame to hear Ghanaian ladies are cheap.

Nobody is stopping them , because that’s their private life, but a least they should make it a little decent.

Source:Frank Kofi Ntow, Wontumi Communications Kumasi