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In Photos: How Osu celebrated ‘Dade Tutswaa’

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On Saturday, August 5, the town of Osu was alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of a special event. This festival, known as the Dade Tutswaa, took place over two exciting days. It’s a meaningful celebration that happens just before the famous Homowo festival in Osu. The Dade Tutswaa Festival is a way for the people of Osu to come together, show their pride, and honor their ancestors. It’s a special time that brings the community closer and sets the stage for the even bigger Homowo celebration.

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Background

The Dade Y3l3yeli Shifoo and Asafo Tutswaa, affectionately known as Dade Tutswaa, stands as a vibrant annual festival that resonates deeply within the heart of Osu, one of the seven traditional Ga-Dangme paramountcies in Ghana. This captivating festival is a tribute to both the military prowess of the Osu people and their ancestral deity, Dade, revered for its historical role in ancient warfare.

At its core, the Dade Tutswaa Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together all four divisions of Osu: Kinkanwe, Ashinte, Alata, and Anorhor Guided by the Kinkanwe Asafo, the festival’s grand procession travels through each division, then final ending at Kinkanwe. This captivating journey meanders through the heart of Osu, paying homage to traditional homes and sites of significant historical importance.

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As the procession weaves through the community, the revered flags of Kinkanwe: Antoa and Akonfode lead the way, accompanied by the Asafoiats3m3i (the Asafo captains), traditional leaders and community members. The procession goes into the Osu Castle, which has various traditional elements within that predate the building of the castle. It also visits ancient homes throughout the traditional area of the township. In every division that the procession arrives, the leading men and women offer drinks to the procession, the diety, and the Asafo.

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Central to the festival are the captivating displays of musketry and traditional dances, symbolic of the revered Asafo culture of Osu. These dances, uniquely Osu’s, are a testament to the community’s cultural distinctiveness. The traditional colors of the celebration are red and white. On Saturday, the dominant color is red with a touch of white, and on Sunday, the dominant color is white with a touch of red.

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Prior to the grand Saturday procession, the Asafo Company sends forth drinks as messengers of celebration to the leading traditional homes. This not only announces the festival’s arrival but also invites these homes to prepare for the Asafo warriors and the revered deity’s visitation. The lead figures of the festival, led by the Nii Shippi Nkpa (the battlefield commander), Dzaase Asafoats3 Nii Tempong Sarpei III (senior captain), alongside Asafoats3 Brenya under the Antoa flag, and Asafoats3 Dzahene under the Akomfode flag, ensure the festival’s seamless celebration.

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Setting the stage

With the successful celebration, the commemoration and a testament to its unifying prowess. The festival has not only honored the valiant warriors of yesteryears but has also reinforced the bond that ties the community together. Through its captivating displays, vibrant colors, and deep-rooted traditions, Dade Tutswaa stands as a timeless testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Osu and sets the stage for this year’s Homowo scheduled to take place a few weeks from now.

 

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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