Ekumfi Omanhen Calls for Renewed Commitment to Community Development

The Paramount Chief of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Odeefo Akyen VIII, has called on all sons and daughters of Ekumfi to rededicate themselves to the development of the traditional area.

The call formed part of a speech delivered on his behalf during the 69th Independence Day celebration in the district. The address was read by Nana Otwer Koko Nyeiku VII (Sumankwaahen of Ekumfi Traditional Area), who represented the Omanhen at the event.

In the message, Odeefo Akyen VIII emphasised the importance of unity, collective responsibility, and community participation in driving sustainable development across the traditional area.

He noted that although Ghana continues to make progress in safeguarding peace and democratic governance, many communities still face challenges such as youth unemployment, economic hardship among farmers and fishermen, and the need for improved social infrastructure.

The Omanhen therefore urged citizens not to leave development solely in the hands of government but to play active roles in transforming their communities. “I therefore call on every son and daughter of Ekumfi to rededicate themselves to the development of our traditional area,” he emphasised.

He further encouraged residents to prioritise education, support modern agricultural practices, maintain clean environments, and uphold peace within their communities.

Odeefo Akyen VIII also urged chiefs and elders across the traditional area to continue serving as pillars of guidance and unity while working closely with government authorities and development partners to advance the welfare of the people.

Echoing the call for unity, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, also appealed to residents of the constituency to remain committed to peace and collective development.

He urged traditional authorities, Assembly Members, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, and all stakeholders to work together in fostering harmony and encouraging the younger generation to seize opportunities that will shape the future of the constituency.

The MP reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the development of Ekumfi, noting that meaningful progress can only be achieved through unity, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for growth.

His message resonated strongly with the appeal earlier made in the speech delivered on behalf of the Omanhen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Odeefo Akyen VIII, who had called on all sons and daughters of Ekumfi to rededicate themselves to the development of the traditional area.

Together, the messages from both traditional and political leadership emphasised the need for unity, peace, and collaboration as Ekumfi works toward building a stronger and more prosperous future.

This year's Independence Day Celebration was themed, "Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope".

The event saw dignitaries such as the District Chief Executive; Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, Presiding Member; Hon. Kow Kakra Nketsia-Richardson, District Director of Education; Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, Paramount Queen of Ekumfi Traditional Area; Nana Beenyiwa, Ankobeahen of Ekumfi Traditional Area; Nana Amoasi VII, Patsirhen of Ekumfi Traditional Area and Odikro of Essarkyir; Nana Essel, Heads of various Security Services, National Democratic Congress Constituency Executive Members.

Government Launches Forensic Probe into COCOBOD's Finances Amidst Sector Turmoil

Dr. Ato Forson, Minister of Finance 

Government has ordered a comprehensive forensic audit into the finances and operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) spanning the past eight years. 

The directive, issued to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine, follows an emergency conclave convened by President John Dramani Mahama to address the sector's burgeoning crisis.

"To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector as a whole, cabinet also directed the Attorney General to commission concurrent forensic and criminal investigation into the activities of COCOBOD over the last eight years," Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced.

This sweeping investigation will run concurrently with far-reaching structural reforms aimed at resuscitating COCOBOD's financial fortunes and safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide. 

The sector has been reeling under the weight of delayed payments to farmers, sparking widespread concerns about Ghana's long-term status as a premier cocoa producer.

By: Lawrence Odoom (Phalonzy)

Gleeful Ekumfi Youths Pledge Unwavering Support for MP

Some youths of Ekumfi in the Central Region have expressed deep appreciation for the performance of the Member of Parliament for the Ekumfi Constituency, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, barely a year into his tenure, pledging their sustained support for his leadership and development agenda.

The show of support was made public on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when a seven-member delegation of Korean investors from Hwaseong arrived in Ekumfi for engagements on business and investment opportunities spanning healthcare, education, agribusiness, and other priority sectors.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Louis Biney, one of the youth leaders, noted that although Ekumfi once produced a President of the Republic between 2009 and 2012, the constituency could not fully benefit from the expected level of development due to the untimely demise of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. He described it as refreshing that, within just one year in office, Hon. Dr. Kwainoe has begun to position Ekumfi on a visible development path.

According to him, the presence of foreign investors in the constituency is a clear testament to the MP’s proactive leadership. He stressed that the youth are determined to support Hon. Dr. Kwainoe for as long as he remains active in politics.

He further described the MP’s performance as extraordinary, citing his commitment to opening Ekumfi to investment and economic opportunities.

Another youth, Richardson Biney, popularly known as Olobo, added his voice, stating that if Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe is unable to transform Ekumfi, then it would be difficult for any future leader to do so, given the level of effort and vision currently being demonstrated.

The Deputy Communications Officer of the NDC in the Ekumfi Constituency, Mr. Richard Bright Arthur, also expressed excitement over the MP’s performance, revealing that Hon. Dr. Kwainoe has hinted at bringing another group of investors from the United States of America within the year.

The Korean delegation, led by Mr. Young Tae Choi, expressed satisfaction with the warm reception and hospitality extended to them by the people of Ekumfi. He indicated the delegation’s readiness to invest, citing the preparedness and cooperation of the Omanhen, Odeefo Akyen VIII; the District Chief Executive, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah; and the MP, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, particularly in providing land and the needed support to ensure project success.

Revealing initial plans, Hon. Dr. Kwainoe disclosed that the investors intend to begin with salt mining and production, a move expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people of Ekumfi and significantly boost the local economy.

The MP therefore appealed to all stakeholders to rally behind the collective vision for a better and more prosperous Ekumfi, emphasising that unity and support remain critical to sustaining development.