GRi Arts & Culture 06 – 01 - 2003

"I am still the Buemhene"-Nana Akpandja

National Musical Concert heralds Anniversary

 

 

"I am still the Buemhene"-Nana Akpandja

 

Jasikan (Volta Region) 06 January 2003- Nana Aburam Akpandja IV, Omanhene of the Buem Traditional Area, whose purported destolment was nullified by a High Court at Ho last July, at the weekend dispelled rumours that he had abdicated.

 

The Omanhene, who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, following speculations that he had abdicated stated: "I am still the Buemhene and l would remain so."

 

He said though he was law abiding, he would not allow any disgruntled persons to destroy his hard won reputation. The Omanhene said the black stool and the regalia of the paramouncy were still in his possession and advised those making the speculation to desist from the practice in the interest of the unity of the people.

 

Nana Akpandja called for reconciliation between the chiefs and people for the development of the area and wished the citizens a happy and prosperous new year. In April last year, 17 divisional Chiefs and five 'Mankrados' from the Traditional Area pronounced the destoolment of the Omanhene on allegations of embezzlement of funds and arbitrary rule.

 

Consequently, Nana Akpandja brought a writ of certiorari before the Court for the annulment of the action by the Chiefs and 'Mankrados.' The Court presided over by Mr Justice Richard Apaloo upheld Nana Akpandja's application and quashed the purported destoolment on 19 July last year.

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National Musical Concert heralds Anniversary

 

Accra (Greater Accra) 06 January 2003- The Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs in conjunction with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) on Saturday set the tone for the tenth anniversary celebration of the Fourth Republic and two years of positive change with a splendid national musical concert in Accra.

 

The Musical Concert attracted over eighty local and foreign seasoned artists, including Sonti Ndebeli a special guest artiste from South Africa, Kojo Antwi, Amakye Dede Paapa Yankson, Felix Bell, Tic Tiac.

 

Others were Mac Tonto, Adani Best, Good Old Kofi Sammy, Ever Green Sony Achieba, Prince Osei Kofi, K. K. Kabobo. The musical groups including Wulomei Cultural Troupe, the African Dance Ensemble, and the Asiedu Keteke Cultural Troupe were also present.

 

The musicians, artists and groups entertained the crowd with Reggae, Highlife, Hip-life and other musical performance. The concert was characterised by pomp and pageantry that show cased African rich musical and cultural values.

 

The artistic and colourful display by musicians thrilled the large audience, which included Ministers of State, Diplomatic Corps, the Press, and a cross-section of people at the Independence Square.

 

The Guest Artistes Ndebeli lead the audience into musical expository of South African dance with her melodious voice and masterly display of artistic steps, intertwined with swinging of the body to the admiration and surprise of the audience.

 

The ace Comedians Waterproof added comic to the night's performance with jokes. The 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces added colour and military touch to the event, when it held the audience spell-bound for about 45 minutes with splendid fireworks that lit up the sky with beautiful colour works.

 

Most of the audience the Ghana News Agency talked to commended the organisers for the orderly and peaceful atmosphere at the venue. This was in a sharp contrast to last year's programme that ended abruptly when some of the excited audience surged to the stage, a development that almost resulted in a stampede.

 

In fact, the invading audience overwhelmed the few security men on duty and destroyed the fencing and electrical wiring at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle where the event took place, where the first anniversary of Kufuor's administration dubbed "one year of positive change," was also marked.

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