In a display of political camaraderie and national unity, President John Dramani Mahama paid a courtesy visit to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, at his residence at Aburi, in the eastern region of Ghana to exchange season’s greetings. The meeting, which took place amidst the festive end-of-year atmosphere, served as a significant moment of bridge-building between two of Ghana’s most prominent elder statesmen.
During the visit, President Mahama extended his warmest wishes to the “Gentle Giant” and his family, reflecting a long-standing tradition of mutual respect that transcends partisan lines.
The two leaders engaged in a private conversation centered on well-wishes for the coming year and the continued peace and prosperity of the Ghanaian people.
Members of the Kufuor household welcomed president Mahama with open arms, underscoring the cordial relationship that exists between the two families. Observers note that such interactions between high-ranking political figures are vital for the country’s democratic fabric, signaling to the public that leadership can remain dignified and collaborative despite historical political competition.
The visit concluded with shared reflections on the importance of family and faith during the holiday season. As photos of the encounter circulated, the gesture was widely praised by citizens as a refreshing example of statesmanship and a reminder of the shared values that unite the nation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation has launched a new annual award scheme designed to recognize and motivate locally recruited staff serving in Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the globe. The initiative aims to promote productivity and inclusivity among employees who support Ghana’s international operations but are hired within their respective host countries.
Highlighting the inaugural honors, a veteran driver at the Ghanaian Embassy in France, Mr. Oriel Chinthaka Ariyaratna Paiyagala Linyanage, was surprised with a comprehensive award package during a recent carols service. Originally from Sri Lanka, Mr. Linyanage has served the Paris mission for 41 years. As part of his recognition, he has been granted an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana, marking his first visit to the country he has served for over four decades. His father also served as a driver for the same embassy for many years but never had the opportunity to visit Ghana.
Other long-serving personnel recognized under the new scheme include Mr. Evans Aryeequaye Attoh, who has served as a driver in Rome for 36 years, and Mrs. Caroline Nkrumah-Appiah, a stenographer at the New York mission with 35 years of service. Mr. Philip Twum Nkansah was also honored for his 35-year tenure as an accounts assistant in Rome.
Foreign Affairs officials noted that while home-based Foreign Service staff already benefit from a distinct recognition program, this new scheme ensures that locally recruited colleagues are equally celebrated. The ministry emphasized that the contributions of these dedicated individuals are highly valued by the state and that the awards ceremony will remain a permanent fixture on the ministry’s annual calendar.
Sankofaonline was present at two remarkable worship services this weekend, each offering a distinct yet deeply moving expression of Ghanaian Christian heritage in the diaspora.
At the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Redemption Congregation, a special portion of the service was devoted to hymnology, a tradition that remains central to Presbyterian worship.
Hymnology in the Presbyterian Church has long served as more than music; it is a teaching tool that shapes theological understanding, strengthens corporate worship, and reinforces Scripture through song. From its historical journey, moving from strict psalm‑singing to the inclusion of hymns by writers such as Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, the tradition now blends classical Presbyterian repertoire with contemporary expressions, creating a bridge between generations and preserving the church’s Reformed identity.
During the service, the congregation was taken through the background and spiritual significance of several timeless hymns. “A Charge to Keep I Have” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” were rendered with reverence, some beautifully sung in Akan, reminding worshippers of the enduring power of faith expressed in their mother tongue.
The narration of each hymn’s history added depth and meaning, transforming familiar melodies into living testimonies of Christian devotion.
Across town, at the Church of the Ghanaian Community, worshippers were treated to an extraordinary musical offering by the Glorious Betson children, Charis on cello, Victor on viola, and Emmanuel on both violin and viola. Their performance was nothing short of captivating. With poise beyond their years, they delivered stirring renditions of cherished hymns including “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” filling the sanctuary with a purity of sound that held the congregation spellbound. It was a spectacular display of youthful talent, discipline, and spiritual artistry.
Both services, though different in style, shared a common thread: a profound commitment to worship that honors God, uplifts the community, and preserves the rich musical and spiritual heritage of Christianity. From the theological depth of hymnology at Redemption Congregation to the breathtaking instrumental ministry at the Church of the Ghanaian Community, the weekend stood as a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of faith among Ghanaians in Chicago.
Ho, Ghana – The 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration was held in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, on Friday, December 5, 2025, under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.” The event served to honor the crucial contributions of the nation’s farmers and fishers to food security and economic development.
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, praised the honorees, describing them as the backbone of national development and vital to sustaining the nation’s food system and driving economic growth. Speaking at the grand durbar, the Minister noted that this year’s celebration was particularly significant as it was the first held under the President’s renewed mandate and was hosted in the Volta Region, which is renowned for its rich agricultural tradition.
Reviewing the progress of the past eleven months, Minister Opoku stated that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture had built a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, guided by science and strengthened through partnerships with research institutions. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring food and nutrition security nationwide, highlighting that support through sponsorships, insurance packages, and value chain investments demonstrated strong confidence in the sector. He specifically mentioned RICO’s Family Day Insurance package as a significant step in risk mitigation for farmers.
The Minister also commended the Agri-House Foundation for its pivotal role in organizing the National Agricultural Fair, noting that the partnership enabled the five-day event to be held at no cost to the state this year.
In a related address, Emelia Arthur Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture acknowledged the resilience of the nation’s farmers, fishers, aquaculture operators, and processors whose daily efforts sustain food security and support livelihoods. She expressed appreciation to the President for his commitment to modernizing the fisheries sector and improving the wellbeing of fishing communities.
Ms. Arthur highlighted major achievements in 2025, including the passage of the Fisheries & Aquaculture Act (Act 1146), the expansion of the Inshore Exclusion Zone, ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, and development of the Ghana Blue Economy Strategy. Other milestones included progress on the first Inland Fisheries Management Plan and the successful National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers.
The celebration culminated in the honoring of outstanding individuals in the sector. Awardees included: Mr. Clemence Sewornu (National Best Marine Fisher), Mr. Richard Dittoh (National Best Fish Farmer), Mr. Kofi Adukpo (National Best Inland Fisher), Madam Margaret Ahadjitse (National Best Fish Processor), Ms. Esther Boateng (Best Extension Officer – Southern Zone), and Mr. Israel Hanson Otu Arthur (Best Extension Officer – Northern Zone).
The speakers congratulated all awardees and called for deeper collaboration among government, traditional authorities, private actors, and development partners to build a more sustainable and resilient fisheries sector.
President John Dramani Mahama chose a meaningful way to celebrate his 67th birthday on Friday, spending the day visiting young patients in two Accra hospitals. Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Lordina Mahama, the President visited the children’s wards at LEKMA Hospital and Maamobi Polyclinic. The couple brought along various items and tokens for the children and their parents during their visits.
In a statement following the visits, President Mahama expressed gratitude for the well wishes, prayers, birthday greetings, cards, and flowers he received from Lordina and many Ghanaians. He noted that spending his birthday with the young citizens on admission at the hospitals was the best way to celebrate.
He further stated that seeing the smiles on the young patients’ faces underscored the importance of his #ResettingGhana initiative, which he stated must succeed “to build a Ghana where every child has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to thrive.”
The President also extended his thanks to the incredible medical staff at both facilities, acknowledging their crucial role in making a difference in the lives of the children and their families.
