Under a clear, cerulean sky that many described as a divine sign of approval from the ancestors, the Shama Traditional Area came to a standstill to honor the life and legacy of the late Nana Kwamina Wienu II, the Adontinhene of Shama.

The funeral, characterized by a profound display of Akan culture and state-level significance, was not only led but also personally funded by His Royal Majesty Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area. His Majesty’s dedication ensured that the departed statesman received a burial befitting his immense contribution to the Shama people.

The event served as a powerful intersection of governance and tradition. A high-powered government delegation was present to pay their respects, signaling the late Adontinhene’s influence beyond the traditional realm. Notable dignitaries in attendance included:

• Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

• Hon. George Mireku Duker, Fomer Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

• Hon. Joe Ghartey, Former Railway Development Minister

• Hon. Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister

The presence of these officials underscored the late Nana Kwamina Wienu II’s role as a bridge-builder between the local community and national development initiatives.​The Unity of the Great Crowns​The funeral rites, meticulously steered by the Shama Traditional Council, saw an extraordinary turnout of the Western Region’s traditional leadership. In a beautiful display of solidarity, several Paramount Chiefs and divisional heads arrived in their full regalia, including:

• Obrempong Hema Dekyi XIV (Dixcove)

• Awulae Kwaw Armah

• Awulae Adangamaatu Agan

A delegation from:

• Awulae Attibrukusu III (Lower Axim)
• ​Okatakyi Amenfi VII (Asebu State)
• Nana Condua VI (Edina)
• The Apinto Divisional Council

As the vibrant sounds of the fontomfrom drums echoed through the air, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV performed the traditional rites with grace and solemnity. The community noted that the perfect weather and the seamless flow of the ceremony were evidence that the Gods of the Land had blessed the occasion.

The late Adontinhene was remembered not just as a sub-chief, but as a pillar of wisdom and a custodian of the Shama heritage. Through the personal sponsorship and leadership of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Shama Traditional Area has set a high standard for honoring its heroes.

Today, we have not just buried a chief; we have celebrated a titan. May the path be cleared for Nana Kwamina Wienu II as he joins our ancestors.” — A representative of the Shama Traditional Council.

The successful conclusion of the funeral rites marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Adontin division, though the void left by Nana Kwamina Wienu II will be felt for generations to come. Damirifa Due, Nana.

In a significant move towards fostering regional development and unity,on the 11th of April, the Council of State Member (Dr.Maxwell Boakye ) for the Western Region paid an official working visit to the Omanhene of the Shama Traditional Area and his Council at The Nana kwaw Fraiku Palace. The meeting served as both a formal expression of gratitude and a platform to discuss the urgent developmental needs of the Shama district.

Key Highlights from the Council of State Member

His Excellency opened the session by outlining the primary objectives of his visit, centered on three pillars.

• Gratitude and Recognition

He officially called on Osagyefo to express his sincere appreciation for the support received during and after his election. He noted that this formal visit was a necessary step in honoring the traditional leadership that anchors the region.

• A Call for Strategic Collaboration

Emphasizing that “unity is strength,” the Member appealed to the Omanhene and his council to partner with him. He stressed that the progress of the Western Region depends on a seamless synergy between traditional authorities and government representatives.

• Request for Spiritual Guidance

Recognizing the weight of leadership, he humbly requested the prayers of the Traditional Council for himself, Hon. Emelia Arthur, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Shama, asking for wisdom to serve the people effectively. Also , He requested for unity and cooperation among Nananom and the politicians, MP, Minister and the DCE. And also urged Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV for Spiritual Guidance.

Osagyefo’s Response- Addressing Critical Gaps

While welcoming the call for collaboration, Osagyefo seized the opportunity to highlight several pressing challenges that require immediate government intervention to improve the lives of his people.

• Healthcare Infrastructure

The Osagyefo raised concerns regarding the Shama Government Clinic, noting a severe lack of essential tools and equipment. He urged the Council of State Member to liaise with the central government to ensure the facility is properly equipped to provide quality healthcare.

• Inadequate Ambulance Services

​Hampering the ability to respond to medical emergencies

• Accommodation Crisis

A distressing lack of housing for health personnel has led to situations where male and female staff share limited quarters—a situation the osagyefo described as highly inappropriate and a hindrance to professional morale.

• The Shama Fishing Harbour

In a passionate plea for the local economy, the Omanhene highlighted the decline of the fishing industry in Shama. Due to the absence of a dedicated fishing harbour, local canoe owners are forced to dock as far away as Sekondi, Axim, or even Côte d’Ivoire.​”The establishment of a fishing harbour is not just a request; it is a necessity to revive our coastline and bring jobs back to our youth,” the Osagyefo emphasized.

• Immediate Appointment of A District Judge to Tackle Legal Backlog in Shama

Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV also made a passionate plea to the Council of State to address the prolonged absence of a District Judge in the district.​During the engagement with member of the Council of State, Osagyefo highlighted how the vacancy is crippling the local judicial system and denying his people timely access to justice.

Moving Forward

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to keep the channels of communication open. By bridging the gap between the Council of State and the Traditional Authorities, there is renewed hope that the challenges facing the Shama District will receive the national attention they deserve, paving the way for a more prosperous Western Region.

Shama, Ghana – The second edition of the Shama Municipal Youth Awards and Dinner Night has concluded on a high note, marked by a powerful call to action from the highest traditional authority in the land.

The event, which celebrated young changemakers in the municipality, was graced by the presence of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area and President of the Shama Traditional Council.

Delivering his keynote address, the revered chief did not mince words about the role of the younger generation. He charged the youth to see themselves not as leaders of tomorrow, but as partners of today in the region’s development.“We must come together as one body—not as rivals, but as relatives—to promote the progress of Shama,” Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV stated. “Let us channel our energies into building businesses, protecting our environment, and raising the banner of Shama high. I also urge you to take part in clean politics. Do not allow your hands to be stained with violence or your minds with corruption. Politics must be a tool for service, not a weapon for destruction.”

The chief, known for his developmental strides in education and infrastructure, did not stop at advice. He threw his royal weight behind the organizers of the awards, praising them for their vision and execution.“You have done remarkably well to honor excellence among our youth. But you can do more, and I assure you that the Traditional Council will provide massive assistance for the next edition,” he promised, drawing loud applause from the audience.

In a dramatic and heartfelt turn of events, the youth present turned the tables on the chief. In recognition of his relentless impact on the Shama Traditional Area and his unwavering financial and moral support for the awards program, the organizers presented Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV with a special citation and a plaque of honor.Receiving the award, the visibly moved chief dedicated it to the ancestors of Shama. “This is not for me alone,” he said. “It is proof that when a leader serves his people, the people will always serve back.”The night saw several young entrepreneurs, students, and community volunteers decorated with trophies for excellence in leadership, sports, and education.

As the dinner ended, stakeholders described the event as a turning point for youth engagement in the municipality, with many looking forward to the promised royal assistance in the next edition.

The Shama Traditional Council has marked a monumental milestone in international diplomacy following the official visit of Mr. David Worden, Councillor of South Molton, UK, and former Deputy Leader of North Devon Council, to the palace of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV.

The visit, aimed at revitalizing the “Sister City” relationship between the two communities, was characterized by profound gestures of mutual respect and a shared vision for future development.

During the formal reception, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV expressed his deep gratitude to the people of South Molton. He specifically highlighted the honor bestowed upon the Shama people by the naming of a town in the United Kingdom after Shama, describing it as a testament to the enduring affection between the two jurisdictions.

In a reciprocal gesture of partnership, Mr. Worden extended a prestigious invitation to Osagyefo to visit the United Kingdom again .This upcoming visit is intended for Osagyefo to perform the “final sod cutting” for a new construction project, symbolizing the physical bridging of their two cultures.

In recognition of his commitment to the progress of the Paramountcy, the Shama Traditional Council conferred one of its highest honors upon Mr. Worden. He was formally enstooled as the Developmental Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, receiving the stool name Nana Kwasi Essuah I.

“I am deeply happy to be here in Ghana,” Mr. Worden stated during the climax of his visit. “The welcome I have received from Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV and the Shama Traditional Council has been truly wonderful. I am honored to accept this role and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

This visit marks a renewed chapter in the “twinning” relationship between Shama and South Molton. Both leaders have pledged to focus on educational exchange, infrastructure support, and cultural preservation to ensure that the ties between the United Kingdom and the Shama Traditional Area remain vibrant for generations to come.

The Shama Traditional Area has reached a significant milestone in its pursuit of communal harmony and progress. In a ceremony rich with cultural heritage, Nana Adwoa Mankrado of Inchaban and Nana Kyereboah V of Supow Mu Dunkwa have formally sworn their oaths of allegiance to the Paramount Chief, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV.
​The event, held at the Shama Palace, brought together elders, kingmakers, and residents to witness the reaffirmation of loyalty to the Paramount Stool.

A Call to Leadership: “Stand Firm for Unity”

​The highlight of the ceremony was a poignant fatherly advice delivered by Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV directly to Nana Kyereboah V following his oath.
​Recognizing the challenges that often come with leadership and local governance, the Paramount Chief urged the newly sworn-in chief to prioritize the cohesion of his people.

Osagyefo emphasized that the strength of a leader is measured by the peace within his council.
​”I charge you to stand firm in your leadership,” Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV stated. “Your primary duty is to ensure that you bring unity among your elders at all times. It is only through a united front that you can effectively contribute to the development of the Shama Traditional Area.”

​Pledging Support for Growth

​The ceremony also saw Nana Adwoa Mankrado of Inchaban reaffirm her stool’s commitment to the Shama State. Both sub-chiefs pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the land while working hand-in-hand with the Paramountcy to improve the lives of their subjects.
​The key themes of the day’s addresses included:

• ​Conflict Resolution: The importance of settling internal disputes through dialogue.

• ​Developmental Synergy: Aligning local projects with the broader vision of the Shama Traditional Council.

• Cultural Preservation: Maintaining the sanctity of the stools and the rites of the Shama people.
• ​Strengthening the Traditional Fabric

​The Regional House of Chiefs was marked by a significant high-level engagement this week as Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, Omanhene of the Shama Traditional Area, participated in a strategic consultative meeting with leadership from the Petroleum Commission.
​The meeting, held at the Regional House of Chiefs, served as a vital platform for traditional authorities and industry regulators to align on the future of Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.

Key Highlights of the Engagement

• ​Local Content Participation: Osagyefo advocated for stricter adherence to local content laws, ensuring that indigenous businesses and youths within the traditional areas are prioritized for technical roles and procurement contracts.
• ​Environmental Stewardship: With the expansion of offshore activities, the Omanhene emphasized the need for robust environmental safeguards to protect the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
• ​Community Investment: Discussions touched upon the transition from “Corporate Social Responsibility” to “Sustainable Social Investment,” focusing on long-term infrastructure and education projects that outlive oil exploration.
  ​A Unified Vision for Growth

Addressing the Commission and his fellow Chiefs, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV remarked on the necessity of a transparent partnership between the custodians of the land and the regulators of the industry.
​”Our role as traditional leaders is to ensure that the natural wealth of our soil and sea translates into tangible development for our people. We welcome the Petroleum Commission’s transparency and look forward to a collaboration that prioritizes the dignity and prosperity of the host communities.”

​The Petroleum Commission, led by its senior executives, provided updates on current oil and gas projects and reaffirmed its commitment to regular stakeholder engagements with the House of Chiefs.
​Moving Forward
​The meeting concluded with a consensus to establish more frequent communication channels between the Commission and the Traditional Council. This will ensure that the people of the region remain informed and active participants in the nation’s energy journey.

The Shama Municipality was filled with vibrant displays of culture and agricultural abundance as the community gathered to celebrate the annual Farmers’ Day. The event, chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and local producers to honor the “backbone of the nation.”

A Display of Abundance

The celebration grounds were transformed into a marketplace of excellence, with local farmers displaying a vast array of foodstuffs, ranging from giant tubers of yam and cassava to fresh vegetables and livestock. The exhibition served as a visual testament to the fertility of the Shama lands and the hard work of its people.​Distinguished farmers and fishers were presented with awards, including farming equipment and essential supplies, to recognize their contributions to food security. Beyond the prizes, the ceremony served as a platform to encourage all producers to scale up their efforts to ensure the nation remains self-sufficient.

Drama with a Message

A key highlight of the day was a poignant drama performance that moved the audience. The play centered on the urgent need to protect the environment, specifically focusing on preserving water bodies and forest reserves. Through song and acting, the performers illustrated the dire consequences of deforestation and water pollution, urging the current generation to “guard the earth for those yet to be born.”

Leadership and Vision

In his keynote address as Chairman, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV expressed deep gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the Shama Constituency for the developmental strides made in the region. He commended the MP’s dedication to the welfare of the people and the successful organization of the ceremony.

​The Paramount Chief also turned his attention to the next generation. Addressing the “Agriculture is a punishment” stereotype, Osagyefo emphasized that modern farming is a lucrative business driven by science and technology.​”Agriculture is not a sign of poverty; it is a path to wealth,” Osagyefo stated. “I urge our youth to venture into farming, utilize the available government supports, and take their place as the providers of our nation’s food security.”​

The celebration concluded with a call for unity, as the Traditional Council and government representatives stood together, reflecting the “Eat Ghana” spirit and a shared vision for a prosperous, green, and food-secure Shama.

SHAMA, Western Region – In a moving tribute to the pillars of the community, the Paramount Chief of Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, marked this year’s Father’s Day by reaching out to the elderly fathers across the district with significant donations of food items and essentials.​The gesture, aimed at honoring the often-overlooked role of aged men in family and national stability, brought smiles and a sense of belonging to hundreds of senior citizens who gathered at the Shama Lorry Station.

A Tribute to Sacrifice

Addressing the gathering, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV noted that while mothers are frequently celebrated, the silent sacrifices of fathers—particularly those who have aged out of the active workforce—deserve equal recognition and care.​”A community that forgets its elders forgets its own history,” Osagyefo remarked. “These fathers have spent their youth tilling our lands, fishing our waters, and raising the leaders of today. It is only right that in their sunset years, we ensure they do not go hungry or feel forgotten.”

The Donation

The items distributed included:

• Bags of rice and grains.
• Cooking oil and assorted canned goods.
• Nutritional supplements tailored for senior health.
• Traditional fabrics and personal care items.

The distribution was organized to ensure that even those with limited mobility received their packages, with volunteers from the Traditional Council delivering items directly to the homes of the most frail.

Prayers for the Land​

The atmosphere was thick with emotion as the elderly recipients took turns to offer traditional prayers and blessings for the Paramountcy. One recipient, 84-year-old Opanyin Mensah, noted that this was the first time many of them had felt so “seen” on a Father’s Day.​”Nana has shown us that he is a father to the fatherless and a son to the elderly. We sleep tonight knowing that our king carries our welfare in his heart,” he said

A Call to Action​

Osagyefo used the occasion to challenge the youth of Shama to take better care of their aging relatives, reminding them that “the grey hairs of today are the mirrors of your own tomorrow.” He also called on local organizations to create more social safety nets for the elderly in the Western Region.​This Father’s Day intervention adds to a growing list of philanthropic activities by Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, further cementing his reputation as a leader whose throne is rooted in service and compassion.

A New Dawn for Vocational Excellence

SHAMA, Western Region – In a significant boost to technical education and gender empowerment, the Paramount Chief of Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has officially accepted the call to sponsor the construction of a modern girls’ dormitory for the Shama Technical Institute (SHATECH)​The announcement was met with widespread jubilation from students, faculty, and the Shama community, marking a turning point for an institution that has long grappled with housing shortages for its female population.

A Commitment to Education

For years, female students at SHATECH have faced challenges securing safe and proximity-friendly accommodation. During a recent consultative meeting, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV emphasized that technical education is the “backbone of national development” and that young women must be given the same infrastructure as their male counterparts to succeed.​”Our daughters should not have to choose between their safety and their education,” the Paramount Chief stated. “By building this dormitory, we are not just laying bricks; we are building a foundation for the future female engineers, architects, and innovators of Shama.”

Impact on the Community

The proposed facility is expected to include:

• Modern sleeping quarters for over 1000 female students.
• Study halls equipped for night-time learning.
• Enhanced security measures to ensure a safe learning environment.

The management of Shama Technical Institute expressed profound gratitude, noting that this intervention will significantly reduce the dropout rate among female students who previously traveled long distances to attend classes.

The Road Ahead

Local stakeholders see this as a call to action for other traditional leaders and private sector partners to invest in vocational training across the region.​This noble gesture by Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV reinforces his legacy as a champion of human capital development and a visionary leader dedicated to the progress of the Shama Traditional Area.

In a powerful display of religious tolerance and communal unity, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, joined the Muslim faithful at the Shama Junction Central Mosque to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.​The visit, characterized by warmth and mutual respect, was highlighted by the Paramount Chief’s personal reflection on his upbringing and a significant donation to support the community during the festive season.

A Shared Heritage

Addressing the congregation, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV surprised many with a touching revelation about his roots. He shared that his commitment to the Muslim community is deeply personal, as he was partially raised by a Muslim father.​”I grew up attending Muslim prayers and witnessing the beauty of your devotion firsthand,” the Paramount Chief remarked. “Being here today feels like coming home.

“​The mosque, usually a place of solemn prayer, was filled with laughter and cheers as Osagyefo recounted fond memories of his youth. The Chief Imam and elders warmly welcomed the traditional leader, noting that his presence served as a testament to the peace and cohesion existing within the Shama district.

A Leader of Diversity

The Chief Imam, Uncle Mahamude, expressed profound gratitude for the royal visit. He described the Paramount Chief’s decision to enter the mosque as a historic gesture that defines him as a “leader of diversity.”​”For His Royal Majesty to step foot into the mosque and sit with us today means he sees no boundaries in leadership,” Uncle Mahamude stated.​Following his remarks, the Chief Imam led a special prayer session for the Paramount Chief. Reciting verses from the Holy Quran, he asked the Almighty to grant Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV divine wisdom, long life, and the strength to lead the Shama Traditional Area to greater heights.

Donation and Development