In a swift and decisive response to the pleas of local traders, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has brought a long-awaited “light of hope” to the Shama Market.​Just days after the market women raised concerns regarding the lack of a proper lighting system, the Paramount Chief, accompanied by Nana Supi and Nana Adwoa Mankrada of Inchaban, visited the market to officially address the crisis and provide immediate relief.

A Solution to Insecurity and Early Closures

For months, the market women have struggled with the perils of darkness. The absence of light had turned the market into a hotspot for petty theft, with many traders reporting stolen foodstuffs and broken into stores. Furthermore, the darkness forced many to close their businesses prematurely, cutting into their daily bread.​During the gathering, the market women could not hide their joy, showering Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV with praises.​”We are finally at peace,” one trader remarked. “Before this, we lived in fear of thieves and had to pack up before the sun fully set. This kindness from our father, Osagyefo, is a massive relief.”

Leadership That Listens

The speed of the intervention caught many by surprise. Mr. Daniel, who operates the local information center at the market, admitted he did not expect such a rapid response.”To be honest, I wasn’t expecting His Royal Highness to come to our aid this early. It shows his deep love and commitment to the welfare of the market women,” Mr. Daniel stated, thanking the Paramount Chief for his proactive leadership.

A Call for Unity and Development

Adding her voice to the occasion, Nana Adwoa Mankrada of Inchaban urged the community to reciprocate the Chief’s kindness with loyalty and spiritual support. She emphasized that the lighting project is just a glimpse of the progress possible under his leadership.​”As we have seen the kindness of His Royal Majesty, let us pray for him and support him wholeheartedly,” Nana Adwoa Mankrada said. “Our support is what will empower him to continue developing the Shama Traditional Area.”​The installation of the lighting system is seen as a major victory for the local economy, ensuring that the Shama Market remains a safe and productive hub for all.

In a powerful show of support for youth talent and physical education, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has donated GHC20,000 to the Shama District Education Directorate.​The donation was made during the inter-school sports competition held at Half Assini, where students from across the district gathered to compete in various track and field events.​

A Warm Welcome

​The Shama District Director of Education, Mr. Charles Adu Tailor, officially welcomed the Paramount Chief . In an appreciative address, Mr. Tailor praised Osagyefo for his presence and his quick response to the directorate’s request for assistance.​”We made a plea to the traditional office, and today, Osagyefo has proven that he is a leader who listens,” Mr. Tailor said. “This donation will go a long way in ensuring our young athletes have the resources they need to compete at their best and represent Shama with pride.”

​Investing in Youth Excellence​

Addressing the gathering of teachers, and sports enthusiasts, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV explained that his commitment to the district goes beyond classroom academics. He emphasized that sports play a vital role in building character, discipline, and unity among the youth.​”Seeing the youth of Shama excel in sports is in my best interest,” the Paramount Chief declared. “As the custodian of this land, I believe that a healthy and active youth population is the foundation of a prosperous future.”​He further reassured the Education Directorate that his doors remain open, pledging to support the youth whenever the call for assistance is made.​The Role of Sports in Community Development​The GHC20,000 contribution is expected to cover logistics, equipment, and rewards for the participating students. This gesture highlights the strong partnership between the traditional authority and the educational sector in the Shama District, ensuring that holistic development—both mental and physical—is achieved for the younger generation.

In a massive boost to community development and youth empowerment, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has made a staggering donation of GHC100,000 toward the total renovation of the Shama Youth Centre.​The donation, which has sent waves of excitement throughout the district, is aimed at transforming the currently dilapidated centre into a modern hub for social and intellectual activity.​

A Major Financial Boost

According to the Assembly Member for Shama Bentir, the total budget required to bring the Youth Centre back to life was estimated at GHC300,000. While the community was strategizing on how to raise the funds, the Paramount Chief stepped in to provide a third of the total cost single-handedly.​The Assembly Member praised the Chief for his swift intervention, noting that such a significant contribution significantly reduces the burden on the local assembly and speeds up the commencement of the project.

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Fostering Unity and Progress

​Speaking on the motivation behind this heavy investment, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV emphasized that the youth are the heartbeat of Shama. He noted that the renovation of the centre is not just about brick and mortar, but about creating a sanctuary for progress.​”A renovated Youth Centre will not only bring our young people together in unity but will also serve as a dignified venue for hosting programs, workshops, and communal gatherings,” the Paramount Chief stated.​He further added that as a custodian of the land, his primary responsibility is to ensure that developmental initiatives that benefit the masses are prioritized. “Our leadership is measured by the legacy we leave for the next generation,” he added.​

Moment of profound gratitude

The Assembly Member for Shama Bentir, on behalf of the youth and the people of the area, expressed immense gratitude to Osagyefo for his “kindness and unparalleled benevolence.”​”This is leadership in action,” the Assembly Member remarked. “Osagyefo has shown that he doesn’t just talk about development; he invests in it. This GHC100,000 is a seed that will grow into a better future for every young person in Shama.”​The renovation works are expected to begin shortly, with the community looking forward to a brand-new facility that reflects the rising spirit of the Shama Traditional Area.

In a significant move to boost the academic performance of students within the Shama Traditional Area, the Paramount Chief, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has distributed Mathematical Sets to all final-year Junior High School (JHS) students in the district.​The donation is aimed at equipping the candidates with essential tools as they prepare for their upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The gesture has been met with widespread praise from educators and parents alike. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary schools, one headmistress expressed profound gratitude, noting that the intervention could not have come at a better time.​”This distribution has arrived at the perfect moment,” she stated. “Many parents in this community find it extremely difficult to afford basic stationery and Mathematical Sets for their children. This burden has been lifted off their shoulders, and it ensures that no student will be disadvantaged during the examination.”

During the distribution ceremony, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV took the opportunity to engage directly with the students, offering words of fatherly advice and encouragement. He urged the candidates to move past any distractions and focus entirely on their books.​”Do not take these tools for granted. Use them to sharpen your skills and excel in your exams,” the Paramount Chief told the cheering students. “Remember, you are the future of Shama. Our progress as a traditional area depends on your brilliance and your dedication to education

The distribution exercise is part of the Paramount Chief’s broader vision to improve the standard of education in Shama. By removing the financial barriers to acquiring educational materials, the Shama Traditional Council hopes to see a significant improvement in the district’s overall BECE results this year.​The students, visibly motivated by the Chief’s visit and gift, promised to give their best in the upcoming exams to justify the investment made in their future.

In a remarkable display of leadership and commitment to rural healthcare, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, has officially commenced the renovation of the Bentir Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound.​The intervention comes just days after the Traditional Leader paid a working visit to the facility to assess its deteriorating state. True to his word, workers and materials arrived at the site shortly after his promise to restore the clinic to a functional and dignified state.

A Facility in Distress

During his initial inspection, the Paramount Chief was met with a sobering reality. Nursing staff at the compound shared harrowing accounts of the challenges they face while trying to provide life-saving care to the community.​Key issues highlighted by the medical team included:• ​Leaking Roofs: Nurses reported that during rainfall, the interior of the clinic becomes virtually unusable, threatening medical supplies and patient comfort.

Lack of Staff Housing: The absence of an on-site room for nurses means that during nighttime emergencies, there is often a delay in response as staff must travel from afar to attend to patients.• ​Sanitation Crisis: Perhaps most distressing was the revelation that the facility lacks a basic toilet. Nurses and patients are currently forced to walk long distances just to access a place of convenience.

The Chief’s Response

​Deeply moved by the plight of both the staff and the residents of Bentir, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV did not merely offer sympathy; he offered a solution.​”Healthcare is a fundamental right, and those who sacrifice to care for us must work in dignity,” the Paramount Chief noted during the commencement of works.​The renovation project is expected to be comprehensive. Beyond fixing the leaking roof, the plan includes the construction of an additional room to serve as on-site accommodation for duty nurses. Furthermore, the Chief has pledged to address the sanitation crisis by installing modern toilet facilities within the compound.​Community Gratitude​The local community and the nursing staff have expressed profound relief. “We felt forgotten,” one nurse remarked. “To see the Paramount Chief come here personally and then send workers just a few days later gives us hope that we can finally do our jobs without fearing the rain or the dark.”​This initiative by Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV stands as a testament to the vital role traditional authorities play in national development and the immediate improvement of the lives of their people.

The Grand Arrival

As the procession from Shama emerged, the crowd parted like the tide. Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area, arrived with a regal poise that commanded instant silence, followed by a thunderous cheer. Adorned in rich, hand-woven Kente and gold ornaments that told stories of ancestral bravery, he led the Shama Traditional Council into the heart of Edina.​The atmosphere was electric. Nana Condua VI, the Omanhene of the Edina Traditional Area, stood to receive his brother-king.

The two leaders shared a profound moment of traditional greeting—a silent acknowledgement of the deep-rooted ties between their people. Other sub-chiefs and paramount chiefs from across the region rose in unison, offering a warm welcome that signaled the unity of the Fante states.

A Vision of Unity

The durbar ground was a kaleidoscope of color. Dancers swirled in vibrant fabrics, and the spiritual energy of the Bakatue—the “opening of the lagoon”—felt more potent than ever. When Nana Condua VI took the microphone, his voice carried the weight of both history and hope.​”Behold a leader of vision,” Nana Condua proclaimed, gesturing toward Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV. “In Osagyefo, we see the best king to lead the development of the Shama Traditional Area. His wisdom is the lighthouse that Shama needs.”

Nana Condua’s speech shifted to the unbreakable bond between the two coastal giants. He reminded the gathered thousands that Shama and Edina are twin towns, bound by the sea, by trade, and by blood.​”As we have met here at Edina for this beautiful occasion,” Nana Condua declared, “so shall we come together for peace and development. Our borders do not divide us; they are the bridges that connect our progress.

A Gesture of Brotherhood

The climax of the ceremony came when Nana Condua expressed his formal gratitude for a significant act of solidarity. He announced to the cheering crowd that Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV had donated GH₵10,000 toward the success of the Bakatue festival.​The donation was more than just financial support; it was a “seed of peace.” Nana Condua thanked the Shama Paramountcy for their generosity, noting that such a gesture ensured the cultural heritage of the Fante people would remain vibrant for generations to come.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the Elmina Castle in the background, the two chiefs sat side-by-side. The festival was no longer just a celebration of a new fishing season—it had become a historic summit of brotherhood, promising a future where Shama and Edina would grow, hand in hand, as one.

The historic market town of South Molton recently swapped its quiet North Devon charm for the vibrant gold and pageantry of West African royalty. In a rare and significant visit, His Royal Majesty Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Paramount Chief of the Shama District in Ghana, arrived to breathe new life into a decade-old bond.​For the residents of South Molton, it was more than just a diplomatic meeting; it was the rekindling of a “Sister City” initiative that had remained largely quiet for over a decade.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

The relationship between the two communities began in 2010, but momentum slowed as the Shama District underwent a 13-year period without a seated king. Following his enstoolment in February, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV made it a priority to travel to the UK to personally revitalize the partnership.​

Accompanied by fellow Ghanaian Francis Mensah, the King stayed as a guest of South Molton Councillor David Worden. This personal touch set the tone for the visit—one defined by friendship rather than just formality.

From the Pannier Market to the Parish Church​During his stay, the King immersed himself in the local culture, touring the town’s most iconic landmarks. The royal itinerary included:• ​The Pannier Market: Where the King experienced the heart of North Devon commerce.• ​South Molton Parish Church: A moment of reflection and shared history with local leaders.• ​

Community Hubs: Visits to the South Molton Library, the local museum, and the Smart Swim Centre.​In a lighthearted moment that captured the spirit of the trip, the King was even spotted testing out a different kind of “throne”—a piece of local furniture—to the delight of his hosts.​A Vision for the Future​The visit culminated in a powerful address to the South Molton Town Council, by invitation of Mayor Councillor Paul Henderson.

Dressed in traditional regalia, the King spoke of Shama as the “gateway to western Ghana,” a region of 150,000 people looking toward a future of sustainable progress.​”I seized this opportunity to visit South Molton to discuss our partnership and to revitalise our collaboration for the mutual benefit of both our communities,” the King told the council.​

He took a moment to offer a heartfelt “God bless you” to those who laid the groundwork for this bond, specifically mentioning Councillors David Worden, Stephen Lock, and Christian Lock, as well as Dr. Kathrine Govier, a South Molton physician who volunteered at Shama Hospital in 2010.​

Strengthening the Sister City Bond​As the President of the Shama Traditional Council, the King emphasized that his office provides the stability needed for long-term goals. His vision for the twinning relationship focuses on:• ​Environmental Stewardship: Protecting natural resources through shared knowledge.• ​Economic Progress: Fostering activities that benefit both Shama and South Molton.• ​Cultural Exchange: Preserving heritage while embracing modern unity.​

The King’s visit serves as a reminder that despite the thousands of miles and different cultures, the goals of community, stability, and progress remain universal. As he returned to Ghana, he left behind a town that is no longer just a dot on a map to him, but a true sister city.​

GWIRA – The annual Gwira Homecoming and Heritage Festival reached a high point this weekend as the community gathered not only to celebrate their rich cultural roots but also to honor the extraordinary philanthropy of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV.​The festival, a vibrant display of tradition and unity, served as the backdrop for a series of major announcements regarding the development of the Gwira traditional area.

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A Major Boost for Education​In a move that drew thunderous applause from the gathered crowds, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV announced a significant donation of GH₵10,000 toward the ongoing construction of the community’s new school dormitory. Addressing the gathering, Osagyefo emphasized that investing in the living conditions of students is a direct investment in the future leadership of the nation.​A Legacy of Development Revealed​The depth of Osagyefo’s commitment to the region was further illuminated by Safohen Bentir Kweku Esoun, who took to the podium to acknowledge the Chief’s consistent support.

In a revealing address, Safohen Esoun disclosed that the very grounds on which the festival was being held had been prepared and leveled through the personal efforts and resources of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV.​Safohen Esoun further detailed a long list of contributions that have fundamentally changed the lives of the Gwira people, including:• ​Healthcare Infrastructure: Leading the efforts in the construction of the local CHPS compound.• ​Emergency Services: The personal procurement of a brand-new ambulance to ensure timely medical evacuations for the community.

• ​Site Preparation: Ensuring the community has viable spaces for large-scale gatherings and events.​”Osagyefo does not just speak about development; he builds it with his own hands and resources,” Safohen Esoun remarked. “From the clinic to the very ground we stand on today, his footprints are everywhere

.”​Royal Gratitude​The climax of the event saw the Gwira Paramount King officially expressing his profound gratitude to Osagyefo. The Paramount King noted that such “unwavering benevolence” is a rare trait and described Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV as a pillar of strength for the Gwira state. He called on other prominent sons and daughters of the soil to emulate this spirit of selflessness to help bridge the infrastructure gap in the area.​As the drums faded and the festival drew to a close, the mood in Gwira was one of renewed hope. With the dormitory project now bolstered by fresh funds and a new ambulance ready for service, the legacy of this year’s Homecoming will be felt for generations to come.

In a historic ceremony steeped in tradition and solemnity, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV was formally inducted as the Paramount King of the Shama Traditional Area on Tuesday, 15th December, at the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi.The induction, which marks the culmination of an extensive customary and legal process, was witnessed by a gathering of revered paramount chiefs, queen mothers, traditional leaders, and dignitaries from across the region.

The event signifies a new chapter for the Shama Traditional Area under the leadership of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, who now ascends the throne with the full endorsement of both customary authority and state law.The ceremony began with the presentation of the new paramount king to the House, following his due enstoolment in accordance with the ancient customs and traditions of the Shama people. The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nkatsia presided over the induction, affirming that all required traditional rites and legal procedures had been meticulously observed.“Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV has been duly enstooled following the appropriate customary and legal processes,” Nana Kobena Nkatsia declared. “His legitimacy is unquestionable, and today, we welcome him formally into this august house as the father and leader of Shama.”

Following the induction, several senior paramount chiefs offered counsel to the new king, urging him to prioritise unity, development, and the welfare of his people. “Awulae Agyefi Kwame- Nsein Omanhen and Awulae Attibrukusu -Lower Axim Omanhen advised, A ruler’s strength lies in the prosperity of his people. We urge you to champion education, health, and infrastructure. Bring together the youth and the elders, and let development be your signature.”In his acceptance address, Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV expressed gratitude for the guidance and pledged to serve with humility, wisdom, and dedication.“I am deeply honoured by the trust reposed in me by the kingmakers, elders, and people of Shama. I accept this mantle with a profound sense of duty,” he stated. “I will work tirelessly with all stakeholders traditional leaders, government, and our citizens to foster sustainable development, preserve our rich culture, and improve the livelihoods of our people.”

The Shama Traditional Area, rich in history and resources, is poised for transformation under its new leader. Expectations are high, with many residents hopeful that the king’s tenure will attract investment, enhance tourism, and resolve longstanding local challenges.The ceremony concluded with the signing of the official register of the House, followed by traditional music and from the assembled chiefs.

As Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV returns to Shama to begin his reign, the entire traditional area watches with anticipation, ready to support a king who has been prepared by custom, confirmed by law, and now charged with steering his people toward a brighter future.