Akyem Manso installs UniMAC-GIJ Lecturer as Sanaahene

A Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication- Ghana Institute of Journalism (Unimac-GIJ), Dr. Joseph Obeng-Baah, has been enstooled as the Sanaahene (Chief in-charge of Finance) of Akyem Manso Traditional Area in Asene-Manso-Akroso District of the Eastern Region. The ceremony which took in the palace of the Chief of Akyem Manso was characterised by drumming and traditional dance with most of the patrons clad in black and red regalia.

Nana Kwame Obeng-Baah Kyeretwie, Akyem Manso Sanaahene in handshake with chiefs during coronation ceremony.

As part of the traditional rites, the mouth of the Sanaahene was closed before they swore allegiance to the chief. With their black cloth wrapped around their chest, they held a sword and swore to respond to calls to serve the community anytime and ensure the development of the community.

After he was sworn in, the newly installed traditional leader took to the dancing floor and was joined by some traditional leaders of the community, family members, and friends in a traditional dance with joyfulness and clapping from the gathering. The ceremony was attended by family members, friends, associates in academia, students, and the residents of the community.

His colleague lecturers from UniMAC-GIJ were present to support were the Dean of Graduate School, Dr. Collins Adu-Bempah Brobbey, Dr. Jonas Anson Boateng, Head of Department of Communication and Integrated Sciences, Dr. Daniel Odoom, Dr. Lawrencia, and Mr. Eric Agyekum.

After conveying appreciation to the chief, elders, and the people of Akyem Manso, the new Sanaahene in his acceptance speech declared his commitment to serve his people and work tirelessly to bring a facelift to the community.

Nana Kwame Obeng-Baah Kyeretwie, Akyem Manso Sanaahene together with some Lecturers & students of UniMAC-GIJ at the coronation ceremony. 

The Benkumhene of Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Obrempong Sintim Poku III, who doubles as Chief of Akyem Manso, advised the new Sanaahene not to disobey his allegiance to always respond to calls to serve the community anytime and ensure the development of the community. Obrempong Sintim Poku III urged the newest Sanaahene to use his networks to come out with developmental initiatives to accelerate the growth in the communities as he has settled in the United States for a couple of years.

Some residents of the Manso community expressed their satisfaction with the traditional leaders for installing Dr. Obeng Baah as the Sanaahene of their traditional area. Itwas all joy and excitement after the enstoolment of Dr. Obeng Baah, now the Sanaahene of Akyem Manso.

He is now called Nana Kwame Obeng Baah Kyeretwie.

Background

Akyem Manso Sanaahene Nana Kwame Obeng, known in private life as
Dr. Joseph Obeng-Baah is a Lecturer at University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ).

Prior to joining UniMAC-GIJ, he served as the Head of Department of the Development Communication Programme at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra and taught as adjunct lecturer in the MA International Relations and Diplomacy Program at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and in the Communication Studies Program at Pentecost University. He previously taught as adjunct professor at the George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia in the United States.

He has also worked with several development organizations in the United States including the Pan American Health Organization (WHO regional bureau for the Americas), Internews, and International Medical Corps all in Washington, DC. He has many years of experience as a journalist and is a member and accredited practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), UK.

Published by Jerry John Akornor