Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – Gospel musician Piesie Esther and Nana Ankomako Adjei II, Chief Priest of Bredi-Nkoranza, were among distinguished personalities honoured at the maiden Sacred Crown Awards in Accra.
Piesie Esther received the Outstanding Woman in Gospel Music Award, while Nana Ankomako Adjei II was named the Sacred Crown Laureate 2026, the ultimate award of the night.
He was recognised for his contribution to preserving African traditional and ancestral heritage.
The Daughters of Glorious Jesus and the Nkyinkyim Band were also celebrated for their contributions to African music and cultural performance.
The ceremony, an initiative of the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, public officials and other distinguished personalities to celebrate African heritage, spirituality and wellness.
It also recognised individuals and institutions making exceptional contributions to society.
One of the striking features of the event was the diversity of religious and traditional expressions represented, with Christian clergy, traditional spiritual leaders and patrons from different backgrounds sharing a common platform.
The gathering offered a vivid demonstration that differences in religious beliefs and spiritual practices need not divide society but could provide opportunities for mutual respect, dialogue and national cohesion.
The citation presented to Nana Ankomako Adjei II described his recognition as an acknowledgement of an extraordinary life of spiritual guardianship and commitment to preserving African traditional and ancestral heritage.
It further hailed him for serving as a bridge between the ancestors and unborn generations.
Madam Princess Duncan, Chairperson of the Sacred Crown Awards, said the initiative was designed to celebrate the diversity of Ghanaian traditions and cultures while promoting mutual respect among people of different religious persuasions.
“A nation may have buildings, technology and wealth, but if the people no longer remember who they are, they will be made to live inside the identity of someone else. That is why heritage matters,” she said.
She said differences in faith should foster national unity rather than division.
Mr Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), commended the Ga Mantse for initiating the awards, describing them as an important platform for celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
He said the Association would support initiatives that promoted Ghanaian values, cultural preservation and social cohesion.
He expressed confidence that the awards would evolve into a lasting legacy for the Ga State and the nation.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II thanked partners and stakeholders for supporting the initiative and congratulated the award recipients for their contributions to society.
He also announced plans to commemorate his 10th anniversary as leader of the Ga State next year.
Other award recipients included Apostle Francis Amoako Atta, who received the Outstanding Prophetic Impact Award, and Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah, who was presented with the Prophetic Ministry Excellence Award.
Prophet Dr Emmanuel Adjei received the Outstanding Faith and Ministry Impact Award, while Prophetess Mrs Mary Sarfo was honoured with the Celestial Prophetess Excellence Award.
Some government officials of Ga-Dangme descent were also recognised for their contributions to national development, alongside other individuals honoured posthumously.
The event was attended by Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, and Mr Oko Vanderpuje, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, among other dignitaries.
The ceremony was interspersed with musical performances by gospel and secular artistes, including Medikal, adding colour and entertainment to an evening dedicated to celebrating African identity, creativity and cultural heritage.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Acquah Sackey