The Chief of Sokode-Juaso in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region, Barimah Dr Kwabena Awuah Parker I, has honoured former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Umar Babs Bodinga, the community’s best 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, and two institutions for their contributions to community development.

The awards were presented during the commissioning and thanksgiving service of the newly constructed Sokode-Juaso Durbar Grounds on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Umar Babs Bodinga received a citation, a plaque, a designer wristwatch and an undisclosed sum of money in recognition of his dedication to public service during his tenure as MCE, particularly his contributions to the development of Sokode-Juaso.


Barimah Dr Kwabena Awuah Parker I expressed appreciation to the former MCE for his commitment to the community’s development and acknowledged his efforts in improving the welfare of residents.

The chief also presented GH¢20,000 to Osei Samuel Fordjour, a BECE graduate from Sokode-Juaso who obtained an aggregate of 12 in the 2026 examination.

He described the student's academic achievement as worthy of recognition and pledged to provide him with a scholarship to support his education through the tertiary level.

As part of the gesture, Barimah Dr Kwabena Awuah Parker I donated six sets of modern office tables each to the Akyem New Tafo Police Charge Office and Sokode-Juaso M/A Basic School. Additionally, Sokode-Juaso M/A Basic School received more than 300 pieces of Friday Wear.

Receiving the awards and donations on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, the Tafo District Police Crime Officer, and Kwaffo-Akoto, the Abuakwa North Education Directorate’s Human Resource Officer, expressed gratitude to the chief for the gesture.

They commended him for recognising individuals and institutions and supporting education and public service delivery in the municipality.

The ceremony was chaired by Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, Akyem Tafohene.

Notable personalities who attended the event included the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, Nana Kwame Addo Frempong, and his entourage; former Abuakwa North MP and former Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Gifty Twum-Ampofo; Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio IV, Akuapem Nifahene and Adukromhene; Sariki Abass Giwa, Akuapem Adantemhene; Barimah Ofori Mintah, Akyem Bediasihene; and the Akyem Kukurantumi Krontihene.


Also present was a representative of the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed, alongside other traditional leaders, members of the clergy, media practitioners and the general public.