Meet the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse alias Stephen Akwetey

The recent uproar over the alleged customary marriage involving Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, better known as the Gborbu Wulomo, has cast a spotlight on a man with a multifaceted background that spans traditional roles to sports administration.

Stephen Akwetey, the man behind the traditional title of Gborbu Wulomo, has been at the centre of a heated controversy following his involvement in a marriage ceremony that sparked widespread condemnation across Ghana. While the details of the ceremony have raised significant concerns, delving into Mr. Akwetey's past sheds light on a journey marked by diverse roles and contributions to different spheres of society.

Born into the Ga community, Mr. Akwetey has been actively engaged in traditional and community affairs since his early years. He served as the assistant secretary of the June 4 Movement (Nungua Branch) from 1980 to 1981, quickly rising to become the secretary in subsequent years. His dedication to community service led him to assume various leadership roles within organizations like the Nungua Area PDC and Nungua CDRS during the early 1980s.

In pursuit of further education and expertise, Akwetey ventured abroad under the Ghana government's sponsorship, studying Method of Youth Organization in Bulgaria and obtaining a Diploma in Social Sciences from the Lenin School of Social Sciences in the USSR (Russia). Armed with this knowledge, he returned to Ghana and contributed significantly to the Information, Culture & Education sector in the Accra District CDRS from 1984 to 1988.

Mr. Akwetey's passion for community development extended into sports administration, where he made notable contributions to Accra Hearts of Oak S/C Ltd. Starting as a Management Member/Assistant Team Manager in 1998, he gradually rose through the ranks, becoming the Team Manager in 2003 and later the operational Director. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Accra Hearts of Oak S/C Ltd. in 2007.

Beyond sports, Mr, Akwetey's involvement in political affairs saw him assume the chairmanship of the Krowor Constituency for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party after the 2001 elections.

While his recent controversy has sparked public outrage, Stephen Akwetey's journey reflects a man who has traversed diverse sectors, leaving a mark in traditional affairs, community development, sports administration, and political engagement. 

As discussions continue surrounding his actions as the Gborbu Wulomo, his past roles and contributions add layers to the ongoing narrative.