TWENTY-four people from all the ethnic groups in the Upper West Region have filed their nominations to vie for the top positions of the regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Since the close of nominations last weekend, the race has become keener and more exciting with the contestants having their campaigns on the doorstep of would-be delegates.
Significantly, even though the NPP is not in power, this year’s race for the regional executive positions has attracted a lot of enthusiastic youth, many of whom have thrown their weight behind the various candidates and are even on their campaign trails, helping to sell the messages of the respective candidates to the delegates.
Tomorrow December 29, 2009, delegates numbering 204 drawn from members of TESCON and elders of the party in the region, and the candidates themselves, will come together to elect their representatives to lead the party in the coming years.
One of the positions which many expect to be very keenly contested is that of the regional chairman which the current indefatigable chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Abdul Rahman Short, a businessman, who has been able to win three parliamentary seats for the NPP in the region, is predicted by many to retain. He has two contenders, namely a former Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Mogtari Sahanoon, and Mr Eddy Kaleonaa Tizzala, also a businessman.
For the position of first vice-chairman, a former Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Ismail Madah, a bursar Mr Bawah Bismark, and Mr Abubakari Bawa are contesting. To the pundits, it is a race in which any of the three candidates could carry the day.
For the second vice-chairman position, Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, who is presently the regional youth organiser, has been tipped to win the seat, taking into consideration his achievements as a youth organiser.
Mr Bin Salih is, therefore, enjoying massive support, especially from the youth. He is being challenged by a businessman, Mr David Kandoh.
Subsequently, the seat of the incumbent Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Abu Tamah Tony, which has been described as one of the hottest seats in the region also has very competent and affable members of the NPP rubbing shoulders.
They are the incumbent Secretary, Mr Tamah Tony, a former special assistant in former President Kufuor’s administration and currently a lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS); Mr Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen and Mr Yussif Yakubu Sungumo, an accounts clerk at the Islamic Hospital in Wa.
The race is, however, said to be between Mr Engmen and Mr Tamah Tony. Messrs Mumuni Baba Seidu and Nankpa A. Osman are also contesting the Assistant Secretary positions in an all-educationists affair.
Following closely in the race is the position of Regional Organiser in which Messrs Abraham Bankpanla, Angmaawine Siita and Edward Dombo, an administrative assistant, the current Assistant Regional Secretary and an educationist respectively are challenging each other.
All the candidates are said to be well on the ground and, therefore, none of them is taking things for granted.
For the women, there are only two options, which are to either endorse Madam Helen Bangonluuri, who is the incumbent Women’s Organiser or introduce Madam Martha Kumbal to continue from where Madam Bangonluuri would leave off.
The Regional Youth Organiser and treasurer positions have six men who have over the years supported the NPP and worked in many capacities to ensure the growth of the party in the region. The include Messrs Mustapha Dimah Govier, a businessman; Mujeeb Rahman and Mr Issahaque Murtada, all educationists, while Mr Dudu Philip, an accounts clerk; Mr Salifu Waah, a former DCE, and Mr Issahaque Tiffere, a student, are also going for the position of Treasurer.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
NDC MUST MANAGE DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES WELL — CHIREH (PAGE 16, DEC 22)
THE Upper West regional delegates conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) finally came off successfully in Wa over the weekend, with a call on members to begin to manage the democratic processes in the party very well in order not to sow seeds of division among themselves.
The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, who gave the advice, said, “Now the playground has changed and so it is not like in the 1990s when people were told to step down during elections and they did that quietly”.
In an apparent reference to events which preceded the conference, thereby compelling some gurus of the party to be up in arms against Mr Matthew Sung- Aabo, also known as Matco, when he decided to contest the incumbent chairman, Alhaji Malik Issahaque, Mr Yieleh Chireh urged members, particularly the leadership of the party, to respect the structures provided in the constitution of the party to ensure that every member of the party got his or her due.
He was, however, happy that in spite of the initial skirmishes, members were able to come to a consensus on the withdrawal of Mr Sung-Aabo and others, to pave the way for the peaceful and successful conduct of the conference.
“Please, nobody should be made to feel excluded; we have to look at inclusiveness. There is the need for a united front and so let’s talk about issues and those who can do the work, not ethnic politics,” Mr Yieleh Chireh cautioned and advised members to work to strengthen the structures of the party.
Elections were conducted for the positions of only the deputy regional secretary, youth organiser and women organiser with the other candidates being endorsed unanimously.
As a result, Alhaji Malik Issahaque still remains the Regional Chairman of the NDC with Alhaji Issahaque Natornaa and Mr Geoffrey Baduon Dudiam as the Vice Chairpersons. Mr Eric Dakura was endorsed as the secretary while Mr Dominic Zineyel was elected as the Deputy Secretary.
The rest are Messrs Adams Issahaque, Regional Organiser; Bayong Bin Yussif, Deputy Organiser; Joseph Natu, Treasurer; Kojo Sumba Wiera, Deputy Treasurer; Yahaya Yakubu, Propaganda Secretary, and Stephen Kpen, Deputy Propaganda Secretary.
They were sworn in by the Deputy National Propaganda Secretary of the NDC, Madam Ladi Ayi Ayamba.
Earlier, the immediate past Regional Secretary of the party and current Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, expressed his profound gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the party during the 2008 general election.
He mentioned, for instance, the role and contributions of the constituency executives, party foot soldiers and more especially the media in the region for their professionalism and called for similar support during President Mills’s administration.
Touching on some of the issues of concern, Mr Kale proposed that the Propaganda Secretary position of the party be renamed “Information and Research Directorate since the word propaganda sent the wrong signals.
He was also of the view that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party should institute measures to take care of the concerns of the party foot soldiers in order to untie the party hierarchy from government.
Mr Kale further appealed to all the supporters of the party to unite and rally behind the government as it prepared the grounds to achieve the “Better Ghana” it promised.
Other speakers at the function were the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and a Member of the Council of State, Alhaji Naa Seidu Braimah.
The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, who gave the advice, said, “Now the playground has changed and so it is not like in the 1990s when people were told to step down during elections and they did that quietly”.
In an apparent reference to events which preceded the conference, thereby compelling some gurus of the party to be up in arms against Mr Matthew Sung- Aabo, also known as Matco, when he decided to contest the incumbent chairman, Alhaji Malik Issahaque, Mr Yieleh Chireh urged members, particularly the leadership of the party, to respect the structures provided in the constitution of the party to ensure that every member of the party got his or her due.
He was, however, happy that in spite of the initial skirmishes, members were able to come to a consensus on the withdrawal of Mr Sung-Aabo and others, to pave the way for the peaceful and successful conduct of the conference.
“Please, nobody should be made to feel excluded; we have to look at inclusiveness. There is the need for a united front and so let’s talk about issues and those who can do the work, not ethnic politics,” Mr Yieleh Chireh cautioned and advised members to work to strengthen the structures of the party.
Elections were conducted for the positions of only the deputy regional secretary, youth organiser and women organiser with the other candidates being endorsed unanimously.
As a result, Alhaji Malik Issahaque still remains the Regional Chairman of the NDC with Alhaji Issahaque Natornaa and Mr Geoffrey Baduon Dudiam as the Vice Chairpersons. Mr Eric Dakura was endorsed as the secretary while Mr Dominic Zineyel was elected as the Deputy Secretary.
The rest are Messrs Adams Issahaque, Regional Organiser; Bayong Bin Yussif, Deputy Organiser; Joseph Natu, Treasurer; Kojo Sumba Wiera, Deputy Treasurer; Yahaya Yakubu, Propaganda Secretary, and Stephen Kpen, Deputy Propaganda Secretary.
They were sworn in by the Deputy National Propaganda Secretary of the NDC, Madam Ladi Ayi Ayamba.
Earlier, the immediate past Regional Secretary of the party and current Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, expressed his profound gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the party during the 2008 general election.
He mentioned, for instance, the role and contributions of the constituency executives, party foot soldiers and more especially the media in the region for their professionalism and called for similar support during President Mills’s administration.
Touching on some of the issues of concern, Mr Kale proposed that the Propaganda Secretary position of the party be renamed “Information and Research Directorate since the word propaganda sent the wrong signals.
He was also of the view that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party should institute measures to take care of the concerns of the party foot soldiers in order to untie the party hierarchy from government.
Mr Kale further appealed to all the supporters of the party to unite and rally behind the government as it prepared the grounds to achieve the “Better Ghana” it promised.
Other speakers at the function were the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and a Member of the Council of State, Alhaji Naa Seidu Braimah.
Monday, December 21, 2009
ALL STARS BEAT NEW EDUBIASE (BACK PAGE, DEC 21)
A spirited first half perfomance by Wa All Stars propelled them to collect the three maximum points against a resilient New Edubiase side in their Glo Premier League match played at the Wa stadium yesterday.
Diminutive Seidu Shaibu Zida drew first blood in the eighth minute for the home side when he slowly planted the ball past good old James Nanor, who together with his defenders, were caught ball-watching after a throw-in into the vital area of New Edubiase.
However, the visitors did not allow the early goal to unsettle them as they quickly reorganised and kept the pressure on the homesters. It was during one of these incursions that a quick ball from Nanor saw Eric Fordjour controlling the ball well and quickly putting it behind onrushing Robert Dabuo in post for All Stars in the 12th minute.
From then on it was a game of equals until a Daniel Bomfah deflection from a Nortey Frank Sowah shot in the 19th minute sealed the doom of the visitors.
Diminutive Seidu Shaibu Zida drew first blood in the eighth minute for the home side when he slowly planted the ball past good old James Nanor, who together with his defenders, were caught ball-watching after a throw-in into the vital area of New Edubiase.
However, the visitors did not allow the early goal to unsettle them as they quickly reorganised and kept the pressure on the homesters. It was during one of these incursions that a quick ball from Nanor saw Eric Fordjour controlling the ball well and quickly putting it behind onrushing Robert Dabuo in post for All Stars in the 12th minute.
From then on it was a game of equals until a Daniel Bomfah deflection from a Nortey Frank Sowah shot in the 19th minute sealed the doom of the visitors.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
CEPS IMPOUNDS UNCUSTOMED CIGARETES...At Bonda in Wa East Distric (PAGE 16, DEC 16)
FORTY-FIVE cartons of Gold Seal cigarettes, with a duty value of GH¢9,350, have been impounded at Bonaa in the Wa East District in a police and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) collaboration.
The cigarettes were allegedly being smuggled from Kulebi, near Kalba, a Northern Region town bordering Cote d’Ivoire.
Those arrested in the operation are Abubakar Abdullai, 24, Majid Iddrisu, 42, both traders, and Siita Mahama, a galamsey operator.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Alex Bedie, said CEPS officials on duty at Kulmasa on December 10, 2009 were privy to information that some people were transporting goods through some unapproved routes from Cote d’Ivoire into the country.
He said when the consignment got into Ghana, the alleged smugglers passed through Lassie via Ga in the Wa West District before crossing over onto the Wa–Kumasi road through to Bonaa in the Wa East District.
At that time, Mr Bedie said, the CEPS officials were trailing the vehicle conveying the cigarettes.
He said on arrival at Bonaa with the consignment, the suspects quickly unloaded the goods and took to their heels but the CEPS officials were able to arrest Abdulai.
He said CEPS informed the police, who later dispatched the goods to the head office of CEPS to unload.
Upon interrogation, Abdulai admitted that he had been doing the business for some time now.
Abdulai again told the police that he was engaged by Iddrisu to help transport the cigarettes from Kulebi into Bonaa.
He said they then chartered the KIA truck, with registration number UE 98 R, which was being driven by one Abu Mahama, who is at large to convey the goods to Wa.
Mr Bedie said further investigations by the police led to the arrest of Majid Iddrisu, who claimed he was a dealer in cigarettes in Wa.
The cigarettes were allegedly being smuggled from Kulebi, near Kalba, a Northern Region town bordering Cote d’Ivoire.
Those arrested in the operation are Abubakar Abdullai, 24, Majid Iddrisu, 42, both traders, and Siita Mahama, a galamsey operator.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Alex Bedie, said CEPS officials on duty at Kulmasa on December 10, 2009 were privy to information that some people were transporting goods through some unapproved routes from Cote d’Ivoire into the country.
He said when the consignment got into Ghana, the alleged smugglers passed through Lassie via Ga in the Wa West District before crossing over onto the Wa–Kumasi road through to Bonaa in the Wa East District.
At that time, Mr Bedie said, the CEPS officials were trailing the vehicle conveying the cigarettes.
He said on arrival at Bonaa with the consignment, the suspects quickly unloaded the goods and took to their heels but the CEPS officials were able to arrest Abdulai.
He said CEPS informed the police, who later dispatched the goods to the head office of CEPS to unload.
Upon interrogation, Abdulai admitted that he had been doing the business for some time now.
Abdulai again told the police that he was engaged by Iddrisu to help transport the cigarettes from Kulebi into Bonaa.
He said they then chartered the KIA truck, with registration number UE 98 R, which was being driven by one Abu Mahama, who is at large to convey the goods to Wa.
Mr Bedie said further investigations by the police led to the arrest of Majid Iddrisu, who claimed he was a dealer in cigarettes in Wa.
UNEASY CALM IN UPPER WEST NDC (PAGE 16, DEC 16)
THE call for change in the hierarchy of the Upper West Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has angered some party gurus in the region, including Members of Parliament (MPs).
The latest to join the fray is the MP for Jirapa, Dr Francis Bawaana Dakurah, who has lashed out at those calling for change.
Ever since Mr Mathew Sung-Aabo, also known as Matco, declared his intention of challenging the incumbent Regional Chairman, Mr Malik Issahaque, a businessman who has been in office for the past 17 years, it has resulted in an uneasy calm among the party faithful across the region.
They have accused Matco of playing politics along ethnic lines, which has been described by the party gurus as “baseless and dangerous”.
Previously, positions in the party were distributed to appease the major ethnic groups in the region.
The announcement by Matco is seen as an act of betrayal, in bad faith and a show of “disrespect”.
Mr Issahaque is seen as a father figure who, for the past years, has laid down his life for the growth and consolidation of the NDC.
While supporters of Matco are calling for a new face and vision to propel the party to a different height, the supporters of the incumbent chairman are arguing that Matco’s group is a Mafia which must not be tolerated, Matco has the democratic right to contest.
Matco’s group has been accused of fielding candidates who are from Nadowli, who are predominantly Dagabas. Issahaque has Wala and Dagaba parentage but he was born and bred in Wa.
It is against this background that Dr Dakurah held a press conference to state his position on the seeming conflict in the party in the region.
Addressing the press conference at the GNAT Hall in Wa, the MP for Jirapa said any member of the party was free, if only qualified, to contest any election in the party.
He said the Upper West Region had only one ethnic group and that is “all the ethnic groups in the region”.
He declared his support for Alhaji Issahaque and called on all party members to do same.
On recent events in the party, Dr Dakurah said former President Rawlings, like any other past leader of the country, was appreciated by all.
“We all have different approaches of seeing things and so when President Rawlings says something, he has the right to do so,” he pointed out.
He said there were no cracks in the NDC, except that sometimes people used the wrong platform and approach to put their views across.
“In my opinion, Mrs Rawlings should let go her intention to contest as national vice-chairperson of the NDC and rather sit back as a mother, just like President Rawlings who has been playing a fatherly role since he left power,” Dr Dakurah noted.
He called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the Mills government as it worked to improve the lot of the people.
Come Saturday, December 19, 2009, the NDC in the Upper West would hold its delegates conference and, unlike on previous occasions when the leadership of the party ensured that the positions were spread across the length and breadth of the region, the opposition by Matco and the other contestants, all from Nadowli, is seen as a step to change the status quo and make the congress more interesting and very competitive.
The latest to join the fray is the MP for Jirapa, Dr Francis Bawaana Dakurah, who has lashed out at those calling for change.
Ever since Mr Mathew Sung-Aabo, also known as Matco, declared his intention of challenging the incumbent Regional Chairman, Mr Malik Issahaque, a businessman who has been in office for the past 17 years, it has resulted in an uneasy calm among the party faithful across the region.
They have accused Matco of playing politics along ethnic lines, which has been described by the party gurus as “baseless and dangerous”.
Previously, positions in the party were distributed to appease the major ethnic groups in the region.
The announcement by Matco is seen as an act of betrayal, in bad faith and a show of “disrespect”.
Mr Issahaque is seen as a father figure who, for the past years, has laid down his life for the growth and consolidation of the NDC.
While supporters of Matco are calling for a new face and vision to propel the party to a different height, the supporters of the incumbent chairman are arguing that Matco’s group is a Mafia which must not be tolerated, Matco has the democratic right to contest.
Matco’s group has been accused of fielding candidates who are from Nadowli, who are predominantly Dagabas. Issahaque has Wala and Dagaba parentage but he was born and bred in Wa.
It is against this background that Dr Dakurah held a press conference to state his position on the seeming conflict in the party in the region.
Addressing the press conference at the GNAT Hall in Wa, the MP for Jirapa said any member of the party was free, if only qualified, to contest any election in the party.
He said the Upper West Region had only one ethnic group and that is “all the ethnic groups in the region”.
He declared his support for Alhaji Issahaque and called on all party members to do same.
On recent events in the party, Dr Dakurah said former President Rawlings, like any other past leader of the country, was appreciated by all.
“We all have different approaches of seeing things and so when President Rawlings says something, he has the right to do so,” he pointed out.
He said there were no cracks in the NDC, except that sometimes people used the wrong platform and approach to put their views across.
“In my opinion, Mrs Rawlings should let go her intention to contest as national vice-chairperson of the NDC and rather sit back as a mother, just like President Rawlings who has been playing a fatherly role since he left power,” Dr Dakurah noted.
He called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the Mills government as it worked to improve the lot of the people.
Come Saturday, December 19, 2009, the NDC in the Upper West would hold its delegates conference and, unlike on previous occasions when the leadership of the party ensured that the positions were spread across the length and breadth of the region, the opposition by Matco and the other contestants, all from Nadowli, is seen as a step to change the status quo and make the congress more interesting and very competitive.
GHANA TO RECEIVE H1N1 VACCINES FROM WHO (BACK PAGE, DEC 16)
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) is to supply Ghana with 2.4 million doses of H1N1 vaccines in February 2010 as a contingency measure to deal with reported cases of the influenza.
When delivered, the vaccines will benefit only 10 per cent of the country’s population. They will be given to health workers, community-based surveillance volunteers, pregnant women, security personnel at the borders and people with chronic ailments whose immune systems are very weak.
The Upper West Regional Disaster Surveillance Officer of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Mr Jacob Kojo Aleeba, who gave the hint, said the country was yet to come up with any form of vaccine to counter the pandemic in case of an unexpected outbreak.
“The vaccines are not on our market. They are also very expensive and so even if one has the money, it will be difficult getting them,” he stated.
Mr Aleeba was speaking at a day’s sensitisation workshop on H1N1 influenza in Wa.
The workshop was organised by the GHS for representatives from various media houses, the security agencies and some health workers.
On the outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM), he said the health directorate did not have any vaccine to combat the disease and was working tirelessly to prevent its total occurrence in the region.
He, therefore, entreated the populace to sleep in well-ventilated rooms and take in more water when the heat set in early next year.
In a presentation, the Medical Officer in charge of the Nandom Hospital, Dr Richard Seme-Wodah, pointed out that the region was yet to record any case of the H1N1 influenza since its outbreak.
He, however, added that in the case of suspected cases of the influenza, samples had been taken from victims to be tested, saying, “With the onset of the harmattan, we are likely to have cases of the H1N1 in this region.”
He mentioned some of the symptoms that led to early detection of the pandemic as sore throat, coughing and sneezing.
Dr Seme-Wodah , therefore, stressed the need for a thorough public sensitisation to the H1N1 pandemic, adding, “We must observe stringent hygienic practices, such as the regular washing of hands, the use of tissue when sneezing and coughing, among other measures.”
When delivered, the vaccines will benefit only 10 per cent of the country’s population. They will be given to health workers, community-based surveillance volunteers, pregnant women, security personnel at the borders and people with chronic ailments whose immune systems are very weak.
The Upper West Regional Disaster Surveillance Officer of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Mr Jacob Kojo Aleeba, who gave the hint, said the country was yet to come up with any form of vaccine to counter the pandemic in case of an unexpected outbreak.
“The vaccines are not on our market. They are also very expensive and so even if one has the money, it will be difficult getting them,” he stated.
Mr Aleeba was speaking at a day’s sensitisation workshop on H1N1 influenza in Wa.
The workshop was organised by the GHS for representatives from various media houses, the security agencies and some health workers.
On the outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM), he said the health directorate did not have any vaccine to combat the disease and was working tirelessly to prevent its total occurrence in the region.
He, therefore, entreated the populace to sleep in well-ventilated rooms and take in more water when the heat set in early next year.
In a presentation, the Medical Officer in charge of the Nandom Hospital, Dr Richard Seme-Wodah, pointed out that the region was yet to record any case of the H1N1 influenza since its outbreak.
He, however, added that in the case of suspected cases of the influenza, samples had been taken from victims to be tested, saying, “With the onset of the harmattan, we are likely to have cases of the H1N1 in this region.”
He mentioned some of the symptoms that led to early detection of the pandemic as sore throat, coughing and sneezing.
Dr Seme-Wodah , therefore, stressed the need for a thorough public sensitisation to the H1N1 pandemic, adding, “We must observe stringent hygienic practices, such as the regular washing of hands, the use of tissue when sneezing and coughing, among other measures.”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
MICRO FINANCE SAVINGS FOR WOMEN IN SISSALA (PAGE 11, DEC 15)
ABOUT 10,000 women in the Sissala East and West districts in the Upper West Region have formed the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) and mobilised GH¢90,000 through a micro finance savings model code-named Accumulating Savings and Credit Associations (ASCA).
Plan Ghana, a child centred international non-governmental organisation, assembled the people and provided them with technical advice. Members of the association are made up of poor and vulnerable women who are engaged in agricultural production, processing and marketing. Others are also into petty trading and medium-scale trading.
The VSLA model is designed to be more flexible, and members take loans at an interest rate and repay at a period determined by the members.
Each of the VSLA has an average membership of 25, who meet regularly on a weekly basis during which they contribute and save money.
According to the Tumu Area Programme Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr Richard Boadu, beneficiaries repay the loans through the straight line method, which involves splitting the interest over an initial period by paying the principal at the end and they receive the loan according to their contributions to the savings.
Speaking at the second graduation of the second batch of members of the VSLA in Tumu, Mr Boadu, who quoted from the 2005 Ghana Human Development report, explained that 30 per cent of people did not have access to any form of financial services, which is a serious drawback to rural growth.
Based on this, he said, Plan Ghana through its microfinance model introduced the VSLA in the Sissala West District in 2007 to whip up membership drive, improve on the savings habit among the people to enable them to mobilise funds to start new businesses in their respective communities.
“As of October 2009, a number of communities in the Sissala West and Sissala East districts with over 10,000 members from 400 associations are benefiting directly from the Plan Ghana VSLA scheme. Out of the total membership, 87 per cent are women. Similarly, 80 VSLA groups from 15 communities graduated in the year 2008 but today we are celebrating the graduation of 313 associations from 40 communities” Mr Boadu indicated.
He added that Plan Ghana had also trained about 45 village agents to support members of the associations and their groups in their work and also to work to form more groups, pointing out that “painstaking efforts had been made to build the capacities of the members of the associations”.
He said recent reports from some communities indicated that more women had been empowered financially under the scheme.
He commended the women who availed themselves to kick start the VSLA, and that Plan Ghana sought to link the VSLA groups to recognised financial institutions for more grants to train more groups under the scheme.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, expressed appreciation to Plan Ghana for the initiative and was optimistic that the scheme would bring great relief to people since it would provide them with an immediate access to credit.
“As a sustainable financial service it would promote businesses and also pave the way for people to access loans timely and at affordable interest” he said.
Mr Kale further urged members of the associations to spread the good news to entice more members to their fold to sustain the scheme.
Plan Ghana, a child centred international non-governmental organisation, assembled the people and provided them with technical advice. Members of the association are made up of poor and vulnerable women who are engaged in agricultural production, processing and marketing. Others are also into petty trading and medium-scale trading.
The VSLA model is designed to be more flexible, and members take loans at an interest rate and repay at a period determined by the members.
Each of the VSLA has an average membership of 25, who meet regularly on a weekly basis during which they contribute and save money.
According to the Tumu Area Programme Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr Richard Boadu, beneficiaries repay the loans through the straight line method, which involves splitting the interest over an initial period by paying the principal at the end and they receive the loan according to their contributions to the savings.
Speaking at the second graduation of the second batch of members of the VSLA in Tumu, Mr Boadu, who quoted from the 2005 Ghana Human Development report, explained that 30 per cent of people did not have access to any form of financial services, which is a serious drawback to rural growth.
Based on this, he said, Plan Ghana through its microfinance model introduced the VSLA in the Sissala West District in 2007 to whip up membership drive, improve on the savings habit among the people to enable them to mobilise funds to start new businesses in their respective communities.
“As of October 2009, a number of communities in the Sissala West and Sissala East districts with over 10,000 members from 400 associations are benefiting directly from the Plan Ghana VSLA scheme. Out of the total membership, 87 per cent are women. Similarly, 80 VSLA groups from 15 communities graduated in the year 2008 but today we are celebrating the graduation of 313 associations from 40 communities” Mr Boadu indicated.
He added that Plan Ghana had also trained about 45 village agents to support members of the associations and their groups in their work and also to work to form more groups, pointing out that “painstaking efforts had been made to build the capacities of the members of the associations”.
He said recent reports from some communities indicated that more women had been empowered financially under the scheme.
He commended the women who availed themselves to kick start the VSLA, and that Plan Ghana sought to link the VSLA groups to recognised financial institutions for more grants to train more groups under the scheme.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, expressed appreciation to Plan Ghana for the initiative and was optimistic that the scheme would bring great relief to people since it would provide them with an immediate access to credit.
“As a sustainable financial service it would promote businesses and also pave the way for people to access loans timely and at affordable interest” he said.
Mr Kale further urged members of the associations to spread the good news to entice more members to their fold to sustain the scheme.
Monday, December 7, 2009
MILITARY AND POLICE CLAMP DOWN ON CRIMINALS (PAGE 35, DEC 7)
A joint police and military swoop at the Jamboree area in the Wa municipality, has led to the arrest of 10 suspected drug peddlers and criminals who are reported to be terrorising innocent residents in the vicinity.
The suspects are Yaw Ketewa 37, unemployed; Adamu Emmanuel, 22, a student; Issah Dalifu, 35, a galamsey miner; Salifu Braimah, 45, a farmer, and Peter Saali, 37, a mason.
The rest are Witoh Isahaque, 50; Zakaria Seidu, 54; Ibrahim Seidu, 45, all drivers, Masaud Kaleonaa, 21, an electrician, and Dauda Yahaya, 51, a mechanic.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Alex Bedie, said following persistent reports of threats and harassment by residents, the police and the military decided to mount an operation in the area.
He said the police with support from the military stormed the area last Tuesday, leading to the arrest of the 10 suspects.
He added that other suspects managed to flee from the scene upon seeing the security personnel.
ACP Bedie said some of the suspects were arrested while they were openly smoking dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp while others were selling the stuff.
He said a search conducted on the suspects in the area also led to the discovery of quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, five motorcycles, four bicycles and eight mobile phones, some of which were left behind by those who took to their heels.
Mr Bedie said the police were conducting further investigations into the issue after which the suspects would be processed for court.
He cautioned all citizens in the region to learn to live within the confines of the law, since the security apparatus would surely come after them when they broke the law.
Mr Bedie indicated that the operation was the first of a series of such exercises to be carried out throughout the region to ensure a crime-free and a peaceful Christmas season.
It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, a police constable who was on patrol duties within the Jamboree area was attacked by some unsuspecting people and dumped into a nearby pond.
The suspects are Yaw Ketewa 37, unemployed; Adamu Emmanuel, 22, a student; Issah Dalifu, 35, a galamsey miner; Salifu Braimah, 45, a farmer, and Peter Saali, 37, a mason.
The rest are Witoh Isahaque, 50; Zakaria Seidu, 54; Ibrahim Seidu, 45, all drivers, Masaud Kaleonaa, 21, an electrician, and Dauda Yahaya, 51, a mechanic.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Alex Bedie, said following persistent reports of threats and harassment by residents, the police and the military decided to mount an operation in the area.
He said the police with support from the military stormed the area last Tuesday, leading to the arrest of the 10 suspects.
He added that other suspects managed to flee from the scene upon seeing the security personnel.
ACP Bedie said some of the suspects were arrested while they were openly smoking dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp while others were selling the stuff.
He said a search conducted on the suspects in the area also led to the discovery of quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, five motorcycles, four bicycles and eight mobile phones, some of which were left behind by those who took to their heels.
Mr Bedie said the police were conducting further investigations into the issue after which the suspects would be processed for court.
He cautioned all citizens in the region to learn to live within the confines of the law, since the security apparatus would surely come after them when they broke the law.
Mr Bedie indicated that the operation was the first of a series of such exercises to be carried out throughout the region to ensure a crime-free and a peaceful Christmas season.
It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, a police constable who was on patrol duties within the Jamboree area was attacked by some unsuspecting people and dumped into a nearby pond.
ACTIVISM ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE LAUNCHED IN WA (PAGE 35, DEC 7)
activism on gender-based violence has been marked in Wa in the Upper West Region with a call on all and sundry, particularly men, to reorientate themselves about their perception that women must always succumb to their whims and caprices.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who launched the event, said violence against women was not only an abuse of the rights of the victims but also inimical to the quest of the majority of the people for peace in the world.
He commended members of the Gender and Women’s Rights Activists Network (GAWNET) for initiating such a forum to discuss issues affecting women.
Mr Khalid also called on the organisers of the programme to take stock of past activities and see where they fell short so they could take it up from there.
“Though there is a global resolve to end violence in any form, it is incumbent on us to constantly prick ourselves about our commitment to this crusade and move beyond the rhetoric to an action-oriented one,” he said.
The regional minister further called on all stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the crusade on violence against women and devote more resources towards the challenge.
On the role of civil society towards pushing the fight to stop all forms of violence against women, Mr Mahmud Khalid cautioned against settling cases of sexual abuse, especially defilement cases, by families.
He advised people to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.
“Similarly women should disabuse their minds that domestic violence is part of marital life; it certainly has no place in the homes,” he emphasised. The regional minister said it was the determination of the Government to come up with policies which promoted gender equality and equity for the vulnerable in both the rural and urban areas.
He added that the Government would pursue and support the training of gender desk officers in the various districts to empower them to continue to champion the cause of women.
A representative of Action Aid Ghana, an international non-governmental organisation, Ms Esther Aboagye, in a solidarity message reiterated the resolve of the organisation to continue to champion the cause of women.
She also urged women not to relent in their efforts but to support all efforts geared towards promoting their welfare to eliminate entirely all forms of violence against them.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who launched the event, said violence against women was not only an abuse of the rights of the victims but also inimical to the quest of the majority of the people for peace in the world.
He commended members of the Gender and Women’s Rights Activists Network (GAWNET) for initiating such a forum to discuss issues affecting women.
Mr Khalid also called on the organisers of the programme to take stock of past activities and see where they fell short so they could take it up from there.
“Though there is a global resolve to end violence in any form, it is incumbent on us to constantly prick ourselves about our commitment to this crusade and move beyond the rhetoric to an action-oriented one,” he said.
The regional minister further called on all stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the crusade on violence against women and devote more resources towards the challenge.
On the role of civil society towards pushing the fight to stop all forms of violence against women, Mr Mahmud Khalid cautioned against settling cases of sexual abuse, especially defilement cases, by families.
He advised people to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.
“Similarly women should disabuse their minds that domestic violence is part of marital life; it certainly has no place in the homes,” he emphasised. The regional minister said it was the determination of the Government to come up with policies which promoted gender equality and equity for the vulnerable in both the rural and urban areas.
He added that the Government would pursue and support the training of gender desk officers in the various districts to empower them to continue to champion the cause of women.
A representative of Action Aid Ghana, an international non-governmental organisation, Ms Esther Aboagye, in a solidarity message reiterated the resolve of the organisation to continue to champion the cause of women.
She also urged women not to relent in their efforts but to support all efforts geared towards promoting their welfare to eliminate entirely all forms of violence against them.
INSTITUTIONS TO SET UP INTERNAL AUDIT UNITS (PAGE 35, DEC 7)
THE Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, has charged institutions in the region without internal audit units and audit implementation committees to form such bodies before the end of the year.
“From the revelations at the sitting of the Public Accounts Committee, we in this region are not prepared to countenance the repetition of similar observations in audit reports,” he noted, and called on the internal audit agency to assist in making this work.
Mr Khalid gave the directive at the opening of a day’s orientation programme for heads of ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) and members of the Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) in Wa.
He said the continuous existence of financial mismanagement in the public sector was a clear indication of the failure to adhere to the systems and controls such as the strict application of the Financial Administration Act 2003 Act 654, Procurement Act, Act 663 and the Internal Agency Act 2003, Act 658, all of which were meant to sanitise financial management in the public sector and to reduce corruption.
Mr Khalid, therefore, called for a review of the existing laws to be able to identify the weaknesses and correct them.
He said heads of institutions owed it a duty to ensure proper accountability of all funds, since the Government continued to lose huge sums of money through misappropriation, mismanagement and other corrupt practices.
“We must always bear in mind that it is the taxpayer who suffers when we allow wrongs to plague our financial systems,” the regional minister stressed, adding that on no account should we see members of the ARIC or internal audit units as enemies.
Rather, Mr Khalid said, such institutions must be welcomed and encouraged to work effectively.
He also advised members of the ARIC and people in charge of auditing to take up the challenge and endeavour to offer the best services.
“A clean bill of health starts from one’s own efforts and self-examination and prevents so many bad things from happening,” he said.
A representative of the ARIC, Mr Samuel Gyekye-Mensah, catalogued some of the duties of the committee and said an effective internal audit practice was critical for the country’s development.
He also appealed to the participants to take the training seriously as it stood to impact positively on their daily activities.
“From the revelations at the sitting of the Public Accounts Committee, we in this region are not prepared to countenance the repetition of similar observations in audit reports,” he noted, and called on the internal audit agency to assist in making this work.
Mr Khalid gave the directive at the opening of a day’s orientation programme for heads of ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) and members of the Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) in Wa.
He said the continuous existence of financial mismanagement in the public sector was a clear indication of the failure to adhere to the systems and controls such as the strict application of the Financial Administration Act 2003 Act 654, Procurement Act, Act 663 and the Internal Agency Act 2003, Act 658, all of which were meant to sanitise financial management in the public sector and to reduce corruption.
Mr Khalid, therefore, called for a review of the existing laws to be able to identify the weaknesses and correct them.
He said heads of institutions owed it a duty to ensure proper accountability of all funds, since the Government continued to lose huge sums of money through misappropriation, mismanagement and other corrupt practices.
“We must always bear in mind that it is the taxpayer who suffers when we allow wrongs to plague our financial systems,” the regional minister stressed, adding that on no account should we see members of the ARIC or internal audit units as enemies.
Rather, Mr Khalid said, such institutions must be welcomed and encouraged to work effectively.
He also advised members of the ARIC and people in charge of auditing to take up the challenge and endeavour to offer the best services.
“A clean bill of health starts from one’s own efforts and self-examination and prevents so many bad things from happening,” he said.
A representative of the ARIC, Mr Samuel Gyekye-Mensah, catalogued some of the duties of the committee and said an effective internal audit practice was critical for the country’s development.
He also appealed to the participants to take the training seriously as it stood to impact positively on their daily activities.
CHIEFS URGED TO JEALOUSLY GUARD CHIEFTAINCY ACT (PAGE 35, DEC 7)
A legal practitioner, Mr Peter K. O. Mensah, has urged traditional rulers to jealously guard and uphold the new Chieftaincy Act 759, since it places the institution of chieftaincy on a more dignified status devoid of government interference.
“Chiefs must regard the new Act very well because it brings back the dignity associated with the chieftaincy institution. With the new Act chiefs must now stand firm, since the law is supporting you. When you are able to do that the chieftaincy institution would stand the test of time,” he stressed.
Mr Mensah said this when he presented a paper on the topic: “The tenets of the law” at a two-day workshop for members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs in Wa.
The workshop was organised by the National House of Chiefs with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
Mr Mensah said the chieftaincy institution, which had existed even before colonisation, was very crucial for the country and advised chiefs to stand firm against any form of subterfuge.
Commenting on the involvement of chiefs in mainstream politics, Mr Mensah, who is also the counsel for the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, stated that the institution was so sacred that considering the manner in which politics was practised in the country no revered chief could withstand it.
“Chieftaincy is an institution which we will enjoy respecting,” he said, adding that there was the need for the respective chieftaincy institutions such as the regional and national houses of chiefs to come out with a code of ethics for chiefs in order to streamline their activities.
He also urged chiefs to put in place strict mechanisms to do away with frivolous litigation within the institution.
The Senior Programme Manager of KAS, Mr Isaac Owusu-Mensah, said the deliberations would pave the way for chiefs to assess the tenets of the new chieftaincy Act and respond to them appropriately.
Mr Owusu-Mensah also stressed the need for a documented code of ethics for chiefs to regulate their actions.
“As a national body which is duly recognised by the 1992 Constitution, it is time a code of ethics with its appropriate sanctions was developed to guide the conduct and the behaviour of chiefs across the country, irrespective of the traditional area one comes from,” he emphasised.
“Chiefs must regard the new Act very well because it brings back the dignity associated with the chieftaincy institution. With the new Act chiefs must now stand firm, since the law is supporting you. When you are able to do that the chieftaincy institution would stand the test of time,” he stressed.
Mr Mensah said this when he presented a paper on the topic: “The tenets of the law” at a two-day workshop for members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs in Wa.
The workshop was organised by the National House of Chiefs with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
Mr Mensah said the chieftaincy institution, which had existed even before colonisation, was very crucial for the country and advised chiefs to stand firm against any form of subterfuge.
Commenting on the involvement of chiefs in mainstream politics, Mr Mensah, who is also the counsel for the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, stated that the institution was so sacred that considering the manner in which politics was practised in the country no revered chief could withstand it.
“Chieftaincy is an institution which we will enjoy respecting,” he said, adding that there was the need for the respective chieftaincy institutions such as the regional and national houses of chiefs to come out with a code of ethics for chiefs in order to streamline their activities.
He also urged chiefs to put in place strict mechanisms to do away with frivolous litigation within the institution.
The Senior Programme Manager of KAS, Mr Isaac Owusu-Mensah, said the deliberations would pave the way for chiefs to assess the tenets of the new chieftaincy Act and respond to them appropriately.
Mr Owusu-Mensah also stressed the need for a documented code of ethics for chiefs to regulate their actions.
“As a national body which is duly recognised by the 1992 Constitution, it is time a code of ethics with its appropriate sanctions was developed to guide the conduct and the behaviour of chiefs across the country, irrespective of the traditional area one comes from,” he emphasised.
UPPER WEST NDC SUPPORTSPREZ MILLS (PAGE 16, DEC 7)
THE Upper West Regional Executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged its unflinching support for the Prof. John Atta Mills-led government in its quest to deliver on its “Better Ghana” promise.
It said it was amazed at the diligence and purposefulness with which President Mills and his Vice had carried themselves so far in the performance of their duties and called on all Ghanaians to support them.
Addressing a press conference in Wa at the weekend to state their position on the recent criticisms of the Mills administration, the Regional Secretary of the NDC who is also the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Kale Caesar, said, “We the regional executive on behalf of the rank and file, especially the foot soldiers of our great party, want to unequivocally pledge our unflinching support to President J. E. A. Mills and his Vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, for their courage, humility, discipline and dedication to deliver a better Ghana for all”.
Mr Kale said even though some of the criticisms could be genuine concerns which would be taken in good faith, some of it could also not be overlooked especially when it was coming from a few “ disgruntled people who are motivated by greed and selfishness”.
He, therefore, reminded members of the party not to reduce their memory of the political history of the NDC to just the eleven months Prof. Mills had been in power but to remain steadfast in the face of all the challenges confronting the Mills administration.
“We are calling on all party members to be wary of selfish individuals who are masquerading as concerned party members and remain steadfast and support Prof. Mills and his government,” Mr Caesar stressed.
He further advised members of the party especially the stalwarts to respect the constitution of the party, as well as the norms and conventions, and channel all their grievances through laid down structures, saying, “We may disagree on issues but that should not push us to make inflammatory statements especially from the well-respected members of the party.”
It said it was amazed at the diligence and purposefulness with which President Mills and his Vice had carried themselves so far in the performance of their duties and called on all Ghanaians to support them.
Addressing a press conference in Wa at the weekend to state their position on the recent criticisms of the Mills administration, the Regional Secretary of the NDC who is also the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Kale Caesar, said, “We the regional executive on behalf of the rank and file, especially the foot soldiers of our great party, want to unequivocally pledge our unflinching support to President J. E. A. Mills and his Vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, for their courage, humility, discipline and dedication to deliver a better Ghana for all”.
Mr Kale said even though some of the criticisms could be genuine concerns which would be taken in good faith, some of it could also not be overlooked especially when it was coming from a few “ disgruntled people who are motivated by greed and selfishness”.
He, therefore, reminded members of the party not to reduce their memory of the political history of the NDC to just the eleven months Prof. Mills had been in power but to remain steadfast in the face of all the challenges confronting the Mills administration.
“We are calling on all party members to be wary of selfish individuals who are masquerading as concerned party members and remain steadfast and support Prof. Mills and his government,” Mr Caesar stressed.
He further advised members of the party especially the stalwarts to respect the constitution of the party, as well as the norms and conventions, and channel all their grievances through laid down structures, saying, “We may disagree on issues but that should not push us to make inflammatory statements especially from the well-respected members of the party.”
Friday, December 4, 2009
UPPER WEST NPP BUILDS STRUCTURES FOR GROWTH (PAGE 13, DEC 4)
THE Upper West Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is building the necessary structures and mechanisms to enable the party to win the 2012 general election.
These include programmes designed at deepening the bond of unity among party faithful, unifying members to appreciate the work of the party as well as embarking on an intensive membership campaign drive .
The Upper West Regional Youth Organiser of the party, Mr Hafiz Bin Salih told the Daily Graphic, that as a first step towards the full implementation of these strategies, the party had started a process to elect new executives for the nine constituencies in the region.
"So far, five constituencies, namely, Nadowli East and West, Jirapa, Wa West and the Lawra Nandom have elected their executives who have since been sworn in at separate ceremonies. Elections for the four remaining constituencies would be held soon" he pointed out.
Mr Bin Salih said if the performance of the Mills government within the 10 months was anything to go by, then it was clear that Ghanaians would opt for the NPP, come 2012.
"In this regard, all that we of the NPP need to do now is to put our house in order with unity of purpose and guard against any form of division.
When we do this, victory shall surely come our way during the 2012 general elections, " Mr Bin Sali indicated.
He also urged the executive to listen to the concerns of the people and work in consonance with them from now till the next general elections.
Addressing the newly elected executives of the Wa West Constituency at a swearing-in ceremony, the Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Short, reminded the executives about the sacrifices they had to make to bring the party back to power.
That, Alhaji Short said, called for a focused leadership characterised by humility and selflessness so that they would be able to win more people into the fold of the party.
He also cautioned them not to lord over the people but to see their victory as one for the party and democracy.
The new executive have Mr Abdulai Seid as Chairman, Mr Sobo Yahaya as First Vice chairman and Mr Bukari Seidu as Second Vice Chairman.
The rest are; Mr Hienbe Emmanuel Gyuma, Secretary; David Bonwere, Assistant Secretary, Laabir Edward Sabo, treasurer, and Dorimonaa Seidu, Organiser.
Madam Vida DI-Urotey and Jorborutey Joseph Dieyunteng were also elected as Women's Organiser and Constituency Youth Organiser respectively.
These include programmes designed at deepening the bond of unity among party faithful, unifying members to appreciate the work of the party as well as embarking on an intensive membership campaign drive .
The Upper West Regional Youth Organiser of the party, Mr Hafiz Bin Salih told the Daily Graphic, that as a first step towards the full implementation of these strategies, the party had started a process to elect new executives for the nine constituencies in the region.
"So far, five constituencies, namely, Nadowli East and West, Jirapa, Wa West and the Lawra Nandom have elected their executives who have since been sworn in at separate ceremonies. Elections for the four remaining constituencies would be held soon" he pointed out.
Mr Bin Salih said if the performance of the Mills government within the 10 months was anything to go by, then it was clear that Ghanaians would opt for the NPP, come 2012.
"In this regard, all that we of the NPP need to do now is to put our house in order with unity of purpose and guard against any form of division.
When we do this, victory shall surely come our way during the 2012 general elections, " Mr Bin Sali indicated.
He also urged the executive to listen to the concerns of the people and work in consonance with them from now till the next general elections.
Addressing the newly elected executives of the Wa West Constituency at a swearing-in ceremony, the Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Short, reminded the executives about the sacrifices they had to make to bring the party back to power.
That, Alhaji Short said, called for a focused leadership characterised by humility and selflessness so that they would be able to win more people into the fold of the party.
He also cautioned them not to lord over the people but to see their victory as one for the party and democracy.
The new executive have Mr Abdulai Seid as Chairman, Mr Sobo Yahaya as First Vice chairman and Mr Bukari Seidu as Second Vice Chairman.
The rest are; Mr Hienbe Emmanuel Gyuma, Secretary; David Bonwere, Assistant Secretary, Laabir Edward Sabo, treasurer, and Dorimonaa Seidu, Organiser.
Madam Vida DI-Urotey and Jorborutey Joseph Dieyunteng were also elected as Women's Organiser and Constituency Youth Organiser respectively.
STUDENT COMMITS SUICIDE (PAGE 3, DEC 4)
A 24-year-old Level 300 student of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has committed suicide, leaving behind a note that puts the blame on his family for forcing him into academia against his desire to become a sportsman.
Peter Apasiyenlom Amoah said in his suicide note that he had wanted to be a sportsman but his family had discouraged him.
"Frankly speaking, I was unfortunately born into a family which failed to encourage or realise my interest or potential, hence discouraging me from engaging in what brought me joy and satisfaction,” the note read.
Peter, who hailed from the Upper East Region, was found hanging in his room about 9 a.m. yesterday by a fellow student, Mr Kingston Apasiga, with whom he shared their rented compound.
When the Daily Graphic arrived at the scene about 10:40 a.m., the house had been besieged by a large crowd, including students, lecturers, the landlord of the house and other neighbours.
Mr Apasiga said when he and other students in the house woke up the following morning without hearing anything from their colleague about 9 a.m., he went to knock on Peter’s door but he did not hear any response.
He then peeped through the window, only to find the deceased hanging in the room and rushed to inform the school authorities.
Mr Apasiga said when the door was forced open, they found a note with the following message:
"There is not any such thing as perfection on earth and as a result I dissociate myself from any group or human beings. I did all this due to the pressure on me to remain or maintain neutrality but in effect I ended up secluded and locked up in my own world of absolute boredom.
"Any human being who failed to carve an identity in my opinion is bound to travel down a slippery slope resulting in inferiority complex and its associated misfortunes".
"But all in all, I blame my self for acting like a stooge or tabular rasta, playing or acting according to the whims and caprices of my people. Sorry for the pain caused and at this instance I find nothing worth living for again in life."
Peter Apasiyenlom Amoah said in his suicide note that he had wanted to be a sportsman but his family had discouraged him.
"Frankly speaking, I was unfortunately born into a family which failed to encourage or realise my interest or potential, hence discouraging me from engaging in what brought me joy and satisfaction,” the note read.
Peter, who hailed from the Upper East Region, was found hanging in his room about 9 a.m. yesterday by a fellow student, Mr Kingston Apasiga, with whom he shared their rented compound.
When the Daily Graphic arrived at the scene about 10:40 a.m., the house had been besieged by a large crowd, including students, lecturers, the landlord of the house and other neighbours.
Mr Apasiga said when he and other students in the house woke up the following morning without hearing anything from their colleague about 9 a.m., he went to knock on Peter’s door but he did not hear any response.
He then peeped through the window, only to find the deceased hanging in the room and rushed to inform the school authorities.
Mr Apasiga said when the door was forced open, they found a note with the following message:
"There is not any such thing as perfection on earth and as a result I dissociate myself from any group or human beings. I did all this due to the pressure on me to remain or maintain neutrality but in effect I ended up secluded and locked up in my own world of absolute boredom.
"Any human being who failed to carve an identity in my opinion is bound to travel down a slippery slope resulting in inferiority complex and its associated misfortunes".
"But all in all, I blame my self for acting like a stooge or tabular rasta, playing or acting according to the whims and caprices of my people. Sorry for the pain caused and at this instance I find nothing worth living for again in life."
UW INAUGURATES 23-MEMBER PLANNING COMMITTEE (PAGE 29, DEC 4)
A 23-member planning committee for next year’s basic schools sports festival has been inaugurated in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The event, which would be the 29th edition was last held in Cape Coast in the Central Region, after which the baton was passed on to the Upper West Region. It will commence in August next year.
The members of the committee include, headmasters, sports teachers, security personnel and representatives from the regional house of chiefs.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who inaugurated the committee, expressed the resolve of the government to continue to invest in sports.
He said the event when successfully organised would offer the basic school students the platform to unearth and showcase their talents in the various disciplines.
Mr Khalid, therefore, urged members of the committee to work diligently and to bring on board all those who matter in sports in the region to assist in organising a memorable and successful festival.
He also told them to give the guests who would be visiting from all over the country a befitting hospitality, in terms of decent accommodation and feeding to meet their expectations, and stressed the need for proper security before, during and after the games towards any form of hooliganism and disturbances.
“For some of the guests this will be the first time they will be visiting the region, and so I urge you to showcase the cultural heritage of the region and also organise trips for the guests to visit some of the tourist attractions in the region”.
The regional minister appealed to the organisers in charge of the contigents of the region to start preparing the team in earnest.
That, he said, would put the Upper West team in the right stead to be able to compete for medals and assured the committee of the support of his office.
The Regional Director of Education, who is also the chairman of the committee, in a speech read on his behalf by the Lawra District Director of Education, Mr Andrew Kpan, told members of the committee to start work immediately.
He said a final report on the preparation for the games must be completed and made available within the next four months.
He also advised them to bring their experiences to bear to ensure a very successful festival.
The event, which would be the 29th edition was last held in Cape Coast in the Central Region, after which the baton was passed on to the Upper West Region. It will commence in August next year.
The members of the committee include, headmasters, sports teachers, security personnel and representatives from the regional house of chiefs.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who inaugurated the committee, expressed the resolve of the government to continue to invest in sports.
He said the event when successfully organised would offer the basic school students the platform to unearth and showcase their talents in the various disciplines.
Mr Khalid, therefore, urged members of the committee to work diligently and to bring on board all those who matter in sports in the region to assist in organising a memorable and successful festival.
He also told them to give the guests who would be visiting from all over the country a befitting hospitality, in terms of decent accommodation and feeding to meet their expectations, and stressed the need for proper security before, during and after the games towards any form of hooliganism and disturbances.
“For some of the guests this will be the first time they will be visiting the region, and so I urge you to showcase the cultural heritage of the region and also organise trips for the guests to visit some of the tourist attractions in the region”.
The regional minister appealed to the organisers in charge of the contigents of the region to start preparing the team in earnest.
That, he said, would put the Upper West team in the right stead to be able to compete for medals and assured the committee of the support of his office.
The Regional Director of Education, who is also the chairman of the committee, in a speech read on his behalf by the Lawra District Director of Education, Mr Andrew Kpan, told members of the committee to start work immediately.
He said a final report on the preparation for the games must be completed and made available within the next four months.
He also advised them to bring their experiences to bear to ensure a very successful festival.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
CLUB VILLAGE FOR WA ALL STARS (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 16, DEC 1)
Wa All Stars Football Club will soon get a permanent modern club village which will have facilities ranging from training pitches to a club house.
The Owner of the Club, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi who made this known during an interaction with the Graphic Sports in Wa said the team was on the verge of acquiring a-20 acre plot of land at a strategic location in the Wa municipality for the commencement of the project.
He, therefore, called on the people of the Upper West region to see the club as their own and contribute immensely in which ever way to sustain it and also make the project a reality.
He said the existence of the club in the elite division would open doors for a lot of the youth in the area by way of unearthing more talents and also offer them job opportunities .
“It is therefore, the duty of chiefs, politicians and all who matter from this region to support Wa All Stars as it is an embodiment of the whole region”, he pointed out, saying the club would also market the region.
Asked how the club which is cash-strapped was going to carry out such a complex project, Mr. Nyantakyi, who is also the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), explained that much of the proceeds from the transfer of Bright Addae, a player of All Stars and the victorious Black Satellite team to an Italian club, Parma FC, which had committed itself to the option to acquire the services of the player would be invested into the project.
On the performance of the club so far in the ongoing premier league, Mr. Nyantakyi admitted that before the commencement of the league the team had problems with goal scoring which according to him might be the cause of the abysmal performance of the team in the early stages of the league.
Currently, he said, the team was well motivated as salaries and bonuses of players had been reviewed, while the present club house has also been put in good shape.
“We have also beefed up the technical team by bringing in good old Maxwell Konadu to support the present coach. We are considering the acquisition of more strikers when the transfer window opens to improve on our goal scoring” he added.
Responding to a question as to how he was handling the funding of the club considering the low level of spectatorship in the region, the F A president was quick to say that it had not been easy and appealed to interested bodies, individuals and institutions to come on board and assist.
He also appealed to the Minister of Sports who happenes to be the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central constituency, Mr. Rashid Pelpuo, to help upgrade the Wa stadium which he said, had not seen much facelift since it was built by the late Gen Kutu Acheampong.
Mr. Nyantakyi also used the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to organizations for their support so far to the club in diverse ways.
He further promised to support juvenile football in the region saying he would donate five footballs each and a set of jerseys to all 17 clubs in the region.
He also indicated that as a way of reviving football competitions at the secondary school level to serve as a breeding ground to identify the potential talents in the region, he would present a trophy to be competed for by the schools. — END
The Owner of the Club, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi who made this known during an interaction with the Graphic Sports in Wa said the team was on the verge of acquiring a-20 acre plot of land at a strategic location in the Wa municipality for the commencement of the project.
He, therefore, called on the people of the Upper West region to see the club as their own and contribute immensely in which ever way to sustain it and also make the project a reality.
He said the existence of the club in the elite division would open doors for a lot of the youth in the area by way of unearthing more talents and also offer them job opportunities .
“It is therefore, the duty of chiefs, politicians and all who matter from this region to support Wa All Stars as it is an embodiment of the whole region”, he pointed out, saying the club would also market the region.
Asked how the club which is cash-strapped was going to carry out such a complex project, Mr. Nyantakyi, who is also the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), explained that much of the proceeds from the transfer of Bright Addae, a player of All Stars and the victorious Black Satellite team to an Italian club, Parma FC, which had committed itself to the option to acquire the services of the player would be invested into the project.
On the performance of the club so far in the ongoing premier league, Mr. Nyantakyi admitted that before the commencement of the league the team had problems with goal scoring which according to him might be the cause of the abysmal performance of the team in the early stages of the league.
Currently, he said, the team was well motivated as salaries and bonuses of players had been reviewed, while the present club house has also been put in good shape.
“We have also beefed up the technical team by bringing in good old Maxwell Konadu to support the present coach. We are considering the acquisition of more strikers when the transfer window opens to improve on our goal scoring” he added.
Responding to a question as to how he was handling the funding of the club considering the low level of spectatorship in the region, the F A president was quick to say that it had not been easy and appealed to interested bodies, individuals and institutions to come on board and assist.
He also appealed to the Minister of Sports who happenes to be the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central constituency, Mr. Rashid Pelpuo, to help upgrade the Wa stadium which he said, had not seen much facelift since it was built by the late Gen Kutu Acheampong.
Mr. Nyantakyi also used the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to organizations for their support so far to the club in diverse ways.
He further promised to support juvenile football in the region saying he would donate five footballs each and a set of jerseys to all 17 clubs in the region.
He also indicated that as a way of reviving football competitions at the secondary school level to serve as a breeding ground to identify the potential talents in the region, he would present a trophy to be competed for by the schools. — END
Monday, November 30, 2009
ALL STARS DEEPEN HEARTS' WOES (BACK PAGE, NOV 30)
Wa All Stars yesterday deepened the woes of Accra Hearts of Oak when they tore them into shreds with an emphatic 2-0 victory in their Glo Premier League match at the Wa Stadium.
Two spectacular goals from the feet of All Stars’ Nortey Frank Sowah and Ben Acheampong on the 18th and 69th minutes put the brakes on the visitors who had before the match sent signals of collecting all the three points at stake.
Playing as if possessed before an impressive home crowd which included the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and the bankroller of All Stars and President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, All Stars were better in every department of the game, compelling Hearts players to chase their shadows.
So ordinary were Hearts that Sowah capitalised on it to connect a beautiful diagonal cross from Nathaniel Asamoah with a thunderbolt past Philemon McCarthy in post for the visitors to end the first half.
When play resumed, All Stars again took the game to Hearts who could not find an antidote to the fluid ball possession and speed of the homesters, forcing the technical bench to make three intermittent substitutions by bringing on Tawrick Djibril, Moro Abubakar and Jonathan Mantey, but the trend did not change until Acheampong put Hearts beyond recovery.
Despite the fact that skipper Ismail Amin of All Stars was sent off with about 15 minutes to end proceedings, Hearts could not take advantage of the situation till the referee blew the final whistle amidst wild jubilation from the home fans.
Two spectacular goals from the feet of All Stars’ Nortey Frank Sowah and Ben Acheampong on the 18th and 69th minutes put the brakes on the visitors who had before the match sent signals of collecting all the three points at stake.
Playing as if possessed before an impressive home crowd which included the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and the bankroller of All Stars and President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, All Stars were better in every department of the game, compelling Hearts players to chase their shadows.
So ordinary were Hearts that Sowah capitalised on it to connect a beautiful diagonal cross from Nathaniel Asamoah with a thunderbolt past Philemon McCarthy in post for the visitors to end the first half.
When play resumed, All Stars again took the game to Hearts who could not find an antidote to the fluid ball possession and speed of the homesters, forcing the technical bench to make three intermittent substitutions by bringing on Tawrick Djibril, Moro Abubakar and Jonathan Mantey, but the trend did not change until Acheampong put Hearts beyond recovery.
Despite the fact that skipper Ismail Amin of All Stars was sent off with about 15 minutes to end proceedings, Hearts could not take advantage of the situation till the referee blew the final whistle amidst wild jubilation from the home fans.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
SHIFT FROM PRACTICES THAT SUPPRESS WOMEN (PAGE 14, NOV 21)
THE Wa Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr Duogo Yakubu, has called for a paradigm shift in the traditional and cultural practices which suppress women.
He made the call at a two-day consultative forum on the Property Rights of Spouses’ Bill and the Intestate Succession Bill in Wa.
It was organised by the LAWA-Ghana Alumea Incorporated and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), with support from the German Development Corporation (GTZ).
The MCE said if perpetrators of violence against women were not handed severe punishments which would serve as a deterrent, divorce rates, female genital mutilation, among other vices, would continue to be high.
He, therefore, urged members of LAWA Ghana and AWLA to go beyond advocacy and come up with motivational packages and other incentives for females who pursued courses in law.
Mr Yakubu also appealed to participants at the forum to lead the crusade in making people to appreciate the current legal regime governing the property rights of women and the challenges associated with intestate succession.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Women of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs Kate Bob Milliar, called for support for the property rights of spouses and the intestate succession bills to be passed into law.
For her part, a representative of LAWA-Ghana, Mrs Barbara Ayesu, attributed the problems associated with the Intestate Succession Bill to the plural legal system in the country.
She said when the bill was passed into law and enforced, it would ease the suffering of many spouses, particularly women in nuclear families who usually suffered the brunt from external family members.
She said LAWA-Ghana and AWLA were holding similar forums across the country, after which they would remove the anomalies in the bills and the inputs forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office to be given the needed attention.
He made the call at a two-day consultative forum on the Property Rights of Spouses’ Bill and the Intestate Succession Bill in Wa.
It was organised by the LAWA-Ghana Alumea Incorporated and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), with support from the German Development Corporation (GTZ).
The MCE said if perpetrators of violence against women were not handed severe punishments which would serve as a deterrent, divorce rates, female genital mutilation, among other vices, would continue to be high.
He, therefore, urged members of LAWA Ghana and AWLA to go beyond advocacy and come up with motivational packages and other incentives for females who pursued courses in law.
Mr Yakubu also appealed to participants at the forum to lead the crusade in making people to appreciate the current legal regime governing the property rights of women and the challenges associated with intestate succession.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Women of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs Kate Bob Milliar, called for support for the property rights of spouses and the intestate succession bills to be passed into law.
For her part, a representative of LAWA-Ghana, Mrs Barbara Ayesu, attributed the problems associated with the Intestate Succession Bill to the plural legal system in the country.
She said when the bill was passed into law and enforced, it would ease the suffering of many spouses, particularly women in nuclear families who usually suffered the brunt from external family members.
She said LAWA-Ghana and AWLA were holding similar forums across the country, after which they would remove the anomalies in the bills and the inputs forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office to be given the needed attention.
Friday, November 20, 2009
NDC NADOWLI WEST ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVES (PAGE 16, NOV 20)
THE Nadowli West Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held its delegates conference with the election of new constituency executives.
These include the positions of chairman, secretary, organiser and deputy secretary which were won by Mr Edward Abbey, Mr John Bosco Bomansaan, Mr Thomas Ngminbahaara and Mr Isaac Wiebukanga respectively.
The rest are, Madam Stella Antaabu as women’s organiser and Mr Suleiman Zuntang Sumaila, youth organiser.
Other positions as vice chairman, treasurer, deputy treasurer, propaganda secretary, deputy propaganda secretary and deputy organiser were unopposed.
The marathon congress attracted people from various parts of the constituency, the region and the country, including the Majority leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Mr Alban Bagbin, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale and an aide to former President Rawlings, Mr Kofi Adams.
In an address after the elections, Mr Bagbin urged the people to remain united regardless of the outcome of the elections saying democracy is about expression of opinions and not anger.
“What has transpired here today is a clear indication that democracy is thriving in the Nadowli West Constituency,” he added.
He noted that MP’s were the pillars of the country’s democratic dispensation and therefore there is the need to recognise this role and that MP’s should be given the desired focus.
Mr Bagbin also called for the proper organisation of the party, pointing out that “Without strong political parties we cannot consolidate a democratic culture in any society”
On the NDC governments’ support for women, the majority leader said the government took the issue of women empowerment and equality very seriously and would work to ensure that women took their rightful place in society.
He said the government would also inculcate in the youth of the country the culture of politics of togetherness and all inclusiveness.
An Aide to former President Rawlings, Mr Kofi Adams, acknowledged the role played by the various executives and the youth of the party in securing victory for the party during the 2008 general elections.
He said the party had just started with its reorganisation process which would be extended to all corners of the country.
Mr Adams also appealed to the faithful of the party to remain committed and make sure that they understood the principles of the party.
These include the positions of chairman, secretary, organiser and deputy secretary which were won by Mr Edward Abbey, Mr John Bosco Bomansaan, Mr Thomas Ngminbahaara and Mr Isaac Wiebukanga respectively.
The rest are, Madam Stella Antaabu as women’s organiser and Mr Suleiman Zuntang Sumaila, youth organiser.
Other positions as vice chairman, treasurer, deputy treasurer, propaganda secretary, deputy propaganda secretary and deputy organiser were unopposed.
The marathon congress attracted people from various parts of the constituency, the region and the country, including the Majority leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Mr Alban Bagbin, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale and an aide to former President Rawlings, Mr Kofi Adams.
In an address after the elections, Mr Bagbin urged the people to remain united regardless of the outcome of the elections saying democracy is about expression of opinions and not anger.
“What has transpired here today is a clear indication that democracy is thriving in the Nadowli West Constituency,” he added.
He noted that MP’s were the pillars of the country’s democratic dispensation and therefore there is the need to recognise this role and that MP’s should be given the desired focus.
Mr Bagbin also called for the proper organisation of the party, pointing out that “Without strong political parties we cannot consolidate a democratic culture in any society”
On the NDC governments’ support for women, the majority leader said the government took the issue of women empowerment and equality very seriously and would work to ensure that women took their rightful place in society.
He said the government would also inculcate in the youth of the country the culture of politics of togetherness and all inclusiveness.
An Aide to former President Rawlings, Mr Kofi Adams, acknowledged the role played by the various executives and the youth of the party in securing victory for the party during the 2008 general elections.
He said the party had just started with its reorganisation process which would be extended to all corners of the country.
Mr Adams also appealed to the faithful of the party to remain committed and make sure that they understood the principles of the party.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
STOP ALL CHIEFTAINCY DISPUTES (NOV 17, PAGE 31)
The Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has appealed to those behind chieftaincy disputes, particularly in the Upper West Region and other parts of the country to stop forthwith and rather help to resolve them to pave the way for the needed peace and security to prevail.
He urged them to use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism in resolving disputes rather than resorting to the law courts.
The Vice-President made the appeal at the introduction of Richard Badini Kanton as the Kuoro (chief) of the Tumu Traditional Area at Tumu yesterday at the beginning of his visit to the Upper West Region.
Mr Mahama said the peaceful resolution of disputes in the Upper West Region and other parts of the country would help to eliminate bitterness and high legal costs usually associated with litigation.
He noted that the rising trend of disputes in the Upper West Region was disturbing since the situation could retard the progress and development of the region.
“Happily , however, you have not allowed these conflicts to generate into violence, which is quiet commendable. However, there is the need to appreciate the consequences these disputes pose to development,” he stated.
The Vice-President said besides the energy and resources spent, litigation could send wrong signals to potential investors, a situation which could make the region unattractive.
Moreover, he said, disputes also bred a sense of general insecurity as it adversely affected the human resource development of the affected areas.
Mr Mahama said the cultures and traditional norms of the people of Ghana and northern Ghana in particular, had one element in common, which was the use of traditional ceremonies as a unifying factor among the various ethnic groups in any particular area.
The Vice-President underscored the need for the people in the Tumu Traditional Area to protect the environment in order that the area could continue to contribute immensely towards food production.
He, therefore,called on the traditional authorities, assembly members, unit committee members and the entire citizenry of the region to adopt strategies in order to halt the unhealthy practice which affected the environment and the survival of the people.
He announced that the government had decided to develop the Tumu Secondary Technical School into a full fledged boarding institution.
Mr Mahama said such a development would bring relief to parents and the educational authorities as well as improve teaching and learning.
The Vice-President said the introduction of a new chief for the traditional area offered yet another opportunity to the people to forge closer co-operation and contribute meaningfully towards the development of the area.
The Tumu Kuoro, Badini Kanton, was happy that the traditional area had remained peaceful and attributed the situation to the commitment of the people to uphold the values and ideals of their forefathers.
He gave a pledge to offer responsible leadership to sustain the peace in the traditional area.
He urged them to use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism in resolving disputes rather than resorting to the law courts.
The Vice-President made the appeal at the introduction of Richard Badini Kanton as the Kuoro (chief) of the Tumu Traditional Area at Tumu yesterday at the beginning of his visit to the Upper West Region.
Mr Mahama said the peaceful resolution of disputes in the Upper West Region and other parts of the country would help to eliminate bitterness and high legal costs usually associated with litigation.
He noted that the rising trend of disputes in the Upper West Region was disturbing since the situation could retard the progress and development of the region.
“Happily , however, you have not allowed these conflicts to generate into violence, which is quiet commendable. However, there is the need to appreciate the consequences these disputes pose to development,” he stated.
The Vice-President said besides the energy and resources spent, litigation could send wrong signals to potential investors, a situation which could make the region unattractive.
Moreover, he said, disputes also bred a sense of general insecurity as it adversely affected the human resource development of the affected areas.
Mr Mahama said the cultures and traditional norms of the people of Ghana and northern Ghana in particular, had one element in common, which was the use of traditional ceremonies as a unifying factor among the various ethnic groups in any particular area.
The Vice-President underscored the need for the people in the Tumu Traditional Area to protect the environment in order that the area could continue to contribute immensely towards food production.
He, therefore,called on the traditional authorities, assembly members, unit committee members and the entire citizenry of the region to adopt strategies in order to halt the unhealthy practice which affected the environment and the survival of the people.
He announced that the government had decided to develop the Tumu Secondary Technical School into a full fledged boarding institution.
Mr Mahama said such a development would bring relief to parents and the educational authorities as well as improve teaching and learning.
The Vice-President said the introduction of a new chief for the traditional area offered yet another opportunity to the people to forge closer co-operation and contribute meaningfully towards the development of the area.
The Tumu Kuoro, Badini Kanton, was happy that the traditional area had remained peaceful and attributed the situation to the commitment of the people to uphold the values and ideals of their forefathers.
He gave a pledge to offer responsible leadership to sustain the peace in the traditional area.
RESTRICT MINORS FROM PORNO WEBSITE — VEEP (NOV 16, SPREAD)
Story: Timothy Gobah & Chris Nunoo, Jirapa
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on Internet café operators to put in place stringent mechanisms which will restrict minors from accessing websites with sexual or negative content.
“Perhaps we need to achieve this by enforcing our laws on decency to enable our children and wards to benefit fully from the positive aspects of ICT,” he added
Mr Mahama was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Saint Francis of Assisi Girls’ Senior High School at Jirapa in the Upper West Region.
It was on the theme, “50 years of quality Catholic education - The way forward: Reinforcement of the girl-child”.
Mr Mahama said it was better to teach the youth to take the right decisions and help them accomplish their potential, instead of allowing them to learn from wrong sources such as bad friends, through the Internet or the media, pointing out that it was about time parents intensified their efforts at sexual and reproductive health education which, in the past, was considered a taboo topic.
He stressed the need to put more attention on addressing cultural and economic issues such as elopement, early marriages and poverty which, over the years, had undermined girl education.
He urged past students of the school to set up an endowment fund to cater for needy, brilliant girls, as well as girls who opted to study Science.
“You, as old girls, should also make it a duty and encourage many of the past students to come back to serve the school for at least some reasonable period as a way of giving back something to the school which has made them what they are,” the Vice-President stated.
He commended the entire administration, staff and students of the school, both past and present, for their contributions in bringing it this far and said the government would turn it into a centre of excellence for the study of Science and Mathematics.
Touching on the contributions and role of the Catholic Church in education in the Upper West Region and the country as a whole, Mr Mahama expressed appreciation to the church and urged it to work to deepen and strengthen the partnership between it and the State.
That, according to him, was because both the State and the church sought to work to uplift the well-being of mankind but through different approaches.
The Headmistress of the school, Rev Sister Janice Gbiel, expressed appreciation to the government and the GETFund for their contributions towards the growth of the school.
She stressed the commitment of the staff to work tirelessly to put the school on a higher pedestal, adding that with discipline that could be achieved.
Rev Sister Gbiel, who traced the history of the school from its inception, called on philanthropic institutions to assist the school.
Earlier, Vice-President Mahama had paid a familiarisation visit to the Duong bone-setting clinic and also graced the maiden Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Duong Primary and Junior High School in the Nadowli District, where he assured the people of the commitment of the government to create the needed platform for a collaboration between orthodox medical practitioners and their traditional counterparts.
He also inaugurated an electricity project for the town and said the government would particularly accelerate the rural electrification project in the Upper West and East regions for the two regions to catch up with other parts of the country.
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on Internet café operators to put in place stringent mechanisms which will restrict minors from accessing websites with sexual or negative content.
“Perhaps we need to achieve this by enforcing our laws on decency to enable our children and wards to benefit fully from the positive aspects of ICT,” he added
Mr Mahama was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Saint Francis of Assisi Girls’ Senior High School at Jirapa in the Upper West Region.
It was on the theme, “50 years of quality Catholic education - The way forward: Reinforcement of the girl-child”.
Mr Mahama said it was better to teach the youth to take the right decisions and help them accomplish their potential, instead of allowing them to learn from wrong sources such as bad friends, through the Internet or the media, pointing out that it was about time parents intensified their efforts at sexual and reproductive health education which, in the past, was considered a taboo topic.
He stressed the need to put more attention on addressing cultural and economic issues such as elopement, early marriages and poverty which, over the years, had undermined girl education.
He urged past students of the school to set up an endowment fund to cater for needy, brilliant girls, as well as girls who opted to study Science.
“You, as old girls, should also make it a duty and encourage many of the past students to come back to serve the school for at least some reasonable period as a way of giving back something to the school which has made them what they are,” the Vice-President stated.
He commended the entire administration, staff and students of the school, both past and present, for their contributions in bringing it this far and said the government would turn it into a centre of excellence for the study of Science and Mathematics.
Touching on the contributions and role of the Catholic Church in education in the Upper West Region and the country as a whole, Mr Mahama expressed appreciation to the church and urged it to work to deepen and strengthen the partnership between it and the State.
That, according to him, was because both the State and the church sought to work to uplift the well-being of mankind but through different approaches.
The Headmistress of the school, Rev Sister Janice Gbiel, expressed appreciation to the government and the GETFund for their contributions towards the growth of the school.
She stressed the commitment of the staff to work tirelessly to put the school on a higher pedestal, adding that with discipline that could be achieved.
Rev Sister Gbiel, who traced the history of the school from its inception, called on philanthropic institutions to assist the school.
Earlier, Vice-President Mahama had paid a familiarisation visit to the Duong bone-setting clinic and also graced the maiden Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Duong Primary and Junior High School in the Nadowli District, where he assured the people of the commitment of the government to create the needed platform for a collaboration between orthodox medical practitioners and their traditional counterparts.
He also inaugurated an electricity project for the town and said the government would particularly accelerate the rural electrification project in the Upper West and East regions for the two regions to catch up with other parts of the country.
Friday, November 13, 2009
NPP, NDC MUST SOFTEN STANCE ON BAWKU CRISIS — TESCON (PAGE 16, NOV 13)
THE Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON), of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the two major political parties, the NDC and the NPP, to soften their stance on the Bawku crisis.
It said it was a known fact that the conflict in Bawku had taken a political dimension and therefore, there could only be peace if the two parties acted in a manner that would make the factions appreciate the need to live in peace with each other. The President of the Network, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Hakam, in an interview in Wa, said the approach to solving the conflict must change.
“For Bawku to see lasting peace, there is the need for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP to do the right thing and give up certain things for the sake of peace in Bawku and the entire country,” he stated.
He suggested that the time had come for the National House of Chiefs and other conflict resolution institutions to handle the crisis without any political interference.
Mr Abdul-Hakam also said President Atta Mills must reassign the current Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, since his position could be a setback to the peace process.
On the peace initiative which was launched recently in Wa by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mr Abdul-Hakam stressed the readiness of members of the TESCON to work with the Tertiary Educational Institution Network (TEIN) of the NDC to complement efforts at bringing lasting peace to Bawku.
The TESCON president further appealed to the people of Bawku, especially the youth, to expose all those who come to lure them to ferment trouble.
He said as future leaders of the country, there was a lot more ahead of them than fighting one another, pointing out, that “We have to lay down the arms and rather concentrate on our education”.
He also appealed to the security agencies to remain as neutral as possible and prosecute all offenders without fear or favour.
This, Mr Abdul-Hakam, believed would send the right signals to troublemakers to desist from causing further troubles.
It said it was a known fact that the conflict in Bawku had taken a political dimension and therefore, there could only be peace if the two parties acted in a manner that would make the factions appreciate the need to live in peace with each other. The President of the Network, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Hakam, in an interview in Wa, said the approach to solving the conflict must change.
“For Bawku to see lasting peace, there is the need for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP to do the right thing and give up certain things for the sake of peace in Bawku and the entire country,” he stated.
He suggested that the time had come for the National House of Chiefs and other conflict resolution institutions to handle the crisis without any political interference.
Mr Abdul-Hakam also said President Atta Mills must reassign the current Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, since his position could be a setback to the peace process.
On the peace initiative which was launched recently in Wa by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mr Abdul-Hakam stressed the readiness of members of the TESCON to work with the Tertiary Educational Institution Network (TEIN) of the NDC to complement efforts at bringing lasting peace to Bawku.
The TESCON president further appealed to the people of Bawku, especially the youth, to expose all those who come to lure them to ferment trouble.
He said as future leaders of the country, there was a lot more ahead of them than fighting one another, pointing out, that “We have to lay down the arms and rather concentrate on our education”.
He also appealed to the security agencies to remain as neutral as possible and prosecute all offenders without fear or favour.
This, Mr Abdul-Hakam, believed would send the right signals to troublemakers to desist from causing further troubles.
MOTORCYCLE...Bad master in U/W Region (MIRROR, NOV 14, PAGE 29)
From Chris Nunoo, Wa
Motorcycle riders in the Upper West Region who think they are smart and always try to outwit the police by not adhering to motor traffic regulations are now paying dearly for their lawlessness.
These motorists flout motor traffic regulations with impunity by failing to register their motorcycles, failing to acquire licences and failing to wear crash helmet when riding. Eventually, they end up in motor accidents, resulting in various degrees of serious injuries and deaths.
These accidents are so rampant that it is being suggested that motorcycles kill people more than diseases in the region.
One sad aspect of the situation is that after the accidents, the victims and the cases are left hanging, because they fail to report such cases to the police for fear of their motorcycles being impounded, or the rider being arrested and consequently prosecuted.
Motorcycles, which have now been acclaimed in the Upper West Region as a major means of transport, were first introduced into the area by missionaries and the Government for government agencies until some individuals managed to acquire and possessed them.
Presently, the Upper West Region has been invaded with all shapes and sizes of motorcycles, ranging from such brand names as Sukida, Yamaha, AG, among others, especially with the increase in population, courtesy the students of the Wa Polytechnic and the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
Motorcycle mechanics and wholesalers, as well as wayside fuel dealers, have also emerged from every nook and cranny of the region.
Majority of these riders are the youth who prefer to hang their crash helmets on the motorcycle while riding, or would not even buy and wear it at all. Others also pretend to be wearing them anytime they spotted police officers approaching.
On several occasions, this attitude by the riders has led to clashes between the people and the police which has made the police to decide to sit back and watch, but strictly enforce the laws when cases of motorcycle accidents were brought before it.
Out of the 27 reported cases of accidents in the region which involve 43 vehicles as at March this year, almost all were motorcycle-related accidents.
Even though this trend reduced from 43 in 2008 to 27 in 2009, deaths from these accidents rather rose from 23 in 2008 to 24 in 2009, with 32 people sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Citing some fresh accident cases which occurred just last Saturday to support his argument, the Upper West regional Police Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), DSP John Ferguson Dzineku, told The Mirror that on November 7, 2009 at about 7 p.m, the police received a report of a motorcycle accident involving a 38-year-old man at Nakore, near Wa.
He said on reaching the scene, preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the victim, Zimpa Moses, who was riding a motorcycle with registration number UW 3183 Z and who died on the spot, could have survived the accident if he had his crash helmet on.
He rather had his helmet hanging on the motorcycle while riding.
DSP Dzineku said a post-mortem report indicated that the victim died from head injuries.
He said the motorcycle had since been impounded by the police, pending further investigations.
In another development, which also occurred in the morning of the same day, DSP Dzineku said a 13-year-old girl, Rahinatu Iddrisu, who was riding a bicycle also met her untimely death when she accidentally rode into the rear tyre of a moving articulated truck with registration number AS 509 U, which was being driven by one Seidu Nuhu.
He said Rahinatu sustained head injuries and was pronounced dead at the Wa Regional Hospital.
The MTTU Commander reiterated his call to motorcycle riders to abide by the rules and regulations such as wearing of crash helmets, registering their motorcycles and also acquiring licences through proper means.
“When the rider has all these, there would be no need for the police to prevent anyone from riding,” he said, pointing out that the police is around to protect lives and properties of the people.
Motorcycle riders in the Upper West Region who think they are smart and always try to outwit the police by not adhering to motor traffic regulations are now paying dearly for their lawlessness.
These motorists flout motor traffic regulations with impunity by failing to register their motorcycles, failing to acquire licences and failing to wear crash helmet when riding. Eventually, they end up in motor accidents, resulting in various degrees of serious injuries and deaths.
These accidents are so rampant that it is being suggested that motorcycles kill people more than diseases in the region.
One sad aspect of the situation is that after the accidents, the victims and the cases are left hanging, because they fail to report such cases to the police for fear of their motorcycles being impounded, or the rider being arrested and consequently prosecuted.
Motorcycles, which have now been acclaimed in the Upper West Region as a major means of transport, were first introduced into the area by missionaries and the Government for government agencies until some individuals managed to acquire and possessed them.
Presently, the Upper West Region has been invaded with all shapes and sizes of motorcycles, ranging from such brand names as Sukida, Yamaha, AG, among others, especially with the increase in population, courtesy the students of the Wa Polytechnic and the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
Motorcycle mechanics and wholesalers, as well as wayside fuel dealers, have also emerged from every nook and cranny of the region.
Majority of these riders are the youth who prefer to hang their crash helmets on the motorcycle while riding, or would not even buy and wear it at all. Others also pretend to be wearing them anytime they spotted police officers approaching.
On several occasions, this attitude by the riders has led to clashes between the people and the police which has made the police to decide to sit back and watch, but strictly enforce the laws when cases of motorcycle accidents were brought before it.
Out of the 27 reported cases of accidents in the region which involve 43 vehicles as at March this year, almost all were motorcycle-related accidents.
Even though this trend reduced from 43 in 2008 to 27 in 2009, deaths from these accidents rather rose from 23 in 2008 to 24 in 2009, with 32 people sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Citing some fresh accident cases which occurred just last Saturday to support his argument, the Upper West regional Police Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), DSP John Ferguson Dzineku, told The Mirror that on November 7, 2009 at about 7 p.m, the police received a report of a motorcycle accident involving a 38-year-old man at Nakore, near Wa.
He said on reaching the scene, preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the victim, Zimpa Moses, who was riding a motorcycle with registration number UW 3183 Z and who died on the spot, could have survived the accident if he had his crash helmet on.
He rather had his helmet hanging on the motorcycle while riding.
DSP Dzineku said a post-mortem report indicated that the victim died from head injuries.
He said the motorcycle had since been impounded by the police, pending further investigations.
In another development, which also occurred in the morning of the same day, DSP Dzineku said a 13-year-old girl, Rahinatu Iddrisu, who was riding a bicycle also met her untimely death when she accidentally rode into the rear tyre of a moving articulated truck with registration number AS 509 U, which was being driven by one Seidu Nuhu.
He said Rahinatu sustained head injuries and was pronounced dead at the Wa Regional Hospital.
The MTTU Commander reiterated his call to motorcycle riders to abide by the rules and regulations such as wearing of crash helmets, registering their motorcycles and also acquiring licences through proper means.
“When the rider has all these, there would be no need for the police to prevent anyone from riding,” he said, pointing out that the police is around to protect lives and properties of the people.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
BOREHOLES FOR 12 COMMUNITIES (PAGE 38, NOV 9)
TWELVE communities in the Lawra District are to benefit from 14 new boreholes under the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) and the Government of Ghana priority projects before the end of this year.
This is to ensure that the people have access to regular supply of good drinking water.
Similarly, proposals have been sent to some international organisations for 13 other communities including Birifoh Malba, Berwon, Baakonwgr and Tuopare Tansie to also benefit from similar projects.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Samson Abu, who made this known, said a proposal for the drilling of the boreholes had since been submitted to the Japanese embassy for consideration.
He added that the district assembly was also to receive GH¢80,000 for the construction of a day care centre and a three-unit classroom block at Kambaa and Tanchara.
Mr Abu, who was addressing the second meeting of the third ordinary session of the district, said the amount was a grant under the Community Based Rural Development Programme (CBRDP).
He said tendering processes for the construction of the classroom projects had reached an advanced stage and the contracts would soon be awarded.
Mr Abu said the development of educational infrastructure was a major priority of the assembly and, therefore, it was doing all it could to meet that goal.
He said the assembly would continue to support needy students and teacher trainees from the district.
However, he pointed out that the selection processes ought to be properly streamlined in order to ensure that genuine needy students and teacher trainees were not left out.
Touching on revenue mobilisation, Mr Abu expressed grave concern about the abysmal revenue generation in the district and challenged all stakeholders to be up to the task.
This is to ensure that the people have access to regular supply of good drinking water.
Similarly, proposals have been sent to some international organisations for 13 other communities including Birifoh Malba, Berwon, Baakonwgr and Tuopare Tansie to also benefit from similar projects.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Samson Abu, who made this known, said a proposal for the drilling of the boreholes had since been submitted to the Japanese embassy for consideration.
He added that the district assembly was also to receive GH¢80,000 for the construction of a day care centre and a three-unit classroom block at Kambaa and Tanchara.
Mr Abu, who was addressing the second meeting of the third ordinary session of the district, said the amount was a grant under the Community Based Rural Development Programme (CBRDP).
He said tendering processes for the construction of the classroom projects had reached an advanced stage and the contracts would soon be awarded.
Mr Abu said the development of educational infrastructure was a major priority of the assembly and, therefore, it was doing all it could to meet that goal.
He said the assembly would continue to support needy students and teacher trainees from the district.
However, he pointed out that the selection processes ought to be properly streamlined in order to ensure that genuine needy students and teacher trainees were not left out.
Touching on revenue mobilisation, Mr Abu expressed grave concern about the abysmal revenue generation in the district and challenged all stakeholders to be up to the task.
Friday, November 6, 2009
12 LAWRA COMMUNITIES TO GET BOREHOLES (PAGE 20, NOV 6)
TWELVE communities in the Lawra District in the Upper West Region are to benefit from 14 new boreholes under the government’s/Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) priority projects.
The projects, which will be completed before the end of the year, will enable the people to have access to regular supply of good drinking water.
Proposals have also been sent to some international organisations for 13 other communities, including Birifoh, Malba, Berwon, Baakonwgr and Tuopare Tansie to benefit from similar projects.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samson Abu, made this known at Lawra when addressing the second meeting of the third ordinary session of the district assembly.
He stated that the assembly would receive GH¢80,000 for the construction of a day care centre and a three-unit classroom block at Kambaa and Tanchara.
Mr Abu said tendering processes for the construction of the classroom projects had reached an advanced stage, and that the contracts would soon be awarded.
He said since the development of educational infrastructure was a major priority of the assembly, it was doing all within its power to meet that goal, stressing that it would continue to support needy students and teacher trainees from the district.
He, however, stated that the selection processes ought to be properly streamlined to ensure that genuinely needy students and teacher trainees were not left out.
“Apart from the common fund which the assembly was allocated GH¢1,275,905.49 as its share for this year, it was also a beneficiary of the construction of classroom blocks and offices, CHPS compounds and KVIP public places of convenience under the District Wide Assistance Project (DWAP),” the DCE stated.
Mr Abu expressed concern about the abysmal revenue generation of the district, and challenged all stakeholders to be up to the task.
He said the generation of more revenue would help the assembly not to rely so much on the District Assemblies’ Common Fund in financing development projects.
The DCE further stressed the need for students being sponsored by the assembly to be roped in as revenue collectors during holidays.
He also called for the establishment of a district revenue task force provided with adequate logistics to monitor the revenue collection.
Mr Abu appealed to people who were yet to register under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to do so, adding that the total number of beneficiaries of the scheme under the Lawra District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme as of September, this year, was 83,325.
The projects, which will be completed before the end of the year, will enable the people to have access to regular supply of good drinking water.
Proposals have also been sent to some international organisations for 13 other communities, including Birifoh, Malba, Berwon, Baakonwgr and Tuopare Tansie to benefit from similar projects.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samson Abu, made this known at Lawra when addressing the second meeting of the third ordinary session of the district assembly.
He stated that the assembly would receive GH¢80,000 for the construction of a day care centre and a three-unit classroom block at Kambaa and Tanchara.
Mr Abu said tendering processes for the construction of the classroom projects had reached an advanced stage, and that the contracts would soon be awarded.
He said since the development of educational infrastructure was a major priority of the assembly, it was doing all within its power to meet that goal, stressing that it would continue to support needy students and teacher trainees from the district.
He, however, stated that the selection processes ought to be properly streamlined to ensure that genuinely needy students and teacher trainees were not left out.
“Apart from the common fund which the assembly was allocated GH¢1,275,905.49 as its share for this year, it was also a beneficiary of the construction of classroom blocks and offices, CHPS compounds and KVIP public places of convenience under the District Wide Assistance Project (DWAP),” the DCE stated.
Mr Abu expressed concern about the abysmal revenue generation of the district, and challenged all stakeholders to be up to the task.
He said the generation of more revenue would help the assembly not to rely so much on the District Assemblies’ Common Fund in financing development projects.
The DCE further stressed the need for students being sponsored by the assembly to be roped in as revenue collectors during holidays.
He also called for the establishment of a district revenue task force provided with adequate logistics to monitor the revenue collection.
Mr Abu appealed to people who were yet to register under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to do so, adding that the total number of beneficiaries of the scheme under the Lawra District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme as of September, this year, was 83,325.
NGO SOLVES WATER PROBLEM OF 3 COMMUNITIES (PAGE 20, NOV 6)
PRONET North, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating in the Upper West Region, has drilled three boreholes at a cost of GH¢20,000 for three communities in the Wa West District.
The beneficiary communities are Naaha, Dalanyiri and Dakori.
In an interview with the Director of Pronet, Mr Martin Dery, who was on a tour of some villages, he said the NGO was able to meet the water needs of the beneficiary communities with support from the British Embassy in Ghana under its small grants programme.
He said the British Embassy made available GH¢19,500 while the Wa West District Assembly supported in the mobilisation of people in the communities to provide labour and training.
Mr Dery said hitherto those communities found it very difficult getting access to water as they continuously depended on rainwater and sometimes streams, which compounded their health risks.
He said water and sanitation committees, comprising five men and three women, had been formed for each of the beneficiary communities.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Nicholas Westcott, educated the people on the importance of water in the life of mankind, stressing that availability of good drinking water also helped to improve their health status.
He also advised parents in the respective communities to make the education of their children paramount, emphasising that the High Commission had interest in the well-being of the children.
Dr Westcott said the intervention by the High Commission was aimed at enticing the people to stay in their communities.
He commended Pronet and the people for their support.
The beneficiary communities are Naaha, Dalanyiri and Dakori.
In an interview with the Director of Pronet, Mr Martin Dery, who was on a tour of some villages, he said the NGO was able to meet the water needs of the beneficiary communities with support from the British Embassy in Ghana under its small grants programme.
He said the British Embassy made available GH¢19,500 while the Wa West District Assembly supported in the mobilisation of people in the communities to provide labour and training.
Mr Dery said hitherto those communities found it very difficult getting access to water as they continuously depended on rainwater and sometimes streams, which compounded their health risks.
He said water and sanitation committees, comprising five men and three women, had been formed for each of the beneficiary communities.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Nicholas Westcott, educated the people on the importance of water in the life of mankind, stressing that availability of good drinking water also helped to improve their health status.
He also advised parents in the respective communities to make the education of their children paramount, emphasising that the High Commission had interest in the well-being of the children.
Dr Westcott said the intervention by the High Commission was aimed at enticing the people to stay in their communities.
He commended Pronet and the people for their support.
30 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMUNITIES FORMED IN UWR (NOV 6,
THIRTY Community Environmental Management Committees (CEMCs) have been formed in 30 communities in the Upper West Region.
Formation of the committees, which is part of procedures for the full implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), is aimed at empowering municipal and district assemblies and communities to reverse land degradation and desertification trends in the three northern regions.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who inaugurated the committees, stressed the need for the members to continuously build the capacities of the communities to effectively take decisions on matters related to the exploitation of the environment.
He enjoined members of the committees to mobilise the people to take practical actions on environmental enhancement activities.
Mr Khalid, therefore, urged them to undertake tree planting projects, environmental education and bush fire campaigns.
He attributed the fall in food production in the region in the past years to bad environmental practices, adding that the projected growth rate of 3.41 per cent for the crop sub-sector was yet to be achieved within the last few years.
The acting Regional Manager of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Asher Nkegbe, said sustainable sound environmental practices would enhance food production and also ensure food security for the three regions.
“It is in this regard that the agency is working to ensure effective collaboration among the various communities, non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and the district assemblies,” he stated, adding that the committees were meant to form the bases of the GEMP.
For his part, the Nadowli District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abu Kasangbata, said as part of efforts to sustain the environment, the district was encouraging more people to go into afforestation.
He also advised the people to desist from burning bushes, especially during the dry season and also strive to protect water bodies in their respective communities.
Formation of the committees, which is part of procedures for the full implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), is aimed at empowering municipal and district assemblies and communities to reverse land degradation and desertification trends in the three northern regions.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who inaugurated the committees, stressed the need for the members to continuously build the capacities of the communities to effectively take decisions on matters related to the exploitation of the environment.
He enjoined members of the committees to mobilise the people to take practical actions on environmental enhancement activities.
Mr Khalid, therefore, urged them to undertake tree planting projects, environmental education and bush fire campaigns.
He attributed the fall in food production in the region in the past years to bad environmental practices, adding that the projected growth rate of 3.41 per cent for the crop sub-sector was yet to be achieved within the last few years.
The acting Regional Manager of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Asher Nkegbe, said sustainable sound environmental practices would enhance food production and also ensure food security for the three regions.
“It is in this regard that the agency is working to ensure effective collaboration among the various communities, non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and the district assemblies,” he stated, adding that the committees were meant to form the bases of the GEMP.
For his part, the Nadowli District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abu Kasangbata, said as part of efforts to sustain the environment, the district was encouraging more people to go into afforestation.
He also advised the people to desist from burning bushes, especially during the dry season and also strive to protect water bodies in their respective communities.
NDC, NPP YOUTH LAUNCH PEACE INITIATIVE IN WA (PAGE 16, NOV 6)
A peace initiative to spearhead the resolution of conflicts in the three northern regions in particular, and other parts of the country, has been launched in Wa, the Upper West regional capital.
The initiative, seeks to bring together executive of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branches of the Tertiary Educational Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as ambassadors for peace.
Launching it, a Deputy Minister of Information Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, said most of the conflicts in the country had political undertones, therefore, using people from both political divide, to act as mediators in conflicts will go a long way to heal wounds.
“With this peace initiative, we are going to ask leaders of the TEIN and TESCON to go into conflict areas, especially Bawku and preach to the youth about the effects of conflicts and also not to allow themselves to be used to foment trouble,” Mr Ablakwa explained.
He advised the youth to shun conflicts which took political dimensions and rather go to such areas to talk to the people to drop their weapons.
“What is happening in Bawku, for instance, is very regrettable and unacceptable; unfortunately it is young people who are being used,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa said the initiative could be replicated by all other peace loving institutions and even within political parties to reduce tension and to eradicate conflicts which are retarding the development of the regions.
He described the Upper West Region as very peaceful and was full of praise for the people for sustaining the peace.
Commenting on the state of the media in the region, Mr Ablakwa who paid a visit to the television transmission station of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) at Han, in the Jirapa district, expressed regret about the neglect of the station since it was commissioned almost 20 years ago.
He promised to ensure that media institutions in the region were properly resourced to go about their duties effectively.
The initiative, seeks to bring together executive of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branches of the Tertiary Educational Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as ambassadors for peace.
Launching it, a Deputy Minister of Information Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, said most of the conflicts in the country had political undertones, therefore, using people from both political divide, to act as mediators in conflicts will go a long way to heal wounds.
“With this peace initiative, we are going to ask leaders of the TEIN and TESCON to go into conflict areas, especially Bawku and preach to the youth about the effects of conflicts and also not to allow themselves to be used to foment trouble,” Mr Ablakwa explained.
He advised the youth to shun conflicts which took political dimensions and rather go to such areas to talk to the people to drop their weapons.
“What is happening in Bawku, for instance, is very regrettable and unacceptable; unfortunately it is young people who are being used,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa said the initiative could be replicated by all other peace loving institutions and even within political parties to reduce tension and to eradicate conflicts which are retarding the development of the regions.
He described the Upper West Region as very peaceful and was full of praise for the people for sustaining the peace.
Commenting on the state of the media in the region, Mr Ablakwa who paid a visit to the television transmission station of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) at Han, in the Jirapa district, expressed regret about the neglect of the station since it was commissioned almost 20 years ago.
He promised to ensure that media institutions in the region were properly resourced to go about their duties effectively.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
KWAW KESSE ON THE LOOSE (SHOWBIZ, PAGE 5)
“CRAZY” musician Kwaw Kesse does not play with his engagements the same way he doesn’t play with his money and perhaps there have been no better proof of this than the two incidents that occurred over the last couple of weeks in Wa and Accra.
In the first incident reported by Chris Nunoo, Kwaw Kesse virtually held the packed audience at the Wa Adonis Cinema hostage for close to one hour after the MC had announced him. The occasion was “The Face of Wa Poly” to climax the SRC week celebrations of the University of Development Studies.
After the long wait, Kesse finally appeared at about 2am ushered in by his personal body guards, the police and about three soldiers. By then the enthusiasm among most of the fans who were at the auditorium to be part of the much-hyped show, had died down.
This, notwithstanding, a few people who still wanted to reap some benefits from the amount they paid to watch the show gathered in front of the podium and managed to take pictures of Kwaw Kesse with their cell phones.
The Wa Polytechnic SRC executive condemned the attitude of the “King of the Streets”, calling it very unprofessional.
They said even though they agreed on a specific amount for Kwaw Kesse to honour the show, he disregarded the agreement at the eleventh hour and insisted that he be paid the remaining sum before performing.
According to the SRC sources, some interested parties among the audience and a few of the SRC executives had to prevail upon Kwaw Kesse for almost an hour before he obliged to enter the auditorium to perform.
Back in Accra, Mr Fennec Okyere, the manager of Kwaw Kesse, explained the misunderstanding to Showbiz . He said that Kwaw was invited by the SRC to perform at an agreed sum of GH¢3,000. The SRC paid GH¢ 2,100, representing 70 percent and according to the agreement, they were expected to pay the remaining GH¢ 900 when he got to Wa.
However, on their arrival, Okyere said they were not paid but they still went ahead to do all the things stipulated in the contract which included granting interviews to radio stations to publicise the event.
“On Saturday evening, we stayed in the hotel till midnight and our hosts did not come for us so on our own initiative, we went to the venue, the Adonis Cinema Theatre.
“When we got there, there were more than 3,000 people inside and outside who all wanted to see Abodam. Even though we had not been paid, the organisers said they wanted us to perform but we insisted on being paid.
“We were insistent because we have had this experience before in Tamale. Filla FM invited us for a programme but they did not pay us the balance and the next day we were left stranded because we had no money. Because we didn’t want a repeat of that, we insisted on being paid and after running around for a while, they were able to raise GH¢500 which was not enough to cover the amount which included GH¢ 600 for a bus we hired to Tamale.”
According to Fennec, a lot of people came in to try to resolve issues including some military men present. Eventually, Kwaw Kesse agreed to perform with the understanding that they (organisers) would bring the rest of the money to the hotel where Kwaw Kesse was staying early the next morning.
This they failed to do and according to Okyere, Kesse seized the motorbike of one of the SRC executives and brought it over to Accra until last Wednesday when payment was made and the bike was released.
Fennec said that even though the cost of the motorcycle was not up to the amount they were owed, they seized the motorbike because it was their way of having something that belonged to them and showing that they meant business.
In the first incident reported by Chris Nunoo, Kwaw Kesse virtually held the packed audience at the Wa Adonis Cinema hostage for close to one hour after the MC had announced him. The occasion was “The Face of Wa Poly” to climax the SRC week celebrations of the University of Development Studies.
After the long wait, Kesse finally appeared at about 2am ushered in by his personal body guards, the police and about three soldiers. By then the enthusiasm among most of the fans who were at the auditorium to be part of the much-hyped show, had died down.
This, notwithstanding, a few people who still wanted to reap some benefits from the amount they paid to watch the show gathered in front of the podium and managed to take pictures of Kwaw Kesse with their cell phones.
The Wa Polytechnic SRC executive condemned the attitude of the “King of the Streets”, calling it very unprofessional.
They said even though they agreed on a specific amount for Kwaw Kesse to honour the show, he disregarded the agreement at the eleventh hour and insisted that he be paid the remaining sum before performing.
According to the SRC sources, some interested parties among the audience and a few of the SRC executives had to prevail upon Kwaw Kesse for almost an hour before he obliged to enter the auditorium to perform.
Back in Accra, Mr Fennec Okyere, the manager of Kwaw Kesse, explained the misunderstanding to Showbiz . He said that Kwaw was invited by the SRC to perform at an agreed sum of GH¢3,000. The SRC paid GH¢ 2,100, representing 70 percent and according to the agreement, they were expected to pay the remaining GH¢ 900 when he got to Wa.
However, on their arrival, Okyere said they were not paid but they still went ahead to do all the things stipulated in the contract which included granting interviews to radio stations to publicise the event.
“On Saturday evening, we stayed in the hotel till midnight and our hosts did not come for us so on our own initiative, we went to the venue, the Adonis Cinema Theatre.
“When we got there, there were more than 3,000 people inside and outside who all wanted to see Abodam. Even though we had not been paid, the organisers said they wanted us to perform but we insisted on being paid.
“We were insistent because we have had this experience before in Tamale. Filla FM invited us for a programme but they did not pay us the balance and the next day we were left stranded because we had no money. Because we didn’t want a repeat of that, we insisted on being paid and after running around for a while, they were able to raise GH¢500 which was not enough to cover the amount which included GH¢ 600 for a bus we hired to Tamale.”
According to Fennec, a lot of people came in to try to resolve issues including some military men present. Eventually, Kwaw Kesse agreed to perform with the understanding that they (organisers) would bring the rest of the money to the hotel where Kwaw Kesse was staying early the next morning.
This they failed to do and according to Okyere, Kesse seized the motorbike of one of the SRC executives and brought it over to Accra until last Wednesday when payment was made and the bike was released.
Fennec said that even though the cost of the motorcycle was not up to the amount they were owed, they seized the motorbike because it was their way of having something that belonged to them and showing that they meant business.
Friday, October 30, 2009
GOVT SUPPORTS UDS WITH GH¢20M (PAGE 11, OCT 30)
THE Government is to allocate GH¢20 million to the University for Development Studies (UDS) as a seed money towards its delvelopment.
The amount is to be released from the newly established President Endowment Fund Initiative.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Prof. David Milliar, who announced this, explained that GH¢2million would be disbursed to the university on a yearly basis within the next 10 years.
He expressed appreciation to the President and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GET Fund) for their support to the fledgling university.
Prof. Millar was addressig the 17th matriculatin ceremony of the Wa campus of the UDS in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
"With this gesture, we are hopeful that the pledge by the GETFund to construct a 1,000-bed student hostel at the Tamale campus would soon be fulfilled," Prof. Milliar noted.
Touching on admissions, the acting vice chancellor said out of the over 12,450 applications received for various programmes this year, only about 10,000 applicants qualified for admission to pursue the various degree programmes.
He said that the university was able to offer admissions to 8,743 of the applicants, representing 80 per cent of the qualified applicants.
"Another 847 applicants were offered admission to pursue diploma programmes. This brings the total number of students offered admissions this academic year to 9, 696", he stated, pointing out that the current population of the university stood at 14,800.
Prof. Milliar said a lot of factors were taken into consideration, and these include giving opportunity to more female students as well as students from deprived communities.
The amount is to be released from the newly established President Endowment Fund Initiative.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Prof. David Milliar, who announced this, explained that GH¢2million would be disbursed to the university on a yearly basis within the next 10 years.
He expressed appreciation to the President and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GET Fund) for their support to the fledgling university.
Prof. Millar was addressig the 17th matriculatin ceremony of the Wa campus of the UDS in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
"With this gesture, we are hopeful that the pledge by the GETFund to construct a 1,000-bed student hostel at the Tamale campus would soon be fulfilled," Prof. Milliar noted.
Touching on admissions, the acting vice chancellor said out of the over 12,450 applications received for various programmes this year, only about 10,000 applicants qualified for admission to pursue the various degree programmes.
He said that the university was able to offer admissions to 8,743 of the applicants, representing 80 per cent of the qualified applicants.
"Another 847 applicants were offered admission to pursue diploma programmes. This brings the total number of students offered admissions this academic year to 9, 696", he stated, pointing out that the current population of the university stood at 14,800.
Prof. Milliar said a lot of factors were taken into consideration, and these include giving opportunity to more female students as well as students from deprived communities.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
SOME MAJOR ROADS IN UW TO BE TARRED (PAGE 21, OCT 28)
TARRING of some major roads in the Upper West Region is to commence in December, this year.
The works, which will cover a total of 429 kilometres, will open up the region and enhance economic activities.
Currently, the region is one of those with the worst roads in the country. Most of the roads in the area have deteriorated due to the recent rains.
According to the Regional Manager of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Kwabena Omane-Brimpong, the Nadowli District is one of the districts to benefit from the road rehabilitation and a total of 111 kilometres of its roads will be improved.
These include the Sankana-Nator and Dafiama- Dachia roads.
Mr Omane-Brimpong said his outfit, in consultation with the regional tender board, had terminated contracts on 18 spot-improvement road projects.
He attributed the problem to the low capacities of contractors in the region and urged them to be up to the task.
Mr Omane-Brimpong, who was addressing a meeting between technocrats in the road sector and the Nadowli District Assembly, advised contractors to regularly read contract documents very carefully and work within deadlines.
He said the Japanese Government and the World Bank would support the construction of some of the roads in the area.
The Nadowli District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abu Kasangbata, assured the contractors that the assembly would ensure the prompt payment for all jobs they executed.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint when payment of contracts delayed, saying, “The current budget of the assembly has catered for all that and we will ensure that we pay all the money we owe you”.
Mr Kasangbata stressed that he would not compromise for poor quality work and, therefore, advised contractors to be assertive and abide by the regulations regarding construction at all times.
A contractor, Mr Gaston Kale, appealed to the government to seek the interest of local contractors by building their capacities.
He also called for a reduction in interests rate to make payment of loans less cumbersome.
The works, which will cover a total of 429 kilometres, will open up the region and enhance economic activities.
Currently, the region is one of those with the worst roads in the country. Most of the roads in the area have deteriorated due to the recent rains.
According to the Regional Manager of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Kwabena Omane-Brimpong, the Nadowli District is one of the districts to benefit from the road rehabilitation and a total of 111 kilometres of its roads will be improved.
These include the Sankana-Nator and Dafiama- Dachia roads.
Mr Omane-Brimpong said his outfit, in consultation with the regional tender board, had terminated contracts on 18 spot-improvement road projects.
He attributed the problem to the low capacities of contractors in the region and urged them to be up to the task.
Mr Omane-Brimpong, who was addressing a meeting between technocrats in the road sector and the Nadowli District Assembly, advised contractors to regularly read contract documents very carefully and work within deadlines.
He said the Japanese Government and the World Bank would support the construction of some of the roads in the area.
The Nadowli District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abu Kasangbata, assured the contractors that the assembly would ensure the prompt payment for all jobs they executed.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint when payment of contracts delayed, saying, “The current budget of the assembly has catered for all that and we will ensure that we pay all the money we owe you”.
Mr Kasangbata stressed that he would not compromise for poor quality work and, therefore, advised contractors to be assertive and abide by the regulations regarding construction at all times.
A contractor, Mr Gaston Kale, appealed to the government to seek the interest of local contractors by building their capacities.
He also called for a reduction in interests rate to make payment of loans less cumbersome.
Friday, October 23, 2009
WECHIAU HIPPO SANCTUARY CHALKS 10 (GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ, OCT 22)
By Chris Nunoo
THE Wechiau Community Hippopotamus Sanctuary is 10 years old but there is little to show for it.
The sanctuary which is now a household name with respect to ecotourism attractions in Ghana is confronted with many challenges that have not enabled it to take its deserving place among the major tourism offerings in the country.
Ten years down the line, the road from the Wechiau town to the sanctuary would easily discourage visitors from driving there. There is also a problem of the availability of potable water while communities constituting the sanctuary have no regular electricity supply.
The sanctuary came into being through the efforts of the late Wechiau chief, Naa Bayon Doga II and can presently boast of over 20 hippos, monkeys and various kinds of birds.
At a well attended durbar held at the forecourt of the Wechiau Naa’s palace to mark the tenth anniversary last week, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Mahmud Khalid, who was the special guest, urged the people of the area to periodically review the activities of the sanctuary in order to improve on it.
The regional minister reminded the people of the benefits that the communities stood to gain if the sanctuary was successfully developed and advised them to be friendly to visitors who patronised the sanctuary and be prepared to share historic information.
The durbar attracted a delegation from Canada and the United Kingdom led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Zoo in Canada, Mr. Clement Lanthier.
The delegation, as friends of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, have contributed to the development of the sanctuary project. They have also assisted in the construction of a number of boreholes and schools for some of the surrounding communities.
The CEO of Calgary Zoo, Mr. Clement Lanthier was enskinned by the traditional leaders of the respective communities in the Wa West district, as the Bagyaa Naa meaning chief for all the communities in the sanctuary.
The Wa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, for his part, said that by-laws which would help protect the sanctuary and its environs were at the latter stages of completion and which when gazetted would be rigidly enforced to sustain the sanctuary.
Touching on what the assembly intends to do to give a facelift to the town and the sanctuary, the DCE mentioned plans to mechanise a borehole at the tourist lodge (hostel), the construction of the road leading to the sanctuary, construction of a modern guest house in Wechiau as well as the extension of electricity to the communities constituting the sanctuary.
The Head of Conservation Outreach of Calgary Zoo in Canada, Mr. Brian Keatings, called for closer collaboration between the Wechiau community hippo sanctuary and the Calgary Zoo in Canada. He urged the local community to appreciate the benefits of wildlife and called for practices that would enable wildlife to be catered for in its natural habitat.
“The world must begin to work together to keep wildlife where they belong. We must work together to provide education, water and a better life for our children and for those yet to be born and this can only happen when we involve the local people in all that we do” he said.
The President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and Chief of Dorimon, Naa S D Gore, chaired the function.
THE Wechiau Community Hippopotamus Sanctuary is 10 years old but there is little to show for it.
The sanctuary which is now a household name with respect to ecotourism attractions in Ghana is confronted with many challenges that have not enabled it to take its deserving place among the major tourism offerings in the country.
Ten years down the line, the road from the Wechiau town to the sanctuary would easily discourage visitors from driving there. There is also a problem of the availability of potable water while communities constituting the sanctuary have no regular electricity supply.
The sanctuary came into being through the efforts of the late Wechiau chief, Naa Bayon Doga II and can presently boast of over 20 hippos, monkeys and various kinds of birds.
At a well attended durbar held at the forecourt of the Wechiau Naa’s palace to mark the tenth anniversary last week, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Mahmud Khalid, who was the special guest, urged the people of the area to periodically review the activities of the sanctuary in order to improve on it.
The regional minister reminded the people of the benefits that the communities stood to gain if the sanctuary was successfully developed and advised them to be friendly to visitors who patronised the sanctuary and be prepared to share historic information.
The durbar attracted a delegation from Canada and the United Kingdom led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Zoo in Canada, Mr. Clement Lanthier.
The delegation, as friends of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, have contributed to the development of the sanctuary project. They have also assisted in the construction of a number of boreholes and schools for some of the surrounding communities.
The CEO of Calgary Zoo, Mr. Clement Lanthier was enskinned by the traditional leaders of the respective communities in the Wa West district, as the Bagyaa Naa meaning chief for all the communities in the sanctuary.
The Wa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, for his part, said that by-laws which would help protect the sanctuary and its environs were at the latter stages of completion and which when gazetted would be rigidly enforced to sustain the sanctuary.
Touching on what the assembly intends to do to give a facelift to the town and the sanctuary, the DCE mentioned plans to mechanise a borehole at the tourist lodge (hostel), the construction of the road leading to the sanctuary, construction of a modern guest house in Wechiau as well as the extension of electricity to the communities constituting the sanctuary.
The Head of Conservation Outreach of Calgary Zoo in Canada, Mr. Brian Keatings, called for closer collaboration between the Wechiau community hippo sanctuary and the Calgary Zoo in Canada. He urged the local community to appreciate the benefits of wildlife and called for practices that would enable wildlife to be catered for in its natural habitat.
“The world must begin to work together to keep wildlife where they belong. We must work together to provide education, water and a better life for our children and for those yet to be born and this can only happen when we involve the local people in all that we do” he said.
The President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and Chief of Dorimon, Naa S D Gore, chaired the function.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
ASHGOLD SHOCK ALL STARS (BACK PAGE, OCT 22)
A well-composed Ashantigold side yesterday stunned Wa All Stars 2-0 in their own backyard in their Glo Premier League match at the Wa Stadium.
Goals from tormentor-in-chief, Addoquaye Addo, and Isaac Nii Kwei on the 25th and 38th minutes were all Ashantigold needed to silence the home fans.
Led on the technical bench by Coach David Duncan, Ashantigold looked very disciplined in all aspects of the game and kept frustrating their opponents until Sunyani-based referee Yaw Ametepe contentiously sent off Addoquaye Addo for a second cautionable offence.
From then on the tide turned, with All Stars taking the game to the visitors after bringing on some fresh limbs, but the Ashantigold defence marshalled by Kofi Agyare held the All Stars attackers in check.
• A bizarre incident climaxed the match between new entrants, Aduana Stars, and Liberty Professionals' goalless drawn game at Dormaa Ahenkro yesterday, reports Samuel Duodu, Dormaa Ahenkro.
Immediately after Takoradi-based class one referee, S.B. Bortey's final whistle, some irate fans of the home team pelted the police who were escorting the referee to the dressing room with satchet water and oranges.
Goals from tormentor-in-chief, Addoquaye Addo, and Isaac Nii Kwei on the 25th and 38th minutes were all Ashantigold needed to silence the home fans.
Led on the technical bench by Coach David Duncan, Ashantigold looked very disciplined in all aspects of the game and kept frustrating their opponents until Sunyani-based referee Yaw Ametepe contentiously sent off Addoquaye Addo for a second cautionable offence.
From then on the tide turned, with All Stars taking the game to the visitors after bringing on some fresh limbs, but the Ashantigold defence marshalled by Kofi Agyare held the All Stars attackers in check.
• A bizarre incident climaxed the match between new entrants, Aduana Stars, and Liberty Professionals' goalless drawn game at Dormaa Ahenkro yesterday, reports Samuel Duodu, Dormaa Ahenkro.
Immediately after Takoradi-based class one referee, S.B. Bortey's final whistle, some irate fans of the home team pelted the police who were escorting the referee to the dressing room with satchet water and oranges.
CIDA SUPPORTS NORTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT (BACK PAGE, OCT 21)
THE Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is supporting the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP) in the three northern regions with $7.2 million.
The GEMP, which was couched out of the national programme to combat desertification and drought, is aimed at strengthening the capacities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), among other institutions, to spearhead the crusade to protect the environment.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the EPA, Mr Asher Nkegbe, who made this known explained that the GEMP project was a five-year programme which sought to empower the respective institutions and communities to seriously deal with issues affecting the environment.
Mr Nkegbe was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a 16-member municipal environmental management committee in Wa, the Upper regional capital.
He advised the various committees which ranged from the regional, municipal to the districts to identify priority areas as far as environmental issues were concerned, and intensify their education, especially at the community level.
These committees, he said, must assist the communities to come out with proposals and also enact bye-laws as a step to ward off activities which degraded the environment.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, charged Community Environmental Management Committees (CEMOs) to initiate programmes such as tree planting and anti bushfire campaigns.
He stressed the need to continuously empower local communities to enable them to contribute effectively to issues on the exploitation of the environment.
“Under the GEMP, some nurseries would be developed so please stock these nurseries with viable economic trees so that while protecting the environment, the people can also reap some benefits from the trees” Mr Khalid added.
The GEMP, which was couched out of the national programme to combat desertification and drought, is aimed at strengthening the capacities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), among other institutions, to spearhead the crusade to protect the environment.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the EPA, Mr Asher Nkegbe, who made this known explained that the GEMP project was a five-year programme which sought to empower the respective institutions and communities to seriously deal with issues affecting the environment.
Mr Nkegbe was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a 16-member municipal environmental management committee in Wa, the Upper regional capital.
He advised the various committees which ranged from the regional, municipal to the districts to identify priority areas as far as environmental issues were concerned, and intensify their education, especially at the community level.
These committees, he said, must assist the communities to come out with proposals and also enact bye-laws as a step to ward off activities which degraded the environment.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, charged Community Environmental Management Committees (CEMOs) to initiate programmes such as tree planting and anti bushfire campaigns.
He stressed the need to continuously empower local communities to enable them to contribute effectively to issues on the exploitation of the environment.
“Under the GEMP, some nurseries would be developed so please stock these nurseries with viable economic trees so that while protecting the environment, the people can also reap some benefits from the trees” Mr Khalid added.
Monday, October 19, 2009
MUST MANUFACTURE OF SMALL ARMS BE LEGALISED ...Views from panellists in Wa (PAGE 27, MIRROR OCT 17)
Emmanuel Aikins,
Lecturer, Wa
Polytechnic
Local manufacturers of small arms, and for that matter, blacksmiths, are not restricted to the production of small arms alone. Their work extends to the manufacture of other metal products. Hence, for one to argue that it would mean denying them of their daily bread if blacksmiths are arrested for producing small arms is untenable.
No matter the size of the arms that are produced, they have the capacity to inflict widespread destruction and distress.
We have heard of instances where people have used arms to cause havoc unjustifiably. In other countries where small arms are produced legally, people are tempted to use them even when they could have exercised a little restraint. There, people own the arms and have them in their vehicles, homes and offices and, therefore, use them with the slightest provocation.
Indeed, people who own guns also tend to abuse the laws of the land because of the feeling of power that the ownership of a small arm gives the holder. The gun gives them ego out of which they characteristically threaten people, with the result that in some instances innocent people are killed by stray bullets.
Currently, the manufacture of small arms has not been legalised but our security people are struggling to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes and this is where I think our focus should be for now, instead of venturing into dangerous grounds and considering the issue of legalising the manufacture of small arms in the country.
What we need to do as a country is to concentrate on building a prosperous country while tackling the problem of robbery and manufacturing arms with all seriousness. I will not, therefore, for once support the legalisation of small arms.
Dr Alexis
Nang-Beifubah,
Regional Director, Ghana Health Service
In my opinion, Ghana is not mature enough to legalise the manufacture of small arms. Considering the high numbers of unemployed youth on our hands, many of whom are seriously looking for opportunities to do anything; whether legal or illegal, we should not even think of embarking on such a venture.
Encouraging blacksmiths to go ahead with the large-scale production of these arms means we are only addressing one aspect of the problem, and that is encouraging them to produce potentially destructive items.
As of now we are all aware that armed robbery has in a way gone down and I believe it is all because of the difficulty of acquiring arms these days.
In this country, there is the difficult situation of ascertaining the psychological state of people and, therefore, to entrust people with weapons is to call for disaster on our heads.
In addition, the country lacks the capacity to determine the persons to be given the license to carry out the manufacture of these weapons.
On what grounds are the call for the legalisation of the manufacture of small arms based? Why must we even think of such a thing?. Seriously we do not want to have a gun society.
I think that what we need to do is to encourage blacksmiths to rather divert their energies towards the production of metal beds for our schools, hoes for our farmers and door frames among other things, which I suppose would be of immense benefit to the entire nation instead of the manufacture of small arms.
At the moment, it seems that apart from the manufacture of small arms our blacksmiths are incapable of producing any other item, which I believe is not the case.
Sadiyya Akuba Annor,
Student, University of Development Studies (UDS)
Until this debate on legalising the manufacture of small arms came up, many people did not realise the need to delve into issues relating to arms in this country.
Times have changed globally in terms of the way things are done so it is about time that this country adapted positively to these changing trend.
It is based on this that I will support the call for the manufacturing of small arms to be legalised. When this is done, I believe it will result in stringent monitoring mechanisms on the part of our security agencies.
If we keep tormenting blacksmiths and other manufacturers of these weapons, they will hide, produce the weapons and continue to outwit the security agencies and this could be dangerous for us as a country.
However, if the manufacture of small arms is legalised, the producers of the weapons could be registered, while producers who fail to register will fall foul of the laws of the land and be dealt with.
By legalising the activity, both manufacturers and buyers of guns could be easily traced. Bearing this in mind, holders of guns will be more careful in handling the weapons.
Besides, blacksmiths, once registered, would be brought under one umbrella and with a little assistance from central government, could even manufacture very sophisticated arms for our security forces and this will reduce monies spent by the government in importing arms. Some of our blacksmiths are very talented and can manufacture very intricate things using metals.
Rita S. Nubabong,
NADMO, Wa
Legalising small arms would be fine since it would rather enable the security agencies to track all those who are involved in the production of small arms, as well as those who own small arms.
I agree that blacksmiths, many of whom are into the production of these small arms, can manufacture other items.
Especially, in our part of the country where majority of the people are farmers they could produce hoes, and other farm implements for the farmers. This, however, should not prevent them from going into the production of guns because the production of gun is also part of their vocation.
When blacksmiths are arrested or prevented from the production of the small arms, I bet you they would rather hide and do these things clandestinely and that would be disastrous for the country.
When this becomes the case, the security agencies would find it very difficult monitoring them. Blacksmiths have been with us over the years and they have been producing these items for so long and so if we say now that they should stop, then what else will they be doing?
What the country should rather do is to intensify activities to reach out to many of these blacksmiths, register them and streamline their activities, especially with respect to the manufacture of small arms.
Even though people will go in for these weapons once they are legalised, at least once the producer as well as the buyer or whoever is using it is known, care would be taken in its handling.
Anyone who misuses guns irresponsibly under the laws of the country must be made to face the full rigours of the law.
This issue of gun manufacture is very thorny and, therefore, has to be carefully and critically delved into before a major decision is taken on it.
George Folley,
Journalist
I think that the manufacture of small arms should be legalised because when this is done, proper records could be kept of all people with such arms. Legalising their production will also enable the security agencies to do thorough background checks on all those who own these weapons.
In contribution to the process, all sellers of ammunition must also be supplied with an ammunitions register where the particulars of both the manufacturers and the buyers would be recorded. This will help keep track of both the sellers and buyers so that in case of any eventuality, the perpetrators could easily be identified.
I think that when small arms are legalised, they must be sold solely to people who would need them for their personal protection. Beyond this, laws on the handling of small arms must be made to work effectively, in order to prevent illegal acquisition and manufacture of such arms.
This will go a long way to ward off people who have the intention of going in for such arms for other reasons including indulgence in criminal activities. Once the trade is legalised, those who produce small arms without permission will have to be dealt with severely.
There is no doubt that small arms manufacturers including blacksmiths have also contributed to the upsurge in armed robbery in the country. Conducting proper background checks on them as well as keeping good records of their activities will go a long way to help minimise violent crimes in the country.
Ghanaians are not used to the domestic handling of guns; as such there is need for intensive education and sensitisation on the proper handling of such arms.
Kwaku Baawine,
Retiree
It will be a very good decision to legalise the manufacture of small arms in the country. The research and development unit of the Ghana Army must be activated to study the manufacture of arms to be able to liaise with local arms manufacturers. If we bring these arms manufacturers out of the closet we will be able to monitor their activities.
It would be just like the forex bureau. When the concept was first brought up many were those who disagreed with it. However, we have now seen the benefits that the country is deriving from the operations of forex bureaux.
Some of these local small arms manufacturers are very talented and if their operations had been legalised many years ago, this country would have been a leading arms producer in the world by now. The very good blacksmiths could be sent outside the country and attached to ballistic experts to enable them sharpen their skills.
The decision to legalise the production of small arms is long overdue. I have been canvassing for this for a very long time. Ghanaians have an attitude of looking at things negatively and criminalising it.
Galamsey operations, for instance, were seen to be very negative but when these were streamlined, whether we liked it or not, it has taken some pressure off the government as far as youth employment is concerned.
We have to start looking at these matters as avenues for employment rather than criminalising them. The arms manufacturers must be well trained, well equipped and guided to support the country.
Lecturer, Wa
Polytechnic
Local manufacturers of small arms, and for that matter, blacksmiths, are not restricted to the production of small arms alone. Their work extends to the manufacture of other metal products. Hence, for one to argue that it would mean denying them of their daily bread if blacksmiths are arrested for producing small arms is untenable.
No matter the size of the arms that are produced, they have the capacity to inflict widespread destruction and distress.
We have heard of instances where people have used arms to cause havoc unjustifiably. In other countries where small arms are produced legally, people are tempted to use them even when they could have exercised a little restraint. There, people own the arms and have them in their vehicles, homes and offices and, therefore, use them with the slightest provocation.
Indeed, people who own guns also tend to abuse the laws of the land because of the feeling of power that the ownership of a small arm gives the holder. The gun gives them ego out of which they characteristically threaten people, with the result that in some instances innocent people are killed by stray bullets.
Currently, the manufacture of small arms has not been legalised but our security people are struggling to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes and this is where I think our focus should be for now, instead of venturing into dangerous grounds and considering the issue of legalising the manufacture of small arms in the country.
What we need to do as a country is to concentrate on building a prosperous country while tackling the problem of robbery and manufacturing arms with all seriousness. I will not, therefore, for once support the legalisation of small arms.
Dr Alexis
Nang-Beifubah,
Regional Director, Ghana Health Service
In my opinion, Ghana is not mature enough to legalise the manufacture of small arms. Considering the high numbers of unemployed youth on our hands, many of whom are seriously looking for opportunities to do anything; whether legal or illegal, we should not even think of embarking on such a venture.
Encouraging blacksmiths to go ahead with the large-scale production of these arms means we are only addressing one aspect of the problem, and that is encouraging them to produce potentially destructive items.
As of now we are all aware that armed robbery has in a way gone down and I believe it is all because of the difficulty of acquiring arms these days.
In this country, there is the difficult situation of ascertaining the psychological state of people and, therefore, to entrust people with weapons is to call for disaster on our heads.
In addition, the country lacks the capacity to determine the persons to be given the license to carry out the manufacture of these weapons.
On what grounds are the call for the legalisation of the manufacture of small arms based? Why must we even think of such a thing?. Seriously we do not want to have a gun society.
I think that what we need to do is to encourage blacksmiths to rather divert their energies towards the production of metal beds for our schools, hoes for our farmers and door frames among other things, which I suppose would be of immense benefit to the entire nation instead of the manufacture of small arms.
At the moment, it seems that apart from the manufacture of small arms our blacksmiths are incapable of producing any other item, which I believe is not the case.
Sadiyya Akuba Annor,
Student, University of Development Studies (UDS)
Until this debate on legalising the manufacture of small arms came up, many people did not realise the need to delve into issues relating to arms in this country.
Times have changed globally in terms of the way things are done so it is about time that this country adapted positively to these changing trend.
It is based on this that I will support the call for the manufacturing of small arms to be legalised. When this is done, I believe it will result in stringent monitoring mechanisms on the part of our security agencies.
If we keep tormenting blacksmiths and other manufacturers of these weapons, they will hide, produce the weapons and continue to outwit the security agencies and this could be dangerous for us as a country.
However, if the manufacture of small arms is legalised, the producers of the weapons could be registered, while producers who fail to register will fall foul of the laws of the land and be dealt with.
By legalising the activity, both manufacturers and buyers of guns could be easily traced. Bearing this in mind, holders of guns will be more careful in handling the weapons.
Besides, blacksmiths, once registered, would be brought under one umbrella and with a little assistance from central government, could even manufacture very sophisticated arms for our security forces and this will reduce monies spent by the government in importing arms. Some of our blacksmiths are very talented and can manufacture very intricate things using metals.
Rita S. Nubabong,
NADMO, Wa
Legalising small arms would be fine since it would rather enable the security agencies to track all those who are involved in the production of small arms, as well as those who own small arms.
I agree that blacksmiths, many of whom are into the production of these small arms, can manufacture other items.
Especially, in our part of the country where majority of the people are farmers they could produce hoes, and other farm implements for the farmers. This, however, should not prevent them from going into the production of guns because the production of gun is also part of their vocation.
When blacksmiths are arrested or prevented from the production of the small arms, I bet you they would rather hide and do these things clandestinely and that would be disastrous for the country.
When this becomes the case, the security agencies would find it very difficult monitoring them. Blacksmiths have been with us over the years and they have been producing these items for so long and so if we say now that they should stop, then what else will they be doing?
What the country should rather do is to intensify activities to reach out to many of these blacksmiths, register them and streamline their activities, especially with respect to the manufacture of small arms.
Even though people will go in for these weapons once they are legalised, at least once the producer as well as the buyer or whoever is using it is known, care would be taken in its handling.
Anyone who misuses guns irresponsibly under the laws of the country must be made to face the full rigours of the law.
This issue of gun manufacture is very thorny and, therefore, has to be carefully and critically delved into before a major decision is taken on it.
George Folley,
Journalist
I think that the manufacture of small arms should be legalised because when this is done, proper records could be kept of all people with such arms. Legalising their production will also enable the security agencies to do thorough background checks on all those who own these weapons.
In contribution to the process, all sellers of ammunition must also be supplied with an ammunitions register where the particulars of both the manufacturers and the buyers would be recorded. This will help keep track of both the sellers and buyers so that in case of any eventuality, the perpetrators could easily be identified.
I think that when small arms are legalised, they must be sold solely to people who would need them for their personal protection. Beyond this, laws on the handling of small arms must be made to work effectively, in order to prevent illegal acquisition and manufacture of such arms.
This will go a long way to ward off people who have the intention of going in for such arms for other reasons including indulgence in criminal activities. Once the trade is legalised, those who produce small arms without permission will have to be dealt with severely.
There is no doubt that small arms manufacturers including blacksmiths have also contributed to the upsurge in armed robbery in the country. Conducting proper background checks on them as well as keeping good records of their activities will go a long way to help minimise violent crimes in the country.
Ghanaians are not used to the domestic handling of guns; as such there is need for intensive education and sensitisation on the proper handling of such arms.
Kwaku Baawine,
Retiree
It will be a very good decision to legalise the manufacture of small arms in the country. The research and development unit of the Ghana Army must be activated to study the manufacture of arms to be able to liaise with local arms manufacturers. If we bring these arms manufacturers out of the closet we will be able to monitor their activities.
It would be just like the forex bureau. When the concept was first brought up many were those who disagreed with it. However, we have now seen the benefits that the country is deriving from the operations of forex bureaux.
Some of these local small arms manufacturers are very talented and if their operations had been legalised many years ago, this country would have been a leading arms producer in the world by now. The very good blacksmiths could be sent outside the country and attached to ballistic experts to enable them sharpen their skills.
The decision to legalise the production of small arms is long overdue. I have been canvassing for this for a very long time. Ghanaians have an attitude of looking at things negatively and criminalising it.
Galamsey operations, for instance, were seen to be very negative but when these were streamlined, whether we liked it or not, it has taken some pressure off the government as far as youth employment is concerned.
We have to start looking at these matters as avenues for employment rather than criminalising them. The arms manufacturers must be well trained, well equipped and guided to support the country.
Friday, October 16, 2009
FOUR NABBED FOR THEFT (OCT 16, PAGE 15)
FOUR persons have been arrested by the Wa Police for allegedly breaking into the pharmacy of the Nadowli District Hospital and stealing assorted drugs and a desktop computer, all worth GH¢35,000.
The suspects are Fidelis Bainye, 33, Moses Abudu Suntaah, 26, both record keepers at the hospital, Stephen Kpenye, 40, a watchman, and Lamin Pouryilideoni, 36, who was described as an accomplice.
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alex Bedie, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said the police received a report that the pharmacy of the hospital had been burgled on October 10, 2009.
He said the police quickly mounted an investigation into the matter and arrested the four.
He said it came out that Moses had once worked at the pharmacy and so he had a spare key to the place.
He said Moses allegedly planned with Fidelis to steal the drugs from the pharmacy and, therefore, about 3 a.m. on that day they broke into the pharmacy and made away with a number of drugs and a desktop computer.
ACP Bedie said further investigations by the police revealed that the watchman, Kpenye, was supposed to report to duty that day but he did not turn up, paving the way for Moses and Fidelis to have a leeway.
He said in a bid to throw dust into the eyes of the hospital authorities, Moses, who had carried the booty to his house at Kaleo, near Wa, for safekeeping set fire to the curtains in the pharmacy shop.
He said after his arrest, Moses sent a message to Fidelis about his arrest and asked him to go to his house and remove the stolen items to an unidentified location.
He added that Fidelis, with the assistance of Lamin, a nursing mother, quickly packed the drugs and the computer and hid them somewhere.
He said Fidelis and Lamin were subsequently arrested, while further investigations led to Stephen’s arrest.
Upon interrogation, ACP Bedie said, Fidelis and Moses admitted stealing the items, while Stephen claimed he had been indisposed on the night of the theft, hence his inability to report to work.
The Regional Police Commander said all four suspects had been placed in police custody pending further investigations.
The suspects are Fidelis Bainye, 33, Moses Abudu Suntaah, 26, both record keepers at the hospital, Stephen Kpenye, 40, a watchman, and Lamin Pouryilideoni, 36, who was described as an accomplice.
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alex Bedie, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said the police received a report that the pharmacy of the hospital had been burgled on October 10, 2009.
He said the police quickly mounted an investigation into the matter and arrested the four.
He said it came out that Moses had once worked at the pharmacy and so he had a spare key to the place.
He said Moses allegedly planned with Fidelis to steal the drugs from the pharmacy and, therefore, about 3 a.m. on that day they broke into the pharmacy and made away with a number of drugs and a desktop computer.
ACP Bedie said further investigations by the police revealed that the watchman, Kpenye, was supposed to report to duty that day but he did not turn up, paving the way for Moses and Fidelis to have a leeway.
He said in a bid to throw dust into the eyes of the hospital authorities, Moses, who had carried the booty to his house at Kaleo, near Wa, for safekeeping set fire to the curtains in the pharmacy shop.
He said after his arrest, Moses sent a message to Fidelis about his arrest and asked him to go to his house and remove the stolen items to an unidentified location.
He added that Fidelis, with the assistance of Lamin, a nursing mother, quickly packed the drugs and the computer and hid them somewhere.
He said Fidelis and Lamin were subsequently arrested, while further investigations led to Stephen’s arrest.
Upon interrogation, ACP Bedie said, Fidelis and Moses admitted stealing the items, while Stephen claimed he had been indisposed on the night of the theft, hence his inability to report to work.
The Regional Police Commander said all four suspects had been placed in police custody pending further investigations.
Monday, October 12, 2009
DR SORY TOURS UPPER WEST (OCT 9, PAGE 20)
THE Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Elias Sory, has called on the Nurses and Midwives Council to as a matter of urgency, review the embargo on admission of community health nurses and their prevention from performing midwifery functions.
He said the policy as it stood now hindered effective healthcare delivery, especially in very remote areas.
Dr Sory said this when he was confronted with the difficulty under which health personnel, especially community health nurses operated, during a tour of some areas in the Upper West Region.
He stated that when decisions on the issue were made more flexible, they would help solve the problem of lack of midwives in some critical areas.
Reacting to concerns that some districts in the region lacked the required professionals to carry out certain specific functions such as midwifery and also to man particularly the various Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) centres, Dr Sory said that should not be the case.
He explained that community health nurses were trained by all the 10 regions and therefore there should not be any situation where some regions would be lacking such health professionals, necessitating the call for a critical look at the admission procedure into such institutions.
The tour which took Dr Sory and his team to Jirapa, Han, Ping, Nadowli and Kayiri, was organised by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the GHS to evaluate the concept of CHPS compound since its inception by the JICA in the region in 2006.
Dr Sory was accompanied by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Madam Salamatu Abdul Salaam, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, the Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Frank Nyonator and representatives from JICA.
“Admission of community health nurses must be based on where such nurses were supposed to work and not because a district is sponsoring them. In any case, these students are sponsored generally by the government and not the districts”, he stated.
Dr Sory said that had been the situation because the country over the years, failed to come out with a major policy decision on such issues, stressing “the government must take realistic measures on the issue by enacting a law”.
He stated that some of the laws of the country had been distorted because even after they had been used under military regimes, they were still being used currently”.
The director general advised district directors of the service to be assertive and strive to make an input when certain major decisions were to be taken.
He commended the JICA for its efforts to uplift healthcare delivery in the country.
Earlier, Dr Sory and his entourage called on the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and his deputy, Mr Cesar Kale where he stressed the need for practical measures to be instituted to nip in the bud the canker of alcohol abuse in the region.
He expressed regret that the literates who were supposed to conscientise the unfortunate illiterates, were rather the main people leading the fray.
For his part, the regional minister reiterated the call for doctors to undertake national service, saying “the housemanship is part of the medical school training and not national service”.
He said such a decision could be very beneficial to the Upper West since doctors would be posted under the scheme to work in the region.
Mr Khalid further appealed to the director general to strive in improving the number of doctors in the region.
He said the policy as it stood now hindered effective healthcare delivery, especially in very remote areas.
Dr Sory said this when he was confronted with the difficulty under which health personnel, especially community health nurses operated, during a tour of some areas in the Upper West Region.
He stated that when decisions on the issue were made more flexible, they would help solve the problem of lack of midwives in some critical areas.
Reacting to concerns that some districts in the region lacked the required professionals to carry out certain specific functions such as midwifery and also to man particularly the various Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) centres, Dr Sory said that should not be the case.
He explained that community health nurses were trained by all the 10 regions and therefore there should not be any situation where some regions would be lacking such health professionals, necessitating the call for a critical look at the admission procedure into such institutions.
The tour which took Dr Sory and his team to Jirapa, Han, Ping, Nadowli and Kayiri, was organised by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the GHS to evaluate the concept of CHPS compound since its inception by the JICA in the region in 2006.
Dr Sory was accompanied by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Madam Salamatu Abdul Salaam, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, the Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Frank Nyonator and representatives from JICA.
“Admission of community health nurses must be based on where such nurses were supposed to work and not because a district is sponsoring them. In any case, these students are sponsored generally by the government and not the districts”, he stated.
Dr Sory said that had been the situation because the country over the years, failed to come out with a major policy decision on such issues, stressing “the government must take realistic measures on the issue by enacting a law”.
He stated that some of the laws of the country had been distorted because even after they had been used under military regimes, they were still being used currently”.
The director general advised district directors of the service to be assertive and strive to make an input when certain major decisions were to be taken.
He commended the JICA for its efforts to uplift healthcare delivery in the country.
Earlier, Dr Sory and his entourage called on the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and his deputy, Mr Cesar Kale where he stressed the need for practical measures to be instituted to nip in the bud the canker of alcohol abuse in the region.
He expressed regret that the literates who were supposed to conscientise the unfortunate illiterates, were rather the main people leading the fray.
For his part, the regional minister reiterated the call for doctors to undertake national service, saying “the housemanship is part of the medical school training and not national service”.
He said such a decision could be very beneficial to the Upper West since doctors would be posted under the scheme to work in the region.
Mr Khalid further appealed to the director general to strive in improving the number of doctors in the region.
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