THE Upper West Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has congratulated former President John Agyekum Kufuor on the conferment of the award of the Knight Commander of St Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI.
The branch said it was not surprised the Pontiff had honoured him with the highest ecclesiastical award considering the role he played in entrenching good governance as well as deepening the country’s democracy.
In a statement signed by the Regional Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Short, the NPP also expressed delight at the honour done the former first lady Mrs Theresa Kufuor with the award of the Papal Award Dame of St Gregory the Great.
“We acknowledge your contribution to the development of this great nation of ours through your well thought policies and programmes which positively touched the lives of many” the statement noted adding that “You ruled this nation with a great sense of humility, dignity, justice, respect and above all the fear of God”.
The statement further mentioned the introduction of social intervention programmes such as the school feeding, capitation grant, the national health insurance and the metro mass transport system among others and said it was hopeful that the award would inspire former President Kufuor and his wife to do greater things.
It also urged former President Kufuor to focuse on all that he was doing and said he should not be perturbed by the actions of persons who were bent on denigrating his achievements.
On how the NPP could wrest power come the year 2012, the statement reiterated the need for all members of the party to join hands and work harder to ensure victory.
It also urged the leadership of the party to be focused.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
ASPIRING ASSEMBLY MEMBERS CAN MOUNT OWN PLATFORMS — EC )PAGE 13, NOV 2, 2010)
PROSPECTIVE candidates for the forthcoming District Level Elections (DLE) can now mount their own platforms in their respective electoral areas but with the consent of the Electoral Commission (EC).
This, according to the Electoral Officer responsible for the Upper West Region, Mr Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, is a departure from the previous system where the EC mounted the platforms for the candidates.
He, however, cautioned against politicising the event, adding that non-political institutions and organisations could support the exercise by making resources available to the EC to be used to support the candidates.
Mr Aggrey-Fynn made this known during an interaction between the EC and media personnel in Wa, in the Upper West Region, at the weekend.
Dubbed Regional Media Dialogue on the 2010 DLE, the meeting was aimed at equipping the media to be able to sensitise the populace as well as disseminate more information to the people on the upcoming local government elections.
It was on the theme: “Improving citizen participation in the 2010 DLE through enhanced knowledge.”
Speaking on the topic “Preparations for the DLE so far, changes in the legal framework and planned awareness programmes,” Mr Aggrey-Fynn noted that with the reduction of the number of unit committee members from the previous number of 15 to five, all of whom are to be elected, he foresaw a keenly contested elections at the grass-roots level.
He, therefore, suggested that the government considered giving members of the committee some incentives or remuneration as a means of making the unit committees more effective.
On why the elections were fixed for December 28, 2010, the commissioner in charge of the Upper West Region explained that due to certain changes by the EC with respect to the number of electoral areas which has been increased from 5,000 to 6,000 as a result of the rapid increase in population and the springing up of more settlements among other factors, the EC was waiting for Parliament to pass the law governing the DLE before it could go ahead with the elections.
He mentioned for instance, that the Upper West region use to have 198 electoral areas but presently it has shot up to 296.
“All these were done in consultation with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, chiefs, opinion and other traditional leaders,” Mr Aggrey-Fynn added.
The Regional Director of the EC, Mr Yahaya Mahama, for his part, said the EC relied so much on the media in ensuring a successful DLE as well as any other elections.
He, therefore, appealed to media personnel to do their best to reach out to the people with the messages on the DLE.
This, according to the Electoral Officer responsible for the Upper West Region, Mr Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, is a departure from the previous system where the EC mounted the platforms for the candidates.
He, however, cautioned against politicising the event, adding that non-political institutions and organisations could support the exercise by making resources available to the EC to be used to support the candidates.
Mr Aggrey-Fynn made this known during an interaction between the EC and media personnel in Wa, in the Upper West Region, at the weekend.
Dubbed Regional Media Dialogue on the 2010 DLE, the meeting was aimed at equipping the media to be able to sensitise the populace as well as disseminate more information to the people on the upcoming local government elections.
It was on the theme: “Improving citizen participation in the 2010 DLE through enhanced knowledge.”
Speaking on the topic “Preparations for the DLE so far, changes in the legal framework and planned awareness programmes,” Mr Aggrey-Fynn noted that with the reduction of the number of unit committee members from the previous number of 15 to five, all of whom are to be elected, he foresaw a keenly contested elections at the grass-roots level.
He, therefore, suggested that the government considered giving members of the committee some incentives or remuneration as a means of making the unit committees more effective.
On why the elections were fixed for December 28, 2010, the commissioner in charge of the Upper West Region explained that due to certain changes by the EC with respect to the number of electoral areas which has been increased from 5,000 to 6,000 as a result of the rapid increase in population and the springing up of more settlements among other factors, the EC was waiting for Parliament to pass the law governing the DLE before it could go ahead with the elections.
He mentioned for instance, that the Upper West region use to have 198 electoral areas but presently it has shot up to 296.
“All these were done in consultation with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, chiefs, opinion and other traditional leaders,” Mr Aggrey-Fynn added.
The Regional Director of the EC, Mr Yahaya Mahama, for his part, said the EC relied so much on the media in ensuring a successful DLE as well as any other elections.
He, therefore, appealed to media personnel to do their best to reach out to the people with the messages on the DLE.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
POOR ATTENTION TO EYE CARE WORRIES DR DEBRAH (PAGE 42, OCT 20, 2010)
THE Head of the National Eye Care Unit of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Oscar Debrah, has expressed concern about the lack of attention given to eye care as compared to diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis.
He said unlike the attention other sectors of the healthcare services were receiving across the country in recent times, eye care in particular lacked specialists in the Upper West and the Volta regions while the Northern, Upper East and the Brong Ahafo regions had a specialist each even though Accra alone had 54 eye specialists.
Dr Debrah expressed the concern when he addressed a durbar in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, to mark the launch of the national edition of the world sight day.
“Poverty and blindness go hand-in-hand so if Ghana as a country wants to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), then we have to pay much attention to eye care”, he stated.
Dr Debrah, therefore, called on the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to help address the problem.
The event, although national in character, attracted an unimpressive crowd, who went on a float through the principal streets of Wa before converging on the jubilee park for the durbar.
It was on the theme: “Count down to vision 2020: The right to sight, how far have we come?
Health personnel took turns to take members of the public through several medical and health checks including, eye care, blood pressure and Voluntary Counselling and Testing of HIV status.
Dr Debrah, who is an ophthalmologist, lamented that throughout the country, when it came to infrastructure for optical services, it was always an afterthought and questioned why in most cases, many of those facilities were sited close to the mortuary.
On the furnishing of those structures, Dr Debrah said, “We always have the worst of equipment, which are very archaic and obsolete,” adding that it was unfortunate that the Ministry of Health was not investing in eyecare equipment.
He mentioned cataract, glaucoma and trachoma as the major causes of blindness in the country.
Dr Debrah explained that cataract was the leading cause of blindness across the country contributing to over 50 per cent of blind cases.
He said about 46,000 surgeries would have to be conducted in a year if people were to be prevented from going blind through cataract infections.
On Trachoma, Dr Debrah called for intensive surveillance to identify and attend to new cases before it got out of hand.
He said due to some interventions such as child immunisation, blind cases, particularly among children in the Northern and Upper West regions had declined considerably.
Touching on Glaucoma, he stated that it was inherited from relations, adding that over 600,000 people across the country had the disease but 90 per cent of those people were not aware that they had it.
He commended various institutions, including the Standard Chartered Bank, the Swiss Red Cross and Sight Savers, for their immense contribution to eye care in the country over the years.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, expressed the support of the government to improve on eye care in the country.
He called for the integration of primary eye care into the primary healthcare systems to enable eye health to receive the necessary recognition it deserved.
The Upper West Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, said with the support of the Catholic Church and the Swiss Red Cross, the region could now boast eye care services in all the district health facilities.
He added that the challenge currently was the non-availability of a resident ophthalmologist.
Dr Beifubah, however, appealed to the people to take advantage of the existing facilities rather than visiting quack doctors for such care.
He said unlike the attention other sectors of the healthcare services were receiving across the country in recent times, eye care in particular lacked specialists in the Upper West and the Volta regions while the Northern, Upper East and the Brong Ahafo regions had a specialist each even though Accra alone had 54 eye specialists.
Dr Debrah expressed the concern when he addressed a durbar in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, to mark the launch of the national edition of the world sight day.
“Poverty and blindness go hand-in-hand so if Ghana as a country wants to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), then we have to pay much attention to eye care”, he stated.
Dr Debrah, therefore, called on the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to help address the problem.
The event, although national in character, attracted an unimpressive crowd, who went on a float through the principal streets of Wa before converging on the jubilee park for the durbar.
It was on the theme: “Count down to vision 2020: The right to sight, how far have we come?
Health personnel took turns to take members of the public through several medical and health checks including, eye care, blood pressure and Voluntary Counselling and Testing of HIV status.
Dr Debrah, who is an ophthalmologist, lamented that throughout the country, when it came to infrastructure for optical services, it was always an afterthought and questioned why in most cases, many of those facilities were sited close to the mortuary.
On the furnishing of those structures, Dr Debrah said, “We always have the worst of equipment, which are very archaic and obsolete,” adding that it was unfortunate that the Ministry of Health was not investing in eyecare equipment.
He mentioned cataract, glaucoma and trachoma as the major causes of blindness in the country.
Dr Debrah explained that cataract was the leading cause of blindness across the country contributing to over 50 per cent of blind cases.
He said about 46,000 surgeries would have to be conducted in a year if people were to be prevented from going blind through cataract infections.
On Trachoma, Dr Debrah called for intensive surveillance to identify and attend to new cases before it got out of hand.
He said due to some interventions such as child immunisation, blind cases, particularly among children in the Northern and Upper West regions had declined considerably.
Touching on Glaucoma, he stated that it was inherited from relations, adding that over 600,000 people across the country had the disease but 90 per cent of those people were not aware that they had it.
He commended various institutions, including the Standard Chartered Bank, the Swiss Red Cross and Sight Savers, for their immense contribution to eye care in the country over the years.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, expressed the support of the government to improve on eye care in the country.
He called for the integration of primary eye care into the primary healthcare systems to enable eye health to receive the necessary recognition it deserved.
The Upper West Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, said with the support of the Catholic Church and the Swiss Red Cross, the region could now boast eye care services in all the district health facilities.
He added that the challenge currently was the non-availability of a resident ophthalmologist.
Dr Beifubah, however, appealed to the people to take advantage of the existing facilities rather than visiting quack doctors for such care.
Friday, October 15, 2010
CLIENT SERVICE CENTRE FOR WA LANDS COMMISSION (PAGE 22, OCT 15, 2010)
THE new Lands Commission in Wa in the Upper West Region has set up a client service centre to help streamline the activities of the secretariat.
The acting Regional Lands Officer, Mr David Mwinfor Deribaa, who made this known to the Daily Graphic in Wa, said the measures were aimed at warding off all quack land officers who invaded the premises of the secretariat and claimed to be offering services on behalf of the office.
He said with the new service centre in place, all visitors who needed the services of the office must pass through the client service centre before any service would be rendered to them.
“The purpose of these measures is to streamline and ensure a transparent, sustainable, efficient, cost effective and timely delivery of our services to the public,” he stated.
According to Mr Deribaa, the measures were to ensure the production of reliable, credible and secured tenures for land title holdings.
“From October 1, 2010, any person who obtains our services without passing through the customer service centre will be to his/her own disadvantage,” he warned.
Mr Deribaa mentioned some of the services of the secretariat as site plans for the preparation of leases, investigations into the genuineness of lands purchased, stamping of documents for stamp duty payments which included tax clearance certificates and deeds registration.
He said the situation where clients sought the services of people from the veranda of the secretariat to offer those services would be a thing of the past.
Mr Deribaa said some of those practices led to situations where many people fell prey to the activities of some staff of the commission who collected money from them without doing any work.
He added that apart from taking money from unsuspecting clients, most of those people who collected the money might not even be competent enough.
Mr Deribaa charged the building inspectorate division of the district assemblies to be up to the task by regularly checking and abating all haphazard developments.
The acting Regional Lands Officer, Mr David Mwinfor Deribaa, who made this known to the Daily Graphic in Wa, said the measures were aimed at warding off all quack land officers who invaded the premises of the secretariat and claimed to be offering services on behalf of the office.
He said with the new service centre in place, all visitors who needed the services of the office must pass through the client service centre before any service would be rendered to them.
“The purpose of these measures is to streamline and ensure a transparent, sustainable, efficient, cost effective and timely delivery of our services to the public,” he stated.
According to Mr Deribaa, the measures were to ensure the production of reliable, credible and secured tenures for land title holdings.
“From October 1, 2010, any person who obtains our services without passing through the customer service centre will be to his/her own disadvantage,” he warned.
Mr Deribaa mentioned some of the services of the secretariat as site plans for the preparation of leases, investigations into the genuineness of lands purchased, stamping of documents for stamp duty payments which included tax clearance certificates and deeds registration.
He said the situation where clients sought the services of people from the veranda of the secretariat to offer those services would be a thing of the past.
Mr Deribaa said some of those practices led to situations where many people fell prey to the activities of some staff of the commission who collected money from them without doing any work.
He added that apart from taking money from unsuspecting clients, most of those people who collected the money might not even be competent enough.
Mr Deribaa charged the building inspectorate division of the district assemblies to be up to the task by regularly checking and abating all haphazard developments.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
UDS NEEDS MORE FACILITIES (PAGE 11, OCT 13, 2010)
THE Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies (FIDS) of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Abraham Berinyu, has called for a rigorous approach in the improvement of facilities of the university, particularly the Wa Campus.
That, he noted, would enhance the quality of programmes offered by the university.
Addressing the 18th matriculation ceremony of the Wa Campus of the UDS at Wa in the Upper West Region, Professor Berinyu stressed the need for an urgent look at the provision of residential accommodation for both lecturers and students.
He further mentioned in particular the exploitation by landlords in the Wa municipality who charged both lecturers and students astronomical rates and called on the government to assist the school.
“The government through the appropriate institutions must ensure that both staff and students of this university are not exploited, especially by landlords who charge exhorbitant rents because staff and students are in dire need of accommodation”, he emphasized.
Professor Berinyu also appealed for more resources to be allocated to the university.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Haruna Yakubu, paid tribute to his predecessors and stated his vision for the institution.
“My vision for this university is to provide continuing leadership in the areas already developed and to further develop the university into a practically oriented institution which is international-recognized for academic excellence and community development”, the Vice Chancellor indicated.
In the area of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development, Professor Yakubu gave the assurance that the university was developing an ICT policy and robust programme aimed at making the entire university community ICT compliant.
Out of a total of 16, 025 applications received by the university, only 14, 526 applicants were admitted to pursue both degree and diploma programmes.
He said a deliberate strategy had been adopted by the university to ensure an increase in the admission of more female applicants and those from deprived communities in the three northern regions, especially for the medical programmes.
He mentioned some of the new programmes introduced at the Wa Campus of the university as Bachelor of Education and BA in Integrated Management and Business Studies.
On the graduate programmes, the Vice Chancellor said MSc in Leadership and Development, MSc in Business Finance, as well as MSc and MPhil in Community Health and Development had also been introduced this year.
That, he noted, would enhance the quality of programmes offered by the university.
Addressing the 18th matriculation ceremony of the Wa Campus of the UDS at Wa in the Upper West Region, Professor Berinyu stressed the need for an urgent look at the provision of residential accommodation for both lecturers and students.
He further mentioned in particular the exploitation by landlords in the Wa municipality who charged both lecturers and students astronomical rates and called on the government to assist the school.
“The government through the appropriate institutions must ensure that both staff and students of this university are not exploited, especially by landlords who charge exhorbitant rents because staff and students are in dire need of accommodation”, he emphasized.
Professor Berinyu also appealed for more resources to be allocated to the university.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Haruna Yakubu, paid tribute to his predecessors and stated his vision for the institution.
“My vision for this university is to provide continuing leadership in the areas already developed and to further develop the university into a practically oriented institution which is international-recognized for academic excellence and community development”, the Vice Chancellor indicated.
In the area of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development, Professor Yakubu gave the assurance that the university was developing an ICT policy and robust programme aimed at making the entire university community ICT compliant.
Out of a total of 16, 025 applications received by the university, only 14, 526 applicants were admitted to pursue both degree and diploma programmes.
He said a deliberate strategy had been adopted by the university to ensure an increase in the admission of more female applicants and those from deprived communities in the three northern regions, especially for the medical programmes.
He mentioned some of the new programmes introduced at the Wa Campus of the university as Bachelor of Education and BA in Integrated Management and Business Studies.
On the graduate programmes, the Vice Chancellor said MSc in Leadership and Development, MSc in Business Finance, as well as MSc and MPhil in Community Health and Development had also been introduced this year.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
CHANGE ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTALLY CHALLENGED — BAHASS FOUNDATION (BACK PAGE, OCT 12, 2010)
THE Executive Director of the Bahass Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Mr Samsideen Iddrisu, has called for a change of attitude towards the mentally challenged in society.
He said the present way of catering for that category of people and the neglect by society came along with dire consequences.
He, therefore, stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach towards taking care of mentally challenged persons in the country.
Mr Iddrisu said this when the Rural Action Aid Programme (RAAP) presented items, including a cheque for GH¢50, used clothes, bags of rice, cooking oil and a motorcycle, all worth GH¢1,750, to the Bahass Foundation in Wa.
The items are to facilitate the work of the foundation in its quest to clear the Wa municipality of the mentally ill and to cater for their needs.
Earlier, members of the foundation had gone round the municipality to pick about 60 mentally sick people, bathed, shaved and clothed them, after which they were given food.
At the presentation ceremony, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Hamidu Haruna, urged the various district assemblies to extend the disability fund of their common fund for the upkeep of the mentally deranged.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, who presented the items to the foundation, also reiterated the need to give more attention and support to mental patients.
He said the present way of catering for that category of people and the neglect by society came along with dire consequences.
He, therefore, stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach towards taking care of mentally challenged persons in the country.
Mr Iddrisu said this when the Rural Action Aid Programme (RAAP) presented items, including a cheque for GH¢50, used clothes, bags of rice, cooking oil and a motorcycle, all worth GH¢1,750, to the Bahass Foundation in Wa.
The items are to facilitate the work of the foundation in its quest to clear the Wa municipality of the mentally ill and to cater for their needs.
Earlier, members of the foundation had gone round the municipality to pick about 60 mentally sick people, bathed, shaved and clothed them, after which they were given food.
At the presentation ceremony, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Hamidu Haruna, urged the various district assemblies to extend the disability fund of their common fund for the upkeep of the mentally deranged.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, who presented the items to the foundation, also reiterated the need to give more attention and support to mental patients.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
SUPPORT GOVT TO DELIVER AGENDA — DAKURA (PAGE 12, OCT 9, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Eric Dakurah, has said the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda set by Professor Mills’ government is not meant for a selective few but rather the entire Ghanaian populace.
He has, therefore, called on all to give the government the total support in its quest to deliver on its promises.
He said instances where some people dissociated themselves or undermined programmes and projects being undertaken by the government was an affront to the total development of the country and its people.
Mr Dakurah, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, expressed concern about reports of shortage of materials and other logistics for the ongoing national population and housing census and said, “I suspect some saboteurs who are at work to ensure that the exercise does not succeed.”
He described the situation as worrisome, saying the staff of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) are professionals who are on top of their work and therefore, it was surprising that there are reports of shortage of materials.
“It is the will of God for the NDC to be in power and so once we are in power, I expect all Ghanaians irrespective of ethnic, political or religious background to support President Mills’ government to deliver,” the NDC regional secretary stated.
Commenting on Presidents Mills’ recent trip to China and Japan, Mr Dakurah said considering the support from the two countries, it was an indication that the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda of the NDC government was on course.
That, he explained, was because the total amount to be derived from the President’s trip would facilitate a massive infrastructure development, as well as a drastic improvement in services in the country.
Mr Dakurah further mentioned in particular the support the Upper West Region and the whole country had enjoyed over the years from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in the area of training and capacity building for health workers and commended the two countries, Japan and China, for continuing to forge a closer relationship with Ghana.
He expressed optimism that with the kind of assistance Ghana was enjoying from its international partners, the mandate of the NDC would be renewed by Ghanaians come the 2012 general elections.
That, he said, would be based on the works of the NDC government which would be a testimony for all to use as a yardstick to measure the performance of President Mills’ government.
He has, therefore, called on all to give the government the total support in its quest to deliver on its promises.
He said instances where some people dissociated themselves or undermined programmes and projects being undertaken by the government was an affront to the total development of the country and its people.
Mr Dakurah, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, expressed concern about reports of shortage of materials and other logistics for the ongoing national population and housing census and said, “I suspect some saboteurs who are at work to ensure that the exercise does not succeed.”
He described the situation as worrisome, saying the staff of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) are professionals who are on top of their work and therefore, it was surprising that there are reports of shortage of materials.
“It is the will of God for the NDC to be in power and so once we are in power, I expect all Ghanaians irrespective of ethnic, political or religious background to support President Mills’ government to deliver,” the NDC regional secretary stated.
Commenting on Presidents Mills’ recent trip to China and Japan, Mr Dakurah said considering the support from the two countries, it was an indication that the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda of the NDC government was on course.
That, he explained, was because the total amount to be derived from the President’s trip would facilitate a massive infrastructure development, as well as a drastic improvement in services in the country.
Mr Dakurah further mentioned in particular the support the Upper West Region and the whole country had enjoyed over the years from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in the area of training and capacity building for health workers and commended the two countries, Japan and China, for continuing to forge a closer relationship with Ghana.
He expressed optimism that with the kind of assistance Ghana was enjoying from its international partners, the mandate of the NDC would be renewed by Ghanaians come the 2012 general elections.
That, he said, would be based on the works of the NDC government which would be a testimony for all to use as a yardstick to measure the performance of President Mills’ government.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NPP URGES GOVT TO RESOLVE STRIKE ACTION BY UTAG (PAGE 13, OCT 6, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Second Vice- Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, has called for a swift resolution of the strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in order not to disrupt the academic calendar of public universities in the country.
He said the education sector had in recent times been bedevilled with too many problems and, therefore, if care was not taken, the country’s education system would be in disarray.
“We do not want a situation where the academic calendar of the universities would be thrown overboard. Already, we are having problems with the senior high schools and as of now, parents do not even know whether their wards who have qualified into the SHS are going to school or not,” Mr Bin Salih noted with concern and called on the government to dialogue with the UTAG.
He cautioned the government against taking an entrenched position on the matter, saying “Government must tolerate UTAG and sit down with them to address their concerns”.
Mr Salih was not happy about the manner in which the NDC government seemed to be toying with the future of the country’s youth through its posture on matters related to education and said this was a government he expected much from with respect to education since the president himself was a teacher.
He described the strike action of UTAG as unfortunate and also appealed to members of UTAG to soften their stand and consider the plight of students.
Commenting on the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), the NPP Vice- Chairman stressed the need for the government to take a holistic view of the scheme and address all the shortfalls.
He said if care was not taken, the scheme could lead to series of agitations amongst various aggrieved workers group which could throw the country into anarchy through strikes and demonstrations.
He urged the government of the NDC to sit up by honouring its campaign promises, pointing out that Ghanaians were fed up with the continuous assurances.
“What the government must realise is that the campaign period is over and, therefore, it is time for serious business. We have had enough of the assurances, it is time to do the job” he said.
In a related development, a visit by the Daily Graphic to the Wa campus of the University for Development (UDS) revealed that there were no lectures as students attended to their personal businesses.
While some of the students were spotted in the lecture halls reading, others sat in groups chatting.
Some of the students who spoke to the Daily Graphic also added their voice to the calls on the government to attend to the needs of the UTAG so that they could soon start serious academic work.
They expressed concern about the seemingly war of words from both parties and appealed to them to soften their stands and resolve the issues amicably.
He said the education sector had in recent times been bedevilled with too many problems and, therefore, if care was not taken, the country’s education system would be in disarray.
“We do not want a situation where the academic calendar of the universities would be thrown overboard. Already, we are having problems with the senior high schools and as of now, parents do not even know whether their wards who have qualified into the SHS are going to school or not,” Mr Bin Salih noted with concern and called on the government to dialogue with the UTAG.
He cautioned the government against taking an entrenched position on the matter, saying “Government must tolerate UTAG and sit down with them to address their concerns”.
Mr Salih was not happy about the manner in which the NDC government seemed to be toying with the future of the country’s youth through its posture on matters related to education and said this was a government he expected much from with respect to education since the president himself was a teacher.
He described the strike action of UTAG as unfortunate and also appealed to members of UTAG to soften their stand and consider the plight of students.
Commenting on the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), the NPP Vice- Chairman stressed the need for the government to take a holistic view of the scheme and address all the shortfalls.
He said if care was not taken, the scheme could lead to series of agitations amongst various aggrieved workers group which could throw the country into anarchy through strikes and demonstrations.
He urged the government of the NDC to sit up by honouring its campaign promises, pointing out that Ghanaians were fed up with the continuous assurances.
“What the government must realise is that the campaign period is over and, therefore, it is time for serious business. We have had enough of the assurances, it is time to do the job” he said.
In a related development, a visit by the Daily Graphic to the Wa campus of the University for Development (UDS) revealed that there were no lectures as students attended to their personal businesses.
While some of the students were spotted in the lecture halls reading, others sat in groups chatting.
Some of the students who spoke to the Daily Graphic also added their voice to the calls on the government to attend to the needs of the UTAG so that they could soon start serious academic work.
They expressed concern about the seemingly war of words from both parties and appealed to them to soften their stands and resolve the issues amicably.
Monday, September 27, 2010
WA ASSEMBLY TO BLACKLIST DEFAULTING NGOS (PAGE 22, SEPT 25, 2010)
THE Wa Municipal Assembly has resolved to blacklist and withdraw support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders engaged in anti HIV/AIDS activities in the municipality if they fail to regularly submit reports on their activities to the assembly.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Duogo Yakubu, who gave the warning, therefore, urged the NGOs and other stakeholders to involve the assembly, especially the Municipal AIDS committee in its activities since it was the duty of the assembly to co-ordinate and monitor their activities.
The MCE expressed the concern at a day's review meeting of the Wa Municipal HIV/AIDS committee in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Security agencies, NGOs and other members of the public attended the meeting.
Mr Yakubu stated that although there had been an increase in the knowledge on the disease, the difficulty now was how people would change their behaviour.
He also commended some NGOs for keeping faith with the assembly and working hard to ensure that the prevalence rate of the pandemic in the municipality was reduced.
The Wa Municipal Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, Mr Michael Bayel, challenged all NGOs engaged in anti HIV/AIDS activities in the municipality to regularly submit reports on their activities to the Municipal AIDS committee.
According to him, the decision was to enable the committee to monitor and co-ordinate their activities and properly inform the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
He said the aim was also to get in touch with the GAC regularly in order to continue to receive support from the commission.
Mr Bayel commended the various NGOs and other partners for their immense roles in the fight against the disease and said their efforts had led to the stability of HIV prevalence in the municipality.
He said the HIV prevalence in the municipality in 2007 was 5.8 per cent which dropped to 2.0 per cent in 2008 and 2009.
Mr Bayel, therefore, entreated the various stakeholders to work hard to possibly reduce the prevalence rate to 1.0 per cent.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Duogo Yakubu, who gave the warning, therefore, urged the NGOs and other stakeholders to involve the assembly, especially the Municipal AIDS committee in its activities since it was the duty of the assembly to co-ordinate and monitor their activities.
The MCE expressed the concern at a day's review meeting of the Wa Municipal HIV/AIDS committee in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Security agencies, NGOs and other members of the public attended the meeting.
Mr Yakubu stated that although there had been an increase in the knowledge on the disease, the difficulty now was how people would change their behaviour.
He also commended some NGOs for keeping faith with the assembly and working hard to ensure that the prevalence rate of the pandemic in the municipality was reduced.
The Wa Municipal Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, Mr Michael Bayel, challenged all NGOs engaged in anti HIV/AIDS activities in the municipality to regularly submit reports on their activities to the Municipal AIDS committee.
According to him, the decision was to enable the committee to monitor and co-ordinate their activities and properly inform the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
He said the aim was also to get in touch with the GAC regularly in order to continue to receive support from the commission.
Mr Bayel commended the various NGOs and other partners for their immense roles in the fight against the disease and said their efforts had led to the stability of HIV prevalence in the municipality.
He said the HIV prevalence in the municipality in 2007 was 5.8 per cent which dropped to 2.0 per cent in 2008 and 2009.
Mr Bayel, therefore, entreated the various stakeholders to work hard to possibly reduce the prevalence rate to 1.0 per cent.
1,500 ENGAGED FOR CENSUS IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 22, SEPT 25, 2010
ONE thousand, five hundred field workers are to make the final list of field workers for the up coming national housing and population census in the Upper West Region.
The Regional Statistician, Mr Francis Nyarko Larbi, made this known to the Daily Graphic at Wa.
He said, currently, a number of applicants for the position as field workers were being taken through training on how to collect data among other issues during the exercise.
Mr Nyarko Larbi appealed to residents to be forthcoming with information when the enumerators call on them.
“The national housing and population census is highly confidential for which the enumerators are aware and so people must not hesitate to provide all the answers to their questions,” he stressed.
Mr Nyarko Larbi advised the enumerators to comport themselves and carry out their duties professionally.
Touching on information dissemination on the national exercise, the regional statistician said his outfit had liaised with various stakeholders, including the Information Services Department, the National Commission for Civic Education and the media to spread the message on the exercise throughout the region.
He appealed to Ghanaians to disabuse their minds that the exercise would be used for taxation purposes, stressing that the exercise would serve as a guide to policy makers to come out with very feasible development programmes.
Mr Nyarko Larbi further advised the populace to embrace the exercise by availing themselves on September 26, 2010 which had been earmarked as the census night to make the entire exercise very successful.
He also urged those who would be given the opportunity to work as enumerators to take the programme seriously.
The Regional Statistician, Mr Francis Nyarko Larbi, made this known to the Daily Graphic at Wa.
He said, currently, a number of applicants for the position as field workers were being taken through training on how to collect data among other issues during the exercise.
Mr Nyarko Larbi appealed to residents to be forthcoming with information when the enumerators call on them.
“The national housing and population census is highly confidential for which the enumerators are aware and so people must not hesitate to provide all the answers to their questions,” he stressed.
Mr Nyarko Larbi advised the enumerators to comport themselves and carry out their duties professionally.
Touching on information dissemination on the national exercise, the regional statistician said his outfit had liaised with various stakeholders, including the Information Services Department, the National Commission for Civic Education and the media to spread the message on the exercise throughout the region.
He appealed to Ghanaians to disabuse their minds that the exercise would be used for taxation purposes, stressing that the exercise would serve as a guide to policy makers to come out with very feasible development programmes.
Mr Nyarko Larbi further advised the populace to embrace the exercise by availing themselves on September 26, 2010 which had been earmarked as the census night to make the entire exercise very successful.
He also urged those who would be given the opportunity to work as enumerators to take the programme seriously.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
USE NKRUMAH'S DAY TO RELECT ON DEV — BABA (PAGE 12, SEPT 23, 2010)
THE Wa Central Constituency Secretary of the Convention People Party (CPP), Mr Elyasu Yussif Baba, has stressed the need for Ghanaians to use Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday to reflect on the direction of the country’s development and chart a new course.
This, he said, was because Dr Nkrumah’s vision for the country in terms of development still lingered on and therefore upon reflection on a day such as Dr Nkrumah’s day of birth, all Ghanaians especially those in leadership positions, would be able to tell whether the country was on the right path to development or otherwise.
Mr Yussif Baba, who was speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Wa, in the Upper West region, said the time had come for all Ghanaians to unite and support in the development process of the country.
He said irrespective of whichever party was in power, the development of the entire country and improvement in the living standards of the people was paramount and therefore there was the need for all well-meaning Ghanaians to support the government to move the country forward.
He commended the current government for honouring Dr Nkrumah with a holiday but said more needed to be done to fully appreciate Dr Nkrumah’s legacy as a country.
Touching on how to make the CPP a formidable party to be able to bounce back as one of the political forces in the country to be reckoned with, the Wa central CPP constituency secretary urged all CPP faithful across the country to also use the day to change their ways with respect to the growth of the CPP.
He said the CPP had the potential to capture political power from the NDC when it became more united adding that “We may have differences in opinions as party members but that must not divide our ranks”.
Mr Yussif Baba, therefore, called on the leadership of the CPP to possibly hold meetings across the country as a way of reviving the fortunes of the party.
For his part, a former CPP parliamentary candidate for Wa central constituency, Mr Issahaku Suleiman, urged the NDC government to honour its campaign promises since the people were still suffering.
He said with almost two years after assuming the presidency, the people of Ghana were yet to have a feel of what the NDC promised.
Mr Suleman also charged the youth and the media to continue to keep the government on its toes to deliver.
On the fortunes of the CPP, he also reiterated the need for unity among the leadership of the party as well as the rank and file pointing out that “That is the only way the impact of the CPP would be felt come the 2012 general elections”.
He further called on Ghanaians to give Dr Kwame Nkrumah a befitting honour by bringing the CPP back to the reigns of governance during the 2012 general elections.
This, he said, was because Dr Nkrumah’s vision for the country in terms of development still lingered on and therefore upon reflection on a day such as Dr Nkrumah’s day of birth, all Ghanaians especially those in leadership positions, would be able to tell whether the country was on the right path to development or otherwise.
Mr Yussif Baba, who was speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Wa, in the Upper West region, said the time had come for all Ghanaians to unite and support in the development process of the country.
He said irrespective of whichever party was in power, the development of the entire country and improvement in the living standards of the people was paramount and therefore there was the need for all well-meaning Ghanaians to support the government to move the country forward.
He commended the current government for honouring Dr Nkrumah with a holiday but said more needed to be done to fully appreciate Dr Nkrumah’s legacy as a country.
Touching on how to make the CPP a formidable party to be able to bounce back as one of the political forces in the country to be reckoned with, the Wa central CPP constituency secretary urged all CPP faithful across the country to also use the day to change their ways with respect to the growth of the CPP.
He said the CPP had the potential to capture political power from the NDC when it became more united adding that “We may have differences in opinions as party members but that must not divide our ranks”.
Mr Yussif Baba, therefore, called on the leadership of the CPP to possibly hold meetings across the country as a way of reviving the fortunes of the party.
For his part, a former CPP parliamentary candidate for Wa central constituency, Mr Issahaku Suleiman, urged the NDC government to honour its campaign promises since the people were still suffering.
He said with almost two years after assuming the presidency, the people of Ghana were yet to have a feel of what the NDC promised.
Mr Suleman also charged the youth and the media to continue to keep the government on its toes to deliver.
On the fortunes of the CPP, he also reiterated the need for unity among the leadership of the party as well as the rank and file pointing out that “That is the only way the impact of the CPP would be felt come the 2012 general elections”.
He further called on Ghanaians to give Dr Kwame Nkrumah a befitting honour by bringing the CPP back to the reigns of governance during the 2012 general elections.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
UDS STUDENT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING (BACK PAGE, SEPT 22, 2010)
GRIEF struck the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Monday morning when a final year student died after she had reportedly been struck by lightning.
The deceased, Faustina Mensah, believed to be in her late 20s and a level 400 Development Communication student of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies, was said to be leaving for lectures in the company of her friends when the incident occurred.
The lightning preceded a heavy downpour in the Wa municipality.
Eyewitnesses told the Daily Graphic that Faustina and her two friends had just come out of her Kpaguri residence and walked a few metres away from the doorstep when the lightning suddenly struck her midsection.
The deceased, Faustina Mensah, believed to be in her late 20s and a level 400 Development Communication student of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies, was said to be leaving for lectures in the company of her friends when the incident occurred.
The lightning preceded a heavy downpour in the Wa municipality.
Eyewitnesses told the Daily Graphic that Faustina and her two friends had just come out of her Kpaguri residence and walked a few metres away from the doorstep when the lightning suddenly struck her midsection.
Monday, September 20, 2010
ASHGOLD LOSE AT WA (BACK PAGE, SEPT 20, 2010)
Ashantigold once again proved to be tough customers for Wa All Stars at their own backyard but lost 0-1 in their Glo Premier League match played at the Wa stadium yesterday.
Determined to repeat their 2-0 win over All Stars at the Wa stadium last season, Ashgold started the game with much seriousness and hit the post on the fourth minute.
The tide then changed as that near miss by Ashgold gingered the homesters who stepped up their attack in the 23rd minute, with Nortey Frank Sowah breaking the deadlock through a goal mouth melee.
In the second session, Ashgold, who felt wounded, took the game to All Stars with lots of incursions but goalkeeper Isshaku Shaibu in post for All Stars stood between the two sides with some great saves.
• Sunyani-based B.A. Stars recorded their second home victory at the Coronation Park in the Glo Premier League when they beat visiting Real Tamale United (RTU) 1-0 in their third week encounter yesterday, reports Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani .
Midfielder, Sulemana Mamudu scored the only goal of the match on the 60th minute during a goalmouth struggle to ease the anxiety of the home fans who had turned up in their number.
Determined to repeat their 2-0 win over All Stars at the Wa stadium last season, Ashgold started the game with much seriousness and hit the post on the fourth minute.
The tide then changed as that near miss by Ashgold gingered the homesters who stepped up their attack in the 23rd minute, with Nortey Frank Sowah breaking the deadlock through a goal mouth melee.
In the second session, Ashgold, who felt wounded, took the game to All Stars with lots of incursions but goalkeeper Isshaku Shaibu in post for All Stars stood between the two sides with some great saves.
• Sunyani-based B.A. Stars recorded their second home victory at the Coronation Park in the Glo Premier League when they beat visiting Real Tamale United (RTU) 1-0 in their third week encounter yesterday, reports Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani .
Midfielder, Sulemana Mamudu scored the only goal of the match on the 60th minute during a goalmouth struggle to ease the anxiety of the home fans who had turned up in their number.
Monday, September 6, 2010
ALL STARS BEAT LIBERTY (BACK PAGE, SEPT 6, 2010)
A new-look Wa All Stars side yesterday beat Dansoman Liberty Professionals 2-0 in their Glo Premier League opener at the Wa stadium.
Goals from arrowhead Nathaniel Asamoah and substitute James Kwame Abban on the 26th and 82nd minutes were all that All Stars needed to convince the home supporters of what is in store for visiting teams this season.
Liberty Professionals, who played their hearts out throughout the 90 minutes, were unlucky on many occasions, particularly on the 44th minute, when what looked like a good goal from Isaac Amoah was ruled offside by Asamankese-based referee Vincent Otoo.
Playing the entire second half on a soggy pitch due to a downpour, All Stars took advantage of the situation to pile pressure on the visitors, leading to the second goal.
The visitors who were very comfortable on the ball continued to make some incursions into the area of All Stars and kept shooting at goal but were denied at least a consolation, thanks to the agility of Robert Dabuo in post for the homesters.
Goals from arrowhead Nathaniel Asamoah and substitute James Kwame Abban on the 26th and 82nd minutes were all that All Stars needed to convince the home supporters of what is in store for visiting teams this season.
Liberty Professionals, who played their hearts out throughout the 90 minutes, were unlucky on many occasions, particularly on the 44th minute, when what looked like a good goal from Isaac Amoah was ruled offside by Asamankese-based referee Vincent Otoo.
Playing the entire second half on a soggy pitch due to a downpour, All Stars took advantage of the situation to pile pressure on the visitors, leading to the second goal.
The visitors who were very comfortable on the ball continued to make some incursions into the area of All Stars and kept shooting at goal but were denied at least a consolation, thanks to the agility of Robert Dabuo in post for the homesters.
REGIONAL MINISTER VISITS ISLAMIC CLERICS (PAGE 42, SEPT 6, 2010)
THE new Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Saliah, has paid courtesy calls on Islamic clerics, landowners (tendamba) and the local council of churches and some opinion leaders in the Wa Municipality.
He stressed the need for unity from all sectors of the society in order to push the development agenda of the region forward.
Alhaji Salia was accompanied on the tour by the former acting Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbengba, who is also the Northern Regional Minister, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, and other officials from the Regional Co-ordinating Council.
The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, described Mr Magbengba as a very lucky person whose luck shined upon the region during the three months that he was acting as the regional minister.
“We believe it is because of your luck that both the Upper West and the Northern regions have been very peaceful when you acted as Regional Minister in our region.
The Chief Imam advised Mr Magbengba and the new Regional Minister, Alhaji Saliah, to learn to forgive at all times because as humans, we are all fallible.”
Both Mr Magbengba and Alhaji Saliah expressed appreciation to the Chief Imam and his elders for their prayers and support and urged them to continue doing so.
Alhaji Saliah and his entourage also visited the Ahmediyya Muslim Mission where the First National Deputy Ameer of the mission, Maulvi Yusif Yawson, stressed the resolve of the mission to continue to partner the government in its development efforts.
Maulvi Yawson further prayed that the proposed Wa-Walewale road was constructed in due course as promised by the government to make travelling from Wa to Tamale very smooth and convenient.
At the meeting with the Local Council of Churches, Alhaji Saliah further stressed the need for unity among the people of the region, saying, “It is good to see all the churches coming together under one umbrella as the local council of churches in the region and I hope our Muslim community would take a cue from this and have that tolerance and unite.”
That, Alhaji Saliah said, made the followers one and to work towards a common goal.
For his part, the outgoing acting Regional Minister, Mr Magbengba, thanked the opinion and religious leaders, as well as the people of the region, for their support during the few months he took over as the regional minister.
It would be recalled that the position of Upper West Regional Minister became vacant when a few disgruntled youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rose up against the former Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and destroyed tender documents leading to his sacking by President John Atta Mills.
He stressed the need for unity from all sectors of the society in order to push the development agenda of the region forward.
Alhaji Salia was accompanied on the tour by the former acting Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbengba, who is also the Northern Regional Minister, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, and other officials from the Regional Co-ordinating Council.
The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, described Mr Magbengba as a very lucky person whose luck shined upon the region during the three months that he was acting as the regional minister.
“We believe it is because of your luck that both the Upper West and the Northern regions have been very peaceful when you acted as Regional Minister in our region.
The Chief Imam advised Mr Magbengba and the new Regional Minister, Alhaji Saliah, to learn to forgive at all times because as humans, we are all fallible.”
Both Mr Magbengba and Alhaji Saliah expressed appreciation to the Chief Imam and his elders for their prayers and support and urged them to continue doing so.
Alhaji Saliah and his entourage also visited the Ahmediyya Muslim Mission where the First National Deputy Ameer of the mission, Maulvi Yusif Yawson, stressed the resolve of the mission to continue to partner the government in its development efforts.
Maulvi Yawson further prayed that the proposed Wa-Walewale road was constructed in due course as promised by the government to make travelling from Wa to Tamale very smooth and convenient.
At the meeting with the Local Council of Churches, Alhaji Saliah further stressed the need for unity among the people of the region, saying, “It is good to see all the churches coming together under one umbrella as the local council of churches in the region and I hope our Muslim community would take a cue from this and have that tolerance and unite.”
That, Alhaji Saliah said, made the followers one and to work towards a common goal.
For his part, the outgoing acting Regional Minister, Mr Magbengba, thanked the opinion and religious leaders, as well as the people of the region, for their support during the few months he took over as the regional minister.
It would be recalled that the position of Upper West Regional Minister became vacant when a few disgruntled youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rose up against the former Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, and destroyed tender documents leading to his sacking by President John Atta Mills.
REGIONAL MINISTER VISITS ISLAMIC CLERICS (PAGE 35, SEPT 6, 2010)
THE new Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Saliah, has paid courtesy calls on Islamic clerics, landowners (tendamba) and the local council of churches and some opinion leaders in the Wa Municipality.
He stressed the need for unity from all sectors of the society in order to push the development agenda of the region forward.
Alhaji Salia was accompanied on the tour by the former acting Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbengba, who is also the Northern Regional Minister, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale and other officials from the regional co-ordinating Council.
The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, described Mr Magbengba as a very lucky person whose luck shined upon the region during the three months that he acted as the regional minister.
“We believe it is because of your luck that both the Upper West and Northern regions have been very peaceful when you acted as Regional Minister.
The Chief Imam advised Mr Magbengba and the new Regional Minister, Alhaji Saliah, to learn to forgive at all times because as humans, we are all fallible.”
Both Mr Magbengba and Alhaji Saliah expressed appreciation to the Chief Imam and his elders for their prayers and support and urged them to continue doing so.
Alhaji Saliah and his entourage also visited the Ahmediyya Muslim Mission where the First National Deputy Ameer of the mission, Maulvi Yusif Yawson, stressed the resolve of the mission to continue to partner the government in its development efforts.
Maulvi Yawson further prayed that the proposed Wa-Walewale road would be constructed in due course as promised by the government to make travelling from Wa to Tamale very smooth and convenient.
At the meeting with the Local Council of Churches, Alhaji Saliah further stressed the need for unity among the people of the region, saying “It is good to see all the churches coming together under one umbrella as the local council of churches in the region and I hope our Muslim community would take a cue from this and have that tolerance and unite”.
That, Alhaji Saliah said, made the followers one and to work towards a common goal.
For his part, the outgoing acting Regional Minister, Mr Magbengba, thanked the opinion and religious leaders, as well as the people of the region for their support during the few months he took over as the regional minister.
It would be recalled that the position of Upper West Regional Minister became vacant when a few disgruntled youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rose up against the former Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and destroyed tender documents leading to his sacking by President John Atta Mills.
He stressed the need for unity from all sectors of the society in order to push the development agenda of the region forward.
Alhaji Salia was accompanied on the tour by the former acting Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbengba, who is also the Northern Regional Minister, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale and other officials from the regional co-ordinating Council.
The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, described Mr Magbengba as a very lucky person whose luck shined upon the region during the three months that he acted as the regional minister.
“We believe it is because of your luck that both the Upper West and Northern regions have been very peaceful when you acted as Regional Minister.
The Chief Imam advised Mr Magbengba and the new Regional Minister, Alhaji Saliah, to learn to forgive at all times because as humans, we are all fallible.”
Both Mr Magbengba and Alhaji Saliah expressed appreciation to the Chief Imam and his elders for their prayers and support and urged them to continue doing so.
Alhaji Saliah and his entourage also visited the Ahmediyya Muslim Mission where the First National Deputy Ameer of the mission, Maulvi Yusif Yawson, stressed the resolve of the mission to continue to partner the government in its development efforts.
Maulvi Yawson further prayed that the proposed Wa-Walewale road would be constructed in due course as promised by the government to make travelling from Wa to Tamale very smooth and convenient.
At the meeting with the Local Council of Churches, Alhaji Saliah further stressed the need for unity among the people of the region, saying “It is good to see all the churches coming together under one umbrella as the local council of churches in the region and I hope our Muslim community would take a cue from this and have that tolerance and unite”.
That, Alhaji Saliah said, made the followers one and to work towards a common goal.
For his part, the outgoing acting Regional Minister, Mr Magbengba, thanked the opinion and religious leaders, as well as the people of the region for their support during the few months he took over as the regional minister.
It would be recalled that the position of Upper West Regional Minister became vacant when a few disgruntled youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rose up against the former Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and destroyed tender documents leading to his sacking by President John Atta Mills.
Friday, September 3, 2010
30 JUVENILE PLAYERS FOR NATIONAL TEAM (PAGE 11, SEPT 3, 2010)
The technical committee of the 13th national juvenile football competition held in Wa in the Upper West Region has selected 30 outstanding players to form the nucleus of the national Under-12 and U-15 teams.
The competition which drew 24 teams from across the country last Saturday saw Wa All Stars Babies beating Zenaps FC from Teshie in the Greater Accra Region 2-1 in the Under-12 division. The Under-15 final, however, saw Wa All Stars Babies losing 0-2 to Kumasi-based Anokye Stars.
Alhassan Saeed of All Stars was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper in the under-12 division, while Future Stars’ Gift Kumalo won the Best Player and Golden Boot awards.
Wa All Stars Babies took home a trophy, four footballs and GH¢300, with the second-placed Zenaps FC taking home two footballs and GH¢200. The third-placed team in the under-12 division also took home two footballs and GH¢150.
In the U-15 division, Anokye Stars took home a trophy, five footballs and GH¢400, while runners-up Wa All Stars Babies, who qualified for the final after winning a protest against Greater Accra’s Future Stars for fielding an unqualified player, Wa All Stars Babies received four footballs and GH¢300.
Wa All Stars Babies swept all the individual awards in the U-15 division, with goalkeeper Salifu Suleimana picking the best goalkeeper award, while Alipo Ranow was adjudged the best player.
Other teams and officials who excelled at the competition were also honoured with certificates of participation.
The week-long tournament saw some exciting matches which attracted sizable crowds to the various venues.
The next edition of the competition is expected to be held in the Volta regional capital, Ho.
The competition which drew 24 teams from across the country last Saturday saw Wa All Stars Babies beating Zenaps FC from Teshie in the Greater Accra Region 2-1 in the Under-12 division. The Under-15 final, however, saw Wa All Stars Babies losing 0-2 to Kumasi-based Anokye Stars.
Alhassan Saeed of All Stars was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper in the under-12 division, while Future Stars’ Gift Kumalo won the Best Player and Golden Boot awards.
Wa All Stars Babies took home a trophy, four footballs and GH¢300, with the second-placed Zenaps FC taking home two footballs and GH¢200. The third-placed team in the under-12 division also took home two footballs and GH¢150.
In the U-15 division, Anokye Stars took home a trophy, five footballs and GH¢400, while runners-up Wa All Stars Babies, who qualified for the final after winning a protest against Greater Accra’s Future Stars for fielding an unqualified player, Wa All Stars Babies received four footballs and GH¢300.
Wa All Stars Babies swept all the individual awards in the U-15 division, with goalkeeper Salifu Suleimana picking the best goalkeeper award, while Alipo Ranow was adjudged the best player.
Other teams and officials who excelled at the competition were also honoured with certificates of participation.
The week-long tournament saw some exciting matches which attracted sizable crowds to the various venues.
The next edition of the competition is expected to be held in the Volta regional capital, Ho.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
ARMED ROBBERS ATTACK TRAVELLERS (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 31, 2010)
SCORES of travellers on the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga road were subjected to a traumatic ordeal by suspected armed robbers who ambushed six vehicles, including two Metro-Mass Transport (MMT) buses, and robbed the occupants of valuable items and money.
The dawn attack occurred at Nadakui near Tumu in the Sissala East District, where the robbers, numbering about six and said to be wielding AK 47 and G3 rifles and in police and military uniforms, seized the keys to the vehicles and asked all the passengers to alight.
They seized laptops, mobile phones, bags containing clothes and undisclosed sums of money at gunpoint after some of the passengers had received some slaps.
A victim of the robbery, Madam Mariga Musah, who was on a MMT bus from Wa to Bolgatanga, told the Daily Graphic that after starting from Wa at about 5 a.m. their bus got to a spot between Jeffisi in the Sissala West District and Tumu in the Sissala East District both in the Upper West Region at about 7:30 am.
She said upon reaching the spot their driver spotted a fleet of vehicles parked ahead of him and so he also slowed down.
She said a few minutes after their driver had halted they overheard voices commanding the driver and the passengers to raise up their hands only to see two men in Ghana Police uniforms armed with guns ordering everybody aboard the bus to surrender his or her money and mobile phones into a bag one of the robbers was holding.
She said the other robbers were by then taking care of the other passengers who had been held hostage and were already lying on the floor with their faces down.
She said after handing over their phones, money and other valuables to the robbers, they were also asked to come out from the bus to join those who were lying down.
Madam Mariga Musah, who is a teacher at the Nuriya Primary School in Wa, said while they lay down the robbers again came and searched them one after the other and took whatever they found on them.
She said the robbers, after the operation, packed their booty into a saloon car and a jeep with registration numbers GR 5526 X and GR 8850 X belonging to some of the victims and sped off.
She said when they were about to continue with their journey at about 10 a.m. after the robbers had left, they then met a team of police personnel from Tumu approaching while another came from a different direction.
She said the police were informed of the robbery and they pursued the robbers.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Kofi Danso Adei Acheampong, confirmed the incident and said the police later saw the saloon car and the jeep abandoned at Kuntulo, also near Tumu, and towed the cars to the Tumu Police Station.
He said no arrests had been made so far but said the police were investigating.
The dawn attack occurred at Nadakui near Tumu in the Sissala East District, where the robbers, numbering about six and said to be wielding AK 47 and G3 rifles and in police and military uniforms, seized the keys to the vehicles and asked all the passengers to alight.
They seized laptops, mobile phones, bags containing clothes and undisclosed sums of money at gunpoint after some of the passengers had received some slaps.
A victim of the robbery, Madam Mariga Musah, who was on a MMT bus from Wa to Bolgatanga, told the Daily Graphic that after starting from Wa at about 5 a.m. their bus got to a spot between Jeffisi in the Sissala West District and Tumu in the Sissala East District both in the Upper West Region at about 7:30 am.
She said upon reaching the spot their driver spotted a fleet of vehicles parked ahead of him and so he also slowed down.
She said a few minutes after their driver had halted they overheard voices commanding the driver and the passengers to raise up their hands only to see two men in Ghana Police uniforms armed with guns ordering everybody aboard the bus to surrender his or her money and mobile phones into a bag one of the robbers was holding.
She said the other robbers were by then taking care of the other passengers who had been held hostage and were already lying on the floor with their faces down.
She said after handing over their phones, money and other valuables to the robbers, they were also asked to come out from the bus to join those who were lying down.
Madam Mariga Musah, who is a teacher at the Nuriya Primary School in Wa, said while they lay down the robbers again came and searched them one after the other and took whatever they found on them.
She said the robbers, after the operation, packed their booty into a saloon car and a jeep with registration numbers GR 5526 X and GR 8850 X belonging to some of the victims and sped off.
She said when they were about to continue with their journey at about 10 a.m. after the robbers had left, they then met a team of police personnel from Tumu approaching while another came from a different direction.
She said the police were informed of the robbery and they pursued the robbers.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Kofi Danso Adei Acheampong, confirmed the incident and said the police later saw the saloon car and the jeep abandoned at Kuntulo, also near Tumu, and towed the cars to the Tumu Police Station.
He said no arrests had been made so far but said the police were investigating.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
ENSURE SURVIVAL OF VRA — BAENA (PAGE 22, AUGUST 28, 2010)
THE Upper West Area Manager of the Northern Electricity Department (NED) of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr Nathaniel Baena, has stressed the need for Ghanaians to be more concerned about the survival of the VRA.
He said that was imperative because the development of the nation would be a mirage if the VRA should collapse.
“Ghanaians must be concerned about the survival of the VRA because if it collapses, the whole country would collapse. This is because without electricity, the nation cannot develop,” Mr Baena stated.
Mr Baena expressed the concern when the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia and his Deputy, Mr Caesar Kale called on the management of the VRA in Wa.
He was not happy about the irregular payment of electricity bills by the people.
Mr Baena said the tapping of electricity illegally by some residents of the area was also a matter of grave concern to the NED/VRA.
Alhaji Issahaku Salia and his entourage also called on the management of the Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL) where he was briefed on the water situation of the region.
The Regional Operations Officer of AVRL, Mr Ahmed Sorogho Tahiru, said the region had 17 mechanised boreholes out of which nine were automated.
He urged the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to see to the execution of two major projects for the region, namely the sinking of additional boreholes and the construction of a commercial treatment plant from the Black Volta to supply water to the people of Wa and its environs.
Alhaji Salia gave the assurance that the government was putting the necessary measures in place to improve on the quality of utility services across the country.
He also urged the two institutions to collaborate to ensure the provision of efficient services.
He said that was imperative because the development of the nation would be a mirage if the VRA should collapse.
“Ghanaians must be concerned about the survival of the VRA because if it collapses, the whole country would collapse. This is because without electricity, the nation cannot develop,” Mr Baena stated.
Mr Baena expressed the concern when the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia and his Deputy, Mr Caesar Kale called on the management of the VRA in Wa.
He was not happy about the irregular payment of electricity bills by the people.
Mr Baena said the tapping of electricity illegally by some residents of the area was also a matter of grave concern to the NED/VRA.
Alhaji Issahaku Salia and his entourage also called on the management of the Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL) where he was briefed on the water situation of the region.
The Regional Operations Officer of AVRL, Mr Ahmed Sorogho Tahiru, said the region had 17 mechanised boreholes out of which nine were automated.
He urged the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to see to the execution of two major projects for the region, namely the sinking of additional boreholes and the construction of a commercial treatment plant from the Black Volta to supply water to the people of Wa and its environs.
Alhaji Salia gave the assurance that the government was putting the necessary measures in place to improve on the quality of utility services across the country.
He also urged the two institutions to collaborate to ensure the provision of efficient services.
WA HOSPITAL IN DISTRESS...Following departure of Cuban doctors (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 27, 2010)
HEALTH delivery at the Wa Regional Hospital faces a major setback following the expiry this month of the tenure of five Cuban doctors who have been complementing the efforts of their two Ghanaian colleagues.
The situation leaves only the two Ghanaian doctors in a hospital built to operate with 25 doctors.
The Upper West Regional Director of Health, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, described the situation as “getting out of hand” and pleaded with the authorities to treat it as a matter of urgency.
Briefing the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, and his deputy, Mr Caesar Kale, during a visit to the hospital, Dr Beifubah said the time had come for the political heads in the region to help create the conditions that would attract doctors to the region.
He also called on the citizens to take up the challenge and help improve conditions at home rather than wait until national authorities come to the aid of the region.
He called for a massive improvement in the accommodation situation for workers, particularly health personnel in the region, pointing out that monetary incentives were also very important.
Citing examples from Bawku and Bolgatanga hospitals, Dr Nang Beifubah suggested that the respective local government assemblies be made to contribute some money into a common source which must be under the care of the regional minister, to make all the assemblies responsible for accommodation and other peculiar needs of health personnel posted to the districts.
“I think that the doctor-patient ratio in the Wa Regional Hospital and the entire region is very disturbing and our politicians must show much interest and must be seen to be working to address these issues,” the regional director said pathetically.
The medical director at the hospital, Dr Aduko Amiah, also expressed grave concern about the absence of adequate nurses at the hospital.
He said all the nurses at the hospital were ageing and that there was the need to really work hard to attract and retain younger ones.
He also expressed concern about the distance between the maternity ward of the hospital and the theatre, saying it was not in the best interest of both the medical personnel and the patients to have a theatre very far away from the maternity ward.
Dr Amiah, therefore, suggested that a theatre be constructed close to the maternity ward to avert any unforeseen problems.
Responding, the regional minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, said the RCC recognised the vital role health personnel played in the region and gave an assurance that he and his outfit were ever ready to assist in improving on healthcare delivery in the region.
He emphasised the need for the two institutions to collaborate effectively to address the challenges confronting the hospital.
The regional minister later donated 20 pieces of mattresses, a bull and 16 bags of cereals to the hospital.
The situation leaves only the two Ghanaian doctors in a hospital built to operate with 25 doctors.
The Upper West Regional Director of Health, Dr Alexis Nang Beifubah, described the situation as “getting out of hand” and pleaded with the authorities to treat it as a matter of urgency.
Briefing the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, and his deputy, Mr Caesar Kale, during a visit to the hospital, Dr Beifubah said the time had come for the political heads in the region to help create the conditions that would attract doctors to the region.
He also called on the citizens to take up the challenge and help improve conditions at home rather than wait until national authorities come to the aid of the region.
He called for a massive improvement in the accommodation situation for workers, particularly health personnel in the region, pointing out that monetary incentives were also very important.
Citing examples from Bawku and Bolgatanga hospitals, Dr Nang Beifubah suggested that the respective local government assemblies be made to contribute some money into a common source which must be under the care of the regional minister, to make all the assemblies responsible for accommodation and other peculiar needs of health personnel posted to the districts.
“I think that the doctor-patient ratio in the Wa Regional Hospital and the entire region is very disturbing and our politicians must show much interest and must be seen to be working to address these issues,” the regional director said pathetically.
The medical director at the hospital, Dr Aduko Amiah, also expressed grave concern about the absence of adequate nurses at the hospital.
He said all the nurses at the hospital were ageing and that there was the need to really work hard to attract and retain younger ones.
He also expressed concern about the distance between the maternity ward of the hospital and the theatre, saying it was not in the best interest of both the medical personnel and the patients to have a theatre very far away from the maternity ward.
Dr Amiah, therefore, suggested that a theatre be constructed close to the maternity ward to avert any unforeseen problems.
Responding, the regional minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, said the RCC recognised the vital role health personnel played in the region and gave an assurance that he and his outfit were ever ready to assist in improving on healthcare delivery in the region.
He emphasised the need for the two institutions to collaborate effectively to address the challenges confronting the hospital.
The regional minister later donated 20 pieces of mattresses, a bull and 16 bags of cereals to the hospital.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
SPREAD MESSAGE ON POPULATION CENSUS — YAKUBU (PAGE 22, AUGUST 24, 2010)
THE Chairman of the Upper West Regional Census Implementation Committee (RCIC), Mr David Yakubu, has stressed the need for stakeholders to consciously spread the message on the upcoming national housing and population census.
He said that prevented situations where people took to their heels when census officials got to their villages for them to be enumerated.
“The people in the village believe the enumerators are disciples of the devil and that if they count them, calamity will befall the entire village,” Mr Yakubu said.
He has, therefore, appealed to all to put their shoulders to the wheel and help spread the message on the exercise.
Mr Yakubu was addressing the opening of a day’s sensitisation workshop for personnel of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Information Services Department (ISD) and media practitioners among other stakeholders in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He said the only way for a country to know its development parameters was to have an idea about the number of people living in the country, and that called for wider circulation of the message on the impending census.
The Regional Statistician, Mr Francis Nyarko-Larbi, gave the assurance that his outfit was far ahead with preparations towards the national exercise.
“Manuals and questionnaires have been developed, trainer of trainees have also been trained,” adding that what was left was the training of enumerators and the interview of short-listed applicants at the district level by next week,” he stated.
He said about 56,000 individuals would be trained for the exercise.
Mr Nyarko-Larbi urged the citizenry to feel free to give out information to enumerators since every information would be kept confidential.
“A non-census official should not handle census questionnaire and material,” he warned, and further advised people not to rush to travel to their hometowns or villages to be counted.
That, he explained, was because on the census night, which is September 26, 2010, everybody in the country irrespective of one’s location at the time would be covered.
On the role of the media in ensuring a successful national exercise, Mr Nyarko-Larbi stressed the need for them to intensify the education and the sensitisation of the populace.
He also appealed to the media to assist enumerators, especially, at potential conflict areas.
He said that prevented situations where people took to their heels when census officials got to their villages for them to be enumerated.
“The people in the village believe the enumerators are disciples of the devil and that if they count them, calamity will befall the entire village,” Mr Yakubu said.
He has, therefore, appealed to all to put their shoulders to the wheel and help spread the message on the exercise.
Mr Yakubu was addressing the opening of a day’s sensitisation workshop for personnel of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Information Services Department (ISD) and media practitioners among other stakeholders in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He said the only way for a country to know its development parameters was to have an idea about the number of people living in the country, and that called for wider circulation of the message on the impending census.
The Regional Statistician, Mr Francis Nyarko-Larbi, gave the assurance that his outfit was far ahead with preparations towards the national exercise.
“Manuals and questionnaires have been developed, trainer of trainees have also been trained,” adding that what was left was the training of enumerators and the interview of short-listed applicants at the district level by next week,” he stated.
He said about 56,000 individuals would be trained for the exercise.
Mr Nyarko-Larbi urged the citizenry to feel free to give out information to enumerators since every information would be kept confidential.
“A non-census official should not handle census questionnaire and material,” he warned, and further advised people not to rush to travel to their hometowns or villages to be counted.
That, he explained, was because on the census night, which is September 26, 2010, everybody in the country irrespective of one’s location at the time would be covered.
On the role of the media in ensuring a successful national exercise, Mr Nyarko-Larbi stressed the need for them to intensify the education and the sensitisation of the populace.
He also appealed to the media to assist enumerators, especially, at potential conflict areas.
COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP OPENS AT WA (PAGE 31, AUGUST 24, 2010)
THE 13th edition of the national colts football competition has kicked off in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, with the objective of unearthing more talents from the grassroots to feed the country’s respective national teams.
The week-long tournament which is being played at four venues in the Wa municipality, namely Wa Senior High Technical School, the Islamic Senior High School, Wa Senior High School and the Wa stadium, has attracted 24 colts clubs drawn from the under 12 and 15 levels across the country.
They include Paa Badu Stars, Wa All Stars Babies, Tamale Shooting Starlets, Ankara FC, Dynamo FC, Anokye Stars and Oguaa United.
Addressing a ceremony to mark the opening of the games at the Wa stadium last Sunday, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, stressed the commitment of the FA to unearth more football talents, particularly from the under 12, 15 and the 17 levels.
He said juvenile football was the bedrock for the development of football at all levels and that the FA would place more emphasis on regional colts’ teams as against individual clubs. This, he said, was to ensure the survival of colts football.
Mr Nyantakyi advised the organisers not to encourage the use of over age players but to co-operate with the FA in that regard.
Mr Nyantakyi advised the young players to play their hearts out and exhibit their talents, pointing out that “in the next two years after the tournament the cream of the country’s under-17 national team must come from here”.
“We encourage you to also be in school and be serious with your studies. You will be a good footballer when you are in school because it helps you to polish your academic and sporting skills so that you do not become a liability to the country”, the FA president emphaisised.
He further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders such as the schools which offered their playgrounds for the tournaments and dormitories to house the teams and the media among other institutions for their immense support towards the organisation of the event.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, who graced the occasion, stressed the need for sports men and women to remain disciplined at all times and to train regularly.
He said the recent World Cup in South Africa was enough testimony that the country was a force to reckon with as far as world football was concerned and,therefore, urged the players to prove their worth.
The week-long tournament which is being played at four venues in the Wa municipality, namely Wa Senior High Technical School, the Islamic Senior High School, Wa Senior High School and the Wa stadium, has attracted 24 colts clubs drawn from the under 12 and 15 levels across the country.
They include Paa Badu Stars, Wa All Stars Babies, Tamale Shooting Starlets, Ankara FC, Dynamo FC, Anokye Stars and Oguaa United.
Addressing a ceremony to mark the opening of the games at the Wa stadium last Sunday, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, stressed the commitment of the FA to unearth more football talents, particularly from the under 12, 15 and the 17 levels.
He said juvenile football was the bedrock for the development of football at all levels and that the FA would place more emphasis on regional colts’ teams as against individual clubs. This, he said, was to ensure the survival of colts football.
Mr Nyantakyi advised the organisers not to encourage the use of over age players but to co-operate with the FA in that regard.
Mr Nyantakyi advised the young players to play their hearts out and exhibit their talents, pointing out that “in the next two years after the tournament the cream of the country’s under-17 national team must come from here”.
“We encourage you to also be in school and be serious with your studies. You will be a good footballer when you are in school because it helps you to polish your academic and sporting skills so that you do not become a liability to the country”, the FA president emphaisised.
He further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders such as the schools which offered their playgrounds for the tournaments and dormitories to house the teams and the media among other institutions for their immense support towards the organisation of the event.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, who graced the occasion, stressed the need for sports men and women to remain disciplined at all times and to train regularly.
He said the recent World Cup in South Africa was enough testimony that the country was a force to reckon with as far as world football was concerned and,therefore, urged the players to prove their worth.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
WA WEST TO CULTIVATE 20,000 EXOTIC MANGOES (PAGE 22, AUGUST 14, 2010)
THE Wa West District Assembly is to cultivate 20,000 exotic mangoes interspersed with sunflower for export.
The GH¢260,000 project covering about 80 acres would be funded by the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF).
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, disclosed this to the new Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, during a working visit to the district.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, led Alhaji Salia to tour the district.
The Regional Minister said 200 farmers had been roped into the project under the Wa West Co-operative Mango Farmers Association.
“Because we have two paramountcies in this district, we have decided that 100 of the farmers should come from the Dorimon paramountcy while the other 100 comes from Wechiau, the district capital,” he explained, adding that each farmer would be entitled to an acre of land.
Mr Tungbani further stated that the funds would go into the preparation of the land, servicing of pipes and support structures, the purchase of a tractor and accessories, mango seedlings, weedicides and insecticides as well as other farming implements.
He said to ensure the successful implementation of the project and for the farmers to have a feeling of ownership of the project, a management team made up of some selected farmers had been set up to effectively manage the assets of the entire farmers.
The management team, the DCE said, included a representative from the respective villages where the farmer association was proactive.
Addressing heads of department later at the district assembly hall, the DCE expressed gratitude to them and members of the assembly for the co-operation given him since he assumed office, and urged them to keep it up.
Alhaji Salia commended the heads of department and members of the assembly for working hard towards the development of the district in particular, and the region in general.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint as the government was on track to bring development to the people.
Alhaji Salia and his entourage also called on the paramount chief of the Dorimon Traditional Area, Naa S.D. Gore, at his palace where he called for the support of the chiefs, stressing that he would seek their advice and suggestions when the need arose.
Naa Gore, who is the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, was not happy about the frequency at which the region kept changing political leaders.
“We are the last region in the country but the manner in which we change political leadership is not good,” he stressed and urged the regional minister to check the activities of foot soldiers of his political party.
The GH¢260,000 project covering about 80 acres would be funded by the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF).
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, disclosed this to the new Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, during a working visit to the district.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, led Alhaji Salia to tour the district.
The Regional Minister said 200 farmers had been roped into the project under the Wa West Co-operative Mango Farmers Association.
“Because we have two paramountcies in this district, we have decided that 100 of the farmers should come from the Dorimon paramountcy while the other 100 comes from Wechiau, the district capital,” he explained, adding that each farmer would be entitled to an acre of land.
Mr Tungbani further stated that the funds would go into the preparation of the land, servicing of pipes and support structures, the purchase of a tractor and accessories, mango seedlings, weedicides and insecticides as well as other farming implements.
He said to ensure the successful implementation of the project and for the farmers to have a feeling of ownership of the project, a management team made up of some selected farmers had been set up to effectively manage the assets of the entire farmers.
The management team, the DCE said, included a representative from the respective villages where the farmer association was proactive.
Addressing heads of department later at the district assembly hall, the DCE expressed gratitude to them and members of the assembly for the co-operation given him since he assumed office, and urged them to keep it up.
Alhaji Salia commended the heads of department and members of the assembly for working hard towards the development of the district in particular, and the region in general.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint as the government was on track to bring development to the people.
Alhaji Salia and his entourage also called on the paramount chief of the Dorimon Traditional Area, Naa S.D. Gore, at his palace where he called for the support of the chiefs, stressing that he would seek their advice and suggestions when the need arose.
Naa Gore, who is the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, was not happy about the frequency at which the region kept changing political leaders.
“We are the last region in the country but the manner in which we change political leadership is not good,” he stressed and urged the regional minister to check the activities of foot soldiers of his political party.
Friday, August 13, 2010
GAWU SUPPORTS WA FARMERS (PAGE 22, AUGUST 13, 2010)
150 farmers from five communities in the Wa Municipality have received protective clothing worth GH¢1,850 to boost their farming activities.
The items including nose masks, gloves spraying machines and Wellington boots, were donated by the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Presenting the items, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer, Mr Alfred M. Ingah said the items were a token from the GAWU to promote the farming operations of rural women farmers from Kperisi, Sagu, Guli, Kunjeihi and Chegile.
He said it was also to empower the farmers economically through post-harvest management.
Mr Ingah called for the strengthening of the various farmer groups through training programmes organised for them in their respective communities.
He expressed the hope that the farmers would use the items effectively to enhance post-harvest management.
Mr Ingah told the farmers that even though the items belonged to the communities, it must remain with those who were members of GAWU.
He further assured the farmers that they would be assisted on how to use the machines.
The Regional Chairperson of GAWU, Madam Cecilia Mwin advised the farmers on the side-effects of the chemicals.
The items including nose masks, gloves spraying machines and Wellington boots, were donated by the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Presenting the items, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer, Mr Alfred M. Ingah said the items were a token from the GAWU to promote the farming operations of rural women farmers from Kperisi, Sagu, Guli, Kunjeihi and Chegile.
He said it was also to empower the farmers economically through post-harvest management.
Mr Ingah called for the strengthening of the various farmer groups through training programmes organised for them in their respective communities.
He expressed the hope that the farmers would use the items effectively to enhance post-harvest management.
Mr Ingah told the farmers that even though the items belonged to the communities, it must remain with those who were members of GAWU.
He further assured the farmers that they would be assisted on how to use the machines.
The Regional Chairperson of GAWU, Madam Cecilia Mwin advised the farmers on the side-effects of the chemicals.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
ASSEMBLY INITIATES MANGO EXPORT PROJECT (PAGE 51, AUGUST 12, 2010)
THE Wa West District Assembly has initiated a project under which 20,000 exotic mangoes are to be cultivated, interspersed with sunflower for export.
The project, which is expected to cover about 200 acres, is being financed by the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) at a cost of GH¢260,000.
About 200 farmers from the Dorimon and Wechiau Traditional areas are expected to benefit from the project.
The Wa District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, announced this when the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, paid a working visit to the district.
“Because we have two paramountcies in this district, we have decided that 100 of the farmers will come from Dorimon, while the other 100 come from Wechiau, the district capital,” he explained.
He said each farmer would be entitled to an acre of land.
Mr Tungbani further explained that the funds would go into the preparation of the land, the laying of service pipes and support structures, the purchase of a tractor and accessories, mango seedlings, weedicides, insecticides, as well as other farming implements.
To ensure the successful implementation of the project and for the farmers to have a feeling of it, the DCE said a management team made up of some selected farmers had been set up to effectively manage the project.
Addressing heads of departments later at the district assembly hall, the DCE expressed his gratitude to members of the assembly and the heads of departments for the level of co-operation accorded him since he assumed office and urged them to keep it up.
Alhaji Salia commended the heads of departments and members of the assembly for working to bring the district and the entire region that far.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint, as the government was on track in working to bring development to the people.
Alhaji Salia and his entourage also called on the Paramount Chief of the Dorimon Traditional Area, Naa S. D. Gore, at his palace, where the regional minister called for the support of the chiefs, saying he would not hesitate to seek their advice and suggestions.
The project, which is expected to cover about 200 acres, is being financed by the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) at a cost of GH¢260,000.
About 200 farmers from the Dorimon and Wechiau Traditional areas are expected to benefit from the project.
The Wa District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Seidu Tungbani, announced this when the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Salia, paid a working visit to the district.
“Because we have two paramountcies in this district, we have decided that 100 of the farmers will come from Dorimon, while the other 100 come from Wechiau, the district capital,” he explained.
He said each farmer would be entitled to an acre of land.
Mr Tungbani further explained that the funds would go into the preparation of the land, the laying of service pipes and support structures, the purchase of a tractor and accessories, mango seedlings, weedicides, insecticides, as well as other farming implements.
To ensure the successful implementation of the project and for the farmers to have a feeling of it, the DCE said a management team made up of some selected farmers had been set up to effectively manage the project.
Addressing heads of departments later at the district assembly hall, the DCE expressed his gratitude to members of the assembly and the heads of departments for the level of co-operation accorded him since he assumed office and urged them to keep it up.
Alhaji Salia commended the heads of departments and members of the assembly for working to bring the district and the entire region that far.
He appealed to them to exercise restraint, as the government was on track in working to bring development to the people.
Alhaji Salia and his entourage also called on the Paramount Chief of the Dorimon Traditional Area, Naa S. D. Gore, at his palace, where the regional minister called for the support of the chiefs, saying he would not hesitate to seek their advice and suggestions.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
AHMADIYYA MUSLIM WOMEN DISCUSS INDISCIPLINE AMONG YOUTH (PAGE 11, AUGUST 10, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mrs Catherine Bob-Milliar, has called for a multi-disciplinary approach to address the deteriorating moral standard and indiscipline among the youth in the society.
Speaking at the 31st annual national convention of the lajna imaillah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association in Wa, Mrs Bob-Milliar, therefore, called on women, particularly mothers, to begin to see every child as their own and correct them where they fell short.
She said the time had come for mothers to correct the children of their neighbours when they went wrong, politicians must also play their part, while the media, the security agencies and law enforcers also need to collaborate with all the stakeholders “to correct this anomaly which is eating up our youth and engulfing our society today”.
The two-day event was on the theme: “Curbing moral decadence in the society- The role of the Muslim woman”.
Mrs Bob-Milliar stated for instance, that indecent dressing of young women and men alike cast a slur on mothers because it was a reflection of the kind of upbringing of the young man or woman, and therefore advised mothers to be more assertive and support the crusade against immorality and indiscipline.
The Sissala East District Chief Executive (DCE), Madam Alijata Sulemana, noted that irresponsible behaviour on the part of mothers greatly influenced their children hence the need for parents to be obedient, disciplined and upright in all their endeavours.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Saliah, who was on his first formal assignment since his assumption of office, said if the society continued to glorify wealth irrespective of one’s conduct “then we could be well assured of an indisciplined society.”
Speaking at the 31st annual national convention of the lajna imaillah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association in Wa, Mrs Bob-Milliar, therefore, called on women, particularly mothers, to begin to see every child as their own and correct them where they fell short.
She said the time had come for mothers to correct the children of their neighbours when they went wrong, politicians must also play their part, while the media, the security agencies and law enforcers also need to collaborate with all the stakeholders “to correct this anomaly which is eating up our youth and engulfing our society today”.
The two-day event was on the theme: “Curbing moral decadence in the society- The role of the Muslim woman”.
Mrs Bob-Milliar stated for instance, that indecent dressing of young women and men alike cast a slur on mothers because it was a reflection of the kind of upbringing of the young man or woman, and therefore advised mothers to be more assertive and support the crusade against immorality and indiscipline.
The Sissala East District Chief Executive (DCE), Madam Alijata Sulemana, noted that irresponsible behaviour on the part of mothers greatly influenced their children hence the need for parents to be obedient, disciplined and upright in all their endeavours.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaku Saliah, who was on his first formal assignment since his assumption of office, said if the society continued to glorify wealth irrespective of one’s conduct “then we could be well assured of an indisciplined society.”
Sunday, August 8, 2010
DON'T PUSH GIRLS INTO EARLY MARRIAGE — VEEP (PAGE 11, AUGUST 7, 2010)
THE Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has cautioned parents against pushing their female children into early marriages. He pointed out that the practice hampered their development and affected their efforts to develop their full potential and to achieve their ambitions.
He said it was therefore necessary for parents to change their attitude towards the education of their daughters and collaborate effectively with teachers and other school authorities to ensure their proper development.
Mr Mahama gave the advice when he addressed the fourth speech and prize giving day of the Islamic Senior High School in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
He said studies show that girls have gradually formed a significant proportion of the population of many institutions of higher learning in the country and many of them were doing very well, adding that, for these reasons that they must be encouraged to pursue their education with all seriousness to unearth their talents.
Mr Mahama also advised parents to discourage children from engaging in street hawking at the expense of their education, pointing out that the lukewarm attitude of parents who left the responsibility of the upbringing of their children, solely to teachers in schools without paying attention to their school work and educational needs, must change.
“The moral decadence rearing its head in our society could be arrested if all parents, teachers, politicians and all other stakeholders collectively work together in that direction” Mr Mahama stressed and said “Posterity would not forgive us if we are not able to tackle this social canker”.
He indicated the resolve of the government to improve the lot of teachers through the provision of incentives, allowances and infrastructure, especially in deprived areas.
He also commended the Islamic Senior High School and Muslims for embracing secular education which he said, had a lot of positive implications and advised students to be disciplined and concentrate on their books in order to achieve academic excellence.
Mr Mahama further advised students to respect their parents and teachers.
The Headmaster of the School, Mr Sulemana Alhassan, revisited the issue of the use of mobile phones in schools and urged parents and guardians to partner school authorities to ensure that their wards did not come to school with mobile phones.
He mentioned inadequate accommodation for both students and teachers as a major challenge facing the school, and said there was also the need to construct a wall for the school to curb the frequent visit to town by the students.
He said it was therefore necessary for parents to change their attitude towards the education of their daughters and collaborate effectively with teachers and other school authorities to ensure their proper development.
Mr Mahama gave the advice when he addressed the fourth speech and prize giving day of the Islamic Senior High School in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
He said studies show that girls have gradually formed a significant proportion of the population of many institutions of higher learning in the country and many of them were doing very well, adding that, for these reasons that they must be encouraged to pursue their education with all seriousness to unearth their talents.
Mr Mahama also advised parents to discourage children from engaging in street hawking at the expense of their education, pointing out that the lukewarm attitude of parents who left the responsibility of the upbringing of their children, solely to teachers in schools without paying attention to their school work and educational needs, must change.
“The moral decadence rearing its head in our society could be arrested if all parents, teachers, politicians and all other stakeholders collectively work together in that direction” Mr Mahama stressed and said “Posterity would not forgive us if we are not able to tackle this social canker”.
He indicated the resolve of the government to improve the lot of teachers through the provision of incentives, allowances and infrastructure, especially in deprived areas.
He also commended the Islamic Senior High School and Muslims for embracing secular education which he said, had a lot of positive implications and advised students to be disciplined and concentrate on their books in order to achieve academic excellence.
Mr Mahama further advised students to respect their parents and teachers.
The Headmaster of the School, Mr Sulemana Alhassan, revisited the issue of the use of mobile phones in schools and urged parents and guardians to partner school authorities to ensure that their wards did not come to school with mobile phones.
He mentioned inadequate accommodation for both students and teachers as a major challenge facing the school, and said there was also the need to construct a wall for the school to curb the frequent visit to town by the students.
Friday, August 6, 2010
YWO TO DIE BY HANGING (MIRROR, PAGE 20, AUGUST 7, 2010)
From Chris Nunoo, Wa
Two Burkinabe nationals and a Ghanaian have been convicted of murder and manslaughter respectively by a Wa High Court presided over by Justice George Koomson.
The two Burkinabe convicts, Salou Bari 28 and Draman Yewana 26, were convicted on charges of murder and were sentenced to death by hanging, while Kobina Tangba, the Ghanaian, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison.
They were convicted by a seven member jury.
A Principal State Attorney, Mr Robert Beke who briefed The Mirror, said Bari, who was serving his sentence for some other offences in Ghana was handed over to the Burkinabe security in 2006 but managed to find his way back into Ghana two years ago to murder Abdul Sambo, a Fulani man at Han in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region.
He said Bari confessed that the deceased, Sanbo, was the one who gave him up to the police which led to his incarceration in Ghana.
Mr Beke said sometime last year, Yewana also murdered a woman at Fatchu in the Gwollu District when he attempted to rape the woman after she had resisted him.
He said Yewana got infuriated by the womans’ actions and pulled a club which he used to hit her head, resulting in her death.
He said he was subsequently arrested and put before court.
The Principal State Attorney said in the case of Kobina Tangba, who lived with his stepmother at Konjokala in the Nadowli District, he returned from the farm one evening and found out that the entrance to his room was wet, indicating someone had poured water at his doorstep.
He said he suspected his stepmother and therefore, confronted her. In the ensuing confusion, the stepmother pulled a pestle but he collected it and in an extreme provocation hit her, leading to her death.
Two Burkinabe nationals and a Ghanaian have been convicted of murder and manslaughter respectively by a Wa High Court presided over by Justice George Koomson.
The two Burkinabe convicts, Salou Bari 28 and Draman Yewana 26, were convicted on charges of murder and were sentenced to death by hanging, while Kobina Tangba, the Ghanaian, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison.
They were convicted by a seven member jury.
A Principal State Attorney, Mr Robert Beke who briefed The Mirror, said Bari, who was serving his sentence for some other offences in Ghana was handed over to the Burkinabe security in 2006 but managed to find his way back into Ghana two years ago to murder Abdul Sambo, a Fulani man at Han in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region.
He said Bari confessed that the deceased, Sanbo, was the one who gave him up to the police which led to his incarceration in Ghana.
Mr Beke said sometime last year, Yewana also murdered a woman at Fatchu in the Gwollu District when he attempted to rape the woman after she had resisted him.
He said Yewana got infuriated by the womans’ actions and pulled a club which he used to hit her head, resulting in her death.
He said he was subsequently arrested and put before court.
The Principal State Attorney said in the case of Kobina Tangba, who lived with his stepmother at Konjokala in the Nadowli District, he returned from the farm one evening and found out that the entrance to his room was wet, indicating someone had poured water at his doorstep.
He said he suspected his stepmother and therefore, confronted her. In the ensuing confusion, the stepmother pulled a pestle but he collected it and in an extreme provocation hit her, leading to her death.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
TEACHER JAILED 7 YEARS FOR RAPE (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 3, 2010)
A 31-YEAR-OLD Social Studies teacher of the Kanton Senior High School in Tumu in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for raping a final-year female student of the school.
Richard Banousin pleaded not guilty to the offence but the Wa High Court, presided over by Mr Justice George Koomson, found him guilty of raping the student in his room.
A Principal State Attorney, Mr Robert Beke, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said some time last year, the convict invited the female student to his residence to collect an item which had been seized from her during an inspection exercise in the school.
Unknown to the victim, the convict had other ideas and so when she got to his house, he invited her to his room.
He said the convict then started making advances at the student but she resisted and indicated her resolve to leave the room if he would not stop.
He said the convict quickly rushed to lock the door when the student decided to leave the room, after which he forcibly had sex with her.
Mr Beke said the student, after gaining her freedom, quickly rushed to inform her parents at home and they, in turn, reported the conduct of the teacher to the school authorities and the police.
He said the convict was subsequently arrested in July last year and the case brought before the Wa Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigations.
He said the police, after investigations, charged the tutor with the offence of rape, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Mr Justice Koomson, before convicting the suspect, asked him if he had anything to say.
He said the convict pleaded that the court should deal leniently with him since he was married and was the breadwinner of his family.
Mr Beke said the judge, in his response, said he took all of that into consideration but was also of the view that teachers inculcated good morals in children and so for him to have turned round to abuse the girl was very unfortunate.
Justice Koomson further told the court that the law would deal with such people appropriately.
Richard Banousin pleaded not guilty to the offence but the Wa High Court, presided over by Mr Justice George Koomson, found him guilty of raping the student in his room.
A Principal State Attorney, Mr Robert Beke, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said some time last year, the convict invited the female student to his residence to collect an item which had been seized from her during an inspection exercise in the school.
Unknown to the victim, the convict had other ideas and so when she got to his house, he invited her to his room.
He said the convict then started making advances at the student but she resisted and indicated her resolve to leave the room if he would not stop.
He said the convict quickly rushed to lock the door when the student decided to leave the room, after which he forcibly had sex with her.
Mr Beke said the student, after gaining her freedom, quickly rushed to inform her parents at home and they, in turn, reported the conduct of the teacher to the school authorities and the police.
He said the convict was subsequently arrested in July last year and the case brought before the Wa Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigations.
He said the police, after investigations, charged the tutor with the offence of rape, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Mr Justice Koomson, before convicting the suspect, asked him if he had anything to say.
He said the convict pleaded that the court should deal leniently with him since he was married and was the breadwinner of his family.
Mr Beke said the judge, in his response, said he took all of that into consideration but was also of the view that teachers inculcated good morals in children and so for him to have turned round to abuse the girl was very unfortunate.
Justice Koomson further told the court that the law would deal with such people appropriately.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
FORUM DISCUSSES UN REPORTS ON CHILDREN'S RIGHTS (PAGE 11, JULY 29, 2010)
Participants from various institutions and agencies, have attended a day’s consultative workshop in Wa to seek the views of stakeholders for the preparation and compilation of Ghana’s reports to the United Nations (UN) committee on the rights of the child.
They were made up of representatives from the security agencies, traditional rulers, the media, district assemblies, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU).
Issues that featured were rights of children in the country to quality education, health, good nutrition and juvenile justice among others, which were described as negative factors militating against all the efforts made to improve the lot of children.
The forum therefore, called for realistic policies and a quick response to address issues affecting children in the country.
The participants were of the view that despite the government's Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), there was still a wide gap between rural and urban children as far as education for children was concerned, and they mentioned inadequate infrastructure and human resource, as some of the challenges.
They said although the provision of free school uniforms and free meals under the School Feeding Programme were meant to improve on school enrolment and to ease the burden on parents, these policies have been over-politicised, while some parents have also shirked their responsibilities to send their children to school.
The Head of Research at the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Mr Sylvester Kyei Gyamfi, however expressed optimism that with a concerted effort by all the parties working to promote the rights of children, more positive results could be realised.
He mentioned the passage of the Domestic Violence Act, Child Trafficking and the Juvenile Justice acts, as some of the breakthrough made with respect to protecting the rights of children.
He said access to quality education, quality healthcare and good nutrition, children’s involvement in commercial sex work and child-trafficking among others, were some of the outstanding issues being dealt with by the MOWAC.
Madam Florence Ayisi Quartey, a resource person, catalogued some of the challenges confronting MOWAC and mentioned lack of funds and inadequate human resource but gave the assurance that everything possible was being done to address the problems facing children.
She stressed the need for proper data collection and record keeping on children in order to gather accurate facts about children and their activities.
They were made up of representatives from the security agencies, traditional rulers, the media, district assemblies, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU).
Issues that featured were rights of children in the country to quality education, health, good nutrition and juvenile justice among others, which were described as negative factors militating against all the efforts made to improve the lot of children.
The forum therefore, called for realistic policies and a quick response to address issues affecting children in the country.
The participants were of the view that despite the government's Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), there was still a wide gap between rural and urban children as far as education for children was concerned, and they mentioned inadequate infrastructure and human resource, as some of the challenges.
They said although the provision of free school uniforms and free meals under the School Feeding Programme were meant to improve on school enrolment and to ease the burden on parents, these policies have been over-politicised, while some parents have also shirked their responsibilities to send their children to school.
The Head of Research at the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Mr Sylvester Kyei Gyamfi, however expressed optimism that with a concerted effort by all the parties working to promote the rights of children, more positive results could be realised.
He mentioned the passage of the Domestic Violence Act, Child Trafficking and the Juvenile Justice acts, as some of the breakthrough made with respect to protecting the rights of children.
He said access to quality education, quality healthcare and good nutrition, children’s involvement in commercial sex work and child-trafficking among others, were some of the outstanding issues being dealt with by the MOWAC.
Madam Florence Ayisi Quartey, a resource person, catalogued some of the challenges confronting MOWAC and mentioned lack of funds and inadequate human resource but gave the assurance that everything possible was being done to address the problems facing children.
She stressed the need for proper data collection and record keeping on children in order to gather accurate facts about children and their activities.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
NYC TO INTRODUCE YOUTH PARLIAMENTS IN SCHOOLS (PAGE 13, JULY 27, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional office of the National Youth Council (NYC) is to introduce youth parliaments in all second cycle and tertiary institutions in the region.
This is to serve as a regular platform for the youth to state their case as far as national issues and policies geared towards the youth were concerned.
The Regional Coordinator of the NYC, Mr Sulemana Mumuni, who announced this, appealed to policy makers to make the issue of youth empowerment a national issue of priority.
He said that was the only way to get many of the country’s youth into productive ventures so that they could be empowered.
Mr Mumuni was addressing the third of a series of regional youth dialogue in Wa in the Upper West region.
It was attended by students from educational institutions in the region and was on the theme: “Building regional capacities for youth mobilisation and effective coordination in a better Ghana agenda.”
“The development of every country revolves around its youth, therefore, it is about time we became realistic in our efforts at building their capacities and also empowering them,” he stressed.
Touching on the youth dialogue, Mr Mumuni expressed the hope that the workshop would address some of the peculiar challenges confronting the youth in order to pave way for reactivating and reorganising the Federation of Youth Associations of Ghana (FEDYAG) which, he said, was an umbrella body which coordinates the activities of youth associations in the region and the country at large.
He said the role of FEDYAG can not be overlooked as it collaborates with the NYC in its quest to seek the welfare of the youth of the country.
He was not happy about the lack of financial support for FEDYAG to be able to effectively carry out its mandate.
Mr Mumuni called on all stakeholders including opinion leaders, representatives of district assemblies and traditional leaders to liaise with the NYC to help develop the youth.
On the upgrading of the Youth Leadership and Skill Training Centre at Issa, the regional youth coordinator reiterated calls to the government to facilitate efforts at extending electricity to the institute to enhance academic work.
A representative of the Upper West Regional Minister, Madam Fati Koray, stressed the resolve of the government to improve the lot of the youth.
She said it was based on this that the government had introduced many programmes such as youth in agriculture and block farming, among other interventions, to empower the youth.
This is to serve as a regular platform for the youth to state their case as far as national issues and policies geared towards the youth were concerned.
The Regional Coordinator of the NYC, Mr Sulemana Mumuni, who announced this, appealed to policy makers to make the issue of youth empowerment a national issue of priority.
He said that was the only way to get many of the country’s youth into productive ventures so that they could be empowered.
Mr Mumuni was addressing the third of a series of regional youth dialogue in Wa in the Upper West region.
It was attended by students from educational institutions in the region and was on the theme: “Building regional capacities for youth mobilisation and effective coordination in a better Ghana agenda.”
“The development of every country revolves around its youth, therefore, it is about time we became realistic in our efforts at building their capacities and also empowering them,” he stressed.
Touching on the youth dialogue, Mr Mumuni expressed the hope that the workshop would address some of the peculiar challenges confronting the youth in order to pave way for reactivating and reorganising the Federation of Youth Associations of Ghana (FEDYAG) which, he said, was an umbrella body which coordinates the activities of youth associations in the region and the country at large.
He said the role of FEDYAG can not be overlooked as it collaborates with the NYC in its quest to seek the welfare of the youth of the country.
He was not happy about the lack of financial support for FEDYAG to be able to effectively carry out its mandate.
Mr Mumuni called on all stakeholders including opinion leaders, representatives of district assemblies and traditional leaders to liaise with the NYC to help develop the youth.
On the upgrading of the Youth Leadership and Skill Training Centre at Issa, the regional youth coordinator reiterated calls to the government to facilitate efforts at extending electricity to the institute to enhance academic work.
A representative of the Upper West Regional Minister, Madam Fati Koray, stressed the resolve of the government to improve the lot of the youth.
She said it was based on this that the government had introduced many programmes such as youth in agriculture and block farming, among other interventions, to empower the youth.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
WA POLICE ARREST 28 SUSPECTS (PAGE 22, JULY 24, 2010)
THE Wa police have arrested 28 suspects believed to be farmers from Domangile, near Nyoli in the Upper West Region in connection with the murder of one Munya Seidu, a 27-year-old Fulani herdsman.
Seidu was said to have visited his brother, Mr Dong Nayayiri, the complainant on April 13, this year at Nyoli and volunteered to send his brothers cattle into the bush to graze when he was allegedly murdered.
The Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Roy Amuni, who briefed the media in Wa, said on April 13, this year, Seidu visited his brother, Mr Nayayiri at Nyoli and volunteered to guide the brothers cattle into the bush to graze.
He said after staying in the bush with the cattle for sometime, Seidu did not return home with the cattle but the animals found their way back home.
DCOP Amuni said Mr Nayayiri became worried and, therefore, organised a search party to trace Seidu in the bush.
He said after a fruitless search, Mr Nayayiri reported the matter to the Wa police the next day.
DCOP Amuni stated that the police immediately mobilised and accompanied Mr Nayayiri to the bush where they found the body of Seidu lying in a supine position with lacerations on his body, a swollen eye and a deep cut on the neck.
He said after preliminary investigations, the police suspected foul play and, therefore, requested for a post-mortem examination at the Wa Regional Hospital.
Mr Amuni said the post-mortem examination results revealed that the deceased died as a result of acute loss of blood (traumatic homicide).
He said the police intensified their investigations into the matter until the first week of this month when they had information that about 13 people from Domangile had a hand in the murder of Seidu.
He said the houses of those suspects were kept under surveillance until at about 1:30 am on July 14, 2010, when the police raided the houses of the suspects and arrested 28 men, all believed to be farmers and whose ages range between 20 and 55 years.
DCOP Amuni said a search conducted in the rooms of the suspects led to the discovery of a shot gun and a cartridge as well as a number of bows and arrows.
He gave the assurance that the suspects would be screened and those found to be connected with the crime would be charged with the offence and arraigned.
The Regional Crime Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Wisdom Lavoe, advised residents to regularly volunteer information to the police.
He said that would enable the police to clamp down on all criminals in the society.
Meanwhile, the regional police command has initiated moves to give the regional police headquarters a facelift.
To this end, an estimated GH¢2,500 has been earmarked to be used to fund the refurbishment, which included painting, replacement of old electric cables among other minor works.
Seidu was said to have visited his brother, Mr Dong Nayayiri, the complainant on April 13, this year at Nyoli and volunteered to send his brothers cattle into the bush to graze when he was allegedly murdered.
The Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Roy Amuni, who briefed the media in Wa, said on April 13, this year, Seidu visited his brother, Mr Nayayiri at Nyoli and volunteered to guide the brothers cattle into the bush to graze.
He said after staying in the bush with the cattle for sometime, Seidu did not return home with the cattle but the animals found their way back home.
DCOP Amuni said Mr Nayayiri became worried and, therefore, organised a search party to trace Seidu in the bush.
He said after a fruitless search, Mr Nayayiri reported the matter to the Wa police the next day.
DCOP Amuni stated that the police immediately mobilised and accompanied Mr Nayayiri to the bush where they found the body of Seidu lying in a supine position with lacerations on his body, a swollen eye and a deep cut on the neck.
He said after preliminary investigations, the police suspected foul play and, therefore, requested for a post-mortem examination at the Wa Regional Hospital.
Mr Amuni said the post-mortem examination results revealed that the deceased died as a result of acute loss of blood (traumatic homicide).
He said the police intensified their investigations into the matter until the first week of this month when they had information that about 13 people from Domangile had a hand in the murder of Seidu.
He said the houses of those suspects were kept under surveillance until at about 1:30 am on July 14, 2010, when the police raided the houses of the suspects and arrested 28 men, all believed to be farmers and whose ages range between 20 and 55 years.
DCOP Amuni said a search conducted in the rooms of the suspects led to the discovery of a shot gun and a cartridge as well as a number of bows and arrows.
He gave the assurance that the suspects would be screened and those found to be connected with the crime would be charged with the offence and arraigned.
The Regional Crime Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Wisdom Lavoe, advised residents to regularly volunteer information to the police.
He said that would enable the police to clamp down on all criminals in the society.
Meanwhile, the regional police command has initiated moves to give the regional police headquarters a facelift.
To this end, an estimated GH¢2,500 has been earmarked to be used to fund the refurbishment, which included painting, replacement of old electric cables among other minor works.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
TRANSFORM MORE DAY SHS INTO BOARDING (PAGE 42, JULY 8, 2010)
HEADS of Assisted Senior High and Technical Schools (CHASS/APTI) in the three northern regions have called for the transformation of more day senior high schools in northern Ghana into boarding schools.
This, they said, would make the Computerised Schools Selection and Placement Systems (CSSPS) as a means of admission to senior high and technical schools more meaningful and effective in the area.
They said it would also enhance the contact hours teachers have with students as well as minimise the frequent interruptions in their termly academic calendar, particularly during the delay in the release of feeding grants for schools in the three regions.
The groups have, therefore, appealed to the government to be apt in the release of feeding grant for schools in northern Ghana and suggested that it must be released at least two weeks before the reopening of the schools.
In a communiqué issued and signed by the three respective chairpersons of the CHASS/APTI after the 10th annual joint conference in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, the group further urged government to come up with attractive measures to boost the morale of teachers and also motivate, attract and retain qualified teachers in the three regions for effective quality education.
The conference was on the theme: “Search for Quality Education for Northern Ghana , Challenges and Roles of the Stakeholder”
The members of CHASS/APTI further called for the establishment of teacher colleges of education in northern Ghana which they said, would enhance the production of more quality teachers for schools in the area.
They also called on the government and all other stakeholders in education to assist schools in northern Ghana with logistics and equipments such as computers and other ICT facilities.
They assured the government of their commitment to work saying “We would use all our resources for the effective running of our schools for quality education to prevail in northern Ghana ”.
This, they said, would make the Computerised Schools Selection and Placement Systems (CSSPS) as a means of admission to senior high and technical schools more meaningful and effective in the area.
They said it would also enhance the contact hours teachers have with students as well as minimise the frequent interruptions in their termly academic calendar, particularly during the delay in the release of feeding grants for schools in the three regions.
The groups have, therefore, appealed to the government to be apt in the release of feeding grant for schools in northern Ghana and suggested that it must be released at least two weeks before the reopening of the schools.
In a communiqué issued and signed by the three respective chairpersons of the CHASS/APTI after the 10th annual joint conference in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, the group further urged government to come up with attractive measures to boost the morale of teachers and also motivate, attract and retain qualified teachers in the three regions for effective quality education.
The conference was on the theme: “Search for Quality Education for Northern Ghana , Challenges and Roles of the Stakeholder”
The members of CHASS/APTI further called for the establishment of teacher colleges of education in northern Ghana which they said, would enhance the production of more quality teachers for schools in the area.
They also called on the government and all other stakeholders in education to assist schools in northern Ghana with logistics and equipments such as computers and other ICT facilities.
They assured the government of their commitment to work saying “We would use all our resources for the effective running of our schools for quality education to prevail in northern Ghana ”.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
GES, ZOOMLION LAUNCH KIDS CLUB (PAGE 42, JUNE 24, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has, in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana, a private waste management company, launched a Zoom Kids Club to conscientise children to the need to embrace personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
It is also aimed at encouraging children to be conscious about the effects of their actions and inactions on the environment.
The club, which has over 2000 member from schools across the region, is expected to complement the efforts of Zoomlion Ghana to champion the crusade on cleanliness.
The Regional Director of Education, Mr Febian Bellieb, who launched the initiative, said he would personally ensure that teachers and patrons of the Zoom Kids Clubs sensitised the public to cleanliness and good sanitation practices in the region.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Beatrice Amponsah, the National Co-ordinator of the Environmental Sanitation Unit of Zoomlion, the Chief Executive Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, Mr Joseph Siaw Agyapong, said while continuing with the education of the adult populace and the management of waste among other interventions, Zoomlion Ghana was targeting children in the schools to let them appreciate the need for good sanitation practices.
He said the initiative was part of the social responsibilities of the company to encourage cleanliness within the various vicinities which in the long run would make the entire nation clean.
On the role the children would be playing as members of Zoom Kids Clubs, the Zoomlion CEO explained that the children would not be taught anything complex but simple practices which would be easy for them to adapt, saying, “If children were conscious of environmental sanitation, adults would be left with no option but to adopt the best of habits as far as cleanliness and the management of waste within communities and homes were concerned”.
Mr Agyapong further mentioned that members of the clubs would frequently be engaged in tree planting, drama and quizzes, as well as excursions to waste management organisations, for them to come to terms with issues bordering on waste management and the need for cleanliness.
For his part, the Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, said the formation of Zoom Kids Clubs in schools was to change the attitudes of the new generation towards environmental cleanliness.
He called for the continued propagation of messages on environmental cleanliness and said, “We must preach these subjects on any platform, be it the church, community durbars and at the mosques”.
Mr Volsuuri also called for a total change of attitude by the citizenry towards issues regar the environment.
He gave an assurance that the management of Zoomlion would continue to collaborate with all stakeholders including the various local government institutions, the media and the GES to monitor and ensure that the clubs remained vibrant and were used for the purposes for which they were formed.
It is also aimed at encouraging children to be conscious about the effects of their actions and inactions on the environment.
The club, which has over 2000 member from schools across the region, is expected to complement the efforts of Zoomlion Ghana to champion the crusade on cleanliness.
The Regional Director of Education, Mr Febian Bellieb, who launched the initiative, said he would personally ensure that teachers and patrons of the Zoom Kids Clubs sensitised the public to cleanliness and good sanitation practices in the region.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Beatrice Amponsah, the National Co-ordinator of the Environmental Sanitation Unit of Zoomlion, the Chief Executive Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, Mr Joseph Siaw Agyapong, said while continuing with the education of the adult populace and the management of waste among other interventions, Zoomlion Ghana was targeting children in the schools to let them appreciate the need for good sanitation practices.
He said the initiative was part of the social responsibilities of the company to encourage cleanliness within the various vicinities which in the long run would make the entire nation clean.
On the role the children would be playing as members of Zoom Kids Clubs, the Zoomlion CEO explained that the children would not be taught anything complex but simple practices which would be easy for them to adapt, saying, “If children were conscious of environmental sanitation, adults would be left with no option but to adopt the best of habits as far as cleanliness and the management of waste within communities and homes were concerned”.
Mr Agyapong further mentioned that members of the clubs would frequently be engaged in tree planting, drama and quizzes, as well as excursions to waste management organisations, for them to come to terms with issues bordering on waste management and the need for cleanliness.
For his part, the Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, said the formation of Zoom Kids Clubs in schools was to change the attitudes of the new generation towards environmental cleanliness.
He called for the continued propagation of messages on environmental cleanliness and said, “We must preach these subjects on any platform, be it the church, community durbars and at the mosques”.
Mr Volsuuri also called for a total change of attitude by the citizenry towards issues regar the environment.
He gave an assurance that the management of Zoomlion would continue to collaborate with all stakeholders including the various local government institutions, the media and the GES to monitor and ensure that the clubs remained vibrant and were used for the purposes for which they were formed.
SACRIFICE FOR VICTORY IN 2012 — AKUFO-ADDO (PAGE 13, JUNE 23, 2010)
THE Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 general elections, Nana Akufo Addo, has stated that unity and strong party organisation are key if the New Patriotic Party is to win the 2012 general elections.
He has, therefore, called on members of the party to be prepared to sacrifice and work for victory for the NPP in election 2012 .
“The party and I would do everything possible to support you with all the resources and energy for your campaign,” he stated and explained that one of the reasons why much power had been vested in the hands of members at the grass roots by enlarging the electoral college of the party was to ensure that the NPP remained stronger at that level.
Nana Akufo Addo, who was addressing polling station executives and supporters of the party at Wa during a campaign tour of the Upper West region, advised delegates to use the power given them wisely to select the flagbearer which all Ghanaians are yearning for.
He was accompanied on the tour by his National Campaign Director, Mr Boakye Agyarko, the Members of Parliament for Lawra-Nandom, Takoradi and Bimbila, Mr Ambrose Dery, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko and Mr Dominic Nitiwul respectively.
Other members of the entourage were a former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr Clement Eledi, Ghana’s former Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Sahanoon Mogtari, as well as regional and constituency executives of the party.
Nana Akufo Addo, who is among five other candidates vying for the position of flagbearership of the NPP, advised members of the party to be careful and vigilant of the NDC to ensure a clean congress come August 7, 2010.
“The NPP does not do declarations, neither has the NPP a founder, we are all owners of the party and so it is our tradition as a family to vote people into power,” Nana Akufo Addo reiterated and added that it is also our duty to support the chosen candidate after the congress.
He attributed the defeat of the NPP in the last general elections to the divisions among the rank and file of the party and said the election of the flag bearer for the party must continue to be an internal affair.
He called for reconciliation and a sense of belongingness among members of the party adding that “we are seeking power because we want to serve the people of this country.”
Commenting on the campaign promises of the NDC during the 2008 elections, Nana Akufo Addo asked if the “Better Ghana” promised had even reached the Wa Central Constituency.
He expressed regret that almost two years after assuming the reigns of government, the NDC had not been able to fulfil any of its campaign promises and said all over the country, the people were yearning for the NPP to come back.
On the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), the aspiring NPP flagbearer said even though the NDC bought the idea from the NPP’s Northern Development Programme, it was still struggling to implement it pointing out that “the time has come for action not words.”
Nana Akufo Addo said one of the ways to ensure sustainable peace and justice in the country was to bridge the gap between the north and the south which, according to him, was paramount on the agenda of the NPP.
He further urged the people to work assiduously to ensure that the NPP won the Wa central Constituency seat from the NDC during the 2012 general elections.
A member of Nana Akufo Addo’s campaign team and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbila, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, described the 2012 general elections as a “bumper to bumper” election which required that the NPP put forward a tough presidential candidate in the personality of Nana Akufo Addo.
He said Nana Akufo Addo had suffered for the party, more so he was competent and intelligent and had a track record of leading the party to greater heights.
Mr. Nitiwul, therefore, called on delegates from northern Ghana to ensure that Nana Akufo Addo got not less that 70 per cent of votes cast in all the constituencies during August 7, 2010 NPP elections.
He has, therefore, called on members of the party to be prepared to sacrifice and work for victory for the NPP in election 2012 .
“The party and I would do everything possible to support you with all the resources and energy for your campaign,” he stated and explained that one of the reasons why much power had been vested in the hands of members at the grass roots by enlarging the electoral college of the party was to ensure that the NPP remained stronger at that level.
Nana Akufo Addo, who was addressing polling station executives and supporters of the party at Wa during a campaign tour of the Upper West region, advised delegates to use the power given them wisely to select the flagbearer which all Ghanaians are yearning for.
He was accompanied on the tour by his National Campaign Director, Mr Boakye Agyarko, the Members of Parliament for Lawra-Nandom, Takoradi and Bimbila, Mr Ambrose Dery, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko and Mr Dominic Nitiwul respectively.
Other members of the entourage were a former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr Clement Eledi, Ghana’s former Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Sahanoon Mogtari, as well as regional and constituency executives of the party.
Nana Akufo Addo, who is among five other candidates vying for the position of flagbearership of the NPP, advised members of the party to be careful and vigilant of the NDC to ensure a clean congress come August 7, 2010.
“The NPP does not do declarations, neither has the NPP a founder, we are all owners of the party and so it is our tradition as a family to vote people into power,” Nana Akufo Addo reiterated and added that it is also our duty to support the chosen candidate after the congress.
He attributed the defeat of the NPP in the last general elections to the divisions among the rank and file of the party and said the election of the flag bearer for the party must continue to be an internal affair.
He called for reconciliation and a sense of belongingness among members of the party adding that “we are seeking power because we want to serve the people of this country.”
Commenting on the campaign promises of the NDC during the 2008 elections, Nana Akufo Addo asked if the “Better Ghana” promised had even reached the Wa Central Constituency.
He expressed regret that almost two years after assuming the reigns of government, the NDC had not been able to fulfil any of its campaign promises and said all over the country, the people were yearning for the NPP to come back.
On the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), the aspiring NPP flagbearer said even though the NDC bought the idea from the NPP’s Northern Development Programme, it was still struggling to implement it pointing out that “the time has come for action not words.”
Nana Akufo Addo said one of the ways to ensure sustainable peace and justice in the country was to bridge the gap between the north and the south which, according to him, was paramount on the agenda of the NPP.
He further urged the people to work assiduously to ensure that the NPP won the Wa central Constituency seat from the NDC during the 2012 general elections.
A member of Nana Akufo Addo’s campaign team and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbila, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, described the 2012 general elections as a “bumper to bumper” election which required that the NPP put forward a tough presidential candidate in the personality of Nana Akufo Addo.
He said Nana Akufo Addo had suffered for the party, more so he was competent and intelligent and had a track record of leading the party to greater heights.
Mr. Nitiwul, therefore, called on delegates from northern Ghana to ensure that Nana Akufo Addo got not less that 70 per cent of votes cast in all the constituencies during August 7, 2010 NPP elections.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOV PROGRAMMES — KALE (PAGE 13, JUNE 12, 2010)
THE Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, has urged the youth to avail themselves of the opportunities and programmes introduced by the government to help achieve the objectives of the better Ghana agenda.
He said the youth being the future leaders of the country, the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would continue to involve them in its scheme of things in order to get them empowered.
Mr Kale, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic, said the NDC would do everything possible to meet the needs of the people.
He called on the various district assemblies to rise to the occasion and respond positively to the call by President Mills to the assemblies to create jobs for the youth.
That, he said, was the only way the youth would be fully involved in the drive to attain the objectives of the better Ghana agenda.
“The call by the President is a challenge to all of us, particularly DCEs and the assemblies. They must remain proactive and work to achieve the goals of the government by creating employment opportunities,” he advised.
Mr Kale mentioned the introduction of block farming, the extension of the school feeding programme to cover more schools, the Youth-in-Agriculture programme, which, he said, had brought a lot of hope to the youth, as well as the increase in the Capitation Grant which was also enticing more children into education as examples.
Touching on how to enhance the development process of the region, the deputy minister called for unity among the rank and file of the NDC in particular and the people of the region in general, saying, “With unity and the prevailing peace, we can all contribute in diverse ways to accelerate the development of the Upper West region.”
He expressed regret that being the last region to be created, Upper West continued to grapple with development challenges and called for a change of attitude on the part of the people.
He said the youth being the future leaders of the country, the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would continue to involve them in its scheme of things in order to get them empowered.
Mr Kale, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic, said the NDC would do everything possible to meet the needs of the people.
He called on the various district assemblies to rise to the occasion and respond positively to the call by President Mills to the assemblies to create jobs for the youth.
That, he said, was the only way the youth would be fully involved in the drive to attain the objectives of the better Ghana agenda.
“The call by the President is a challenge to all of us, particularly DCEs and the assemblies. They must remain proactive and work to achieve the goals of the government by creating employment opportunities,” he advised.
Mr Kale mentioned the introduction of block farming, the extension of the school feeding programme to cover more schools, the Youth-in-Agriculture programme, which, he said, had brought a lot of hope to the youth, as well as the increase in the Capitation Grant which was also enticing more children into education as examples.
Touching on how to enhance the development process of the region, the deputy minister called for unity among the rank and file of the NDC in particular and the people of the region in general, saying, “With unity and the prevailing peace, we can all contribute in diverse ways to accelerate the development of the Upper West region.”
He expressed regret that being the last region to be created, Upper West continued to grapple with development challenges and called for a change of attitude on the part of the people.
Friday, June 11, 2010
WA POLY TO PRODUCE RECHAARGEABLE SOLAR LAMPS (PAGE 11, JUNE 11, 2010)
THE School of Engineering of the Wa Polytechnic will by the end of July this year produce 400 pieces of rechargeable solar lamps which will be sold at a token fee to communities in the Upper West Region.
Known as Socialites, the lamp is assembled with local raw materials such as empty plastic bottles and is manufactured by lecturers and students of the department with technical support from the Cooper Union, an engineering institution based in the United States of America (USA).
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, after the opening of the third annual research conference of the Wa Polytechnic, the acting Rector of the polytechnic, Mr Solomon Dansieh, said the project commenced last year under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Cooper Union and the Wa Polytechnic.
He said the Cooper Union went further to assist the polytechnic to set up a laboratory known as the Socialite Engineering and Technology Centre, which he said was the first enterprise in the envisioned technology park of the polytechnic.
So far, Mr Dansieh said, 62 of the lamps, which he described as simple, robust and affordable, had been assembled and distributed to communities in the Jirapa District including Baazing, Nambeg and Tampaala.
On the research conference, the acting rector noted that in line with the strategic plan of the Wa Polytechnic to initiate action programmes and enhance and promote training, research and innovation, it instituted the annual research conference dubbed Wa PARC, as a forum for staff of the polytechnic to present their research findings, seek inputs from the audience, as well as update them for publication.
Sixteen papers will be presented at the three-day conference, which is on the theme: “Mobilisation of relevant skills for national development: The role of Ghanaian Polytechnics”.
He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) for their enormous support to the polytechnic and the conference.
He, however, appealed to the NTCE to review upwards the annual allocation of the faculty development and research fund to sustain its conferences and further appealed to organisations in the informal sector to come and invest in the development of the Wa Polytechnic technology park.
In a presentation on the topic: “Developing Ghana through sustainable engineering,” a lecturer of the School of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Sampson Agodzo, deplored the level of corruption that had permeated the engineering profession in the country.
He attributed the poor engineering services being rendered in the country to incompetence and corruption on the part of engineers, saying “In this country everybody runs to where something good would happen. The procurement law which is also expected to deal with corruption is rather worsening the corruption situation,” he added.
Prof. Agodzo, who is the immediate past Rector of the Wa Polytechnic, said the non-existence of a law to regulate engineering practice in the country was the basis for the challenges confronting the profession over the years.
He, therefore, called for the passage of an engineering bill to streamline engineering practice in the country.
Touching on the influx of foreign students into the country’s educational institutions, Prof. Agodzo stressed the need for the expansion of infrastructure and service delivery among other facilities in the country’s educational institutions to be able to reap the desired benefits.
Known as Socialites, the lamp is assembled with local raw materials such as empty plastic bottles and is manufactured by lecturers and students of the department with technical support from the Cooper Union, an engineering institution based in the United States of America (USA).
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, after the opening of the third annual research conference of the Wa Polytechnic, the acting Rector of the polytechnic, Mr Solomon Dansieh, said the project commenced last year under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Cooper Union and the Wa Polytechnic.
He said the Cooper Union went further to assist the polytechnic to set up a laboratory known as the Socialite Engineering and Technology Centre, which he said was the first enterprise in the envisioned technology park of the polytechnic.
So far, Mr Dansieh said, 62 of the lamps, which he described as simple, robust and affordable, had been assembled and distributed to communities in the Jirapa District including Baazing, Nambeg and Tampaala.
On the research conference, the acting rector noted that in line with the strategic plan of the Wa Polytechnic to initiate action programmes and enhance and promote training, research and innovation, it instituted the annual research conference dubbed Wa PARC, as a forum for staff of the polytechnic to present their research findings, seek inputs from the audience, as well as update them for publication.
Sixteen papers will be presented at the three-day conference, which is on the theme: “Mobilisation of relevant skills for national development: The role of Ghanaian Polytechnics”.
He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) for their enormous support to the polytechnic and the conference.
He, however, appealed to the NTCE to review upwards the annual allocation of the faculty development and research fund to sustain its conferences and further appealed to organisations in the informal sector to come and invest in the development of the Wa Polytechnic technology park.
In a presentation on the topic: “Developing Ghana through sustainable engineering,” a lecturer of the School of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Sampson Agodzo, deplored the level of corruption that had permeated the engineering profession in the country.
He attributed the poor engineering services being rendered in the country to incompetence and corruption on the part of engineers, saying “In this country everybody runs to where something good would happen. The procurement law which is also expected to deal with corruption is rather worsening the corruption situation,” he added.
Prof. Agodzo, who is the immediate past Rector of the Wa Polytechnic, said the non-existence of a law to regulate engineering practice in the country was the basis for the challenges confronting the profession over the years.
He, therefore, called for the passage of an engineering bill to streamline engineering practice in the country.
Touching on the influx of foreign students into the country’s educational institutions, Prof. Agodzo stressed the need for the expansion of infrastructure and service delivery among other facilities in the country’s educational institutions to be able to reap the desired benefits.
Monday, June 7, 2010
CHOOSE CANDIDATE WHO CAN ATTRACT VOTES FROM ALL SECTORS (PAGE 13, JUNE 7, 2010)
AN aspiring flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyerematen, has advised polling station executives of the party to choose a candidate who has the capabilities to attract votes from all sectors of the political divide.
This, he said, was because the general elections in the year 2012 was not going to be an NPP affair but rather a nation-wide exercise which the NPP could not afford to toy with.
“It is, therefore, very important that the NPP presents a winning and an appealing candidate cast in the mould of Alan Kyerematen to wrest power from the NDC, come the 2012 general election” he stated.
Mr Kyerematen said this when he interacted with polling station executives of the NPP in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The meeting was part of his campaign tour of the region to seek the support of members of the party who would vote at the national congress of the party.
Describing himself as a true unifier, Mr Kyerematen said “I am the only candidate who could do this for the NPP and so you have to change the way we did things in the year 2008 and give me the nod to win power from the ruling NDC”.
He told the polling station executives that he was touring all the 230 constituencies to interact with them because of his love for the party, adding that personal sacrifice must be the hallmark of a true leader.
“Amongst all the candidates you must look out for a young, charismatic and energetic leader like Alan Kyerematen who could do the job,” he said.
On the role of the polling station executives, Mr Kyerematen said instead of forming a campaign team, he would rather empower polling station executives of the party to spearhead the party’s campaign in the 2012 elections if he won the primaries.
He said he would also set up a welfare fund to be used to support the interest and needs of polling station executives.
A member of Mr Kyerematen’s team, Mr Kwabena Agyepong, in his introductory remarks explained that going for primaries to choose a presidential candidate was a tradition of the NPP and therefore the assertion that the slot should automatically go to a particular candidate must not be allowed to happen.
He said Mr Kyerematen is a true blue member of the Dankwa Busia tradition where the NPP traced its roots and therefore the impression being created that he joined the NPP quite recently was wrong.
This, he said, was because the general elections in the year 2012 was not going to be an NPP affair but rather a nation-wide exercise which the NPP could not afford to toy with.
“It is, therefore, very important that the NPP presents a winning and an appealing candidate cast in the mould of Alan Kyerematen to wrest power from the NDC, come the 2012 general election” he stated.
Mr Kyerematen said this when he interacted with polling station executives of the NPP in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The meeting was part of his campaign tour of the region to seek the support of members of the party who would vote at the national congress of the party.
Describing himself as a true unifier, Mr Kyerematen said “I am the only candidate who could do this for the NPP and so you have to change the way we did things in the year 2008 and give me the nod to win power from the ruling NDC”.
He told the polling station executives that he was touring all the 230 constituencies to interact with them because of his love for the party, adding that personal sacrifice must be the hallmark of a true leader.
“Amongst all the candidates you must look out for a young, charismatic and energetic leader like Alan Kyerematen who could do the job,” he said.
On the role of the polling station executives, Mr Kyerematen said instead of forming a campaign team, he would rather empower polling station executives of the party to spearhead the party’s campaign in the 2012 elections if he won the primaries.
He said he would also set up a welfare fund to be used to support the interest and needs of polling station executives.
A member of Mr Kyerematen’s team, Mr Kwabena Agyepong, in his introductory remarks explained that going for primaries to choose a presidential candidate was a tradition of the NPP and therefore the assertion that the slot should automatically go to a particular candidate must not be allowed to happen.
He said Mr Kyerematen is a true blue member of the Dankwa Busia tradition where the NPP traced its roots and therefore the impression being created that he joined the NPP quite recently was wrong.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
POLICE PERSONNEL WARNED AGAINST UNLAWFUL DETENTION (PAGE 42, JUNE 7, 2010)
THE Director-General in charge of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) John Kudalor, has warned personnel of the police service against unlawfully detaining suspects.
He said with the new cell policy of the service, personnel who would be found culpable to have acted at variance with the rules of the service, with respect to the detention of suspects, would be held responsible for their actions.
“With the new cell policy, we will ensure that specific numbers of suspects are kept in cells at some particular times. This is because we want to ensure that suspects are treated humanely and with decency because they are also human beings. In instances where the suspects are more than necessary, we could process them before court for them to be remanded in prison,” he said.
DCOP Kudalor gave the advice when he addressed a durbar of senior officers and personnel of the service at the Upper West Regional Police Headquarters in Wa.
He said policing was a calling which needed sacrifice and service, and therefore, advised personnel of the service to work to win the confidence of the populace.
The director-general deplored the uninspiring manner in which some police personnel conducted themselves and urged such personnel to turn over a new leaf, stressing that discipline must be the hallmark of every police officer.
Touching on transfers under the current police administration, DCOP Kudalor explained that the administration was streamlining the processes to ensure that all those who deserved to be transferred were asked to do so when the need arose.
He expressed worry about the situation where some regions or police stations had more than enough officers while others lacked personnel, and said those anomalies would be rectified.
DCOP Kudalor said the Police Administration wanted to be as transparent and humane as possible in satisfying all personnel with respect to transfers in the service.
The director-general further called for closer collaboration between the media and the police as it went about its work, saying, “We have to work with the media to our advantage”.
He said as part of measures to always get the right and factual information across to the public, the administration had directed the various commanders and its public affairs officers to perform such functions, adding, “The police is ready to give the right information to the media.”
The new Regional Police Commander, DCOP Roy Amuni, said he would operate an open-door policy.
He also promised to work closely with the media.
He said with the new cell policy of the service, personnel who would be found culpable to have acted at variance with the rules of the service, with respect to the detention of suspects, would be held responsible for their actions.
“With the new cell policy, we will ensure that specific numbers of suspects are kept in cells at some particular times. This is because we want to ensure that suspects are treated humanely and with decency because they are also human beings. In instances where the suspects are more than necessary, we could process them before court for them to be remanded in prison,” he said.
DCOP Kudalor gave the advice when he addressed a durbar of senior officers and personnel of the service at the Upper West Regional Police Headquarters in Wa.
He said policing was a calling which needed sacrifice and service, and therefore, advised personnel of the service to work to win the confidence of the populace.
The director-general deplored the uninspiring manner in which some police personnel conducted themselves and urged such personnel to turn over a new leaf, stressing that discipline must be the hallmark of every police officer.
Touching on transfers under the current police administration, DCOP Kudalor explained that the administration was streamlining the processes to ensure that all those who deserved to be transferred were asked to do so when the need arose.
He expressed worry about the situation where some regions or police stations had more than enough officers while others lacked personnel, and said those anomalies would be rectified.
DCOP Kudalor said the Police Administration wanted to be as transparent and humane as possible in satisfying all personnel with respect to transfers in the service.
The director-general further called for closer collaboration between the media and the police as it went about its work, saying, “We have to work with the media to our advantage”.
He said as part of measures to always get the right and factual information across to the public, the administration had directed the various commanders and its public affairs officers to perform such functions, adding, “The police is ready to give the right information to the media.”
The new Regional Police Commander, DCOP Roy Amuni, said he would operate an open-door policy.
He also promised to work closely with the media.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
EMBRACE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES (PAGE 11, MAY 25, 2010)
THE Sungtaa Nyog women’s group, a civil society organisation in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region has celebrated its 10th anniversary with an advice to women to fully embrace women empowerment programmes as a step in fighting poverty.
The Secretary to the Sungtaa Nyog women’s group, Madam Rebecca Karbo, stated this when she addressed a durbar to climax the anniversary celebration of the group at Lawra.
The durbar, which attracted about 300 women among other dignitaries, was on the theme: “Empower women to reduce poverty”.
The group is a body of various women’s groups within the Lawra Traditional Area, who came together in the year 2000, to seek their interest and welfare. They included farmers, petty traders and ‘pito’ brewers.
Madam Karbo stressed the need to speed up renovation works on the Lawra Market to attract more women and also to improve upon the revenue collection capacity of the district assembly.
She also appealed to the assembly to improve water facilities in the district so that more people would have access to clean water.
On education, Madam Karbo appealed to the government to extend the school feeding programme to cover all schools in the district.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, who was the guest of honour, said empowering women was necessary to empower the community since women formed majority of the society.
He said women were good managers of families and it was important to empower them to enhance the development of their communities.
Mr Dery, therefore, commended women under the Lawra paramountcy for coming together as a unit and said “In that way, you would become viable and we can also support you”.
The MP supported the group with an amount of GH¢12,500 for them to use as seed money to support their microfinance revolving fund, and pledged his continued assistance to the group so far as they worked towards a good cause.
He advised that “members of the group particularly the leadership must be accountable to the members and learn basic book keeping skills”.
The Secretary to the Sungtaa Nyog women’s group, Madam Rebecca Karbo, stated this when she addressed a durbar to climax the anniversary celebration of the group at Lawra.
The durbar, which attracted about 300 women among other dignitaries, was on the theme: “Empower women to reduce poverty”.
The group is a body of various women’s groups within the Lawra Traditional Area, who came together in the year 2000, to seek their interest and welfare. They included farmers, petty traders and ‘pito’ brewers.
Madam Karbo stressed the need to speed up renovation works on the Lawra Market to attract more women and also to improve upon the revenue collection capacity of the district assembly.
She also appealed to the assembly to improve water facilities in the district so that more people would have access to clean water.
On education, Madam Karbo appealed to the government to extend the school feeding programme to cover all schools in the district.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, who was the guest of honour, said empowering women was necessary to empower the community since women formed majority of the society.
He said women were good managers of families and it was important to empower them to enhance the development of their communities.
Mr Dery, therefore, commended women under the Lawra paramountcy for coming together as a unit and said “In that way, you would become viable and we can also support you”.
The MP supported the group with an amount of GH¢12,500 for them to use as seed money to support their microfinance revolving fund, and pledged his continued assistance to the group so far as they worked towards a good cause.
He advised that “members of the group particularly the leadership must be accountable to the members and learn basic book keeping skills”.
Friday, May 21, 2010
NDC FACTIONS MUST BURY DIFFERENCES (PAGE 14, MAY 21, 2010)
THE acting Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, has called on all factions involved in the rumpus in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region to bury their differences and come to a compromise.
That, he said, was the only way to create the required atmosphere to resolve intra-party problems and continue with the development agenda of the region.
Mr Mabengba made the call when he met members of the Upper West Regional Local Council of Churches at the Conference Room of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in Wa.
He called on the people to come to terms with the principle that there must always be one leader at a time, adding, “The Upper West, which is the youngest region, used to be the most peaceful, but in recent times we have not had the peace we are all yearning for.”
He appealed to the clergy to use their influence in society to intercede, both spiritually and physically, when the need arose.
Mr Mabengba further appealed to the people to unite to fight poverty, disease and squalor which, according to him, were the common enemies of the three northern regions, instead of fighting among themselves.
Mr Mabengba took oversight responsibility of the Upper West Region after the dismissal of the substantive regional minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, last week Tuesday by the President.
He will be acting as Upper West Regional Minister until a substantive Regional M
inister is appointed.
He arrived in Wa last Sunday and has since met with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), heads of departments, the leadership and members of the NDC, as well as the former regional minister.
He also called on the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaque Yakubu, and asked for his support and prayers.
Mr Mabengba told the clergy that his mission to the region was not because he had a magic wand to deal with all the problems there, adding, “Perhaps being a minister in a conflict-prone region, may be the President thought I could bring these experiences to bear on the Upper West.”
The Chairman of the Local Council of Churches and Head Pastor of the Fountain Gate Chapel in Wa, Rev Ben Ancheba, in his response, called for transparency on the part of political leaders in their dealings.
“Leaders must begin to open up. Very often you know people who you could easily call on but the moment they get into political positions, they are clouded with some kind of mystery,” he said.
On the recent disturbances by some irate NDC youth in the region, he called for patience and urged all to keep praying for the region and the country at large.
He attributed the disturbances to the lack of understanding of the governance process and ignorance on the part of the people.
Other speakers advised political parties to set up prayer groups to intercede spiritually on behalf of governments and the parties, while others thought the incident was an eye opener which would push political leaders to open up and engage more people at the grass roots.
That, he said, was the only way to create the required atmosphere to resolve intra-party problems and continue with the development agenda of the region.
Mr Mabengba made the call when he met members of the Upper West Regional Local Council of Churches at the Conference Room of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in Wa.
He called on the people to come to terms with the principle that there must always be one leader at a time, adding, “The Upper West, which is the youngest region, used to be the most peaceful, but in recent times we have not had the peace we are all yearning for.”
He appealed to the clergy to use their influence in society to intercede, both spiritually and physically, when the need arose.
Mr Mabengba further appealed to the people to unite to fight poverty, disease and squalor which, according to him, were the common enemies of the three northern regions, instead of fighting among themselves.
Mr Mabengba took oversight responsibility of the Upper West Region after the dismissal of the substantive regional minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, last week Tuesday by the President.
He will be acting as Upper West Regional Minister until a substantive Regional M
inister is appointed.
He arrived in Wa last Sunday and has since met with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), heads of departments, the leadership and members of the NDC, as well as the former regional minister.
He also called on the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Issahaque Yakubu, and asked for his support and prayers.
Mr Mabengba told the clergy that his mission to the region was not because he had a magic wand to deal with all the problems there, adding, “Perhaps being a minister in a conflict-prone region, may be the President thought I could bring these experiences to bear on the Upper West.”
The Chairman of the Local Council of Churches and Head Pastor of the Fountain Gate Chapel in Wa, Rev Ben Ancheba, in his response, called for transparency on the part of political leaders in their dealings.
“Leaders must begin to open up. Very often you know people who you could easily call on but the moment they get into political positions, they are clouded with some kind of mystery,” he said.
On the recent disturbances by some irate NDC youth in the region, he called for patience and urged all to keep praying for the region and the country at large.
He attributed the disturbances to the lack of understanding of the governance process and ignorance on the part of the people.
Other speakers advised political parties to set up prayer groups to intercede spiritually on behalf of governments and the parties, while others thought the incident was an eye opener which would push political leaders to open up and engage more people at the grass roots.
UPPER WEST NPP REFUTES ALLEGATIONS (PAGE 14, MAY 21, 2010)
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper West Region has refuted assertions by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region that it caused the removal of the former Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid.
It noted that events which led to the immediate dismissal of Mr Khalid were purely an internal NDC affair and, therefore, the NDC must concentrate on solving its problems rather than pointing accusing fingers at the NPP.
A statement signed and released by the Upper West Regional Secretary of the NPP, Mr Stephen Engmen, therefore, urged members of the NDC to stop dragging the name of the NPP through the mud.
It described events which lead to the dismissal of the minister as unfortunate and said the NPP was worried about the development in the region and not that of a few individuals who were fighting for their selfish needs.
The statement further said contrary to claims that the former regional minister was awarding contracts to NPP people, the NDC had rather consciously refused to award contracts to people perceived to be NPP sympathisers.
The statement, therefore, called on the NDC to deliver on its promises and find solutions to their recent intra party wrangling and stop drawing the NPP into such confusion.
It further described Mr Khalid, the former Regional Minister, as a sacrificial lamb who had been sacrificed to appease a few people to the detriment of the interest of majority of the people.
The statement further noted that it was totally wrong for the NDC to misinform the world that NPP members were benefiting from contracts from the NDC when in actual fact it was not the case.
It noted that events which led to the immediate dismissal of Mr Khalid were purely an internal NDC affair and, therefore, the NDC must concentrate on solving its problems rather than pointing accusing fingers at the NPP.
A statement signed and released by the Upper West Regional Secretary of the NPP, Mr Stephen Engmen, therefore, urged members of the NDC to stop dragging the name of the NPP through the mud.
It described events which lead to the dismissal of the minister as unfortunate and said the NPP was worried about the development in the region and not that of a few individuals who were fighting for their selfish needs.
The statement further said contrary to claims that the former regional minister was awarding contracts to NPP people, the NDC had rather consciously refused to award contracts to people perceived to be NPP sympathisers.
The statement, therefore, called on the NDC to deliver on its promises and find solutions to their recent intra party wrangling and stop drawing the NPP into such confusion.
It further described Mr Khalid, the former Regional Minister, as a sacrificial lamb who had been sacrificed to appease a few people to the detriment of the interest of majority of the people.
The statement further noted that it was totally wrong for the NDC to misinform the world that NPP members were benefiting from contracts from the NDC when in actual fact it was not the case.
UNITE, FORGE AHEAD IN PEACE — DERY (PAGE 13, MAY 21, 2012)
THE Member of Parliament for the Lawra-Nandom Constituency, Mr Ambrose Dery, has made a passionate call on the chiefs and people of the three Northern Regions to unite and forge ahead in peace.
This, he said, was because the three Northern Regions could not continue to be associated with violence when there is a lot they could do to improve the living condition of their people.
Mr Dery expressed grave concern about the incessant cases of violence that had clouded the northern parts of the country and urged all peace loving Northerners to help reverse the trend.
Mr Dery made the call when he addressed a durbar to mark the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sungtaa Nyog women’s group at Lawra in the Lawra district of the Upper West Region.
“Why is it that whenever there is a misunderstanding in the North, it leads to violence? Are we saying that we cannot use dialogue to seek solutions to our grievances?” Mr Dery asked.
Commenting on the recent events in the Upper West Region which led to the removal of the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, Mr Dery called for a cease fire and reminded the people that the President had the prerogative to appoint and dismiss anybody he appointed.
He said protesting violently and above all, invading the precinct of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to destroy government documents cast a slur on the security situation in the region and must be condemned by all.
Mr Dery, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, advised the youth to always bear in mind that the Upper West in particular was the least developed region in the country and therefore, instead of engaging in such lawlessness, they must rather channel their energies into ventures which would bring development and prosperity to the people.
On the development of women in the region, the MP said women must act as agents of peace since they were at the receiving end in times of violence.
He advised women to use their motherly techniques to convince their children and the youth, many of who were used to forment such troubles, to desist from such practices and be of good behaviour.
He said Northern Ghana was becoming too violent and challenged women to partner men in the crusade to bring peace.
He also called for a change in some cultural practices such as early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among other practices which were detrimental to the development of women and appealed to parents to be much concerned about the nutritional needs of their children.
That, he explained, would go along way to check the incidence of maternal and under five mortality cases in the region.
Touching on the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), the Deputy Minority Leader was not happy about the pace with which it was being handled and described the NDC government as a government of broken promises.
He added that as one of the major campaign promises of the NDC, the respective communities must be enjoying the fruits of the SADA by now.
He, therefore, called on the government to make the SADA operational in the shortest possible time in the interest of the people and also to enhance the development of the respective beneficiary communities.
This, he said, was because the three Northern Regions could not continue to be associated with violence when there is a lot they could do to improve the living condition of their people.
Mr Dery expressed grave concern about the incessant cases of violence that had clouded the northern parts of the country and urged all peace loving Northerners to help reverse the trend.
Mr Dery made the call when he addressed a durbar to mark the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sungtaa Nyog women’s group at Lawra in the Lawra district of the Upper West Region.
“Why is it that whenever there is a misunderstanding in the North, it leads to violence? Are we saying that we cannot use dialogue to seek solutions to our grievances?” Mr Dery asked.
Commenting on the recent events in the Upper West Region which led to the removal of the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, Mr Dery called for a cease fire and reminded the people that the President had the prerogative to appoint and dismiss anybody he appointed.
He said protesting violently and above all, invading the precinct of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to destroy government documents cast a slur on the security situation in the region and must be condemned by all.
Mr Dery, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, advised the youth to always bear in mind that the Upper West in particular was the least developed region in the country and therefore, instead of engaging in such lawlessness, they must rather channel their energies into ventures which would bring development and prosperity to the people.
On the development of women in the region, the MP said women must act as agents of peace since they were at the receiving end in times of violence.
He advised women to use their motherly techniques to convince their children and the youth, many of who were used to forment such troubles, to desist from such practices and be of good behaviour.
He said Northern Ghana was becoming too violent and challenged women to partner men in the crusade to bring peace.
He also called for a change in some cultural practices such as early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among other practices which were detrimental to the development of women and appealed to parents to be much concerned about the nutritional needs of their children.
That, he explained, would go along way to check the incidence of maternal and under five mortality cases in the region.
Touching on the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), the Deputy Minority Leader was not happy about the pace with which it was being handled and described the NDC government as a government of broken promises.
He added that as one of the major campaign promises of the NDC, the respective communities must be enjoying the fruits of the SADA by now.
He, therefore, called on the government to make the SADA operational in the shortest possible time in the interest of the people and also to enhance the development of the respective beneficiary communities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)