THE Director in charge of Research and Monitoring of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Amadu Sulley, has stressed the need for political parties to engage the services of polling agents who are self-disciplined, loyal and prepared to go all out in fighting the cause of the candidates and parties which they represent.
That, according to him, was because polling agents played a very crucial role in ensuring the successful conduct of elections.
He added that the EC got worried when parties brought in agents who were difficult to train because they were illiterate.
Mr Sulley said these when he addressed a day’s workshop on election reportage for media practitioners in Wa in the Upper West Region.
It was organised by the KAB Governance Consult with support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD).
“Polling agents could be professors, doctors and lawyers; it is not just jobs for the boys,” he said.
He urged polling agents of political parties to feel free during the day of elections but advised that they must position themselves in such a way as not to interfere in the electoral process.
On the role of the media in ensuring a successful conduct of the elections, Mr Sulley described journalists as critical stakeholders in the electioneering process and advised them against the use of inflammatory words during and after the elections.
He cited the use of words like “rigging”, “free and fair” and “fraud” which could undermine the process and inflame passions.
He, therefore, advised media practitioners to be very circumspect by using the right terminologies according to the electoral language.
He said irregularities did not mean rigging and added that in situations where journalists were in doubt about certain issues, they must make the offices of the EC their first port of call to cross-check their information before publication.
Mr Sulley also took the opportunity to enlighten members of the media on what is expected of the EC, the electorate, security agencies as well as other stakeholders during and after the elections.
The Electoral officer in charge of the Upper West Region, Mr Ebenezer Aggery-Fynn, who spoke on the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, said Ghana was able to gain very positive international recognition with respects to the conduct of elections and therefore there was the need to safeguard that recognition during the December general election.
He said the media was in a very sensitive position just as the EC and therefore there was the need to co-operate and work hand in hand in ensuring a successful electoral process.
For his part, The Upper West Regional Director of the EC, Mr Yahaya Mahama, said this years elections was crucial in the history of the country, hence the need for media practitioners to disseminate information which would soothe the pain and calm the nerves of people.
He also emphasised the need for media practitioners to educate the electorate on policies of the presidential candidates to be able to make informed decisions on the day of voting.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN UPPER WEST LOW KEYED (PAGE 16)
During the earlier part of this year, the Upper West Region was one of the busiest places in terms of politicking in the country with many presidential candidates frequenting the region to campaign and to pay courtesy calls on chiefs, student groups and civil society organisations, among others.
However, the trend has surprisingly changed as it looks as if nothing is going on. Supporters of the political parties are therefore speculating as to the kind of strategies the aspiring Members of Parliament in the region or their presidential candidates are adopting.
Unlike the southern part of the country where political rallies are being held almost every weekend and at times even during weekdays in communities, districts and at constituency levels, in the Upper West Region the strategies being adopted by some of the politicians seem to be like guerrilla warfare tactics, where some aspirants, particularly some of the incumbents sneak in from Accra to their constituencies and return to Accra without even media personnel getting a hint about their arrival.
There were instances where presidential candidates arrive in the region without even the media getting wind of it. A typical example is when Dr Edward Mahama of the PNC recently visited. None of the media houses was aware of it. Sometimes the security agencies, particularly the police, are not informed to at least offer some security, since every presidential candidate is a potential president of the country.
Notable among some of these parties are the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People’s National Convention (PNC). Since the beginning of the year, one can even count on the fingertips the number of rallies some of these parties have held.
All one sees in constituencies across the region are posters of candidates. There are flags, which are also fixed on electric poles, perhaps depicting that the respective parties are strong on the ground in those areas.
In some constituencies such as Wa Central and Jirapa, sheds have been constructed and labelled as special places for the various political parties. A number of the youthful supporters go there to deliberate on issues emanating from campaign tours and how the battle is to be won.
While some people are of the view that the present low political activity in the region is positive, there are many who also think otherwise.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Abass Mumuni, a civil servant, was of the view that too much of political activity can divert attention from the many development issues, which are very close to the heart of the people.
Madam Esi Yamoaba, a drinking bar attendant, for her part, says too much of politics brings a lot of tension to the area but was quick to added that we are in political season and therefore nothing can be done to stop it.
Miss Jane Kunsaanah of the Legal Aid Department in Wa said she was only interested in working to put money in her pocket and therefore was not bothered whether the politicians were campaigning or not.
She said although she would participate in the electoral process, she would not allow promises from the numerous politicians to distract her.
Mr James Wor, a parliamentary candidate for the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), in the Nadowli East Constituency, said organising big rallies were very expensive and that sometimes it was better to move to the people in their communities and houses to address them.
He was also of the view that many candidates perhaps did not attach much importance to the media coverage of such events, hence their inability to invite or inform the media houses when holding their campaign rallies.
The Upper West Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Kale Caesar, explained that rallies were held at the constituency level, but they might not be very big compared to rallies in the south.
He said the scattered settlements in northern Ghana made it difficult to know whether rallies were being held or not.
For his part, the Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, was hopeful that the region would witness some form of activity before the end of this month because the NPP had lined up a number of events to be held in the various parts of the region.
He, however, cautioned that those activities should not be used to foment trouble by activists of other political parties.
However, the trend has surprisingly changed as it looks as if nothing is going on. Supporters of the political parties are therefore speculating as to the kind of strategies the aspiring Members of Parliament in the region or their presidential candidates are adopting.
Unlike the southern part of the country where political rallies are being held almost every weekend and at times even during weekdays in communities, districts and at constituency levels, in the Upper West Region the strategies being adopted by some of the politicians seem to be like guerrilla warfare tactics, where some aspirants, particularly some of the incumbents sneak in from Accra to their constituencies and return to Accra without even media personnel getting a hint about their arrival.
There were instances where presidential candidates arrive in the region without even the media getting wind of it. A typical example is when Dr Edward Mahama of the PNC recently visited. None of the media houses was aware of it. Sometimes the security agencies, particularly the police, are not informed to at least offer some security, since every presidential candidate is a potential president of the country.
Notable among some of these parties are the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People’s National Convention (PNC). Since the beginning of the year, one can even count on the fingertips the number of rallies some of these parties have held.
All one sees in constituencies across the region are posters of candidates. There are flags, which are also fixed on electric poles, perhaps depicting that the respective parties are strong on the ground in those areas.
In some constituencies such as Wa Central and Jirapa, sheds have been constructed and labelled as special places for the various political parties. A number of the youthful supporters go there to deliberate on issues emanating from campaign tours and how the battle is to be won.
While some people are of the view that the present low political activity in the region is positive, there are many who also think otherwise.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Abass Mumuni, a civil servant, was of the view that too much of political activity can divert attention from the many development issues, which are very close to the heart of the people.
Madam Esi Yamoaba, a drinking bar attendant, for her part, says too much of politics brings a lot of tension to the area but was quick to added that we are in political season and therefore nothing can be done to stop it.
Miss Jane Kunsaanah of the Legal Aid Department in Wa said she was only interested in working to put money in her pocket and therefore was not bothered whether the politicians were campaigning or not.
She said although she would participate in the electoral process, she would not allow promises from the numerous politicians to distract her.
Mr James Wor, a parliamentary candidate for the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), in the Nadowli East Constituency, said organising big rallies were very expensive and that sometimes it was better to move to the people in their communities and houses to address them.
He was also of the view that many candidates perhaps did not attach much importance to the media coverage of such events, hence their inability to invite or inform the media houses when holding their campaign rallies.
The Upper West Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Kale Caesar, explained that rallies were held at the constituency level, but they might not be very big compared to rallies in the south.
He said the scattered settlements in northern Ghana made it difficult to know whether rallies were being held or not.
For his part, the Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, was hopeful that the region would witness some form of activity before the end of this month because the NPP had lined up a number of events to be held in the various parts of the region.
He, however, cautioned that those activities should not be used to foment trouble by activists of other political parties.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NANDOM SENIOR HIGH LAUNCHES 40TH ANNIVERSARY (PAGE 11)
THE Upper West Region may not be endowed with a lot of natural resources as compared to the other regions in the country, but through the immense contributions of the Catholic Missionaries who settled there, the region can boast many educational institutions, some of which could be said to be among the best in the country.
In 1968, through the vision of the late Archbishop of the Northern Diocese of the Catholic Church, Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery, the then brothers of Immaculate Conception (FIC) decided to establish a secondary school in Kaleo, in the present Nadowli District.
The students population of the school, now known as the Nandom Senior High School (NANSEC), grew from an initial number of 38, when it started in Kaleo to 617 students in Nandom.
The school chalked up academic successes during the period students sat for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced levels, which even came with very outstanding results, particularly in 1976.
This was the case until the commencement of the new educational reforms in 1990, which came up with the Senior Secondary School (SSS) system and the current Senior High School (SHS) system.
Addressing a durbar during the launch of the 40th anniversary of the school, the Headmaster, Rev. Bro. Nicholas Zumana, said in 2006 and 2007, 116 out of 218 and 180 out of 225 candidates respectively, qualified for admission to tertiary institutions
“These successes were achieved in the face of difficult conditions with respect to infrastructure and human resource” he noted, and pointed out that infrastructure facilities of the school had seen little improvement over the past 40 years.
He, however, commended the government for the construction of three new dormitory blocks for the school, and appealed for more facilities to be provided.
Rev. Zumanaa further stressed on the need to improve on the water system, lights, roads and the transport needs of the school.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, who graced the occasion paid a glowing tribute to the Catholic Church for its vision to establish the school .
He commended the staff of the school for their immense contribution towards the growth of the school and urged them to do more.
Mr Benson said the government would improve the conditions of teachers as well as institute measures for them to build upon their capacities.
He, therefore, advised teachers to take advantage of the interventions of the government to improve their lot.
Touching on discipline, Mr Benson advised students to uphold high moral standards and study hard.
In 1968, through the vision of the late Archbishop of the Northern Diocese of the Catholic Church, Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery, the then brothers of Immaculate Conception (FIC) decided to establish a secondary school in Kaleo, in the present Nadowli District.
The students population of the school, now known as the Nandom Senior High School (NANSEC), grew from an initial number of 38, when it started in Kaleo to 617 students in Nandom.
The school chalked up academic successes during the period students sat for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced levels, which even came with very outstanding results, particularly in 1976.
This was the case until the commencement of the new educational reforms in 1990, which came up with the Senior Secondary School (SSS) system and the current Senior High School (SHS) system.
Addressing a durbar during the launch of the 40th anniversary of the school, the Headmaster, Rev. Bro. Nicholas Zumana, said in 2006 and 2007, 116 out of 218 and 180 out of 225 candidates respectively, qualified for admission to tertiary institutions
“These successes were achieved in the face of difficult conditions with respect to infrastructure and human resource” he noted, and pointed out that infrastructure facilities of the school had seen little improvement over the past 40 years.
He, however, commended the government for the construction of three new dormitory blocks for the school, and appealed for more facilities to be provided.
Rev. Zumanaa further stressed on the need to improve on the water system, lights, roads and the transport needs of the school.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, who graced the occasion paid a glowing tribute to the Catholic Church for its vision to establish the school .
He commended the staff of the school for their immense contribution towards the growth of the school and urged them to do more.
Mr Benson said the government would improve the conditions of teachers as well as institute measures for them to build upon their capacities.
He, therefore, advised teachers to take advantage of the interventions of the government to improve their lot.
Touching on discipline, Mr Benson advised students to uphold high moral standards and study hard.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
603 PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVE FREE CARE IN LAWRA (PAGE 23)
SIX-HUNDRED-AND-THREE women in the Lawra District in the Upper West Region have received free medical care under the government’s policy of free maternal care for pregnant women.
Apart from receiving free continental, delivery and postnatal services, the beneficiaries are also enjoying a comprehensive package under the minimum benefit package for all insured members of the scheme.
The Board Chairman of the Lawra District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (DMHIS), Naa A.N. Kunyelleh, made this known when addressing the fourth annual general meeting of the scheme at Lawra.
He explained that the minimum benefit package made it possible for women who visited health facilities with other ailments apart from the pregnancy, to be treated free-of-charge.
Naa Kunyelleh noted that the total patient attendance at health facilities across the district last year was 75,377.
Naa Kunyelleh lauded the rate at which people were registering with the scheme and expressed the hope that if the trend continued, the entire population of the district could be roped into the scheme.
On the challenges facing the scheme, Naa Kunyelleh said clients were abusing the scheme as they kept visiting health facilities multiple times.
He also expressed worry about the attitude of some of the staff of the scheme who frequently collected drugs from hospitals in the name of the scheme for uninsured patients.
Naa Kunyelleh, therefore, appealed to opinion leaders to sensitise the people to appreciate the benefits of the scheme.
For his part, the Lawra District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr George Sulley, was happy that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had made health care delivery accessible to all.
He also commended the managers of the scheme for their good work, and urged them to keep spreading the message in order to reach out to more people and register them.
Apart from receiving free continental, delivery and postnatal services, the beneficiaries are also enjoying a comprehensive package under the minimum benefit package for all insured members of the scheme.
The Board Chairman of the Lawra District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (DMHIS), Naa A.N. Kunyelleh, made this known when addressing the fourth annual general meeting of the scheme at Lawra.
He explained that the minimum benefit package made it possible for women who visited health facilities with other ailments apart from the pregnancy, to be treated free-of-charge.
Naa Kunyelleh noted that the total patient attendance at health facilities across the district last year was 75,377.
Naa Kunyelleh lauded the rate at which people were registering with the scheme and expressed the hope that if the trend continued, the entire population of the district could be roped into the scheme.
On the challenges facing the scheme, Naa Kunyelleh said clients were abusing the scheme as they kept visiting health facilities multiple times.
He also expressed worry about the attitude of some of the staff of the scheme who frequently collected drugs from hospitals in the name of the scheme for uninsured patients.
Naa Kunyelleh, therefore, appealed to opinion leaders to sensitise the people to appreciate the benefits of the scheme.
For his part, the Lawra District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr George Sulley, was happy that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had made health care delivery accessible to all.
He also commended the managers of the scheme for their good work, and urged them to keep spreading the message in order to reach out to more people and register them.
Friday, August 29, 2008
SIF MAKES STRIDES IN EDUCATION IN UW (PAGE 17)
THE Upper West Region, the latest in the country, cannot boast many educational facilities as compared to the other regions, especially in the south but it has over the years striven to improve the situation through the efforts of the respective district assemblies.
But one other intervention which has helped to enhance the provision of educational infrastructure, classroom furniture, among other things in the region, is the Social Investment Fund (SIF). The SIF, which was set up in 1998 through the efforts of the government of Ghana, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support both the rural and the urban poor across the country, was aimed at reducing poverty among the rural and urban poor.
This was also to ensure that people have access to basic economic and social infrastructure to enhance access of the poor to financial services by increasing the availability of micro finance as well as building the capacities of indigenous financial institutions.
It is significant to note that with that objective, classroom blocks with offices and public places of convenience have been constructed in the Upper West Region under the SIF, as well as furniture provided for schools across the nine districts of the region.
In the Nadowli District for instance, six three-unit classroom blocks with offices, stores and public places of convenience have been constructed. Furniture costing GH¢92, 845.23 have also been constructed.
Similarly, three different six-unit classroom blocks and a three-unit block have been provided for the Sissala West District at a cost of GH¢110, 783.33, while the Sissala East District has two of such classroom infrastructure worth GH¢62, 600. Other beneficiary districts include the Wa East, Lawra, Jirapa and the Lambussie districts.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the SIF Zonal Officer responsible for the three northern regions, Mr Kwame Obeng Nti, said the total cost of the entire projects was GH¢578, 270.66.
He said although the SIF was poised to reach almost every corner of the Upper West Region in particular, and the whole of the three northern regions, the demand for such facilities from the respective communities outweighs the financial position of the SIF, even though it is the wish of SIF to provide the facilities on a demand driven basis.
He pointed out that apart from the health facilities which had received some attention, the education sector had been neglected.
But one other intervention which has helped to enhance the provision of educational infrastructure, classroom furniture, among other things in the region, is the Social Investment Fund (SIF). The SIF, which was set up in 1998 through the efforts of the government of Ghana, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support both the rural and the urban poor across the country, was aimed at reducing poverty among the rural and urban poor.
This was also to ensure that people have access to basic economic and social infrastructure to enhance access of the poor to financial services by increasing the availability of micro finance as well as building the capacities of indigenous financial institutions.
It is significant to note that with that objective, classroom blocks with offices and public places of convenience have been constructed in the Upper West Region under the SIF, as well as furniture provided for schools across the nine districts of the region.
In the Nadowli District for instance, six three-unit classroom blocks with offices, stores and public places of convenience have been constructed. Furniture costing GH¢92, 845.23 have also been constructed.
Similarly, three different six-unit classroom blocks and a three-unit block have been provided for the Sissala West District at a cost of GH¢110, 783.33, while the Sissala East District has two of such classroom infrastructure worth GH¢62, 600. Other beneficiary districts include the Wa East, Lawra, Jirapa and the Lambussie districts.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the SIF Zonal Officer responsible for the three northern regions, Mr Kwame Obeng Nti, said the total cost of the entire projects was GH¢578, 270.66.
He said although the SIF was poised to reach almost every corner of the Upper West Region in particular, and the whole of the three northern regions, the demand for such facilities from the respective communities outweighs the financial position of the SIF, even though it is the wish of SIF to provide the facilities on a demand driven basis.
He pointed out that apart from the health facilities which had received some attention, the education sector had been neglected.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
PNC ELECTS JANE-FRANCIS TO CONTEST JIRAPA SEAT (PAGE 17)
THE People’s National Convention (PNC) has elected a 28-year-old secretary to contest as its Parliamentary candidate for the Jirapa Constituency in the Upper West Region.
Miss Jane-Francis Galyuon, who polled 17 out of the 21 votes cast to get the nod, would thus rub shoulders with political veterans like Mr Edward Salia of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the incumbent, and Mr Justin Dakorah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Jirapa District Chief Executive.
Her rival contestant, Mr Abu Arthur, a teacher, polled four of the votes in the election supervised by Mr Jackson Annor, the electoral officer in charge of Jirapa.
In an address, the Upper West Regional Chairman of the PNC, Dr Gilbert Dabori Bainye, called on all PNC supporters and sympathisers to abide by the motto of the party, “service with honesty".
To this end, he urged all true PNC members to go by all the rules and regulations governing elections in the country to ensure a trouble-free general election in December.
"The December elections is for a winner and not for tricksters who have more money," Dr Bailey stated, and added that "we must not vote for money but for the best and most competent candidate”.
He described Dr Edward Mahama, the flag bearer of the PNC, as the best presidential aspirant with the best ideas, and that when the PNC was given the chance in December, it would add value to sheanuts.
Miss Jane-Francis Galyuon, who polled 17 out of the 21 votes cast to get the nod, would thus rub shoulders with political veterans like Mr Edward Salia of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the incumbent, and Mr Justin Dakorah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Jirapa District Chief Executive.
Her rival contestant, Mr Abu Arthur, a teacher, polled four of the votes in the election supervised by Mr Jackson Annor, the electoral officer in charge of Jirapa.
In an address, the Upper West Regional Chairman of the PNC, Dr Gilbert Dabori Bainye, called on all PNC supporters and sympathisers to abide by the motto of the party, “service with honesty".
To this end, he urged all true PNC members to go by all the rules and regulations governing elections in the country to ensure a trouble-free general election in December.
"The December elections is for a winner and not for tricksters who have more money," Dr Bailey stated, and added that "we must not vote for money but for the best and most competent candidate”.
He described Dr Edward Mahama, the flag bearer of the PNC, as the best presidential aspirant with the best ideas, and that when the PNC was given the chance in December, it would add value to sheanuts.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
DON'T ABANDON BABIES ...Women groups tell mothers (PAGE 11)
THE rampant dumping of babies into toilets and at refuse dump sites in the Wa municipality and other areas of the Upper West Region has prompted some women’s groups in the region to call for proactive measures to address the issue.
The frustration of the women stem from the fact that in recent times a number of newly-born babies, some with their unbilical cord attached, were dumped at various sites in the municipality.
They have, therefore, called for intensive education on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and abstinence from pre-marital sex, and appealed to men not to shirk their parental responsibilities.
Members of the concerned women’s groups who went on a demonstration through the principal streets of the municipality to express their displeasure at the criminal act, later converged at the forecourt of the Regional Co-ordinating Council where Madam Evelyn Debari, leader of the group, presented a petition to the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah.
Carrying placards, some of which read, “save the tears of our innocent babies”, “stop illegal abortion” and “life, not death” included members of the Christian Mothers Association of the Wa Catholic Diocese, the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Ghana (FOMWAG) and the House of Liberation for Empowerment, also of the Wa Catholic Diocese, who were supported by some schoolchildren.
The petition indicated that in July this year alone, five newly-born babies were dumped either in toilets or at refuse dumps at different areas of the municipality. It added that three other babies were also dumped at different times in the early part of the year.
It said only two out of the nine babies that were abandoned survived, stressing that such acts were becoming habitual hence the need to start talking about the issue to let people know that babies also had the right to live.
Mrs Winfred Dy-Yakah commended the women for taking up the issue, and promised to assist to address the issue. She urged them to spread the message to organisations and institutions to let people appreciate that the act constituted a criminal offence, and urged members in the communities to be vigilant and report suspects to the appropriate agencies.
The frustration of the women stem from the fact that in recent times a number of newly-born babies, some with their unbilical cord attached, were dumped at various sites in the municipality.
They have, therefore, called for intensive education on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and abstinence from pre-marital sex, and appealed to men not to shirk their parental responsibilities.
Members of the concerned women’s groups who went on a demonstration through the principal streets of the municipality to express their displeasure at the criminal act, later converged at the forecourt of the Regional Co-ordinating Council where Madam Evelyn Debari, leader of the group, presented a petition to the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah.
Carrying placards, some of which read, “save the tears of our innocent babies”, “stop illegal abortion” and “life, not death” included members of the Christian Mothers Association of the Wa Catholic Diocese, the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Ghana (FOMWAG) and the House of Liberation for Empowerment, also of the Wa Catholic Diocese, who were supported by some schoolchildren.
The petition indicated that in July this year alone, five newly-born babies were dumped either in toilets or at refuse dumps at different areas of the municipality. It added that three other babies were also dumped at different times in the early part of the year.
It said only two out of the nine babies that were abandoned survived, stressing that such acts were becoming habitual hence the need to start talking about the issue to let people know that babies also had the right to live.
Mrs Winfred Dy-Yakah commended the women for taking up the issue, and promised to assist to address the issue. She urged them to spread the message to organisations and institutions to let people appreciate that the act constituted a criminal offence, and urged members in the communities to be vigilant and report suspects to the appropriate agencies.
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