Warikima Mohammed,
Secretary
The way and manner in which tarrifs are increased in this country could lead to a situation where one day we would wake up to the news that many people have decided not to use pipe borne water or electricity anymore.
This is because people are gradually becoming fed up with this situation, more so when it does not come with any significant improvement in the services being rendered.
If you take the Upper West Region for instance, already many residents are struggling to make ends meet, not to talk even of those in the rural areas. If the proposed tariff increases is implemented, it will mean that some people will be denied access to electricity and potable water due to their inability to pay.
Under the circumstances, they would turn to other sources for water which could be unwholesome, and thus we may have a big problem on our hands as water borne diseases which we have fought over years to eradicate may rear their ugly heads once again.
When tariffs would have to be increased at all cost, then that must be done in line with a general increase in salaries so that the demand to increase utility tariffs would be mitigated by increase in salaries to enable people pay for utility services.
I think I that the utility companies should not think of increasing tariffs especially at this crucial period when the economy seem to be very stagnant and nothing seems to be moving the way it was expected.
Madam Mariga Musah,
Teacher
I do not really have a problem with increases in utility tariffs provided they come with the expected quality service that we all require.
Unfortunately, I have a problem when we pay huge tariffs and yet the services that are provided keep fluctuating or are completely cut off without any prior notification.
I think that the problems the utility companies face, should have nothing to do with us as consumers. It is an internal problem bedeviling these institutions and it is high time a solution was found.
With the Electricity Company of Ghana (EGC) for instance, certain people have been put in charge of reading the metres and are also engaged in disconnection exercises.
Unfortunately, some of these contractors end up collecting money from customers which does not get to the company, and thereby deny the company of projected funds needed to carry out its maintenance works among other investments.
The Ghana Water Company on the other hand assigns people to certain locations as caretakers who collect money on behalf of the company but fail to render proper accounts.
In my view, the companies must put very stringent measures in place to be able to keep track of their funds as a large percenage go into individual pockets. They should also device ways to recoup funds that are in arrears.
Mr Dennis
Amartey Ahia,
Radiographer
I say a big no to tariff increases. My reason being that the nation was promised a better Ghana and it is a surprise that so soon we should be slapped with proposed increase in tariffs. Where then is the better Ghana? so I say no to any attempt to increase utility tariffs.
When tariffs are increased now, we will be moving from the better Ghana situation to one of a worst Ghana and so we ought to be careful the way we handle this issue.
Just like petroleum prices which dictate the prices of commodities in this country, the moment tariffs on water and electricity go up, we should automatically anticipate spontaneous increase in essential products, particularly frozen foods.
Even if tariffs are increased by marginal percentage, it would not be justified because of the subsequent hardships as it would not be in line with the recent increase in the minimum wage.
Before the present Government took over the reigns of power, at least we could say that the Ghanaian currency was more or less equivalent to the dollar. But now, the situation has changed and it is not in favour of consumers.
Any increase in tariffs on utilities at this crucial point considering our adverse economic situation would really bring with it the kind of hardship we have never experienced before. For some years now all we do in this country, is to incease utility tariffs, while the quality of service rendered in exchange has not improved.
Abdul Shakur,
Legal Practitioner
I will support an increase in utility tariffs to the extent that it will be commensurate with the services provided by the utility companies. Under such situation, one could go to sleep fully assured that at least ones electrical gadgets will be insulated against break downs due to power fluctuations.
One could also be rest assured of constant flow of water through the taps without any headache. However, if the increases will not reflect the kind of services sought for by consumers, then it is not welcome.
Many a time it is argued that consumers are not paying realistic tariffs. I think this argument does not hold water, especially when the companies responsible for providing utility services cannot guarantee a 24-hour uninterrupted services. Why then do they deserve the supposed extra funds for which they are calling for an increase in tariffs?
It is worth noting that as human institutions dealing with machines, they may encounter problems but it should not be made a regular feature where constantly problems keep rearing their heads much to the chagrin and disappointment of the consumers.
Really I think it is a chicken and egg situation where you give me the best of services and I also honour my expected recompense when it is due.
What ever it is, utility companies really need some form of capitalisation to be able to stand on their own and improve upon their services including replacing their obsolete equipments. which more often than not are the causes of some of their problems.
Anita Asase,
Student, Wa
Polytechnic
As a country it is important that the issue of utility tariffs is dealt with once and for all. It looks as if matters concerning tariffs have become an albatross round our necks and keeps recurring.
I know it is important that we pay the required tariffs for the use of utility services, be it electricity, water or whatever utility. This way, the used in churning out the services could be maintained and the workers also paid.
However, I am of the opinion that utility tariffs must not be increased now considering the burden it would have on us as people. I say this because the economy is in dire circumstances with a lot of people really feeling the heat and hardly able to make ends meet. Therefore, if tariffs go up there is going to be a lot more pressure on families.
On the other hand if the increment is so crucial that it is the only way out to salvage the utility companies, then I suggest that the percentage increase must be very minimal in order not to over-burden the citizenry. In addition, I propose that such an increase corresponds with the provision of efficient services from these companies so that we get value for money.
But considering the present situation where lights for instance, keep fluctuating and people’s gadgets get destroyed, it will not be acceptable we have to pay so much and in the end have to go repairing our damaged appliances.
Patience Alhassan,
Hairdresser
This is a topic I have been pondering over for a long time now. Just look at the way I’m struggling as a hairdresser, I need water and electricity all the time but that has not been the case.
It is either the taps do not flow or that water is being rationed. It is really perturbing, the manner in which these two institutions, water and electricity, give us so much headache.
It is almost impossible to live without the two. Interestingly, both water and electricity move hand in hand and when there is a problem with water electricity is affected and vice versa.
Currently, times are hard as people do not have even enough money to buy food to eat. And so if utility tariffs should also be increased then we are doomed. What is happening to this country of ours? Suddenly it’s all about increase in this or that. I think there is something wrong somewhere and the authorities really need to sit up and relieve us of the burden.
In this hair dressing profession for instance sometimes there are days when one’s services would not be patronised as expected and yet we are expected to pay huge tariffs.
I would like to plead with the institutions to rather concentrate on making available more of the prepaid metres because like many others I’m more comfortable with that than the postpaid metres.
With the prepaid I purchase as many units as I can afford and then use it. Unlike the prepaid metres, the postpaid metres come with all sorts of bills that are sometimes over bloated and yet one is expected to pay without any complaint.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS YEAR...Views from panellists in Wa (MIRROR, PAGE 31, JAN 23, 2010)
I am happy that at least all our efforts to get more women empowered is receiving some attention.
Now the Government for instance is being gender sensitive and that is manifested in the appointment of more women into leadership positions. There is the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General including some female ambassadors.
It is my expectation that more women would receive support this year to be able to participate in political activities particularly at the district level in the assembly. I expect to see more women empowered in various ways this year and placed in positions which would enable them to deal with more issues bordering on the welfare of women.
I also wish that at least the Government would introduce special packages for brilliant female science students this year. Even though we keep harping on compulsory education for children of school age, there are still a number of children not in school and roaming the streets doing one thing or another.
For me, I do not think that enough has been done over the years to attract more children into schools.
It is in this vein that I suggest that we make the construction of libraries in our communities an issue of paramount interest this year. Here, I would want to suggest that we involve communities and NGOs to assist with books and other materials to stock the libraries.
As Ghanaians, we must all lend our support in this direction since government alone cannot do it all.
Life was a bit difficult getting to the latter part of last year, and so it is my expectation that at least this year will see a very buoyant economy that will empower Ghanaians financially to enable us meet our basic needs.
I would also want to see the Government put in more effort in its drive to create more jobs especially for the youth of the country. It must reduce the rate of unemployment and also deal with the crime situation in the country.
Job creation and getting more of the youth into productive ventures is very crucial and dear to my heart. When more and more people are busy and using their time productively, no one would indulge in armed robberies among other crimes.
I also expect that this year, some attention would be given to people in small scale businesses by providing them with subsidies and soft loans to enable them expand and sustain their businesses.
I wish that this year, people would come to appreciate the need to insure their lives and properties so that they do not incur any losses when the unexpected happens.
At presently, as life insurance has been separated from general business by the SIC, It is my hope that people would also take advantage and plan for their future with insurance products by preparing very well especially for their retirement needs.
I expect that the country would continue to remain more united than it did last year and also deepen the peace we are enjoying while as Ghanaians we remain each others keeper and contribute in our small way towards developing ourselves and the entire country.\
Obviously, it is the expectation of many that this year would be far better than last year. I pray that God grants me the strength and long life to be able to work to achieve all that I desire.
I believe that if all things go well with the oil discovery the way Ghanaians are anticipating, it will impact positively on our economy, particularly the banking sector as this would definitely help many people to achieve their targets.
Certainly, the oil boom is expected to bring in more money into the economy and hopefully this is expected to pass down to every Ghanaian.
With the level of competition in the banking sector presently, as a result of the newly emerging banks, those of us in the SG SSB have always maintained our standard as one of the best and so I expect all of us to work even harder to make our bank more better.
I also wish that all our dreams as individuals, families and friends are fulfilled within the year because as I speak now in as much as we are all contributing our quota to make the country what it is, it looks as if some of us did not reap the anticipated benefits last year. As such, it is my hope that this year be my year in which I grab opportunities that would come my way.
Indeed, I expect things to be far better for Ghanaians in terms of work, family issues and life in general so that as a people we can live peacefully without any problems.
It is my wish that this year there is a much improved attitude on the part of employers concerning the payment of contributions on behalf of employees.
In the same way, I expect that employees would also take advantage of the new pension scheme and acquaint themselves with documents covering the new scheme so that they become abreast with the new law and also correct and update their social security documentation.
Every year comes with its challenges but I expect 2010 to come with a lot of improvement in the lives of Ghanaians all over the country. At least we must be able as individuals to make ends meet and cater for our families.
I would not say that last year was bad except that I feel this year would be better. Last year, a few things did not go the way I wanted them and so it is my greatest expectation that this year I achieve my targets.
It my hope and prayer that the economy of Ghana improves to enable people have their heart’s desires.
I want the Government to sit up and address the needs of the citizenry because we are really suffering.
Since taking over the mantle, the Government has always shifted blame on the past administration for one thing or another and I think that all this is time wasting as we do not have much time on our side.
Already we are a year into the regime of the current Government and I expect that they do away with assurances and rather tackle the problems confronting the country.
So far, I am yet to feel the impact of any of the policies of the Government since it assumed power. I expect that this year it would honour its promises.
The single spine salary scheme is really dear to my heart and it is my expectation that at least I would benefit as I hear it is to be implemented in January this year but has been shifted to July. It is my hope that government would work hard at it.
With respect to the needs of teachers and the health sector I expect the Government to see these two sectors as very important and accord them all the necessary attention and support. I say this because currently our education system is nothing to write home about as standards are falling instead of improving.
It is the same with our health situation especially in the Upper West where some districts do not even have doctors or ambulances to transport patients from one health facility to another. I hope and pray that at least before the end of December 2010, there would be sharp improvement in these sectors as well as improvements in the roads linking Upper West to the Upper East and Northern regions so that travelling from Wa to any of these places will become easier and without any difficulties.
It is my expectation that before the year ends I will be promoted at my place of work and be hooked unto God. I also hope to intensify my church activities and help my family in which ever way I can.
I also expect to be given the chance to further my education and turn my entire life around for the better. Consequently, I expect government to tackle the issue of workers’ salary with all seriousness since money is the source of life.
I support efforts by the Government to bridge the economic gap between the north and the south while in addition it institutes measures to facilitate the process.
Unlike the previous year where the two major political parties seemed to be at each others throats, I expect that this year the two parties relate cordially with one another and with all the other political parties. It is very important that our politics was devoid of tensions and acrimony so that we could sustain the peace and tranquility that is existing.
One other major issue on my heart is the state of women in the country. I support all interventions by Government and other institutions to improve the lot of women and children and therefore I expect more to be done in this direction.
This is because women play very important roles in the development process of the country. When they are properly supported, it would go a long way to impact on children and entire families. That is not to say we should close our eyes to support and developmental issues that concern men.
I am convinced nonetheless, that issues concerning women and children really deserved maximum attention especially from central government since in my estimation not much has been done as a country in this direction.
Now the Government for instance is being gender sensitive and that is manifested in the appointment of more women into leadership positions. There is the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General including some female ambassadors.
It is my expectation that more women would receive support this year to be able to participate in political activities particularly at the district level in the assembly. I expect to see more women empowered in various ways this year and placed in positions which would enable them to deal with more issues bordering on the welfare of women.
I also wish that at least the Government would introduce special packages for brilliant female science students this year. Even though we keep harping on compulsory education for children of school age, there are still a number of children not in school and roaming the streets doing one thing or another.
For me, I do not think that enough has been done over the years to attract more children into schools.
It is in this vein that I suggest that we make the construction of libraries in our communities an issue of paramount interest this year. Here, I would want to suggest that we involve communities and NGOs to assist with books and other materials to stock the libraries.
As Ghanaians, we must all lend our support in this direction since government alone cannot do it all.
Life was a bit difficult getting to the latter part of last year, and so it is my expectation that at least this year will see a very buoyant economy that will empower Ghanaians financially to enable us meet our basic needs.
I would also want to see the Government put in more effort in its drive to create more jobs especially for the youth of the country. It must reduce the rate of unemployment and also deal with the crime situation in the country.
Job creation and getting more of the youth into productive ventures is very crucial and dear to my heart. When more and more people are busy and using their time productively, no one would indulge in armed robberies among other crimes.
I also expect that this year, some attention would be given to people in small scale businesses by providing them with subsidies and soft loans to enable them expand and sustain their businesses.
I wish that this year, people would come to appreciate the need to insure their lives and properties so that they do not incur any losses when the unexpected happens.
At presently, as life insurance has been separated from general business by the SIC, It is my hope that people would also take advantage and plan for their future with insurance products by preparing very well especially for their retirement needs.
I expect that the country would continue to remain more united than it did last year and also deepen the peace we are enjoying while as Ghanaians we remain each others keeper and contribute in our small way towards developing ourselves and the entire country.\
Obviously, it is the expectation of many that this year would be far better than last year. I pray that God grants me the strength and long life to be able to work to achieve all that I desire.
I believe that if all things go well with the oil discovery the way Ghanaians are anticipating, it will impact positively on our economy, particularly the banking sector as this would definitely help many people to achieve their targets.
Certainly, the oil boom is expected to bring in more money into the economy and hopefully this is expected to pass down to every Ghanaian.
With the level of competition in the banking sector presently, as a result of the newly emerging banks, those of us in the SG SSB have always maintained our standard as one of the best and so I expect all of us to work even harder to make our bank more better.
I also wish that all our dreams as individuals, families and friends are fulfilled within the year because as I speak now in as much as we are all contributing our quota to make the country what it is, it looks as if some of us did not reap the anticipated benefits last year. As such, it is my hope that this year be my year in which I grab opportunities that would come my way.
Indeed, I expect things to be far better for Ghanaians in terms of work, family issues and life in general so that as a people we can live peacefully without any problems.
It is my wish that this year there is a much improved attitude on the part of employers concerning the payment of contributions on behalf of employees.
In the same way, I expect that employees would also take advantage of the new pension scheme and acquaint themselves with documents covering the new scheme so that they become abreast with the new law and also correct and update their social security documentation.
Every year comes with its challenges but I expect 2010 to come with a lot of improvement in the lives of Ghanaians all over the country. At least we must be able as individuals to make ends meet and cater for our families.
I would not say that last year was bad except that I feel this year would be better. Last year, a few things did not go the way I wanted them and so it is my greatest expectation that this year I achieve my targets.
It my hope and prayer that the economy of Ghana improves to enable people have their heart’s desires.
I want the Government to sit up and address the needs of the citizenry because we are really suffering.
Since taking over the mantle, the Government has always shifted blame on the past administration for one thing or another and I think that all this is time wasting as we do not have much time on our side.
Already we are a year into the regime of the current Government and I expect that they do away with assurances and rather tackle the problems confronting the country.
So far, I am yet to feel the impact of any of the policies of the Government since it assumed power. I expect that this year it would honour its promises.
The single spine salary scheme is really dear to my heart and it is my expectation that at least I would benefit as I hear it is to be implemented in January this year but has been shifted to July. It is my hope that government would work hard at it.
With respect to the needs of teachers and the health sector I expect the Government to see these two sectors as very important and accord them all the necessary attention and support. I say this because currently our education system is nothing to write home about as standards are falling instead of improving.
It is the same with our health situation especially in the Upper West where some districts do not even have doctors or ambulances to transport patients from one health facility to another. I hope and pray that at least before the end of December 2010, there would be sharp improvement in these sectors as well as improvements in the roads linking Upper West to the Upper East and Northern regions so that travelling from Wa to any of these places will become easier and without any difficulties.
It is my expectation that before the year ends I will be promoted at my place of work and be hooked unto God. I also hope to intensify my church activities and help my family in which ever way I can.
I also expect to be given the chance to further my education and turn my entire life around for the better. Consequently, I expect government to tackle the issue of workers’ salary with all seriousness since money is the source of life.
I support efforts by the Government to bridge the economic gap between the north and the south while in addition it institutes measures to facilitate the process.
Unlike the previous year where the two major political parties seemed to be at each others throats, I expect that this year the two parties relate cordially with one another and with all the other political parties. It is very important that our politics was devoid of tensions and acrimony so that we could sustain the peace and tranquility that is existing.
One other major issue on my heart is the state of women in the country. I support all interventions by Government and other institutions to improve the lot of women and children and therefore I expect more to be done in this direction.
This is because women play very important roles in the development process of the country. When they are properly supported, it would go a long way to impact on children and entire families. That is not to say we should close our eyes to support and developmental issues that concern men.
I am convinced nonetheless, that issues concerning women and children really deserved maximum attention especially from central government since in my estimation not much has been done as a country in this direction.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBER ARRESTED IN WA (PAGE 21, FEB 23, 2010)
THE Wa police have arrested an alleged notorious armed robber who has been terrorising and robbing travellers in the Wa Municipality at dawn.
The suspect, Hamidu Issahaque alias Whiskey, 34, was said to have attacked his last victim in the early hours of last Wednesday, when the victim was standing on the shoulder of the road near the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) station waiting to board a taxi.
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alex Bedie, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said Issahaque together with another accomplice at large, used an unregistered motorbike in their operations.
He said in the latest robbery, the suspect and his accomplice approached their victim and even before the victim could utter a word, he (Issahaque) gave the victim some slaps.
ACP Bedie said Issahaque immediately ordered the victim to surrender his mobile phone, money and other belongings but some police personnel who had laid ambush nearby quickly rushed to the aid of the victim and Issahaque was arrested in the process.
He added that the motorbike had also been impounded.
ACP Bedie said upon interrogation, Issahaque admitted being the brain behind four of such reported robberies in the municipality in the last few months.
He said when the suspect was searched, the police found a locally manufactured pistol and live cartridges on him.
The regional commander said following persistent complaints of robberies in the municipality, the police intensified their patrols in the night and also mounted surveillance in some of the spots suspected to be hideouts for criminals.
He said it was during the exercise that Issahaque was apprehended when he was in the process of robbing a traveller early Wednesday morning.
He said preliminary investigations by the police revealed that another robbery case involving the suspects was pending in a court in Wa.
According to him, after the criminals had been granted bail by the court, they went back to continue with their nefarious activities.
In a related development, ACP Bedie said the police had arrested another suspected armed robber, Unbulm Kuntuanaa, a 40-year-old farmer, who was suspected to have been robbing people in the Wa Municipality.
He said when his room was searched, the police found two single-barrelled guns, two locally manufactured pistols and a quantity of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
ACP Bedie said Kuntuanaa claimed ownership of one of the single-barrelled guns and the two pistols and said one of the guns belonged to his father, which he exchanged for a goat from someone he could not identify.
He said the two suspects were in custody pending further investigations.
Meanwhile, the Regional Crime Officer, DSP Wisdom Lawoe, has sent a strong warning to suspected criminals in the region to reform because the police were taking the war to them.
DSP Lawoe said the exercise was still ongoing and that the police would not live anything to chance until they were satisfied that the crime situation had reduced drastically.
The suspect, Hamidu Issahaque alias Whiskey, 34, was said to have attacked his last victim in the early hours of last Wednesday, when the victim was standing on the shoulder of the road near the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) station waiting to board a taxi.
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alex Bedie, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said Issahaque together with another accomplice at large, used an unregistered motorbike in their operations.
He said in the latest robbery, the suspect and his accomplice approached their victim and even before the victim could utter a word, he (Issahaque) gave the victim some slaps.
ACP Bedie said Issahaque immediately ordered the victim to surrender his mobile phone, money and other belongings but some police personnel who had laid ambush nearby quickly rushed to the aid of the victim and Issahaque was arrested in the process.
He added that the motorbike had also been impounded.
ACP Bedie said upon interrogation, Issahaque admitted being the brain behind four of such reported robberies in the municipality in the last few months.
He said when the suspect was searched, the police found a locally manufactured pistol and live cartridges on him.
The regional commander said following persistent complaints of robberies in the municipality, the police intensified their patrols in the night and also mounted surveillance in some of the spots suspected to be hideouts for criminals.
He said it was during the exercise that Issahaque was apprehended when he was in the process of robbing a traveller early Wednesday morning.
He said preliminary investigations by the police revealed that another robbery case involving the suspects was pending in a court in Wa.
According to him, after the criminals had been granted bail by the court, they went back to continue with their nefarious activities.
In a related development, ACP Bedie said the police had arrested another suspected armed robber, Unbulm Kuntuanaa, a 40-year-old farmer, who was suspected to have been robbing people in the Wa Municipality.
He said when his room was searched, the police found two single-barrelled guns, two locally manufactured pistols and a quantity of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
ACP Bedie said Kuntuanaa claimed ownership of one of the single-barrelled guns and the two pistols and said one of the guns belonged to his father, which he exchanged for a goat from someone he could not identify.
He said the two suspects were in custody pending further investigations.
Meanwhile, the Regional Crime Officer, DSP Wisdom Lawoe, has sent a strong warning to suspected criminals in the region to reform because the police were taking the war to them.
DSP Lawoe said the exercise was still ongoing and that the police would not live anything to chance until they were satisfied that the crime situation had reduced drastically.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN ASSEMBLIES AND NGOS NECESSARY (PAGE 20, FEB 23, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, has called for effective collaboration between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the various district assemblies if the NGOs were to make their impact felt in society.
He said many of the district assemblies lacked resources and were overburdened and as such there was the need for NGOs operating in the respective districts to liaise with them in order to achieve the desired results.
Mr Khalid said this when the Country Director of Plan Ghana, an international child centred NGO, Mr Samuel Paulos, called on him at his office in Wa.
He commended Plan Ghana for supporting the development efforts of the region over the years and appealed to the organisation to possibly expand their scope of operation to cover more people, adding “Deprived communities are not only in the villages, but also in the urban centres.”
Mr Paulos, for his part, said his outfit was committed to its interventions and programmes and therefore needed the support of all stakeholders to make their programmes as effective as possible.
He also expressed appreciation to the RCC for its support over the years, and hinted that Plan Ghana would soon commission its new community radio station at Tumu, the Sissala East District capital.
He said many of the district assemblies lacked resources and were overburdened and as such there was the need for NGOs operating in the respective districts to liaise with them in order to achieve the desired results.
Mr Khalid said this when the Country Director of Plan Ghana, an international child centred NGO, Mr Samuel Paulos, called on him at his office in Wa.
He commended Plan Ghana for supporting the development efforts of the region over the years and appealed to the organisation to possibly expand their scope of operation to cover more people, adding “Deprived communities are not only in the villages, but also in the urban centres.”
Mr Paulos, for his part, said his outfit was committed to its interventions and programmes and therefore needed the support of all stakeholders to make their programmes as effective as possible.
He also expressed appreciation to the RCC for its support over the years, and hinted that Plan Ghana would soon commission its new community radio station at Tumu, the Sissala East District capital.
RCC WORRIED ABOUT SEWING SCHOOL UNIFORMS IN ACCRA (PAGE 20, FEB 23, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which contracts for the sewing of the free school uniforms were awarded in Accra.
It said there were equally good and qualified tailors and seamstresses in the region who could also do the job.
To this end, the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave a hint that the RCC would forward a strongly worded memorandum to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to impress upon them to revise the policy of always awarding contracts in Accra.
Addressing a meeting of the RCC in Wa, Mr Khalid said, “This country was supposed to be decentralised about 20 years ago and therefore the practice where things were done elsewhere for the beneficiaries to be at the receiving end was unacceptable.”
“We have good tailors and seamstresses here who can equally do this job to create employment opportunities for our people,” he said.
On the number of districts which are to benefit from the free school uniforms and why those districts were selected as deprived, the regional minister was again not happy that the selection was done in Accra.
The districts are Nadowli, Jirapa and the Lambussie-Karni.
The Upper West Region is to benefit from 1,149 school uniforms, with each of the three selected districts receiving 383 pieces.
Touching on some of the school infrastructural projects the region stood to benefit, Mr Khalid said funds had already been released by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund) for the upgrading of facilities in a number of Senior High Schools (SHS) in the region, including the Kaleo SHS, Wa Senior High/Technical and a proposed new SHS in the Wa East District.
He added that a new library complex for the region was also in the offing.
For his part, the Regional Director of Education, Mr Fabian Belieb, catalogued a number of interventions his outfit was initiating to improve on the quality of education in the region.
He said the region needed more teachers in the areas of mathematics, science and those with knowledge in Kindergarten methodology to give the children a very good foundation.
Mr Belieb also stressed a need for district assemblies in the region to institute incentive packages for teachers to entice and retain them in their respective communities, stressing that the districts should take a serious view about the teachers awards scheme.
That, he said, was imperative because many of the districts were not attaching special importance to the exercise.
On the performance of students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Mr Belieb expressed worry about the results of the last BECE in the region.
For that reason, he said henceforth, the office would institute a regional mock examination for all BECE candidates.
Mr Belieb also gave a hint of moves by his office to encourage reading and spelling among pupils and students, suggesting that Members of Parliament (MPs) must use part of their Common Fund to purchase reading materials for schools in their respective constituencies.
It said there were equally good and qualified tailors and seamstresses in the region who could also do the job.
To this end, the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave a hint that the RCC would forward a strongly worded memorandum to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to impress upon them to revise the policy of always awarding contracts in Accra.
Addressing a meeting of the RCC in Wa, Mr Khalid said, “This country was supposed to be decentralised about 20 years ago and therefore the practice where things were done elsewhere for the beneficiaries to be at the receiving end was unacceptable.”
“We have good tailors and seamstresses here who can equally do this job to create employment opportunities for our people,” he said.
On the number of districts which are to benefit from the free school uniforms and why those districts were selected as deprived, the regional minister was again not happy that the selection was done in Accra.
The districts are Nadowli, Jirapa and the Lambussie-Karni.
The Upper West Region is to benefit from 1,149 school uniforms, with each of the three selected districts receiving 383 pieces.
Touching on some of the school infrastructural projects the region stood to benefit, Mr Khalid said funds had already been released by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund) for the upgrading of facilities in a number of Senior High Schools (SHS) in the region, including the Kaleo SHS, Wa Senior High/Technical and a proposed new SHS in the Wa East District.
He added that a new library complex for the region was also in the offing.
For his part, the Regional Director of Education, Mr Fabian Belieb, catalogued a number of interventions his outfit was initiating to improve on the quality of education in the region.
He said the region needed more teachers in the areas of mathematics, science and those with knowledge in Kindergarten methodology to give the children a very good foundation.
Mr Belieb also stressed a need for district assemblies in the region to institute incentive packages for teachers to entice and retain them in their respective communities, stressing that the districts should take a serious view about the teachers awards scheme.
That, he said, was imperative because many of the districts were not attaching special importance to the exercise.
On the performance of students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Mr Belieb expressed worry about the results of the last BECE in the region.
For that reason, he said henceforth, the office would institute a regional mock examination for all BECE candidates.
Mr Belieb also gave a hint of moves by his office to encourage reading and spelling among pupils and students, suggesting that Members of Parliament (MPs) must use part of their Common Fund to purchase reading materials for schools in their respective constituencies.
NYEP LAUNCHES ICT MODULE IN WA (PAGE 20, FEB 23, 2010)
THE Information Communications Technology (ICT) module under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) has been launched in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital, with a call on the youth in the area to take advantage of the initiative to better their lot.
According to the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, the programme was among other interventions initiated by the government to assist the beneficiaries to overcome their economic problems.
Launching the programme, the regional minister said the introduction of the ICT module sought to meet the hopes and aspirations of the nation's young people for them to be able to play their rightful roles in society.
He said the NYEP had so far employed 110,796 youth in the region, while over 800,000 youth had been registered nationwide, but were yet to be placed on the programme.
Mr Khalid said a total of 69,474 beneficiaries were currently on the programme's payroll.
He commended rLG communications, the organisation in charge of the ICT module, for its innovation and creativity which had led to the assembling of mobile telephones in the country.
The Deputy National Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Ibrahim Alhassan, hinted that as part of efforts at promoting entrepreneurship among the youth in the country, a business proposal initiative would soon be implemented under the NYEP.
That, Mr Alhassan explained, would include selection of individual youth who would be trained and assisted with seed funds, logistics and also be mentored to set up their own businesses.
“A business development and advisory unit will also be commissioned as part of the NYEP so that any youth with the intention of setting up his or her own business could be assisted through counselling, support and mentoring,” he stated.
Mr Alhassan called on all stakeholders, including donor partners and NGOs to support the initiative.
The Project Co-ordinator of rLG Communications, Mr Fred Adetola, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously.
He was hopeful that the ICT project would soon expand and lead to the creation of many job opportunities for more young people across the country.
According to the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, the programme was among other interventions initiated by the government to assist the beneficiaries to overcome their economic problems.
Launching the programme, the regional minister said the introduction of the ICT module sought to meet the hopes and aspirations of the nation's young people for them to be able to play their rightful roles in society.
He said the NYEP had so far employed 110,796 youth in the region, while over 800,000 youth had been registered nationwide, but were yet to be placed on the programme.
Mr Khalid said a total of 69,474 beneficiaries were currently on the programme's payroll.
He commended rLG communications, the organisation in charge of the ICT module, for its innovation and creativity which had led to the assembling of mobile telephones in the country.
The Deputy National Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Ibrahim Alhassan, hinted that as part of efforts at promoting entrepreneurship among the youth in the country, a business proposal initiative would soon be implemented under the NYEP.
That, Mr Alhassan explained, would include selection of individual youth who would be trained and assisted with seed funds, logistics and also be mentored to set up their own businesses.
“A business development and advisory unit will also be commissioned as part of the NYEP so that any youth with the intention of setting up his or her own business could be assisted through counselling, support and mentoring,” he stated.
Mr Alhassan called on all stakeholders, including donor partners and NGOs to support the initiative.
The Project Co-ordinator of rLG Communications, Mr Fred Adetola, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously.
He was hopeful that the ICT project would soon expand and lead to the creation of many job opportunities for more young people across the country.
NADOWLI DISTRICT MAKES PROGRESS (PAGE 20, FEB 23, 2010)
THE Nadowli District in the Upper West Region has seen remarkable development in terms of provision of health and educational infrastructure as well as extension of water and other amenities to various communities within the district, barely a year after Mr Abu Kasangbata, the new District Chief Executive (DCE), took office.
The projects include construction of a mini office and store for the Ghana Education Service (GES) at the cost of GH¢17,004.56, which was also supported by the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, construction of teachers quarters at Issa and Jolinyiri at the cost of GH¢42,049.01 and GH¢39, 457.64 respectively, construction of a number of Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds and ancillaries.
Others are construction of small towns water supply systems at the cost of GH¢664,000, among other projects, all at the total cost of GH¢1,182,102.05.
It is worth noting that as part of efforts at eliminating poverty and improving upon the quality of life of the people in the rural areas, measures were adopted by successive governments to increase rural productivity, employment and other benefits to uplift their living conditions.
For these reasons, more districts were carved out of some old districts in order to facilitate the development process of the communities under them.
That led to the creation of many districts, one of which is the Nadowli District Assembly.
The District capital, Nadowli, which is about 40 kilometres away from the Upper West Regional capital, Wa, is bounded in the north by the Jirapa District and the south by the Wa Municipality.
On the eastern side of the district is the Sissala East District with fellow West African neighbour, Burkina Faso, to its west.
According to the 2000 Population and Housing Census, the Nadowli District had a population of 82,716, but the current population of the district is estimated to be around 94,671.
The district has two major ethnic groups, namely the Dagaabas and the Sissalas, most of whom are Christians of Catholic denomination. There are also some Moslems and a few African traditional believers.
Despite the religious differences of the people in the district, religious tolerance prevails among the people, thereby sustaining the peace in the area.
The district lies in the Guinea Savannah woodland and it is dominated by subsistence agriculture and petty trading. It also has economic trees ranging from baobab, kapok, mango and dawadawa, which have over the years, served as the sources of income for many households in the district, particularly women. These trees also provide employment for the people.
The district experiences more rains between May and September, but the rains peak around August. On the other hand, there is virtually no rain between October and March each year, giving way to the harsh Harmattan winds which hamper production of food, thereby worsening food security situation in the district.
The new DCE, Mr Abu Kasangbata, has since his assumption of office in 2009, taken steps to tackle the problems systematically.
He told the Daily Graphic that he would initiate moves to at least increase the number of dams and dug-outs in the district in order to improve upon the food situation, halt the rampant migration of the youth to the southern Ghana and also to support irrigation to make agriculture more attractive to the people.
Mr Kasangbata said ever since the area gained the status of a district, the people had changed the style of constructing houses by putting up sandcrete block buildings.
On tourism, he expressed regret that even though the district abounded in more tourist sites, many of them were yet to be developed to attract more tourists to increase the revenue base of the assembly.
He, therefore, gave an assurance that he would work very hard to ensure the development of the sites.
Mr Kasangbata mentioned some of the tourist sites as the cluster of anthills known as the Balata Anthills at Bayero, near Nanville, the Sankana Rocks and Slave Caves, the Crocodile Pond at Papu, the bone setting clinic at Duong and the Porcupine Sanctuary at Guri, near Sombo.
Considering the location of the district and its border with neighbouring Burkina Faso, the DCE said the district was threatened by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and cattle rustlers who migrated to and from the district to the neighbouring country.
The DCE described the annual burning of bushes, indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel wood, charcoal and other purposes, as well as poor animal husbandry practices which had affected the vegetation cover as some of the challenges he intended to confront.
The latter, according to the DCE, had led to soil erosion with its resultant depletion of the fertility of the soil. Construction of roads, sand and gravel weaning, coupled with inappropriate farming practices such as shifting cultivation, land rotation, and slash and burn have all contributed to the degrading nature of the Nadowli environment.
According to the DCE, issues bordering on environmental degradation were dear to his heart.
For that reason, he said he would liaise with the appropriate agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve upon the existing conditions.
The projects include construction of a mini office and store for the Ghana Education Service (GES) at the cost of GH¢17,004.56, which was also supported by the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, construction of teachers quarters at Issa and Jolinyiri at the cost of GH¢42,049.01 and GH¢39, 457.64 respectively, construction of a number of Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds and ancillaries.
Others are construction of small towns water supply systems at the cost of GH¢664,000, among other projects, all at the total cost of GH¢1,182,102.05.
It is worth noting that as part of efforts at eliminating poverty and improving upon the quality of life of the people in the rural areas, measures were adopted by successive governments to increase rural productivity, employment and other benefits to uplift their living conditions.
For these reasons, more districts were carved out of some old districts in order to facilitate the development process of the communities under them.
That led to the creation of many districts, one of which is the Nadowli District Assembly.
The District capital, Nadowli, which is about 40 kilometres away from the Upper West Regional capital, Wa, is bounded in the north by the Jirapa District and the south by the Wa Municipality.
On the eastern side of the district is the Sissala East District with fellow West African neighbour, Burkina Faso, to its west.
According to the 2000 Population and Housing Census, the Nadowli District had a population of 82,716, but the current population of the district is estimated to be around 94,671.
The district has two major ethnic groups, namely the Dagaabas and the Sissalas, most of whom are Christians of Catholic denomination. There are also some Moslems and a few African traditional believers.
Despite the religious differences of the people in the district, religious tolerance prevails among the people, thereby sustaining the peace in the area.
The district lies in the Guinea Savannah woodland and it is dominated by subsistence agriculture and petty trading. It also has economic trees ranging from baobab, kapok, mango and dawadawa, which have over the years, served as the sources of income for many households in the district, particularly women. These trees also provide employment for the people.
The district experiences more rains between May and September, but the rains peak around August. On the other hand, there is virtually no rain between October and March each year, giving way to the harsh Harmattan winds which hamper production of food, thereby worsening food security situation in the district.
The new DCE, Mr Abu Kasangbata, has since his assumption of office in 2009, taken steps to tackle the problems systematically.
He told the Daily Graphic that he would initiate moves to at least increase the number of dams and dug-outs in the district in order to improve upon the food situation, halt the rampant migration of the youth to the southern Ghana and also to support irrigation to make agriculture more attractive to the people.
Mr Kasangbata said ever since the area gained the status of a district, the people had changed the style of constructing houses by putting up sandcrete block buildings.
On tourism, he expressed regret that even though the district abounded in more tourist sites, many of them were yet to be developed to attract more tourists to increase the revenue base of the assembly.
He, therefore, gave an assurance that he would work very hard to ensure the development of the sites.
Mr Kasangbata mentioned some of the tourist sites as the cluster of anthills known as the Balata Anthills at Bayero, near Nanville, the Sankana Rocks and Slave Caves, the Crocodile Pond at Papu, the bone setting clinic at Duong and the Porcupine Sanctuary at Guri, near Sombo.
Considering the location of the district and its border with neighbouring Burkina Faso, the DCE said the district was threatened by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and cattle rustlers who migrated to and from the district to the neighbouring country.
The DCE described the annual burning of bushes, indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel wood, charcoal and other purposes, as well as poor animal husbandry practices which had affected the vegetation cover as some of the challenges he intended to confront.
The latter, according to the DCE, had led to soil erosion with its resultant depletion of the fertility of the soil. Construction of roads, sand and gravel weaning, coupled with inappropriate farming practices such as shifting cultivation, land rotation, and slash and burn have all contributed to the degrading nature of the Nadowli environment.
According to the DCE, issues bordering on environmental degradation were dear to his heart.
For that reason, he said he would liaise with the appropriate agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve upon the existing conditions.
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