Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE Head of the Anbariyya Sunni Community, Sheikh Saeed Abubakar Zakaria, has called for thorough investigations into the circumstances that have led to this year’s Hajj fiasco and to find lasting solutions to the recurrent problems.
He also demanded that the report on the findings should be made public. These were contained in a statement signed and issued to the press in Tamale by the leader of the community.
‘‘It is an indictment on the part of the Interim Hajj Management Committee not to have learnt from the mistakes of the last year that left over 400 prospective pilgrims stranded and unable to make the journey,’’ Sheikh Zakaria stated.
He also called for a national conference of Muslims to brainstorm on how to prevent subsequent problems in the management of Hajj affairs in the country.
He stressed that being one of the five pillars of Islam, it was the wish of every Muslim to embark on the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime.
‘‘It will therefore be a terrible disappointment if the dreams of these prospective pilgrims are not fulfilled as a result of the negligence of some people entrusted with the task’,’ Sheikh Zakaria pointed out.
He appealed to the President to consider the situation as a national crisis and personally intervene to ensure that all the 2,700 prospective pilgrims made the journey to Saudi Arabia to observe the Hajj this year.
The leader described the prevailing conditions under which the prospective pilgrims were living as dehumanising, thus making pilgrimage from Ghana look like punishment rather than a reward.
‘‘The annual problems are an embarrassment to all Ghanaians, especially the government and Muslims, and it is time to put things in the right way,’’ he stated.
Sheikh Zakaria says the performance of Hajj is not an emergency and that it could be organised successfully when the right people are given the responsibility for its management.
Friday, December 14, 2007
RIDERS ADVISED TO USE CRASH HELMETS.... Page 29
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
MOTOR-CYCLE and bicycle riders in the Tamale metropolis have been advised to wear crash helmets as a serious safety measure in order to avoid fatalities during accidents.
They and other motorists have also been asked to endeavour to duly register their vehicles and motorbikes before using them in their own interest and that of members of the general public.
The Northern Regional Police Commander in charge of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police, ASP Nana Kumi, gave the advice at a youth forum at Garizegu, a suburb of Tamale, on the theme: ‘‘Youth Awareness on Development’’.
The participants were drawn from the 10 communities in the Garizegu Electoral Area. It was organised by the Campaign for Balanced Education and Development (CAMBED), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Among the topics discussed were the uses of local resources for development, groups and social cohesion and adherence to road traffic regulations.
The commander explained that, contrary to public perceptions, the police were not vindictive in enforcing road regulations but were only carrying out their responsibilities to ensure law and order on the roads for the common good.
He described as unfortunate the practice whereby some motorists in the metropolis refused to wear helmets and rather displayed them on their motorbikes.
ASP Kumi also observed that instead of wearing the prescribed helmets, some of the riders often resorted to the use of cheap and light safety wear prescribed for construction workers.
‘‘You may think you are deceiving the police or the public, but you are rather putting your own life in danger in not using the prescribed crash helmet,’’ he pointed out.
The Project Co-ordinator of CAMBED, Mr Abukari Dokurugu Douglas, urged the youth to be disciplined and law-abiding in everything they did.
He noted that peace was a prerequisite for development and, therefore, entreated them to be wary of self-seekers who hid behind the scenes and pushed the youth to cause confusion in their respective communities.
MOTOR-CYCLE and bicycle riders in the Tamale metropolis have been advised to wear crash helmets as a serious safety measure in order to avoid fatalities during accidents.
They and other motorists have also been asked to endeavour to duly register their vehicles and motorbikes before using them in their own interest and that of members of the general public.
The Northern Regional Police Commander in charge of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police, ASP Nana Kumi, gave the advice at a youth forum at Garizegu, a suburb of Tamale, on the theme: ‘‘Youth Awareness on Development’’.
The participants were drawn from the 10 communities in the Garizegu Electoral Area. It was organised by the Campaign for Balanced Education and Development (CAMBED), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Among the topics discussed were the uses of local resources for development, groups and social cohesion and adherence to road traffic regulations.
The commander explained that, contrary to public perceptions, the police were not vindictive in enforcing road regulations but were only carrying out their responsibilities to ensure law and order on the roads for the common good.
He described as unfortunate the practice whereby some motorists in the metropolis refused to wear helmets and rather displayed them on their motorbikes.
ASP Kumi also observed that instead of wearing the prescribed helmets, some of the riders often resorted to the use of cheap and light safety wear prescribed for construction workers.
‘‘You may think you are deceiving the police or the public, but you are rather putting your own life in danger in not using the prescribed crash helmet,’’ he pointed out.
The Project Co-ordinator of CAMBED, Mr Abukari Dokurugu Douglas, urged the youth to be disciplined and law-abiding in everything they did.
He noted that peace was a prerequisite for development and, therefore, entreated them to be wary of self-seekers who hid behind the scenes and pushed the youth to cause confusion in their respective communities.
SAVELUGU SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF RECEIVES GH¢12,300 ...Page 11
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Savelugu
THE Savelugu School for the Deaf has received GH¢12,300 (¢123 million) to help in the infastructural development of the school to ensure effective teaching and learning.
The special school is the only one in the northern sector of the country.
It currently has a student population of 270 out of which 108 are female.
HOPE for Children, a United Kingdom charity organisation, in collaboration with their local partners, Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS) of Tamale, made the presentation at the school at Savelugu in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region. The Country Representative of HOPE, Mrs Azara Mahamadu, explained that the gesture by her outfit was borne out of their compassion for the vulnerable in society in various parts of the world.
“As a charity, HOPE raises funds from public-spirited individuals, organisations, as well as funding agencies, in order to support projects and institutions that seek to improve the lives of the handicapped, orphaned, poor and exploited children in developing nations,” she added.
According to her, the organisation would continue to support the school financially for the next three years and that the presentation constituted the first tranche of such assistance.
She entreated the school authorities to use the money judiciously for the benefit of the students.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Atoriyah Immaculate, expressed appreciation to their benefactors and promised to channel the funds into a special clinic project the school was undertaking.
When completed, the clinic would help in diagnosing children with hearing impairments for early intervention.
In a related development, HOPE has funded the purchase of bicycles and educational materials for pupils and students of some selected schools in the Central Gonja District.
The beneficiary schools are Yapei E/A Primary, and D/A and Presby Junior High schools. The items were presented by Women Empowerment and Relief Service for the Destitute (WERSD), another local partner of HOPE.
Making the presentation to the beneficiaries at Yapei, Mrs Mahamadu expressed the hope that the bicycles would help ease the difficulties both pupils and students who stayed far away from their respective schools encountered in their journeys to and from their schools.
She also urged parents and guardians in the area not only to enrol their children in school but also ensure that they stayed and completed their education at the highest levels they could attain to equip them for leadership of the country in future.
The Central Gonja district director of education, Nana C. Bafour, who received the items, commended the benefactors for their kind gesture and said it was in line with the government’s objective to make education accessible to all children.
THE Savelugu School for the Deaf has received GH¢12,300 (¢123 million) to help in the infastructural development of the school to ensure effective teaching and learning.
The special school is the only one in the northern sector of the country.
It currently has a student population of 270 out of which 108 are female.
HOPE for Children, a United Kingdom charity organisation, in collaboration with their local partners, Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS) of Tamale, made the presentation at the school at Savelugu in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region. The Country Representative of HOPE, Mrs Azara Mahamadu, explained that the gesture by her outfit was borne out of their compassion for the vulnerable in society in various parts of the world.
“As a charity, HOPE raises funds from public-spirited individuals, organisations, as well as funding agencies, in order to support projects and institutions that seek to improve the lives of the handicapped, orphaned, poor and exploited children in developing nations,” she added.
According to her, the organisation would continue to support the school financially for the next three years and that the presentation constituted the first tranche of such assistance.
She entreated the school authorities to use the money judiciously for the benefit of the students.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Atoriyah Immaculate, expressed appreciation to their benefactors and promised to channel the funds into a special clinic project the school was undertaking.
When completed, the clinic would help in diagnosing children with hearing impairments for early intervention.
In a related development, HOPE has funded the purchase of bicycles and educational materials for pupils and students of some selected schools in the Central Gonja District.
The beneficiary schools are Yapei E/A Primary, and D/A and Presby Junior High schools. The items were presented by Women Empowerment and Relief Service for the Destitute (WERSD), another local partner of HOPE.
Making the presentation to the beneficiaries at Yapei, Mrs Mahamadu expressed the hope that the bicycles would help ease the difficulties both pupils and students who stayed far away from their respective schools encountered in their journeys to and from their schools.
She also urged parents and guardians in the area not only to enrol their children in school but also ensure that they stayed and completed their education at the highest levels they could attain to equip them for leadership of the country in future.
The Central Gonja district director of education, Nana C. Bafour, who received the items, commended the benefactors for their kind gesture and said it was in line with the government’s objective to make education accessible to all children.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
ANDANI ROYALS DEMAND ARREST OF YA-NA'S MURDERERS ....Page 50
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE wives and princesses of the Andani Royal Family in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide on Monday embarked on a peaceful demonstration in the Tamale metropolis to demand the apprehension of the perpetrators of the disturbances in Yendi that led to the death of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and 40 others.
The demonstrators wore red bands and carried placards, some of which read, “We need sustainable peace in Dagbon”, “Eminent Kings, save us from another wahala” and “Do not reward wrongdoers”.
They later converged on the premises of the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council where they presented a petition to the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Charles Abass.
The petition, duly signed by the Gundo Na and the Kuglogu Lana, Abibata Mahama and Fatimata Andani, respectively, appealed to the President to expedite action on the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The petitioners contended that “as mothers, we have relied on your (President’s) words in your address to the nation and meetings with our chiefs in which you promised to use the state security apparatus at your disposal to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book”.
They also said that “the magnitude and gravity of this crime do not make it possible for it to be swept under the carpet”.
They described the final peace agreement document on the conflict as “bogus and fraudulent and at total variance with Dagbon customs and traditions bequeathed to us by our forebears”.
Among the proposals contained in the document is the performance of the final funeral rites of the former Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai at the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi later this month.
They expressed their displeasure at the performance of the funeral of Naa Mahamadu at the Gbewaa Palace, saying that “it is a sacrilege and an affront to our customs. If anybody thinks that it is the sine qua non for peace and reconciliation in Dagbon, the fellow should rethink”.
“We are enjoying a peaceful environment in Dagbon and the north in general; do not stir the hornets’ nest,” they said.
THE wives and princesses of the Andani Royal Family in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide on Monday embarked on a peaceful demonstration in the Tamale metropolis to demand the apprehension of the perpetrators of the disturbances in Yendi that led to the death of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and 40 others.
The demonstrators wore red bands and carried placards, some of which read, “We need sustainable peace in Dagbon”, “Eminent Kings, save us from another wahala” and “Do not reward wrongdoers”.
They later converged on the premises of the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council where they presented a petition to the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Charles Abass.
The petition, duly signed by the Gundo Na and the Kuglogu Lana, Abibata Mahama and Fatimata Andani, respectively, appealed to the President to expedite action on the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The petitioners contended that “as mothers, we have relied on your (President’s) words in your address to the nation and meetings with our chiefs in which you promised to use the state security apparatus at your disposal to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book”.
They also said that “the magnitude and gravity of this crime do not make it possible for it to be swept under the carpet”.
They described the final peace agreement document on the conflict as “bogus and fraudulent and at total variance with Dagbon customs and traditions bequeathed to us by our forebears”.
Among the proposals contained in the document is the performance of the final funeral rites of the former Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai at the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi later this month.
They expressed their displeasure at the performance of the funeral of Naa Mahamadu at the Gbewaa Palace, saying that “it is a sacrilege and an affront to our customs. If anybody thinks that it is the sine qua non for peace and reconciliation in Dagbon, the fellow should rethink”.
“We are enjoying a peaceful environment in Dagbon and the north in general; do not stir the hornets’ nest,” they said.
Monday, December 10, 2007
AMBARIYYA SUNNI COMMUNITY SUPPORTS FLOOD VICTIMS (Page 54)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE Ambariyya Sunni community in Tamale has presented a quantity of relief items to the Northern Region Disaster Management Committee for onward distribution to the flood victims in the area.
The items included 170 bags of maize, bales of used clothing, footwear, some buckets and cooking utensils.
Making the presentation to the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, in Tamale, the Head of the Sunni community, Sheikh Saeed Abubakr Zakaria, explained that the donation formed part of the basic tenets of Islam.
The items, worth over ¢44 million, were realised through the generous donations from members of the sect in and within the metropolis.
The leader noted that in every disaster situation, the immediate needs of the victims were water, food, shelter and clothing.
‘‘This is in accordance with the teachings of the religion which states that we are each other’s keeper and that it is incumbent on the faithful to always come to the aid of people in need and in distress,’’ he explained.
Sheikh Zakaria further intimated that it was aimed at ‘‘dispelling the notion that religious people are always at the receiving end, because in Islam, the hand that stretches up is preferred to the hand that is down.’’
The leader also pledged the preparedness of the sect to support both the metropolitan assembly and the Regional Co-ordinating Council in addressing the development challenges facing the people in their quest to reach greater heights.
The minister, who received the items, described the gesture by the Sunni community as exemplary, for which reason he commended them for their efforts and show of solidarity to the unfortunate flood victims.
He also expressed appreciation to all individuals, groups and organisations that had donated items towards the resettlement of the victims, and gave the assurance that, all the items would reach out to those who were genuinely in need of them at the various areas where the flood occurred.
The floods that happened in August this year in the three northern regions caused a humanitarian catastrophe, and various appeals have been made to philanthropic individuals and organisations to support the victims.
THE Ambariyya Sunni community in Tamale has presented a quantity of relief items to the Northern Region Disaster Management Committee for onward distribution to the flood victims in the area.
The items included 170 bags of maize, bales of used clothing, footwear, some buckets and cooking utensils.
Making the presentation to the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, in Tamale, the Head of the Sunni community, Sheikh Saeed Abubakr Zakaria, explained that the donation formed part of the basic tenets of Islam.
The items, worth over ¢44 million, were realised through the generous donations from members of the sect in and within the metropolis.
The leader noted that in every disaster situation, the immediate needs of the victims were water, food, shelter and clothing.
‘‘This is in accordance with the teachings of the religion which states that we are each other’s keeper and that it is incumbent on the faithful to always come to the aid of people in need and in distress,’’ he explained.
Sheikh Zakaria further intimated that it was aimed at ‘‘dispelling the notion that religious people are always at the receiving end, because in Islam, the hand that stretches up is preferred to the hand that is down.’’
The leader also pledged the preparedness of the sect to support both the metropolitan assembly and the Regional Co-ordinating Council in addressing the development challenges facing the people in their quest to reach greater heights.
The minister, who received the items, described the gesture by the Sunni community as exemplary, for which reason he commended them for their efforts and show of solidarity to the unfortunate flood victims.
He also expressed appreciation to all individuals, groups and organisations that had donated items towards the resettlement of the victims, and gave the assurance that, all the items would reach out to those who were genuinely in need of them at the various areas where the flood occurred.
The floods that happened in August this year in the three northern regions caused a humanitarian catastrophe, and various appeals have been made to philanthropic individuals and organisations to support the victims.
UNDP SPENDS $10 MILLION IN THE NORTH (Page 21)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
Out of the $12 million earmarked for disbursement to flood victims in the north, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has so far expended $10 million to help in the immediate alleviation of the plight of the people.
The fund was used in the emergency supply of food, medicine, provision of temporary shelters and water purification facilities, among other interventions.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Daouda Toure, who announced this in Tamale, explained that, the initiative formed part of the first image of response for the flood victims and that there would be other forms of support to them in the coming months.
He was addressing a roundtable to fashion out a blue print on special initiative on sustainable development of northern Ghana in Tamale.
The meeting was convened by the Office of the President in collaboration with the National Development Commission and facilitated by the Institute for Policy Alternatives, a Tamale-based think-tank.
The two-day meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including Ministers of State, the Northern caucus in Parliament, the United Nations Systems and other development partners.
According to the Resident Representative, the next line of action after the disbursement was how to ensure the restoration of livelihoods through the provision of farming inputs.
“Our long term vision would also evolve around transformative changes through the provision of dams for irrigation purposes to enable the people farm all year round instead of the current three months, and the creation of income generating activities to improve on their well-being,” he added.
Mr Toure acknowledged the devastating impact of the floods on the people, particularly the vulnerable and expressed the commitment of his outfit to the successful implementation of government initiative and those of other stakeholders in ensuring sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the people.
He further noted that, in spite of all the support offered the victims, the people were still in dire need of assistance “we are surely not doing it rightly and we need to move quickly to do more to achieve the desired impact.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, observed that the floods had also succeeded in sweeping away all the gains made over the years.
“As we deliberate, let us remember that in most of our communities there is no water to drink, there are not enough schools and teaching and learning materials and that we lack basic development facilities to grow,” he stated.
The minister however, expressed appreciation to the Chief Advisor to the President, Mrs Mary Chinnery Hesse, for her personal efforts and commitment to the establishment of the ¢25 billion seed money for the development of the north.
“This is a window of opportunity for us to repackage, re-distribute and to correct distortions and imbalances in the national development agenda,” he intimated.
Alhaji Idris, however, observed that for the necessary impact to be made for the accelerated development of the north there was the need for peace to prevail at all times since insecurity and development were not bedfellows.
He said the need for the maintenance of law and order was not only the responsibility of politicians and therefore entreated all to join hands in achieving lasting peace in the area.
Out of the $12 million earmarked for disbursement to flood victims in the north, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has so far expended $10 million to help in the immediate alleviation of the plight of the people.
The fund was used in the emergency supply of food, medicine, provision of temporary shelters and water purification facilities, among other interventions.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Daouda Toure, who announced this in Tamale, explained that, the initiative formed part of the first image of response for the flood victims and that there would be other forms of support to them in the coming months.
He was addressing a roundtable to fashion out a blue print on special initiative on sustainable development of northern Ghana in Tamale.
The meeting was convened by the Office of the President in collaboration with the National Development Commission and facilitated by the Institute for Policy Alternatives, a Tamale-based think-tank.
The two-day meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including Ministers of State, the Northern caucus in Parliament, the United Nations Systems and other development partners.
According to the Resident Representative, the next line of action after the disbursement was how to ensure the restoration of livelihoods through the provision of farming inputs.
“Our long term vision would also evolve around transformative changes through the provision of dams for irrigation purposes to enable the people farm all year round instead of the current three months, and the creation of income generating activities to improve on their well-being,” he added.
Mr Toure acknowledged the devastating impact of the floods on the people, particularly the vulnerable and expressed the commitment of his outfit to the successful implementation of government initiative and those of other stakeholders in ensuring sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the people.
He further noted that, in spite of all the support offered the victims, the people were still in dire need of assistance “we are surely not doing it rightly and we need to move quickly to do more to achieve the desired impact.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, observed that the floods had also succeeded in sweeping away all the gains made over the years.
“As we deliberate, let us remember that in most of our communities there is no water to drink, there are not enough schools and teaching and learning materials and that we lack basic development facilities to grow,” he stated.
The minister however, expressed appreciation to the Chief Advisor to the President, Mrs Mary Chinnery Hesse, for her personal efforts and commitment to the establishment of the ¢25 billion seed money for the development of the north.
“This is a window of opportunity for us to repackage, re-distribute and to correct distortions and imbalances in the national development agenda,” he intimated.
Alhaji Idris, however, observed that for the necessary impact to be made for the accelerated development of the north there was the need for peace to prevail at all times since insecurity and development were not bedfellows.
He said the need for the maintenance of law and order was not only the responsibility of politicians and therefore entreated all to join hands in achieving lasting peace in the area.
Friday, December 7, 2007
POPULATION EXPLOSION CAUSES PROBLEMS IN TAMALE (Page 29)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE rapid population growth in the Tamale metropolis certainly comes with its resultant human traffic and other social problems, particularly at the central business district.
The erection of railings that serve as barricade in the median of the very busy dual carriageway around the central market has made it more difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross the roads.
Even though some pedestrian crossings have been provided, they are still not enough to contain the human traffic on the side of the roads, waiting for discerning motorists to stop for them to cross over.
A number of pedestrians, including schoolchildren, have been hit by impatient drivers in their attempt to cross the road because of the unwillingness of the motorists to stop for them.
Just last week, a teacher, Osman Issah, was hit by a motorist who failed to stop at a zebra crossing even though some cars ahead of him had stopped for the pedestrians to cross.
It is to forestall such unfortunate occurrences that most residents of Tamale have appealed to the city authorities to put up a footbridge around the area at the market to ensure the safety of pedestrians who move to and from the market.
The provision of the bridge would also facilitate the easy movement of vehicles on the rather busy roads.
‘‘Indeed, it would not be out of place if the assembly puts up the bridge because when you quantify the benefits, it would certainly outweigh the cost of such a project since it would protect life and property,’’ Janet Yahaya, a student, suggested.
However, the development engineer of the Department of Urban Roads in Tamale, Mr Charles Abuga Peh, explained that apart from the huge sums of money involved in the construction of a footbridge, they are often not used by pedestrians, thus turning them into white elephants.
He cited the case of the national capital, Accra, where a number of footbridges had been turned into dens for nefarious activities instead of their intended purpose.
The engineer further explained that the railings were erected to prevent pedestrians from crossing the road haphazardly, thereby endangering their lives.
‘‘We however appreciate the genuine concerns raised by the people, and would liaise with the metropolitan assembly to see how we can address the problems, Mr Peh said.
Another area of worry to motorists and pedestrians is the defective traffic lights in the metropolis. Indeed, apart from the traffic lights at the Gukpena’s palace and the jubilee park junctions on the hospital road, the rest are out of order.
They made particular reference to those at the central mosque, Standard Chartered and Agric, Ridge junctions that have been dysfunctional for almost a year now and for which reason a number of fatal accidents had occurred.
‘‘I fear the situation could worsen during the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament next month as there would be an influx of vehicles into the metropolis to witness the group ‘‘D’’ matches that would be played here,’’ Hamdiyya Mohammed, a resident observed.
She therefore entreated the authorities to ensure that the defective lights were all worked on while new ones are fixed at other potentially dangerous intersections.
According to the development engineer, the company that installed the traffic lights designed them in such a way that only their technicians could fix them when they become defective.
Apart from the fact that the technicians are domiciled in Accra, Mr Peh also added that the lack of funds to pay the company could account for the delay in fixing the defective lights.
THE rapid population growth in the Tamale metropolis certainly comes with its resultant human traffic and other social problems, particularly at the central business district.
The erection of railings that serve as barricade in the median of the very busy dual carriageway around the central market has made it more difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross the roads.
Even though some pedestrian crossings have been provided, they are still not enough to contain the human traffic on the side of the roads, waiting for discerning motorists to stop for them to cross over.
A number of pedestrians, including schoolchildren, have been hit by impatient drivers in their attempt to cross the road because of the unwillingness of the motorists to stop for them.
Just last week, a teacher, Osman Issah, was hit by a motorist who failed to stop at a zebra crossing even though some cars ahead of him had stopped for the pedestrians to cross.
It is to forestall such unfortunate occurrences that most residents of Tamale have appealed to the city authorities to put up a footbridge around the area at the market to ensure the safety of pedestrians who move to and from the market.
The provision of the bridge would also facilitate the easy movement of vehicles on the rather busy roads.
‘‘Indeed, it would not be out of place if the assembly puts up the bridge because when you quantify the benefits, it would certainly outweigh the cost of such a project since it would protect life and property,’’ Janet Yahaya, a student, suggested.
However, the development engineer of the Department of Urban Roads in Tamale, Mr Charles Abuga Peh, explained that apart from the huge sums of money involved in the construction of a footbridge, they are often not used by pedestrians, thus turning them into white elephants.
He cited the case of the national capital, Accra, where a number of footbridges had been turned into dens for nefarious activities instead of their intended purpose.
The engineer further explained that the railings were erected to prevent pedestrians from crossing the road haphazardly, thereby endangering their lives.
‘‘We however appreciate the genuine concerns raised by the people, and would liaise with the metropolitan assembly to see how we can address the problems, Mr Peh said.
Another area of worry to motorists and pedestrians is the defective traffic lights in the metropolis. Indeed, apart from the traffic lights at the Gukpena’s palace and the jubilee park junctions on the hospital road, the rest are out of order.
They made particular reference to those at the central mosque, Standard Chartered and Agric, Ridge junctions that have been dysfunctional for almost a year now and for which reason a number of fatal accidents had occurred.
‘‘I fear the situation could worsen during the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament next month as there would be an influx of vehicles into the metropolis to witness the group ‘‘D’’ matches that would be played here,’’ Hamdiyya Mohammed, a resident observed.
She therefore entreated the authorities to ensure that the defective lights were all worked on while new ones are fixed at other potentially dangerous intersections.
According to the development engineer, the company that installed the traffic lights designed them in such a way that only their technicians could fix them when they become defective.
Apart from the fact that the technicians are domiciled in Accra, Mr Peh also added that the lack of funds to pay the company could account for the delay in fixing the defective lights.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
COURT REMANDS SOLDIER ON MURDER CHARGE (Back Page)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE Tamale District Court, presided over by Madam Vivian Lariba Yamusah, on Monday remanded Corporal Benjamin Mensah, alias Kwadwo Kwakye, in prison custody for allegedly shooting and killing his colleague, Sergeant Stanley Afriyie, at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale.
He is facing three counts of murder and attempts to murder the deceased's wife, Monica Akua Afriyie, and his 15-year-old daughter, Hannah Afriyie. He is to reappear on December 17, 2007.
The suspect, who spotted a red eye, looked unruffled when he was ushered into the dock.
Narrating the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Inspector Ahiabor, said the late Sergeant Afriyie borrowed ¢2.5 million from the suspect early this year.
He said in spite of several demands for the repayment of the money, the deceased allegedly refused to pay back.
Mr Ahiabor said the suspect later demanded an interest of ¢3 million on the money, which the deceased could not honour, leading to an argument between the two.
Later, Sergeant Afriyie left for peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and, upon his return in November, he was still unable to settle the debt.
When he requested for permission from his superiors to travel to Accra for some money to honour the debt, it was granted.
However, before Sergeant Afriyie could embark on the journey, the suspect, who was wielding a G-3 rifle, forced his way into the deceased’s living room where he was watching television with his family. That was at 8.00 p.m. on November 27, 2007.
When the suspect demanded his money, the deceased pleaded with him for more time and later expressed his preparedness to mortgage his 14-inch colour television to the former, who did not take kindly to it.
According to the prosecutor, the suspect then fired at the deceased in the chest and arm and he died on the spot. He also fired at the arm and leg of the deceased's wife and on his daughter's back, after which he fled the scene.
Corporal Mensah was, however, apprehended at a nearby village and handed over to the Military Command at the 6th Infantry Battalion.
The victims were later rushed to the Tamale Regional Hospital where they were airlifted to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for treatment the following day. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Military Hospital awaiting autopsy.
THE Tamale District Court, presided over by Madam Vivian Lariba Yamusah, on Monday remanded Corporal Benjamin Mensah, alias Kwadwo Kwakye, in prison custody for allegedly shooting and killing his colleague, Sergeant Stanley Afriyie, at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale.
He is facing three counts of murder and attempts to murder the deceased's wife, Monica Akua Afriyie, and his 15-year-old daughter, Hannah Afriyie. He is to reappear on December 17, 2007.
The suspect, who spotted a red eye, looked unruffled when he was ushered into the dock.
Narrating the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Inspector Ahiabor, said the late Sergeant Afriyie borrowed ¢2.5 million from the suspect early this year.
He said in spite of several demands for the repayment of the money, the deceased allegedly refused to pay back.
Mr Ahiabor said the suspect later demanded an interest of ¢3 million on the money, which the deceased could not honour, leading to an argument between the two.
Later, Sergeant Afriyie left for peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and, upon his return in November, he was still unable to settle the debt.
When he requested for permission from his superiors to travel to Accra for some money to honour the debt, it was granted.
However, before Sergeant Afriyie could embark on the journey, the suspect, who was wielding a G-3 rifle, forced his way into the deceased’s living room where he was watching television with his family. That was at 8.00 p.m. on November 27, 2007.
When the suspect demanded his money, the deceased pleaded with him for more time and later expressed his preparedness to mortgage his 14-inch colour television to the former, who did not take kindly to it.
According to the prosecutor, the suspect then fired at the deceased in the chest and arm and he died on the spot. He also fired at the arm and leg of the deceased's wife and on his daughter's back, after which he fled the scene.
Corporal Mensah was, however, apprehended at a nearby village and handed over to the Military Command at the 6th Infantry Battalion.
The victims were later rushed to the Tamale Regional Hospital where they were airlifted to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for treatment the following day. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Military Hospital awaiting autopsy.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
STOP FIGHTING — ALIU (Spread)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan & Charles Benoni Okine, Tamale
VICE-PRESIDENT Aliu Mahama has told the people of the three northern regions that the rapid social and economic development taking place in other parts of the country will not wait for them if they opt to fight among themselves.
“You must be reminded that the development of Ghana is not waiting for the north and the earlier we stop fighting among ourselves, the better, because it is only when our area is peaceful that we can attract money to enhance our development process,” he added.
Alhaji Mahama made the call when he joined hundreds of Muslims across the country to celebrate the seventh-day funeral rites (Ahdua) of the late Northern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Adam Abdulai, at the Tamale Central Mosque at the weekend.
Alhaji Abdulai was 86 and was the Chief Imam for 43 years.
Prominent among the mourners were the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Idris; the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, and the running mate of Professor John Evans Atta Mills in the 2004 elections, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni.
The call comes at a time when renewed fighting between the Konkombas and Bimobas, which has claimed six lives and seen many houses burnt down, has forced the government to position security forces in the area to avert further clashes.
The monthly budget for peacekeeping within the flash points in the three northern regions is said to be running into several billions of cedis.
Alhaji Mahama said the people of the north needed to see themselves as one people and not allow self-seeking people among them to divide their ranks.
The government, in its 2008 budget, announced the setting up of a development fund of GH¢25 million (¢250 billion) to accelerate the development of the area and the Vice-President appealed to them to allow the proceeds from the fund to go into what it was intended for, not to pay security forces.
Alhaji Mahama, who is one of the 17 aspiring presidential candidates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the time to end the divisions among the people of the north was overdue and urged the people to begin the process now and see the benefits of peace.
"When you tell us you have smoked the peace pipe, you need to back it with deeds. I trust your true sense of judgement that once you have resolved to live in peace, you will abide by it," he added.
The look on the faces of the gathering showed remorse, with some murmuring in the local language, "It’s true, it’s true" as the Vice-President admonished them to live in unity from now.
The Vice-President described the late Imam as unassuming, tolerant, a unifier, peacemaker and an honest man who was blessed with few words embedded with wisdom.
He acknowledged the immense contribution of the Imam to the strict practice of the Islamic religious faith in the area and commended him for living an exemplary life.
On the attainment of sustainable peace and unity in Dagbon in particular, the Vice-President used the opportunity to emphasise the urgent need for forgiveness between the leadership of the two chieftaincy divides in the prevailing chieftaincy stalemate.
Alhaji Mahama noted that if that enviable feat was chalked up, it would not only enable the ancient kingdom to regain its lost glory but also bring back the desired peace and togetherness that had eluded the area following the long years of internecine chieftaincy conflicts.
He commended the leadership of the Tamale Mosque for successfully electing and installing a successor to the mantle in a very understanding and peaceful manner.
The new Imam expressed appreciation to the Vice-President and the government, all political parties, the chiefs, Mallams and Ghanaians in general for the concern and kindness shown to the family of the late Alhaji Abdulai.
VICE-PRESIDENT Aliu Mahama has told the people of the three northern regions that the rapid social and economic development taking place in other parts of the country will not wait for them if they opt to fight among themselves.
“You must be reminded that the development of Ghana is not waiting for the north and the earlier we stop fighting among ourselves, the better, because it is only when our area is peaceful that we can attract money to enhance our development process,” he added.
Alhaji Mahama made the call when he joined hundreds of Muslims across the country to celebrate the seventh-day funeral rites (Ahdua) of the late Northern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Adam Abdulai, at the Tamale Central Mosque at the weekend.
Alhaji Abdulai was 86 and was the Chief Imam for 43 years.
Prominent among the mourners were the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Idris; the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, and the running mate of Professor John Evans Atta Mills in the 2004 elections, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni.
The call comes at a time when renewed fighting between the Konkombas and Bimobas, which has claimed six lives and seen many houses burnt down, has forced the government to position security forces in the area to avert further clashes.
The monthly budget for peacekeeping within the flash points in the three northern regions is said to be running into several billions of cedis.
Alhaji Mahama said the people of the north needed to see themselves as one people and not allow self-seeking people among them to divide their ranks.
The government, in its 2008 budget, announced the setting up of a development fund of GH¢25 million (¢250 billion) to accelerate the development of the area and the Vice-President appealed to them to allow the proceeds from the fund to go into what it was intended for, not to pay security forces.
Alhaji Mahama, who is one of the 17 aspiring presidential candidates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the time to end the divisions among the people of the north was overdue and urged the people to begin the process now and see the benefits of peace.
"When you tell us you have smoked the peace pipe, you need to back it with deeds. I trust your true sense of judgement that once you have resolved to live in peace, you will abide by it," he added.
The look on the faces of the gathering showed remorse, with some murmuring in the local language, "It’s true, it’s true" as the Vice-President admonished them to live in unity from now.
The Vice-President described the late Imam as unassuming, tolerant, a unifier, peacemaker and an honest man who was blessed with few words embedded with wisdom.
He acknowledged the immense contribution of the Imam to the strict practice of the Islamic religious faith in the area and commended him for living an exemplary life.
On the attainment of sustainable peace and unity in Dagbon in particular, the Vice-President used the opportunity to emphasise the urgent need for forgiveness between the leadership of the two chieftaincy divides in the prevailing chieftaincy stalemate.
Alhaji Mahama noted that if that enviable feat was chalked up, it would not only enable the ancient kingdom to regain its lost glory but also bring back the desired peace and togetherness that had eluded the area following the long years of internecine chieftaincy conflicts.
He commended the leadership of the Tamale Mosque for successfully electing and installing a successor to the mantle in a very understanding and peaceful manner.
The new Imam expressed appreciation to the Vice-President and the government, all political parties, the chiefs, Mallams and Ghanaians in general for the concern and kindness shown to the family of the late Alhaji Abdulai.
Monday, December 3, 2007
CHILDREN OF DAGBON KING APPEAL TO PRESIDENT (Page 47)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE sons and daughters of the late Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, have appealed to President John Agyekum Kufuor to help expedite action in apprehending those behind the murder of their father.
‘‘We, as heirs apparent to the Ya-Na, do hereby call on your Excellency to expeditiously find the killers of our father and also find, retrieve and restore his property to the family,’’ they intimated.
They said, “We do concur with arguments that murder cases sometimes take a long time to unravel, but not in the case of the murder of the Ya-Na, an act that was committed in broad day light after three continuous days of unrelenting attacks on the Gbewaa Palace that left in its wake enormous evidence, which could be used to catch the murderers,’’ they stated.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued to the press in Tamale and signed by 19 of the late King’s children on behalf of their other siblings. The Ya-Na and 40 other members of his retinue were killed on March 27, 2002 in the Gbewaa Palace.
They recalled that the murder of their father occurred on March 27, 2002 in the full glare of security agencies after three days of exchanges.
‘‘We were shocked to the bone, especially when most of us only learnt about our father’s death on radio, with government expressing regret at the incident,’’ they intimated.
According to the statement, even though they were saddened by the unfortunate event that was described by President J.A Kufuor as a “heinous crime,’’ their hearts were gladdened by the promise made by the President to hunt down the killers and punish them accordingly.
‘‘We the children of the slain King were, therefore, excited by this move and have been waiting patiently, but all in vain for five years now,’’ they lamented.
The statement also expressed concern that recent events in Dagbon, concerning the performance of the funeral of a former Ya-Na Mahammadu Abdulai at the old Gbewaa Palace which they alleged was partly the reason why their father was killed was only adding pain to their injuries.
‘‘We view this move by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs that appears to have demonstrated gross disregard for our tradition in arriving at this suggestions as not only a recipe for disaster, but also a blatant disregard for the precious life of our slain father,’’ it added.
The children further intimated that ‘‘any attempt by the government to assist the committee to perpetuate this wrongful act can only give room to the conclusion that emphasis is being placed on the funeral of Mahamadu Abdulai in the Gbewaa Palace to the detriment of finding and punishing the killers of our father.’’
They, therefore, urged the President to call the Committee of Eminent Kings’ attention to their concerns in order that their actions or inaction do not destroy the custom and traditions of Dagbon and also plunge the area into another crisis.
The three-member committee is chaired by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Paramount Chief of Gonja, Yagbon-Wura Bawa Doshie and the Mamprusi Traditional Area, Nayiri Na Bohigu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga as members.
At their meeting on November 18, 2007 in Kumasi , the committee recommended that the funeral of the Na Mahamadu Abdulai be performed between December 22 and January 7 next year at the old palace.
THE sons and daughters of the late Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, have appealed to President John Agyekum Kufuor to help expedite action in apprehending those behind the murder of their father.
‘‘We, as heirs apparent to the Ya-Na, do hereby call on your Excellency to expeditiously find the killers of our father and also find, retrieve and restore his property to the family,’’ they intimated.
They said, “We do concur with arguments that murder cases sometimes take a long time to unravel, but not in the case of the murder of the Ya-Na, an act that was committed in broad day light after three continuous days of unrelenting attacks on the Gbewaa Palace that left in its wake enormous evidence, which could be used to catch the murderers,’’ they stated.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued to the press in Tamale and signed by 19 of the late King’s children on behalf of their other siblings. The Ya-Na and 40 other members of his retinue were killed on March 27, 2002 in the Gbewaa Palace.
They recalled that the murder of their father occurred on March 27, 2002 in the full glare of security agencies after three days of exchanges.
‘‘We were shocked to the bone, especially when most of us only learnt about our father’s death on radio, with government expressing regret at the incident,’’ they intimated.
According to the statement, even though they were saddened by the unfortunate event that was described by President J.A Kufuor as a “heinous crime,’’ their hearts were gladdened by the promise made by the President to hunt down the killers and punish them accordingly.
‘‘We the children of the slain King were, therefore, excited by this move and have been waiting patiently, but all in vain for five years now,’’ they lamented.
The statement also expressed concern that recent events in Dagbon, concerning the performance of the funeral of a former Ya-Na Mahammadu Abdulai at the old Gbewaa Palace which they alleged was partly the reason why their father was killed was only adding pain to their injuries.
‘‘We view this move by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs that appears to have demonstrated gross disregard for our tradition in arriving at this suggestions as not only a recipe for disaster, but also a blatant disregard for the precious life of our slain father,’’ it added.
The children further intimated that ‘‘any attempt by the government to assist the committee to perpetuate this wrongful act can only give room to the conclusion that emphasis is being placed on the funeral of Mahamadu Abdulai in the Gbewaa Palace to the detriment of finding and punishing the killers of our father.’’
They, therefore, urged the President to call the Committee of Eminent Kings’ attention to their concerns in order that their actions or inaction do not destroy the custom and traditions of Dagbon and also plunge the area into another crisis.
The three-member committee is chaired by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Paramount Chief of Gonja, Yagbon-Wura Bawa Doshie and the Mamprusi Traditional Area, Nayiri Na Bohigu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga as members.
At their meeting on November 18, 2007 in Kumasi , the committee recommended that the funeral of the Na Mahamadu Abdulai be performed between December 22 and January 7 next year at the old palace.
Friday, November 30, 2007
CHASS WORRIED OVER DELAYS IN RELEASE OF SUBSIDIES (Spread)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE recurrent delays in the payment of government subsidies to schools and its resultant impact on teaching and learning dominated discussions at the ongoing 45th Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Tamale.
According to the conference, the situation which is getting worse by the year, is also affecting the smooth administration of the schools.
The outgoing President of CHASS, Mr Bolina Saaka, disclosed that "though 45 per cent of the subsidy for the third term of the last academic year is still outstanding, we are nearing the end of the first term of this academic year - a term we began the implementation of the new education reforms, yet no subsidy has been paid".
"This has never happened," Mr Saaka said, adding that boarding schools in the three northern regions were also yet to be paid their full boarding grants for the term.
"This state of affairs is certainly stressful. We, therefore, appeal to our employers to take urgent action to remedy the situation," he stated.
The week-long conference is on the theme, "Education in Ghana beyond 50 - the ICT Factor." It is scheduled to end at the weekend with the election of a new executive.
Mr Saaka called for mutual trust between members and their employers, explaining that "sometimes we are surprised by what they say about us, by what they think about us and sometimes by the directives they give us".
He mentioned the issues of admissions and transfers as some of the areas that their employers would need to demonstrate their confidence in.
For instance, the president said that this year, they were promised that there would be no problems in the computerised placement system, but he noted that most classrooms outside the urban areas were still empty.
"Instead of heads of schools being asked to declare vacancies, is it not possible to ask them to compile lists of candidates from their localities who come to them and send such a list to the CSSPS in Accra?” He asked.
On transfers, Mr Saaka said they had also been asked not to make any transfers in their schools, and that it was only the director of secondary education who should now give approvals.
"What this means is that, if you reside in Navrongo and you want to transfer your ward from Navrongo Senior High School to Bolga SHS, the two heads cannot sort it out between them. The parent will either have to trek to Accra to the office of the director or send the application by post to Accra", he explained.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, charged members of CHASS to ensure the sustainability of the new education reform.
She also urged them to focus on managerial discipline, efficiency and accountability at their respective schools.
"There is the need for increased enforcement of effective teaching and learning by discouraging teacher absenteeism, lateness and misuse or insufficient use of instructional time," the minister stated.
She further expressed concern over the indulgence of students in such negative practices as occultism, drunkenness, smoking and indecent dressing, and entreated both parents and teachers to complement each other's efforts in stemming the tide.
THE recurrent delays in the payment of government subsidies to schools and its resultant impact on teaching and learning dominated discussions at the ongoing 45th Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Tamale.
According to the conference, the situation which is getting worse by the year, is also affecting the smooth administration of the schools.
The outgoing President of CHASS, Mr Bolina Saaka, disclosed that "though 45 per cent of the subsidy for the third term of the last academic year is still outstanding, we are nearing the end of the first term of this academic year - a term we began the implementation of the new education reforms, yet no subsidy has been paid".
"This has never happened," Mr Saaka said, adding that boarding schools in the three northern regions were also yet to be paid their full boarding grants for the term.
"This state of affairs is certainly stressful. We, therefore, appeal to our employers to take urgent action to remedy the situation," he stated.
The week-long conference is on the theme, "Education in Ghana beyond 50 - the ICT Factor." It is scheduled to end at the weekend with the election of a new executive.
Mr Saaka called for mutual trust between members and their employers, explaining that "sometimes we are surprised by what they say about us, by what they think about us and sometimes by the directives they give us".
He mentioned the issues of admissions and transfers as some of the areas that their employers would need to demonstrate their confidence in.
For instance, the president said that this year, they were promised that there would be no problems in the computerised placement system, but he noted that most classrooms outside the urban areas were still empty.
"Instead of heads of schools being asked to declare vacancies, is it not possible to ask them to compile lists of candidates from their localities who come to them and send such a list to the CSSPS in Accra?” He asked.
On transfers, Mr Saaka said they had also been asked not to make any transfers in their schools, and that it was only the director of secondary education who should now give approvals.
"What this means is that, if you reside in Navrongo and you want to transfer your ward from Navrongo Senior High School to Bolga SHS, the two heads cannot sort it out between them. The parent will either have to trek to Accra to the office of the director or send the application by post to Accra", he explained.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, charged members of CHASS to ensure the sustainability of the new education reform.
She also urged them to focus on managerial discipline, efficiency and accountability at their respective schools.
"There is the need for increased enforcement of effective teaching and learning by discouraging teacher absenteeism, lateness and misuse or insufficient use of instructional time," the minister stated.
She further expressed concern over the indulgence of students in such negative practices as occultism, drunkenness, smoking and indecent dressing, and entreated both parents and teachers to complement each other's efforts in stemming the tide.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
LIFE IN FLOOD AREAS BACK TO NORMAL
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
LIFE in the areas affected by floods in northern Ghana has bounced back to normal, with victims picking up the pieces. However, those who lost their homes to the floods are still putting up with friends and relations because of their inability to reconstruct their homes.
Even though the Northern Regional Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has received donations of roofing sheets, nails and wood from the government and other donors, the organisation is yet to distribute the items to the victims as a result of the non-availability of cement.
In an interview with the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO in charge of Relief Operations, Mr Chris Tanda, apart from the building materials, all other items had been distributed to the victims in the 15 affected districts of the region.
In all, 185,391 people were affected in the devastating floods that occurred in the area in the latter part of August this year.
The co-ordinator gave a breakdown of relief items received from the government and philanthropic individuals and organisations since the occurrence of the floods in the region as: 12,496 50-kilogramme bags of maize, 9,826 25- kilogramme bags of rice and 2,148 cartons of cooking oil.
The rest are 704 50-kilogramme bags of cowpea, 31,798 pieces of blankets, 1,744 plastic buckets, 9,734 pieces of mattresses, 22,550 poly mats, 2,610 plastic basins, 3,200 cups and 2,500 plates.
The items also included 20,000 sets of mosquito nets, 28 bales and 176 sacks of used clothing and 119 boxes of shoes.
“All these items I have mentioned have been distributed to the victims, except the ones we have just received,” Mr Tanda said.
He further disclosed that ¢ 274 million had been received in the form of donations and that part of the money had been used in the handling and hiring of vehicles to cart the items to the designated locations in the districts.
LIFE in the areas affected by floods in northern Ghana has bounced back to normal, with victims picking up the pieces. However, those who lost their homes to the floods are still putting up with friends and relations because of their inability to reconstruct their homes.
Even though the Northern Regional Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has received donations of roofing sheets, nails and wood from the government and other donors, the organisation is yet to distribute the items to the victims as a result of the non-availability of cement.
In an interview with the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO in charge of Relief Operations, Mr Chris Tanda, apart from the building materials, all other items had been distributed to the victims in the 15 affected districts of the region.
In all, 185,391 people were affected in the devastating floods that occurred in the area in the latter part of August this year.
The co-ordinator gave a breakdown of relief items received from the government and philanthropic individuals and organisations since the occurrence of the floods in the region as: 12,496 50-kilogramme bags of maize, 9,826 25- kilogramme bags of rice and 2,148 cartons of cooking oil.
The rest are 704 50-kilogramme bags of cowpea, 31,798 pieces of blankets, 1,744 plastic buckets, 9,734 pieces of mattresses, 22,550 poly mats, 2,610 plastic basins, 3,200 cups and 2,500 plates.
The items also included 20,000 sets of mosquito nets, 28 bales and 176 sacks of used clothing and 119 boxes of shoes.
“All these items I have mentioned have been distributed to the victims, except the ones we have just received,” Mr Tanda said.
He further disclosed that ¢ 274 million had been received in the form of donations and that part of the money had been used in the handling and hiring of vehicles to cart the items to the designated locations in the districts.
HORROR IN TAMALE ...Soldier runs amok, kills another soldier, injures wife and daughter
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
A GUN-WIELDING Army corporal who went berserk and engaged in a shooting spree, resulting in the death of a sergeant at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale, has been arrested.
Corporal Benjamin Mensah, alias Kwadwo Kwakye, had, in the process, seriously wounded the wife and daughter of Stanley Afriyie, the sergeant.
He was apprehended by some residents of Zogyuri, near the barracks, before he could visit any further mayhem on the community.
He is presently in military custody, assisting the military and the police in their investigations into the incident.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sent shock waves through the hitherto serene military vicinity and surrounding communities.
When the Daily Graphic visited the hospital yesterday, efforts were being made to airlift Sergeant Afriyie’s injured wife and daughter from the Tamale Regional Hospital to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
A heavy military presence at the Tamale Hospital, however, prevented this reporter and his cameraman from interviewing or taking shots of the victims.
The Military Command also refused to comment on the issue, saying it was still conducting investigations into the matter.
However, a source at the barracks told the Daily Graphic that money could be the cause of Corporal Mensah’s action.
It was alleged that Sergeant Afriyie owed the suspect an undisclosed amount of money which had remained unpaid over a period.
According to the source, several efforts by Corporal Mensah to retrieve his money had not been successful, resulting in a heated argument between them last Tuesday.
Some military officers described the incident as most unfortunate and an affront to the dictates of strict military regulations that guided the conduct of personnel and their families at the barracks.
Sergeant Afriyie’s body has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Regional Hospital awaiting autopsy.
Meanwhile, Michael Donkor reports that the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Comfort Ankomah-Danso, said the matter had been handed over to the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations, while the Military Police also continued with their investigations.
She explained that the matter was referred to the police because the military did not handle murder cases.
He said Sergeant Afriyie, who was a bandsman, had been in the Military for the past 15 years, while Corporal Mensah was a rifle man with the Sixth Battalion of Infantry.
A GUN-WIELDING Army corporal who went berserk and engaged in a shooting spree, resulting in the death of a sergeant at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale, has been arrested.
Corporal Benjamin Mensah, alias Kwadwo Kwakye, had, in the process, seriously wounded the wife and daughter of Stanley Afriyie, the sergeant.
He was apprehended by some residents of Zogyuri, near the barracks, before he could visit any further mayhem on the community.
He is presently in military custody, assisting the military and the police in their investigations into the incident.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sent shock waves through the hitherto serene military vicinity and surrounding communities.
When the Daily Graphic visited the hospital yesterday, efforts were being made to airlift Sergeant Afriyie’s injured wife and daughter from the Tamale Regional Hospital to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
A heavy military presence at the Tamale Hospital, however, prevented this reporter and his cameraman from interviewing or taking shots of the victims.
The Military Command also refused to comment on the issue, saying it was still conducting investigations into the matter.
However, a source at the barracks told the Daily Graphic that money could be the cause of Corporal Mensah’s action.
It was alleged that Sergeant Afriyie owed the suspect an undisclosed amount of money which had remained unpaid over a period.
According to the source, several efforts by Corporal Mensah to retrieve his money had not been successful, resulting in a heated argument between them last Tuesday.
Some military officers described the incident as most unfortunate and an affront to the dictates of strict military regulations that guided the conduct of personnel and their families at the barracks.
Sergeant Afriyie’s body has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Regional Hospital awaiting autopsy.
Meanwhile, Michael Donkor reports that the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Comfort Ankomah-Danso, said the matter had been handed over to the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations, while the Military Police also continued with their investigations.
She explained that the matter was referred to the police because the military did not handle murder cases.
He said Sergeant Afriyie, who was a bandsman, had been in the Military for the past 15 years, while Corporal Mensah was a rifle man with the Sixth Battalion of Infantry.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
BISHOP CALLS FOR EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF ITEMS (Back Page)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE Bishop of the Yendi Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, has called for an effective collaboration in the distribution of relief items to affected victims of this year’s floods in the northern sector of the country to ensure that they get to the people the items are meant for.
He also suggested the adoption of both short and long-term approaches in the management of disaster situations in the country instead of the current trend whereby victims of such disasters were made to undergo a long period of frustrations and sufferings before their concerns were addressed.
The Bishop noted that in the current situation, majority of the victims were poor farmers who had lost their food crops to the floods and therefore predicted a possible food shortage in the coming months, if elaborate, effective and sustainable measures were not found to address the problems that had arisen following the floods.
Bishop Boi-Nai made the call in Yendi when he handed over relief items to the development co-ordinator of the diocese, Mr William Abakasi, for onward distribution to flood victims in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region.
The assorted food items, worth ¢140 million, were made up of 575 minibags of maize, 50 bags of rice, 35 maxibags of beans, 2,300 litres of vegetable cooking oil and some bales of used clothing.
In all, 2,300 victims are benefiting from the items, which were donated by the Caritas Organisation and the National Catholic Secretariat.
The most affected parishes in the eastern corridor are Yendi, Gushiegu, Saboba, Sambuli, Demon, Sabare and Chereponi.
Bishop Boi-Nai entreated the various parish priests and members of the church to be vigilant and fair in the distribution of the items to ensure that it got to the target groups in their respective communities.
He appealed to philanthropic individuals, groups and organisations to come to the aid of the victims by donating generously to the people who are in dire need of assistance.
Mr Abakasi expressed appreciation to the benefactors for their kind gesture and gave the assurance that the items would get to the victims.
THE Bishop of the Yendi Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, has called for an effective collaboration in the distribution of relief items to affected victims of this year’s floods in the northern sector of the country to ensure that they get to the people the items are meant for.
He also suggested the adoption of both short and long-term approaches in the management of disaster situations in the country instead of the current trend whereby victims of such disasters were made to undergo a long period of frustrations and sufferings before their concerns were addressed.
The Bishop noted that in the current situation, majority of the victims were poor farmers who had lost their food crops to the floods and therefore predicted a possible food shortage in the coming months, if elaborate, effective and sustainable measures were not found to address the problems that had arisen following the floods.
Bishop Boi-Nai made the call in Yendi when he handed over relief items to the development co-ordinator of the diocese, Mr William Abakasi, for onward distribution to flood victims in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region.
The assorted food items, worth ¢140 million, were made up of 575 minibags of maize, 50 bags of rice, 35 maxibags of beans, 2,300 litres of vegetable cooking oil and some bales of used clothing.
In all, 2,300 victims are benefiting from the items, which were donated by the Caritas Organisation and the National Catholic Secretariat.
The most affected parishes in the eastern corridor are Yendi, Gushiegu, Saboba, Sambuli, Demon, Sabare and Chereponi.
Bishop Boi-Nai entreated the various parish priests and members of the church to be vigilant and fair in the distribution of the items to ensure that it got to the target groups in their respective communities.
He appealed to philanthropic individuals, groups and organisations to come to the aid of the victims by donating generously to the people who are in dire need of assistance.
Mr Abakasi expressed appreciation to the benefactors for their kind gesture and gave the assurance that the items would get to the victims.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
TEACHERS, WORKERS FLEE COMMUNAL VIOLENCE (Back Page)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Bunkpurugu
TEACHERS and workers are fleeing the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the northern region, leaving their students following the recurrent communal violence that rocked the district over the past three months.
A number of school buildings and property have also been destroyed in the ensuing conflict, thus compelling the students and pupils to stay at home. Some workers have also vacated their post for fear of their lives.
With reports of possible re-surgence of the violence in the district, the situation could worsen as it would further cripple the socio-economic activities in the already deprived area if immediate measures were not taken to bring the feuding factions - Konkombas and Bimobas together to smoke the peace pipe.
The Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District Director of Education, Ms. Tampian Felicia, who disclosed this to the press at Bunkpurugu, said since the break-out of the conflict, most of the classes had been empty, and that pleas to the fleeing teachers to return have not been heeded.
The director disclosed this after an emergency meeting of chiefs, elders, members of the district assembly and the northern regional minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, during a visit to the area by the latter to ascertain the prevailing security situation at the weekend.
According to the Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr Abdul-Majeed Duut Azumah, a number of people lost their lives in that conflict, while over 10,000 people were displaced and more than 400 houses burnt.
For some years now, there had been some skirmishes between the two ethnic groups in the area over matters of land and chieftaincy. However, the recent conflict was ignited as a result of a quarrel over a girl.
Mr Azumah described the prevailing socio-economic life of the people as deplorable, as a result of the conflict, coupled with the floods that devastated some parts of the northern sector.
The minister also observed that the region had suffered much from the internecine conflicts in the area over the years, and that it was necessary to find a lasting solution to all the misunderstandings to ensure accelerated growth of the area.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders in the district to find a common platform where they could jaw-jaw and find amicable and sustainable solutions to their differences.
TEACHERS and workers are fleeing the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the northern region, leaving their students following the recurrent communal violence that rocked the district over the past three months.
A number of school buildings and property have also been destroyed in the ensuing conflict, thus compelling the students and pupils to stay at home. Some workers have also vacated their post for fear of their lives.
With reports of possible re-surgence of the violence in the district, the situation could worsen as it would further cripple the socio-economic activities in the already deprived area if immediate measures were not taken to bring the feuding factions - Konkombas and Bimobas together to smoke the peace pipe.
The Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District Director of Education, Ms. Tampian Felicia, who disclosed this to the press at Bunkpurugu, said since the break-out of the conflict, most of the classes had been empty, and that pleas to the fleeing teachers to return have not been heeded.
The director disclosed this after an emergency meeting of chiefs, elders, members of the district assembly and the northern regional minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, during a visit to the area by the latter to ascertain the prevailing security situation at the weekend.
According to the Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr Abdul-Majeed Duut Azumah, a number of people lost their lives in that conflict, while over 10,000 people were displaced and more than 400 houses burnt.
For some years now, there had been some skirmishes between the two ethnic groups in the area over matters of land and chieftaincy. However, the recent conflict was ignited as a result of a quarrel over a girl.
Mr Azumah described the prevailing socio-economic life of the people as deplorable, as a result of the conflict, coupled with the floods that devastated some parts of the northern sector.
The minister also observed that the region had suffered much from the internecine conflicts in the area over the years, and that it was necessary to find a lasting solution to all the misunderstandings to ensure accelerated growth of the area.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders in the district to find a common platform where they could jaw-jaw and find amicable and sustainable solutions to their differences.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
RDF TAMALE TRAINING
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
The establishment of the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) in the Ghana Police Service is to instil more discipline and professionalism into the personnel to enable them to withstand and combat demonstrations and crowd control effectively in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, has explained.
He noted that over the years, the police had gone through a lot of challenges in the discharge of their duties that had attracted public condemnation and noted that the setting up of the RDF would enable the personnel to deal with people in a ‘‘more professional and pragmatic way in this era of contemporary policing”.
Mr Acheampong was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Northern Regional, Mr Ephraim Okoe Brakatu, during the passing out of 500 trainees of the RDF for the northern sector in Tamale at the weekend.
They were taken through intervention and maintenance of order techniques, demonstrations, practical police duties, arrest, handcuffing, search, patrols and escorts in the two-week exercise.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and some senior police officers.
Mr Acheampong noted that the deployment of personnel under the unit would be based on the principles of availability, mobility, discipline and professionalism and that all their operations would be based on defined rules and methodology devoid of trial and error.
The IGP observed that the training of the personnel was borne out of the successful outcome of the three earlier established batches of RDF trainees in Accra and Kumasi.
‘‘The impressive and sterling performance by the three groups has made it possible to establish one here in the northern sector to handle all operational aspects of the three northern regions in a more professional manner,’’ he further intimated.
Mr Acheampong said since the establishment of the unit in Accra and Kumasi, the personnel had chalked up a lot of successes in the management of football matches, political rallies, demonstrations, and student and industrial riots among others in those cities.
The IGP also observed that the training was timely as the nation was preparing to host the African Cup of Nations.
‘‘This tournament is going to bring all kinds of behaviour which may be contrary to the Ghanaian norms and values for which reason you are expected to deal with all these problems professionally without incurring the displeasure of our guests,’’ he cautioned.
Alhaji Idris commended the security services for their contribution to the prevailing peace and unity in the region and indicated that the area was very stable and ready to host the Ghana 2008 tournament.
He, therefore, urged the personnel to step up their efforts in ensuring a successful tournament, stressing, ‘‘We want Tamale to stand out as a unique city before, during and after the games.
The establishment of the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) in the Ghana Police Service is to instil more discipline and professionalism into the personnel to enable them to withstand and combat demonstrations and crowd control effectively in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, has explained.
He noted that over the years, the police had gone through a lot of challenges in the discharge of their duties that had attracted public condemnation and noted that the setting up of the RDF would enable the personnel to deal with people in a ‘‘more professional and pragmatic way in this era of contemporary policing”.
Mr Acheampong was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Northern Regional, Mr Ephraim Okoe Brakatu, during the passing out of 500 trainees of the RDF for the northern sector in Tamale at the weekend.
They were taken through intervention and maintenance of order techniques, demonstrations, practical police duties, arrest, handcuffing, search, patrols and escorts in the two-week exercise.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and some senior police officers.
Mr Acheampong noted that the deployment of personnel under the unit would be based on the principles of availability, mobility, discipline and professionalism and that all their operations would be based on defined rules and methodology devoid of trial and error.
The IGP observed that the training of the personnel was borne out of the successful outcome of the three earlier established batches of RDF trainees in Accra and Kumasi.
‘‘The impressive and sterling performance by the three groups has made it possible to establish one here in the northern sector to handle all operational aspects of the three northern regions in a more professional manner,’’ he further intimated.
Mr Acheampong said since the establishment of the unit in Accra and Kumasi, the personnel had chalked up a lot of successes in the management of football matches, political rallies, demonstrations, and student and industrial riots among others in those cities.
The IGP also observed that the training was timely as the nation was preparing to host the African Cup of Nations.
‘‘This tournament is going to bring all kinds of behaviour which may be contrary to the Ghanaian norms and values for which reason you are expected to deal with all these problems professionally without incurring the displeasure of our guests,’’ he cautioned.
Alhaji Idris commended the security services for their contribution to the prevailing peace and unity in the region and indicated that the area was very stable and ready to host the Ghana 2008 tournament.
He, therefore, urged the personnel to step up their efforts in ensuring a successful tournament, stressing, ‘‘We want Tamale to stand out as a unique city before, during and after the games.
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