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.
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