ONE person is reported dead, while four others sustained various degrees of injury when they were allegedly attacked by some unidentified group on a disputed piece of farmland at Nkalingbani, near Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale District of the Northern Region yesterday morning.
The name of the deceased was only given as Yanyibu, a farmer and bicycle repairer.
One of the injured, who sustained gunshot wounds, was rushed to the Yendi Hospital for further treatment after some of the pellets that had been embedded in his body had been removed at the Zabzugu Health Centre.
The three other victims, who also sustained machete wounds, were, however, treated at and discharged from the Zabzugu Health Centre.
The Nkalingbani area has been turned into a ghost town as the residents are said to have fled for their lives.
According to the Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Mr Patrick A. Sarpong, there had not been any arrest yet. He, however, indicated that the situation was now calm.
He said police personnel had been detailed to the area to forestall the incident from degenerating into an ethnic conflict between the Basaris and the Konkombas following a long-standing dispute between the two groups over the rightful owners of the land.
Mr Sarpong said his outfit and the military command were currently assessing the situation in the area to help nip any further disturbances in the bud.
These disagreements have often degenerated in skirmishes between the two predominant groups in the area.
As a result, when the victims, who are all from the Basari group, went to till the land following the abundant rains in the area, they were allegedly ambushed by their assailants who opened fire on them, killing Yanyibu in the process.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
WORLD VISION ASSISTS DISASTER VICTIMS IN NORTHERN REGION (PAGE 29)
WORLD Vision-Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has presented relief items valued at GH¢12,000 to some affected victims of the recent floods in some parts of northern Ghana.
The items included treated mosquito nets, student mattresses and blankets, sets of cooking utensils, plastic mats, cups and spoons.
The beneficiary districts were Savelugu/Nanton, Tolon/Kumbungu, Gushiegu, Karaga and Saboba, all in the Northern Region, Nadowli in the Upper West Region and Garu Tempane in the Upper East Region.
The Associate Director of World Vision-Ghana in charge of the northern sector, Mr Daniel Salifu Danse, made the presentation to assembly members from the beneficiary districts at Savelugu for redistribution to the victims in their various communities.
He explained that the donation was to demonstrate the commitment of his organisation to help alleviate the plight of the people most of whom lost their homes and property to the floods.
The director also expressed concern about the devastating effects of the floods in northern Ghana within the last couple of years and described last year’s effects that equally included the lost of lives, hunger and disease as most unfortunate.
Mr Danse, therefore, called for more concerted and the appropriate efforts to mitigate the suffering of the people.
He, however, stated that the northern sector offices of World Vision-Ghana had already instituted a rapid response and assessment unit, mandated to reach out swiftly to support displaced persons in disaster situations.
The director further underscored the commitment of his organisation to constantly be in contact with sister organisations in Europe and other partner countries for the needed backing to assist the most vulnerable, particularly children and women, in such regrettable circumstances.
Mr Danse, however, advised distributors of such support items to ensure that they were equitably and fairly distributed to the actual beneficiaries of the disasters to mitigate their plights.
The items included treated mosquito nets, student mattresses and blankets, sets of cooking utensils, plastic mats, cups and spoons.
The beneficiary districts were Savelugu/Nanton, Tolon/Kumbungu, Gushiegu, Karaga and Saboba, all in the Northern Region, Nadowli in the Upper West Region and Garu Tempane in the Upper East Region.
The Associate Director of World Vision-Ghana in charge of the northern sector, Mr Daniel Salifu Danse, made the presentation to assembly members from the beneficiary districts at Savelugu for redistribution to the victims in their various communities.
He explained that the donation was to demonstrate the commitment of his organisation to help alleviate the plight of the people most of whom lost their homes and property to the floods.
The director also expressed concern about the devastating effects of the floods in northern Ghana within the last couple of years and described last year’s effects that equally included the lost of lives, hunger and disease as most unfortunate.
Mr Danse, therefore, called for more concerted and the appropriate efforts to mitigate the suffering of the people.
He, however, stated that the northern sector offices of World Vision-Ghana had already instituted a rapid response and assessment unit, mandated to reach out swiftly to support displaced persons in disaster situations.
The director further underscored the commitment of his organisation to constantly be in contact with sister organisations in Europe and other partner countries for the needed backing to assist the most vulnerable, particularly children and women, in such regrettable circumstances.
Mr Danse, however, advised distributors of such support items to ensure that they were equitably and fairly distributed to the actual beneficiaries of the disasters to mitigate their plights.
TAMALE TO BECOME INDUSTRIAL METROPOLIS (PAGE 20)
THE Tamale Industrial Area is the beehive of all industrial activities in the Northern Region.
The area, which occupies a large chunk of land, is located at Lamashegu, a suburb along the Tamale-Kumasi main road. It is the melting point of both large and small-scale industries.
Among the companies that are sited in the area are the Bosbel Vegetable Oil Mills, Ghana Cotton Company, Ghacem and Japan Motors.
It is also a home to a large concentration of artisans and craftsmen of varied trades. Their handiwork include the manufacture of articulated buckets, tractor trailers and ploughs, water pumps, corn thrashers and bullock ploughs.
They also mould and sell various kinds of spare parts. Other artisans are welders, sprayers, mechanics and straighteners.
It is a delight to observe the activities of the hundreds of artisans who converge on that part of the metropolis daily to use their various skills to irk out a living and also acquire some expertise. They range from the well-established proprietors (masters) who owe their own shops and firms to apprentices and squatters who avail themselves of every opportunity just to also acquire some skills.
It is, however, unfortunate that in spite of the hundreds of job opportunities that are being created at the industrial area coupled with their significant contribution to the national economy, the social amenities there are nothing to write home about.
Facilities such as public places of convenience, bath rooms, motorable roads and drains are woefully lacking. It is heart-warming however, that the major trunk road linking motorists to the area has now been worked on. It is hoped that the internal road network would equally receive attention to facilitate the easy movement of persons and vehicles within the area, especially during the rainy season.
Also of concern to the artisans and craftsmen is the unavailability of credit facilities for the expansion of their businesses.
A 53-year-old welder, Mr Afah Ibrahim Gbangbah, popularly known as ‘‘Blue Boy”, said ‘‘in spite of our willingness to continue with our trade, we are bedevilled with lack of credit facilities to acquire more machines to expand, as a result of which our businesses have collapsed’.’
It is hoped that the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) that established its branch in the metropolis a couple of years ago to cater for the entire northern sector of the country, would turn its attention to the area and assist their members to grow after concentrating on the southern sector over the years.
According to most of the artisans the Daily Graphic spoke to, they would be very glad if they could be assisted in the form of both equipment and funds to expand their establishments and also open new ones to create more jobs to generate the needed wealth to improve on their well-being.
They also called for refresher and capacity-building courses to empower them to improve on their lot.
The occasional disturbances that occur in northern Ghana is the reflection of the frustrations of the large army of unemployed youth that further gives credence to the fact that, the devil finds work for the idle hands.
With the necessary support and push, Tamale could experience an industrial growth that could lead to a boost in economic and business activities not only in the metropolis, but also the entire northern sector, to impact significantly on the quality of life of the people.
The area, which occupies a large chunk of land, is located at Lamashegu, a suburb along the Tamale-Kumasi main road. It is the melting point of both large and small-scale industries.
Among the companies that are sited in the area are the Bosbel Vegetable Oil Mills, Ghana Cotton Company, Ghacem and Japan Motors.
It is also a home to a large concentration of artisans and craftsmen of varied trades. Their handiwork include the manufacture of articulated buckets, tractor trailers and ploughs, water pumps, corn thrashers and bullock ploughs.
They also mould and sell various kinds of spare parts. Other artisans are welders, sprayers, mechanics and straighteners.
It is a delight to observe the activities of the hundreds of artisans who converge on that part of the metropolis daily to use their various skills to irk out a living and also acquire some expertise. They range from the well-established proprietors (masters) who owe their own shops and firms to apprentices and squatters who avail themselves of every opportunity just to also acquire some skills.
It is, however, unfortunate that in spite of the hundreds of job opportunities that are being created at the industrial area coupled with their significant contribution to the national economy, the social amenities there are nothing to write home about.
Facilities such as public places of convenience, bath rooms, motorable roads and drains are woefully lacking. It is heart-warming however, that the major trunk road linking motorists to the area has now been worked on. It is hoped that the internal road network would equally receive attention to facilitate the easy movement of persons and vehicles within the area, especially during the rainy season.
Also of concern to the artisans and craftsmen is the unavailability of credit facilities for the expansion of their businesses.
A 53-year-old welder, Mr Afah Ibrahim Gbangbah, popularly known as ‘‘Blue Boy”, said ‘‘in spite of our willingness to continue with our trade, we are bedevilled with lack of credit facilities to acquire more machines to expand, as a result of which our businesses have collapsed’.’
It is hoped that the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) that established its branch in the metropolis a couple of years ago to cater for the entire northern sector of the country, would turn its attention to the area and assist their members to grow after concentrating on the southern sector over the years.
According to most of the artisans the Daily Graphic spoke to, they would be very glad if they could be assisted in the form of both equipment and funds to expand their establishments and also open new ones to create more jobs to generate the needed wealth to improve on their well-being.
They also called for refresher and capacity-building courses to empower them to improve on their lot.
The occasional disturbances that occur in northern Ghana is the reflection of the frustrations of the large army of unemployed youth that further gives credence to the fact that, the devil finds work for the idle hands.
With the necessary support and push, Tamale could experience an industrial growth that could lead to a boost in economic and business activities not only in the metropolis, but also the entire northern sector, to impact significantly on the quality of life of the people.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
NEW SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR GHANASCO (PAGE 20)
WORK has begun on the construction of a GH¢600,000 modern science laboratory for the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale.
The state-of-the-art facility, which would be the first of its kind in the northern part of the country when completed, forms part of the government’s efforts to encourage the teaching and learning of science in schools in the area.
The project that is being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would include Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture and Physics laboratories. The school, which has a population of 1,800 students, offers General Science, General Arts and Home Economics.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, who inspected the project, stated that the government had placed premium on the study of sciences as a backbone for the industrial and technological development of the country.
‘‘I would, therefore, advise the students to take their studies seriously to justify the huge investment the government has made in the educational sector over the years,’’ the minister stated.
He also charged the contractors working on the project not only to deliver quality job, but must also ensure that work was completed on schedule to enable the students to make maximum use of the facility.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayiri, appealed for a new girls’ dormitory block to replace the old one, which was gradually sinking as a result of structural defects.
According to her, the situation of the girls’ dormitory was of great concern to the school authorities, stressing that if the building collapsed, it would not only make the girls vulnerable, but would also affect their academic performance.
She also complained of encroachment on the school’s land, and, therefore, appealed for a fence to protect school facilities and ensure adequate security for both staff and students.
‘‘We further entreat the government to help address the perennial water shortage in the school by ensuring that the school benefits from the ongoing water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis to save the time and energy our students use in searching for water daily,’’ the headmistress stressed.
Madam Asobayiri expressed appreciation to the government for the laboratory project and said the facility, which she promised to maintain, would be open to other students from the area.
The state-of-the-art facility, which would be the first of its kind in the northern part of the country when completed, forms part of the government’s efforts to encourage the teaching and learning of science in schools in the area.
The project that is being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would include Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture and Physics laboratories. The school, which has a population of 1,800 students, offers General Science, General Arts and Home Economics.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, who inspected the project, stated that the government had placed premium on the study of sciences as a backbone for the industrial and technological development of the country.
‘‘I would, therefore, advise the students to take their studies seriously to justify the huge investment the government has made in the educational sector over the years,’’ the minister stated.
He also charged the contractors working on the project not only to deliver quality job, but must also ensure that work was completed on schedule to enable the students to make maximum use of the facility.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayiri, appealed for a new girls’ dormitory block to replace the old one, which was gradually sinking as a result of structural defects.
According to her, the situation of the girls’ dormitory was of great concern to the school authorities, stressing that if the building collapsed, it would not only make the girls vulnerable, but would also affect their academic performance.
She also complained of encroachment on the school’s land, and, therefore, appealed for a fence to protect school facilities and ensure adequate security for both staff and students.
‘‘We further entreat the government to help address the perennial water shortage in the school by ensuring that the school benefits from the ongoing water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis to save the time and energy our students use in searching for water daily,’’ the headmistress stressed.
Madam Asobayiri expressed appreciation to the government for the laboratory project and said the facility, which she promised to maintain, would be open to other students from the area.
WOES OF LOAN SEEKERS IN TAMALE (PAGE 29)
THE management of banks and other financial institutions operating in the Tamale metropolis have expressed concern over the inability of most prospective loan seekers to provide the necessary documentation, including lease on their landed property as a guarantee for offering them loans.
They observed that as financial institutions, their dealings with businessmen and customers in general required that they demanded collaterals which included immovable property such as buildings before agreeing to offer loans.
This situation has been attributed to the current chieftaincy impasse in Dagbon that has led to the long delay in enskinning a substantive Ya-Na for the Kingdom.
As the Overlord of the entire Dagbon area, the Ya-Na is the signatory to all lease documents that gives authenticity to such landed property before the final approval by the government.
However, since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis in March 2002, which claimed the life of the king, all lease documents have not been signed, therefore, making it difficult for newly acquired landed property owners to access loans from the banks as there are no authenticated documents on their buildings to use as security.
The concerns were raised at the first consultative meeting between the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) and management of banks operating in the metropolis.
Among other issues discussed were how to take advantage of the presence of the banks in the metropolis to create an enabling climate for the promotion of business in the area.
Responding to the concerns raised by the banks, the TAMA Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Adam Mohammed Baba, said the issue over the appointment and subsequent enskinment of a Ya-Na was a traditional matter that was much bigger than the assembly.
He, however, indicated the preparedness of the assembly to hold consultations with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs and the Lands Commission for advice and an interim arrangement for the way forward.
‘‘The banks can also find other alternative means that can involve entering into legal agreements with prospective loan seekers for your mutual benefit,’’ Alhaji Baba further suggested.
There has been an influx of banks into the metropolis over a couple of years now. The new banks include the Amalgamated, Home Finance Company and the Intercontinental banks.
At the moment, the Zenith and Stanbic banks are busily constructing their offices in the central business district while Ecobank and UBA are also said to be in the process of acquiring land to put up their structures.
These are aside the traditional banks, such as Stanchart, Barclays, SG-SSB, First Ghana Building Society and the Bonzali Rural bank which have been operating in the metropolis over the years.
The rest are the National Investment, Ghana Commercial and Agricultural Development banks.
In an earlier address, the Mayor of Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, partly attributed this development to the investment forum held in Accra and Tamale in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
‘‘It is the wish of the assembly that the increase in the number of banks would not only bring about healthy competition but also translate into increased volume of trade and credit facilities to the business community,’’ he said.
The mayor indicated that there were a lot of business opportunities in Tamale and announced that work would soon commence on a livestock market in Tamale to serve as a trading point between Tamale and Fada N’ Gourma in Burkina Faso.
It is being funded by the Canadian District Wide Assistance Project (DWAP).
‘‘We have also received proposals from a Chinese Textile manufacturing company, Jingwei Textile Machinery, expressing interest in providing loans to a Ghanaian business woman resident in the UK who intends to establish a textile company in the metropolis,’’ he added.
Mr Anta gave the assurance that the assembly would provide the needed security for all business establishments in the area.
They observed that as financial institutions, their dealings with businessmen and customers in general required that they demanded collaterals which included immovable property such as buildings before agreeing to offer loans.
This situation has been attributed to the current chieftaincy impasse in Dagbon that has led to the long delay in enskinning a substantive Ya-Na for the Kingdom.
As the Overlord of the entire Dagbon area, the Ya-Na is the signatory to all lease documents that gives authenticity to such landed property before the final approval by the government.
However, since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis in March 2002, which claimed the life of the king, all lease documents have not been signed, therefore, making it difficult for newly acquired landed property owners to access loans from the banks as there are no authenticated documents on their buildings to use as security.
The concerns were raised at the first consultative meeting between the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) and management of banks operating in the metropolis.
Among other issues discussed were how to take advantage of the presence of the banks in the metropolis to create an enabling climate for the promotion of business in the area.
Responding to the concerns raised by the banks, the TAMA Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Adam Mohammed Baba, said the issue over the appointment and subsequent enskinment of a Ya-Na was a traditional matter that was much bigger than the assembly.
He, however, indicated the preparedness of the assembly to hold consultations with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs and the Lands Commission for advice and an interim arrangement for the way forward.
‘‘The banks can also find other alternative means that can involve entering into legal agreements with prospective loan seekers for your mutual benefit,’’ Alhaji Baba further suggested.
There has been an influx of banks into the metropolis over a couple of years now. The new banks include the Amalgamated, Home Finance Company and the Intercontinental banks.
At the moment, the Zenith and Stanbic banks are busily constructing their offices in the central business district while Ecobank and UBA are also said to be in the process of acquiring land to put up their structures.
These are aside the traditional banks, such as Stanchart, Barclays, SG-SSB, First Ghana Building Society and the Bonzali Rural bank which have been operating in the metropolis over the years.
The rest are the National Investment, Ghana Commercial and Agricultural Development banks.
In an earlier address, the Mayor of Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, partly attributed this development to the investment forum held in Accra and Tamale in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
‘‘It is the wish of the assembly that the increase in the number of banks would not only bring about healthy competition but also translate into increased volume of trade and credit facilities to the business community,’’ he said.
The mayor indicated that there were a lot of business opportunities in Tamale and announced that work would soon commence on a livestock market in Tamale to serve as a trading point between Tamale and Fada N’ Gourma in Burkina Faso.
It is being funded by the Canadian District Wide Assistance Project (DWAP).
‘‘We have also received proposals from a Chinese Textile manufacturing company, Jingwei Textile Machinery, expressing interest in providing loans to a Ghanaian business woman resident in the UK who intends to establish a textile company in the metropolis,’’ he added.
Mr Anta gave the assurance that the assembly would provide the needed security for all business establishments in the area.
Friday, September 12, 2008
WORK BEGINS ON A SCIENCE LAB FOR GHANASCO (PAGE 11)
WORK has begun on the construction of a modern science laboratory estimated at GH¢600,000 for the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale in the Northern Region.
When completed, the facility would form part of the government’s efforts to encourage the teaching and learning of science in schools in the area.
The project, which is being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), would include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agriculture laboratories.
The school has a population of 1,800 students and offers General Science, General Arts and Home Economics.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, explained that the government placed premium on the study of sciences because it is the backbone for the industrial and technological development of the country.
He advised the students to take their studies seriously to justify the huge investments the government had made in the educational sector over the years.
The minister charged the contractors of the project to endeavour to deliver quality job that would be completed on schedule to enable the students to make maximum use of the facility.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayiri, expressed concern that the school’s land had been encroached upon and stressed the need for a fence to be erected urgently to protect school facilities and ensure adequate security for both staff and students.
She appealed for a new girls’ dormitory block to replace the old one that was gradually sinking as a result of structural defects.
According to her, the situation was of great concern to the school authorities and that with the collapse of the building, the girls would not only become vulnerable but that this would also affect their academic performance.
‘‘We further entreat government to help address the perennial water shortage in the school by ensuring that the school benefits from the ongoing water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis to save the time and energy our students use in searching for water daily,’’ the headmistress appealed.
Madam Asobayiri expressed appreciation to the government for the laboratory project and said the facility, which she promised to maintain, would be open to other students from the area.
When completed, the facility would form part of the government’s efforts to encourage the teaching and learning of science in schools in the area.
The project, which is being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), would include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agriculture laboratories.
The school has a population of 1,800 students and offers General Science, General Arts and Home Economics.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, explained that the government placed premium on the study of sciences because it is the backbone for the industrial and technological development of the country.
He advised the students to take their studies seriously to justify the huge investments the government had made in the educational sector over the years.
The minister charged the contractors of the project to endeavour to deliver quality job that would be completed on schedule to enable the students to make maximum use of the facility.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayiri, expressed concern that the school’s land had been encroached upon and stressed the need for a fence to be erected urgently to protect school facilities and ensure adequate security for both staff and students.
She appealed for a new girls’ dormitory block to replace the old one that was gradually sinking as a result of structural defects.
According to her, the situation was of great concern to the school authorities and that with the collapse of the building, the girls would not only become vulnerable but that this would also affect their academic performance.
‘‘We further entreat government to help address the perennial water shortage in the school by ensuring that the school benefits from the ongoing water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis to save the time and energy our students use in searching for water daily,’’ the headmistress appealed.
Madam Asobayiri expressed appreciation to the government for the laboratory project and said the facility, which she promised to maintain, would be open to other students from the area.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
TAMALE IS CALM (PAGE 29)
Tamale is calm. The Central Business District is also booming with a lot of business activities while the central and Aboabo markets are vibrant as usual.
The political skirmishes that nearly disturbed the prevailing peace in parts of the metropolis have since been under control. According to the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abanga Cascar, “We have intensified our day and night patrols in the area and so far, there has not been any cause for alarm as people are going about their duties peacefully.
The Mayor of Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, also acknowledged in an interview that “you have challenges as you operate in the city but let me assure you that the assembly would support where necessary to provide the needed environment for decent business to thrive”.
He, however, said that the assembly had already established the Metropolitan Electoral Security Task Force to ensure that peace prevailed before and after the December general elections.
In the ensuing disturbances, three motorbikes and a bicycle were burnt while a shed belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Northern Regional Office building including some stores were also destroyed in the arson.
The commander said no arrest had been made yet in connection with the infractions but that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the violence.
Executives of both parties have blamed each other for being the cause of the disturbances that followed after the NPP vice-presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, had addressed thousands of party supporters at the Tamale Jubilee Park that Sunday evening.
The political skirmishes that nearly disturbed the prevailing peace in parts of the metropolis have since been under control. According to the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abanga Cascar, “We have intensified our day and night patrols in the area and so far, there has not been any cause for alarm as people are going about their duties peacefully.
The Mayor of Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, also acknowledged in an interview that “you have challenges as you operate in the city but let me assure you that the assembly would support where necessary to provide the needed environment for decent business to thrive”.
He, however, said that the assembly had already established the Metropolitan Electoral Security Task Force to ensure that peace prevailed before and after the December general elections.
In the ensuing disturbances, three motorbikes and a bicycle were burnt while a shed belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Northern Regional Office building including some stores were also destroyed in the arson.
The commander said no arrest had been made yet in connection with the infractions but that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the violence.
Executives of both parties have blamed each other for being the cause of the disturbances that followed after the NPP vice-presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, had addressed thousands of party supporters at the Tamale Jubilee Park that Sunday evening.
CONCERNED CITIZENS LAUD GOVERNMENT (PAGE 29)
THE Concerned Citizens Association of Tamale (CCAT) has commended the government for the ongoing Tamale Water Supply Expansion and Rehabilitation Project.
The association said it had observed with admiration, not only the completion of a reservoir at Kukuo Yapalsi but also the laying of new pipes in some suburbs of the metropolis and its environs.
‘‘This development is indeed a demonstration of the commitment of the sector ministry and the government to finding a lasting solution to the perennial water shortages and the attendant crises in Tamale and its environs,’’ the association said.
The President of the association, Mr Basharu Alhassan Daballi, who gave the commendation in Tamale, however, drew the attention of the government to the inability of the contractors, Messrs Biwater B.V. of the Netherlands, to rehabilitate the main treatment plant at Dalun.
‘‘The rehabilitation of the Dalun treatment plant, which is part of the contract agreement, has been left out, and this situation in no uncertain terms will affect the projected realisation of the water demands of the people now and in the future by the year 2020 as envisaged in the agreement,’’ he said.
The 45 million euro project is being jointly funded by the Dutch and Ghana governments.
Work on it commenced in August 2006 and was scheduled to have been completed within a two-year period.
The project, upon its completion, will bring the water supply system to its installed capacity of 9.3 million gallons a day to meet the demands of the growing population up to the year 2020.
The current plant production capacity is about 4.3 million gallons, which is being rationed to the people.
Mr Daballi further made reference to a letter from the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing in response to an earlier concern the association raised in a letter to the ministry in 2006.
In the ministry’s response, it gave the assurance that it would ensure strict adherence to transparency and real value for money in the execution of the project and welcomed any collaborative role civil society groups would play to promote the best interests of the country.
‘‘It is in the light of this commitment to the interest of the country demonstrated by your ministry and government that we seek clarification on why the rehabilitation of the Dalun treatment plant has been left out,’’ he stated.
The association said it had observed with admiration, not only the completion of a reservoir at Kukuo Yapalsi but also the laying of new pipes in some suburbs of the metropolis and its environs.
‘‘This development is indeed a demonstration of the commitment of the sector ministry and the government to finding a lasting solution to the perennial water shortages and the attendant crises in Tamale and its environs,’’ the association said.
The President of the association, Mr Basharu Alhassan Daballi, who gave the commendation in Tamale, however, drew the attention of the government to the inability of the contractors, Messrs Biwater B.V. of the Netherlands, to rehabilitate the main treatment plant at Dalun.
‘‘The rehabilitation of the Dalun treatment plant, which is part of the contract agreement, has been left out, and this situation in no uncertain terms will affect the projected realisation of the water demands of the people now and in the future by the year 2020 as envisaged in the agreement,’’ he said.
The 45 million euro project is being jointly funded by the Dutch and Ghana governments.
Work on it commenced in August 2006 and was scheduled to have been completed within a two-year period.
The project, upon its completion, will bring the water supply system to its installed capacity of 9.3 million gallons a day to meet the demands of the growing population up to the year 2020.
The current plant production capacity is about 4.3 million gallons, which is being rationed to the people.
Mr Daballi further made reference to a letter from the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing in response to an earlier concern the association raised in a letter to the ministry in 2006.
In the ministry’s response, it gave the assurance that it would ensure strict adherence to transparency and real value for money in the execution of the project and welcomed any collaborative role civil society groups would play to promote the best interests of the country.
‘‘It is in the light of this commitment to the interest of the country demonstrated by your ministry and government that we seek clarification on why the rehabilitation of the Dalun treatment plant has been left out,’’ he stated.
FIVE NARROWLY ESCAPE DEATH (PAGE 29)
Luck smiled on occupants of a saloon car when a mighty oak tree fell on the car and the kiosks at Ward ‘K,’’ a Tamale suburb last Thursday. Some nearby kiosks and a metal container were not spared the impact of the fallen tree either.
Five persons, including the occupants of the car and of the container, were safely pulled out of the wreckage with minor injuries.
Some of the items in the container and kiosk were destroyed in the process.
Some nearby residents and passers-by were not, however, fortunate as they were attacked by bees which were perching in the branches of the tree.
When the oak tree went down the bees, whose peace apparently was disturbed, went berserk, stinging anybody in sight.
The branches of the fallen tree partially covered a portion of the main road from the Warders Canteen leading to the Sakasaka quarters, thus obstructing driving on the busy, narrow road.
According to an eyewitness, Mr Iddrisu Musah, the incident occurred at about 3 p.m. after a rainstorm the previous day. The wreckage is yet to be cleared from the scene of the accident.
This incident occurred in the wake of the heavy and incessant rains in Tamale and the northern part of the country in general this year that claimed lives and caused injuries and massive damage to properties. A number of houses and structures also collapsed.
The latest victim to have suffered from this calamity was a security man with a firm in Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin, 45.
He died two weeks ago on a Thursday night in his attempt to cross a drain at Gumani on his way home to Jisonayili after work.
Among the hardest hit suburbs are Gumani, Builpela, Choggu and some surrounding communities where many rooms and houses have been submerged in water.
Some of the victims are currently putting up with friends and relations while those who suffered severe injuries are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Some of the victims the Daily Graphic spoke to urgently appealed to the authorities of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and philanthropists to come to their aid.
A victim, Mr Afah Muhammadu Iddi, said ‘‘at the moment, all I have is what I am wearing. The rest of my properties and those of my children including books and other valuable items were either carried away or soaked in the water.’’
Five persons, including the occupants of the car and of the container, were safely pulled out of the wreckage with minor injuries.
Some of the items in the container and kiosk were destroyed in the process.
Some nearby residents and passers-by were not, however, fortunate as they were attacked by bees which were perching in the branches of the tree.
When the oak tree went down the bees, whose peace apparently was disturbed, went berserk, stinging anybody in sight.
The branches of the fallen tree partially covered a portion of the main road from the Warders Canteen leading to the Sakasaka quarters, thus obstructing driving on the busy, narrow road.
According to an eyewitness, Mr Iddrisu Musah, the incident occurred at about 3 p.m. after a rainstorm the previous day. The wreckage is yet to be cleared from the scene of the accident.
This incident occurred in the wake of the heavy and incessant rains in Tamale and the northern part of the country in general this year that claimed lives and caused injuries and massive damage to properties. A number of houses and structures also collapsed.
The latest victim to have suffered from this calamity was a security man with a firm in Tamale, Mr Mohammed Amin, 45.
He died two weeks ago on a Thursday night in his attempt to cross a drain at Gumani on his way home to Jisonayili after work.
Among the hardest hit suburbs are Gumani, Builpela, Choggu and some surrounding communities where many rooms and houses have been submerged in water.
Some of the victims are currently putting up with friends and relations while those who suffered severe injuries are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Some of the victims the Daily Graphic spoke to urgently appealed to the authorities of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and philanthropists to come to their aid.
A victim, Mr Afah Muhammadu Iddi, said ‘‘at the moment, all I have is what I am wearing. The rest of my properties and those of my children including books and other valuable items were either carried away or soaked in the water.’’
MORE ASSISTANCE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN (PAGE 20)
THE British Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Douglas Alexander, has announced an additional package of £6.76 million to assist Ghana successfully to implement the free maternal care for pregnant women in the country.
He explained that the funds would be used to improve emergency obstetric care for the beneficiaries of the initiative that was begun in the country a couple of months ago.
According to him, the British government was impressed with the response to the programme so far and the successful manner it was being operated in the country.
‘‘I value the work the government of Ghana is doing from what we have seen since our arrival and I will return to London with very fond memories of this country,’’ Mr Alexander stated.
The Secretary of State made the announcement when he led a five-member team to the Savelugu District Hospital in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region on Sunday where he visited some pregnant women who had queued up for maternal care.
Mr Alexander commended health workers in the area for the high levels of professionalism they exhibited in their work and urged them to continue to give their best.
He described the relationship between the two countries as very cordial and fruitful, adding that it was for that reason the British government was extending resources to Ghana to help improve on the quality of life of her people.
Mr Alexander commended President John Agyekum Kufuor especially for his personal efforts and initiative, which, he noted, resulted in the disbursement of the special package for the pregnant women.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Alhaji Abubakari Atori, expressed appreciation to the British government for the immense assistance she had offered the people of the district over the years.
He mentioned education and health as the sectors that had seen much transformation in the area through the support of the Department for International Development (DFID).
The DCE mentioned the offer of incentive packages and the construction of quarters for teachers in deprived communities, capacity building and the support for needy children as some of the benefits of DFID interventions.
He explained that the funds would be used to improve emergency obstetric care for the beneficiaries of the initiative that was begun in the country a couple of months ago.
According to him, the British government was impressed with the response to the programme so far and the successful manner it was being operated in the country.
‘‘I value the work the government of Ghana is doing from what we have seen since our arrival and I will return to London with very fond memories of this country,’’ Mr Alexander stated.
The Secretary of State made the announcement when he led a five-member team to the Savelugu District Hospital in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region on Sunday where he visited some pregnant women who had queued up for maternal care.
Mr Alexander commended health workers in the area for the high levels of professionalism they exhibited in their work and urged them to continue to give their best.
He described the relationship between the two countries as very cordial and fruitful, adding that it was for that reason the British government was extending resources to Ghana to help improve on the quality of life of her people.
Mr Alexander commended President John Agyekum Kufuor especially for his personal efforts and initiative, which, he noted, resulted in the disbursement of the special package for the pregnant women.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Alhaji Abubakari Atori, expressed appreciation to the British government for the immense assistance she had offered the people of the district over the years.
He mentioned education and health as the sectors that had seen much transformation in the area through the support of the Department for International Development (DFID).
The DCE mentioned the offer of incentive packages and the construction of quarters for teachers in deprived communities, capacity building and the support for needy children as some of the benefits of DFID interventions.
Monday, September 8, 2008
TRANSFER OF GUSHIEGU SUSPECTS SUSPENDED (SPREAD)
THE transfer of the six suspects who were arrested in connection with the political violence at Gushiegu in the Northern Region last Monday to Accra for screening and subsequent prosecution has been suspended temporarily.
The suspects include three siblings, Mohammed Alidu, 25, Abukari Alidu, 26 and Sulemana Alidu, 30. The rest are Alhassan Mohammed, 26, Mohammed Imoro, 41, and Alidu Abdulai, 42.
As a result, the suspects who were all sent to the Tamale Airport last Saturday morning to be flown to Accra had to be brought back and placed under police custody.
Briefing the press at the Tamale Airport last Saturday, the Deputy Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Maxwell Atindane, said further investigations were ongoing to apprehend more suspects connected to the disturbances so that they could be transferred en masse.
The transfer of the suspects to Accra followed an order by the Interior Minister, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to that respect during a meeting with the leadership of major political parties, the security, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale last Thursday.
The minister and his delegation were in Tamale to ascertain the security situation in the metropolis and Gushiegu and also examine the level of damage to life and property in the troubled areas.
The violence at Gushiegu was a spill-over from an earlier clash between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Kpatinga near Gushiegu, last Sunday 31 August.
The NPP supporters were returning home after erecting a party shed, while their NDC colleagues were also on their way after attending a rally in the same locality.
The situation further degenerated when both supporters returned to Gushiegu to narrate the incident to their followers, leading to the mayhem that was visited on the town on Monday morning September 1.
A number of properties were destroyed, while some people sustained various degrees of injuries in the ensuing violence.
Both parties have, however, blamed each other for being the aggressors.
The suspects include three siblings, Mohammed Alidu, 25, Abukari Alidu, 26 and Sulemana Alidu, 30. The rest are Alhassan Mohammed, 26, Mohammed Imoro, 41, and Alidu Abdulai, 42.
As a result, the suspects who were all sent to the Tamale Airport last Saturday morning to be flown to Accra had to be brought back and placed under police custody.
Briefing the press at the Tamale Airport last Saturday, the Deputy Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Maxwell Atindane, said further investigations were ongoing to apprehend more suspects connected to the disturbances so that they could be transferred en masse.
The transfer of the suspects to Accra followed an order by the Interior Minister, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to that respect during a meeting with the leadership of major political parties, the security, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale last Thursday.
The minister and his delegation were in Tamale to ascertain the security situation in the metropolis and Gushiegu and also examine the level of damage to life and property in the troubled areas.
The violence at Gushiegu was a spill-over from an earlier clash between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Kpatinga near Gushiegu, last Sunday 31 August.
The NPP supporters were returning home after erecting a party shed, while their NDC colleagues were also on their way after attending a rally in the same locality.
The situation further degenerated when both supporters returned to Gushiegu to narrate the incident to their followers, leading to the mayhem that was visited on the town on Monday morning September 1.
A number of properties were destroyed, while some people sustained various degrees of injuries in the ensuing violence.
Both parties have, however, blamed each other for being the aggressors.
Friday, September 5, 2008
DON'T LEAVE TRAINING OF CHILDREN TO TEACHERS — IDRIS (PAGE 25)
THE Northern Region Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) committee has been inaugurated in Tamale with a call on parents and guardians to take particular interest in the development and welfare of their children and not leave such responsibilities to only teachers.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, underscored the importance of proper child care to the accelerated development of the country.
‘‘If we want to lead this nation into the middle-income bracket, then we have to be more responsible to the healthy growth and education of our children,’’ he stressed.
‘‘The Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) is, therefore, prepared to support any initiative that addresses the needs and challenges of children in the region,’’ Alhaji Idris pledged.
The 11-member committee was to have been inaugurated last year but the event was postponed following the devastating floods in the area that claimed many lives and destroyed property. It would elect its chairman at the next sitting.
The ECCD policy objectives include the promotion of the survival, growth and development of all children under eight years in the country.
It is also to promote widespread acceptance and observance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the observance and enforcement of Children’s Act and the integration of ECCD issues into development planning schemes at the community, district, regional and national levels.
The minister described the inauguration of the committee as refreshing, since the quality of leadership of every country depended on how it treated its children.
Alhaji Idris, therefore, urged members to put in their best to justify the confidence reposed in them to ensure that children in the area would grow into responsible adults.
The Northern Regional Director of the Department of Children, Vandana Sumani Nayina, explained that among the functions of the committee were overseeing the activities of district committees on the welfare of children in those areas.
He noted that the effective implementation of the policy could help significantly in achieving full immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases for at least 80 per cent of children below 11 years by 2005.
The director added that it also aimed at reducing maternal mortality rate, providing of antenatal care to all pregnant women, decreasing the incidence and rates of low birth weight babies and improving the availability of quality data on children and their families.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, underscored the importance of proper child care to the accelerated development of the country.
‘‘If we want to lead this nation into the middle-income bracket, then we have to be more responsible to the healthy growth and education of our children,’’ he stressed.
‘‘The Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) is, therefore, prepared to support any initiative that addresses the needs and challenges of children in the region,’’ Alhaji Idris pledged.
The 11-member committee was to have been inaugurated last year but the event was postponed following the devastating floods in the area that claimed many lives and destroyed property. It would elect its chairman at the next sitting.
The ECCD policy objectives include the promotion of the survival, growth and development of all children under eight years in the country.
It is also to promote widespread acceptance and observance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the observance and enforcement of Children’s Act and the integration of ECCD issues into development planning schemes at the community, district, regional and national levels.
The minister described the inauguration of the committee as refreshing, since the quality of leadership of every country depended on how it treated its children.
Alhaji Idris, therefore, urged members to put in their best to justify the confidence reposed in them to ensure that children in the area would grow into responsible adults.
The Northern Regional Director of the Department of Children, Vandana Sumani Nayina, explained that among the functions of the committee were overseeing the activities of district committees on the welfare of children in those areas.
He noted that the effective implementation of the policy could help significantly in achieving full immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases for at least 80 per cent of children below 11 years by 2005.
The director added that it also aimed at reducing maternal mortality rate, providing of antenatal care to all pregnant women, decreasing the incidence and rates of low birth weight babies and improving the availability of quality data on children and their families.
UNEMPLOYMENT, CAUSE OF MISERY IN THREE NORTHERN REGIONS (PAGE 25)
A NETWORK of Civil Society Organisations in the three northern regions has expressed concern over the lack of development projects in the area, which it observed, was worsening the poverty situation of the people.
It has, therefore, appealed to the government to pay more attention to the plight of the people by creating the enabling environment for job and wealth creation.
The organisations noted that it was as a result of the non availability of employment and its resultant misery that the youth had fallen prey to be used to engage in unnecessary conflicts that had plagued the area.
The Executive Secretary of the network, Mr Ismail Lansah, told the Daily Graphic in Tamale that the lack of motorable roads, potable water and efficient health facilities and the collapse of agriculture in the three northern regions, were some of the major factors militating against the accelerated development of those areas.
For instance, he said, ‘‘the vast land of the three northern regions of Ghana has the worst road network in the country and over the years nothing seems to be done ”.
Mr Lansah added that ‘‘there was a lot of fanfare to cut the sod to mark the construction of the Bole-Bamboi road but months after the sod had been cut by no less a person than the Vice-President of the Republic, very little is being done’’.
He said the presence of the many NGOs in the area was ample manifestation of the long neglect from the area.
According to the director, the setting up of many NGOs was only to complement government efforts and that the northern part of the country deserved equal attention of the government.
‘‘We have begun a process of sensitising people at the grass roots not to continue to remain passive recipients of donor and NGO support but to hold government and other service providers responsible and accountable at least for their basic social needs and services,’’ he stated.
It has, therefore, appealed to the government to pay more attention to the plight of the people by creating the enabling environment for job and wealth creation.
The organisations noted that it was as a result of the non availability of employment and its resultant misery that the youth had fallen prey to be used to engage in unnecessary conflicts that had plagued the area.
The Executive Secretary of the network, Mr Ismail Lansah, told the Daily Graphic in Tamale that the lack of motorable roads, potable water and efficient health facilities and the collapse of agriculture in the three northern regions, were some of the major factors militating against the accelerated development of those areas.
For instance, he said, ‘‘the vast land of the three northern regions of Ghana has the worst road network in the country and over the years nothing seems to be done ”.
Mr Lansah added that ‘‘there was a lot of fanfare to cut the sod to mark the construction of the Bole-Bamboi road but months after the sod had been cut by no less a person than the Vice-President of the Republic, very little is being done’’.
He said the presence of the many NGOs in the area was ample manifestation of the long neglect from the area.
According to the director, the setting up of many NGOs was only to complement government efforts and that the northern part of the country deserved equal attention of the government.
‘‘We have begun a process of sensitising people at the grass roots not to continue to remain passive recipients of donor and NGO support but to hold government and other service providers responsible and accountable at least for their basic social needs and services,’’ he stated.
The disturbances in Tamale, Gushiegu...WE'LL SPARE NO ONE ...Interior Minister assures (LEAD STORY)
THE Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, has ordered that anybody arrested in connection with the weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu should be sent to Accra for screening and prosecution.
According to the minister, who gave the order yesterday, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem would face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their ethnic or political affiliation.
He also gave the firm assurance that the government would institute thorough investigations into the disturbances, which claimed three lives and left in its wake massive destruction of property.
The minister was speaking in Tamale at a meeting with political party representatives and religious and opinion leaders, which was also attended by Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani respectively.
The minister’s delegation included the Ministers of Defence and Information and National Orientation, Albert Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents, especially following in the heels of the recent voters registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made’’.
The minister observed that the general impression of massive numbers of firearms in the hands of private persons, to some extent, was responsible for the instability in the Northern Region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr Addo-Kufour, however, gave a firm indication that ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general well-being of the Ghanaian people are protected”.
The minister further stated that the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people, regardless of who wins the general elections, would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come, if the right decisions were not taken’’.
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts at showing goodwill and offering prayers for sustainable peace, which, he said, the region was in dire need of.
According to the minister, who gave the order yesterday, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem would face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their ethnic or political affiliation.
He also gave the firm assurance that the government would institute thorough investigations into the disturbances, which claimed three lives and left in its wake massive destruction of property.
The minister was speaking in Tamale at a meeting with political party representatives and religious and opinion leaders, which was also attended by Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani respectively.
The minister’s delegation included the Ministers of Defence and Information and National Orientation, Albert Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents, especially following in the heels of the recent voters registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made’’.
The minister observed that the general impression of massive numbers of firearms in the hands of private persons, to some extent, was responsible for the instability in the Northern Region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr Addo-Kufour, however, gave a firm indication that ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general well-being of the Ghanaian people are protected”.
The minister further stated that the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people, regardless of who wins the general elections, would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come, if the right decisions were not taken’’.
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts at showing goodwill and offering prayers for sustainable peace, which, he said, the region was in dire need of.
WORLD VISION DONATES TO HEALTH, EDUCATION ...In Saboba/Chereponi (PAGE 26)
WORLD Vision Ghana, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), has presented large quantities of assorted items to the Saboba/Chereponi District Health and Education Directorates towards the promotion of health and education in the area.
The medical items were made up of drugs, equipment, surgical and hygiene materials. Others were exercise books, textbooks and novels, all valued at GH¢18,209.
The books would be distributed to the 16 beneficiary schools in the district while the medical items that were handed over to the District Health Management Team (DHMT) would benefit five health centres in the area.
The Area Development Programme Manager of World Vision, Mr Bernard Kpare, explained that the presentation of the hygiene and sanitation materials were to help create the necessary awareness in the schools.
‘‘Sanitation and hygiene are keys to the health and growth of children and improving sanitation is not only just the question of constructing latrines, but also ensuring that people are educated to understand its importance,’’ he stated.
According to him, issues on sanitation in schools had been relegated to the background while resources were channelled to competing priorities, something he described as most unfortunate.
Mr Kpare said it was for those reasons that his outfit sourced funds through a special project to provide the dustbins and hand washing materials, including soap and towels, to its registered schools in the district.
He called on all stakeholders to institute what he called a school community campaign group to tackle sanitation and hygiene issues in the district.
The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Abdul-Hanan Wumbei Abdulai, advised decentralised departments in the area to ensure that they always prepared and presented their budgets early enough to enable the assembly to incorporate it into its annual budget for the necessary support.
The District Director of Education, Mr Charles Akatuk, noted that World Vision had contributed immensely to the education sector in the area over the years through capacity building and the provision of school kits.
The Headteacher of Konkonzoli Primary School, Mr Peter Taban, on behalf of the beneficiary schools, expressed appreciation to World Vision for its tremendous assistance and promised to put the items to judicious use.
The medical items were made up of drugs, equipment, surgical and hygiene materials. Others were exercise books, textbooks and novels, all valued at GH¢18,209.
The books would be distributed to the 16 beneficiary schools in the district while the medical items that were handed over to the District Health Management Team (DHMT) would benefit five health centres in the area.
The Area Development Programme Manager of World Vision, Mr Bernard Kpare, explained that the presentation of the hygiene and sanitation materials were to help create the necessary awareness in the schools.
‘‘Sanitation and hygiene are keys to the health and growth of children and improving sanitation is not only just the question of constructing latrines, but also ensuring that people are educated to understand its importance,’’ he stated.
According to him, issues on sanitation in schools had been relegated to the background while resources were channelled to competing priorities, something he described as most unfortunate.
Mr Kpare said it was for those reasons that his outfit sourced funds through a special project to provide the dustbins and hand washing materials, including soap and towels, to its registered schools in the district.
He called on all stakeholders to institute what he called a school community campaign group to tackle sanitation and hygiene issues in the district.
The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Abdul-Hanan Wumbei Abdulai, advised decentralised departments in the area to ensure that they always prepared and presented their budgets early enough to enable the assembly to incorporate it into its annual budget for the necessary support.
The District Director of Education, Mr Charles Akatuk, noted that World Vision had contributed immensely to the education sector in the area over the years through capacity building and the provision of school kits.
The Headteacher of Konkonzoli Primary School, Mr Peter Taban, on behalf of the beneficiary schools, expressed appreciation to World Vision for its tremendous assistance and promised to put the items to judicious use.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
TAMALE REGENT CONDEMS VIOLENCE (SPREAD)
THE Tamale Regent, Gukpegu Gbang-Lana Alhaji Ziblim Abdulai, has condemned the political violence in Tamale and Gushiegu but blamed the situation on the inaction by the security forces in the area to act swiftly.
He recalled similar disturbances that had occurred in parts of the region, including the Tamale metropolis, over the years and regretted that the perpetrators of those violent acts had still not been prosecuted. The chief, therefore, appealed to the government to ensure arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of crime to protect life.
“My people are gradually losing confidence in the security and what this means is that my people will now have to protect and defend themselves in the face of any provocation, since the security has woefully failed in their respective duties to protect us,” the chief said.
He also suggested that political rallies and activities be suspended until sanity prevailed and solutions found to the recurrent political disturbances in the area.
Alhaji Abdulai who was addressing a press conference at his palace in Tamale yesterday, further revealed that, “I have information that the perpetrators are also preparing to attack some people in Yendi and Tamale, and if nothing is done immediately the situation could get out of hand.”
The Gbang-Lana, who was surrounded by a retinue of chiefs and elders, indicated that the violence was now taking a different dimension from politics as chiefs were being targeted in the attack.
Among the deceased in the Gushiegu disturbances was an 80-year-old chief, Nangol-Lana Abukari Ziblim.
“Indeed those behind such wicked plans and machinations are doing that knowing very well that they can kill or maim others with impunity without anything happening to them,” he observed.
“And in Tamale for instance, most people know those wielding guns because they do it in the open with some carrying weapons in an unregistered pick-up vehicle yet the security pretends that they do not know who are behind the shooting in the area,” the chief further stated.
He, however, entreated the people to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands at the least provocation.
He recalled similar disturbances that had occurred in parts of the region, including the Tamale metropolis, over the years and regretted that the perpetrators of those violent acts had still not been prosecuted. The chief, therefore, appealed to the government to ensure arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of crime to protect life.
“My people are gradually losing confidence in the security and what this means is that my people will now have to protect and defend themselves in the face of any provocation, since the security has woefully failed in their respective duties to protect us,” the chief said.
He also suggested that political rallies and activities be suspended until sanity prevailed and solutions found to the recurrent political disturbances in the area.
Alhaji Abdulai who was addressing a press conference at his palace in Tamale yesterday, further revealed that, “I have information that the perpetrators are also preparing to attack some people in Yendi and Tamale, and if nothing is done immediately the situation could get out of hand.”
The Gbang-Lana, who was surrounded by a retinue of chiefs and elders, indicated that the violence was now taking a different dimension from politics as chiefs were being targeted in the attack.
Among the deceased in the Gushiegu disturbances was an 80-year-old chief, Nangol-Lana Abukari Ziblim.
“Indeed those behind such wicked plans and machinations are doing that knowing very well that they can kill or maim others with impunity without anything happening to them,” he observed.
“And in Tamale for instance, most people know those wielding guns because they do it in the open with some carrying weapons in an unregistered pick-up vehicle yet the security pretends that they do not know who are behind the shooting in the area,” the chief further stated.
He, however, entreated the people to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands at the least provocation.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
SECURITY C'TTEE TO MOP UP WEAPONS IN TAMALE (1b)
THE Northern Regional Security Committee (NREGSEC) is to embark on a house-to-house search to mop up all weapons still in the hands of civilians, particularly in the Tamale metropolis.
This follows the confirmation by the police that three persons, including an 80-year-old chief, Nango Lana Abukari Ziblim, were killed in the political violence at Gushiegu over the weekend.
The other deceased are Ayuba Abdulai, 28, and a 24-year-old man who is yet to be identified. Their remains are currently at the morgue of the Yendi Hospital awaiting autopsy.
Three others, who sustained various degrees of injury, are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Six persons arrested in connection with the disturbances are also assisting the police in their investigations. Their names have not been disclosed for security reasons.
According to the Yendi Divisional Police Command, which has oversight responsibility over Gushiegu, the area has now turned into a ghost town as many residents have deserted the once busy commercial town for fear of their lives, while others have escaped to avoid arrest.
The police source, however, gave the assurance that the situation was now under control. It said security personnel had intensified their patrol of the area to ensure sanity, while admonishing the people to remain calm.
To facilitate the search for weapons, a special security team made up of experts will be formed to help nip in the bud any signs of disturbances in the region as electioneering for the December polls heats up.
The measure is to help avert the reported stockpiling of weapons by some people to ensure peace and security in the run-up to the December general election in the metropolis.
The chairman of the committee, who is also the northern regional minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, announced this at an emergency meeting with the representatives of various political parties in Tamale yesterday.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, A.S.P. Abanga Caesar, "we have intensified our day and night patrols in the area and so far, there has not been any cause for alarm as people are going about their duties peacefully".
The violence at Gushiegu was a spillover from an earlier clash between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Kpatinga near Gushiegu last Sunday.
The NPP supporters were returning home after erecting a party shed while their NDC counterparts were also returning from a rally at the same locality.
The situation further degenerated when both supporters returned to Gushieu to narrate the incident to their followers leading to the mayhem that was visited on the town on Monday morning.
A number of properties were destroyed while some people sustained injuries in the ensuing violence.
Both parties have, however, blamed each other for being behind the aggressors.
The NDC district chairman in the area, Alhaji Mahama Jemoni, was among those attacked. In a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic from his hospital bed at the Nalerigu Hospital, the chairman said he was attacked at home at about 6a.m.
He said five of his children sustained injuries in the attack while his three houses were burnt with a number of his vehicles including cargo trucks and Benz buses getting destroyed in the process.
According to Alhaji Jemoni, "I am yet to come to terms with the reasons behind this mayhem visited on me and my family. For now I do not know the reasons behind the actions of my attackers."
Three motorbikes and a bicycle were also burnt while a shed belonging to the NPP and the former NDC northern regional office building including some stores were set on fire. The police said no arrests had been made yet in connection with the infractions but said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the violence.
This follows the confirmation by the police that three persons, including an 80-year-old chief, Nango Lana Abukari Ziblim, were killed in the political violence at Gushiegu over the weekend.
The other deceased are Ayuba Abdulai, 28, and a 24-year-old man who is yet to be identified. Their remains are currently at the morgue of the Yendi Hospital awaiting autopsy.
Three others, who sustained various degrees of injury, are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Six persons arrested in connection with the disturbances are also assisting the police in their investigations. Their names have not been disclosed for security reasons.
According to the Yendi Divisional Police Command, which has oversight responsibility over Gushiegu, the area has now turned into a ghost town as many residents have deserted the once busy commercial town for fear of their lives, while others have escaped to avoid arrest.
The police source, however, gave the assurance that the situation was now under control. It said security personnel had intensified their patrol of the area to ensure sanity, while admonishing the people to remain calm.
To facilitate the search for weapons, a special security team made up of experts will be formed to help nip in the bud any signs of disturbances in the region as electioneering for the December polls heats up.
The measure is to help avert the reported stockpiling of weapons by some people to ensure peace and security in the run-up to the December general election in the metropolis.
The chairman of the committee, who is also the northern regional minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, announced this at an emergency meeting with the representatives of various political parties in Tamale yesterday.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, A.S.P. Abanga Caesar, "we have intensified our day and night patrols in the area and so far, there has not been any cause for alarm as people are going about their duties peacefully".
The violence at Gushiegu was a spillover from an earlier clash between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Kpatinga near Gushiegu last Sunday.
The NPP supporters were returning home after erecting a party shed while their NDC counterparts were also returning from a rally at the same locality.
The situation further degenerated when both supporters returned to Gushieu to narrate the incident to their followers leading to the mayhem that was visited on the town on Monday morning.
A number of properties were destroyed while some people sustained injuries in the ensuing violence.
Both parties have, however, blamed each other for being behind the aggressors.
The NDC district chairman in the area, Alhaji Mahama Jemoni, was among those attacked. In a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic from his hospital bed at the Nalerigu Hospital, the chairman said he was attacked at home at about 6a.m.
He said five of his children sustained injuries in the attack while his three houses were burnt with a number of his vehicles including cargo trucks and Benz buses getting destroyed in the process.
According to Alhaji Jemoni, "I am yet to come to terms with the reasons behind this mayhem visited on me and my family. For now I do not know the reasons behind the actions of my attackers."
Three motorbikes and a bicycle were also burnt while a shed belonging to the NPP and the former NDC northern regional office building including some stores were set on fire. The police said no arrests had been made yet in connection with the infractions but said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the violence.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
CALL ON PRESIDENT TO INTERVENE IN HAJJ ORGANISATION (PAGE 29)
A resident of Tamale and Kalarigi Na, Alhaji S. Y. Orlando, has passionately appealed to the President, John Kufuor, to personally intervene to ensure the proper organisation of the Muslim pilgrimage.
He said even though the problem was a Muslim affair, it had become necessary for the President to use his wisdom to ensure the smooth organisation of the pilgrimage, since those entrusted with that task had continuously messed up the programme over the years.
Alhaji Kalarigi Na, who is also the assembly member for Dakpem Fong Ward F Electoral Area in Tamale, has meanwhile recommended a review of the composition of the Hajj Board to include representatives from all the 10 regions.
He also suggested that the government should nominate between five and seven persons in addition to the regional representatives to the board.
‘‘This proposed composition will make the board more broad-based and acceptable to the entire Muslim community of the country,” he said, and added that the would-be pilgrims would be more familiar and comfortable to approach their regional representatives when there was a problem.
The assembly member said in a situation where a member did not live up to expectation, he or she could be replaced with a more competent person.
He bemoaned the difficulties and sufferings pilgrims had to endure annually to fulfil a religious obligation to visit Mecca.
‘‘The efforts of your government in rectifying the past anomalies culminated in the birth of the present board and yet we are still bedevilled with the same problems,’’ Alhaji Kalarigi Na noted.
He attributed the difficulties partly to the fact that almost all members of the board were based in Accra and that the pilgrims, who came from various parts of the country, were not familiar with the board members who were supposed to represent their interests.
According to the assembly member, even after the performance of the Hajj rituals, when the pilgrims were physically and financially exhausted, their woes were deepened further, as they were confronted with the problem of carrying their luggage home.
‘‘Most members of the board who accompany the pilgrims leave with the first aircraft with their luggage while the pilgrims are left with their agents to struggle with Airport officials,’’ he alleged.
As a result, most of the pilgrims came without their luggage and, therefore, had to wait for several weeks and months before taking delivery of them.
‘‘Your Excellency, I pray you give an ear to this proposal, because I believe when accepted and implemented, the greater majority of Muslims in the country would welcome and appreciate your intervention,’’ Alhaji Kalarigi Na entreated.
He said even though the problem was a Muslim affair, it had become necessary for the President to use his wisdom to ensure the smooth organisation of the pilgrimage, since those entrusted with that task had continuously messed up the programme over the years.
Alhaji Kalarigi Na, who is also the assembly member for Dakpem Fong Ward F Electoral Area in Tamale, has meanwhile recommended a review of the composition of the Hajj Board to include representatives from all the 10 regions.
He also suggested that the government should nominate between five and seven persons in addition to the regional representatives to the board.
‘‘This proposed composition will make the board more broad-based and acceptable to the entire Muslim community of the country,” he said, and added that the would-be pilgrims would be more familiar and comfortable to approach their regional representatives when there was a problem.
The assembly member said in a situation where a member did not live up to expectation, he or she could be replaced with a more competent person.
He bemoaned the difficulties and sufferings pilgrims had to endure annually to fulfil a religious obligation to visit Mecca.
‘‘The efforts of your government in rectifying the past anomalies culminated in the birth of the present board and yet we are still bedevilled with the same problems,’’ Alhaji Kalarigi Na noted.
He attributed the difficulties partly to the fact that almost all members of the board were based in Accra and that the pilgrims, who came from various parts of the country, were not familiar with the board members who were supposed to represent their interests.
According to the assembly member, even after the performance of the Hajj rituals, when the pilgrims were physically and financially exhausted, their woes were deepened further, as they were confronted with the problem of carrying their luggage home.
‘‘Most members of the board who accompany the pilgrims leave with the first aircraft with their luggage while the pilgrims are left with their agents to struggle with Airport officials,’’ he alleged.
As a result, most of the pilgrims came without their luggage and, therefore, had to wait for several weeks and months before taking delivery of them.
‘‘Your Excellency, I pray you give an ear to this proposal, because I believe when accepted and implemented, the greater majority of Muslims in the country would welcome and appreciate your intervention,’’ Alhaji Kalarigi Na entreated.
NDC, NPP OFFICES, SCENES OF SHOCK (PAGE 16)
THE former Northern Regional office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale was a scene of wailing and shock by market women whose wares were gutted by fire following an act of suspected arson on the office structure yesterday morning.
Even though the NDC relocated to a new office building near the Workers College a couple of years ago, the party symbols are still embossed on the old office structures where some notable NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathisers gather to interact.
The former office, which is located very close to the Aboabo Market, has virtually been turned into a warehouse for some of the market women who keep their wares there at the end of the day for safety.
Madam Abibata Iddrisu, who looked distressed, described the situation as most unfortunate. ‘‘I have lost all my wares in the structure and at the moment I cannot put my thoughts together for the way forward.’’
There were neither any reported incidents of casualties nor had there been any arrest in connection with the incident.
The arson followed an earlier one on a New Patriotic Party (NPP) structure and the destruction of NDC sheds around the former Victory Cinema. Both NDC and NPP supporters in the area have accused each other of starting the violence.
The hostility between followers of the two parties began on Sunday evening after the NPP Vice-Presidential hopeful, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, had addressed a rally at the Tamale Jubilee Park.
Both party supporters were spotted earlier in the day, in ecstatic mood, wearing their respective party paraphernalia in ecstatic moods. While the NPP followers were welcoming their Vice-Presidential nominee, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, into the metropolis from Bolgatanga in the Upper East
Region, their NDC counterparts were also inaugurating an Atta Mills and John Mahama Fan club outside the Kaladan Park.
According to the NPP, a bus carrying some supporters of the party home after the rally was pelted with stones by a group of young men they alleged were NDC boys. The NDC has, however, denied the accusation and claimed that it was the NPP that began the provocation.
In the ensuing misunderstanding they destroyed each other’s sheds while a number of motorbikes were burnt in the process. There were also sporadic shootings in the central business district. A number of persons were reported to have sustained injuries.
The situation also brought social and commercial activities in the central business district to a halt as people were seen rushing home.
The incident, which began around 7p.m. at the central business area, lasted for about an hour until the arrival of security personnel. Life has bounced back and commercial and business activities are going on in earnest.
Some people however, attributed the incident to a spillover of the clash between the NDC and NPP at Kpatinga in the Gushiegu District in the Northern Region earlier on Sunday.
The NDC supporters were said to be returning home after erecting a party shed at a suburb of the town amidst fanfare when they clashed with a group of NPP supporters resulting in some injuries.
Even though the NDC relocated to a new office building near the Workers College a couple of years ago, the party symbols are still embossed on the old office structures where some notable NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathisers gather to interact.
The former office, which is located very close to the Aboabo Market, has virtually been turned into a warehouse for some of the market women who keep their wares there at the end of the day for safety.
Madam Abibata Iddrisu, who looked distressed, described the situation as most unfortunate. ‘‘I have lost all my wares in the structure and at the moment I cannot put my thoughts together for the way forward.’’
There were neither any reported incidents of casualties nor had there been any arrest in connection with the incident.
The arson followed an earlier one on a New Patriotic Party (NPP) structure and the destruction of NDC sheds around the former Victory Cinema. Both NDC and NPP supporters in the area have accused each other of starting the violence.
The hostility between followers of the two parties began on Sunday evening after the NPP Vice-Presidential hopeful, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, had addressed a rally at the Tamale Jubilee Park.
Both party supporters were spotted earlier in the day, in ecstatic mood, wearing their respective party paraphernalia in ecstatic moods. While the NPP followers were welcoming their Vice-Presidential nominee, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, into the metropolis from Bolgatanga in the Upper East
Region, their NDC counterparts were also inaugurating an Atta Mills and John Mahama Fan club outside the Kaladan Park.
According to the NPP, a bus carrying some supporters of the party home after the rally was pelted with stones by a group of young men they alleged were NDC boys. The NDC has, however, denied the accusation and claimed that it was the NPP that began the provocation.
In the ensuing misunderstanding they destroyed each other’s sheds while a number of motorbikes were burnt in the process. There were also sporadic shootings in the central business district. A number of persons were reported to have sustained injuries.
The situation also brought social and commercial activities in the central business district to a halt as people were seen rushing home.
The incident, which began around 7p.m. at the central business area, lasted for about an hour until the arrival of security personnel. Life has bounced back and commercial and business activities are going on in earnest.
Some people however, attributed the incident to a spillover of the clash between the NDC and NPP at Kpatinga in the Gushiegu District in the Northern Region earlier on Sunday.
The NDC supporters were said to be returning home after erecting a party shed at a suburb of the town amidst fanfare when they clashed with a group of NPP supporters resulting in some injuries.
BAWUMIA CALLS FOR CALM IN TAMALE (PAGE 16)
THE Vice-Presidential condidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for calm in Tamale and advised the youth in the area not to allow themselves to be used by others for their selfish interest.
‘‘Our main enemy in this area is poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment which we must team up to fight, and not among ourselves,’’ he indicated.
Dr Bawumia said there was no need to shed blood over the election, since democracy was about choice and trading of ideas to win people who shared similar beliefs to one’s side.
He also noted that at this time of the year when the Muslim world had began their fasting obligation, it was important for the people, majority of who are Muslims, to have a sober reflection over their actions and behaviours that were contrary to the teaching of Islam.
The Vice-Presidential hopeful was addressing his maiden press conference in Tamale yesterday at the end of his tour of the three northern regions.
Dr Bawumia, who intended to round off his campaign with courtesy calls on the chiefs, religious and opinion leaders in the metropolis, however had to call off the programme following the disturbances in the area.
The disturbances began moments after he had delivered his address at a rally at the Tamale Jubilee Park. Some supporters of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed in town resulting in arson and destruction of motorbikes, party sheds and offices.
There were also sporadic shootings at some parts of the Tamale Central Constituency. The situation has since been brought under control.
While the NPP has accused their opponents of starting the violence, the NDC has also put the blame on the former.
Dr Bawumia described the situation as ‘‘very painful’’ and that ‘‘this period presents us with a golden opportunity to the youth from both sides to move this area forward. Conflicts do not help’’.
He said northern Ghana was lacking in development and that it needed peace for accelerated growth. “It is important that peace and stability reigns in this region and the country as a whole,” he said.
The NPP running mate therefore appealed to the people, particularly his party supporters, against violence even if they were provoked.
He, however, called on the security agencies to arrest and bring the perpetrators of the disturbances to book.
Touching on his just-ended campaign tour of the three regions, Dr Bawumia described the rounds as very successful.
‘‘What we noticed on our rounds is that, support for the NPP is growing in the north,’’ he stated. According to him, the overwhelming welcome he received in Tamale on Sunday was an indication of the party’s growing popularity in the area.
‘‘Our main enemy in this area is poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment which we must team up to fight, and not among ourselves,’’ he indicated.
Dr Bawumia said there was no need to shed blood over the election, since democracy was about choice and trading of ideas to win people who shared similar beliefs to one’s side.
He also noted that at this time of the year when the Muslim world had began their fasting obligation, it was important for the people, majority of who are Muslims, to have a sober reflection over their actions and behaviours that were contrary to the teaching of Islam.
The Vice-Presidential hopeful was addressing his maiden press conference in Tamale yesterday at the end of his tour of the three northern regions.
Dr Bawumia, who intended to round off his campaign with courtesy calls on the chiefs, religious and opinion leaders in the metropolis, however had to call off the programme following the disturbances in the area.
The disturbances began moments after he had delivered his address at a rally at the Tamale Jubilee Park. Some supporters of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed in town resulting in arson and destruction of motorbikes, party sheds and offices.
There were also sporadic shootings at some parts of the Tamale Central Constituency. The situation has since been brought under control.
While the NPP has accused their opponents of starting the violence, the NDC has also put the blame on the former.
Dr Bawumia described the situation as ‘‘very painful’’ and that ‘‘this period presents us with a golden opportunity to the youth from both sides to move this area forward. Conflicts do not help’’.
He said northern Ghana was lacking in development and that it needed peace for accelerated growth. “It is important that peace and stability reigns in this region and the country as a whole,” he said.
The NPP running mate therefore appealed to the people, particularly his party supporters, against violence even if they were provoked.
He, however, called on the security agencies to arrest and bring the perpetrators of the disturbances to book.
Touching on his just-ended campaign tour of the three regions, Dr Bawumia described the rounds as very successful.
‘‘What we noticed on our rounds is that, support for the NPP is growing in the north,’’ he stated. According to him, the overwhelming welcome he received in Tamale on Sunday was an indication of the party’s growing popularity in the area.
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