THE atmosphere was electrifying; the spectators hysterical but the match itself was drippy. No wonder the outcome was a barren draw.
Even though I went to the Badenova Stadium with a colleague to witness an anticipated competitive premier league match between the home side, SC Freiburg and FC Koln at the weekend, the passionate supporters of the two uninspiring teams ended up entertaining me.
They were there in their thousands and in the chilly weather stood on their feet, drumming, cheering, jumping and waving their respective flags to urge their teams on to a victory that never came. The stadium was earlier set ablaze upon the arrival of the teams on the green turf. The spectators gleefully screamed the names of their beloved players as these blared out of the loud speakers.
And at the dying embers of the lacklustre match, it became a shouting duel between the partisan Freiburg crowd and the marginal visiting supporters at both ends of the posts. As was to be expected, the home side eventually won the competition.
The buzz on the match began on Friday night with the arrival of the supporters of the visiting team into Freiburg. And by the following Saturday morning, almost everybody was spotting the paraphernalia of the two teams, which coincidentally is red and white.
Vehicles and trams were packed with both sexes of old and young supporters heading to the stadium. And by 3:30 pm (kick-off) local time, the 25,000 capacity stadium was full.
The contrast was sharp. A premier league match involving my home team, Real Tamale United (RTU) back in Tamale, Ghana does not receive such patronage. Only a few supporters turn up to watch matches at the 21,000 capacity plush stadium. They usually prefer to stay back and pay paltry fees to watch English Premiership matches which have become popular in Ghana, following the exploits of some celebrated Ghanaian players such as Michael Essien. They describe the local matches as lacking quality.
The Freiburg-Koln match did not live up to my expectation either, but their raucous supporters won my admiration for their display of loyalty and adoration for their respective teams.
Never mind that players upfront for the home team were particularly disappointing as they kept on fumbling and dancing around the ball as if they had never directed a ball into the net. Have they?
The vociferous supporters won the day for me after all. And as I walked out of the stadium with numb feet in the frigid temperature of about two degrees, I said to myself, “what a match!”
Friday, December 18, 2009
POTPOURRI OF EVENTS (PAGE 29, DEC 18)
WHAT strikes me as I walk through the streets of Freiburg as a visiting journalist is the absence of the blowing of car horns by drivers. The vehicles are all “mute.” The only siren I hear sometimes is from the Police.
As the numerous vehicles, trams, trains, cyclists and pedestrians criss-cross one another, everything seems to be automated with none overstepping its boundaries. And despite the past three weeks of my stay in the city, I am yet to witness any accident. Hawking on the roads is non-existent.
Bicycles are everywhere. Arguably, everybody, including the young and old of both sexes, can ride a bicycle. The bicycle lanes are well-laid out without any obstruction from motorists or pedestrians. Most people also use the trams as their means of moving around the city since they are always on time and fast too.
Motorists respect pedestrians’ right of way. On several occasions, I have seen cars stop to give way to pedestrians to pass.
The drains in the city are sealed except for the remarkable open canals that serve as tourist attraction. Litter bins are placed at vantage locations where people can easily dump their waste without breaking their back. As a result the roads and environment are clean at all times.
Apart from having places of convenience in every home and office, decent public toilets and urinals are not in short supply in the city.
The mayor of Freiburg, Dr Dieter Salomon has a website that allows both residents and non-residents to rate his performance. Wow!
Freiburgers love shopping. And there seems to abundance of shopping malls to satisfy the needs of the population. The numerous eateries are also highly patronised as drinking of coffee is the order of the day. Have you ever tasted Cappuccino?
There is also open display of romance by lovers. I encounter them daily in the open, the trams, shops and buses kissing each other with wanton abandon. I just look on in amusement.
The ladies are not in short supply either. They come in slim sizes of varying heights, all wearing tight-fitting jeans of different brands and designs. Young, innocent and charming.
The fascinating thing is that majority of the young ladies are in school. Indeed more than 10 per cent of the 200,000 people living there are made up of students.
I also learnt that majority of ladies in Freiburg marry late into their 30s because during their teens and 20s, they are usually in school acquiring certificates to make them knowledgeable and employable.
Freiburg is mainly a Christian city with many medieval church buildings. About 95 per cent of the population is said to be Christians but very few of them actually attend church services every weekend. Both Christians and the minority Muslims co-exist peacefully. The Muslims are mainly of Arab origin.
On my rounds, I have often spotted some silent paupers seated at obscure corners. The daily stress of life has also claimed some casualties. Psychotherapists are on hand to take care of some of them. Those whose illnesses are serious can be seen seated under bridges and trees, sometimes talking to themselves.
There is minimal crime rate. The smartly dressed policemen and women patrol the city day and night. They are also in the local communities wearing friendly smiles.
There is no heavy presence of Blacks in Freiburg because of the lack of factories and industries in the area. It is basically a white-collar city. The few Blacks you meet are either schooling or engaged in formal work.
Sorry, it is almost 6pm local time and I have to rush to my humble abode in the boarding house to escape the biting cold. I am already feeling numb in my feet and hands. Oh this terrible cold. I will be home in a week’s time, you know!
As the numerous vehicles, trams, trains, cyclists and pedestrians criss-cross one another, everything seems to be automated with none overstepping its boundaries. And despite the past three weeks of my stay in the city, I am yet to witness any accident. Hawking on the roads is non-existent.
Bicycles are everywhere. Arguably, everybody, including the young and old of both sexes, can ride a bicycle. The bicycle lanes are well-laid out without any obstruction from motorists or pedestrians. Most people also use the trams as their means of moving around the city since they are always on time and fast too.
Motorists respect pedestrians’ right of way. On several occasions, I have seen cars stop to give way to pedestrians to pass.
The drains in the city are sealed except for the remarkable open canals that serve as tourist attraction. Litter bins are placed at vantage locations where people can easily dump their waste without breaking their back. As a result the roads and environment are clean at all times.
Apart from having places of convenience in every home and office, decent public toilets and urinals are not in short supply in the city.
The mayor of Freiburg, Dr Dieter Salomon has a website that allows both residents and non-residents to rate his performance. Wow!
Freiburgers love shopping. And there seems to abundance of shopping malls to satisfy the needs of the population. The numerous eateries are also highly patronised as drinking of coffee is the order of the day. Have you ever tasted Cappuccino?
There is also open display of romance by lovers. I encounter them daily in the open, the trams, shops and buses kissing each other with wanton abandon. I just look on in amusement.
The ladies are not in short supply either. They come in slim sizes of varying heights, all wearing tight-fitting jeans of different brands and designs. Young, innocent and charming.
The fascinating thing is that majority of the young ladies are in school. Indeed more than 10 per cent of the 200,000 people living there are made up of students.
I also learnt that majority of ladies in Freiburg marry late into their 30s because during their teens and 20s, they are usually in school acquiring certificates to make them knowledgeable and employable.
Freiburg is mainly a Christian city with many medieval church buildings. About 95 per cent of the population is said to be Christians but very few of them actually attend church services every weekend. Both Christians and the minority Muslims co-exist peacefully. The Muslims are mainly of Arab origin.
On my rounds, I have often spotted some silent paupers seated at obscure corners. The daily stress of life has also claimed some casualties. Psychotherapists are on hand to take care of some of them. Those whose illnesses are serious can be seen seated under bridges and trees, sometimes talking to themselves.
There is minimal crime rate. The smartly dressed policemen and women patrol the city day and night. They are also in the local communities wearing friendly smiles.
There is no heavy presence of Blacks in Freiburg because of the lack of factories and industries in the area. It is basically a white-collar city. The few Blacks you meet are either schooling or engaged in formal work.
Sorry, it is almost 6pm local time and I have to rush to my humble abode in the boarding house to escape the biting cold. I am already feeling numb in my feet and hands. Oh this terrible cold. I will be home in a week’s time, you know!
FREIBURG: EUROPE'S GREENEST CITY (PAGE 29, DEC 18)
IT was Monday, about 5:30p.m. local time; the weather was unpleasantly cold and we were on our way to the annual Christmas party for staff of the Badische Zeitung daily newspaper at one of the new suburbs of Freiburg called Vauban.
I was not only amazed at the well planned community, but also struck by the history behind it and, of course, the way the solar system is used to power the ecologically designed homes there. They conserve more energy than they consume. It is no wonder it is termed a “sustainable model district”.
Indeed Vauban is a microcosm of the sprawling city of Freiburg that has won many accolades for itself. It is often referred to by many as the “Eco-City”, “Germany’s Environmental Capital”, while some call it the “Europe’s Greenest City”.
Give it either of the titles and you will certainly not be wrong. Freiburg, with a population of a little over 200,000, is situated in the Black Forest and on the southwestern part of Germany near the French and Swiss boarders. Eighty per cent of the over 900-year-old city was destroyed during the second world war in the 1940s but has since been rebuilt on its medieval plan.
In 1992, the city council of Freiburg, which literary means “Free City” from its historical past, adopted a resolution that made it mandatory for all new developers to construct low energy buildings on standard specifications. It ensured that the permissible energy requirement of a building was two-thirds the national limit.
An ecological development plan that involved energy conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, participatory planning and the local production of staple foods was mapped out for the people. Also included in the plan was encouraging residents to work closer to their homes and the construction of long-lasting structures.
Today, Freiburg has not only developed and supported alternatives to nuclear power, the citing of which the people protested against in the 1970s, but which has created institutions and also attracted researchers to support other means to nuclear power.
This explains the reasons for the high concentration of eco industries, experts, architects, research institutions, planners and organisations in the city.
Also referred to as the solar capital of the world, solar panels span over 11,223m. The central town consists of more than 250 solar panels. Windmills are not also in short supply. More than 1.6 per cent of power is sourced from bio-energy.
Equally worthy of mention is the green vegetation. The landscape is virtually green as 42 per cent of its surrounding is under conservational protection. A lot of roofs have been transformed into vegetation layers, dubbed “green roofing” that allow storm water to run off. This reduces energy costs and urban heat effect.
Another notable positive feature is the city’s recycling scheme. Each household has separate bins. Kitchen and garden waste is composted. No wonder Freiburg won the “best recycler” in the European Union’s 2001 “Urban Audit” where 80 per cent of Freiburg’s waste was recycled, compared to the EU’s average of just 19 per cent.
In 1969, the city transport regulations prioritised bicycles, public transport and pedestrian lanes. Bicycle lanes now extend more than 500 km. The tram network continues to expand to cover the entire city of 60km radius. One has to see the number of bicycles here for one to believe what one is told. It is the commonest means of transport apart from the tram.
All these efforts are aimed at minimising the impact and effect of carbon dioxide in the system and ensuring healthy living.
Despite such a laudable achievement by the city authorities such as the Mayor of Freiburg, Dr Dieter Salomon, and the Captain of the Energy, Klaus Hoppe, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that future generations live in even more sustainable environment.
What the authorities and people of Freiburg have been able to achieve over the years is surely not beyond the capabilities of Ghanaians. We are even more blessed with abundant sunshine and natural resources. I believe with education, commitment, tenacity of purpose, hard work, selflessness, discipline and the willingness to walk the talk, we can equally make history for ourselves now and for future generations.
I was not only amazed at the well planned community, but also struck by the history behind it and, of course, the way the solar system is used to power the ecologically designed homes there. They conserve more energy than they consume. It is no wonder it is termed a “sustainable model district”.
Indeed Vauban is a microcosm of the sprawling city of Freiburg that has won many accolades for itself. It is often referred to by many as the “Eco-City”, “Germany’s Environmental Capital”, while some call it the “Europe’s Greenest City”.
Give it either of the titles and you will certainly not be wrong. Freiburg, with a population of a little over 200,000, is situated in the Black Forest and on the southwestern part of Germany near the French and Swiss boarders. Eighty per cent of the over 900-year-old city was destroyed during the second world war in the 1940s but has since been rebuilt on its medieval plan.
In 1992, the city council of Freiburg, which literary means “Free City” from its historical past, adopted a resolution that made it mandatory for all new developers to construct low energy buildings on standard specifications. It ensured that the permissible energy requirement of a building was two-thirds the national limit.
An ecological development plan that involved energy conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, participatory planning and the local production of staple foods was mapped out for the people. Also included in the plan was encouraging residents to work closer to their homes and the construction of long-lasting structures.
Today, Freiburg has not only developed and supported alternatives to nuclear power, the citing of which the people protested against in the 1970s, but which has created institutions and also attracted researchers to support other means to nuclear power.
This explains the reasons for the high concentration of eco industries, experts, architects, research institutions, planners and organisations in the city.
Also referred to as the solar capital of the world, solar panels span over 11,223m. The central town consists of more than 250 solar panels. Windmills are not also in short supply. More than 1.6 per cent of power is sourced from bio-energy.
Equally worthy of mention is the green vegetation. The landscape is virtually green as 42 per cent of its surrounding is under conservational protection. A lot of roofs have been transformed into vegetation layers, dubbed “green roofing” that allow storm water to run off. This reduces energy costs and urban heat effect.
Another notable positive feature is the city’s recycling scheme. Each household has separate bins. Kitchen and garden waste is composted. No wonder Freiburg won the “best recycler” in the European Union’s 2001 “Urban Audit” where 80 per cent of Freiburg’s waste was recycled, compared to the EU’s average of just 19 per cent.
In 1969, the city transport regulations prioritised bicycles, public transport and pedestrian lanes. Bicycle lanes now extend more than 500 km. The tram network continues to expand to cover the entire city of 60km radius. One has to see the number of bicycles here for one to believe what one is told. It is the commonest means of transport apart from the tram.
All these efforts are aimed at minimising the impact and effect of carbon dioxide in the system and ensuring healthy living.
Despite such a laudable achievement by the city authorities such as the Mayor of Freiburg, Dr Dieter Salomon, and the Captain of the Energy, Klaus Hoppe, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that future generations live in even more sustainable environment.
What the authorities and people of Freiburg have been able to achieve over the years is surely not beyond the capabilities of Ghanaians. We are even more blessed with abundant sunshine and natural resources. I believe with education, commitment, tenacity of purpose, hard work, selflessness, discipline and the willingness to walk the talk, we can equally make history for ourselves now and for future generations.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
MY FIRST DAY IN GERMANY (DEC 12, PAGE 22)
IT was on a nippy Tuesday morning, the first day of December and my first day at my new workplace, Badische Zeitung, where I was cordially welcomed to the editorial office of the daily newspaper.
It was all pleasant smiles and exchange of warm handshakes as I encountered the staff one after another.
I was later invited to the morning editorial conference, where the editorial team discussed the events to be covered for the day.
Never mind that I did not understand a word of the German language. My colleague and partner Julia Littmann, who had earlier worked with me at the Daily Graphic editorial office in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale, Ghana, was on hand to do some few translations of what transpired at the conference.
I was subsequently ushered into a homely office, where I would be working for the next four weeks as part of a journalists exchange programme dubbed: “Nahaufnahme-Close-Up.” It is organised by Goethe Institute, a German cultural institution that promotes the study of the German language abroad, and which also encourages international cultural exchanges and relations.
Located in the central business district of the historic city of Freiburg, the Badische Zeitung publishes 150,000 copies daily, which include supplements on travel, sports, culture, entertainment, among other areas.
It also publishes magazines and weekend papers that largely contain adverts, announcements and vacancies.
Happenings in nearby towns are also reflected in the paper on regular pages to serve the interest of the people in those localities. The paper is also heavily patronised online 24 hours. For instance, more than 30 million readers visited the Badische Zeitung site in November this year.
The locally published newspapers are distributed to various parts of the Freiburg region of over 200,000 people by its 1,700 vendors. And latest by 6am, subscribers would have received their copies. And if there is any unsold at all, it is recycled.
According to the affable Chief Editor of the paper, Uwe Mauch, Badische Zeitung was published in 1946. I was presented with a copy of the eight-page black and white edition of the first publication.
Now, the paper is beautifully designed in colourful copies of several pages, depending on the quantity of news and adverts available on a particular given day to reflect modern trends of newspaper publication.
It currently has 45 journalists on its payroll with 15 of them resident in Germany, while the rest are out and about in other parts of the world. It also sources news from other agencies and freelance correspondents around the globe.
In describing the nature of their modern printing press, Mr Mauch, who has worked with the paper for the past 10 years, proudly declared, “We have a state-of-the-art machine that is currently one of the best in the world.”
He revealed that the machine is capable of producing more than 35,000 papers and about four million pages per hour.
The company purchased the Germany-made Cortina Machine at the cost of 25 million euros. The Chief Editor further indicated that the ecological friendly machine does not use water and chemicals, neither does it emit carbon.
At the moment, all is set and the paper is ready to go to bed. Do not miss your copy of tomorrow’s edition of the Badische Zeitung.
It was all pleasant smiles and exchange of warm handshakes as I encountered the staff one after another.
I was later invited to the morning editorial conference, where the editorial team discussed the events to be covered for the day.
Never mind that I did not understand a word of the German language. My colleague and partner Julia Littmann, who had earlier worked with me at the Daily Graphic editorial office in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale, Ghana, was on hand to do some few translations of what transpired at the conference.
I was subsequently ushered into a homely office, where I would be working for the next four weeks as part of a journalists exchange programme dubbed: “Nahaufnahme-Close-Up.” It is organised by Goethe Institute, a German cultural institution that promotes the study of the German language abroad, and which also encourages international cultural exchanges and relations.
Located in the central business district of the historic city of Freiburg, the Badische Zeitung publishes 150,000 copies daily, which include supplements on travel, sports, culture, entertainment, among other areas.
It also publishes magazines and weekend papers that largely contain adverts, announcements and vacancies.
Happenings in nearby towns are also reflected in the paper on regular pages to serve the interest of the people in those localities. The paper is also heavily patronised online 24 hours. For instance, more than 30 million readers visited the Badische Zeitung site in November this year.
The locally published newspapers are distributed to various parts of the Freiburg region of over 200,000 people by its 1,700 vendors. And latest by 6am, subscribers would have received their copies. And if there is any unsold at all, it is recycled.
According to the affable Chief Editor of the paper, Uwe Mauch, Badische Zeitung was published in 1946. I was presented with a copy of the eight-page black and white edition of the first publication.
Now, the paper is beautifully designed in colourful copies of several pages, depending on the quantity of news and adverts available on a particular given day to reflect modern trends of newspaper publication.
It currently has 45 journalists on its payroll with 15 of them resident in Germany, while the rest are out and about in other parts of the world. It also sources news from other agencies and freelance correspondents around the globe.
In describing the nature of their modern printing press, Mr Mauch, who has worked with the paper for the past 10 years, proudly declared, “We have a state-of-the-art machine that is currently one of the best in the world.”
He revealed that the machine is capable of producing more than 35,000 papers and about four million pages per hour.
The company purchased the Germany-made Cortina Machine at the cost of 25 million euros. The Chief Editor further indicated that the ecological friendly machine does not use water and chemicals, neither does it emit carbon.
At the moment, all is set and the paper is ready to go to bed. Do not miss your copy of tomorrow’s edition of the Badische Zeitung.
FREIBURG RESIDENTS RIDE FOR ECOLOGICAL REASONS (PAGE 22, DEC 12)
WHAT captures my imagination while walking through this classical city of Freiburg is the high numbers of bicycles and riders at every nook and cranny of the city. The city is virtually littered with bicycles.
Both the old and the young, male and female are spotted either pedalling their way up the gentle hills or slithering down the slope through roads and alleys with the characteristic hanging of bags on their backs.
Just like in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital of Ghana where I come from, bicycles are the major means of transport.
Ours is not about ensuring a clean environment, but something borne out of necessity, because majority of the people can simply not afford to acquire vehicles.
What, therefore, fascinates me is the fact that even though most people in Freiburg can afford cars, they have chosen to ride bicycles for ecological reasons of keeping the environment clean.
In fact, never in my life have I ever seen so many bikes in a city. The population of Freiburg is over 200,000, with more than one-third of the people using bicycles as their means of transport.
This number is more than the number of cars in the city. Other means of transport are trams, buses and trains.
There are bicycle parks outside the main train station and other spots where the bikes are all lined up and locked, while their owners are out and about at their respective workplace or at school.
Asked why the bikes are all locked, a student, who gave her name only as Aalina, explained that “they would be stolen if not locked; a lot of people have lost their bicycles through theft.”
Another landmark feature of this historic city is the canal system that runs through the city. The myth about it is that a visitor who accidentally steps into the canals will have to marry a Freiburg woman.
Indeed, the canal creates a very pleasant scenery as one watches the clean water run through the inland waterway through the artistically designed marble pavements.
And towering over the ancient architectural masterpieces of buildings in the centre of the city is the Freiburg Munster. I was told by my colleague, Julia Littman, that most of the surrounding edifices were the recreation of buildings that were destroyed during the Second World War.
It is, however, incredible that the 116 metres high Catheral did not give way to the bombs and still maintains its medieval exquisiteness.
Freiburg, which shares boarders with Switzerland, France, among others, also boasts of many tourist sites, including museums, theatres and other historical monuments that are dotted around the city.
It is also a citadel of education with five public universities and colleges with more than 40,000 students who are seen criss-crossing to their schools and faculties of studies in tight and skinny jeans.
Of course, one cannot miss out on the warmth of the people, most of whom encounter you with broad smiles and politely wishing you “hello.” The difficulty really for me is my inability to communicate in the German language as only few of those I encounter speak English.
For now, I can only say “Chao! Chaoo!!!” goodbye or see you.
Both the old and the young, male and female are spotted either pedalling their way up the gentle hills or slithering down the slope through roads and alleys with the characteristic hanging of bags on their backs.
Just like in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital of Ghana where I come from, bicycles are the major means of transport.
Ours is not about ensuring a clean environment, but something borne out of necessity, because majority of the people can simply not afford to acquire vehicles.
What, therefore, fascinates me is the fact that even though most people in Freiburg can afford cars, they have chosen to ride bicycles for ecological reasons of keeping the environment clean.
In fact, never in my life have I ever seen so many bikes in a city. The population of Freiburg is over 200,000, with more than one-third of the people using bicycles as their means of transport.
This number is more than the number of cars in the city. Other means of transport are trams, buses and trains.
There are bicycle parks outside the main train station and other spots where the bikes are all lined up and locked, while their owners are out and about at their respective workplace or at school.
Asked why the bikes are all locked, a student, who gave her name only as Aalina, explained that “they would be stolen if not locked; a lot of people have lost their bicycles through theft.”
Another landmark feature of this historic city is the canal system that runs through the city. The myth about it is that a visitor who accidentally steps into the canals will have to marry a Freiburg woman.
Indeed, the canal creates a very pleasant scenery as one watches the clean water run through the inland waterway through the artistically designed marble pavements.
And towering over the ancient architectural masterpieces of buildings in the centre of the city is the Freiburg Munster. I was told by my colleague, Julia Littman, that most of the surrounding edifices were the recreation of buildings that were destroyed during the Second World War.
It is, however, incredible that the 116 metres high Catheral did not give way to the bombs and still maintains its medieval exquisiteness.
Freiburg, which shares boarders with Switzerland, France, among others, also boasts of many tourist sites, including museums, theatres and other historical monuments that are dotted around the city.
It is also a citadel of education with five public universities and colleges with more than 40,000 students who are seen criss-crossing to their schools and faculties of studies in tight and skinny jeans.
Of course, one cannot miss out on the warmth of the people, most of whom encounter you with broad smiles and politely wishing you “hello.” The difficulty really for me is my inability to communicate in the German language as only few of those I encounter speak English.
For now, I can only say “Chao! Chaoo!!!” goodbye or see you.
XMAS FEVER IN FREIBURG (PAGE 22, DEC 12)
AS a foreign journalist in an unfamiliar chilly city of Freiburg, nobody needs to tell me that Christmas is fast approaching. You can feel it in the air; you can even smell it in the cosy shops, and indeed you can touch it at the Christmas Market.
Yes! A market mainly for shoppers for the Yuletide, where Christmas merchandise and gifts of all sorts can be found. It is located in the heart of the city, where ancient architectural designs blend magnificently with modern aesthetic structures.
The market is adorned with Christmas trees and colourful contrasting lighting systems that do not only make it exciting, but also offers an ambience of real festive season that is capable of putting every one, including the unyielding ones in the mood.
The shop owners often welcome shoppers to their wares with broad smiles and alluring gestures. Tempting aroma of grilled sausages from food vendors in the market fill the air, while jewellery, Santa Claus garb and a variety of wares, including sweets for kids are on display in the sheds and shops.
There are also fanciful play grounds for children to hang around, while their parents do the shopping.
It usually begins in the last week of November and run through the Christmas Eve or a few days after the Yuletide. The market is opened daily from about 10am to around 9pm.
It signals the beginning of Advent, a Latin word, meaning the arrival, which begins from December 1 to 24 every year.
The fact that Christmas means a lot to the people of Freiburg cannot be ignored, neither is the indication that money is not in short supply be overlooked as expectant shoppers flock from all directions towards the glittering market and depart with bags full of various stuffs.
Coming from a Muslim background (Tamale) in my home country Ghana, I am awed by what I see, because I have never witnessed Christians observe the coming of Christmas with such a warm anticipation, preparation and glamour.
The history of Christmas market in Germany, I am told, dates back to centuries when regular seasonal markets took place throughout the year. Christmas markets were a welcome occurrence during the winter. They are happy occasions for weary villagers and they also add some shine to long, cold nights.
And the first Christmas markets were little more than the winter markets that lasted only a few days with traders in some cities displaying their goods out in the streets.
Over the years, each Christmas market maintained its peculiarities, with each specialising in local delicacies and traditional products. Formerly, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their wares at the city’s market, which had led to the distinctive regional character of today’s markets.
Indeed, Christmas is an occasion many people around the world look forward to celebrating at this time of the year. The occasion provides a platform for both the old and the young from all facets of life to wine and dine, reflect and strengthen their spiritual bonds and also enjoy some fun.
After working all year round, the season offers the opportunity for all to dispense goodwill offers and massages to friends, relations and all.
And these traits are surely not in short supply in Freiburg.
And as I moved around, jostling my way through the thickening crowd of shoppers at the weekend hearing speakers blurring out Christmas carols with some musicians stroking the strings of their guitars to melodious tunes, it dawned on me that Christmas was around the corner, and I was going to be part of the Yuletide as I have already received some invitations to parties.
Yes! A market mainly for shoppers for the Yuletide, where Christmas merchandise and gifts of all sorts can be found. It is located in the heart of the city, where ancient architectural designs blend magnificently with modern aesthetic structures.
The market is adorned with Christmas trees and colourful contrasting lighting systems that do not only make it exciting, but also offers an ambience of real festive season that is capable of putting every one, including the unyielding ones in the mood.
The shop owners often welcome shoppers to their wares with broad smiles and alluring gestures. Tempting aroma of grilled sausages from food vendors in the market fill the air, while jewellery, Santa Claus garb and a variety of wares, including sweets for kids are on display in the sheds and shops.
There are also fanciful play grounds for children to hang around, while their parents do the shopping.
It usually begins in the last week of November and run through the Christmas Eve or a few days after the Yuletide. The market is opened daily from about 10am to around 9pm.
It signals the beginning of Advent, a Latin word, meaning the arrival, which begins from December 1 to 24 every year.
The fact that Christmas means a lot to the people of Freiburg cannot be ignored, neither is the indication that money is not in short supply be overlooked as expectant shoppers flock from all directions towards the glittering market and depart with bags full of various stuffs.
Coming from a Muslim background (Tamale) in my home country Ghana, I am awed by what I see, because I have never witnessed Christians observe the coming of Christmas with such a warm anticipation, preparation and glamour.
The history of Christmas market in Germany, I am told, dates back to centuries when regular seasonal markets took place throughout the year. Christmas markets were a welcome occurrence during the winter. They are happy occasions for weary villagers and they also add some shine to long, cold nights.
And the first Christmas markets were little more than the winter markets that lasted only a few days with traders in some cities displaying their goods out in the streets.
Over the years, each Christmas market maintained its peculiarities, with each specialising in local delicacies and traditional products. Formerly, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their wares at the city’s market, which had led to the distinctive regional character of today’s markets.
Indeed, Christmas is an occasion many people around the world look forward to celebrating at this time of the year. The occasion provides a platform for both the old and the young from all facets of life to wine and dine, reflect and strengthen their spiritual bonds and also enjoy some fun.
After working all year round, the season offers the opportunity for all to dispense goodwill offers and massages to friends, relations and all.
And these traits are surely not in short supply in Freiburg.
And as I moved around, jostling my way through the thickening crowd of shoppers at the weekend hearing speakers blurring out Christmas carols with some musicians stroking the strings of their guitars to melodious tunes, it dawned on me that Christmas was around the corner, and I was going to be part of the Yuletide as I have already received some invitations to parties.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT POLICY TO CREATE JOBS FOR YOUTH (PAGE 38, DEC 9)
AS part of measures to help open up job opportunities for unemployed youth in the country, the Government, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has established an Employment and Investment Policy (EIP) to formulate a national policy in the use of labour-based technologies in the infrastructure sector.
Through the implementation of the policy, it is envisaged that more employment avenues would be opened up in the area of infrastructure development that would make use of labour intensive methods.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, announced this at a four-day technical training workshop for municipal and district engineers, administrators and technicians in Tamale.
It was organised by the ILO/Ghana project and sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID).
The minister said the “Decent Work Project” being implemented by the Government was to ensure that people were engaged in honest jobs devoid of exploitation and harmful work conditions as part of the initiatives under the EIP.
Mr Nayina impressed upon stakeholders in the construction industry to adhere to the decent work strategy by adopting labour friendly methods and simple tools where possible, to ensure job creation to give meaning to the government’s “Better Ghana” slogan.
The National Programme Manager of the ILO-EIP, Mr Charles Kwarteng Asafo-Adjei, said a rural safety network programme would be inaugurated early next year to create employment for the people of the three northern regions where unemployment is very high. It would be funded by the World Bank.
He added that the EIPU was collaborating with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and some polytechnics to develop a curriculum to include labour intensive methods in the course structure for graduates and undergraduates in the universities and polytechnics.
Through the implementation of the policy, it is envisaged that more employment avenues would be opened up in the area of infrastructure development that would make use of labour intensive methods.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, announced this at a four-day technical training workshop for municipal and district engineers, administrators and technicians in Tamale.
It was organised by the ILO/Ghana project and sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID).
The minister said the “Decent Work Project” being implemented by the Government was to ensure that people were engaged in honest jobs devoid of exploitation and harmful work conditions as part of the initiatives under the EIP.
Mr Nayina impressed upon stakeholders in the construction industry to adhere to the decent work strategy by adopting labour friendly methods and simple tools where possible, to ensure job creation to give meaning to the government’s “Better Ghana” slogan.
The National Programme Manager of the ILO-EIP, Mr Charles Kwarteng Asafo-Adjei, said a rural safety network programme would be inaugurated early next year to create employment for the people of the three northern regions where unemployment is very high. It would be funded by the World Bank.
He added that the EIPU was collaborating with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and some polytechnics to develop a curriculum to include labour intensive methods in the course structure for graduates and undergraduates in the universities and polytechnics.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TAMALE, THE OPPOSITE OF FREIBURG (PAGE 18, DEC 5)
Currently, Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, is experiencing harmattan, a cold dry dusty weather that makes the skin dry and susceptible to crack, particularly on the lips.
It is that time of the year when most people experience cracks on their feet that can tear bed sheets. And it is that time of the year when the shea butter cream made from shea nut becomes the companion of the people, particularly those in rural communities.
That was, indeed, the weather condition before I left Tamale for my sojourn in Freiburg, the serene and beautiful city in Germany. Prior to the onset of the harmattan, there was a very sunny weather, with temperatures of about 40 degrees celsius or more sometimes.
The temperature on my arrival at the Frankfurt Airport was different; less than seven degrees. And not only was the weather very cold, it had also just begun raining.
And did I shiver? Indeed, I fluttered like a wet chicken. My colleague, Mrs Julia Littmann, who had earlier spent some weeks with me in Tamale, finally came to my aid with some warm clothes that she had acquired with her very supportive husband, Andrea.
I had ignore the caution to carry some warm clothes along and I paid the price for my recalcitrance.
Upon arrival at the Frankfurt Airport, my colleague and I were welcomed by her husband and a companion, Ms Lena, with warm concentrated cups of coffee that provided me with some warmth for a short period after spending about eight hours in the air.
We were eventually driven by Andrea to Freiburg, a distance of 260 kilometres, on a four-lane asphalt road within about two hours 30 minutes. It certainly reminded me of the rough dreaded single-lane Kintampo-Accra road that continues to claim the lives of motorists.
When my colleague overheard me murmur to myself that my government should, as a matter of concern, also make sure that the Tamale-Accra road was designed into a dual carriageway, she asked, “Zak, don’t you think that could claim more lives?”
“Maybe,” was all I could say because of the recklessness on the part of some drivers back home. Indeed, Tamale is the opposite of Freiburg.
At lunch time, I tasted my first German food. They call it Spatzle in short. It is made of liquid flour dough mixed with eggs, meat, vegetables, berries and spices. I managed it for the rest of the day after gulping a glass of pineapple juice to wash it down.
And for the entire four-week period of my stay in this serene, well laid out city, I knew I surely would taste various German foods for the first time. And, frankly, I was already missing my favourite Tuo Zaafi (T.Z.) and waatche and hot pepper. Do not pity me. I have simply refused to learn how to cook and so I could not utilise the small kitchen attached to my room, where I spent the rest of the day to warm myself into the unfriendly and strange weather.
My presence in Freiburg formed part of an exchange programme dubbed “Nahaufnahme-Close-Up” meant for practising journalists from some selected countries. Under the programme, editorial journalists from Germany exchange their workplaces with journalists abroad for three to six weeks.
They join the editorial teams of the respective partner offices of daily newspapers and will be involved in the local journalism work. During their stay, the participating journalists produce articles (in their own language) for the medium in their host country, which will regularly publish them (after translation by the Goethe-Institut).
During my stay, I will be working with the editorial team of Badische Zeitung. An editor of the daily paper, Mrs Julia Littmann, is already back home after working in the editorial office of the Daily Graphic in Tamale in November.
The programme is organised by the Goethe-Institut, the German cultural institution operating world-wide. It promotes the study of the German language abroad and also encourages international cultural exchange and relations.
It is that time of the year when most people experience cracks on their feet that can tear bed sheets. And it is that time of the year when the shea butter cream made from shea nut becomes the companion of the people, particularly those in rural communities.
That was, indeed, the weather condition before I left Tamale for my sojourn in Freiburg, the serene and beautiful city in Germany. Prior to the onset of the harmattan, there was a very sunny weather, with temperatures of about 40 degrees celsius or more sometimes.
The temperature on my arrival at the Frankfurt Airport was different; less than seven degrees. And not only was the weather very cold, it had also just begun raining.
And did I shiver? Indeed, I fluttered like a wet chicken. My colleague, Mrs Julia Littmann, who had earlier spent some weeks with me in Tamale, finally came to my aid with some warm clothes that she had acquired with her very supportive husband, Andrea.
I had ignore the caution to carry some warm clothes along and I paid the price for my recalcitrance.
Upon arrival at the Frankfurt Airport, my colleague and I were welcomed by her husband and a companion, Ms Lena, with warm concentrated cups of coffee that provided me with some warmth for a short period after spending about eight hours in the air.
We were eventually driven by Andrea to Freiburg, a distance of 260 kilometres, on a four-lane asphalt road within about two hours 30 minutes. It certainly reminded me of the rough dreaded single-lane Kintampo-Accra road that continues to claim the lives of motorists.
When my colleague overheard me murmur to myself that my government should, as a matter of concern, also make sure that the Tamale-Accra road was designed into a dual carriageway, she asked, “Zak, don’t you think that could claim more lives?”
“Maybe,” was all I could say because of the recklessness on the part of some drivers back home. Indeed, Tamale is the opposite of Freiburg.
At lunch time, I tasted my first German food. They call it Spatzle in short. It is made of liquid flour dough mixed with eggs, meat, vegetables, berries and spices. I managed it for the rest of the day after gulping a glass of pineapple juice to wash it down.
And for the entire four-week period of my stay in this serene, well laid out city, I knew I surely would taste various German foods for the first time. And, frankly, I was already missing my favourite Tuo Zaafi (T.Z.) and waatche and hot pepper. Do not pity me. I have simply refused to learn how to cook and so I could not utilise the small kitchen attached to my room, where I spent the rest of the day to warm myself into the unfriendly and strange weather.
My presence in Freiburg formed part of an exchange programme dubbed “Nahaufnahme-Close-Up” meant for practising journalists from some selected countries. Under the programme, editorial journalists from Germany exchange their workplaces with journalists abroad for three to six weeks.
They join the editorial teams of the respective partner offices of daily newspapers and will be involved in the local journalism work. During their stay, the participating journalists produce articles (in their own language) for the medium in their host country, which will regularly publish them (after translation by the Goethe-Institut).
During my stay, I will be working with the editorial team of Badische Zeitung. An editor of the daily paper, Mrs Julia Littmann, is already back home after working in the editorial office of the Daily Graphic in Tamale in November.
The programme is organised by the Goethe-Institut, the German cultural institution operating world-wide. It promotes the study of the German language abroad and also encourages international cultural exchange and relations.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
20 STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS (PAGE 26, DEC 2)
Electrical contractors have been advised to keep abreast of the most advanced systems and technologies used in installing electrical cables to enhance quality service delivery.
The Assistant Marketing Manager of Nexans Kabelmetal, Mr Mahama B. Dollah, who gave the advice, said it was equally important for them to build their capacity in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enable them to appreciate modern ways of sourcing for business and build partnerships with other companies.
At a seminar in Kumasi to sensitise the members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Electrical Contractors Association to the need for them to source for quality electrical cables that met the requirements of contractors in particular and their clients in general, Mr Dollah noted that the use of substandard cables undermined quality work because the cables could easily catch fire to destroy lives and properties.
About 120 members attended the seminar, which also sought to introduce members to the products of Nexans Kabelmetal, one of the leading cable manufacturers in the country.
Mr Dollah charged the members to strictly adhere to specifications in installing outdoor and underground cables, as well as those specified for earth wires, conductors and binding wires.
He also educated the participants on the technology of cables and took them through the various types, their uses, characteristics and safety measures that should be taken to prevent cables from catching fire.
He said his company, which is affiliated to the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other renowned companies in the country, was conscious of the danger of using substandard electrical cables any constructional work and would extend its educational campaign to other regional capitals to sensitise members of the industry to appreciate the need to use only quality electrical cables.
He called on electricians who had not joined the association to do so to enable them to share ideas and experiences on how to improve upon their work “to enable you to overcome every challenge you encounter in the industry”.
The Assistant Marketing Manager of Nexans Kabelmetal, Mr Mahama B. Dollah, who gave the advice, said it was equally important for them to build their capacity in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enable them to appreciate modern ways of sourcing for business and build partnerships with other companies.
At a seminar in Kumasi to sensitise the members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Electrical Contractors Association to the need for them to source for quality electrical cables that met the requirements of contractors in particular and their clients in general, Mr Dollah noted that the use of substandard cables undermined quality work because the cables could easily catch fire to destroy lives and properties.
About 120 members attended the seminar, which also sought to introduce members to the products of Nexans Kabelmetal, one of the leading cable manufacturers in the country.
Mr Dollah charged the members to strictly adhere to specifications in installing outdoor and underground cables, as well as those specified for earth wires, conductors and binding wires.
He also educated the participants on the technology of cables and took them through the various types, their uses, characteristics and safety measures that should be taken to prevent cables from catching fire.
He said his company, which is affiliated to the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other renowned companies in the country, was conscious of the danger of using substandard electrical cables any constructional work and would extend its educational campaign to other regional capitals to sensitise members of the industry to appreciate the need to use only quality electrical cables.
He called on electricians who had not joined the association to do so to enable them to share ideas and experiences on how to improve upon their work “to enable you to overcome every challenge you encounter in the industry”.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
RAPE SUSPECT TO FACE PROSECUTION (PAGE 11, NOV 28)
A Chemistry teacher of the Tamale Girls Senior High (TAGISS), Mr Mohammed Sadick, is to be prosecuted for allegedly raping a 16-year-old female student of the school.
The suspect, who had been remanded in prison custody, was alleged to have invited the girl into the school’s computer laboratory around 7:30p.m. on October 12, 2009 he tried to coerce her to agree to his sexual advances.
When the victim, (name withheld), however, refused Saddick’s advances, the suspect overpowered and raped her.
It was the victim’s wailing after she had been pinned to the bare floor that attracted some students including the girl’s prefect. They managed to save the girl.
The matter was later reported to the school authorities who also informed the Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of Education where the suspect was released to, after the former had formed a committee to look into the matter.
Upon hearing of the case from other sources, however, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Northern Regional Police Command wrote to the education directorate and requested that the suspect be brought before the unit for the necessary action.
According to an official of the unit, Mr Sab Tetteh, “rape is a criminal act and only the Police Service has the mandate to investigate and prosecute in such matters.”
This is the second time the suspect has allegedly been involved in a rape case.
He was allegedly involved in a similar case at the Yendi Senior High School from where he was transferred and reposted to the TAGISS.
The suspect, who had been remanded in prison custody, was alleged to have invited the girl into the school’s computer laboratory around 7:30p.m. on October 12, 2009 he tried to coerce her to agree to his sexual advances.
When the victim, (name withheld), however, refused Saddick’s advances, the suspect overpowered and raped her.
It was the victim’s wailing after she had been pinned to the bare floor that attracted some students including the girl’s prefect. They managed to save the girl.
The matter was later reported to the school authorities who also informed the Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of Education where the suspect was released to, after the former had formed a committee to look into the matter.
Upon hearing of the case from other sources, however, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Northern Regional Police Command wrote to the education directorate and requested that the suspect be brought before the unit for the necessary action.
According to an official of the unit, Mr Sab Tetteh, “rape is a criminal act and only the Police Service has the mandate to investigate and prosecute in such matters.”
This is the second time the suspect has allegedly been involved in a rape case.
He was allegedly involved in a similar case at the Yendi Senior High School from where he was transferred and reposted to the TAGISS.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
MURDER SUSPECT GRABBED (SPREAD, NOV 17)
THE prime suspect in connection with the murder of the People’s National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidate for the Nalerigu Constituency in the 2008 general election is in police grips.
The suspect, Salifu Tia, aka Salifu Zongo Naaba, a 31-year-old farmer and native of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District, was arrested at the weekend at his hideout at Gulugu in the Gushiegu District of the Northern Region.
A locally manufactured pistol and a military belt were among the items retrieved from him.
He is currently in police custody awaiting prosecution.
Also in police custody are seven suspects who were apprehended at Nasia on the Tamale-Bolga road. Their names were not disclosed for security reasons.
They are at the moment assisting the police in their investigations into the murder of Mr Moses Alando Banaba last Thursday evening when he was on his way home from work at the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu where he worked as a pharmacist.
The remains of the deceased, who was allegedly shot in the thigh with an AK 47 rifle, have since been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
At a press conference in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, said Naaba was apprehended through the assistance of the chief and some Good Samaritans of Gulugu after a tip-off.
He said the police had earlier been prevented by a crowd from effecting Naaba’s arrest at Nalerigu where he had been spotted at a lorry station attempting to flee the area.
They had again been denied the opportunity to apprehend him by residents of two other communities in the East Mamprusi District until he was gripped at Gulugu.
“We are treating this case purely as a criminal one and will surely get to the bottom of this matter,” Mr Awuni indicated.
While the commander could not immediately explain the motive for the murder, he said, “We suspect that the feuding factions in Bawku are importing the conflict to the Northern Region.”
He expressed the readiness of the police to deal with any eventuality but appealed to the chiefs and people of the area to assist the police in their work by co-operating fully in investigations to get rid of miscreants to ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
The suspect, Salifu Tia, aka Salifu Zongo Naaba, a 31-year-old farmer and native of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District, was arrested at the weekend at his hideout at Gulugu in the Gushiegu District of the Northern Region.
A locally manufactured pistol and a military belt were among the items retrieved from him.
He is currently in police custody awaiting prosecution.
Also in police custody are seven suspects who were apprehended at Nasia on the Tamale-Bolga road. Their names were not disclosed for security reasons.
They are at the moment assisting the police in their investigations into the murder of Mr Moses Alando Banaba last Thursday evening when he was on his way home from work at the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu where he worked as a pharmacist.
The remains of the deceased, who was allegedly shot in the thigh with an AK 47 rifle, have since been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
At a press conference in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, said Naaba was apprehended through the assistance of the chief and some Good Samaritans of Gulugu after a tip-off.
He said the police had earlier been prevented by a crowd from effecting Naaba’s arrest at Nalerigu where he had been spotted at a lorry station attempting to flee the area.
They had again been denied the opportunity to apprehend him by residents of two other communities in the East Mamprusi District until he was gripped at Gulugu.
“We are treating this case purely as a criminal one and will surely get to the bottom of this matter,” Mr Awuni indicated.
While the commander could not immediately explain the motive for the murder, he said, “We suspect that the feuding factions in Bawku are importing the conflict to the Northern Region.”
He expressed the readiness of the police to deal with any eventuality but appealed to the chiefs and people of the area to assist the police in their work by co-operating fully in investigations to get rid of miscreants to ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
WORKSHOP ON DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS ENDS IN TAMALE (NOV 14, PAGE 13)
A two-day workshop to sharpen the skills of officials of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies on the efficient and effective disbursement and management of public funds has been held in Tamale.
Among the topics discussed were local level institutional arrangement for the disbursement and management of public funds, legal framework, accounting rules, concepts, policies and procedures in the public sector and internal controls and role of stakeholders among others.
The participants included district chief executives, co-ordinating directors, finance and budget officers, chairpersons of finance and administration subcommittees and local government inspectors from the 20 districts in the Northern Region.
The workshop was organised by the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Tamale.
The Head of the Education and Training of the ILGS, Mr Simon Bokor, mentioned waste and corruption, increasing public expenditure and the inability of public institutions to meet public needs as some of the areas that had contributed to inefficiency and lack of responsiveness in the public sector.
He, however, added “Of late, accountability, ethics and integrity have taken centre stage in public-private engagement with the understanding that the more responsive district assemblies become, the more local people are enabled to realise their rights and gain access to resources”.
Mr Bokor explained accountability to mean the rights and responsibilities that existed between people and the institutions that affect their lives such as governments, private enterprises and civil society.
He further suggested that for accountability to be effective, there should be free flow of information on decisions and actions taken, and the involvement of citizens in the business of local governance.
“It is the view of many that accountability must not only be an after-event activity but should be applied before, during and after the exercise of public authority”, Mr Bokor stated.
The officer in charge of accounting at the ILGS, Mr Eric Oduro Osei, said financial reforms were an integral part of the nation’s decentralisation policy and the new system of local government.
He explained that the reforms aimed at mobilising local resources and ensuring a prudent and judicious use of financial resources at the local level to ensure total national development.
According to Mr Osei, the misapplication of funds was detrimental to the overall national effort of reducing poverty through wealth creation.
He, therefore, indicated that by virtue of their position as facilitators of local development, district officials must be abreast of the demands of their office and work for the citizens to obtain value for money.
“It is, therefore, pertinent that they are continuously exposed to the laws, procedures, practices and internal controls in managing public funds in order that public funds will be well managed for improved standards of living in the localities”, Mr Osei stated.
Among the topics discussed were local level institutional arrangement for the disbursement and management of public funds, legal framework, accounting rules, concepts, policies and procedures in the public sector and internal controls and role of stakeholders among others.
The participants included district chief executives, co-ordinating directors, finance and budget officers, chairpersons of finance and administration subcommittees and local government inspectors from the 20 districts in the Northern Region.
The workshop was organised by the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Tamale.
The Head of the Education and Training of the ILGS, Mr Simon Bokor, mentioned waste and corruption, increasing public expenditure and the inability of public institutions to meet public needs as some of the areas that had contributed to inefficiency and lack of responsiveness in the public sector.
He, however, added “Of late, accountability, ethics and integrity have taken centre stage in public-private engagement with the understanding that the more responsive district assemblies become, the more local people are enabled to realise their rights and gain access to resources”.
Mr Bokor explained accountability to mean the rights and responsibilities that existed between people and the institutions that affect their lives such as governments, private enterprises and civil society.
He further suggested that for accountability to be effective, there should be free flow of information on decisions and actions taken, and the involvement of citizens in the business of local governance.
“It is the view of many that accountability must not only be an after-event activity but should be applied before, during and after the exercise of public authority”, Mr Bokor stated.
The officer in charge of accounting at the ILGS, Mr Eric Oduro Osei, said financial reforms were an integral part of the nation’s decentralisation policy and the new system of local government.
He explained that the reforms aimed at mobilising local resources and ensuring a prudent and judicious use of financial resources at the local level to ensure total national development.
According to Mr Osei, the misapplication of funds was detrimental to the overall national effort of reducing poverty through wealth creation.
He, therefore, indicated that by virtue of their position as facilitators of local development, district officials must be abreast of the demands of their office and work for the citizens to obtain value for money.
“It is, therefore, pertinent that they are continuously exposed to the laws, procedures, practices and internal controls in managing public funds in order that public funds will be well managed for improved standards of living in the localities”, Mr Osei stated.
DOCTORS' FAILURE TO ACCEPT POSTING TO NORTHERN GHANA...GMA is worried (PAGE 22, NOV 14)
THE Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has expressed concern about the continuous refusal of some of its members to accept posting to the three northern regions.
At the moment, the total number of doctors in the three regions is 99. The Northern Region has 51 while the Upper East and Upper West regions have 33 and 15 doctors, respectively. Figures in respect of other categories of health professionals follow similar trends.
The President of the association, Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, attributed the attitude by such members partly to the perception that being posted to the north was punishment.
Dr Winful also mentioned the “enormous protocol pressure brought to bear on managers by ‘big men’ to keep their wards (doctors) in the cities” as another contributory factor to the problem.
These, coupled with the advantages of working in teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi where some doctors supplement their “incomes with private practice and enjoying all the good things that the cities provide,” discourage the doctors from accepting posting to northern Ghana.
On the way forward, the president, who was speaking at the 51st annual general meeting (AGM) in Tamale, suggested that a package of incentives that included a car, 50 per cent of basic salary, free adequate accommodation and utilities be offered members who would opt to work in deprived communities.
“In addition, the period spent working in deprived areas ought to count during selection for post-graduate training,” he added.
The four-day meeting, which is the first of its kind to be held in the Northern Region, was on the theme: “Towards a better health care for Ghana — the human resource challenges and solutions.”
Dr Winful further entreated the leadership of the health administration in the country, majority of who hail from the north at the moment, to collaborate and evolve effective measures to address the imbalance in the system.
He, however, expressed the hope that with the successful hosting of the meeting in Tamale “that has made it possible for many of our colleagues to have a feel of what it is like to travel up north, I hope postings up north will show a significant increase after this AGM”.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Vice President, Mr John Mahama, urged the association to help find ways of addressing the needs and challenges of the health sector to evolve a better healthcare for a better Ghana.
He stated that the commitment by the government to improve the health sector was borne out of their campaign promises to the people.
According to him, the government would not renege on its pledge to increase the budgetary allocation and also improve on infrastructure development for the sector, and therefore, called for the individual commitment of the GMA in that direction.
“Together, through dialogue, the government and the GMA can develop workable synergies for the betterment of the health sector,” Mr Mahama stated.
For his part, the Minister of Health designate, Dr Benjamin Kumbour, urged district assemblies and traditional rulers, particularly those in northern Ghana, to create an enabling environment that could attract and encourage doctors and other health professionals to accept posting to deprived communities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Steven Nayina, expressed the preparedness of the regional co-ordinating councils in the three regions to offer accommodation and other incentives to doctors who would accept posting to the area in order to motivate them to stay.
At the moment, the total number of doctors in the three regions is 99. The Northern Region has 51 while the Upper East and Upper West regions have 33 and 15 doctors, respectively. Figures in respect of other categories of health professionals follow similar trends.
The President of the association, Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, attributed the attitude by such members partly to the perception that being posted to the north was punishment.
Dr Winful also mentioned the “enormous protocol pressure brought to bear on managers by ‘big men’ to keep their wards (doctors) in the cities” as another contributory factor to the problem.
These, coupled with the advantages of working in teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi where some doctors supplement their “incomes with private practice and enjoying all the good things that the cities provide,” discourage the doctors from accepting posting to northern Ghana.
On the way forward, the president, who was speaking at the 51st annual general meeting (AGM) in Tamale, suggested that a package of incentives that included a car, 50 per cent of basic salary, free adequate accommodation and utilities be offered members who would opt to work in deprived communities.
“In addition, the period spent working in deprived areas ought to count during selection for post-graduate training,” he added.
The four-day meeting, which is the first of its kind to be held in the Northern Region, was on the theme: “Towards a better health care for Ghana — the human resource challenges and solutions.”
Dr Winful further entreated the leadership of the health administration in the country, majority of who hail from the north at the moment, to collaborate and evolve effective measures to address the imbalance in the system.
He, however, expressed the hope that with the successful hosting of the meeting in Tamale “that has made it possible for many of our colleagues to have a feel of what it is like to travel up north, I hope postings up north will show a significant increase after this AGM”.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Vice President, Mr John Mahama, urged the association to help find ways of addressing the needs and challenges of the health sector to evolve a better healthcare for a better Ghana.
He stated that the commitment by the government to improve the health sector was borne out of their campaign promises to the people.
According to him, the government would not renege on its pledge to increase the budgetary allocation and also improve on infrastructure development for the sector, and therefore, called for the individual commitment of the GMA in that direction.
“Together, through dialogue, the government and the GMA can develop workable synergies for the betterment of the health sector,” Mr Mahama stated.
For his part, the Minister of Health designate, Dr Benjamin Kumbour, urged district assemblies and traditional rulers, particularly those in northern Ghana, to create an enabling environment that could attract and encourage doctors and other health professionals to accept posting to deprived communities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Steven Nayina, expressed the preparedness of the regional co-ordinating councils in the three regions to offer accommodation and other incentives to doctors who would accept posting to the area in order to motivate them to stay.
MURDER IN COLD BLOOD ...PNC's candidate ambushed & shot (LEAD STORY)
STORY: Zakaria Alhassan in Tamale & Lucy Adoma Yeboah in Accra
THE People’s National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidate in the Nalerigu Constituency in the 2008 elections, Mr Moses Alando Banaba, has been killed by an unknown gunman at Nalerigu in the Northern Region.
The deceased, who worked at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre in the East Mamprusi District as a pharmacist, was allegedly ambushed and shot in the thigh when he was on his way home after work on Thursday evening.
The body of the deceased, who is a Kusasi, has been deposited at the morgue at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
However, the Northern Regional Police Command is on the heels of two suspects. While the name of one of the suspects is yet to be known, the police mentioned one Salifu Zongo Naaba as the other suspect.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr A. Awuni, Zongo Naaba, a Mamprusi, was spotted early yesterday at a lorry station at Nalerigu attempting to flee the town.
He said when the police attempted to arrest Naaba, a crowd went to his defence, thereby preventing the policemen from effecting the suspect’s arrest.
The suspect is believed to be working with Alhaji Yussif, aka Patience, a lotto agent in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The commander, therefore, appealed to the Paramount Chief of the area, the Nayiri, Na Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, to prevail upon the people to produce the suspect to assist in investigations.
“Even though the motive for the shooting is yet to be ascertained, this incident is an indication that the feuding factions in Bawku now want to export the conflict to the Northern Region,” ACP Awuni indicated.
“We will not sit unconcerned and allow some few disgruntled persons to take the law into their own hands. We will deal drastically with such people when apprehended,” he warned.
He emphasised the readiness of the police to go after the sponsors of the internecine conflicts in the north and urged the people to report any suspicious characters in their respective communities to the police.
When contacted in Accra, the Leader of the PNC, Dr Edward Mahama, said he received a phone call about Mr Banaba’s murder from members of the deceased’s family around 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2009.
He expressed his deepest condolence to Mr Banaba’s family and friends and advised them to stay calm as the security agencies conducted investigations into the matter.
He also expressed confidence in the security agencies and appealed to them to do everything within their power to apprehend the culprits to ensure that justice prevailed.
Dr Mahama said the late Mr Banaba had been with the PNC since early 1992.
The late Mr Banaba, believed to be in his late 40s, was married with six children. His wife, who is said to be pursuing a course in Accra, left for home immediately the news got to her.
THE People’s National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidate in the Nalerigu Constituency in the 2008 elections, Mr Moses Alando Banaba, has been killed by an unknown gunman at Nalerigu in the Northern Region.
The deceased, who worked at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre in the East Mamprusi District as a pharmacist, was allegedly ambushed and shot in the thigh when he was on his way home after work on Thursday evening.
The body of the deceased, who is a Kusasi, has been deposited at the morgue at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
However, the Northern Regional Police Command is on the heels of two suspects. While the name of one of the suspects is yet to be known, the police mentioned one Salifu Zongo Naaba as the other suspect.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr A. Awuni, Zongo Naaba, a Mamprusi, was spotted early yesterday at a lorry station at Nalerigu attempting to flee the town.
He said when the police attempted to arrest Naaba, a crowd went to his defence, thereby preventing the policemen from effecting the suspect’s arrest.
The suspect is believed to be working with Alhaji Yussif, aka Patience, a lotto agent in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The commander, therefore, appealed to the Paramount Chief of the area, the Nayiri, Na Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, to prevail upon the people to produce the suspect to assist in investigations.
“Even though the motive for the shooting is yet to be ascertained, this incident is an indication that the feuding factions in Bawku now want to export the conflict to the Northern Region,” ACP Awuni indicated.
“We will not sit unconcerned and allow some few disgruntled persons to take the law into their own hands. We will deal drastically with such people when apprehended,” he warned.
He emphasised the readiness of the police to go after the sponsors of the internecine conflicts in the north and urged the people to report any suspicious characters in their respective communities to the police.
When contacted in Accra, the Leader of the PNC, Dr Edward Mahama, said he received a phone call about Mr Banaba’s murder from members of the deceased’s family around 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2009.
He expressed his deepest condolence to Mr Banaba’s family and friends and advised them to stay calm as the security agencies conducted investigations into the matter.
He also expressed confidence in the security agencies and appealed to them to do everything within their power to apprehend the culprits to ensure that justice prevailed.
Dr Mahama said the late Mr Banaba had been with the PNC since early 1992.
The late Mr Banaba, believed to be in his late 40s, was married with six children. His wife, who is said to be pursuing a course in Accra, left for home immediately the news got to her.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SORCERY — SCHOOL CLOSED DOWN (MIRROR, LEAD STORY, OCT 31, 2009)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Shelinvoya.
THE Shelinvoya L/A Primary School in the West Mamprusi district of the northern region has for the past one and half years been closed down following the practice of sorcery that has allegedly claimed the life of a female teacher in the school.
And for the fear of their lives, the rest of the teachers requested for transfer and have since been posted to other schools in the district compelling majority of the pupils to stay at home for the past one and half years.
The school that had a population of 179 pupils is the only basic education facility in the community with a population of 1,750 people. Shelinvoya is 21 miles from Walewale, the West Mamprusi district capital.
The school is made up of a kindergarten up to class six. The closer’s school from that community is a distance of nine miles at Kparigu.
At the moment, the community has taken its own initiative by engaging the services of some non-formal education teachers in the area who have volunteered to organise temporary classes for the pupils. It begun about two weeks ago.
According to a former teacher of the school who declined to mention his name, traces of concoctions including cow milk and mixtures of assorted grains and blood had been found near the class of the deceased several times after her death.
“Several appeals by the chief and his elders to perpetrators of the act to put a stop to it failed. A fowl that was slaughtered by the chief and buried on the school compound as part of a sacrifice to cleanse the area was exhumed the next day,” the teacher claimed.
“Since all efforts and interventions by the chief and his elders including the district directorate of education to stop the acts failed, we the teachers, for the fear of our lives decided to appeal to our employers to repost us which was granted,” he added.
The chief of Shelinvoya, Na Yakubu Issifu, confirmed the story and claimed that the father of the deceased teacher, Zakari Jabuni and his new wife were behind the death of the deceased teacher, Madam Ramatu Zakari as alleged by the people. The accused and the mother of the deceased have been divorced for some years now. Na Issifu further claimed that the accused was also behind the sprinkling of concoctions on the school compound, because “since the death of his daughter, Zakari has known no peace; he was doing all these things to chase away the pestering ghost of his daughter.”
He said this came to light after he and his elders had consulted a shrine at Bugia in the Kparigu area. At the Shrine, Jabuni was allegedly implicated in the death of his daughter. His new wife was however exonerated. The accused was therefore asked to pay an undisclosed sum of money and also provide some animals to pacify the gods. The accused has however denied the allegations even though he acknowledged sending the money and sheep to the shrine attendant as demanded. Since Zakari’s implication in the matter, he has almost become an outcast in the community.
It is in the light of this disturbing situation that, the Shelinvoya Community Children’s Club have therefore appealed to the Chief of the area, Na Yakubu Salifu, the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders in education to ensure the timely re-opening of the school.
Members of the club, that was formed by the Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale based NGO expressed concern that, “we cannot continue to be in the house without attending school while our colleagues in other communities are attending school regularly.”
A class five pupil of the school, Issifu Alhassan said, “I am now shepherding my grandfather’s cattle; I may not go back to school even if it is re-opened today.”
When contacted, the newly appointed West Mamprusi district director of education, Alhaji Haroon Cambodia said he was yet to be briefed on the matter. He however promised to act with dispatch to ensure the re-opening and reposting of teachers to the school as investigations continue.
THE Shelinvoya L/A Primary School in the West Mamprusi district of the northern region has for the past one and half years been closed down following the practice of sorcery that has allegedly claimed the life of a female teacher in the school.
And for the fear of their lives, the rest of the teachers requested for transfer and have since been posted to other schools in the district compelling majority of the pupils to stay at home for the past one and half years.
The school that had a population of 179 pupils is the only basic education facility in the community with a population of 1,750 people. Shelinvoya is 21 miles from Walewale, the West Mamprusi district capital.
The school is made up of a kindergarten up to class six. The closer’s school from that community is a distance of nine miles at Kparigu.
At the moment, the community has taken its own initiative by engaging the services of some non-formal education teachers in the area who have volunteered to organise temporary classes for the pupils. It begun about two weeks ago.
According to a former teacher of the school who declined to mention his name, traces of concoctions including cow milk and mixtures of assorted grains and blood had been found near the class of the deceased several times after her death.
“Several appeals by the chief and his elders to perpetrators of the act to put a stop to it failed. A fowl that was slaughtered by the chief and buried on the school compound as part of a sacrifice to cleanse the area was exhumed the next day,” the teacher claimed.
“Since all efforts and interventions by the chief and his elders including the district directorate of education to stop the acts failed, we the teachers, for the fear of our lives decided to appeal to our employers to repost us which was granted,” he added.
The chief of Shelinvoya, Na Yakubu Issifu, confirmed the story and claimed that the father of the deceased teacher, Zakari Jabuni and his new wife were behind the death of the deceased teacher, Madam Ramatu Zakari as alleged by the people. The accused and the mother of the deceased have been divorced for some years now. Na Issifu further claimed that the accused was also behind the sprinkling of concoctions on the school compound, because “since the death of his daughter, Zakari has known no peace; he was doing all these things to chase away the pestering ghost of his daughter.”
He said this came to light after he and his elders had consulted a shrine at Bugia in the Kparigu area. At the Shrine, Jabuni was allegedly implicated in the death of his daughter. His new wife was however exonerated. The accused was therefore asked to pay an undisclosed sum of money and also provide some animals to pacify the gods. The accused has however denied the allegations even though he acknowledged sending the money and sheep to the shrine attendant as demanded. Since Zakari’s implication in the matter, he has almost become an outcast in the community.
It is in the light of this disturbing situation that, the Shelinvoya Community Children’s Club have therefore appealed to the Chief of the area, Na Yakubu Salifu, the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders in education to ensure the timely re-opening of the school.
Members of the club, that was formed by the Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale based NGO expressed concern that, “we cannot continue to be in the house without attending school while our colleagues in other communities are attending school regularly.”
A class five pupil of the school, Issifu Alhassan said, “I am now shepherding my grandfather’s cattle; I may not go back to school even if it is re-opened today.”
When contacted, the newly appointed West Mamprusi district director of education, Alhaji Haroon Cambodia said he was yet to be briefed on the matter. He however promised to act with dispatch to ensure the re-opening and reposting of teachers to the school as investigations continue.
CAMFED SUPPORTS CENTRAL JHS AT CHEREPONI (PAGE 11, OCT 21)
STORY: Zakaria Alhassan, Chereponi.
THE Campaign for Female Education, (Camfed) an international NGO in Tamale, has constructed a classroom block including a computer laboratory for the Central Junior High School at Chereponi in the Northern Region.
The three classroom block that has also been furnished by the organisation, replaces a dilapidated structure that has housed the school over the years.
The project was funded by Credit Suisse, a Swiss Bank. The sponsors have also supporting Camfed in the supply of computers, educational materials and mobile science laboratories and the organisation of Maths and science camp for girls in some selected schools in the northern region over the years.
In a speech read on her behalf, the executive director of Camfed, Ms. Dolores Dickson, explained that, “it is at the heart of our organisation to bring joy and hope to children in Africa.”
According to her, nothing is too expensive to provide for a child if it is necessary to give the child quality education and a safe environment to enable the child grow up to turn the tide of poverty in his or her family.
She indicated that, the project was the first of its kind to be embarked upon by her outfit since it was established in 2007. And that the choice of Chereponi was based on the degree of need among their operational districts in the northern region.
The fourteen beneficiary areas are Nanumba North and South, Karaga, Gushiegu, Tolon/Kumbungu, West and East Mamprusi, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo and Bole. The rest are Chereponi, West Gonja, Savelugu/Nanton, Yendi municipal and the Tamale metropolis.
Ms. Dickson observed that the high poverty levels in the north can only be eradicated if the girl-child was offered quality education and women are given access to economic resources.
She expressed Camfed’s commitment to these objects for which reason 4000 needy girls in 128 JHS and 22 SHS in the region have been enrolled on the organisation’s bursary programme.
The bursary support covers school fees for SHS, exam fees for JHS, notebooks, bags, footwear, uniform, sanitary towels, mathematical sets and pens. And in this academic, a food package for sponsored girls in hostels has been included in the programme.
“Our termly cash transfers to 123 primary schools in the region is also aimed at providing a safety net for vulnerable children who are at risk of dropping from school due to lack of basic needs,” she further explained.
The Chereponi district director of education, Mr. Paul Konde, noted that the presence of Camfed in the area has impacted positively on the fortunes of education.
He mentioned the bursary and safety net fund interventions as some of the programmes which he said had enabled deprived children to access education and their expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Camfed for their invaluable support.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sumani Nayina emphasised the preparedness of the Regional Coordinating Council to collaborate effectively with development partners to help in accelerating the socio-economic advancement of the area that is one of the most deprived regions in the country.
He urged other NGOs to emulate the example of Camfed by contributing towards reversing the downward trends of education in the area.
THE Campaign for Female Education, (Camfed) an international NGO in Tamale, has constructed a classroom block including a computer laboratory for the Central Junior High School at Chereponi in the Northern Region.
The three classroom block that has also been furnished by the organisation, replaces a dilapidated structure that has housed the school over the years.
The project was funded by Credit Suisse, a Swiss Bank. The sponsors have also supporting Camfed in the supply of computers, educational materials and mobile science laboratories and the organisation of Maths and science camp for girls in some selected schools in the northern region over the years.
In a speech read on her behalf, the executive director of Camfed, Ms. Dolores Dickson, explained that, “it is at the heart of our organisation to bring joy and hope to children in Africa.”
According to her, nothing is too expensive to provide for a child if it is necessary to give the child quality education and a safe environment to enable the child grow up to turn the tide of poverty in his or her family.
She indicated that, the project was the first of its kind to be embarked upon by her outfit since it was established in 2007. And that the choice of Chereponi was based on the degree of need among their operational districts in the northern region.
The fourteen beneficiary areas are Nanumba North and South, Karaga, Gushiegu, Tolon/Kumbungu, West and East Mamprusi, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo and Bole. The rest are Chereponi, West Gonja, Savelugu/Nanton, Yendi municipal and the Tamale metropolis.
Ms. Dickson observed that the high poverty levels in the north can only be eradicated if the girl-child was offered quality education and women are given access to economic resources.
She expressed Camfed’s commitment to these objects for which reason 4000 needy girls in 128 JHS and 22 SHS in the region have been enrolled on the organisation’s bursary programme.
The bursary support covers school fees for SHS, exam fees for JHS, notebooks, bags, footwear, uniform, sanitary towels, mathematical sets and pens. And in this academic, a food package for sponsored girls in hostels has been included in the programme.
“Our termly cash transfers to 123 primary schools in the region is also aimed at providing a safety net for vulnerable children who are at risk of dropping from school due to lack of basic needs,” she further explained.
The Chereponi district director of education, Mr. Paul Konde, noted that the presence of Camfed in the area has impacted positively on the fortunes of education.
He mentioned the bursary and safety net fund interventions as some of the programmes which he said had enabled deprived children to access education and their expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Camfed for their invaluable support.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sumani Nayina emphasised the preparedness of the Regional Coordinating Council to collaborate effectively with development partners to help in accelerating the socio-economic advancement of the area that is one of the most deprived regions in the country.
He urged other NGOs to emulate the example of Camfed by contributing towards reversing the downward trends of education in the area.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE POOR — Christian Council (PAGE 20, NOV 11)
THE Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has entreated the Government to show more commitment towards improving the living conditions of the poor, particularly those in communities in the northern parts of the country where poverty is endemic.
“While we appreciate the Government’s efforts at ameliorating poverty in the country, we are reminding her that we have just six years left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s),” the council stated.
The Northern Sector Co-ordinator of the CCG, Mr James A. Nahyi who addressed separate audiences in some selected mosques and churches in the Tamale metropolis, also expressed concern over the lack of employment opportunities for the youth.
He was speaking in connection with the campaign, “Stand up and take action against poverty and the MDGS,” under the auspices of the MDGS and the Ghana Coalition Against Poverty (GCAP).
The advocacy is part of a worldwide call to show support to end poverty and achieve and exceed the eight MDGs.
According to Mr Nahyi, the programme provides an opportunity for African citizens to show solidarity with millions of poor and excluded groups by demanding that Governments become more accountable by improving their governance practices and develop and implement pro-poor policies.
He, however, said “the activities were not only to remind the Government of the need to work harder towards reducing poverty, but also to remind ourselves that we need to create an atmosphere where development that will lead to poverty alleviation can take place”.
The co-ordinator further said a high percentage of children of school age were out of schools, child and maternal mortality rates were on the increase and environmental degradation was a menace in particularly, the three northern regions.
“While we appreciate the Government’s efforts at ameliorating poverty in the country, we are reminding her that we have just six years left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s),” the council stated.
The Northern Sector Co-ordinator of the CCG, Mr James A. Nahyi who addressed separate audiences in some selected mosques and churches in the Tamale metropolis, also expressed concern over the lack of employment opportunities for the youth.
He was speaking in connection with the campaign, “Stand up and take action against poverty and the MDGS,” under the auspices of the MDGS and the Ghana Coalition Against Poverty (GCAP).
The advocacy is part of a worldwide call to show support to end poverty and achieve and exceed the eight MDGs.
According to Mr Nahyi, the programme provides an opportunity for African citizens to show solidarity with millions of poor and excluded groups by demanding that Governments become more accountable by improving their governance practices and develop and implement pro-poor policies.
He, however, said “the activities were not only to remind the Government of the need to work harder towards reducing poverty, but also to remind ourselves that we need to create an atmosphere where development that will lead to poverty alleviation can take place”.
The co-ordinator further said a high percentage of children of school age were out of schools, child and maternal mortality rates were on the increase and environmental degradation was a menace in particularly, the three northern regions.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
GMA APPEALS TO GOVT (NOV 10, PAGE 30)
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, reconstitute and inaugurate the dissolved board and the council of the Medical and Dental Council and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons respectively, to enable them to execute their lawful mandate.
The association equally urged the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to streamline its programmes and avoid concentrating them in a few teaching hospitals, to the detriment of medical officers in deprived communities.
In a communiqué read by its President, Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, at the end of its 51st annual general meeting in Tamale on Sunday, the GMA said, “Training should also place emphasis on practical district and community rotation that results in learning while delivering service.”
The week-long meeting was on the theme, “Towards a Better Health Care for Ghana; the Human Resource Challenges and Solutions”.
The communiqué further called on the government to resource health training institutions in the country and also offer more support for post-graduate studies.
It emphasised the need for the government to put in place a comprehensive package to attract health workers into deprived communities and retain them.
“District assemblies should also take urgent steps to address frustrating accommodation challenges by providing adequate and decent accommodation for health workers posted to deprived areas,” it said.
It said the GMA would continue to call upon its members to accept postings to serve in deprived areas of the country.
On the smooth operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), it called for the regular review of tariffs, while ensuring prompt re-imbursement of claims submitted by providers to avoid compromising quality care of clients.
Touching on the welfare of GMA members, the communiqué stressed the need for the government to address all outstanding issues on the conditions of service of doctors in the public sector.
The association equally urged the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to streamline its programmes and avoid concentrating them in a few teaching hospitals, to the detriment of medical officers in deprived communities.
In a communiqué read by its President, Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, at the end of its 51st annual general meeting in Tamale on Sunday, the GMA said, “Training should also place emphasis on practical district and community rotation that results in learning while delivering service.”
The week-long meeting was on the theme, “Towards a Better Health Care for Ghana; the Human Resource Challenges and Solutions”.
The communiqué further called on the government to resource health training institutions in the country and also offer more support for post-graduate studies.
It emphasised the need for the government to put in place a comprehensive package to attract health workers into deprived communities and retain them.
“District assemblies should also take urgent steps to address frustrating accommodation challenges by providing adequate and decent accommodation for health workers posted to deprived areas,” it said.
It said the GMA would continue to call upon its members to accept postings to serve in deprived areas of the country.
On the smooth operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), it called for the regular review of tariffs, while ensuring prompt re-imbursement of claims submitted by providers to avoid compromising quality care of clients.
Touching on the welfare of GMA members, the communiqué stressed the need for the government to address all outstanding issues on the conditions of service of doctors in the public sector.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
SANITATION CLUB INAUGRATED AT SAWLA (SEPT 15, PAGE 21)
A SANITATION youth club has been inaugurated at Sawla in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Northern Region, charged with the responsibility of educating the people on sanitation matters and to embark on periodic clean-up exercises in the area.
The formation of the club, whose members are to be offered training, will be replicated in other areas of the district in line with the Government’s vision of ensuring improvement in the sanitation situation in the entire country.
The group was inaugurated by a 10-member team put up by the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council to supervise the establishment of sanitation clubs in various districts of the region.
The team led by Justice Joshua Dawuni, had earlier interacted with the chiefs, assembly members and other opinion leaders in the district.
Mr Dawuni also explained the team’s mission to them and called for their support in addressing the sanitation challenges in the area.
“The problem of sanitation is a shared responsibility of everyone because environment related diseases such as malaria and cholera do not discriminate among persons”, he stated.
The people suggested that, more places of convenience be constructed to dissuade people from defecating around the communities while a bye-law was passed to empower sanitary inspectors to arrest and prosecute offenders to serve as deterrent to others.
The District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Alhassan Bukari Shakour, assured the team of the assembly’s support in the realisation of President Mills’s vision of ensuring clean environment in all parts of the country.
He observed that proper sanitation practice and management were important in the control and spread of diseases for which reason the assembly would not shirk its responsibilities in that sector.
The chief executive, however, expressed concern that in spite of the numerous appeals and education campaigns for people to change their attitudes by cultivating good sanitary practices, the situation still left much to be desired.
He added that some residents still persisted in the habit of improperly dumping refuse while others also littered their surroundings without any reflection on the implications of their actions.
‘‘We cannot do it alone if the people do not co-operate with us by changing their habits and ensuring that their surroundings are kept tidy at all times’,’ Mr Shakour stated.
He also underscored the need for residents in the area to rally behind the assembly by getting actively involved in its activities to accelerate the pace of development in the district.
The formation of the club, whose members are to be offered training, will be replicated in other areas of the district in line with the Government’s vision of ensuring improvement in the sanitation situation in the entire country.
The group was inaugurated by a 10-member team put up by the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council to supervise the establishment of sanitation clubs in various districts of the region.
The team led by Justice Joshua Dawuni, had earlier interacted with the chiefs, assembly members and other opinion leaders in the district.
Mr Dawuni also explained the team’s mission to them and called for their support in addressing the sanitation challenges in the area.
“The problem of sanitation is a shared responsibility of everyone because environment related diseases such as malaria and cholera do not discriminate among persons”, he stated.
The people suggested that, more places of convenience be constructed to dissuade people from defecating around the communities while a bye-law was passed to empower sanitary inspectors to arrest and prosecute offenders to serve as deterrent to others.
The District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Alhassan Bukari Shakour, assured the team of the assembly’s support in the realisation of President Mills’s vision of ensuring clean environment in all parts of the country.
He observed that proper sanitation practice and management were important in the control and spread of diseases for which reason the assembly would not shirk its responsibilities in that sector.
The chief executive, however, expressed concern that in spite of the numerous appeals and education campaigns for people to change their attitudes by cultivating good sanitary practices, the situation still left much to be desired.
He added that some residents still persisted in the habit of improperly dumping refuse while others also littered their surroundings without any reflection on the implications of their actions.
‘‘We cannot do it alone if the people do not co-operate with us by changing their habits and ensuring that their surroundings are kept tidy at all times’,’ Mr Shakour stated.
He also underscored the need for residents in the area to rally behind the assembly by getting actively involved in its activities to accelerate the pace of development in the district.
Friday, September 11, 2009
LECTURER WORRIED ABOUT INTERMITTENT CONFLICTS (PAGE 26)
A Senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Saa Dittoh has described the intermittent conflicts in the northern Ghana as most unfortunate, but observed that the situation could be turned round with the exploitation of the area’s natural resources to improve on the incomes of the people.
He stated that the enhancement in educational infrastructure and a policy of enrolment and retention of children into school, coupled with a well developed agricultural sector in the area would not only create a well-informed society, but also offer opportunities for social cohesion and lessen conflicts in communities.
The lecturer mentioned food crop, cotton and shea-nut production, and minerals such as gold as some of resources that abound in northern Ghana. He however, stated that those could be exploited “only if there is the political will”.
Professor Dittoh was speaking at a seminar for media practitioners from the three northern regions in Tamale.
Nu Image Communications, a non-governmental organisation organised the seminar on the theme: “Rebranding the north-The role of the media”.
Prof. Dittoh, who spoke on the political, social and economic opportunities in the north, stated that if given the needed attention, those resources could open up the area for accelerated economic growth as more job openings would be created and the incomes of the people, majority of who are peasant farmers, improved upon.
“We are not begging that poverty be alleviated in the north, but the fact is that, reducing poverty in the area is very necessary for the total development of the nation,” the lecturer stated.
According to him, the growing slums in the big cities were partly because of the neglect of the north over the years, and that had resulted in the current situation in Accra where a large army of unemployed but energetic youth had been compelled to live in such deplorable conditions in search of menial jobs to make a living.
Prof. Dittoh mentioned roads, education and health infrastructure, electricity, water, markets for agriculture produce, as some of the facilities that could create “the enabling environment required for the vast economic potentials and opportunities to become reality”.
The Corporate Affairs Director of Vodafone, Major A.B. Don-Chebe (retd) stressed the importance of destination, country and place branding, which he said, was a popular tool for government to improve on its international profile and also attract foreign direct investment to promote commerce and tourism.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina called on the media to emphasise more on the development challenges facing the people, particularly in rural communities and not to turn itself into an instrument of blackmail, intimidation, tyranny and an agent of confusion and conflicts”.
He also entreated journalists to be objective and investigate issues before publishing them.
The Executive Director of Nu Image Communications, Mr David Yaro, said the organisation was committed to championing the cause of the re-branding of the north through consistent advocacy by using the media.
A veteran journalist Mr Alhassan Imoro, re-launched George Sydney Abugri’s book Letter to Jomo, which was originally launched in Accra early this year.
The book constituted a record of objectively critical commentary on some of the important socio-economic and political events that have unfolded in the country since the 90’s.
According to Mr Imoro, “the media faces a great challenge in the task of unifying our people through reporting and analyses which will dispose our people more to reconciliation and understanding of how the conflicts have negatively affected the development of the area”.
He stated that the enhancement in educational infrastructure and a policy of enrolment and retention of children into school, coupled with a well developed agricultural sector in the area would not only create a well-informed society, but also offer opportunities for social cohesion and lessen conflicts in communities.
The lecturer mentioned food crop, cotton and shea-nut production, and minerals such as gold as some of resources that abound in northern Ghana. He however, stated that those could be exploited “only if there is the political will”.
Professor Dittoh was speaking at a seminar for media practitioners from the three northern regions in Tamale.
Nu Image Communications, a non-governmental organisation organised the seminar on the theme: “Rebranding the north-The role of the media”.
Prof. Dittoh, who spoke on the political, social and economic opportunities in the north, stated that if given the needed attention, those resources could open up the area for accelerated economic growth as more job openings would be created and the incomes of the people, majority of who are peasant farmers, improved upon.
“We are not begging that poverty be alleviated in the north, but the fact is that, reducing poverty in the area is very necessary for the total development of the nation,” the lecturer stated.
According to him, the growing slums in the big cities were partly because of the neglect of the north over the years, and that had resulted in the current situation in Accra where a large army of unemployed but energetic youth had been compelled to live in such deplorable conditions in search of menial jobs to make a living.
Prof. Dittoh mentioned roads, education and health infrastructure, electricity, water, markets for agriculture produce, as some of the facilities that could create “the enabling environment required for the vast economic potentials and opportunities to become reality”.
The Corporate Affairs Director of Vodafone, Major A.B. Don-Chebe (retd) stressed the importance of destination, country and place branding, which he said, was a popular tool for government to improve on its international profile and also attract foreign direct investment to promote commerce and tourism.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina called on the media to emphasise more on the development challenges facing the people, particularly in rural communities and not to turn itself into an instrument of blackmail, intimidation, tyranny and an agent of confusion and conflicts”.
He also entreated journalists to be objective and investigate issues before publishing them.
The Executive Director of Nu Image Communications, Mr David Yaro, said the organisation was committed to championing the cause of the re-branding of the north through consistent advocacy by using the media.
A veteran journalist Mr Alhassan Imoro, re-launched George Sydney Abugri’s book Letter to Jomo, which was originally launched in Accra early this year.
The book constituted a record of objectively critical commentary on some of the important socio-economic and political events that have unfolded in the country since the 90’s.
According to Mr Imoro, “the media faces a great challenge in the task of unifying our people through reporting and analyses which will dispose our people more to reconciliation and understanding of how the conflicts have negatively affected the development of the area”.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
TAMALE IS VERY SAFE (PAGE 29)
“TAMALE is very safe, and the crime rate has reduced significantly,” the Northern Regional Crime Officer, Mr Peter Baba, has assured the people.
According to him, the metropolis was peaceful with people going about their businesses happily.
Armed robbery, which has been the bane of some residents in the other parts of the country, is almost non-existent in the metropolis following what the officer said was the result of the constant patrols by the security agencies. He also attributed that to the vigilance of the people and some media personnel.
Mr Baba indicated that although there had been some reported incidents of crime, “they are usually minor cases.” Indeed, most residents have collaborated with the crime officer’s assertion.
“Apart from the political violence which was witnessed in February this year, the metropolis has been very peaceful in the past seven months with people going about their duties normally,” Iddrisu Abu, a teacher, noted.
“I recall the immediate past years when some notable individuals could misbehave and walk free in the metropolis; today, there seem to be a new wind of change blowing through this beautiful city of Tamale,” he added.
A student, Rahinatu Mohammed, for her part, entreated the security agencies not to relent in their fight against crime, but ensure that they displayed even-handedness in dealing with people who breached the law, “irrespective of their sex, ethnic, religious background or party colours.”
Mr Baba has given an assurance that the security agencies would step up their operations and live up to their responsibilities of ensuring law and order to make the metropolis more attractive to visitors and investors.
In a related development, statistics from the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service in the region indicates that defilement cases have increased by 100 per cent from eight in 2007 to 18 last year. Rape cases have, however, reduced from nine in 2007 to eight last year. There was no breakdown of the figures for Tamale.
According to the police, most victims feel reluctant to report such cases, including rape, to the appropriate authorities for redress.
The victims normally want to avoid the embarrassment that is associated with the experience, coupled with ignorance and pressure from family members, the police further stated.
According to him, the metropolis was peaceful with people going about their businesses happily.
Armed robbery, which has been the bane of some residents in the other parts of the country, is almost non-existent in the metropolis following what the officer said was the result of the constant patrols by the security agencies. He also attributed that to the vigilance of the people and some media personnel.
Mr Baba indicated that although there had been some reported incidents of crime, “they are usually minor cases.” Indeed, most residents have collaborated with the crime officer’s assertion.
“Apart from the political violence which was witnessed in February this year, the metropolis has been very peaceful in the past seven months with people going about their duties normally,” Iddrisu Abu, a teacher, noted.
“I recall the immediate past years when some notable individuals could misbehave and walk free in the metropolis; today, there seem to be a new wind of change blowing through this beautiful city of Tamale,” he added.
A student, Rahinatu Mohammed, for her part, entreated the security agencies not to relent in their fight against crime, but ensure that they displayed even-handedness in dealing with people who breached the law, “irrespective of their sex, ethnic, religious background or party colours.”
Mr Baba has given an assurance that the security agencies would step up their operations and live up to their responsibilities of ensuring law and order to make the metropolis more attractive to visitors and investors.
In a related development, statistics from the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service in the region indicates that defilement cases have increased by 100 per cent from eight in 2007 to 18 last year. Rape cases have, however, reduced from nine in 2007 to eight last year. There was no breakdown of the figures for Tamale.
According to the police, most victims feel reluctant to report such cases, including rape, to the appropriate authorities for redress.
The victims normally want to avoid the embarrassment that is associated with the experience, coupled with ignorance and pressure from family members, the police further stated.
RAMADAN TAKES A TOLL OF FOOD JOINTS (PAGE 29)
Once more the Islamic Ramadan fasting season is with us and as usual, almost all the popular ‘‘Tuo Zaafi’’ and ‘‘Waakye’’ spots in the Tamale metropolis are on ‘‘holiday.’’
Indeed, any regular visitor to the sprawling city at this time of the year would notice the absence of most food vendors and local bar operators in the mornings and afternoons.
Even though they are not on a strike, they are compelled not to cook as a result of the ongoing Ramadan. And being a predominantly Muslim community, the vendors’ risk losing financially because of the very low patronage they are likely to enjoy when they cook.
Most of them usually use the fasting period, that is either 29 or 30 days, to rest and also take stock of their respective activities over the year.
Others who cannot afford to be on ‘‘vacation’’ operate in the evenings from 6p.m. after the fast is broken.
At this time, various versions of the Quran blur out from loud speakers at respective mosques, homes and vehicles. The mosques are fully patronised because some so-called non-practising “Muslims” begin fasting and praying.
During the period, the day actually begins in the evenings when vendors of fruits, porridge, ‘‘Massa’’ and ‘‘Kose’’ display their wares on tables placed by the roadside.
The aroma that emanates from the frying of such local delicacies is so inviting. This no doubt catches the attention of the Muslim faithful who by this time of the day have gone thirsty and hungry. They, therefore, crave for anything that is liquid or food to break their fast.
The Ramadan is observed annually by Muslims all over the world in the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar during which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
The Ramadan begins at dawn and ends after sunset. It spans 29 or 30 days, depending on the day the new moon is sighted.
However, before one embarks on it, one needs to take a dawn meal that is solid or liquid.
This is preceded by the activities of volunteers who go round the homes of Muslims at dawn to wake them up through the beating of drums or instruments.
The five pillars of Islam enjoin every mature, able and sane Muslim to observe the fast. On a particular night in 610 AD, towards the close of the month, Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared and ordered Mohammed to read: The endowment of his Prophethood.
After that night, the rest of the Quran was revealed to him over a period of almost 23 years-from 610 AD to 632 AD.
The Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to refrain from the mundane and devote themselves entirely to Allah. Apart from abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, it behoves all to desist from acts such as gossip, robbery, backbiting, sex, lying, fornication and adultery.
Muslims must also be tolerant and sensitive to the plight of the poor and the underprivileged.
Indeed, any regular visitor to the sprawling city at this time of the year would notice the absence of most food vendors and local bar operators in the mornings and afternoons.
Even though they are not on a strike, they are compelled not to cook as a result of the ongoing Ramadan. And being a predominantly Muslim community, the vendors’ risk losing financially because of the very low patronage they are likely to enjoy when they cook.
Most of them usually use the fasting period, that is either 29 or 30 days, to rest and also take stock of their respective activities over the year.
Others who cannot afford to be on ‘‘vacation’’ operate in the evenings from 6p.m. after the fast is broken.
At this time, various versions of the Quran blur out from loud speakers at respective mosques, homes and vehicles. The mosques are fully patronised because some so-called non-practising “Muslims” begin fasting and praying.
During the period, the day actually begins in the evenings when vendors of fruits, porridge, ‘‘Massa’’ and ‘‘Kose’’ display their wares on tables placed by the roadside.
The aroma that emanates from the frying of such local delicacies is so inviting. This no doubt catches the attention of the Muslim faithful who by this time of the day have gone thirsty and hungry. They, therefore, crave for anything that is liquid or food to break their fast.
The Ramadan is observed annually by Muslims all over the world in the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar during which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
The Ramadan begins at dawn and ends after sunset. It spans 29 or 30 days, depending on the day the new moon is sighted.
However, before one embarks on it, one needs to take a dawn meal that is solid or liquid.
This is preceded by the activities of volunteers who go round the homes of Muslims at dawn to wake them up through the beating of drums or instruments.
The five pillars of Islam enjoin every mature, able and sane Muslim to observe the fast. On a particular night in 610 AD, towards the close of the month, Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared and ordered Mohammed to read: The endowment of his Prophethood.
After that night, the rest of the Quran was revealed to him over a period of almost 23 years-from 610 AD to 632 AD.
The Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to refrain from the mundane and devote themselves entirely to Allah. Apart from abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, it behoves all to desist from acts such as gossip, robbery, backbiting, sex, lying, fornication and adultery.
Muslims must also be tolerant and sensitive to the plight of the poor and the underprivileged.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
POLITICAL PARTIES TURN ATTENTION TO CHEREPONI (PAGE 16)
THE peaceful and serene farming community of Chereponi in the Northern Region is being invigorated with political manoeuvres.
The constituency will soon attract the nation’s attention as the next stop for a by-election that comes off on Tuesday, September 29, following the death of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Madam Doris Asibi Seidu, last month.
As the dust settles on the Akwatia by-election, which was marred by some reported violent scenes, the various political parties are now turning their attention to Chereponi to test their popularity with the electorate.
Unlike Akwatia where most people had predicted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Dr Kofi Asare, was going to carry the day following his good showing in the earlier elections in December last year, the Chereponi Constituency would be difficult to predict which way the pendulum will swing.
Even though some of the other smaller parties are yet to make their intention to contest for the seat, it is certainly going to be a straight contest between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP.
Indeed, one fact that would stare the political bigwigs as they troop to the constituency to canvass for votes is the terrible nature of the untarred road that has been made worst by the incessant rains in the north this year.
The people have lived with this appalling situation over the years, in spite of the many and varied promises made by successive governments to work on it.
The Chereponi District was created out of the then Saboba/Chereponi District in February, last year.
Even though it is 175 kilometres from Tamale, it takes about three-and-a-half hours as a result of the bad nature of the road, from Yendi to the area, which covers about 85 kilometres.
At the moment, the Metro Mass buses and other big vehicles have been compelled to stop plying the road, because it is simply unmotorable.
Meanwhile, Chereponi is one of the major producers of yam and other staples in the region.
The two major parties, NDC and the opposition NPP, have at different times won the Chereponi Constituency seat. While the former had won the seat three times, the latter has occupied it in the last two general election.
The constituency has also witnessed two MPs, who are now deceased, from both the NDC and the NPP. In the 1992 general election, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya of the NDC represented the people in Parliament. He retained the seat in the 1996, but later passed away in 2000.
The NDC, however, retained the seat again in the 2000 elections, with the election of the current District Chief Executive for the area, Alhaji Issah Abbah. He was, however, swept off the seat by the late Doris Asibi Seidu of the NPP in the 2004 elections.
She retained the seat last year, when she polled 9188 out of the 17,559 valid votes cast, representing 53 per cent of the votes.
The constituency is largely made up of two major ethnic groups, the Chekosis and Konkombas. It is, however, not spared the protracted land and chieftaincy disputes that is currently hanging around the necks of most ethnic groups in the north like an albatross.
Some political pundits, therefore, are of the opinion that a likely winner should be someone who would have the appeal from the major ethnic groups.
At the moment, the political atmosphere in the constituency is heating up as the parties are gearing up to select their respective candidates.
While the NDC is preparing to go to primaries to select a candidate from the four aspirants, including a woman, on Thursday, the NPP is also warming itself up to pick from their hopefuls, including a woman.
Some of the candidates have, however, given an indication of their intention to go independent in case they fail in their respective primaries.
But according to a political observer, Dr Mohammed Alhassan, “the issue is not about settling on just any woman, but about someone of substance who will have the appeal of the late Doris, who was so selfless and also contributed immensely to the accelerated development of the area”.
“In any case, the race will be tight between the NDC and the NPP, depending on their choice of candidates,” he added.
Both parties have, therefore, stepped up their campaigns as they knock on the doors of chiefs and opinion leaders to seek for their blessings, while interacting with various youth groups and individuals to woo their confidence.
The leadership of both parties in the region has given an assurance of winning the election.
According to the acting Northern Regional Secretary of the NPP, Faisal Gbangbili, nothing would prevent the party from retaining the seat.
His colleague from the NDC, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna, however, played down the optimism of his NPP colleague, stressing that the ruling party was well poised to reclaim the seat it had occupied for three consecutive times until 2004.
And as the curtains are getting drawn on the primaries, the parliamentary hopefuls of both parties are also leaving no stone unturned to get the nod of their followers to represent their parties in the by-election, which promises to be interesting but highly competitive.
It is hoped that the lessons learnt in the Akwatia by-election will guide the security operatives in discharging their responsibilities without blemishes, so that at the end of the day, nobody is hurt or loses his/her life in the name of party politics
The constituency will soon attract the nation’s attention as the next stop for a by-election that comes off on Tuesday, September 29, following the death of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Madam Doris Asibi Seidu, last month.
As the dust settles on the Akwatia by-election, which was marred by some reported violent scenes, the various political parties are now turning their attention to Chereponi to test their popularity with the electorate.
Unlike Akwatia where most people had predicted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Dr Kofi Asare, was going to carry the day following his good showing in the earlier elections in December last year, the Chereponi Constituency would be difficult to predict which way the pendulum will swing.
Even though some of the other smaller parties are yet to make their intention to contest for the seat, it is certainly going to be a straight contest between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP.
Indeed, one fact that would stare the political bigwigs as they troop to the constituency to canvass for votes is the terrible nature of the untarred road that has been made worst by the incessant rains in the north this year.
The people have lived with this appalling situation over the years, in spite of the many and varied promises made by successive governments to work on it.
The Chereponi District was created out of the then Saboba/Chereponi District in February, last year.
Even though it is 175 kilometres from Tamale, it takes about three-and-a-half hours as a result of the bad nature of the road, from Yendi to the area, which covers about 85 kilometres.
At the moment, the Metro Mass buses and other big vehicles have been compelled to stop plying the road, because it is simply unmotorable.
Meanwhile, Chereponi is one of the major producers of yam and other staples in the region.
The two major parties, NDC and the opposition NPP, have at different times won the Chereponi Constituency seat. While the former had won the seat three times, the latter has occupied it in the last two general election.
The constituency has also witnessed two MPs, who are now deceased, from both the NDC and the NPP. In the 1992 general election, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya of the NDC represented the people in Parliament. He retained the seat in the 1996, but later passed away in 2000.
The NDC, however, retained the seat again in the 2000 elections, with the election of the current District Chief Executive for the area, Alhaji Issah Abbah. He was, however, swept off the seat by the late Doris Asibi Seidu of the NPP in the 2004 elections.
She retained the seat last year, when she polled 9188 out of the 17,559 valid votes cast, representing 53 per cent of the votes.
The constituency is largely made up of two major ethnic groups, the Chekosis and Konkombas. It is, however, not spared the protracted land and chieftaincy disputes that is currently hanging around the necks of most ethnic groups in the north like an albatross.
Some political pundits, therefore, are of the opinion that a likely winner should be someone who would have the appeal from the major ethnic groups.
At the moment, the political atmosphere in the constituency is heating up as the parties are gearing up to select their respective candidates.
While the NDC is preparing to go to primaries to select a candidate from the four aspirants, including a woman, on Thursday, the NPP is also warming itself up to pick from their hopefuls, including a woman.
Some of the candidates have, however, given an indication of their intention to go independent in case they fail in their respective primaries.
But according to a political observer, Dr Mohammed Alhassan, “the issue is not about settling on just any woman, but about someone of substance who will have the appeal of the late Doris, who was so selfless and also contributed immensely to the accelerated development of the area”.
“In any case, the race will be tight between the NDC and the NPP, depending on their choice of candidates,” he added.
Both parties have, therefore, stepped up their campaigns as they knock on the doors of chiefs and opinion leaders to seek for their blessings, while interacting with various youth groups and individuals to woo their confidence.
The leadership of both parties in the region has given an assurance of winning the election.
According to the acting Northern Regional Secretary of the NPP, Faisal Gbangbili, nothing would prevent the party from retaining the seat.
His colleague from the NDC, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna, however, played down the optimism of his NPP colleague, stressing that the ruling party was well poised to reclaim the seat it had occupied for three consecutive times until 2004.
And as the curtains are getting drawn on the primaries, the parliamentary hopefuls of both parties are also leaving no stone unturned to get the nod of their followers to represent their parties in the by-election, which promises to be interesting but highly competitive.
It is hoped that the lessons learnt in the Akwatia by-election will guide the security operatives in discharging their responsibilities without blemishes, so that at the end of the day, nobody is hurt or loses his/her life in the name of party politics
Sunday, August 30, 2009
CLUB WORRIED OVER MATERNAL MORTALITY (PAGE 18)
NESTLE Ghana Duchess Club, a group of women voluntary organisation dedicated to the welfare of women and children, has expressed concern over the high level of maternal and child mortality due to malaria in the country.
“A miscarriage or the death of an expectant mother, or foetus is often the havoc malaria wrecks on our most precious members of our community,” the club observed.
However, according to Madam Cecelia Dei-Anang, the Public Affairs Manager of the club, “the malarial disease need not kill because not only is it preventable, but it is also curable”.
She further stated that “45 children need not die a day in Ghana from this disease, likewise, pregnant women and their unborn children must not be left vulnerable to the ravages of the mosquito parasite”.
Madam Dei-Anang was speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people of Gushie in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region.
The durbar formed part of the club’s malarial and nutrition in pregnancy outreach programme in some parts of the country.
The club has so far covered some communities and health centres in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, Central and Western regions. Other regions the members intend to reach out to are the Upper East and Upper West.
The club, which was formed and sponsored by Nestle Ghana Limited, is made up of dedicated group of women from different walks of life that support the welfare of the vulnerable in society.
Ms Dei-Anang also advised the people to always visit designated health centres with their sick wards for proper medical care instead of staying at home or resorting to unprescribed drugs which posed danger to their health.
She also asked them to ensure good environmental sanitation practices at home and their respective communities to guard themselves and their families against contracting communicable disease, including malaria.
According to her, malaria was mainly caused by the anopheles mosquitoes which bred in stagnant water and sucked the human blood to feed.
“In order to prevent the contraction of the disease, there should be cleanliness in the community, as well as the use of treated mosquito nets at homes,” the officer cautioned.
She also counselled the community on proper nutrition and the need to eat balanced diet.
Treated mosquito nets were later distributed to lactating mothers and pregnant women in the community to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Northern Region has recorded high rates of maternal mortality over the years. For instance in 2006 alone, the region recorded 91 maternal deaths.
“A miscarriage or the death of an expectant mother, or foetus is often the havoc malaria wrecks on our most precious members of our community,” the club observed.
However, according to Madam Cecelia Dei-Anang, the Public Affairs Manager of the club, “the malarial disease need not kill because not only is it preventable, but it is also curable”.
She further stated that “45 children need not die a day in Ghana from this disease, likewise, pregnant women and their unborn children must not be left vulnerable to the ravages of the mosquito parasite”.
Madam Dei-Anang was speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people of Gushie in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region.
The durbar formed part of the club’s malarial and nutrition in pregnancy outreach programme in some parts of the country.
The club has so far covered some communities and health centres in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, Central and Western regions. Other regions the members intend to reach out to are the Upper East and Upper West.
The club, which was formed and sponsored by Nestle Ghana Limited, is made up of dedicated group of women from different walks of life that support the welfare of the vulnerable in society.
Ms Dei-Anang also advised the people to always visit designated health centres with their sick wards for proper medical care instead of staying at home or resorting to unprescribed drugs which posed danger to their health.
She also asked them to ensure good environmental sanitation practices at home and their respective communities to guard themselves and their families against contracting communicable disease, including malaria.
According to her, malaria was mainly caused by the anopheles mosquitoes which bred in stagnant water and sucked the human blood to feed.
“In order to prevent the contraction of the disease, there should be cleanliness in the community, as well as the use of treated mosquito nets at homes,” the officer cautioned.
She also counselled the community on proper nutrition and the need to eat balanced diet.
Treated mosquito nets were later distributed to lactating mothers and pregnant women in the community to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Northern Region has recorded high rates of maternal mortality over the years. For instance in 2006 alone, the region recorded 91 maternal deaths.
UDS GOVERNING COUNCIL INAUGURATED (PAGE 18)
THE Deputy Minister in charge of Higher Education, Dr J.S. Annan, has inaugurated the University for Development Studies (UDS) governing council in Tamale.
The 14-member council is being chaired by the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Abdulai Salifu.
Other members of the council include the Kumbung-Naa Yiri II, Professor Thomas Bayorbor, Dr Steven Ayidiya, Dr Gamel Nasser, Hajia Fati Seidu and Chief Awudu Abukari.
The rest are the acting V.C. of the UDS, Professor K.S. Nokoe, Dr Seidu Alhassan and Mr Michael King.
The deputy minister urged members of the council to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor for the university that had been led by an acting V.C. for some years now.
For his part, Professor Nokoe explained that the inauguration of the council had been delayed following some outstanding issues and challenges that confronted the university.
The vice chancellor, however, stated that in spite of those challenges, the management of the institution had stood its grounds to ensure that the core functions of the university to attain its mandate were on track.
On behalf of members of the council, Dr Salifu expressed appreciation to the government for the confidence reposed in them and promised to live up to expectation by working within their job specification of ensuring academic excellence.
He, however, advocated for peaceful and harmonious academic environment and also called for the needed support and co-operation among all stakeholders of the UDS for accelerated growth of the university.
The 14-member council is being chaired by the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Abdulai Salifu.
Other members of the council include the Kumbung-Naa Yiri II, Professor Thomas Bayorbor, Dr Steven Ayidiya, Dr Gamel Nasser, Hajia Fati Seidu and Chief Awudu Abukari.
The rest are the acting V.C. of the UDS, Professor K.S. Nokoe, Dr Seidu Alhassan and Mr Michael King.
The deputy minister urged members of the council to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor for the university that had been led by an acting V.C. for some years now.
For his part, Professor Nokoe explained that the inauguration of the council had been delayed following some outstanding issues and challenges that confronted the university.
The vice chancellor, however, stated that in spite of those challenges, the management of the institution had stood its grounds to ensure that the core functions of the university to attain its mandate were on track.
On behalf of members of the council, Dr Salifu expressed appreciation to the government for the confidence reposed in them and promised to live up to expectation by working within their job specification of ensuring academic excellence.
He, however, advocated for peaceful and harmonious academic environment and also called for the needed support and co-operation among all stakeholders of the UDS for accelerated growth of the university.
READING IS IMPORTANT (PAGE 18)
“READING maketh a man.” This short but important phrase sums up the essence of reading to man’s existence on earth.
Apart from enriching one’s language and his ability to understand issues, it also broadens one’s mind as he/she learns about every subject and topic under the sun thus, making them dynamic in their ways of life.
The reason for the inability of pupils and students to understand topics and questions during examination is therefore, not far fetched: majority of them do not simply read. For that matter, they are unable to appreciate questions and express themselves well in their deliveries.
A lot of reasons have been ascribed for these shortcomings. They include the lack of reading materials and interest by students, the proliferation of modern electronic gadgets and information and communication technology facilities such as television and video decks and the Internet, as well as the failure by parents and guardians to encourage and monitor the reading habits of their wards.
It is, therefore, no wonder that majority of pupils and students fail miserably in the English language in their Basic and Senior Secondary Education Certification Examinations.
It is disheartening to note that 43 per cent of pupils and over 61 per cent out of the 4,460 candidates who sat for the BECE and SSSCE in 2008 failed in English, respectively in the Tamale metropolis alone.
The situation is not different in other parts of the country, particularly in the rural districts.
Indeed, it is for these reasons that matters concerning the promotion of reading must receive the needed attention of the government and other stakeholders to enrich the vocabulary and also widen the scope of young men and women at all levels in the education system.
One such effort that is worthy of note in the promotion of the culture and habit of reading, is that of the Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA).
The association is preparing towards the celebration of its eighth Ghana international book fair in Accra that would be held at the National theatre in Accra in November on the theme: “Books as cultural tools for development: a reading nation is a winning nation”.
According to the President of the GBPA, Mr Asare Canoed Yamoah, the book fair that was recently launched in Accra, is a cultural event aimed at projecting the country’s literary culture.
He expressed concern that, currently, reading had become a laborious pastime for most Ghanaians, recalling that “in the past, the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to read was monumental; publishers at the time could sell 30,000 and over novels in a year.”
Mr Yamoah stated that to help reverse that situation, the Government should as a matter of importance, change its policy on book purchases and also resource the Ghana library board with adequate reading materials, including supplementary ones to schools and colleges.
“In former times, schools had active libraries, timetables had periods for library and reading and community libraries were fashionable,” he stated.
The president, who is also the publisher of ADAEX Educational Publications Limited, added that “today, all these brilliant innovations have dwindled to the disadvantage of our education; the standards of spoken and written English and other Ghanaian languages are not the best today.”
“These trend must change and a conscious effort by the government and all Ghanaians to invest in these critical areas of national development” he stressed.
“READING maketh a man.” This short but important phrase sums up the essence of reading to man’s existence on earth.
Apart from enriching one’s language and his ability to understand issues, it also broadens one’s mind as he/she learns about every subject and topic under the sun thus, making them dynamic in their ways of life.
The reason for the inability of pupils and students to understand topics and questions during examination is therefore, not far fetched: majority of them do not simply read. For that matter, they are unable to appreciate questions and express themselves well in their deliveries.
A lot of reasons have been ascribed for these shortcomings. They include the lack of reading materials and interest by students, the proliferation of modern electronic gadgets and information and communication technology facilities such as television and video decks and the Internet, as well as the failure by parents and guardians to encourage and monitor the reading habits of their wards.
It is, therefore, no wonder that majority of pupils and students fail miserably in the English language in their Basic and Senior Secondary Education Certification Examinations.
It is disheartening to note that 43 per cent of pupils and over 61 per cent out of the 4,460 candidates who sat for the BECE and SSSCE in 2008 failed in English, respectively in the Tamale metropolis alone.
The situation is not different in other parts of the country, particularly in the rural districts.
Indeed, it is for these reasons that matters concerning the promotion of reading must receive the needed attention of the government and other stakeholders to enrich the vocabulary and also widen the scope of young men and women at all levels in the education system.
One such effort that is worthy of note in the promotion of the culture and habit of reading, is that of the Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA).
The association is preparing towards the celebration of its eighth Ghana international book fair in Accra that would be held at the National theatre in Accra in November on the theme: “Books as cultural tools for development: a reading nation is a winning nation”.
According to the President of the GBPA, Mr Asare Canoed Yamoah, the book fair that was recently launched in Accra, is a cultural event aimed at projecting the country’s literary culture.
He expressed concern that, currently, reading had become a laborious pastime for most Ghanaians, recalling that “in the past, the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to read was monumental; publishers at the time could sell 30,000 and over novels in a year.”
Mr Yamoah stated that to help reverse that situation, the Government should as a matter of importance, change its policy on book purchases and also resource the Ghana library board with adequate reading materials, including supplementary ones to schools and colleges.
“In former times, schools had active libraries, timetables had periods for library and reading and community libraries were fashionable,” he stated.
The president, who is also the publisher of ADAEX Educational Publications Limited, added that “today, all these brilliant innovations have dwindled to the disadvantage of our education; the standards of spoken and written English and other Ghanaian languages are not the best today.”
“These trend must change and a conscious effort by the government and all Ghanaians to invest in these critical areas of national development” he stressed.
Apart from enriching one’s language and his ability to understand issues, it also broadens one’s mind as he/she learns about every subject and topic under the sun thus, making them dynamic in their ways of life.
The reason for the inability of pupils and students to understand topics and questions during examination is therefore, not far fetched: majority of them do not simply read. For that matter, they are unable to appreciate questions and express themselves well in their deliveries.
A lot of reasons have been ascribed for these shortcomings. They include the lack of reading materials and interest by students, the proliferation of modern electronic gadgets and information and communication technology facilities such as television and video decks and the Internet, as well as the failure by parents and guardians to encourage and monitor the reading habits of their wards.
It is, therefore, no wonder that majority of pupils and students fail miserably in the English language in their Basic and Senior Secondary Education Certification Examinations.
It is disheartening to note that 43 per cent of pupils and over 61 per cent out of the 4,460 candidates who sat for the BECE and SSSCE in 2008 failed in English, respectively in the Tamale metropolis alone.
The situation is not different in other parts of the country, particularly in the rural districts.
Indeed, it is for these reasons that matters concerning the promotion of reading must receive the needed attention of the government and other stakeholders to enrich the vocabulary and also widen the scope of young men and women at all levels in the education system.
One such effort that is worthy of note in the promotion of the culture and habit of reading, is that of the Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA).
The association is preparing towards the celebration of its eighth Ghana international book fair in Accra that would be held at the National theatre in Accra in November on the theme: “Books as cultural tools for development: a reading nation is a winning nation”.
According to the President of the GBPA, Mr Asare Canoed Yamoah, the book fair that was recently launched in Accra, is a cultural event aimed at projecting the country’s literary culture.
He expressed concern that, currently, reading had become a laborious pastime for most Ghanaians, recalling that “in the past, the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to read was monumental; publishers at the time could sell 30,000 and over novels in a year.”
Mr Yamoah stated that to help reverse that situation, the Government should as a matter of importance, change its policy on book purchases and also resource the Ghana library board with adequate reading materials, including supplementary ones to schools and colleges.
“In former times, schools had active libraries, timetables had periods for library and reading and community libraries were fashionable,” he stated.
The president, who is also the publisher of ADAEX Educational Publications Limited, added that “today, all these brilliant innovations have dwindled to the disadvantage of our education; the standards of spoken and written English and other Ghanaian languages are not the best today.”
“These trend must change and a conscious effort by the government and all Ghanaians to invest in these critical areas of national development” he stressed.
“READING maketh a man.” This short but important phrase sums up the essence of reading to man’s existence on earth.
Apart from enriching one’s language and his ability to understand issues, it also broadens one’s mind as he/she learns about every subject and topic under the sun thus, making them dynamic in their ways of life.
The reason for the inability of pupils and students to understand topics and questions during examination is therefore, not far fetched: majority of them do not simply read. For that matter, they are unable to appreciate questions and express themselves well in their deliveries.
A lot of reasons have been ascribed for these shortcomings. They include the lack of reading materials and interest by students, the proliferation of modern electronic gadgets and information and communication technology facilities such as television and video decks and the Internet, as well as the failure by parents and guardians to encourage and monitor the reading habits of their wards.
It is, therefore, no wonder that majority of pupils and students fail miserably in the English language in their Basic and Senior Secondary Education Certification Examinations.
It is disheartening to note that 43 per cent of pupils and over 61 per cent out of the 4,460 candidates who sat for the BECE and SSSCE in 2008 failed in English, respectively in the Tamale metropolis alone.
The situation is not different in other parts of the country, particularly in the rural districts.
Indeed, it is for these reasons that matters concerning the promotion of reading must receive the needed attention of the government and other stakeholders to enrich the vocabulary and also widen the scope of young men and women at all levels in the education system.
One such effort that is worthy of note in the promotion of the culture and habit of reading, is that of the Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA).
The association is preparing towards the celebration of its eighth Ghana international book fair in Accra that would be held at the National theatre in Accra in November on the theme: “Books as cultural tools for development: a reading nation is a winning nation”.
According to the President of the GBPA, Mr Asare Canoed Yamoah, the book fair that was recently launched in Accra, is a cultural event aimed at projecting the country’s literary culture.
He expressed concern that, currently, reading had become a laborious pastime for most Ghanaians, recalling that “in the past, the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to read was monumental; publishers at the time could sell 30,000 and over novels in a year.”
Mr Yamoah stated that to help reverse that situation, the Government should as a matter of importance, change its policy on book purchases and also resource the Ghana library board with adequate reading materials, including supplementary ones to schools and colleges.
“In former times, schools had active libraries, timetables had periods for library and reading and community libraries were fashionable,” he stated.
The president, who is also the publisher of ADAEX Educational Publications Limited, added that “today, all these brilliant innovations have dwindled to the disadvantage of our education; the standards of spoken and written English and other Ghanaian languages are not the best today.”
“These trend must change and a conscious effort by the government and all Ghanaians to invest in these critical areas of national development” he stressed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
NCCE PREPARES FOR PEACEFUL BY-ELECTIONS IN CHEREPONI (PAGE 16)
In readiness towards ensuring a peaceful by-election in the Chereponi constituency in the Northern Region, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a workshop for the people to live above reproach during the events which will lead to the September 29, 2009 election.
According to the Northern Regional Director of the Commission, Mr Harunah Husheini Sulemana, the resort to violence at the least provocation among supporters of political parties was most unfortunate, since politics was about the exchange of ideas and holding of different opinions.
The director therefore, appealed to politicians to forthcoming upon their supporters not to consider the impending elections as a matter of life or death, but an exercise to select the best candidate to champion their aspirations.
The workshop which was supported by the United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP), was attended by the leadership of political parties, youth groups, traditional authority, security agencies and heads of department in the district.
Among topics discussed at the day’s forum were, “electoral process and electoral conflicts in Ghana”, and “general overview of conflicts in Chereponi district”, with emphasis on chieftaincy, land, political and religious upheavals that have been the bane of the area for sometime now.
Mr Sulemana further entreated the party leadership to use the impending by-election as an opportunity to help unite the people of Chereponi by preaching peace and national cohesion on their various campaign platforms.
He bemoaned the rate at which electoral disputes had characterised Ghana’s elections with particular reference to northern Ghana, and therefore, advised residents of Chereponi to conduct themselves before, during and after the election.
The director expressed concern over the fact that Chereponi, which is one of the youngest districts in the region, had been inundated with unnecessary conflicts that was drawing the area’s development backwards.
On security arrangements, Mr Sulemana gave the assurance that adequate measures would be put in place to forestall any possible acts that could degenerate into conflicts among supporters.
The participants for their part, called for an all inclusive governance system to reduce conflict situations.
They also entreated the Government to resource the NCCE to be able to carry out its constitutional mandate effectively while entreating security operatives to exhibit more professionalism in the discharge of their respective duties before, during and after the by-election.
According to the Northern Regional Director of the Commission, Mr Harunah Husheini Sulemana, the resort to violence at the least provocation among supporters of political parties was most unfortunate, since politics was about the exchange of ideas and holding of different opinions.
The director therefore, appealed to politicians to forthcoming upon their supporters not to consider the impending elections as a matter of life or death, but an exercise to select the best candidate to champion their aspirations.
The workshop which was supported by the United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP), was attended by the leadership of political parties, youth groups, traditional authority, security agencies and heads of department in the district.
Among topics discussed at the day’s forum were, “electoral process and electoral conflicts in Ghana”, and “general overview of conflicts in Chereponi district”, with emphasis on chieftaincy, land, political and religious upheavals that have been the bane of the area for sometime now.
Mr Sulemana further entreated the party leadership to use the impending by-election as an opportunity to help unite the people of Chereponi by preaching peace and national cohesion on their various campaign platforms.
He bemoaned the rate at which electoral disputes had characterised Ghana’s elections with particular reference to northern Ghana, and therefore, advised residents of Chereponi to conduct themselves before, during and after the election.
The director expressed concern over the fact that Chereponi, which is one of the youngest districts in the region, had been inundated with unnecessary conflicts that was drawing the area’s development backwards.
On security arrangements, Mr Sulemana gave the assurance that adequate measures would be put in place to forestall any possible acts that could degenerate into conflicts among supporters.
The participants for their part, called for an all inclusive governance system to reduce conflict situations.
They also entreated the Government to resource the NCCE to be able to carry out its constitutional mandate effectively while entreating security operatives to exhibit more professionalism in the discharge of their respective duties before, during and after the by-election.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
GETFUND TO TAKE OVER HOSTEL IN TAMALE (PAGE 45)
THE Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) is to take full ownership of the GETFund Hotel on the University for Development Studies (UDS) campus in Tamale.
As a result, the new board of the GETFund has indicated its intention to refund the deposit paid by the UDS in order to reclaim the hotel as part of its vision to promote investment initiatives.
The UDS has, however, expressed its commitment to pursue the GETFund authorities to fulfil its pledge to provide the university with a modest hostel facility exclusively for the use of students as an alternative.
This latest development follows the alleged negative publications the transaction had generated over the purchase of the hotel.
The three-star rated hotel was constructed by the GETFund to accommodate some of the competing teams during the 2008 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2008 ) as Tamale, which was part of the four venues lacked adequate hotel facilities.
In a statement issued by the university last Thursday, it explained that after the games, the GETFund board realised that it would be expensive to rent it out to students because of facilities such as air-conditioners, close-circuit television sets, among other amenities in the structure.
“As a result, GETFund opted to sell out the facility to private investors, giving UDS the first option with the promise to construct a 1,000-bed capacity hostel on the Tamale campus of the university as a replacement,” the statement explained.
It said when the UDS subsequently expressed interest in the purchase of the hostel, it was offered to the university at GH¢6.2 million
The UDS, according to the statement, later paid a 20 per cent deposit of the total amount through the National Investment Bank. The university was thus expected to pay the remaining 80 per cent in three instalments over a period of three years, which is yet to be honoured.
“UDS did not directly pay the GETFund, neither did it issue 42 cheques as published by a section of the press,” the statement said, adding “all these transactions were made with the full knowledge and endorsement of the university council with no secret documentation or malice aforethought whatsoever.”
According to the statement, the reconstituted GETFund board has assured the UDS of its commitment to construct the 1,000-bed capacity student hostel on the Tamale campus as promised, for which the university has already made land available.
An Accra daily on July 9, this year, published a story with the headline “Scandal at Varsity — Vice Chancellor exposed in ¢61 billion deal at UDS Hotel.” This was followed by a related publication in the same paper on July 15, 2009, with the headline, “Sale of ¢62 billion hostel hatched in secret.”
“Management sees these publications as ones which seek to impugn the name of the UDS and the hard-won reputation of the acting VC, Professor Sagary Nokoe. We wish to stress that there are no underhand financial dealings in respect of the said GETFund Hotel at UDS, Tamale,” the statement claimed.
As a result, the new board of the GETFund has indicated its intention to refund the deposit paid by the UDS in order to reclaim the hotel as part of its vision to promote investment initiatives.
The UDS has, however, expressed its commitment to pursue the GETFund authorities to fulfil its pledge to provide the university with a modest hostel facility exclusively for the use of students as an alternative.
This latest development follows the alleged negative publications the transaction had generated over the purchase of the hotel.
The three-star rated hotel was constructed by the GETFund to accommodate some of the competing teams during the 2008 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2008 ) as Tamale, which was part of the four venues lacked adequate hotel facilities.
In a statement issued by the university last Thursday, it explained that after the games, the GETFund board realised that it would be expensive to rent it out to students because of facilities such as air-conditioners, close-circuit television sets, among other amenities in the structure.
“As a result, GETFund opted to sell out the facility to private investors, giving UDS the first option with the promise to construct a 1,000-bed capacity hostel on the Tamale campus of the university as a replacement,” the statement explained.
It said when the UDS subsequently expressed interest in the purchase of the hostel, it was offered to the university at GH¢6.2 million
The UDS, according to the statement, later paid a 20 per cent deposit of the total amount through the National Investment Bank. The university was thus expected to pay the remaining 80 per cent in three instalments over a period of three years, which is yet to be honoured.
“UDS did not directly pay the GETFund, neither did it issue 42 cheques as published by a section of the press,” the statement said, adding “all these transactions were made with the full knowledge and endorsement of the university council with no secret documentation or malice aforethought whatsoever.”
According to the statement, the reconstituted GETFund board has assured the UDS of its commitment to construct the 1,000-bed capacity student hostel on the Tamale campus as promised, for which the university has already made land available.
An Accra daily on July 9, this year, published a story with the headline “Scandal at Varsity — Vice Chancellor exposed in ¢61 billion deal at UDS Hotel.” This was followed by a related publication in the same paper on July 15, 2009, with the headline, “Sale of ¢62 billion hostel hatched in secret.”
“Management sees these publications as ones which seek to impugn the name of the UDS and the hard-won reputation of the acting VC, Professor Sagary Nokoe. We wish to stress that there are no underhand financial dealings in respect of the said GETFund Hotel at UDS, Tamale,” the statement claimed.
SPEED UP APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE VC FOR UDS (PAGE 11)
THE Governing Council of the University for Development Studies (UDS), has been inaugurated in Tamale with a call on members to fashion innovative policies and programmes that will improve the fortunes of the multi-faculty campus university.
The Deputy Minister in charge of Higher Education, Dr J.S. Annan, made the call and entreated members of the council to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor (VC) for the university, which has been led by an acting V.C for several years now.
The 14-member council is chaired by Dr Abdulai Salifu, who is also the Director-General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Other members include the Kumbung-Naa Yiri II, Professor Thomas Bayorbor, Dr Steven Ayidiya, Dr Gamel Nasser, Hajia Fati Seidu and Chief Awudu Abukari. The rest are the acting Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor K.S Nokoe, Dr Seidu Alhassan and Mr Michael King.
The new council is the fourth to be inaugurated since the establishment of the university in 1993. The student population has since increased from 40 to 10,500.
The minister, therefore, commended management of the university for their dedication and commitment to the establishment of more faculties, resulting in the increase in enro lment, in spite of the limited resources of the pioneer university in the north.
According to Dr Annan, “it is now clear that the setting up of the UDS by the erstwhile Rawlings regime was not a mistake, but a giant step in education development in the country”.
Dr Annan called for peaceful and harmonious academic environment, and also stressed the need for the necessary support and co-operation among all stakeholders of the UDS for accelerated growth of the university.
For his part, Professor Nokoe explained that the inauguration of the council had been delayed following some outstanding issues and challenges that confronted the university.
“The delay had led to several rumours and unsubstantiated allegations, often frivolous and of malicious nature; a number of these issues are currently in the court of law,” he stated.
He, however, indicated that in spite of those challenges, management had stood its grounds to ensure that the core functions of the university to attain its mandate were on track.
On behalf of members of the council, Dr Salifu expressed appreciation to the Government for the confidence reposed in them, and promised to live up to expectation by working within their job specification of ensuring academic excellence.
The Deputy Minister in charge of Higher Education, Dr J.S. Annan, made the call and entreated members of the council to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor (VC) for the university, which has been led by an acting V.C for several years now.
The 14-member council is chaired by Dr Abdulai Salifu, who is also the Director-General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Other members include the Kumbung-Naa Yiri II, Professor Thomas Bayorbor, Dr Steven Ayidiya, Dr Gamel Nasser, Hajia Fati Seidu and Chief Awudu Abukari. The rest are the acting Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor K.S Nokoe, Dr Seidu Alhassan and Mr Michael King.
The new council is the fourth to be inaugurated since the establishment of the university in 1993. The student population has since increased from 40 to 10,500.
The minister, therefore, commended management of the university for their dedication and commitment to the establishment of more faculties, resulting in the increase in enro lment, in spite of the limited resources of the pioneer university in the north.
According to Dr Annan, “it is now clear that the setting up of the UDS by the erstwhile Rawlings regime was not a mistake, but a giant step in education development in the country”.
Dr Annan called for peaceful and harmonious academic environment, and also stressed the need for the necessary support and co-operation among all stakeholders of the UDS for accelerated growth of the university.
For his part, Professor Nokoe explained that the inauguration of the council had been delayed following some outstanding issues and challenges that confronted the university.
“The delay had led to several rumours and unsubstantiated allegations, often frivolous and of malicious nature; a number of these issues are currently in the court of law,” he stated.
He, however, indicated that in spite of those challenges, management had stood its grounds to ensure that the core functions of the university to attain its mandate were on track.
On behalf of members of the council, Dr Salifu expressed appreciation to the Government for the confidence reposed in them, and promised to live up to expectation by working within their job specification of ensuring academic excellence.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
NYOHINI CHILDREN'S HOME NOT NEGLECTED...Father Balemans (PAGE 29)
A Philanthropist, Father Martin Balemans of the Catholic Church, has described claims by the supervisor of the Nyohini Children’s Home in Tamale, Ms Janet Qauinoo, that the facility is lacking in many areas as most unfortunate.
He also pointed out a number of inaccuracies contained in the story carried on the July 31, 2009 issue of the Daily Graphic with the headline “Visiting students renovate facilities at Children’s Home.”
In a statement reacting to the said story, Father Balemans indicated that “the many inaccuracies disturb me and disgrace the Ghana government and the Department of Social Welfare”.
He alleged that he had personally visited the home regularly for the past 10 years and had also offered numerous assistance for its proper upkeep, adding that many other individuals and organisations had equally paid similar visits and offered enormous material and financial assistance to the Home.
He enumerated a number of projects he had undertaken for the home to include laying of new tiles for the floor of the main corridor and other rooms, installation of water boiler, washing machine and dryer in the shower room.
The philanthropist added that he had also constructed toilets for toddlers and renovated other places of convenience. He mentioned other facilities to include the laying of new water pipes to ensure regular flow of water and a number of water reservoirs.
Father Balemans further indicated that some other individuals and organisations had also painted the walls, constructed a playing ground and continue to donate large quantities of assorted items, food and cash to the management of the Home.
He said even though he travelled briefly outside the country, “On my return, I went to see the home and found out that the food was good, the bedding was in order and mosquito nets were supplied to all the beds and the children looked well nourished.”
The philanthropist, therefore, observed that Ms Quainoo’s assertion that the home had no means of transport, and that many of the children lost their lives as a result of their inability to transport them to the hospital was rather far-fetched.
“Whenever I heard that a child at the home was admitted to the hospital, I went to visit the sick child and never had I ever heard that a child had died because of a lack of transport,” he stated.
On the security fence, Father Balemans said it was currently under construction, and that work on it was about 60 per cent complete and, therefore, wondered why the supervisor still mentioned it as if nothing was being done about it.
The philanthropist further alleged that some years ago when a good Samaritan donated GH¢30,000.00, “I was told in the presence of Ms Quainoo that it was put in the bank to generate funds for the Home.”
He, therefore, wondered the whereabouts of the funds, including the numerous cash donations to the home as more people and organisations continued to present assorted food and other valuable items to the home.
He also pointed out a number of inaccuracies contained in the story carried on the July 31, 2009 issue of the Daily Graphic with the headline “Visiting students renovate facilities at Children’s Home.”
In a statement reacting to the said story, Father Balemans indicated that “the many inaccuracies disturb me and disgrace the Ghana government and the Department of Social Welfare”.
He alleged that he had personally visited the home regularly for the past 10 years and had also offered numerous assistance for its proper upkeep, adding that many other individuals and organisations had equally paid similar visits and offered enormous material and financial assistance to the Home.
He enumerated a number of projects he had undertaken for the home to include laying of new tiles for the floor of the main corridor and other rooms, installation of water boiler, washing machine and dryer in the shower room.
The philanthropist added that he had also constructed toilets for toddlers and renovated other places of convenience. He mentioned other facilities to include the laying of new water pipes to ensure regular flow of water and a number of water reservoirs.
Father Balemans further indicated that some other individuals and organisations had also painted the walls, constructed a playing ground and continue to donate large quantities of assorted items, food and cash to the management of the Home.
He said even though he travelled briefly outside the country, “On my return, I went to see the home and found out that the food was good, the bedding was in order and mosquito nets were supplied to all the beds and the children looked well nourished.”
The philanthropist, therefore, observed that Ms Quainoo’s assertion that the home had no means of transport, and that many of the children lost their lives as a result of their inability to transport them to the hospital was rather far-fetched.
“Whenever I heard that a child at the home was admitted to the hospital, I went to visit the sick child and never had I ever heard that a child had died because of a lack of transport,” he stated.
On the security fence, Father Balemans said it was currently under construction, and that work on it was about 60 per cent complete and, therefore, wondered why the supervisor still mentioned it as if nothing was being done about it.
The philanthropist further alleged that some years ago when a good Samaritan donated GH¢30,000.00, “I was told in the presence of Ms Quainoo that it was put in the bank to generate funds for the Home.”
He, therefore, wondered the whereabouts of the funds, including the numerous cash donations to the home as more people and organisations continued to present assorted food and other valuable items to the home.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
FDB INTRODUCES FOOD FORTIFICATION PROJECT (PAGE 11)
SEVENTY per cent of pregnant women in the country suffer from Iodine Deficiency Anaemia.
The same percentage of children under five also lack Vitamin “A”, which usually results in blindness and the weakening of the immune system, thus making the body susceptible to diseases.
To help reverse this trend, the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) has initiated a programme dubbed: “Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), food fortification project.
Under the project, vegetable oil and wheat flour products in the country are being fortified with vitamin “A”, “B” complex, zinc, iron and folic acid to help consumers treat the deficiency.
According to the Project Manager of the FDB, Mr Richard Odum Nyumuah, the GAIN project was initiated in 2006 to fortify some staple foods such as vegetable oil and wheat flour products because of its wide acceptance and consumption rate by the people.
The project is being facilitated through public-private partnership, which includes government agencies, the Ministry of Health and operators in the food industry.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale, Mr Nyumuah also stated that a directive had been issued to cooking oil and flour importers to bring in only products that were fortified with the recommended vitamins.
The directive, he said would take effect from next month. The manager explained that, “even though a law to that effect was yet to be passed, all major stakeholders in the industry have agreed to go by the standards set by the FDB.”
A team of monitors and inspectors would be put in place to inspect flour and oil factories to ensure that they adhere strictly to the directive spelt out by the FDB to ensure compliance.
“Those who flout the directive will be cautioned and subsequently banned from importing food items that are not fortified with those nutrients, he stated .
At the moment, officials of the project have embarked on a post-market surveillance where 60 markets are selected country-wide and samples collected and sent to the central laboratory in Accra for content analyses.
Mr Nyumuah expressed appreciation for the goodwill and co-operation demonstrated so far by both local manufacturers and importers of the products.
He advised the general public to patronise products that bore the logo of the fortification symbol for their own benefit.
At the moment, the management and staff of the FDB have embarked on a sensitisation tour of some districts in the Northern Region to educate stakeholders on the need to add the nutrients to their products.
Districts covered so far are West Mamprugu, West Gonja, the Yendi municipality, as well as the Tamale metropolis. The programme would eventually cover the entire region in subsequent tours.
The same percentage of children under five also lack Vitamin “A”, which usually results in blindness and the weakening of the immune system, thus making the body susceptible to diseases.
To help reverse this trend, the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) has initiated a programme dubbed: “Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), food fortification project.
Under the project, vegetable oil and wheat flour products in the country are being fortified with vitamin “A”, “B” complex, zinc, iron and folic acid to help consumers treat the deficiency.
According to the Project Manager of the FDB, Mr Richard Odum Nyumuah, the GAIN project was initiated in 2006 to fortify some staple foods such as vegetable oil and wheat flour products because of its wide acceptance and consumption rate by the people.
The project is being facilitated through public-private partnership, which includes government agencies, the Ministry of Health and operators in the food industry.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale, Mr Nyumuah also stated that a directive had been issued to cooking oil and flour importers to bring in only products that were fortified with the recommended vitamins.
The directive, he said would take effect from next month. The manager explained that, “even though a law to that effect was yet to be passed, all major stakeholders in the industry have agreed to go by the standards set by the FDB.”
A team of monitors and inspectors would be put in place to inspect flour and oil factories to ensure that they adhere strictly to the directive spelt out by the FDB to ensure compliance.
“Those who flout the directive will be cautioned and subsequently banned from importing food items that are not fortified with those nutrients, he stated .
At the moment, officials of the project have embarked on a post-market surveillance where 60 markets are selected country-wide and samples collected and sent to the central laboratory in Accra for content analyses.
Mr Nyumuah expressed appreciation for the goodwill and co-operation demonstrated so far by both local manufacturers and importers of the products.
He advised the general public to patronise products that bore the logo of the fortification symbol for their own benefit.
At the moment, the management and staff of the FDB have embarked on a sensitisation tour of some districts in the Northern Region to educate stakeholders on the need to add the nutrients to their products.
Districts covered so far are West Mamprugu, West Gonja, the Yendi municipality, as well as the Tamale metropolis. The programme would eventually cover the entire region in subsequent tours.
Friday, August 21, 2009
COALITION OF NDC YOUTH GROUPS INAUGURATED (PAGE 15)
THE Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, has inaugurated a coalition of youth groups of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale South Constituency with a call on Ghanaians to be patient with the government as efforts were being made to put the economy on a sound track.
He assured the people that the President Mills-led administration would not shirk its responsibility of ensuring a better Ghana for all as captured in the NDC’s manifesto.
Mr Mabengba also urged members of the coalition and all party loyalists to rally behind the government to make the nation more attractive to both international and local investors.
He appealed to citizens of the entire region, particularly residents of Tamale, to be law-abiding and help the security agencies to sustain the relative peace the area was currently enjoying.
The minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing more socio-economic ventures that would open job opportunities for the youth to build their future.
The secretary of the coalition which comprises 20 youth groups, Alidu Basharu, explained that the reason behind the formation of the alliance was to help foster unity and peaceful co-existence among the youth in the area.
He said the coalition had no intention of antagonising any executive body in the party and gave the assurance that members would support the party’s forward match to retain power come the 2012 elections.
Mr Basharu also indicated the coalition’s determination to join hands with all peace-loving citizens in Tamale to say no to all kinds of violence in the region and to collaborate with other stakeholders to reclaim the area’s lost glory.
He further said the coalition would soon put in place a mechanism that would be responsible for educating the public on government programmes.
Other speakers at the function included the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, who impressed upon all party members to avoid complacency and work towards promoting the ideology of the NDC.
He assured the people that the President Mills-led administration would not shirk its responsibility of ensuring a better Ghana for all as captured in the NDC’s manifesto.
Mr Mabengba also urged members of the coalition and all party loyalists to rally behind the government to make the nation more attractive to both international and local investors.
He appealed to citizens of the entire region, particularly residents of Tamale, to be law-abiding and help the security agencies to sustain the relative peace the area was currently enjoying.
The minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing more socio-economic ventures that would open job opportunities for the youth to build their future.
The secretary of the coalition which comprises 20 youth groups, Alidu Basharu, explained that the reason behind the formation of the alliance was to help foster unity and peaceful co-existence among the youth in the area.
He said the coalition had no intention of antagonising any executive body in the party and gave the assurance that members would support the party’s forward match to retain power come the 2012 elections.
Mr Basharu also indicated the coalition’s determination to join hands with all peace-loving citizens in Tamale to say no to all kinds of violence in the region and to collaborate with other stakeholders to reclaim the area’s lost glory.
He further said the coalition would soon put in place a mechanism that would be responsible for educating the public on government programmes.
Other speakers at the function included the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, who impressed upon all party members to avoid complacency and work towards promoting the ideology of the NDC.
COTTON COMPANIES APPEAL FOR MORE SUPPORT (BACK PAGE)
PRIVATE cotton companies in the Northern Region have implored the government to pay more attention to the sector as the industry has the potential to generate not only foreign exchange but also provide job opportunities for the large number of unemployed youth in the area.
“We are ready and committed to producing cotton once again to feed the local textile industries and for export, if the needed support is offered us by the government to revamp the cotton sector,” the President of the Cotton Producers Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai Mobila, stated at a press conference in Tamale.
“Cotton is the only cash crop that does well with little or no rain. It is a cash crop for the rural poor,” he added.
Alhaji Mobila, however, mentioned the unavailability of farm inputs and adequate financial support to the association as some of the difficulties that members were currently going through in their operations.
According to him, with the involvement of private companies in the cultivation of cotton, the country’s cotton production rose from 6000 to 21,000 metric tons within the period 1998-2000.
“The tremendous increase of cotton lint production made textile mills meet their requirement, while lint and cotton seeds were exported to Europe and Asia,” Alhaji Mobila emphasised.
Apart from the raw cotton for the manufacture of textiles, cotton seed is also processed into oil and other edibles while the by-product is used for animal feed.
“The industry could have grown bigger but this was, however, affected by the international price of the commodity dropping, thus resulting in most companies slowing down production,” Alhaji Mobila indicated.
He said when the business of cotton producers came to a standstill, it had a rippling effect on the entire textile industry with some even closing down their operations and rendering thousands of people unemployed.
This situation, according to him, had resulted in the inability of some companies to pay back loans they contracted from the banks.
At the moment, five of the companies are being prosecuted by a bank in Tamale.
Alhaji Mobila, however, reminded the government of its pledge to revamp cotton companies in northern Ghana to help generate employment, reduce poverty and improve upon the living conditions of the farmers.
“Neighbouring Burkina Faso is an example of how cotton has been a major export crop and foreign exchange earner for the country and as northern Ghana shares similar geographical features, we can do better in cotton production with our joint commitments,” he assured.
“We are ready and committed to producing cotton once again to feed the local textile industries and for export, if the needed support is offered us by the government to revamp the cotton sector,” the President of the Cotton Producers Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai Mobila, stated at a press conference in Tamale.
“Cotton is the only cash crop that does well with little or no rain. It is a cash crop for the rural poor,” he added.
Alhaji Mobila, however, mentioned the unavailability of farm inputs and adequate financial support to the association as some of the difficulties that members were currently going through in their operations.
According to him, with the involvement of private companies in the cultivation of cotton, the country’s cotton production rose from 6000 to 21,000 metric tons within the period 1998-2000.
“The tremendous increase of cotton lint production made textile mills meet their requirement, while lint and cotton seeds were exported to Europe and Asia,” Alhaji Mobila emphasised.
Apart from the raw cotton for the manufacture of textiles, cotton seed is also processed into oil and other edibles while the by-product is used for animal feed.
“The industry could have grown bigger but this was, however, affected by the international price of the commodity dropping, thus resulting in most companies slowing down production,” Alhaji Mobila indicated.
He said when the business of cotton producers came to a standstill, it had a rippling effect on the entire textile industry with some even closing down their operations and rendering thousands of people unemployed.
This situation, according to him, had resulted in the inability of some companies to pay back loans they contracted from the banks.
At the moment, five of the companies are being prosecuted by a bank in Tamale.
Alhaji Mobila, however, reminded the government of its pledge to revamp cotton companies in northern Ghana to help generate employment, reduce poverty and improve upon the living conditions of the farmers.
“Neighbouring Burkina Faso is an example of how cotton has been a major export crop and foreign exchange earner for the country and as northern Ghana shares similar geographical features, we can do better in cotton production with our joint commitments,” he assured.
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