THE Tamale Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Justice John Boscos Nabrese, yesterday revoked the bail granted to the 16 suspects involved in the recent disturbances in Tamale.
As a result, the suspects have been detained in prison custody to reappear before the court on April 23, 2009.
They had earlier appeared before the court on February 19, 2009 when they were remanded in prison custody to reappear on March 4, 2009.
Although the suspects were granted bail on the last adjourned date, they could not be released, following the tension and fear for their safety back home, as exhibited by an irate crowd at the court premises that day.
A large crowd of residents besieged the court premises to vehemently protest against the bail granted some of the suspects.
It later took a security re-enforcement that included the military to clear the area for sanity to prevail.
At yesterday’s sitting, there was heavy police presence at the premises of the court, ostensibly to prevent the February 4 incident from recurring.
The 16 suspects, charged for rioting with weapons, are Mohammed Fuseini, Inusah Yakubu, Yahuza Yakubu, Mahamadu Iddrisu and Zakaria Fuseini.
The others are Jafaru Yakubu, Abdul Rauf, Majeed Alhassan, Yahaya Iddrisu, Shamuna Yakubu and Osman Sulemana.
The rest are Alhassan Salifu, Issah Adam, Ziblim Salifu, Soale Adam and Nashiru.
An altercation between some butchers at the Tamale Central Market in the evening of February 17, this year later degenerated into political violence between some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
One person died, while several others sustained various degrees of injury in the clash. There was also destruction of property through arson.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SACHET WATER, A THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH (PAGE 29)
ALTHOUGH the proliferation of sachet water in the Tamale metropolis can be said to be an improved development over the old practice of water being sold to people in cups that were shared by many people, with its concomitant health hazards, sachet water also has its own problems.
Apart from the unhealthy sight of used plastic at every nook and cranny of the metropolis, it has now become clear that water bagged by some producers is not as ‘‘pure’’ as they want the public to believe.
It is for this reason that most residents have expressed grave concern over the operations of some sachet water producers in the area.
An Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), student, Shei J.B. Fuseini, cautioned the public ‘‘to be very careful about the type of sachet water they consume, for it is very clear that most of the producers operate under unhygienic conditions’’.
Iddrisu Alhassan, a student of the Tamale Senior High School, claimed that he was lucky to have checked the sachet water he bought recently in town.
‘‘I had to throw it away after detecting some dead insects in the water,’’ he said.
Some of his colleagues also alleged that some sachet water had unpleasant smell.
Others stressed the need for the authorities, such as the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, to pass bye-laws that would compel sachet water producers to place litter bins at vantage points for patrons to dispose of the waste product.
They said the responsibility of picking up used plastic should also rest on the shoulders of the producers.
In a recent interview with the Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board for the Northern Region, Mr Solomon Agampim, in Tamale, he also advised consumers to always endeavour to check the quality of products before purchasing them.
He reminded the people that the consumption of unwholesome goods and food items was dangerous to one’s health and, therefore, cautioned them to be wary of such items in the system.
Mr Agampim quoted portions of the FDB law of 1992 that clearly states that ‘‘any person who sells or offers for sale any food that consists in whole or part of any filthy, putrid, rotten, decomposed or diseased substance’’ contravened the law and could, therefore, face sanctions.
Apart from the unhealthy sight of used plastic at every nook and cranny of the metropolis, it has now become clear that water bagged by some producers is not as ‘‘pure’’ as they want the public to believe.
It is for this reason that most residents have expressed grave concern over the operations of some sachet water producers in the area.
An Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), student, Shei J.B. Fuseini, cautioned the public ‘‘to be very careful about the type of sachet water they consume, for it is very clear that most of the producers operate under unhygienic conditions’’.
Iddrisu Alhassan, a student of the Tamale Senior High School, claimed that he was lucky to have checked the sachet water he bought recently in town.
‘‘I had to throw it away after detecting some dead insects in the water,’’ he said.
Some of his colleagues also alleged that some sachet water had unpleasant smell.
Others stressed the need for the authorities, such as the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, to pass bye-laws that would compel sachet water producers to place litter bins at vantage points for patrons to dispose of the waste product.
They said the responsibility of picking up used plastic should also rest on the shoulders of the producers.
In a recent interview with the Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board for the Northern Region, Mr Solomon Agampim, in Tamale, he also advised consumers to always endeavour to check the quality of products before purchasing them.
He reminded the people that the consumption of unwholesome goods and food items was dangerous to one’s health and, therefore, cautioned them to be wary of such items in the system.
Mr Agampim quoted portions of the FDB law of 1992 that clearly states that ‘‘any person who sells or offers for sale any food that consists in whole or part of any filthy, putrid, rotten, decomposed or diseased substance’’ contravened the law and could, therefore, face sanctions.
THIS YEAR'S DAMBA WAS UNIQUE (PAGE 29)
THIS year’s Damba Festival in the Tamale metropolis was very significant in many ways. The newly enskinned Tamale Chief, Dakpema Naa Mohammed Alhassan Dawuni, was marking the festival for the fist time since his induction a few months ago.
The festival was also important because it was coming a couple of weeks after the altercation between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tamale that resulted in a clash between some of the protagonists with its ensuing loss of life and destruction of property.
All eyes were, therefore, on Tamale as feverish preparations were being made towards the celebration of this year’s festival.
The much talked about Damba festival came to pass last Monday without any incident. It was hugely successful and the rest is history.
It is also necessary to make it clear that there has never been any infraction that has marred the successful celebration of the time-tested Damba festival in the metropolis.
Indeed majority of people in the Tamale metropolis have described this year’s festival as one of the most successful in recent years.
In spite of the large turnout of revellers, it also attracted people from all political and chieftaincy divides.
The occasion was witnessed by people from all walks of life including foreign tourists some of whom could not resist the euphoria generated by the revellers and joined them to dance.
The revellers were robed in their colourful smocks of varying sizes and shapes as they responded to the throbbing beats from the beaters.
Various youth groups also paraded along the streets with their beautifully clad ladies as if to showcase who was who.
The immaculately dressed sub-chiefs rather stole the show as they sat on their equally decorated horses and danced majestically to beats of the “Lungsi” drummers amidst the firing of musketry whose smolder temporarily lighted the bright skies.
The joyous crowd accompanying them had to meander their way to the Dakpema Chief’s Palace, which is the rallying point of the celebrants.
And by 5 p.m. almost all the sub-chiefs, accompanied by their respective retinues and ‘‘warriors’’ from the suburbs, had gathered at the palace to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage that is associated with the festival.
A 22-year-old student, Seidu Inusah, said, “I have never seen such a large crowd of people at a Damba; this year’s festival was well organised and in spite of the numbers, it went on peacefully.”
“Even though the occasion was successful, I hope more will be done to organise the Damba even better with much publicity to attract more tourists,” Abibata Alhassan stated.
“I was happy with the turn of events; there was no party coloration nor the Abudu and Andani divide: It was purely the celebration of the Damba,” an observer, Kofi Antwi, noted.
The Monday “farewell” dance climaxed the week-long activities that marked the Damba celebration.
The festival, which is a merger between Islam and tradition, is celebrated by majority of Muslim-dominated communities in northern Ghana and largely by Dagombas.
It is to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W), the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming years.
Earlier, the Dakpema used the occasion to entreat the people to bury their differences and rather unite to fight poverty, disease and illiteracy, which were their common enemy.
“I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together we can make Tamale, which is reported to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for all of us to reside in,” he entreated.
The Dakpema further advised the youth to be disciplined at all times and also ensure good sanitary practices within their surroundings.
“I want to assure the people of Tamale that as the Dakpema, I will be a father to all but will not countenance indiscipline in the metropolis. I hope to co-operate with the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Regional Co-ordinating Council and security agencies to maintain peace and order in this area,” he assured.
The festival was also important because it was coming a couple of weeks after the altercation between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tamale that resulted in a clash between some of the protagonists with its ensuing loss of life and destruction of property.
All eyes were, therefore, on Tamale as feverish preparations were being made towards the celebration of this year’s festival.
The much talked about Damba festival came to pass last Monday without any incident. It was hugely successful and the rest is history.
It is also necessary to make it clear that there has never been any infraction that has marred the successful celebration of the time-tested Damba festival in the metropolis.
Indeed majority of people in the Tamale metropolis have described this year’s festival as one of the most successful in recent years.
In spite of the large turnout of revellers, it also attracted people from all political and chieftaincy divides.
The occasion was witnessed by people from all walks of life including foreign tourists some of whom could not resist the euphoria generated by the revellers and joined them to dance.
The revellers were robed in their colourful smocks of varying sizes and shapes as they responded to the throbbing beats from the beaters.
Various youth groups also paraded along the streets with their beautifully clad ladies as if to showcase who was who.
The immaculately dressed sub-chiefs rather stole the show as they sat on their equally decorated horses and danced majestically to beats of the “Lungsi” drummers amidst the firing of musketry whose smolder temporarily lighted the bright skies.
The joyous crowd accompanying them had to meander their way to the Dakpema Chief’s Palace, which is the rallying point of the celebrants.
And by 5 p.m. almost all the sub-chiefs, accompanied by their respective retinues and ‘‘warriors’’ from the suburbs, had gathered at the palace to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage that is associated with the festival.
A 22-year-old student, Seidu Inusah, said, “I have never seen such a large crowd of people at a Damba; this year’s festival was well organised and in spite of the numbers, it went on peacefully.”
“Even though the occasion was successful, I hope more will be done to organise the Damba even better with much publicity to attract more tourists,” Abibata Alhassan stated.
“I was happy with the turn of events; there was no party coloration nor the Abudu and Andani divide: It was purely the celebration of the Damba,” an observer, Kofi Antwi, noted.
The Monday “farewell” dance climaxed the week-long activities that marked the Damba celebration.
The festival, which is a merger between Islam and tradition, is celebrated by majority of Muslim-dominated communities in northern Ghana and largely by Dagombas.
It is to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W), the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming years.
Earlier, the Dakpema used the occasion to entreat the people to bury their differences and rather unite to fight poverty, disease and illiteracy, which were their common enemy.
“I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together we can make Tamale, which is reported to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for all of us to reside in,” he entreated.
The Dakpema further advised the youth to be disciplined at all times and also ensure good sanitary practices within their surroundings.
“I want to assure the people of Tamale that as the Dakpema, I will be a father to all but will not countenance indiscipline in the metropolis. I hope to co-operate with the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Regional Co-ordinating Council and security agencies to maintain peace and order in this area,” he assured.
REGSEC EXTENDS DEADLINE....For surrender of arms (PAGE 3)
THE Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has extended the period given to residents of the metropolis to surrender illegal arms in their possession to the security agencies by one more month.
The council has also made an incentive offer of GH¢300 to any resident who will surrender his weapon to the security agencies.
These new decisions were taken by the REGSEC at its emergency meeting held in Tamale yesterday.
As of last Friday when the deadline ended, the police said Tamale residents had refused to surrender arms in their possession, as had been directed by the Northern Regional Minister, and they had not received even a single weapon.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour, who said this, noted that the REGSEC would meet to deliberate on the extent to which the people complied with the minister’s order.
“We are currently compiling our reports, after which we will submit them to the minister for subsequent discussion by the REGSEC on the next line of action,” he said.
On the general security situation in the region, Mr Gyeabour said there was no cause for alarm, adding, “We are firmly on the ground for any eventuality.”
He gave the assurance that his outfit had taken adequate measures to clamp down on criminal activities in the area, adding, “We have also stepped up our road safety campaigns, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to help reduce the spate of accidents in the region.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Sumani Nayina, gave the order for the surrender of arms following a clash between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tamale metropolis last month.
One person died in the ensuing disturbances, while a number of properties were burnt down in the process.
Eighteen people who were arrested in connection with the violence are still in prison custody. They are to reappear before the Tamale Circuit Court later this month.
Meanwhile the Regional Police Commander has said that the police had not received any notification from any group which suggested that some sympathisers of the Andani Royal Gate in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide were preparing to publicly mark the seventh anniversary of the death of the Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, in Tamale and elsewhere on Friday, March 27, 2009.
“In any case, if such a notification is sent to us, the REGSEC will convene a meeting to deliberate on the issue,” he indicated.
The commander gave the assurance that the police were neutral in matters of chieftaincy, saying, “We will always be impartial in such matters.”
The council has also made an incentive offer of GH¢300 to any resident who will surrender his weapon to the security agencies.
These new decisions were taken by the REGSEC at its emergency meeting held in Tamale yesterday.
As of last Friday when the deadline ended, the police said Tamale residents had refused to surrender arms in their possession, as had been directed by the Northern Regional Minister, and they had not received even a single weapon.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour, who said this, noted that the REGSEC would meet to deliberate on the extent to which the people complied with the minister’s order.
“We are currently compiling our reports, after which we will submit them to the minister for subsequent discussion by the REGSEC on the next line of action,” he said.
On the general security situation in the region, Mr Gyeabour said there was no cause for alarm, adding, “We are firmly on the ground for any eventuality.”
He gave the assurance that his outfit had taken adequate measures to clamp down on criminal activities in the area, adding, “We have also stepped up our road safety campaigns, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to help reduce the spate of accidents in the region.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Sumani Nayina, gave the order for the surrender of arms following a clash between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tamale metropolis last month.
One person died in the ensuing disturbances, while a number of properties were burnt down in the process.
Eighteen people who were arrested in connection with the violence are still in prison custody. They are to reappear before the Tamale Circuit Court later this month.
Meanwhile the Regional Police Commander has said that the police had not received any notification from any group which suggested that some sympathisers of the Andani Royal Gate in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide were preparing to publicly mark the seventh anniversary of the death of the Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, in Tamale and elsewhere on Friday, March 27, 2009.
“In any case, if such a notification is sent to us, the REGSEC will convene a meeting to deliberate on the issue,” he indicated.
The commander gave the assurance that the police were neutral in matters of chieftaincy, saying, “We will always be impartial in such matters.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
FIND LASTING SOLUTIONS TO UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM ...In Northern Ghana (PAGE 36)
THE devil, it is said, engages the idle hands and a hungry man is indeed an angry man. These wise sayings were certainly not borne out of nothing. They give meanings to the fact that a frustrated job hunter is gullible and could be used to engage in criminal activities for survival.
It is for this reason that serious and practicable solutions will have to be found to the growing unemployment situation in the Northern Region in order that selfish individuals and groups would not take advantage of the financial vulnerability of the youth and use them to cause disturbances at the least provocation.
It is sometimes pathetic to see school leavers yearning to put what they have been taught in the classrooms into practice, moving from office to office seeking for jobs.
It is equally disheartening that the illiterate majority cannot also find any work to engage themselves in because there are simply no factories and industries in the Tamale metropolis to employ their services.
The agriculture sector that used to provide ready jobs for the youth, particularly in the rural areas, has also suffered decline over the years and as a result, the young men and women who were being used as farm hands now troop to Southern Ghana in droves to ‘‘try their luck’’ on any menial job for survival.
Indeed, this writer has encountered a number of the youth moving from one office to another including homes searching for jobs to expend their energies on. In most cases, they return home disappointed.
According to a marketing graduate of the Tamale Polytechnic, Miss Rabi Seidu, ‘‘we ladies are even more vulnerable because most of the times even if you want an attachment, the manager or a senior staff of an organisation would want to sleep with you before engaging your services with the assurance that he would eventually employ you”.
The unemployed youth, who are mostly between the ages of 18 and 35, are spotted under trees playing cards, ludo or oware. Others engage themselves in rumour mongering and conversations that sometimes lead to heated arguments and unnecessary quarrels.
Parental irresponsibility coupled with ignorance has also contributed significantly to the prevailing situation as some parents continue to shirk their duties while others do not still see the need to enrol their children in school.
According to a 34-year-old development worker, Mr Dan Kuka, ‘‘but for the existence of the many non-governmental organisations some of who are contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the north, I wonder how the poverty situation would have looked like’’.
Some have indeed blamed the prevailing high unemployment levels on government neglect of northern Ghana because according to them, much commitment has not been demonstrated in creating jobs.
They contend that the availability of water, which is one of the necessities in the establishment of industries, is woefully inadequate in most parts of the region including the Tamale metropolis and that governments over the years have failed to address the age-old problem.
Even though, the 45-million euro Tamale water expansion project for the metropolis has been completed, many surrounding communities are still without potable water. The people struggle with animals daily to draw water from the small existing dams and dug-outs.
Existing factories such as the Nasia Rice Mills that used to offer ready market for farmers and also provide employment for the youth, is almost collapsed due to lack of credit facilities and the influx of imported rice into the system.
Other industries that are suffering from the same fate are the cotton industries and oil and shea-nut establishments.
Indeed, it is commendable that the immediate past government introduced the Youth Employment Programme to absorb young men and women at their prime age to earn decent living. More still needs to be done to engage the thousands of frustrated youth who still roam the streets and knock at the doors of offices.
Hopefully, the current government’s intention to establish the Savannah Accelerated Development Project will really help to fast-track the socio-economic development of northern Ghana.
The National Volunteer Programme being run by the National Service Secretariat is another venue the youth have turned their attention to. But the question is, what happens to them after the service?
There is, therefore, the urgent need to draw up a comprehensive National Youth Policy to come out with holistic solutions to address the problems of young men and women who often do not know where to focus their attention for support.
Even though the initiatives by the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and some philanthropic groups and individuals in providing employment skills to the youth in the region are commendable, much needs to be done to make such skills impact more positively on the beneficiaries and the society in general.
It is for this reason that serious and practicable solutions will have to be found to the growing unemployment situation in the Northern Region in order that selfish individuals and groups would not take advantage of the financial vulnerability of the youth and use them to cause disturbances at the least provocation.
It is sometimes pathetic to see school leavers yearning to put what they have been taught in the classrooms into practice, moving from office to office seeking for jobs.
It is equally disheartening that the illiterate majority cannot also find any work to engage themselves in because there are simply no factories and industries in the Tamale metropolis to employ their services.
The agriculture sector that used to provide ready jobs for the youth, particularly in the rural areas, has also suffered decline over the years and as a result, the young men and women who were being used as farm hands now troop to Southern Ghana in droves to ‘‘try their luck’’ on any menial job for survival.
Indeed, this writer has encountered a number of the youth moving from one office to another including homes searching for jobs to expend their energies on. In most cases, they return home disappointed.
According to a marketing graduate of the Tamale Polytechnic, Miss Rabi Seidu, ‘‘we ladies are even more vulnerable because most of the times even if you want an attachment, the manager or a senior staff of an organisation would want to sleep with you before engaging your services with the assurance that he would eventually employ you”.
The unemployed youth, who are mostly between the ages of 18 and 35, are spotted under trees playing cards, ludo or oware. Others engage themselves in rumour mongering and conversations that sometimes lead to heated arguments and unnecessary quarrels.
Parental irresponsibility coupled with ignorance has also contributed significantly to the prevailing situation as some parents continue to shirk their duties while others do not still see the need to enrol their children in school.
According to a 34-year-old development worker, Mr Dan Kuka, ‘‘but for the existence of the many non-governmental organisations some of who are contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the north, I wonder how the poverty situation would have looked like’’.
Some have indeed blamed the prevailing high unemployment levels on government neglect of northern Ghana because according to them, much commitment has not been demonstrated in creating jobs.
They contend that the availability of water, which is one of the necessities in the establishment of industries, is woefully inadequate in most parts of the region including the Tamale metropolis and that governments over the years have failed to address the age-old problem.
Even though, the 45-million euro Tamale water expansion project for the metropolis has been completed, many surrounding communities are still without potable water. The people struggle with animals daily to draw water from the small existing dams and dug-outs.
Existing factories such as the Nasia Rice Mills that used to offer ready market for farmers and also provide employment for the youth, is almost collapsed due to lack of credit facilities and the influx of imported rice into the system.
Other industries that are suffering from the same fate are the cotton industries and oil and shea-nut establishments.
Indeed, it is commendable that the immediate past government introduced the Youth Employment Programme to absorb young men and women at their prime age to earn decent living. More still needs to be done to engage the thousands of frustrated youth who still roam the streets and knock at the doors of offices.
Hopefully, the current government’s intention to establish the Savannah Accelerated Development Project will really help to fast-track the socio-economic development of northern Ghana.
The National Volunteer Programme being run by the National Service Secretariat is another venue the youth have turned their attention to. But the question is, what happens to them after the service?
There is, therefore, the urgent need to draw up a comprehensive National Youth Policy to come out with holistic solutions to address the problems of young men and women who often do not know where to focus their attention for support.
Even though the initiatives by the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and some philanthropic groups and individuals in providing employment skills to the youth in the region are commendable, much needs to be done to make such skills impact more positively on the beneficiaries and the society in general.
Friday, March 13, 2009
RAINSTORM HITS TAMALE (BACK PAGE)
A heavy rainstorm swept through the Tamale metropolis last Wednesday night, leaving in its wake destruction of properties.
There were no reported cases of fatalities, but some persons were confirmed to have received minor injuries.
The storm, which was accompanied by thunder and lightning, started a few minutes after 7:00 p.m. and continued for more than two hours.
The city was eventually thrown into darkness as the lights went off for some time as a result of the intensity of the rain.
Apart from ripping off roofs of some houses, the storm completely destroyed a number of houses while many trees were uprooted.
Electrical and telephone poles and wires were also damaged. Also destroyed were container shops and billboards of various kinds and sizes.
The Northern Regional office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) was not spared. The building housing the seed company had its roof completely ripped off, exposing some facilities and seeds to the rains.
When the Daily Graphic toured some parts of the metropolis yesterday morning, the debris was littered all over the place with the victims picking up the pieces.
Others were, however, still bemused by the level of destruction and were yet to come to terms with the fact that their toils and sweats for years had gone down the drain just in one night.
Some of them were wondering how they could gather resources to reconstruct the structures they had toiled over the years to put up.
A trader, Hajia Zakaria Bintu, whose four-bedroom house got destroyed, appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other organisations to come to their aid.
According to the NADMO, they were still assessing the impact of the storm in the area.
On how they would support the victims, the Deputy Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO, Mr Chris Tanga, acknowledged that currently his outfit had run out of stock and that after the assessment requests would be made to bring in support from Accra.RAIN
There were no reported cases of fatalities, but some persons were confirmed to have received minor injuries.
The storm, which was accompanied by thunder and lightning, started a few minutes after 7:00 p.m. and continued for more than two hours.
The city was eventually thrown into darkness as the lights went off for some time as a result of the intensity of the rain.
Apart from ripping off roofs of some houses, the storm completely destroyed a number of houses while many trees were uprooted.
Electrical and telephone poles and wires were also damaged. Also destroyed were container shops and billboards of various kinds and sizes.
The Northern Regional office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) was not spared. The building housing the seed company had its roof completely ripped off, exposing some facilities and seeds to the rains.
When the Daily Graphic toured some parts of the metropolis yesterday morning, the debris was littered all over the place with the victims picking up the pieces.
Others were, however, still bemused by the level of destruction and were yet to come to terms with the fact that their toils and sweats for years had gone down the drain just in one night.
Some of them were wondering how they could gather resources to reconstruct the structures they had toiled over the years to put up.
A trader, Hajia Zakaria Bintu, whose four-bedroom house got destroyed, appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other organisations to come to their aid.
According to the NADMO, they were still assessing the impact of the storm in the area.
On how they would support the victims, the Deputy Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO, Mr Chris Tanga, acknowledged that currently his outfit had run out of stock and that after the assessment requests would be made to bring in support from Accra.RAIN
Thursday, March 12, 2009
DAMBA FESTIVAL WILL BE PEACEFUL (PAGE 3)
THE Northern Regional Police Command has given the assurance that the celebration of this year’s Damba Festival by the chiefs and people of Dagbon will be peaceful and incident-free.
It said adequate security was in place for the peaceful celebration of the festival, which takes place on Sunday and Monday.
The command, however, appealed to the people to duly co-operate with the security forces and ensure that the time- tested festival was celebrated without any breach of the prevailing peace in the region.
“At the moment there is no breach of security in the area. Security operatives have been stationed at various hot spots in the region to ensure the successful celebration of the festival,” the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Northern Region, Mr Ofosu-Mensah Gyeabour, stated in an interview.
According to him, both Yendi and Tamale were calm as preparations got underway for the celebration of the festival.
For his part, the Chief of Tamale, Dakpema Alhassan Dawuni, also indicated that all was set for a successful festival. According to his secretary, Alhassan Basharu Daballi, “coming a couple of months after his successful enskinment, the Dakpema and his subjects want to celebrate this year’s festival in a grand style”.
Mr Daballi, therefore, extended invitation to all well-meaning Ghanaians and tourists to come and join the people to mark the Damba in a unique way.
Customary and traditional rites for the festival began last Sunday.
The festival, which is a merger between Islam and tradition, is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north and largely by Dagombas.
It is said to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of the Prophet Muhammad, the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming year.
The celebration of the festival has always generated some controversy in Yendi, the traditional seat of Dagbon, between the two chieftaincy gates, the Andani and the Abudu.
While the Andanis insist that the only traditional authority permitted by custom to perform the festival in Yendi is the Ya-Na, or in his absence his Regent, the Abudus contend that they have every right to also observe the ceremony under the leadership of the Bolin-Lana, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai.
It was such deep-rooted mistrust and misunderstanding between the two royal gates that later degenerated into the bloody events culminating in the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and some of his elders in Yendi on March 27, 2002.
After the incident, all traditional and customary practices in the Dagbon Kingdom were put on hold. They were lifted only in April 2006 after the remains of the late King had been finally interred and his first son, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Yakubu Andani, enskinned as the Regent of Dagbon.
The Regent, however, declined to celebrate the festival in April 2007 as a result of a similar controversy between the two gates that could have disturbed the peace there.
The rest of Dagbon, however, celebrated the festival peacefully that year and in 2008.
It said adequate security was in place for the peaceful celebration of the festival, which takes place on Sunday and Monday.
The command, however, appealed to the people to duly co-operate with the security forces and ensure that the time- tested festival was celebrated without any breach of the prevailing peace in the region.
“At the moment there is no breach of security in the area. Security operatives have been stationed at various hot spots in the region to ensure the successful celebration of the festival,” the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Northern Region, Mr Ofosu-Mensah Gyeabour, stated in an interview.
According to him, both Yendi and Tamale were calm as preparations got underway for the celebration of the festival.
For his part, the Chief of Tamale, Dakpema Alhassan Dawuni, also indicated that all was set for a successful festival. According to his secretary, Alhassan Basharu Daballi, “coming a couple of months after his successful enskinment, the Dakpema and his subjects want to celebrate this year’s festival in a grand style”.
Mr Daballi, therefore, extended invitation to all well-meaning Ghanaians and tourists to come and join the people to mark the Damba in a unique way.
Customary and traditional rites for the festival began last Sunday.
The festival, which is a merger between Islam and tradition, is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north and largely by Dagombas.
It is said to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of the Prophet Muhammad, the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming year.
The celebration of the festival has always generated some controversy in Yendi, the traditional seat of Dagbon, between the two chieftaincy gates, the Andani and the Abudu.
While the Andanis insist that the only traditional authority permitted by custom to perform the festival in Yendi is the Ya-Na, or in his absence his Regent, the Abudus contend that they have every right to also observe the ceremony under the leadership of the Bolin-Lana, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai.
It was such deep-rooted mistrust and misunderstanding between the two royal gates that later degenerated into the bloody events culminating in the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and some of his elders in Yendi on March 27, 2002.
After the incident, all traditional and customary practices in the Dagbon Kingdom were put on hold. They were lifted only in April 2006 after the remains of the late King had been finally interred and his first son, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Yakubu Andani, enskinned as the Regent of Dagbon.
The Regent, however, declined to celebrate the festival in April 2007 as a result of a similar controversy between the two gates that could have disturbed the peace there.
The rest of Dagbon, however, celebrated the festival peacefully that year and in 2008.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
CROWD PROTESTS BAIL FOR TAMALE SUSPECTS (PAGE 3)
A large crowd of people yesterday besieged the premises of the Tamale Circuit Court to protest against the granting of bail to suspects who are alleged to have been involved in the recent Tamale disturbances.
The protesters, who said they were not happy with the ruling by the court, threatened not to leave the premises of the court or allow the suspects to be taken out of the area.
It later took a security re-enforcement that included the military to clear the area for sanity to prevail.
All 18 suspects, who had been in prison custody since their arrest on February 17, 2009, were granted bail to reappear on March 26, 2009.
The court was presided over by Justice John Nabrase.
Fifteen of the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the arson that followed the clashes, while the rest were apprehended for possessing arms.
The suspects had earlier appeared before the court on February 19, 2009 when they were remanded in prison custody to reappear yesterday.
According to the protesters, once some of the suspects had been arrested with guns, it was not proper for them to be granted bail, since that could send wrong signals to their colleagues.
“This is the reason we have recurrent violence in the north. When people are arrested with such offensive weapons, they must be made to pay a heavy price to serve as a deterrent to ensure sustainable peace in the area,” one of the protesters, Ibrahim Hardi, opined.
However, an eyewitness of the proceedings, Baba Abu, indicated, “I do not understand the reason for the protest because the case has not been concluded. The suspects have only been granted bail to reappear on a later date.”
A social misunderstanding between some butchers at the Tamale Central Market in the evening of February 17, 2009 later degenerated into political violence between some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
One person died, while several others sustained various degrees of injury in the clash. There was also destruction of property through arson.
The protesters, who said they were not happy with the ruling by the court, threatened not to leave the premises of the court or allow the suspects to be taken out of the area.
It later took a security re-enforcement that included the military to clear the area for sanity to prevail.
All 18 suspects, who had been in prison custody since their arrest on February 17, 2009, were granted bail to reappear on March 26, 2009.
The court was presided over by Justice John Nabrase.
Fifteen of the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the arson that followed the clashes, while the rest were apprehended for possessing arms.
The suspects had earlier appeared before the court on February 19, 2009 when they were remanded in prison custody to reappear yesterday.
According to the protesters, once some of the suspects had been arrested with guns, it was not proper for them to be granted bail, since that could send wrong signals to their colleagues.
“This is the reason we have recurrent violence in the north. When people are arrested with such offensive weapons, they must be made to pay a heavy price to serve as a deterrent to ensure sustainable peace in the area,” one of the protesters, Ibrahim Hardi, opined.
However, an eyewitness of the proceedings, Baba Abu, indicated, “I do not understand the reason for the protest because the case has not been concluded. The suspects have only been granted bail to reappear on a later date.”
A social misunderstanding between some butchers at the Tamale Central Market in the evening of February 17, 2009 later degenerated into political violence between some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
One person died, while several others sustained various degrees of injury in the clash. There was also destruction of property through arson.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
HEAVY RAINS TO HIT TAMALE (PAGE 29)
SOON, the rainy season will be with us again. And as usual, it will come with its devastating consequences, including destruction of property and loss of lives.
The Northern Regional capital, Tamale, just like any other area in the country, has suffered from the effects of heavy rains in recent years. The latest of such rainstorms occurred in April 2007. There was massive destruction of property and many victims were thus rendered homeless.
Over 200 homes and school buildings in the metropolis had their roofs partly or completely ripped off. The storm also swept off a lot of trees from their roots, leading to the temporary blockage of some roads.
Also, destroyed were streetlights, traffic lights, electricity poles, kiosks and billboards. As a result of the danger that electrical cables which were strewn on roads and buildings posed, the VRA had to cut off power supply in the affected areas for a number of days to save lives.
Suburbs that are most affected in times of heavy rains are those in lowland areas. This has come about because there are no well cut-out drainage systems in those new communities and so whenever it rains, the houses are submerged in the rains, thus making the improvised roads unmotorable.
As a result, anytime the clouds are forming, some residents panic and wish that the rains never fall.
Some other reasons for the perennial floods in the metropolis are the practice of some people to build on water courses and in waterlogged areas.
Although work on the over GH¢ 62 million Tamale Storm Water Drainage Project, which was started in the latter part of 2003, has since been completed, more of such drainage systems need to be constructed to help address the situation.
On preparations by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) towards preventing or minimising the impact of a possible rainstorm in the area this year, the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the organisation, Alhaji Alhassan Mahmoud, said there was an ongoing sensitisation programme to alert the general public and also to educate them on the need to ensure regular maintenance of their structures.
“As the rainy season approaches, we advise houseowners to fortify their homes by ensuring their roofs are properly secured, walls are mended and water courses created, while existing ones are desilted to make way for free flow of water,” he indicated.
According to Alhaji Mahmoud, his outfit, in collaboration with some district assemblies in the region, had embarked on tree planting exercises in some communities to serve as wind breaks.
On the availability of relief items in case of any disaster, the co-ordinator said the organisation was now taking stock and evolving a transition programme.
Be it as it may, rains are certainly blessings from God. We need rains as much as it causes disaster. The onus lies on policy makers and stakeholders, including residents to come up with practicable measures and attitudes that will ensure that the impact of rainstorms are reduced to the barest minimum.
The Northern Regional capital, Tamale, just like any other area in the country, has suffered from the effects of heavy rains in recent years. The latest of such rainstorms occurred in April 2007. There was massive destruction of property and many victims were thus rendered homeless.
Over 200 homes and school buildings in the metropolis had their roofs partly or completely ripped off. The storm also swept off a lot of trees from their roots, leading to the temporary blockage of some roads.
Also, destroyed were streetlights, traffic lights, electricity poles, kiosks and billboards. As a result of the danger that electrical cables which were strewn on roads and buildings posed, the VRA had to cut off power supply in the affected areas for a number of days to save lives.
Suburbs that are most affected in times of heavy rains are those in lowland areas. This has come about because there are no well cut-out drainage systems in those new communities and so whenever it rains, the houses are submerged in the rains, thus making the improvised roads unmotorable.
As a result, anytime the clouds are forming, some residents panic and wish that the rains never fall.
Some other reasons for the perennial floods in the metropolis are the practice of some people to build on water courses and in waterlogged areas.
Although work on the over GH¢ 62 million Tamale Storm Water Drainage Project, which was started in the latter part of 2003, has since been completed, more of such drainage systems need to be constructed to help address the situation.
On preparations by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) towards preventing or minimising the impact of a possible rainstorm in the area this year, the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the organisation, Alhaji Alhassan Mahmoud, said there was an ongoing sensitisation programme to alert the general public and also to educate them on the need to ensure regular maintenance of their structures.
“As the rainy season approaches, we advise houseowners to fortify their homes by ensuring their roofs are properly secured, walls are mended and water courses created, while existing ones are desilted to make way for free flow of water,” he indicated.
According to Alhaji Mahmoud, his outfit, in collaboration with some district assemblies in the region, had embarked on tree planting exercises in some communities to serve as wind breaks.
On the availability of relief items in case of any disaster, the co-ordinator said the organisation was now taking stock and evolving a transition programme.
Be it as it may, rains are certainly blessings from God. We need rains as much as it causes disaster. The onus lies on policy makers and stakeholders, including residents to come up with practicable measures and attitudes that will ensure that the impact of rainstorms are reduced to the barest minimum.
CALM RESTORED IN TAMALE (PAGE 29)
CALM has returned to the Tamale metropolis with brisk business and social activities picking up fast, after the February 17 unfortunate disturbances which occurred after an altercation between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and those of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
One person died while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in the clash. Some properties were also destroyed and houses razed to the ground.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Commander of Police, ASP Abanga Caesar, a social misunderstanding between some butchers at the Central Market later degenerated into the political violence.
The disturbances did not, however, engulf the entire metropolis. They were concentrated in some enclaves at Gumbihimi and Nyohini, where a number of houses and vehicles were put on fire.
Interestingly, some residents were not even aware of the incident and the heavy security presence in the metropolis, but only heard of it through the media .
It is an undeniable fact that since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which culminated in the murder of the Overlord of the area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and some of his retinue, the metropolis has never known peace.
The existing differences in the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis between the Andani and Abudu Royal Gates have, however, existed with the people over some decades now.
A permanent solution is yet to be found to this protracted crisis. Unfortunately, the existing situation has taken a deep-rooted political dimension. The chieftaincy issue has often cascaded into most of the political crisis that has been witnessed in some parts of Dagbon over the years.
It is, however, unfortunate that anytime there is a strife at any corner of the metropolis, it is reported as if the entire Tamale is on fire.
Indeed, a colleague who accompanied the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, and his team to the metropolis from Accra to ascertain the security situation a couple of days ago, could not believe that he was in Tamale because of the prevailing serenity and commercial activities, especially in the central business district.
“What even surprises me most is the number of the foreign visitors I have seen happily roaming the streets of the metropolis on bicycles and on foot,” he stated.
Following the latest disturbances, the newly enskinned Chief of Tamale, Dakpema Mohamadu Dawuni, has urged all parties in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint while a lasting solution was found to the recurrent problem.
He entreated the people to co-operate with the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators to face the full rigours of the law.
The chief attributed the situation to a lack of discipline on the part of some youth and the failure of some parents and guardians to discipline their recalcitrant wards.
The chief condemned the violence and urged the security personnel to retrieve all illegal weapons in the possession of residents.
At a press conference at his palace, Dapkema Dasana, emphasised that “Tamale is a cosmopolitan area and a home to all; Tamale is not a jungle, but a part of Ghana where law and order must operate at all times.”
He thus advised the youth to be each other’s keeper and must not allow themselves to be manipulated by any individual or a group of persons to engage in violence.
The chief condemned the violence and called for support from his sub-chiefs and other stakeholders, stressing that his regime would be characterised by peace, human and physical development.
Dapkema Dasana further observed that the high unemployment levels among the youth and its resultant endemic poverty could be the reasons for the negative actions of the youth as the “devil finds work for the idle hands”.
“The solution to this problem is to get them gainfully employed in agricultural ventures and also ensure that they are offered opportunities to go to school,” he indicated.
“I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together we can make Tamale, which is reported to be among the fastest-growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for us all,” the chief added.
Fourteen people who were arrested in connection with the disturbances appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court last week and were remanded in prison custody to re-appear on March 4, 2009.
One person died while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in the clash. Some properties were also destroyed and houses razed to the ground.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Commander of Police, ASP Abanga Caesar, a social misunderstanding between some butchers at the Central Market later degenerated into the political violence.
The disturbances did not, however, engulf the entire metropolis. They were concentrated in some enclaves at Gumbihimi and Nyohini, where a number of houses and vehicles were put on fire.
Interestingly, some residents were not even aware of the incident and the heavy security presence in the metropolis, but only heard of it through the media .
It is an undeniable fact that since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which culminated in the murder of the Overlord of the area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and some of his retinue, the metropolis has never known peace.
The existing differences in the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis between the Andani and Abudu Royal Gates have, however, existed with the people over some decades now.
A permanent solution is yet to be found to this protracted crisis. Unfortunately, the existing situation has taken a deep-rooted political dimension. The chieftaincy issue has often cascaded into most of the political crisis that has been witnessed in some parts of Dagbon over the years.
It is, however, unfortunate that anytime there is a strife at any corner of the metropolis, it is reported as if the entire Tamale is on fire.
Indeed, a colleague who accompanied the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, and his team to the metropolis from Accra to ascertain the security situation a couple of days ago, could not believe that he was in Tamale because of the prevailing serenity and commercial activities, especially in the central business district.
“What even surprises me most is the number of the foreign visitors I have seen happily roaming the streets of the metropolis on bicycles and on foot,” he stated.
Following the latest disturbances, the newly enskinned Chief of Tamale, Dakpema Mohamadu Dawuni, has urged all parties in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint while a lasting solution was found to the recurrent problem.
He entreated the people to co-operate with the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators to face the full rigours of the law.
The chief attributed the situation to a lack of discipline on the part of some youth and the failure of some parents and guardians to discipline their recalcitrant wards.
The chief condemned the violence and urged the security personnel to retrieve all illegal weapons in the possession of residents.
At a press conference at his palace, Dapkema Dasana, emphasised that “Tamale is a cosmopolitan area and a home to all; Tamale is not a jungle, but a part of Ghana where law and order must operate at all times.”
He thus advised the youth to be each other’s keeper and must not allow themselves to be manipulated by any individual or a group of persons to engage in violence.
The chief condemned the violence and called for support from his sub-chiefs and other stakeholders, stressing that his regime would be characterised by peace, human and physical development.
Dapkema Dasana further observed that the high unemployment levels among the youth and its resultant endemic poverty could be the reasons for the negative actions of the youth as the “devil finds work for the idle hands”.
“The solution to this problem is to get them gainfully employed in agricultural ventures and also ensure that they are offered opportunities to go to school,” he indicated.
“I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together we can make Tamale, which is reported to be among the fastest-growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for us all,” the chief added.
Fourteen people who were arrested in connection with the disturbances appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court last week and were remanded in prison custody to re-appear on March 4, 2009.
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