CHILDREN in the Tamale metropolis have appealed to the elderly to avoid tendencies that have the potential of causing social upheavals and rather engage in acts that promote peace and social harmony in the metropolis.
According to the children, the actions and inaction of the elderly had a direct effect on their growth, since children looked up to adults for inspiration and guidance.
The children further gave credence to the saying that, “The proper development of the child is everybody’s responsibility.”
The children made the appeal at this year’s African Child Day Celebration in Tamale last Tuesday on the theme: “Right to participate: let children be heard and seen”.
The programme was organised by the Centre for Active Learning and Integrated Development (CALID) with support from ActionAid Ghana, both non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The pupils were drawn from the Tamale metropolis, Nanumba North, Chereponi, Saboba and Savelugu districts.
Activities lined up for the week-long programme included an interaction with traditional rulers, civil society and governmental agencies.
The children also held a panel discussion on the global financial crisis. Earlier in a quiz contest, the Savelugu/Nanton District emerged tops.
The children further expressed concern over the protracted chieftaincy and political disputes in the area, which they noted were adversely affecting them in their studies and the accelerated development of the metropolis and the region.
The Programmes Co-ordinator of CALID, Mr Sumani Bapio Mohammed Awal, called for the creation of more opportunities for children to enable them to explore their talents and make the right decisions about their lives.
He noted that the youth were becoming sophisticated and needed special protection and guidance from society.
The Northern Regional Manager of ActionAid Ghana, Mr Yakubu Mohammed Saani, observed that since Ghana was a signatory to various conventions and protocols on the rights of the child, it was necessary to enforce those protocols.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Tamale Metropolitan Chief executive, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, expressed the assembly’s commitment to strictly enforce all bye-laws governing parental responsibilities as a means of promoting the welfare of neglected children in the metropolis.
He called on parents to consider the education of their children of school age especially the girl child as their major priority.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, said the government would initiate child-centred programmes to encourage children to be in school particularly in deprived communities. He, therefore, appealed to the people to ensure sustainable peace to facilitate the accelerated development of the area.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
TAMA TO INSTITUTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS (PAGE 28)
The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) is to institute an environmental award to honour institutions, groups and individuals who engage in best environmental practices in the metropolis.
The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Haruna Friday, announced this in Tamale when he distributed about 5,000 grafted mango seedlings to some basic and second cycle schools in the area.
The seedlings were donated to the assembly by “Kick Malaria Out”, an Accra-based non-governmental organisation, as part of its Green Ghana project to avoid complete depletion of the nation’s forests.
The project is also aimed at encouraging people to plant tress in their various communities to help combat global warming.
The MCE expressed concern over the indiscriminate manner trees were being felled in the metropolis and advised the people to desist from such practices, since the practice affected their own survival.
He also entreated them to put an immediate stop to bush burning, since it contributed significantly to the loss of soil fertility resulting in food insecurity.
Alhaji Friday commended the NGO for its initiative and urged other institutions, organisations, individuals and groups to also support the programme and adopt best environmental practices.
The Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the organisation, Mr Abass Salifu, explained that the donation of the seedlings was part of their efforts to “save our forests from total depletion”.
In furtherance of this, he said his outfit was also collaborating with the assembly to plant about one million trees in the metropolis this year.
He also advised the people to adhere strictly to best environmental practices and expressed appreciation to the assembly for its intention to establish an environmental award, which he hoped would encourage the people to plant more trees.
According to him, the project would be extended to the Upper East and West regions and appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intensify its campaigns against bush burning and tree felling.
He also appealed to various district assemblies to enforce their respective by-laws to protect the environment.
The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Haruna Friday, announced this in Tamale when he distributed about 5,000 grafted mango seedlings to some basic and second cycle schools in the area.
The seedlings were donated to the assembly by “Kick Malaria Out”, an Accra-based non-governmental organisation, as part of its Green Ghana project to avoid complete depletion of the nation’s forests.
The project is also aimed at encouraging people to plant tress in their various communities to help combat global warming.
The MCE expressed concern over the indiscriminate manner trees were being felled in the metropolis and advised the people to desist from such practices, since the practice affected their own survival.
He also entreated them to put an immediate stop to bush burning, since it contributed significantly to the loss of soil fertility resulting in food insecurity.
Alhaji Friday commended the NGO for its initiative and urged other institutions, organisations, individuals and groups to also support the programme and adopt best environmental practices.
The Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the organisation, Mr Abass Salifu, explained that the donation of the seedlings was part of their efforts to “save our forests from total depletion”.
In furtherance of this, he said his outfit was also collaborating with the assembly to plant about one million trees in the metropolis this year.
He also advised the people to adhere strictly to best environmental practices and expressed appreciation to the assembly for its intention to establish an environmental award, which he hoped would encourage the people to plant more trees.
According to him, the project would be extended to the Upper East and West regions and appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intensify its campaigns against bush burning and tree felling.
He also appealed to various district assemblies to enforce their respective by-laws to protect the environment.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
ACTIONAID PRAISED FOR HELPING DEVELOP NORTHERN REGION (PAGE 39)
THE Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, has commended ActionAid, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), for its immense contribution to the socio-economic development of the area over the years.
According to the minister, programmes by the organisation had not only facilitated the provision of services towards improving the conditions of the underprivileged in society, but had also raised the level of awareness of the people on their rights and privileges.
The gesture, he said, had also facilitated the organisational dynamics of civil society groups in beneficiary areas in the region. Among the focus of the NGO are education, peace and security, democratic governance and accountability and health. Other sectors are water and sanitation, food security and women’s rights.
Mr Nayina’s speech was read on his behalf at a stakeholders meeting on the phase-out of the Tamale urban and peri-urban development programmes of ActionAid in Tamale.
The region’s development programmes are located in Tamale, Chereponi and Nanumba. Phase-outs are undertaken when the organisation has achieved its objectives of programme activities.
The minister stated that phase-outs underlined the basic premise that development could be sustained only when it was managed and controlled. He said, “It is important that communities are involved in both the planning and implementation of the winding down of funding and programme work,”.
Mr Nayina, however, urged the stakeholders to be involved in all matters at various stages, organise regular participatory review and reflections with communities and partners while discussing roles and responsibilities and documentation on the programme at regular intervals.
The Regional Programme Manager of ActionAid, Mr Yakubu Mohammed Saani, explained that the policy of the organisation demanded that communities in its operational areas in Tamale should be in a position by now to undertake their own development agenda.
“With 10 years of external support, communities should be empowered enough to drive their own development agenda”, he stated.
Mr Saani, however, noted that in practice, most development areas in ActionAid did not phase-out in 10 years as a result of local contextual dynamics.
He further explained that the purpose of the meeting included sharing of information on phase-out guidelines, extend of realisation of project goals and objectives and the generation of discussions on the phase out of the Tamale programme.
“We have also documented our interventions and achievements over the last 10 years to deepen stakeholders understanding of our work to enable them to effectively engage in this process’, the manager added.
Mr Saani, however, stressed that the phase-out did not imply that his outfit was folding up, adding “AAG is only taking a back seat to enable community partners to drive their own agenda; we are not running away”, he added.
According to the minister, programmes by the organisation had not only facilitated the provision of services towards improving the conditions of the underprivileged in society, but had also raised the level of awareness of the people on their rights and privileges.
The gesture, he said, had also facilitated the organisational dynamics of civil society groups in beneficiary areas in the region. Among the focus of the NGO are education, peace and security, democratic governance and accountability and health. Other sectors are water and sanitation, food security and women’s rights.
Mr Nayina’s speech was read on his behalf at a stakeholders meeting on the phase-out of the Tamale urban and peri-urban development programmes of ActionAid in Tamale.
The region’s development programmes are located in Tamale, Chereponi and Nanumba. Phase-outs are undertaken when the organisation has achieved its objectives of programme activities.
The minister stated that phase-outs underlined the basic premise that development could be sustained only when it was managed and controlled. He said, “It is important that communities are involved in both the planning and implementation of the winding down of funding and programme work,”.
Mr Nayina, however, urged the stakeholders to be involved in all matters at various stages, organise regular participatory review and reflections with communities and partners while discussing roles and responsibilities and documentation on the programme at regular intervals.
The Regional Programme Manager of ActionAid, Mr Yakubu Mohammed Saani, explained that the policy of the organisation demanded that communities in its operational areas in Tamale should be in a position by now to undertake their own development agenda.
“With 10 years of external support, communities should be empowered enough to drive their own development agenda”, he stated.
Mr Saani, however, noted that in practice, most development areas in ActionAid did not phase-out in 10 years as a result of local contextual dynamics.
He further explained that the purpose of the meeting included sharing of information on phase-out guidelines, extend of realisation of project goals and objectives and the generation of discussions on the phase out of the Tamale programme.
“We have also documented our interventions and achievements over the last 10 years to deepen stakeholders understanding of our work to enable them to effectively engage in this process’, the manager added.
Mr Saani, however, stressed that the phase-out did not imply that his outfit was folding up, adding “AAG is only taking a back seat to enable community partners to drive their own agenda; we are not running away”, he added.
Friday, June 19, 2009
POLICE MISTAKE INFORMANTS FOR ARMED ROBBERS (PAGE 24)
THE conduct by some police officers who were detailed to pursue armed robbers on the Kintampo-Tamale highway nearly claimed the lives of an accountant and his family who volunteered information on the activities of the robbers.
The Good Samaritan and his family miraculously escaped death by the hair’s breadth after incessant firing of guns at them by the police in the bush where the family had been trapped for about 20 minutes.
The police officers, who were detailed to pursue the robbers, rather mistook the informants who had parked their car by the roadside and sought refuge in the bush to escape the wrath of the robbers, and fired several times at them.
Narrating his agonising experience to the Daily Graphic in Tamale, the accountant who works with a motor company in Kumasi, Alhaji Mahama Alhassan Somuah described their escape from death as amazing and thanked God for saving their lives.
According to him, he was on his way back to his duty post in Kumasi from Tamale with his wife and their 14-year-old son when the incident occurred on April 26, this year.
He said while on the journey at about 5:15 p.m., he noticed that a passenger bus had parked at the Sawaba Junction near Buipe and while they drew closer, they heard gun shots from the direction of the parked vehicle.
Alhaji Somuah said on reaching the spot, they saw that the occupants of the parked vehicle were all lying down on the road.
“Realising that armed robbers had attacked the passengers, I exclaimed and sped off”, Alhaji Somuah stated.
According to him, after driving close to two kilometres away from the robbery spot, they again noticed a vehicle parked from the opposite direction ahead of them.
“Our immediate conclusion was that another group of armed robbers had attacked us again. To save our lives, we had to park our vehicle and take cover in a nearby bush as I made frantic efforts to contact the police to come to our rescue”, he stated.
“Thirty minutes after our contact with the police, we sighted a police vehicle drawing closer to where we had parked our vehicle. The sigh of relief soon gave way to a nightmarish experience,” Alhaji Somuah said.
He said on arrival at the scene, the police opened fire in the bush where they were seeking refuge, adding that he had to make several calls to a friend in Tamale to contact the police to impress upon them to cease fire.
“Close to 20 minutes, they fired at us. My innocent son picked five pellets that missed him as we were also lucky to have survived the attack while lying prostrate on the ground,” the accountant stated.
Alhaji Somuah said following information relayed to their police “attackers” by his counterpart in Tamale, they were eventually ordered to come out.
“The police later explained that they decided to fire at us on their arrival because they mistook us for the armed robbers and that their suspicion was re-affirmed as they saw our vehicle parked by the roadside”, he added.
The Good Samaritan and his family miraculously escaped death by the hair’s breadth after incessant firing of guns at them by the police in the bush where the family had been trapped for about 20 minutes.
The police officers, who were detailed to pursue the robbers, rather mistook the informants who had parked their car by the roadside and sought refuge in the bush to escape the wrath of the robbers, and fired several times at them.
Narrating his agonising experience to the Daily Graphic in Tamale, the accountant who works with a motor company in Kumasi, Alhaji Mahama Alhassan Somuah described their escape from death as amazing and thanked God for saving their lives.
According to him, he was on his way back to his duty post in Kumasi from Tamale with his wife and their 14-year-old son when the incident occurred on April 26, this year.
He said while on the journey at about 5:15 p.m., he noticed that a passenger bus had parked at the Sawaba Junction near Buipe and while they drew closer, they heard gun shots from the direction of the parked vehicle.
Alhaji Somuah said on reaching the spot, they saw that the occupants of the parked vehicle were all lying down on the road.
“Realising that armed robbers had attacked the passengers, I exclaimed and sped off”, Alhaji Somuah stated.
According to him, after driving close to two kilometres away from the robbery spot, they again noticed a vehicle parked from the opposite direction ahead of them.
“Our immediate conclusion was that another group of armed robbers had attacked us again. To save our lives, we had to park our vehicle and take cover in a nearby bush as I made frantic efforts to contact the police to come to our rescue”, he stated.
“Thirty minutes after our contact with the police, we sighted a police vehicle drawing closer to where we had parked our vehicle. The sigh of relief soon gave way to a nightmarish experience,” Alhaji Somuah said.
He said on arrival at the scene, the police opened fire in the bush where they were seeking refuge, adding that he had to make several calls to a friend in Tamale to contact the police to impress upon them to cease fire.
“Close to 20 minutes, they fired at us. My innocent son picked five pellets that missed him as we were also lucky to have survived the attack while lying prostrate on the ground,” the accountant stated.
Alhaji Somuah said following information relayed to their police “attackers” by his counterpart in Tamale, they were eventually ordered to come out.
“The police later explained that they decided to fire at us on their arrival because they mistook us for the armed robbers and that their suspicion was re-affirmed as they saw our vehicle parked by the roadside”, he added.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
RTU BATTLE KOTOKO TO DRAW (BACK PAGE)
Visiting Kumasi Asante Kotoko yesterday held struggling RTU to a 1-1 drawn game in Tamale as the homesters failed to utilise their chances in a game which they dominated in both sessions.
Poor marksmanship, erratic play, coupled with lack of goal scoring instincts upfront, denied the Tamale lads the needed maximum points to stay clear of relegation threats that have been dogging them for the past couple of years.
The visitors were virtually pinned to their own half as Fatawu Mohammed, Sadat Karim and Kabiru Imoro messed up with begging opportunities as the ‘Red devils’ struggled to find their rhythm.
The few incursions into the RTU half were thwarted by the stalwart defence of the pair of Mohammed Bakar and Fatawu Junior. Kotoko exhausted their substitution by the 36th minute to bring more cohesion into their play.
Incessant pressure from Kotoko’s Alex Asamoah finally paid off as he drew the first blood on the 67th minute through a defensive blunder.
Peter Yakubu was red carded on the 70th minute for a dangerous tackle, thus reducing RTU to 10 men.
With defeat staring at them in front of their partisan fans, the Tamale lads lifted their game as Kabiru Imoro eventually got a deserved equaliser on the 89th minute.
Poor marksmanship, erratic play, coupled with lack of goal scoring instincts upfront, denied the Tamale lads the needed maximum points to stay clear of relegation threats that have been dogging them for the past couple of years.
The visitors were virtually pinned to their own half as Fatawu Mohammed, Sadat Karim and Kabiru Imoro messed up with begging opportunities as the ‘Red devils’ struggled to find their rhythm.
The few incursions into the RTU half were thwarted by the stalwart defence of the pair of Mohammed Bakar and Fatawu Junior. Kotoko exhausted their substitution by the 36th minute to bring more cohesion into their play.
Incessant pressure from Kotoko’s Alex Asamoah finally paid off as he drew the first blood on the 67th minute through a defensive blunder.
Peter Yakubu was red carded on the 70th minute for a dangerous tackle, thus reducing RTU to 10 men.
With defeat staring at them in front of their partisan fans, the Tamale lads lifted their game as Kabiru Imoro eventually got a deserved equaliser on the 89th minute.
PURC WANTS MEDIA TO HELP EDUCATE PUBLIC (GRAPHIC, JUNE 6, PAGE 18)
STORY: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
THE Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has
entreated media practitioners in the Tamale metropolis to
support the commission in its campaign to educate the public
on its activities.
According to the Public Relations Manager of the
commission, Nana Yaa Jantuah, “we want an enhanced and
strengthened relationship between the PURC and the
media.”
The manager who was speaking during a visit to the GRAPHIC
office in Tamale further indicated that, “we want
consumers in the northern region in general to know that if
they have any problem with efficient, safe and reliable
electricity and water supply, they can always rely on
us.”
She reminded consumers of their rights to regular supply of
the utility services but indicated that, as much as the
consumers enjoy such rights, they should also be mindful of
their responsibilities of paying their bills promptly.
The manager also advised them against illegal connections
pilfering of cables and other equipments since such
practices are criminal offenses that weaken the financial
base of the utility providers thus making it impossible for
them to operate efficiently.
Ms. Jantuah equally asked authorities of the utility
services to also engage consumers on their operations and
challenges they encounter, “because in all these, the
consumer’s interest is supreme.”
Most utility consumers in the metropolis with complaints
over unsatisfactory services who are often frustrated by
some officials of the utility services do not know where to
go for redress.
The complaints range from charging of high tariffs to
faulty lines, irregular supply of water and electricity
leading to damage to household appliances and delay in
connecting consumers to the services.
THE Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has
entreated media practitioners in the Tamale metropolis to
support the commission in its campaign to educate the public
on its activities.
According to the Public Relations Manager of the
commission, Nana Yaa Jantuah, “we want an enhanced and
strengthened relationship between the PURC and the
media.”
The manager who was speaking during a visit to the GRAPHIC
office in Tamale further indicated that, “we want
consumers in the northern region in general to know that if
they have any problem with efficient, safe and reliable
electricity and water supply, they can always rely on
us.”
She reminded consumers of their rights to regular supply of
the utility services but indicated that, as much as the
consumers enjoy such rights, they should also be mindful of
their responsibilities of paying their bills promptly.
The manager also advised them against illegal connections
pilfering of cables and other equipments since such
practices are criminal offenses that weaken the financial
base of the utility providers thus making it impossible for
them to operate efficiently.
Ms. Jantuah equally asked authorities of the utility
services to also engage consumers on their operations and
challenges they encounter, “because in all these, the
consumer’s interest is supreme.”
Most utility consumers in the metropolis with complaints
over unsatisfactory services who are often frustrated by
some officials of the utility services do not know where to
go for redress.
The complaints range from charging of high tariffs to
faulty lines, irregular supply of water and electricity
leading to damage to household appliances and delay in
connecting consumers to the services.
Monday, June 15, 2009
MORE SHOPS SPRING UP IN TAMALE (DAILY GRAPHIC, SATURDAY, JUNE 6)
THE Tamale Metropolis has gradually turned into a city of shops. Stores and stalls are dotted at every nook and cranny of the metropolis. Metal containers and kiosks are springing up at almost every available space.
Pavements and bicycle lanes at the Central Business District have been taken over by traders thus obstructing free flow of human traffic and riders.
At the backyard of the Ghana Telecom Offices near the central market, vegetable sellers and beggars have ‘‘seized’’ the railings and pavement, forcing pedestrians to compete with motorists on the very busy and narrow road.
The traders have also succeeded in taking over the car park outside the Kaladan Park and its immediate vicinity and the Aboabo Lorry station. The practices of some of the traders leave much to be desired as it is greatly contributing to the unsanitary conditions in the metropolis.
Tenants living in houses close to streets often bear the brunt of their landlords for no any apparent reason but that, they want to turn those rooms into offices or stores that could attract higher rent.
The two major central and Aboabo markets are all congested with iterant traders taking over the pavements and all available space inside the markets.
It is for these reasons that some residents have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to act quickly to ensure sanity in the markets and entire metropolis.
“The recent fire outbreaks in Kumasi and Accra should serve as a big lesson to the authorities that if nothing is done about the growing menace, we may one day experience a worse disaster when there is an outbreak of fire,” Musah Iddi cautioned.
He further urged personnel of the fire service to embark on fire auditing of the markets in the city to map out strategies to contain any possible disaster.
‘‘I am offering those suggesting in good faith as it is always better to be proactive than to be overwhelmed by events,’’ he indicated.
A banker, Mohammed Hamid also entreated the new Mayor, Alhaji Abdulai Friday to hit the ground running to ensure that the beautifully laid down roads are cleared of all unauthorized structures including some washing bays that openly wash cars along the shoulders of the roads without “any shame that the chippings and asphalt are being washed away.”
Pavements and bicycle lanes at the Central Business District have been taken over by traders thus obstructing free flow of human traffic and riders.
At the backyard of the Ghana Telecom Offices near the central market, vegetable sellers and beggars have ‘‘seized’’ the railings and pavement, forcing pedestrians to compete with motorists on the very busy and narrow road.
The traders have also succeeded in taking over the car park outside the Kaladan Park and its immediate vicinity and the Aboabo Lorry station. The practices of some of the traders leave much to be desired as it is greatly contributing to the unsanitary conditions in the metropolis.
Tenants living in houses close to streets often bear the brunt of their landlords for no any apparent reason but that, they want to turn those rooms into offices or stores that could attract higher rent.
The two major central and Aboabo markets are all congested with iterant traders taking over the pavements and all available space inside the markets.
It is for these reasons that some residents have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to act quickly to ensure sanity in the markets and entire metropolis.
“The recent fire outbreaks in Kumasi and Accra should serve as a big lesson to the authorities that if nothing is done about the growing menace, we may one day experience a worse disaster when there is an outbreak of fire,” Musah Iddi cautioned.
He further urged personnel of the fire service to embark on fire auditing of the markets in the city to map out strategies to contain any possible disaster.
‘‘I am offering those suggesting in good faith as it is always better to be proactive than to be overwhelmed by events,’’ he indicated.
A banker, Mohammed Hamid also entreated the new Mayor, Alhaji Abdulai Friday to hit the ground running to ensure that the beautifully laid down roads are cleared of all unauthorized structures including some washing bays that openly wash cars along the shoulders of the roads without “any shame that the chippings and asphalt are being washed away.”
MORE SHOPS SPRING UP IN TAMALE (DAILY GRAPHIC, SATURDAY, JUNE 6)
THE Tamale Metropolis has gradually turned into a city of shops. Stores and stalls are dotted at every nook and cranny of the metropolis. Metal containers and kiosks are springing up at almost every available space.
Pavements and bicycle lanes at the Central Business District have been taken over by traders thus obstructing free flow of human traffic and riders.
At the backyard of the Ghana Telecom Offices near the central market, vegetable sellers and beggars have ‘‘seized’’ the railings and pavement, forcing pedestrians to compete with motorists on the very busy and narrow road.
The traders have also succeeded in taking over the car park outside the Kaladan Park and its immediate vicinity and the Aboabo Lorry station. The practices of some of the traders leave much to be desired as it is greatly contributing to the unsanitary conditions in the metropolis.
Tenants living in houses close to streets often bear the brunt of their landlords for no any apparent reason but that, they want to turn those rooms into offices or stores that could attract higher rent.
The two major central and Aboabo markets are all congested with iterant traders taking over the pavements and all available space inside the markets.
It is for these reasons that some residents have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to act quickly to ensure sanity in the markets and entire metropolis.
“The recent fire outbreaks in Kumasi and Accra should serve as a big lesson to the authorities that if nothing is done about the growing menace, we may one day experience a worse disaster when there is an outbreak of fire,” Musah Iddi cautioned.
He further urged personnel of the fire service to embark on fire auditing of the markets in the city to map out strategies to contain any possible disaster.
‘‘I am offering those suggesting in good faith as it is always better to be proactive than to be overwhelmed by events,’’ he indicated.
A banker, Mohammed Hamid also entreated the new Mayor, Alhaji Abdulai Friday to hit the ground running to ensure that the beautifully laid down roads are cleared of all unauthorized structures including some washing bays that openly wash cars along the shoulders of the roads without “any shame that the chippings and asphalt are being washed away.”
Pavements and bicycle lanes at the Central Business District have been taken over by traders thus obstructing free flow of human traffic and riders.
At the backyard of the Ghana Telecom Offices near the central market, vegetable sellers and beggars have ‘‘seized’’ the railings and pavement, forcing pedestrians to compete with motorists on the very busy and narrow road.
The traders have also succeeded in taking over the car park outside the Kaladan Park and its immediate vicinity and the Aboabo Lorry station. The practices of some of the traders leave much to be desired as it is greatly contributing to the unsanitary conditions in the metropolis.
Tenants living in houses close to streets often bear the brunt of their landlords for no any apparent reason but that, they want to turn those rooms into offices or stores that could attract higher rent.
The two major central and Aboabo markets are all congested with iterant traders taking over the pavements and all available space inside the markets.
It is for these reasons that some residents have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to act quickly to ensure sanity in the markets and entire metropolis.
“The recent fire outbreaks in Kumasi and Accra should serve as a big lesson to the authorities that if nothing is done about the growing menace, we may one day experience a worse disaster when there is an outbreak of fire,” Musah Iddi cautioned.
He further urged personnel of the fire service to embark on fire auditing of the markets in the city to map out strategies to contain any possible disaster.
‘‘I am offering those suggesting in good faith as it is always better to be proactive than to be overwhelmed by events,’’ he indicated.
A banker, Mohammed Hamid also entreated the new Mayor, Alhaji Abdulai Friday to hit the ground running to ensure that the beautifully laid down roads are cleared of all unauthorized structures including some washing bays that openly wash cars along the shoulders of the roads without “any shame that the chippings and asphalt are being washed away.”
Sunday, June 14, 2009
C'TTEE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL HARMONY INAUGURATED (PAGE 25)
AS part of measures to ensure sustainable peace and harmonious co-existence among the various political parties and chieftaincy divide in the Tamale metropolis, a 21-member Peace Advisory Council and Task Force has been inaugurated in Tamale.
The initiative, which is dubbed “Bilchinsi,” is to help in reclaiming the cherished values, culture, discipline and respect for the elderly which the metropolis has since been noted for. It is also to restore the metropolis to its proper image, befitting its status as one of the fastest growing cities in the sub-region.
The membership of the council includes chiefs, religious and opinion leaders, as well as representatives of youth groups.
They are to be supported by task forces that will be responsible for organising activities at the grass roots.
The council will also play an advisory role to support the Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) in its responsibility to ensure peace and security in the area.
The occasion attracted prominent interest groups in the metropolis, including members of the assembly, representatives of political parties, non-governmental organisations, chiefs and religious leaders.
Also present was a member of the Council of State, Kpan-Naa M.B. Bawah and the Zo-simli Naa (Chief of Companionship), Susan Herlin.
The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday, described the ceremony as very important and a milestone in the history of the metropolis. He expressed the hope that the initiative would put Tamale in a positive spotlight to attract the needed investment and opportunities for growth.
He explained that the Bilchinsi concept was arrived at after deliberations by the Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) to actively involve stakeholders in the initiation, planning and implementation of the peace initiatives in the area that had witnessed some disturbances of late.
The Tamale MCE acknowledged that the task ahead for members of the advisory council was daunting, and “the road to achieving peace is long and rough; you will meet several obstacles, but I trust in your wisdom, maturity and ability to perform your duties impartially. I also entreat you to bring your experiences to bear on the discharge of your duties.”
He indicated that the security of the metropolis was a shared responsibility that must be linked to democracy, good governance and development, and therefore, appealed to the people to co-operate with the council to ensure that it discharged its duties effectively.
On his development agenda for the metropolis, Alhaji Friday said electrification, health, education, water, sanitation and waste management were some of the issues that would attract the attention of his administration.
He further announced that Tamale was among some cities that were to benefit from a French Development Agency intervention, and that feasibility studies were ongoing to determine the areas to benefit from the intervention.
For her part, the Zo-simli Naa admonished the people to always reflect on the outcome of the actions they embarked on, reminding them of the popular adage that says that, “actions speak louder than words”.
“We should be role models to the youth who look to us and are watching our utterances and activities; let us cherish and value the respect we have for one another,” she further advised.
Dr Herlin also underscored the importance of friendship, which she observed was a good basis for harmony and peaceful co-existence at the community and international stages at large. The title ‘Zo-simli Naa’ was conferred on her by the chiefs and people of Dagbon following her personal commitment to the bond of the sister-city relationship between the cities of Louisville in the USA and Tamale.
The relationship was formally established in 1979.
The metropolis has since benefited tremendously from the existing bond that includes a scholarship scheme for brilliant deprived students in the area.
The initiative, which is dubbed “Bilchinsi,” is to help in reclaiming the cherished values, culture, discipline and respect for the elderly which the metropolis has since been noted for. It is also to restore the metropolis to its proper image, befitting its status as one of the fastest growing cities in the sub-region.
The membership of the council includes chiefs, religious and opinion leaders, as well as representatives of youth groups.
They are to be supported by task forces that will be responsible for organising activities at the grass roots.
The council will also play an advisory role to support the Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) in its responsibility to ensure peace and security in the area.
The occasion attracted prominent interest groups in the metropolis, including members of the assembly, representatives of political parties, non-governmental organisations, chiefs and religious leaders.
Also present was a member of the Council of State, Kpan-Naa M.B. Bawah and the Zo-simli Naa (Chief of Companionship), Susan Herlin.
The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday, described the ceremony as very important and a milestone in the history of the metropolis. He expressed the hope that the initiative would put Tamale in a positive spotlight to attract the needed investment and opportunities for growth.
He explained that the Bilchinsi concept was arrived at after deliberations by the Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) to actively involve stakeholders in the initiation, planning and implementation of the peace initiatives in the area that had witnessed some disturbances of late.
The Tamale MCE acknowledged that the task ahead for members of the advisory council was daunting, and “the road to achieving peace is long and rough; you will meet several obstacles, but I trust in your wisdom, maturity and ability to perform your duties impartially. I also entreat you to bring your experiences to bear on the discharge of your duties.”
He indicated that the security of the metropolis was a shared responsibility that must be linked to democracy, good governance and development, and therefore, appealed to the people to co-operate with the council to ensure that it discharged its duties effectively.
On his development agenda for the metropolis, Alhaji Friday said electrification, health, education, water, sanitation and waste management were some of the issues that would attract the attention of his administration.
He further announced that Tamale was among some cities that were to benefit from a French Development Agency intervention, and that feasibility studies were ongoing to determine the areas to benefit from the intervention.
For her part, the Zo-simli Naa admonished the people to always reflect on the outcome of the actions they embarked on, reminding them of the popular adage that says that, “actions speak louder than words”.
“We should be role models to the youth who look to us and are watching our utterances and activities; let us cherish and value the respect we have for one another,” she further advised.
Dr Herlin also underscored the importance of friendship, which she observed was a good basis for harmony and peaceful co-existence at the community and international stages at large. The title ‘Zo-simli Naa’ was conferred on her by the chiefs and people of Dagbon following her personal commitment to the bond of the sister-city relationship between the cities of Louisville in the USA and Tamale.
The relationship was formally established in 1979.
The metropolis has since benefited tremendously from the existing bond that includes a scholarship scheme for brilliant deprived students in the area.
Monday, June 8, 2009
RUDE AWAKENING FOR STARS (GRAPHIC SPORTS, SPREAD)
Ghana’s Black Stars were given a scare ahead of their important FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako after they managed a 2-1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda in an international friendly in Tamale last Sunday.
Coach Milovan Rajevac used the match to assess the battle-readiness of his young generation of players in the absence of key stars like Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
The Ugandans exposed Ghana’s defensive lapses, as lack of concentration and the inability of the Ghanaian defenders to co-ordinate effectively gave the visitors some scoring opportunities which were wasted.
By the 30th minute the visitors had taken control of midfield action and gave Ghana a scare as they made numerous forays into the Stars’ goal area, Geoffrey Nassa, Patrick Ochan and Steven Benew leading the Cranes attack.
John Paintsil, who captained the Stars, had to use his rich experience to rescue Ghana, as team-mates Jonathan Quartey and Isaac Buabeng were often caught off-guard and unable to deal with the attack.
However, the Stars later regained their composure and turn the heat on the visitors until striker Ernest Papa Arko of Egyptian side Al-Gaish connect home a long ground shot on the 34 minute.
The stadium was later plunged into darkness for almost eight minutes as a result of power failure during the recess, causing agitation among the capacity crowd including Youth and Sports Minister, Alhjai Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina and his assistant, Mr Moses Mabingba, and GFA Vice President, Mr Fred Pappoe.
The introduction in the second half of Haminu Dramani and Prince Tagoe brought gave Ghana’s attack more cutting edge as Dramani led the charge and made several incursions into Uganda’s goal area to the delight of the spectators.
Tagoe also messed up a number of scoring opportunities on the 48th, 60th, 65th and 82nd minutes by either playing the ball wide or shooting directly into in the hands of goalkeeper, Dennis Oyango, who later stood between his side an more goals.
Uganda’s problems were worsened on the 53rd minute after Burkinabe referee, Parre Lassine, dismissed the visitors’ Scottish coach, Robert Williamson, for openly challenging the referee’s decisions.
Youngsters Harrison Afful and Qatar-based striker Opoku Agyeman made huge impression on the match as they exhibited good movements and impressive ball control to the delight of fans.
On the 74th minute nimble-footed former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Yussif Chibsah, who now plies his trade in Denmark, made a big statement on his international comeback after scoring Ghana’s second goal from a long shot.
The Cranes however remained unyielding and took the fight to the Ghanaians in a determined effort to reduce the deficit.
Their resilience and hard work were rewarded on the 89th minute when Joseph became more unyielding to concede additional goals as they kept on holding to the ball and daring for an equaliser.
They deservedly pulled a goal back on the 87th minute by Sunkuma Geoffery.
Coach Milovan Rajevac used the match to assess the battle-readiness of his young generation of players in the absence of key stars like Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
The Ugandans exposed Ghana’s defensive lapses, as lack of concentration and the inability of the Ghanaian defenders to co-ordinate effectively gave the visitors some scoring opportunities which were wasted.
By the 30th minute the visitors had taken control of midfield action and gave Ghana a scare as they made numerous forays into the Stars’ goal area, Geoffrey Nassa, Patrick Ochan and Steven Benew leading the Cranes attack.
John Paintsil, who captained the Stars, had to use his rich experience to rescue Ghana, as team-mates Jonathan Quartey and Isaac Buabeng were often caught off-guard and unable to deal with the attack.
However, the Stars later regained their composure and turn the heat on the visitors until striker Ernest Papa Arko of Egyptian side Al-Gaish connect home a long ground shot on the 34 minute.
The stadium was later plunged into darkness for almost eight minutes as a result of power failure during the recess, causing agitation among the capacity crowd including Youth and Sports Minister, Alhjai Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina and his assistant, Mr Moses Mabingba, and GFA Vice President, Mr Fred Pappoe.
The introduction in the second half of Haminu Dramani and Prince Tagoe brought gave Ghana’s attack more cutting edge as Dramani led the charge and made several incursions into Uganda’s goal area to the delight of the spectators.
Tagoe also messed up a number of scoring opportunities on the 48th, 60th, 65th and 82nd minutes by either playing the ball wide or shooting directly into in the hands of goalkeeper, Dennis Oyango, who later stood between his side an more goals.
Uganda’s problems were worsened on the 53rd minute after Burkinabe referee, Parre Lassine, dismissed the visitors’ Scottish coach, Robert Williamson, for openly challenging the referee’s decisions.
Youngsters Harrison Afful and Qatar-based striker Opoku Agyeman made huge impression on the match as they exhibited good movements and impressive ball control to the delight of fans.
On the 74th minute nimble-footed former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Yussif Chibsah, who now plies his trade in Denmark, made a big statement on his international comeback after scoring Ghana’s second goal from a long shot.
The Cranes however remained unyielding and took the fight to the Ghanaians in a determined effort to reduce the deficit.
Their resilience and hard work were rewarded on the 89th minute when Joseph became more unyielding to concede additional goals as they kept on holding to the ball and daring for an equaliser.
They deservedly pulled a goal back on the 87th minute by Sunkuma Geoffery.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
ZAVZUGU OPENS DOOR FOR INVESTORS (PAGE 20)
THE chiefs and people in the Zabzugu/Tatale District have opened their doors to prospective investors to come and mine the large quantities of iron ore deposits in the area.
They acknowledged that the mining of the mineral would not only give the nation the needed foreign exchange, but would also afford the large army of unemployed youth in the district to be gainfully engaged.
That, they said, would enable them to better their lots and improve on the socio-economic development of the district and the Northern Region at large.
The mineral that was mined by the Russians in the 1960s was eventually abandoned following the 1966 coup that toppled the Convention Peoples’ Party (CPP) government led by Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The Presiding Member of the Zabzugu/Tatale District Assembly, Mr Edward Dawuni Atta Abebe said this during an interaction with the chief of Seini, Obore Chamanya Poadi at Tatale.
The district shares boundaries with the Republic of Togo to the east, Yendi Municipality to the west, Nanumba North and South and the Nkwanta Districts to the south and Saboba District to the north.
Ninety per cent of the people in the area are farmers who are engaged in yam, guinea corn, millet, maize, beans, cassava, groundnuts and cowpea cultivation.
Mr Abebe further observed that the district’s economy was dominated by small-scale unorganised farmers who depended mainly on labour intensive production techniques.
He stated that lack of access roads, farm inputs, market, storage and credit facilities were seriously affecting the business of farming in the area.
The presiding member, therefore, appealed to the government to help expedite action by removing those bottlenecks to ensure growth of the sector.
“I will however like to commend the assembly and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for making efforts to facilitate the modernisation of agriculture in this area that has led to the increase in livestock production and enhancement of the capacity of agriculture extension agents in the area,” he stated.
For his part, the Sheini chief also appealed to the government to facilitate the process that would attract investors to the district.
He said the area was enjoying peace as the various ethnic groups were co-existing harmoniously.
They acknowledged that the mining of the mineral would not only give the nation the needed foreign exchange, but would also afford the large army of unemployed youth in the district to be gainfully engaged.
That, they said, would enable them to better their lots and improve on the socio-economic development of the district and the Northern Region at large.
The mineral that was mined by the Russians in the 1960s was eventually abandoned following the 1966 coup that toppled the Convention Peoples’ Party (CPP) government led by Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The Presiding Member of the Zabzugu/Tatale District Assembly, Mr Edward Dawuni Atta Abebe said this during an interaction with the chief of Seini, Obore Chamanya Poadi at Tatale.
The district shares boundaries with the Republic of Togo to the east, Yendi Municipality to the west, Nanumba North and South and the Nkwanta Districts to the south and Saboba District to the north.
Ninety per cent of the people in the area are farmers who are engaged in yam, guinea corn, millet, maize, beans, cassava, groundnuts and cowpea cultivation.
Mr Abebe further observed that the district’s economy was dominated by small-scale unorganised farmers who depended mainly on labour intensive production techniques.
He stated that lack of access roads, farm inputs, market, storage and credit facilities were seriously affecting the business of farming in the area.
The presiding member, therefore, appealed to the government to help expedite action by removing those bottlenecks to ensure growth of the sector.
“I will however like to commend the assembly and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for making efforts to facilitate the modernisation of agriculture in this area that has led to the increase in livestock production and enhancement of the capacity of agriculture extension agents in the area,” he stated.
For his part, the Sheini chief also appealed to the government to facilitate the process that would attract investors to the district.
He said the area was enjoying peace as the various ethnic groups were co-existing harmoniously.
NGO TAKES STEPS TO CHECK CHILD EXPLOITATION (PAGE 20)
A TAMALE BASED non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS) has come out with workable strategies to prevent child trafficking and exploitation in some parts of the Northern Region.
Some of the measures adopted by the organisation include the donation of free school uniforms, shoes and other learning materials to children, offering of vocational and business management training and micro-credit facilities to some poor households.
RAINS also intends to work closely with district assemblies and the Department of Social Welfare to make child panels more functional and effective while collaborating with the assemblies to enact bye-laws that will protect children and make trafficking and child labour less attractive.
According to the Programme Manager of RAINS, Mr Alhassan Musah “we are firm in our belief that real sustainability of the project should be linked to positive attitudinal change and partnership with the media”.
The manager was briefing project partners and media practitioners on the status of the ongoing initiative, dubbed: “Next generation project” in Tamale.
It is being implemented in the Savelugu/Nanton and West Mamprusi Districts in the Northern Region, with funding from Comic Relief UK and in partnership with Hope for Children, another UK charity organisation.
The initiative aims at addressing the needs of fostered girls in and out of school and seeks among others to prevent the incidence of child trafficking, exploitative labour and poor educational attainment among fostered girls in rural communities.
Mr Musah further explained that the project was adopting a mix of strategies including meeting the school going costs of 1,600 girls in 20 communities in the two districts, enhancing access to heathcare for families and children through the payment of health insurance premiums, vocational training for “kayayee” returnees, micro credit and enterprise development for mothers and aunties.
“One hundred and sixty-six families have been identified for immediate assistance and would be given GH¢100 each to support their small businesses. Ultimately we are targeting 1,500 families for the micro credit intervention,” the manager stated.
A total of GH¢104,856 has so far been expended on the various components of the project.
According to Mr Musah, “RAINS believe that prevention is one of the best strategies in tackling child trafficking, child labour and kayayee”, adding that there was a positive correlation between the number of children who were out of school and those available for trafficking and or labour exploitation.
He said the project had also succeeded in influencing attitudes of parents, foster and biological as well as other community members positively but observed that, real change would be realised when all stakeholders worked in unison and committed themselves to making a change.
“Communities have responded and are showing keen interest in monitoring children and have reported suspected cases of abuse and dropout to the well established Community Surveillance Teams (CSTs) under this project,” the manager stated.
Mr Musah further called for the involvement of children in deciding on matters that affected children.
He urged stakeholders including communities and policy makers to always endeavour to include the views of children when deciding on matters that sought to protect the welfare of children.
In that regard, he said his outfit would help in the establishment of community children’s clubs to offer children the platform to comment and demand action from communities and policy makers on matters to enhance the growth and well-being of children.
Some of the measures adopted by the organisation include the donation of free school uniforms, shoes and other learning materials to children, offering of vocational and business management training and micro-credit facilities to some poor households.
RAINS also intends to work closely with district assemblies and the Department of Social Welfare to make child panels more functional and effective while collaborating with the assemblies to enact bye-laws that will protect children and make trafficking and child labour less attractive.
According to the Programme Manager of RAINS, Mr Alhassan Musah “we are firm in our belief that real sustainability of the project should be linked to positive attitudinal change and partnership with the media”.
The manager was briefing project partners and media practitioners on the status of the ongoing initiative, dubbed: “Next generation project” in Tamale.
It is being implemented in the Savelugu/Nanton and West Mamprusi Districts in the Northern Region, with funding from Comic Relief UK and in partnership with Hope for Children, another UK charity organisation.
The initiative aims at addressing the needs of fostered girls in and out of school and seeks among others to prevent the incidence of child trafficking, exploitative labour and poor educational attainment among fostered girls in rural communities.
Mr Musah further explained that the project was adopting a mix of strategies including meeting the school going costs of 1,600 girls in 20 communities in the two districts, enhancing access to heathcare for families and children through the payment of health insurance premiums, vocational training for “kayayee” returnees, micro credit and enterprise development for mothers and aunties.
“One hundred and sixty-six families have been identified for immediate assistance and would be given GH¢100 each to support their small businesses. Ultimately we are targeting 1,500 families for the micro credit intervention,” the manager stated.
A total of GH¢104,856 has so far been expended on the various components of the project.
According to Mr Musah, “RAINS believe that prevention is one of the best strategies in tackling child trafficking, child labour and kayayee”, adding that there was a positive correlation between the number of children who were out of school and those available for trafficking and or labour exploitation.
He said the project had also succeeded in influencing attitudes of parents, foster and biological as well as other community members positively but observed that, real change would be realised when all stakeholders worked in unison and committed themselves to making a change.
“Communities have responded and are showing keen interest in monitoring children and have reported suspected cases of abuse and dropout to the well established Community Surveillance Teams (CSTs) under this project,” the manager stated.
Mr Musah further called for the involvement of children in deciding on matters that affected children.
He urged stakeholders including communities and policy makers to always endeavour to include the views of children when deciding on matters that sought to protect the welfare of children.
In that regard, he said his outfit would help in the establishment of community children’s clubs to offer children the platform to comment and demand action from communities and policy makers on matters to enhance the growth and well-being of children.
MURDER TRIAL TO BE TRANSFERRED TO ACCRA (PAGE 3)
THE trial of the three suspects who allegedly murdered Alhaji Ibrahim Mobila, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), in military custody at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale may have to be transferred to the High Court in Accra for further hearing.
The intention of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General to transfer the case was made known by a state attorney at the resumed hearing of the case in Tamale yesterday.
Mr Solomon Atadze, who made the announcement, said reasons for the transfer had not been disclosed.
He, however, said information he had received so far indicated that the suspects — Corporal Appiah Yaw, Private Modzaka Eric and Private Gokah Seth — were in military custody in Accra.
He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the case to Wednesday, June 17, 2009, which the presiding judge accepted.
A defence counsel, Mr Carl Adongo, did not raise any objection to the Attorney- General’s decision, since the reasons were not disclosed to the court.
He, however, stressed, “We hope and really hope that come June 17, they will be in a position to commence proceedings.”
He argued that the continuous detention of his clients in custody was a violation of their human rights, adding, “I hope the state is not using that as a ploy to continue to keep the accused in custody.”
The court, presided over by Mr Justice Lawrence M. Mensah, acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Attorney-General on the transfer but said a decision would be arrived at on the next adjourned date.
He, therefore, advised all interested parties and the public to be circumspect, urging that “nobody should make ‘gidigidi’; it will be unproductive to go haywire. Let us exercise restraint and let the law take its course”.
Alhaji Mobila was reported dead in military custody some weeks after the 2004 general election. That was after he had presented himself to the police after he had been informed that he was being sought by the latter.
His arrest was in connection with claims that he was in possession of weapons. However, upon searches in his car and residence by the police, no such weapons were found.
The deceased was alleged to have subsequently been transferred from the Central Police Station to the Military Barracks at Kamina where he was tortured to death by the suspects.
Even though the police had earlier claimed that Alhaji Mobila died from an illness, an autopsy report on the deceased by a pathologist from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi later established that he died from multiple internal injuries as a result of torture.
Earlier yesterday, a veteran lawyer and politician, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, had told the packed court that the late Alhaji Mobila’s family had been made to bear unnecessary pain because of the long delay in arriving at a judgement over the cause of his death.
He said the delay was causing a lot of anxiety to the family, relatives and sympathisers and, therefore, pleaded with the court to expedite action on the matter to ensure that justice was arrived at expeditiously.
Mr Mahama also expressed concern over the repeated failure by the military authorities to produce the accused persons in court.
In his response, Mr Justice Mensah said he shared the concerns but indicated that the delay was not deliberate, since due process was being followed in the matter.
The intention of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General to transfer the case was made known by a state attorney at the resumed hearing of the case in Tamale yesterday.
Mr Solomon Atadze, who made the announcement, said reasons for the transfer had not been disclosed.
He, however, said information he had received so far indicated that the suspects — Corporal Appiah Yaw, Private Modzaka Eric and Private Gokah Seth — were in military custody in Accra.
He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the case to Wednesday, June 17, 2009, which the presiding judge accepted.
A defence counsel, Mr Carl Adongo, did not raise any objection to the Attorney- General’s decision, since the reasons were not disclosed to the court.
He, however, stressed, “We hope and really hope that come June 17, they will be in a position to commence proceedings.”
He argued that the continuous detention of his clients in custody was a violation of their human rights, adding, “I hope the state is not using that as a ploy to continue to keep the accused in custody.”
The court, presided over by Mr Justice Lawrence M. Mensah, acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Attorney-General on the transfer but said a decision would be arrived at on the next adjourned date.
He, therefore, advised all interested parties and the public to be circumspect, urging that “nobody should make ‘gidigidi’; it will be unproductive to go haywire. Let us exercise restraint and let the law take its course”.
Alhaji Mobila was reported dead in military custody some weeks after the 2004 general election. That was after he had presented himself to the police after he had been informed that he was being sought by the latter.
His arrest was in connection with claims that he was in possession of weapons. However, upon searches in his car and residence by the police, no such weapons were found.
The deceased was alleged to have subsequently been transferred from the Central Police Station to the Military Barracks at Kamina where he was tortured to death by the suspects.
Even though the police had earlier claimed that Alhaji Mobila died from an illness, an autopsy report on the deceased by a pathologist from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi later established that he died from multiple internal injuries as a result of torture.
Earlier yesterday, a veteran lawyer and politician, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, had told the packed court that the late Alhaji Mobila’s family had been made to bear unnecessary pain because of the long delay in arriving at a judgement over the cause of his death.
He said the delay was causing a lot of anxiety to the family, relatives and sympathisers and, therefore, pleaded with the court to expedite action on the matter to ensure that justice was arrived at expeditiously.
Mr Mahama also expressed concern over the repeated failure by the military authorities to produce the accused persons in court.
In his response, Mr Justice Mensah said he shared the concerns but indicated that the delay was not deliberate, since due process was being followed in the matter.
USA BRANCH OF TIYUMBA YOUTH ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS TAMALE HOSPITAL (PAGE 30)
A USA branch of the Tiyumba Youth Association — an association made up of Tamale residents in USA — has donated five registered motorbikes and their accessories to some Cuban doctors working at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
This is to facilitate the work of the doctors who are contributing immensely to healthcare delivery at the hospital which is striving to attract qualified health professionals.
The motorbikes were purchased through the contributions of members of the association.
Mr Yussif Mohammed who made the presentation in Tamale on behalf of his colleagues, explained that it was their widows’ mite to help in alleviating the difficulties some of the doctors, who formed part of the Cuban Medical Brigade in the country, encountered daily at the hospital.
On the association’s development agenda for the metropolis and the Northern Region in general, Mr Mohammed said health and education sectors were their main concerns.
He said with a healthy population and sound human resource base, the area would not only enjoy social harmony but its development would be accelerated and living conditions improved.
Mr Mohammed therefore entreated all sons and daughters from the area to show interest in the welfare and development of the metropolis by supporting its growth.
He expressed concern over the protracted conflicts in the area, and appealed to all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint while permanent solutions were found to the impasse.
Mr Mohammed observed that the conflicts had some devastating effects on the socio-economic development of the north and that such disturbances could further discourage people from investing in the area, which was endowed with a lot of potential.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, who received the motorbikes on behalf of the hospital, commended members of the association for their support and urged them to continue with such interventions.
He appealed to other concerned citizens of the region living abroad to emulate the good example of members of the Tiyumba Youth Association and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the area.
This is to facilitate the work of the doctors who are contributing immensely to healthcare delivery at the hospital which is striving to attract qualified health professionals.
The motorbikes were purchased through the contributions of members of the association.
Mr Yussif Mohammed who made the presentation in Tamale on behalf of his colleagues, explained that it was their widows’ mite to help in alleviating the difficulties some of the doctors, who formed part of the Cuban Medical Brigade in the country, encountered daily at the hospital.
On the association’s development agenda for the metropolis and the Northern Region in general, Mr Mohammed said health and education sectors were their main concerns.
He said with a healthy population and sound human resource base, the area would not only enjoy social harmony but its development would be accelerated and living conditions improved.
Mr Mohammed therefore entreated all sons and daughters from the area to show interest in the welfare and development of the metropolis by supporting its growth.
He expressed concern over the protracted conflicts in the area, and appealed to all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint while permanent solutions were found to the impasse.
Mr Mohammed observed that the conflicts had some devastating effects on the socio-economic development of the north and that such disturbances could further discourage people from investing in the area, which was endowed with a lot of potential.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, who received the motorbikes on behalf of the hospital, commended members of the association for their support and urged them to continue with such interventions.
He appealed to other concerned citizens of the region living abroad to emulate the good example of members of the Tiyumba Youth Association and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the area.
NDC YOUTH CALL FOR JUNE 4 CELEBRATION (PAGE 16)
A NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) youth group calling itself “So Nice Fun Club 69” in Tamale has appealed to the President John Atta Mills government to pave the way for the celebration of this year’s June 4 anniversary.
They observed that the renewal for the celebration of the anniversary will be a great honour to former President Jerry John Rawlings, who they said had contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation.
June 4 was the day some young army officers began the mutiny that led to the freeing of the then Flight Lieutenant Rawlings from captivity for his alleged involvement in a coup plot.
The day that was marked annually with speeches and symposia suffered a setback during the eight-year rule of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to the chairman of the association, Mr Mohammed Yahuza Ayuba Red, “both the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the NDC that were subsequently borne out of the June 4 Uprising, enabled Mr Rawlings to develop the country to an appreciable level before leaving office in 2000”.
He described former President Rawlings as a visionary leader who had contributed to the prevailing democratic practice in the country.
Mr Ayuba, therefore, appealed to President Mills to set aside a special day to reflect on the good work of the NDC founder.
He further challenged the government and its functionaries to ensure that they lived above reproach in the discharge of their responsibilities and also put in their best to realise the promises contained in the party’s manifesto.
Mr Ayuba stated that it was only the display of honesty and sincerity, coupled with hard work by the NDC officials, that would convince the electorate to vote to retain the party in power in the next general election.
He entreated the three Members of Parliament for Tamale North, Tamale South and Tamale Central to step up their efforts at attracting development projects and employment opportunities to the area.
They observed that the renewal for the celebration of the anniversary will be a great honour to former President Jerry John Rawlings, who they said had contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation.
June 4 was the day some young army officers began the mutiny that led to the freeing of the then Flight Lieutenant Rawlings from captivity for his alleged involvement in a coup plot.
The day that was marked annually with speeches and symposia suffered a setback during the eight-year rule of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to the chairman of the association, Mr Mohammed Yahuza Ayuba Red, “both the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the NDC that were subsequently borne out of the June 4 Uprising, enabled Mr Rawlings to develop the country to an appreciable level before leaving office in 2000”.
He described former President Rawlings as a visionary leader who had contributed to the prevailing democratic practice in the country.
Mr Ayuba, therefore, appealed to President Mills to set aside a special day to reflect on the good work of the NDC founder.
He further challenged the government and its functionaries to ensure that they lived above reproach in the discharge of their responsibilities and also put in their best to realise the promises contained in the party’s manifesto.
Mr Ayuba stated that it was only the display of honesty and sincerity, coupled with hard work by the NDC officials, that would convince the electorate to vote to retain the party in power in the next general election.
He entreated the three Members of Parliament for Tamale North, Tamale South and Tamale Central to step up their efforts at attracting development projects and employment opportunities to the area.
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