THE Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, has observed that the continuous usage of pipe-borne water by vehicle washing bays is posing a threat to the continuous availability of water in urban centres.
He also mentioned pollution, cutting of vegetative cover and dumping of toxic waste in water sources as some of the other activities posing hazard to water bodies in the country.
“These and other similar activities are causing siltation of our river channels, thereby reducing their flood carrying capacities and reducing the quality of water and its availability,” the minister stated.
Mr Bagbin was speaking at a forum on the water situation in the country and the Northern Region in Tamale.
According to him, the annual population growth in the country was putting pressure on the available water.
“This means that today the quantity of water available to us per person has reduced to about a third of what it was in 1960, and will further shrink to a sixth by 2050; in other words, the water available to us today is only 29 per cent of what it was in 1960, and will be only 16 per cent by 2050,” Mr Bagbin stated.
He mentioned the available water systems in the country to include the Black and White Volta, Oti, Tano, Pra, Ochi, Ayensu, Densu and Ankobra.
Mr Bagbin said the average annual volume of water available to Ghana was about 40 billion cubic meters (about 9,000 billion gallons) per year.
On achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the minister said even though the government had set a minimum target of 78 per cent coverage by 2015, “our target is to reach 85 per cent by 2015 and universal access by 2025.”
“As a party and a government, our pledge to the good people of Ghana is to end the perennial water crisis of our communities and cities by significantly expanding and upgrading water infrastructure by the end of our first term in office,” Mr Bagbin emphasised.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed concern over the inadequate water resources in the area, adding that about only 60 per cent of the rural and peri-urban population currently had access to safe water.
“The implications are that the unserved population is at risk of contracting the various forms of water-borne and water-related diseases, and are thus unable to contribute meaningfully to life and the socio-economic development of their communities,” he stated.
He commended the government and other development partners for their various contributions in the provision of water to the people over the years.
Mr Mabengba, however, appealed for more support to address the growing imbalance in the water supply systems in the region, particularly in rural communities.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
WORKSHOP ON CORRUPTION HELD IN TAMALE (PAGE 35, DEC 13, 2010)
THE Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised a day’s workshop on the effects of corruption on a nation in Tamale in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
EXPANSION OF TAMALE HOSPITAL ON COURSE (PAGE 22, 2010)
WORK on the 43 million Euro expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
Friday, December 10, 2010
WATER, SANITATION PROJECTS FOR 54 DISTRICTS (BACK PAGE, DEC 9, 2010)
A project to expand water and sanitation services to 600,000 people in 54 districts in six regions has been launched at Nanton-Zuo in Tamale.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 42, DEC 9, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 22, DEC 7, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
Monday, December 6, 2010
UK WILL HELP GHANA ACHIEVE MDG...In health sector (PAGE 22, DEC 4, 2010)
THE United Kingdom Government’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Stephen O”Brien, has suggested that more pragmatic measures must be taken to ensure that donor funds trickle down to beneficiary communities.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
WORK ON TAMALE HOSPITAL PROGRESSES (PAGE 3, DEC 4, 2010)
WORK on the €43 million expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
LET ALL HANDS BE ON DECK FOR VICTORY — AKUFFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 27, 2010)
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has underscored the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the party is united for victory in the 2012 general election.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
I'M NOT INTO DRUGS — AKFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 26, 2010)
Nana Akufo-Addo has denied either being cocaine addict or a drug baroon.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
NDC MUST UNITE FOR PROGRESS — PREZ (PAGE 12, NOV 23, 2010)
President John Evans Atta Mills has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to use the loss of the Northern Regional Chairman of the party to unite for progress.
He urged the party members to strive to consolidate their hold on power and assured them that, come 2012 the NDC would win again and use the victory as an occasion to honour and remember all fallen heroes of the party who had sacrificed their energies and lives for the growth and success of the NDC.
Speaking at the final funeral rites of the late chairman, Alhaji Sumani Zakaria in Tamale on Sunday, the President called on all to get on board and reminded them that, “if this government does not succeed, there is no way the people of Ghana will have confidence in any NDC government in the future.”
President Mills further admonished the people not to limit their fraternal greetings to such solemn occasions alone but to extend similar goodwill and genuine feelings to each other even in their daily interactions.
Alhaji Sumani, 75, died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a protracted illness and was buried in Tamale a fortnight ago.
He began his working life as a casual labourer and later became a driver, a commercial farmer, a transport owner and a successful contractor and businessman.
President Mills described the late chairman as an astute politician who contributed enormously to the growth of the party and democracy in the country.
The Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, for his part, observed that the personality, character and principles of the late chairman always made him stand out among his peers.
He described Alhaji Sumani’s life as worthy of emulation by all, particularly the youth, and noted that death had robbed the party of such a courageous character.
The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia, also portrayed the late chairman as a visionary and hardworking leader who strived to improve the fortunes of the party in the region over the years.
The ceremony attracted sympathisers from all walks of life in and outside the region. They included former Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the leadership and representatives from all political parties, chiefs, ministers of state, government and party functionaries and Members of Parliament.
The government donated 25 bags of maize and rice, two bulls, assorted crates of soft drinks and GH¢5,000 to the bereaved family, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also presented two bags of maize and rice each and GH¢500.
Other political parties and individuals also made donations to the bereaved family.
He urged the party members to strive to consolidate their hold on power and assured them that, come 2012 the NDC would win again and use the victory as an occasion to honour and remember all fallen heroes of the party who had sacrificed their energies and lives for the growth and success of the NDC.
Speaking at the final funeral rites of the late chairman, Alhaji Sumani Zakaria in Tamale on Sunday, the President called on all to get on board and reminded them that, “if this government does not succeed, there is no way the people of Ghana will have confidence in any NDC government in the future.”
President Mills further admonished the people not to limit their fraternal greetings to such solemn occasions alone but to extend similar goodwill and genuine feelings to each other even in their daily interactions.
Alhaji Sumani, 75, died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a protracted illness and was buried in Tamale a fortnight ago.
He began his working life as a casual labourer and later became a driver, a commercial farmer, a transport owner and a successful contractor and businessman.
President Mills described the late chairman as an astute politician who contributed enormously to the growth of the party and democracy in the country.
The Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, for his part, observed that the personality, character and principles of the late chairman always made him stand out among his peers.
He described Alhaji Sumani’s life as worthy of emulation by all, particularly the youth, and noted that death had robbed the party of such a courageous character.
The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia, also portrayed the late chairman as a visionary and hardworking leader who strived to improve the fortunes of the party in the region over the years.
The ceremony attracted sympathisers from all walks of life in and outside the region. They included former Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the leadership and representatives from all political parties, chiefs, ministers of state, government and party functionaries and Members of Parliament.
The government donated 25 bags of maize and rice, two bulls, assorted crates of soft drinks and GH¢5,000 to the bereaved family, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also presented two bags of maize and rice each and GH¢500.
Other political parties and individuals also made donations to the bereaved family.
UK SUPPORTS MALARIA ERADICATION WITH 10m POUNDS (BACK PAGE, NOV 24, 2010)
THE United Kingdom (UK) Government has extended a £10-million assistance package towards Ghana’s malarial eradication programme.
The fund is expected to be used for the procurement and distribution of over two million long -lasting insecticide treated bed-nets.
The fund, to be channelled through the UNICEF, is aimed at assisting the country to reach its goal of reducing the burden of malarial prevention and treatment by 75 per cent by 2015.
According to the UK Government’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Stephen O’brien, the distribution of the nets will be carried out during the Universal Access to Bed-nets campaigns scheduled for April, next year.
The under-secretary announced this at Gbugli in the Tolon-Kumbungu District of the Northern Region yesterday.
The junior minister, who is also a Member of the British Parliament, explained that “through this funding, an estimated 4.7 million people, of which 940, 000 were expected to be children under five years, would have access to the treated bed-nets.
He indicated that UKaid currently provided £8m annually as sector budget support over a five-year period (2008-2012) in support of the Ministry of Health (MoH) programme of work.
The UKaid further provided about £10m for the procurement of emergency obstetric equipment in support of the country’s free maternal healthcare policy, which was implemented in 2008.
“In 2006 and 2007, DFID provided a total of £8.7m through UNICEF to procure and distribute treated bed-nets to children under two and pregnant women,” the minister indicated.
Mr O’brien observed that malaria had been identified as the leading cause of illness and deaths of children under five years in Ghana.
The disease also accounted for 22 per cent of under-five deaths and nine per cent of maternal deaths in 2007.
The MoH estimates that out of three million cases of suspected malaria reported each year in public health facilities, over 900, 000 affected children under the age of five.
Mr O’brien earlier visited some UK-supported projects in the district, including School for Life and some private initiated programmes, such as the Taimako Plant Centre at Savelugu.
He also paid a courtesy call on the Kumbungu-Naa Yiri Iddrisu Abu, where he expressed the commitment of his government to helping to address some of the challenges in developing countries.
The fund is expected to be used for the procurement and distribution of over two million long -lasting insecticide treated bed-nets.
The fund, to be channelled through the UNICEF, is aimed at assisting the country to reach its goal of reducing the burden of malarial prevention and treatment by 75 per cent by 2015.
According to the UK Government’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Stephen O’brien, the distribution of the nets will be carried out during the Universal Access to Bed-nets campaigns scheduled for April, next year.
The under-secretary announced this at Gbugli in the Tolon-Kumbungu District of the Northern Region yesterday.
The junior minister, who is also a Member of the British Parliament, explained that “through this funding, an estimated 4.7 million people, of which 940, 000 were expected to be children under five years, would have access to the treated bed-nets.
He indicated that UKaid currently provided £8m annually as sector budget support over a five-year period (2008-2012) in support of the Ministry of Health (MoH) programme of work.
The UKaid further provided about £10m for the procurement of emergency obstetric equipment in support of the country’s free maternal healthcare policy, which was implemented in 2008.
“In 2006 and 2007, DFID provided a total of £8.7m through UNICEF to procure and distribute treated bed-nets to children under two and pregnant women,” the minister indicated.
Mr O’brien observed that malaria had been identified as the leading cause of illness and deaths of children under five years in Ghana.
The disease also accounted for 22 per cent of under-five deaths and nine per cent of maternal deaths in 2007.
The MoH estimates that out of three million cases of suspected malaria reported each year in public health facilities, over 900, 000 affected children under the age of five.
Mr O’brien earlier visited some UK-supported projects in the district, including School for Life and some private initiated programmes, such as the Taimako Plant Centre at Savelugu.
He also paid a courtesy call on the Kumbungu-Naa Yiri Iddrisu Abu, where he expressed the commitment of his government to helping to address some of the challenges in developing countries.
KOMBIAN CAPTURED...From hideout in Togo (LEAD STORY, NOV 22, 2010)
THE two-time jail breaker, Johnson Kombian, who is alleged to have killed two policemen and wounded another at Nakpanduri last month, has been arrested by Interpol in Togo and handed over to the Ghanaian police.
The 35-year-old man, referred to as the Nakpanduri Terror, was overpowered in Togo by the Togolese security forces last Friday and handed over to the Head of Interpol in Ghana, Chief Superintendent Edward Tabiri and Chief Suprintendent Ayikambe Yakubu, Special Operations Assistant, under heavy security at Aflao yesterday.
Eye witnesses said Kombian appeared to be hurt from an apparent injury to one of his arms after a violent struggle with the Togolese security officers.
Before being declared wanted, Kombian was alleged to have murdered a number of his robbery victims during his brutal operations at Nakpanduri, his latest victims being the two policemen, Constables Prince Agyare and Owusu Frimpong.
The third victim in the gun raid he launched on the police is still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
After that assault, Kombian eluded the police by shuttling between Ghana and Togo and Burkina Faso.
He was arrested last Friday in a joint effort by the Ghanaian police and their Togolese counterparts during which vital documents and information were shared on his movement.
One of his alleged victims, Constable Prince Agyare, was buried at his hometown, near Koforidua in the Eastern Region, on Saturday, a day after his alleged killer’s arrest.
Confirming the story to the Daily Graphic in Accra, the Director of Police Public Affairs, Supt. Kwesi Ofori, said immediately after Kombian’s arrest, the Ghanaian police and their Togolese counterparts began the process of extraditing him to Ghana.
He said Kombian’s arrest was possible due to the vital information shared among neighbouring security agencies, including copies of his photograph.
He gave the assurance that the police administration would continue to fight crime until it was reduced to the barest minimum.
He advised other criminals to learn a lesson from the arrest of Kombian and be mindful that no matter their modus operandi they would surely be overcome.
During the hunt for Kombian, the police administration promised to give GH¢3,000 to any member of the public who would volunteer information leading to his arrest.
According to police intelligence report, Kombian shuttled between Nakpanduri in the Northern Region and Burkina Faso, after crossing over to northern Togo when he was being sought after.
In addition to the murder and injury to the policemen, Kombian was wanted to face trial in a number of other cases, including robbery, attempted murder, possession of firearms without lawful authority, escaping from lawful custody and stealing.
Until his escape, he was serving a five-year jail term for a previous escape and awaiting trial for robbery and attempted murder.
Meanwhile, police are giving the captured criminal, Kombian medical care at the Police Hospital.
The 35-year-old man, referred to as the Nakpanduri Terror, was overpowered in Togo by the Togolese security forces last Friday and handed over to the Head of Interpol in Ghana, Chief Superintendent Edward Tabiri and Chief Suprintendent Ayikambe Yakubu, Special Operations Assistant, under heavy security at Aflao yesterday.
Eye witnesses said Kombian appeared to be hurt from an apparent injury to one of his arms after a violent struggle with the Togolese security officers.
Before being declared wanted, Kombian was alleged to have murdered a number of his robbery victims during his brutal operations at Nakpanduri, his latest victims being the two policemen, Constables Prince Agyare and Owusu Frimpong.
The third victim in the gun raid he launched on the police is still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
After that assault, Kombian eluded the police by shuttling between Ghana and Togo and Burkina Faso.
He was arrested last Friday in a joint effort by the Ghanaian police and their Togolese counterparts during which vital documents and information were shared on his movement.
One of his alleged victims, Constable Prince Agyare, was buried at his hometown, near Koforidua in the Eastern Region, on Saturday, a day after his alleged killer’s arrest.
Confirming the story to the Daily Graphic in Accra, the Director of Police Public Affairs, Supt. Kwesi Ofori, said immediately after Kombian’s arrest, the Ghanaian police and their Togolese counterparts began the process of extraditing him to Ghana.
He said Kombian’s arrest was possible due to the vital information shared among neighbouring security agencies, including copies of his photograph.
He gave the assurance that the police administration would continue to fight crime until it was reduced to the barest minimum.
He advised other criminals to learn a lesson from the arrest of Kombian and be mindful that no matter their modus operandi they would surely be overcome.
During the hunt for Kombian, the police administration promised to give GH¢3,000 to any member of the public who would volunteer information leading to his arrest.
According to police intelligence report, Kombian shuttled between Nakpanduri in the Northern Region and Burkina Faso, after crossing over to northern Togo when he was being sought after.
In addition to the murder and injury to the policemen, Kombian was wanted to face trial in a number of other cases, including robbery, attempted murder, possession of firearms without lawful authority, escaping from lawful custody and stealing.
Until his escape, he was serving a five-year jail term for a previous escape and awaiting trial for robbery and attempted murder.
Meanwhile, police are giving the captured criminal, Kombian medical care at the Police Hospital.
TAMALE READY FOR NAFAC (PAGE 15, NOV 20, 2010)
THE stage is set for the hosting of this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) in Tamale and the Centre for National Culture (CNC) regional office in the metropolis has been given a facelift.
The main auditorium of the centre that will host exhibitions of various arts from the 10 participatory regions has also been refurbished.
At the time of filing this report, finishing touches were being put to preparations at the Jubilee Park close to the CNC where the grand opening and durbar of chiefs will be held today.
Even though some residents claim there has not been adequate publicity on the event, others have expressed their eagerness to savour the rich traditional and cultural displays that will be showcased during the one-week festival.
Majority of residents Daily Graphic interacted with displayed a lot of enthusiasm over the fact that Tamale has been chosen to host the event again. The first time it was successfully hosted in the metropolis was in 1978.
They assured people who would patronise the NAFAC activities that they would not only enjoy themselves but would also taste the trademark hospitality of residents.
“You know the North is the cradle of culture and tradition and with Tamale hosting such a festival, I cannot just wait to observe how the proceedings would go to let the outside world know the rich cultural diversity we are blessed with in this country,” a tailor, Afah Iddi stated.
Some dealers in smocks have also expressed high expectations of patronage of their wares since NAFAC is a traditional event. “ The wearing of smock has now become very popular even outside the shores of Ghana; our problem is with the publicity because if it was done well, then we would expect to do brisk business particularly with our guests from the south,” a dealer, Abdulai Tanko indicated.
The Police have also expressed their readiness to provide adequate security for all. They have therefore appealed to the people to cooperate with them during the festivities.
According to the deputy Northern regional director of the CNC, Mr Abubakar Iddris Saeed, members of the participatory regions were to arrive in Tamale yesterday, adding that adequate accommodation had been secured for them.
The programme lined up for the week’s event include a durbar of chiefs, opening of regional centres, traditional performances from participating regions, food bazaar, exhibition of national collections, beauty pageant and awards nite.
Mr Saeed, however, raised concerns over the delay in the release of funds for the event which he said had hindered their preparations.
The deputy director has, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to the various paramountcies in the Northern Region for the interest and support extended to the NAFAC committee so far.
“We hope that more support will be offered us by the chiefs and people to ensure a total success of the programme,” he added.
The main auditorium of the centre that will host exhibitions of various arts from the 10 participatory regions has also been refurbished.
At the time of filing this report, finishing touches were being put to preparations at the Jubilee Park close to the CNC where the grand opening and durbar of chiefs will be held today.
Even though some residents claim there has not been adequate publicity on the event, others have expressed their eagerness to savour the rich traditional and cultural displays that will be showcased during the one-week festival.
Majority of residents Daily Graphic interacted with displayed a lot of enthusiasm over the fact that Tamale has been chosen to host the event again. The first time it was successfully hosted in the metropolis was in 1978.
They assured people who would patronise the NAFAC activities that they would not only enjoy themselves but would also taste the trademark hospitality of residents.
“You know the North is the cradle of culture and tradition and with Tamale hosting such a festival, I cannot just wait to observe how the proceedings would go to let the outside world know the rich cultural diversity we are blessed with in this country,” a tailor, Afah Iddi stated.
Some dealers in smocks have also expressed high expectations of patronage of their wares since NAFAC is a traditional event. “ The wearing of smock has now become very popular even outside the shores of Ghana; our problem is with the publicity because if it was done well, then we would expect to do brisk business particularly with our guests from the south,” a dealer, Abdulai Tanko indicated.
The Police have also expressed their readiness to provide adequate security for all. They have therefore appealed to the people to cooperate with them during the festivities.
According to the deputy Northern regional director of the CNC, Mr Abubakar Iddris Saeed, members of the participatory regions were to arrive in Tamale yesterday, adding that adequate accommodation had been secured for them.
The programme lined up for the week’s event include a durbar of chiefs, opening of regional centres, traditional performances from participating regions, food bazaar, exhibition of national collections, beauty pageant and awards nite.
Mr Saeed, however, raised concerns over the delay in the release of funds for the event which he said had hindered their preparations.
The deputy director has, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to the various paramountcies in the Northern Region for the interest and support extended to the NAFAC committee so far.
“We hope that more support will be offered us by the chiefs and people to ensure a total success of the programme,” he added.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
ACCELERATE SADA IMPLEMENTATION (BACK PAGE, NOV 13, 2010)
Participants in a public forum on the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in Tamale have appealed to the government to facilitate the speedy implementation of the initiative to help realise its objectives of improving the lot of the people in beneficiary communities.
“We commend the government for ensuring that the initiative has moved from a political slogan into an act of law. We hope the talks would, therefore, now give way to action so that we the beneficiaries will feel the needed impact”, Iddrisu Alhassan, a participant, indicated.
The day’s public sensitisation forum had the theme: “Making SADA work for all.” It was organised by SEND-Ghana, in collaboration with the Northern Development Forum (NDF), all civil society organisations, and funded by Oxfam-GB and Christian Aid-UK.
Other participants who spoke to the Daily Graphic in an interview also entreated all stakeholders to ensure that this new initiative did not fail. They also called for the fair distribution of projects under the SADA to all beneficiary regions and districts.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, assured the people that the government meant business by introducing the initiative and added, “this is the difference between well-intended plans for the people and mere political gimmicks.”
He, therefore, said the initiative was a demonstration of the government’s resolve to bridge the socio-economic gap between the savanna regions of northern Ghana and the rest of the country.
A development consultant and policy adviser to the Vice-President on SADA, Dr Sule Gariba, observed that the slow growth in the northern savanna areas was delaying the nation’s achievement of the MDGs.
He further noted that the prevailing climate change was worsening the plight of the people since it was responsible for the perennial flooding and drought in the north.
The Chairman of the NDF, Dr Hakeem Wemah, said the emerging oil and gas potentials in the country would not make much impact if the skills of the youth were not developed to take advantage of the discovery in that sector .
A representative of an advocacy group, Savanna Women Empowerment Group of Ghana, Mrs Helen Koranteng, underscored the need for women to be actively involved in the decision-making processes of the SADA.
The Country Director of SEND-Ghana, Mr Samuel Zan Akologo, said the organisation, which was established in 1998, now operated in six regions and 42 districts in the country.
According to the director, his outfit was into forging strong partnerships with state and non-state actors that were marked by mutual accountability, transparency and effective communication, to provide a conducive atmosphere for innovative development programmes.
“We commend the government for ensuring that the initiative has moved from a political slogan into an act of law. We hope the talks would, therefore, now give way to action so that we the beneficiaries will feel the needed impact”, Iddrisu Alhassan, a participant, indicated.
The day’s public sensitisation forum had the theme: “Making SADA work for all.” It was organised by SEND-Ghana, in collaboration with the Northern Development Forum (NDF), all civil society organisations, and funded by Oxfam-GB and Christian Aid-UK.
Other participants who spoke to the Daily Graphic in an interview also entreated all stakeholders to ensure that this new initiative did not fail. They also called for the fair distribution of projects under the SADA to all beneficiary regions and districts.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, assured the people that the government meant business by introducing the initiative and added, “this is the difference between well-intended plans for the people and mere political gimmicks.”
He, therefore, said the initiative was a demonstration of the government’s resolve to bridge the socio-economic gap between the savanna regions of northern Ghana and the rest of the country.
A development consultant and policy adviser to the Vice-President on SADA, Dr Sule Gariba, observed that the slow growth in the northern savanna areas was delaying the nation’s achievement of the MDGs.
He further noted that the prevailing climate change was worsening the plight of the people since it was responsible for the perennial flooding and drought in the north.
The Chairman of the NDF, Dr Hakeem Wemah, said the emerging oil and gas potentials in the country would not make much impact if the skills of the youth were not developed to take advantage of the discovery in that sector .
A representative of an advocacy group, Savanna Women Empowerment Group of Ghana, Mrs Helen Koranteng, underscored the need for women to be actively involved in the decision-making processes of the SADA.
The Country Director of SEND-Ghana, Mr Samuel Zan Akologo, said the organisation, which was established in 1998, now operated in six regions and 42 districts in the country.
According to the director, his outfit was into forging strong partnerships with state and non-state actors that were marked by mutual accountability, transparency and effective communication, to provide a conducive atmosphere for innovative development programmes.
MINISTER LAUNCHES $20M BUSAC FUND (BACK PAGE, NOV 13, 2010)
THE second phase of the Business Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC II) has been launched in Tamale with the release of a $20 million assistance package to boost the operations of businesses over the next five years.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, who inaugurated the fund, also unveiled a new office for the management of the fund.
The new office is to serve as an information centre and also offer support to business groups located in the northern part of the country.
The fund, among other things, seeks to build the capacities of beneficiaries by identifying, analysing and researching into challenges that constrain their operations, growth and profitability.
The first phase of the initiative, which began in 2004, ended in February 2010, with 362 business associations, media and labour unions in the country benefiting from a $7.9 million grant.
The fund, which has been increased to $20 million under Phase II, will cover a five-year period.
The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union and the DFID are supporting the programme.
“BUSAC Phase II will continue to be a demand-driven challenge fund that will be directed towards special themes which would otherwise be neglected, to the disadvantage of the majority of the business community,” the minister said.
She, therefore, advised would-be beneficiaries to effectively conduct research into issues affecting their operations to improve the capacities of their respective businesses.
The BUSAC Fund Manager, Dr Dale Rachmeler, indicated the enormous impact the fund had made in the lives and businesses of beneficiaries since its establishment in 2004.
“Ghana has demonstrated, over the past five years, that it has all the ingredients to create and maintain the all- important open environment crucial for growth,” he stated.
The Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Claude Maerten, observed that the private sector was the engine of growth and it was for that reason that the EU was committed to the success of the programme to create job opportunities and wealth.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasabu Asabigi, said the Northern Region had great potential in agriculture and other natural resources that could be tapped to improve the well-being of the people.
He expressed the hope that the inauguration of the BUSAC II Fund would serve as a catalyst to accelerate the competitiveness, growth and development of the private sector, particularly in the north.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, who inaugurated the fund, also unveiled a new office for the management of the fund.
The new office is to serve as an information centre and also offer support to business groups located in the northern part of the country.
The fund, among other things, seeks to build the capacities of beneficiaries by identifying, analysing and researching into challenges that constrain their operations, growth and profitability.
The first phase of the initiative, which began in 2004, ended in February 2010, with 362 business associations, media and labour unions in the country benefiting from a $7.9 million grant.
The fund, which has been increased to $20 million under Phase II, will cover a five-year period.
The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union and the DFID are supporting the programme.
“BUSAC Phase II will continue to be a demand-driven challenge fund that will be directed towards special themes which would otherwise be neglected, to the disadvantage of the majority of the business community,” the minister said.
She, therefore, advised would-be beneficiaries to effectively conduct research into issues affecting their operations to improve the capacities of their respective businesses.
The BUSAC Fund Manager, Dr Dale Rachmeler, indicated the enormous impact the fund had made in the lives and businesses of beneficiaries since its establishment in 2004.
“Ghana has demonstrated, over the past five years, that it has all the ingredients to create and maintain the all- important open environment crucial for growth,” he stated.
The Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Claude Maerten, observed that the private sector was the engine of growth and it was for that reason that the EU was committed to the success of the programme to create job opportunities and wealth.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasabu Asabigi, said the Northern Region had great potential in agriculture and other natural resources that could be tapped to improve the well-being of the people.
He expressed the hope that the inauguration of the BUSAC II Fund would serve as a catalyst to accelerate the competitiveness, growth and development of the private sector, particularly in the north.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
GRATIS TRAINS MORE TECHNICAL APPRENTICES IN NR (PAGE 35, NOV 17, 2010)
THE Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) has surely come a long way since its establishment in 1987 in the Northern Region. The main focus of GRATIS has been in the development, promotion and dissemination of appropriate technologies and skills for the growth of industries, particularly micro and medium-scale enterprises.
According to the Manager of GRATIS-Tamale, Mr Haruna Seini, his outfit had over the years focused their attention mainly on manufacturing and technology-based training to reflect on the growing needs of the industry and human resource in the metropolis and the northern region at large.
He explained that following the peculiar challenges of the people in the area, the GRATIS had often concentrated attention on the manufacture of processing equipment for groundnuts, cassava, shea butter, rice, cereals and grain extractors.
Others are oven and bread making equipment and gas stove. The rest include; bullock ploughs and carts for donkeys .
Mr Seini further mentioned environment, sanitation and educational equipment such as solid waste containers, garbage push trucks, high level water tank stands, maternity beds and infusion stands as some of their handiwork. Others are lecture hall chairs, metal tables and concrete culvert moulds.
He said “All the above mentioned equipment we have manufactured can be found at various parts of the region where the rural people are using them not only to add value to farm produce, but also serve as means of income generation,” he stated.
The manager further said GRATIS was involved in the empowerment of the youth with the requisite technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills for self-employment.
“The three-year technical apprenticeship training programmes in welding and fabrication are held at the GRATIS centre where training for self-employment is based on both theory and hands-on training on practical jobs. This is coupled with an industrial attachment, entrepreneurial skills training and a competence-based examination,” Mr Seini stated.
Among beneficiaries of the training exercises are university and polytechnic engineering students, who upon completion of their various courses, want to acquire practical knowledge in their respective fields of study.
“In all, we have trained over 400 technical apprentices who are contributing immensely to the economy, most of them are either self-employed or are working in the manufacturing sectors of the economy,” Mr Seini stated.
He said, “In line with GRATIS commitment to disseminate and promote technology, we also train communities in the proper processing of quality shea butter, edible oil, gari and rice, among others”.
According to him, women were also trained in bee-keeping, weaving, batik tie, all of which were aimed at equipping them with income- generating skills.
A beneficiary, Amina Alhassan, who is a mother, had this to say, “My colleagues and I are very grateful to GRATIS for believing in our abilities and proving us with the requisite training in batik tie and dye: It has not only helped me in supporting my two kids in their schooling, but has also afforded me the opportunity to cater for my petty needs”.
According to the Manager of GRATIS-Tamale, Mr Haruna Seini, his outfit had over the years focused their attention mainly on manufacturing and technology-based training to reflect on the growing needs of the industry and human resource in the metropolis and the northern region at large.
He explained that following the peculiar challenges of the people in the area, the GRATIS had often concentrated attention on the manufacture of processing equipment for groundnuts, cassava, shea butter, rice, cereals and grain extractors.
Others are oven and bread making equipment and gas stove. The rest include; bullock ploughs and carts for donkeys .
Mr Seini further mentioned environment, sanitation and educational equipment such as solid waste containers, garbage push trucks, high level water tank stands, maternity beds and infusion stands as some of their handiwork. Others are lecture hall chairs, metal tables and concrete culvert moulds.
He said “All the above mentioned equipment we have manufactured can be found at various parts of the region where the rural people are using them not only to add value to farm produce, but also serve as means of income generation,” he stated.
The manager further said GRATIS was involved in the empowerment of the youth with the requisite technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills for self-employment.
“The three-year technical apprenticeship training programmes in welding and fabrication are held at the GRATIS centre where training for self-employment is based on both theory and hands-on training on practical jobs. This is coupled with an industrial attachment, entrepreneurial skills training and a competence-based examination,” Mr Seini stated.
Among beneficiaries of the training exercises are university and polytechnic engineering students, who upon completion of their various courses, want to acquire practical knowledge in their respective fields of study.
“In all, we have trained over 400 technical apprentices who are contributing immensely to the economy, most of them are either self-employed or are working in the manufacturing sectors of the economy,” Mr Seini stated.
He said, “In line with GRATIS commitment to disseminate and promote technology, we also train communities in the proper processing of quality shea butter, edible oil, gari and rice, among others”.
According to him, women were also trained in bee-keeping, weaving, batik tie, all of which were aimed at equipping them with income- generating skills.
A beneficiary, Amina Alhassan, who is a mother, had this to say, “My colleagues and I are very grateful to GRATIS for believing in our abilities and proving us with the requisite training in batik tie and dye: It has not only helped me in supporting my two kids in their schooling, but has also afforded me the opportunity to cater for my petty needs”.
NANA KONADU WILL NOT RUN — Rawlings (PAGE 12, NOV 15, 2010)
Former President, Flt Lt. Rawlings has re-affirmed that he is not interested in ruling the nation again neither is his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.
“Rawlings is not interested in the Professor’s seat neither is my wife. I have held that seat for 18 years during which we worked very hard in transforming this country.”
He explained that he was only calling for fairness and justice in the affairs of the nation and that, “we will be living in the world of self denial if we do not face the reality.”
The former President explained that his constant criticisms of the Mill’s administration was not borne out of malice neither was it about washing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party’s dirty linen in public but as truths that needed to be told to guide the ruling government to perfection in fulfilling its better Ghana mantra.
He was speaking at the funeral of the late Northern Regional chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Sumani Zakari in Tamale at the weekend.
He indicated that even though the final funeral rite of the deceased was next week Sunday, he decided to call on the family earlier because he was likely not to be in the country at that time.
He made a cash donation of GH¢1000 and five bags of maize to the family.
The former President had earlier paid courtesy calls on some chiefs and opinion leaders in the Tamale metropolis since his arrival in the area last Friday.
He had also visited the flood victims at Buipe in the Central Gonja district on his way to Tamale to console them and to learn at first hand the level of destruction caused by the floods.
The late chairman died on November 8th at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the age of 75 after a protracted illness. He has since been buried in Tamale according to Islamic custom.
Flt Lt. Rawlings described the late chairman as a man of courage who had contributed immensely to the socio-political development of the northern region and the nation and that even though Alhaji Zakaria was not perfect; he did his best for mother Ghana.
The former President advised the family of the deceased to remain steadfast and not to allow themselves to be divided over the properties of their husband and father.
He equally admonished the party executive in the region, particularly the vice chairman of the NDC, Sofo Azorka to endeavour to consult the party elders before arriving at decisions and urged them to ensure unity at all times until a successor was duly elected.
According to Flt Lt. Rawlings, his private advises to the government to institute in depth investigations into alleged corrupt practices by the Kufuor administration, electoral frauds in the 2004 and 2008 general elections and the prosecutions of both private and security personnel among other issues have all not been heeded to for which reasons he sometimes had to go public.
He contended that President Mills’ failure to institute investigations into what he called electoral frauds by the NPP means, “you are telling the world that the NPP is as strong as you are when they are indeed weak.”
Flt Lt. Rawlings described the prevailing economic hardships in the country as legacies of former President Kufuor’s corrupt and misrule regime.
He also chastised a section of the media for what he termed as misinformation and the distortion of vital information and stressed that he had always stood for the truth and fairness which he said were his principles.
Touching on the Ya-Na and Alhaji Issah Mobilla’s murder cases which are all on trial in the law court, Mr Rawlings called for their speedy adjudication and further investigations into those cases to ensure unity since “there can never be unity without justice.”
He described those behind the murder of the Dagbon Overlord as professional killers and alleged that the Wuaku Commission’s sittings and subsequent report were only a cover-up.
“And when I am calling for justice for the Ya-Na it is not because he is an Andani or Abudu because I do not know one from the other since I have worked with both of them,” the former President said and that he would have done same if it was an Abudu chief or the common man on the street.
According to him, if justice was not instituted in those matters, “their capacities to kill and kill again would happen if they get the chance again,” he indicated.
“Rawlings is not interested in the Professor’s seat neither is my wife. I have held that seat for 18 years during which we worked very hard in transforming this country.”
He explained that he was only calling for fairness and justice in the affairs of the nation and that, “we will be living in the world of self denial if we do not face the reality.”
The former President explained that his constant criticisms of the Mill’s administration was not borne out of malice neither was it about washing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party’s dirty linen in public but as truths that needed to be told to guide the ruling government to perfection in fulfilling its better Ghana mantra.
He was speaking at the funeral of the late Northern Regional chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Sumani Zakari in Tamale at the weekend.
He indicated that even though the final funeral rite of the deceased was next week Sunday, he decided to call on the family earlier because he was likely not to be in the country at that time.
He made a cash donation of GH¢1000 and five bags of maize to the family.
The former President had earlier paid courtesy calls on some chiefs and opinion leaders in the Tamale metropolis since his arrival in the area last Friday.
He had also visited the flood victims at Buipe in the Central Gonja district on his way to Tamale to console them and to learn at first hand the level of destruction caused by the floods.
The late chairman died on November 8th at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the age of 75 after a protracted illness. He has since been buried in Tamale according to Islamic custom.
Flt Lt. Rawlings described the late chairman as a man of courage who had contributed immensely to the socio-political development of the northern region and the nation and that even though Alhaji Zakaria was not perfect; he did his best for mother Ghana.
The former President advised the family of the deceased to remain steadfast and not to allow themselves to be divided over the properties of their husband and father.
He equally admonished the party executive in the region, particularly the vice chairman of the NDC, Sofo Azorka to endeavour to consult the party elders before arriving at decisions and urged them to ensure unity at all times until a successor was duly elected.
According to Flt Lt. Rawlings, his private advises to the government to institute in depth investigations into alleged corrupt practices by the Kufuor administration, electoral frauds in the 2004 and 2008 general elections and the prosecutions of both private and security personnel among other issues have all not been heeded to for which reasons he sometimes had to go public.
He contended that President Mills’ failure to institute investigations into what he called electoral frauds by the NPP means, “you are telling the world that the NPP is as strong as you are when they are indeed weak.”
Flt Lt. Rawlings described the prevailing economic hardships in the country as legacies of former President Kufuor’s corrupt and misrule regime.
He also chastised a section of the media for what he termed as misinformation and the distortion of vital information and stressed that he had always stood for the truth and fairness which he said were his principles.
Touching on the Ya-Na and Alhaji Issah Mobilla’s murder cases which are all on trial in the law court, Mr Rawlings called for their speedy adjudication and further investigations into those cases to ensure unity since “there can never be unity without justice.”
He described those behind the murder of the Dagbon Overlord as professional killers and alleged that the Wuaku Commission’s sittings and subsequent report were only a cover-up.
“And when I am calling for justice for the Ya-Na it is not because he is an Andani or Abudu because I do not know one from the other since I have worked with both of them,” the former President said and that he would have done same if it was an Abudu chief or the common man on the street.
According to him, if justice was not instituted in those matters, “their capacities to kill and kill again would happen if they get the chance again,” he indicated.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
BE PROACTIVE IN REPORTING CHILD ABUSE (PAGE 35, NOV 4, 2010)
THE Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has exhorted the public to be proactive in reporting the abuse of children to the commission.
It has also warned that parents who encouraged their children to migrate to engage in menial jobs would be dealt with drastically.
According to the commission, it would soon come out with a comprehensive strategy for the protection of the girl-child to education and therefore, urged parents and guardians to place special importance on the schooling of their children and wards.
A Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Richard Quayson, who was speaking at a public forum for some Muslim women in the Tamale Metropolis, stressed that the commission attached seriousness to the right to education of the girl-child “and would therefore do everything necessary to ensure that their rights are not violated”.
He mentioned the special attributes women have in their role model roles in society to include their ability to understand the needs of children and their patience and willingness to listen and address the concerns of children.
“The growth of the family rest on women and therefore the day that women would fail in their duty to protect the family would mark the genesis for the decline of the entire society,” he added.
Mr Quayson further stated that women had a special place in society and could exert tremendous influence in the education of children, including the girl-child.
He said the law guarantees the right to property of all persons irrespective of race and gender and described as unlawful where some widows were thrown out of their marital homes upon the death of their husbands.
The Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow urged women to assert themselves, and to champion the course of development at their respective communities for the betterment of society.
A similar forum was held for congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in the metropolis.
It has also warned that parents who encouraged their children to migrate to engage in menial jobs would be dealt with drastically.
According to the commission, it would soon come out with a comprehensive strategy for the protection of the girl-child to education and therefore, urged parents and guardians to place special importance on the schooling of their children and wards.
A Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Richard Quayson, who was speaking at a public forum for some Muslim women in the Tamale Metropolis, stressed that the commission attached seriousness to the right to education of the girl-child “and would therefore do everything necessary to ensure that their rights are not violated”.
He mentioned the special attributes women have in their role model roles in society to include their ability to understand the needs of children and their patience and willingness to listen and address the concerns of children.
“The growth of the family rest on women and therefore the day that women would fail in their duty to protect the family would mark the genesis for the decline of the entire society,” he added.
Mr Quayson further stated that women had a special place in society and could exert tremendous influence in the education of children, including the girl-child.
He said the law guarantees the right to property of all persons irrespective of race and gender and described as unlawful where some widows were thrown out of their marital homes upon the death of their husbands.
The Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow urged women to assert themselves, and to champion the course of development at their respective communities for the betterment of society.
A similar forum was held for congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in the metropolis.
Monday, October 25, 2010
STEPS TO INCREASE MAIZE, LEGUME PRODUCTION (PAGE 22, OCT 23, 2010)
AGRICULTURE in Ghana accounts for about 55 per cent of employment and nearly 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Soil degradation is, however, considered a major setback to ensuring food security in the country.
About 70 per cent of the soil in northern Ghana and the eastern part of the Brong Ahafo Region around Atebubu is considered as degraded and infertile. This is evidenced in the poor yields of crops particularly cereals.
The most degraded areas are the north-eastern part of the Upper East Region from Navrongo-Bolgatanga to Bawku-Zuarungu and to further east.
Indeed, about 10 per cent of the land mass of sub-Saharan African is considered severely degraded with an additional 10 per cent showing signs of rapid degradation.
It has also been established that 39 per cent of the continent and 65 per cent of agricultural land are affected by desertification and the subsequent lost of land fertility thus affecting the livelihoods of over 60 million people in the continent.
According to a senior soil scientist with the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) at Nyankpala in the Northern Region, Dr Mathias Fosu, the institute had developed many technologies to help farmers improve on soil health.
The technologies include fallow management where some locally adapted leguminous crops such as crotalaria, mucuna and calopogonium have been identified and used as cover crops to increase organic matter and soil nutrients.
Crop rotation systems that increase legumes in the crop system to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility and inter-cropping that allow for targeted fertilisation of cereals within the crop system.
He mentioned other methods as the combination of minimum tillage and the use of plant residues and herbicide to reduce erosion, building of the capacity of farmers in soil and water management and on the selection and appropriate use of mineral and organic fertilisers within an integrated soil management system.
Dr Fosu also explained that his outfit carried out soil tests for farmers and practise it with them on their fields by applying appropriate fertiliser recommendations.
He stated that “good soil quality is the most important link in the agricultural value chain and since most soils, especially in northern Ghana that is considered the bread basket of the country are known to be poor, ensuring good soil quality is key to agricultural production”.
Dr Fosu further claimed that “the work at SARI has been shown to improve yields as crop rotation and inter-cropping has increased cereal yields between 15 and 60 per cent over the monocrop systems”.
A farmer, Mr Afah Tahiru Wumbei of Gbalahigu in the Tolon/Kumbungu District in the Northern Region, said “my colleagues and I have benefited tremendously through the use of these new technologies from SARI as we continue to record increase yields in maize and rice production”.
On the safe usage of fertiliser, Dr Fosu observed that in Ghana and Africa, fertiliser is not the major threat but rather, the practice of cropping without fertiliser referred to as nutrient mining.
The soil scientist, however, stated that farmers were constantly educated on the best practices in fertiliser handling and application.
Dr Fosu acknowledged the importance of partnership to improve on the agricultural sector.
He mentioned funding for technological generation, collaborative research, knowledge sharing, training skills development and exchange of information as some of the areas that could impact positively on the work of SARI.
“The policy changes or shifts needed for SARI to grow include increase in government’s support in the areas of research, capacity building, innovative financing of agriculture and good access to market by farmers,” Dr Fosu said.
Other measures include, increase access and subsidising of fertiliser and credit availability to farmers.
Indeed the problems and solutions in agriculture are not unique to Ghana. The endemic poverty in farming communities in Africa limits the use of improved technologies and inputs in the sector as many governments in Africa often pay lip service to the sector.
The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) is showing the way in driving change across the agricultural value chain and supporting Africa’s agricultural development through the mobilisation of support from African leaders.
It involves the mapping out of strategies for increase in fertiliser supply, promoting investments and policy support to increase farmers’ incomes and combining public and private sector expertise in the accelerated growth of the sector.
It was, therefore, very refreshing when in April, this year, a $1.54 million project aimed at increasing maize-legume production through up scaling of proven integrated soil fertility for the three northern regions was inaugurated in Tamale.
The three-year project is being funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international organisation that seeks to transform small holder agriculture into a highly productive, efficient, sustainable and competitive system while protecting the environment.
The Director-General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana), Dr Abdulai Salifu, sums it up when he said, “Any strategy that seeks to turn around the general soil infertility constraint northern Ghana into a resource must be welcome news for our agricultural policy makers and farmers.”
Soil degradation is, however, considered a major setback to ensuring food security in the country.
About 70 per cent of the soil in northern Ghana and the eastern part of the Brong Ahafo Region around Atebubu is considered as degraded and infertile. This is evidenced in the poor yields of crops particularly cereals.
The most degraded areas are the north-eastern part of the Upper East Region from Navrongo-Bolgatanga to Bawku-Zuarungu and to further east.
Indeed, about 10 per cent of the land mass of sub-Saharan African is considered severely degraded with an additional 10 per cent showing signs of rapid degradation.
It has also been established that 39 per cent of the continent and 65 per cent of agricultural land are affected by desertification and the subsequent lost of land fertility thus affecting the livelihoods of over 60 million people in the continent.
According to a senior soil scientist with the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) at Nyankpala in the Northern Region, Dr Mathias Fosu, the institute had developed many technologies to help farmers improve on soil health.
The technologies include fallow management where some locally adapted leguminous crops such as crotalaria, mucuna and calopogonium have been identified and used as cover crops to increase organic matter and soil nutrients.
Crop rotation systems that increase legumes in the crop system to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility and inter-cropping that allow for targeted fertilisation of cereals within the crop system.
He mentioned other methods as the combination of minimum tillage and the use of plant residues and herbicide to reduce erosion, building of the capacity of farmers in soil and water management and on the selection and appropriate use of mineral and organic fertilisers within an integrated soil management system.
Dr Fosu also explained that his outfit carried out soil tests for farmers and practise it with them on their fields by applying appropriate fertiliser recommendations.
He stated that “good soil quality is the most important link in the agricultural value chain and since most soils, especially in northern Ghana that is considered the bread basket of the country are known to be poor, ensuring good soil quality is key to agricultural production”.
Dr Fosu further claimed that “the work at SARI has been shown to improve yields as crop rotation and inter-cropping has increased cereal yields between 15 and 60 per cent over the monocrop systems”.
A farmer, Mr Afah Tahiru Wumbei of Gbalahigu in the Tolon/Kumbungu District in the Northern Region, said “my colleagues and I have benefited tremendously through the use of these new technologies from SARI as we continue to record increase yields in maize and rice production”.
On the safe usage of fertiliser, Dr Fosu observed that in Ghana and Africa, fertiliser is not the major threat but rather, the practice of cropping without fertiliser referred to as nutrient mining.
The soil scientist, however, stated that farmers were constantly educated on the best practices in fertiliser handling and application.
Dr Fosu acknowledged the importance of partnership to improve on the agricultural sector.
He mentioned funding for technological generation, collaborative research, knowledge sharing, training skills development and exchange of information as some of the areas that could impact positively on the work of SARI.
“The policy changes or shifts needed for SARI to grow include increase in government’s support in the areas of research, capacity building, innovative financing of agriculture and good access to market by farmers,” Dr Fosu said.
Other measures include, increase access and subsidising of fertiliser and credit availability to farmers.
Indeed the problems and solutions in agriculture are not unique to Ghana. The endemic poverty in farming communities in Africa limits the use of improved technologies and inputs in the sector as many governments in Africa often pay lip service to the sector.
The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) is showing the way in driving change across the agricultural value chain and supporting Africa’s agricultural development through the mobilisation of support from African leaders.
It involves the mapping out of strategies for increase in fertiliser supply, promoting investments and policy support to increase farmers’ incomes and combining public and private sector expertise in the accelerated growth of the sector.
It was, therefore, very refreshing when in April, this year, a $1.54 million project aimed at increasing maize-legume production through up scaling of proven integrated soil fertility for the three northern regions was inaugurated in Tamale.
The three-year project is being funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international organisation that seeks to transform small holder agriculture into a highly productive, efficient, sustainable and competitive system while protecting the environment.
The Director-General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana), Dr Abdulai Salifu, sums it up when he said, “Any strategy that seeks to turn around the general soil infertility constraint northern Ghana into a resource must be welcome news for our agricultural policy makers and farmers.”
Monday, September 27, 2010
COWPEA PRODUCERS IN NORTHERN GHANA TO BE TRAINED (PAGE 35, SEPT 27, 2010)
A training programme is to be organised in selected cowpea-production areas in the northern sector of the country .
The programme will ensure the proper storage of the crop to enhance food security and improve household incomes in the beneficiary communities.
Dubbed, “Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS)”, the programme is a regional project involving 10 countries in West Africa.
In Ghana, it is to be implemented in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions. The target is to reach out to more than 2,000 communities within a year.
The project is being funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The partner implementing agencies in the country include World Vision, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and community-based organisations.
According to Dr Dieudonne Baributsa of the Purdue University in the USA, one of the collaborators, the programme also has the potential to reduce poverty among the people.
Dr Baributsa, who was speaking at the inauguration of the programme in Tamale, therefore, emphasised the need for farmers to ensure that they installed proper storage facilities using bags that had polythene in them.
“Using the Hermetic Triple Plastic Bag will help prevent post-harvest losses and improve household incomes for the poor farmers”, he stated.
The PICS Co-ordinator in Ghana, Dr John Adu-Kumi, explained that the new method would be demonstrated in each community, and radio sensitisation programmes organised.
He said if cowpeas was not stored properly, weevils would infect them and destroy the beans; a situation, he said, could lead to food insecurity and health hazards.
The Savelugu-based Operation Team Leader of World Vision, Mr James Asedem, said the project fell in line with the objectives of his outfit.
He stated that apart from being an important crop in the diet of the people, cowpea was also a key cash crop for many rural communities.
Mr Asedem, however, observed that cowpea farmers had over the years experienced the highest post-harvest losses due to ‘bruchid’ infestation.
He further said due to poverty and lack of proper storage facilities, some of the farmers usually sold their produce soon after harvesting, when prices for the crop were low.
The programme will ensure the proper storage of the crop to enhance food security and improve household incomes in the beneficiary communities.
Dubbed, “Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS)”, the programme is a regional project involving 10 countries in West Africa.
In Ghana, it is to be implemented in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions. The target is to reach out to more than 2,000 communities within a year.
The project is being funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The partner implementing agencies in the country include World Vision, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and community-based organisations.
According to Dr Dieudonne Baributsa of the Purdue University in the USA, one of the collaborators, the programme also has the potential to reduce poverty among the people.
Dr Baributsa, who was speaking at the inauguration of the programme in Tamale, therefore, emphasised the need for farmers to ensure that they installed proper storage facilities using bags that had polythene in them.
“Using the Hermetic Triple Plastic Bag will help prevent post-harvest losses and improve household incomes for the poor farmers”, he stated.
The PICS Co-ordinator in Ghana, Dr John Adu-Kumi, explained that the new method would be demonstrated in each community, and radio sensitisation programmes organised.
He said if cowpeas was not stored properly, weevils would infect them and destroy the beans; a situation, he said, could lead to food insecurity and health hazards.
The Savelugu-based Operation Team Leader of World Vision, Mr James Asedem, said the project fell in line with the objectives of his outfit.
He stated that apart from being an important crop in the diet of the people, cowpea was also a key cash crop for many rural communities.
Mr Asedem, however, observed that cowpea farmers had over the years experienced the highest post-harvest losses due to ‘bruchid’ infestation.
He further said due to poverty and lack of proper storage facilities, some of the farmers usually sold their produce soon after harvesting, when prices for the crop were low.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
MELCOM DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO TAMALE MUSLIMS (PAGE 22, SEPT 7, 2010)
THE Tamale branch of Melcom group of companies limited has presented quantities of food items to the Tamale Central Mosque to support the congregation in their ongoing fasting obligation.
The items included sugar, rice, cooking oil, tea and milk.
According to the Tamale Branch Manager of Melcom, Mr Rizwan Ahmad Khan, the donation, which was the first of its kind to the mosque, formed part of Melcom's social responsibility.
He stated that Tamale was predominantly a Muslim community and it was for that reason that it found it necessary to support the Muslim Umma in fulfilling one of their religious obligations.
The manager promised to extend the gesture to other mosques in the metropolis in future.
Mr Khan expressed appreciation to the people of the metropolis for the continuous patronage of their goods which he described as affordable and of quality.
“At the moment, we are refurbishing the shop to make it more comfortable and congenial to shop as this is in line with our vision of always satisfying our customers needs,” he stated.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture and pledged to ensure the fair distribution of the items.
He advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to reflect on their past deeds, pray for forgiveness and chart a new course of life devoid of negative tendencies.
The items included sugar, rice, cooking oil, tea and milk.
According to the Tamale Branch Manager of Melcom, Mr Rizwan Ahmad Khan, the donation, which was the first of its kind to the mosque, formed part of Melcom's social responsibility.
He stated that Tamale was predominantly a Muslim community and it was for that reason that it found it necessary to support the Muslim Umma in fulfilling one of their religious obligations.
The manager promised to extend the gesture to other mosques in the metropolis in future.
Mr Khan expressed appreciation to the people of the metropolis for the continuous patronage of their goods which he described as affordable and of quality.
“At the moment, we are refurbishing the shop to make it more comfortable and congenial to shop as this is in line with our vision of always satisfying our customers needs,” he stated.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture and pledged to ensure the fair distribution of the items.
He advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to reflect on their past deeds, pray for forgiveness and chart a new course of life devoid of negative tendencies.
COUNCIL DRAWS UP PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP NR (PAGE 22, SEPT 7, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) has rolled out a number of programmes to facilitate the accelerated development of the area which is among the least developed regions in the country.
Among the thematic sectors that are attracting the council’s attention are, infrastructure development, agriculture, education and security.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, outlined the achievements chalked up so far and the vision of the government towards the forward move of the region at a well-attended “Meet the press” series held in Tamale.
The meeting was attended by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Agyenim Boateng, a Member of the Council of State, Kpan-Na Mohammed Bawa, District Chief Executives, chiefs and heads of departments, among others.
According to Mr Mabengba, as of December, last year, a total of 81.90 kilometres of roads had been constructed.
He said there were spot improvements and rehabilitation of some roads while a number of town roads were also worked on.
The minister also mentioned the construction of bridges, adding that routine maintenance on 15 roads covering a distance of 377.30 kilometres had been completed at while work on 450 kilometres of roads would commence soon.
He added that contract had been awarded on road surfacing in Chereponi, Tolon and Bole districts under the District Capital Road Improvement Project.
Mr Mabengba said some roads in the Tamale Metropolis were also to be given a facelift.
They include the 1.2-kilometre Nalungfon road which will be rehabilitated and that of the Picorna stretch.
“Again, 1.2 kilometres length of storm drains at Choggu Low Cost area is to be constructed as excavation works on this project has commenced,” he stated.
On the agricultural sector, the Regional Minister said available land for agricultural production in the region was 4.9 million hectares out of which only 800,000 hectares, representing 16 per cent were under production.
“Part of the remainder is used for livestock production while 10 per cent of the Volta Lake system that falls in the region also provides a platform for irrigation agriculture that can be undertaken in the region throughout the year,” he added.
Mr Mabengba mentioned the Youth in Agriculture block farm, fertiliser subsidy, Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programmes, including the rice sector support and the livestock development projects as some of the initiatives the government was undertaking to ensure food security in the region.
Under the block farm programme, the regional minister stated that it was being implemented in all the 20 districts in the region. Crops under cultivation include maize, rice, soya beans, sorghum and onions.
According to him, “a total of 15,722 farmers had been registered as beneficiaries of the 2010 programme. this means that through agriculture, the government has been able to provide employment for more than 15,000 people.”
Touching on the security situation in the region, Mr Mabengba observed that the area was experiencing some calm now, despite the fact that there were still unresolved matters on chieftaincy and land disputes.
“However, these have largely been contained, thanks to the increased appreciation and understanding of the role of peace in development by all stakeholders,” he stated.
Mr Mabengba, however, mentioned the Dagbon crisis, contenders for the Bimbilla skins, the Buipe skin affair and other minor chieftaincy issues pending at the Regional House of Chiefs, which, he said, were currently under review by the judicial committee of the House.
The Regional Minister said the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District had witnessed a number of violent conflicts leading to many internal displaced persons, adding that the area was now calm with security patrols.
On highway robbery, he said the incidence had now reduced following the constant patrol of the roads by a combined team of the military and the police. According to him, the robberies were often committed by Fulani herdsmen and their Ghanaian collaborators.
Mr Mabengba commended the chiefs and people of the area for their patience and co-operation over the years and assured them that the government was on track in achieving its "Better Ghana" agenda.
Among the thematic sectors that are attracting the council’s attention are, infrastructure development, agriculture, education and security.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, outlined the achievements chalked up so far and the vision of the government towards the forward move of the region at a well-attended “Meet the press” series held in Tamale.
The meeting was attended by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Agyenim Boateng, a Member of the Council of State, Kpan-Na Mohammed Bawa, District Chief Executives, chiefs and heads of departments, among others.
According to Mr Mabengba, as of December, last year, a total of 81.90 kilometres of roads had been constructed.
He said there were spot improvements and rehabilitation of some roads while a number of town roads were also worked on.
The minister also mentioned the construction of bridges, adding that routine maintenance on 15 roads covering a distance of 377.30 kilometres had been completed at while work on 450 kilometres of roads would commence soon.
He added that contract had been awarded on road surfacing in Chereponi, Tolon and Bole districts under the District Capital Road Improvement Project.
Mr Mabengba said some roads in the Tamale Metropolis were also to be given a facelift.
They include the 1.2-kilometre Nalungfon road which will be rehabilitated and that of the Picorna stretch.
“Again, 1.2 kilometres length of storm drains at Choggu Low Cost area is to be constructed as excavation works on this project has commenced,” he stated.
On the agricultural sector, the Regional Minister said available land for agricultural production in the region was 4.9 million hectares out of which only 800,000 hectares, representing 16 per cent were under production.
“Part of the remainder is used for livestock production while 10 per cent of the Volta Lake system that falls in the region also provides a platform for irrigation agriculture that can be undertaken in the region throughout the year,” he added.
Mr Mabengba mentioned the Youth in Agriculture block farm, fertiliser subsidy, Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programmes, including the rice sector support and the livestock development projects as some of the initiatives the government was undertaking to ensure food security in the region.
Under the block farm programme, the regional minister stated that it was being implemented in all the 20 districts in the region. Crops under cultivation include maize, rice, soya beans, sorghum and onions.
According to him, “a total of 15,722 farmers had been registered as beneficiaries of the 2010 programme. this means that through agriculture, the government has been able to provide employment for more than 15,000 people.”
Touching on the security situation in the region, Mr Mabengba observed that the area was experiencing some calm now, despite the fact that there were still unresolved matters on chieftaincy and land disputes.
“However, these have largely been contained, thanks to the increased appreciation and understanding of the role of peace in development by all stakeholders,” he stated.
Mr Mabengba, however, mentioned the Dagbon crisis, contenders for the Bimbilla skins, the Buipe skin affair and other minor chieftaincy issues pending at the Regional House of Chiefs, which, he said, were currently under review by the judicial committee of the House.
The Regional Minister said the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District had witnessed a number of violent conflicts leading to many internal displaced persons, adding that the area was now calm with security patrols.
On highway robbery, he said the incidence had now reduced following the constant patrol of the roads by a combined team of the military and the police. According to him, the robberies were often committed by Fulani herdsmen and their Ghanaian collaborators.
Mr Mabengba commended the chiefs and people of the area for their patience and co-operation over the years and assured them that the government was on track in achieving its "Better Ghana" agenda.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
CSM CLAIMS 22 LIVES IN NORTHERN REGION (BACK PAGE, SEPT 2, 2010)
CELEBRO Spinal Meningitis (CSM) has claimed 22 lives in the Northern Region, out of the 117 cases reported at various health centres in the early part of this year.
Malaria, however, continues to be the leading cause of illness and death in the region.
In the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District, 35 cases of CSM were reported with eight deaths. The East Mamprusi District had 48 cases with seven deaths while the Saboba District had 22 cases with no fatalities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, disclosed this at the region’s turn at the “Meet the Press” series in Tamale last Monday.
The minister further indicated that there were 44 per cent institutional deaths from malaria while malaria fatality rate increased marginally from 2.94 per cent in 2009 to 2.98 per cent this year.
On the current guinea worm situation in the region, he said only eight cases had so far been reported this year. This is a significant reduction from the same time last year when 231 cases were received.
The region, according to Mr Mabengba, also registered 51 maternal deaths while the HIV prevalence rate increased from 1.1 per cent in 2007 to 2.0 per cent last year. There have also been 71 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in the area with eight persons testing positive.
Touching on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he said since its inception, 1,713,414 persons in the region had registered with the scheme, representing 69.4 per cent of the region’s population.
“Let me also mention that fraudulent activities in both the schemes and by the providers that have bedevilled the smooth running of the scheme in the region have reduced drastically,” he noted.
The minister, however, expressed concern that in spite of the several appeals made to health personnel to accept postings to the Northern Region, some of them were still reluctant to work in the area.
He said this had led to the existing challenges faced by the region in its quest to ensure efficient health delivery services to the people.
He observed for instance that the five doctors who were posted to the area this year had all refused to report to post.
At the moment, there are only nine doctors serving in the 20 districts in the region. The number of midwives is 275 with 542 nurses. However, the Tamale Teaching Hospital has 57 doctors, including 23 House Officers.
Malaria, however, continues to be the leading cause of illness and death in the region.
In the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District, 35 cases of CSM were reported with eight deaths. The East Mamprusi District had 48 cases with seven deaths while the Saboba District had 22 cases with no fatalities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, disclosed this at the region’s turn at the “Meet the Press” series in Tamale last Monday.
The minister further indicated that there were 44 per cent institutional deaths from malaria while malaria fatality rate increased marginally from 2.94 per cent in 2009 to 2.98 per cent this year.
On the current guinea worm situation in the region, he said only eight cases had so far been reported this year. This is a significant reduction from the same time last year when 231 cases were received.
The region, according to Mr Mabengba, also registered 51 maternal deaths while the HIV prevalence rate increased from 1.1 per cent in 2007 to 2.0 per cent last year. There have also been 71 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in the area with eight persons testing positive.
Touching on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he said since its inception, 1,713,414 persons in the region had registered with the scheme, representing 69.4 per cent of the region’s population.
“Let me also mention that fraudulent activities in both the schemes and by the providers that have bedevilled the smooth running of the scheme in the region have reduced drastically,” he noted.
The minister, however, expressed concern that in spite of the several appeals made to health personnel to accept postings to the Northern Region, some of them were still reluctant to work in the area.
He said this had led to the existing challenges faced by the region in its quest to ensure efficient health delivery services to the people.
He observed for instance that the five doctors who were posted to the area this year had all refused to report to post.
At the moment, there are only nine doctors serving in the 20 districts in the region. The number of midwives is 275 with 542 nurses. However, the Tamale Teaching Hospital has 57 doctors, including 23 House Officers.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
GOVT SENDS REINFORCEMENT TO KARAGA ...To check violence (PAGE 19, AUGUST 31, 2010)
Military and police reinforcement has been despatched to Karaga to contain violence which erupted over the nomination of a new District Chief Executive for the Karaga District in the Northern Region.
The reinforcement was necessitated by the fact that police personnel sent to Karaga to maintain law and order were chased away by irate members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who were said to have gone on the rampage because they were not pleased with the nomination of Mr Hussein Issah Sulemana as the new DCE.
About six months ago, the district chief executives for Karaga, Yendi and Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo were relieved of their posts by President John Atta Mills after protest against them by some youth groups in their respective areas.
After the announcement of the nomination of the new DCE on Friday August 27, 2010, a faction of the youth group of the party alleged to be supporters of the former chief executive, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai Sandow, allegedly clashed with those of the current nominee leading to injuries to people on both sides and destruction of property.
Supporters of Alhaji Sandow accused those of Mr Sulemana of being responsible for the agitation that led to the removal of the former DCE from office.
Addressing the meet-the-press series in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, said calm had returned to Karaga and declared the resolve of the Regional Security Council to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the disturbances.
“Wherever they are, we shall pursue and arrest them,” he said.
He condemned the action of the irate NDC members who went on the rampage in Karaga and said it was high time such miscreants were brought to book and made to answer for their actions.
As of the time of filing this report, the DCE nominee who is also the Karaga Constituency Secretary of the NDC was said to be in Tamale consulting with the party executives.
The reinforcement was necessitated by the fact that police personnel sent to Karaga to maintain law and order were chased away by irate members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who were said to have gone on the rampage because they were not pleased with the nomination of Mr Hussein Issah Sulemana as the new DCE.
About six months ago, the district chief executives for Karaga, Yendi and Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo were relieved of their posts by President John Atta Mills after protest against them by some youth groups in their respective areas.
After the announcement of the nomination of the new DCE on Friday August 27, 2010, a faction of the youth group of the party alleged to be supporters of the former chief executive, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai Sandow, allegedly clashed with those of the current nominee leading to injuries to people on both sides and destruction of property.
Supporters of Alhaji Sandow accused those of Mr Sulemana of being responsible for the agitation that led to the removal of the former DCE from office.
Addressing the meet-the-press series in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, said calm had returned to Karaga and declared the resolve of the Regional Security Council to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the disturbances.
“Wherever they are, we shall pursue and arrest them,” he said.
He condemned the action of the irate NDC members who went on the rampage in Karaga and said it was high time such miscreants were brought to book and made to answer for their actions.
As of the time of filing this report, the DCE nominee who is also the Karaga Constituency Secretary of the NDC was said to be in Tamale consulting with the party executives.
Monday, August 30, 2010
HARMONY ATTRACTING BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS...Chief Executive of Tamale (PAGE 13, AUGUST 30, 2010)
THE Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, has said that the prevailing harmony in the city is attracting business establishments and individuals to the metropolis.
He has also expressed satisfaction over the low crime rate in the city over the years and attributed the situation to the vigilance of the people and the alertness and professionalism of the security forces in the metropolis.
Alhaji Friday, therefore, commended the chiefs and people of the metropolis for helping the metropolis to attain such status.
He was speaking at the second general assembly meeting of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA).
He, however, expressed concern over the increasing indiscipline on the part of some motorists whose actions were posing danger on the roads.
He explained that it was to ensure order on the roads that some youth in the metropolis were trained as community police and deployed around some major intersections in the city to direct road users accordingly.
The Chief Executive, however, noted that some motorists had began harassing the community police personnel in order to have their way. “Let me use this opportunity to caution such people to desist from obstructing the work of the community police personnel.”
According to him, “the law will catch up with any person or group who engages in any form of indiscipline that has the potential of disturbing law and order in the metropolis.”
Other areas of concern expressed by Alhaji Friday included the issue of stray animals and sanitation.
He observed that in spite of the numerous appeals to cattle owners to restrain their animals from roaming the streets, they still posed danger to motorists and warned that drastic measures would be enforced to curtail the growing menace.
On the haphazard littering of the city, he entreated people engaged in such practices to be more responsible in the disposal of waste, particularly those who throw materials from moving vehicles. “It is advisable that such people to rather leave the waste materials in the vehicle for it to be properly disposed of at their final destination.”
He has also expressed satisfaction over the low crime rate in the city over the years and attributed the situation to the vigilance of the people and the alertness and professionalism of the security forces in the metropolis.
Alhaji Friday, therefore, commended the chiefs and people of the metropolis for helping the metropolis to attain such status.
He was speaking at the second general assembly meeting of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA).
He, however, expressed concern over the increasing indiscipline on the part of some motorists whose actions were posing danger on the roads.
He explained that it was to ensure order on the roads that some youth in the metropolis were trained as community police and deployed around some major intersections in the city to direct road users accordingly.
The Chief Executive, however, noted that some motorists had began harassing the community police personnel in order to have their way. “Let me use this opportunity to caution such people to desist from obstructing the work of the community police personnel.”
According to him, “the law will catch up with any person or group who engages in any form of indiscipline that has the potential of disturbing law and order in the metropolis.”
Other areas of concern expressed by Alhaji Friday included the issue of stray animals and sanitation.
He observed that in spite of the numerous appeals to cattle owners to restrain their animals from roaming the streets, they still posed danger to motorists and warned that drastic measures would be enforced to curtail the growing menace.
On the haphazard littering of the city, he entreated people engaged in such practices to be more responsible in the disposal of waste, particularly those who throw materials from moving vehicles. “It is advisable that such people to rather leave the waste materials in the vehicle for it to be properly disposed of at their final destination.”
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
NR POLICE COMMAN PRAISES GOVT FOR NEW PAY POLICY (PAGE 22, AUGUST 20, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
THE Northern Region Police Command has expressed appreciation to the government and the Police administration for their efforts in the successful implementation of the new pay policy.
According to them, “this has brought a lot of smiles on the faces of police men and women; a new beginning always brings fresh hope and this is a good time for all police officers.”
THE Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr. Angwubutoge Awuni, was addressing police personnel in the region at a welfare meeting in Tamale.
He further indicated that, “the new pay policy has come to change the lives of police officers and their families as it will afford them the opportunity to start investing in their future and that of their children in accordance with service regulations and also towards a better retirement.”
The commander however advised them against acts of recklessness and reminded them that those who would engage in irresponsible lifestyles will not feel the impact of the new pay policy.
Mr. Awuni also stated that, good salaries demanded more efficiency and better services and that some of the negative conduct by some police investigators and those at the barriers and roadside must cease forthwith.
“There is no excuse for any police officer to indulge in some of these shameful acts which drag the image of the Ghana Police Service into disrepute and present officers as objects of scorn and ridicule in the public eye,” he opined.
The commander therefore warned that the Police administration will punish any officer caught in corrupt acts such as demanding monies before services are rendered in the severest terms.
On the passage of the STX Housing agreement, Mr. Awuni expressed appreciation to the legislature for successfully passage into law. They expressed the hope that the project that includes the provision of 30,000 housing units for the security forces would be completed on record time.
He described the current state of their barracks as very deplorable and noted that any efforts by the government to provide them with decent accommodation will not only boost their morale but will also encourage the Police to give off their best to win public confidence.
Other concerns expressed by some of the officers at the meeting were the lack of resources and logistics such as vehicles to embark on operations in the region.
For instance the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr. Caesar Abanga revealed that inspite of the vastness and complexities of the metropolis, “we have no any reliable vehicle to embark on operations with since the only vehicle broke down almost about a year now.”
He observed that even though the new salary policy was encouraging, “it must however match with a corresponding logistical support to bring out the best in us.”
End.
Aug 17, page 22.
Govt presents items to Muslims in Tamale.
As an annual ritual during Ramadan, the Northern Regional Coordinating Council on behalf of government donated hundreds of bags of sugar to about 56 Mosques’, chiefs and other social groupings in the Tamale Metropolis.
Among the beneficiary groups were the Tamale Central Mosque, the Ambariya Mosque, the Salawaatiya and AlBayan Mosques’ as well as the Chief of Tamale, the Gukpegu Regent and the Zongo Chief.
The Tamale Central and Ambariya Mosques’ received a quantity of 10 bags of sugar each.
Making the presentation at the Tamale Central Mosque, Alhaji Abudulai Harunah Friday, Mayor of Tamale on behalf of government commended the Muslim community for its role in nation building hence the donation.
He said government was appreciative of the standard of intra-religious tolerance experienced in the region and concluded that situation had contributed to the relative peace residents have enjoyed so far.
Alhaji Friday said government was committed to achieving the Better Ghana Agenda and called on the citizens to co-exist peacefully for accelerated development.
Laying much emphasis on peace, he also appealed to the youth of Dagbon to reconcile and re-channel their resources into productive ventures that will move the Dagbon State forward but in the right direction.
The Chairman of the Central Mosque Committee, Alhaji Abdallah Hindu thanked government for the kind gesture and prayed for peace and tranquility for the realization of the Better Ghana Agenda.
He assured government of the Muslim Ulamah’s unflinching cooperation with other development partners to improve the socio-economic progress of residents of the entire northern region.
THE Northern Region Police Command has expressed appreciation to the government and the Police administration for their efforts in the successful implementation of the new pay policy.
According to them, “this has brought a lot of smiles on the faces of police men and women; a new beginning always brings fresh hope and this is a good time for all police officers.”
THE Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr. Angwubutoge Awuni, was addressing police personnel in the region at a welfare meeting in Tamale.
He further indicated that, “the new pay policy has come to change the lives of police officers and their families as it will afford them the opportunity to start investing in their future and that of their children in accordance with service regulations and also towards a better retirement.”
The commander however advised them against acts of recklessness and reminded them that those who would engage in irresponsible lifestyles will not feel the impact of the new pay policy.
Mr. Awuni also stated that, good salaries demanded more efficiency and better services and that some of the negative conduct by some police investigators and those at the barriers and roadside must cease forthwith.
“There is no excuse for any police officer to indulge in some of these shameful acts which drag the image of the Ghana Police Service into disrepute and present officers as objects of scorn and ridicule in the public eye,” he opined.
The commander therefore warned that the Police administration will punish any officer caught in corrupt acts such as demanding monies before services are rendered in the severest terms.
On the passage of the STX Housing agreement, Mr. Awuni expressed appreciation to the legislature for successfully passage into law. They expressed the hope that the project that includes the provision of 30,000 housing units for the security forces would be completed on record time.
He described the current state of their barracks as very deplorable and noted that any efforts by the government to provide them with decent accommodation will not only boost their morale but will also encourage the Police to give off their best to win public confidence.
Other concerns expressed by some of the officers at the meeting were the lack of resources and logistics such as vehicles to embark on operations in the region.
For instance the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr. Caesar Abanga revealed that inspite of the vastness and complexities of the metropolis, “we have no any reliable vehicle to embark on operations with since the only vehicle broke down almost about a year now.”
He observed that even though the new salary policy was encouraging, “it must however match with a corresponding logistical support to bring out the best in us.”
End.
Aug 17, page 22.
Govt presents items to Muslims in Tamale.
As an annual ritual during Ramadan, the Northern Regional Coordinating Council on behalf of government donated hundreds of bags of sugar to about 56 Mosques’, chiefs and other social groupings in the Tamale Metropolis.
Among the beneficiary groups were the Tamale Central Mosque, the Ambariya Mosque, the Salawaatiya and AlBayan Mosques’ as well as the Chief of Tamale, the Gukpegu Regent and the Zongo Chief.
The Tamale Central and Ambariya Mosques’ received a quantity of 10 bags of sugar each.
Making the presentation at the Tamale Central Mosque, Alhaji Abudulai Harunah Friday, Mayor of Tamale on behalf of government commended the Muslim community for its role in nation building hence the donation.
He said government was appreciative of the standard of intra-religious tolerance experienced in the region and concluded that situation had contributed to the relative peace residents have enjoyed so far.
Alhaji Friday said government was committed to achieving the Better Ghana Agenda and called on the citizens to co-exist peacefully for accelerated development.
Laying much emphasis on peace, he also appealed to the youth of Dagbon to reconcile and re-channel their resources into productive ventures that will move the Dagbon State forward but in the right direction.
The Chairman of the Central Mosque Committee, Alhaji Abdallah Hindu thanked government for the kind gesture and prayed for peace and tranquility for the realization of the Better Ghana Agenda.
He assured government of the Muslim Ulamah’s unflinching cooperation with other development partners to improve the socio-economic progress of residents of the entire northern region.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
TAMA PAYS DEBTS TO CONTRACTORS (PAGE 29, AUGUST 19, 2010)
THE Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has dispensed part of its first quarter allocation of the Common Fund to honour outstanding debts owed contractors and other service providers.
The assembly noted that, even though its share of the fund was far below expectation, “the assembly still managed to service a number of outstanding debts and embarked on other development projects in the metropolis.”
The Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday who disclosed this at the second general assembly meeting for the year in Tamale on Monday, said the assembly received a total amount of GH¢ 218,737.00 for the first quarter.
He explained that, “the guidelines for the utilisation of this year’s funds emphasised on paying outstanding commitments before embarking on new projects.”
Other areas the assembly expended the funds included the maintenance of security and the education sector.
On the mobilisation of local revenues, Alhaji Friday indicated that the assembly was on course to achieve its target for the year. So far, the assembly has mobilised an amount of GH¢319,371.86 representing 68 percent out of the targeted amount of GH¢474,919.67 between January and July this year.
“It is sad to note that not much was generated from the Central Business District where a lot of economic and commercial activities take place. This is a lean season for revenue mobilisation in the north especially in respect of food items; it is therefore hoped that by the end of December, we could make substantial gains in our revenue mobilisation drive,” he stated.
The mayor also added that the Budget and Finance sub-committees of the assembly were collaborating to identify additional potential sources of revenue to enable the assembly generate more funds for projects.
The assembly noted that, even though its share of the fund was far below expectation, “the assembly still managed to service a number of outstanding debts and embarked on other development projects in the metropolis.”
The Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday who disclosed this at the second general assembly meeting for the year in Tamale on Monday, said the assembly received a total amount of GH¢ 218,737.00 for the first quarter.
He explained that, “the guidelines for the utilisation of this year’s funds emphasised on paying outstanding commitments before embarking on new projects.”
Other areas the assembly expended the funds included the maintenance of security and the education sector.
On the mobilisation of local revenues, Alhaji Friday indicated that the assembly was on course to achieve its target for the year. So far, the assembly has mobilised an amount of GH¢319,371.86 representing 68 percent out of the targeted amount of GH¢474,919.67 between January and July this year.
“It is sad to note that not much was generated from the Central Business District where a lot of economic and commercial activities take place. This is a lean season for revenue mobilisation in the north especially in respect of food items; it is therefore hoped that by the end of December, we could make substantial gains in our revenue mobilisation drive,” he stated.
The mayor also added that the Budget and Finance sub-committees of the assembly were collaborating to identify additional potential sources of revenue to enable the assembly generate more funds for projects.
Monday, August 16, 2010
HOW THE REGIONS VOTED IN NPP'S ELECTIONS (PAGE 12, AUGUST 9, 2010)
ESTATIC supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party
(NPP) in Tamale were beside themselves with joy at the
weekend when the results of the Presidential primaries of
the party were declared in the metropolis.
At all the three constituencies, Tamale North, Central and
South, Nana Akufo Addo won by large margins of votes over
his other four contestants.
Some of the supporters were spotted in their cars and on
their motorbikes adorned with party colours amidst tooting
of horns, waving of flags and singing praises to Nana Addo.
This was after the 7-hour voting exercise had ended
peacefully in the metropolis by 3 pm. Reports from the other
districts in the northern region also indicated that, party
supporters conducted themselves orderly.
An ardent supporter of the party, Mohammed described the
overwhelming victory of Nana as a “victory for the party
and the nation and for the people who are daily searching
for better life.”
“I will also like to congratulate the other competitors,
particularly Alan Cash for his gracious acceptance of
defeat. I wish to assure him that he would surely get the
nod the next time,“ he intimated.
A member of the student wing of the NPP at the Tamale
Polytechnic, Hamza Issah observed that, “the decision of
the Party to re-nominate Nana Addo as our Presidential
candidate is very reassuring as he had been marketed already
and has the wherewithal to compete the sitting
President.”
Fati Alhassan on her part commended the party faithful in
Tamale and the northern region for the show of maturity,
patience and tolerance during the entire period of campaigns
that culminated in the election on Saturday.
(NPP) in Tamale were beside themselves with joy at the
weekend when the results of the Presidential primaries of
the party were declared in the metropolis.
At all the three constituencies, Tamale North, Central and
South, Nana Akufo Addo won by large margins of votes over
his other four contestants.
Some of the supporters were spotted in their cars and on
their motorbikes adorned with party colours amidst tooting
of horns, waving of flags and singing praises to Nana Addo.
This was after the 7-hour voting exercise had ended
peacefully in the metropolis by 3 pm. Reports from the other
districts in the northern region also indicated that, party
supporters conducted themselves orderly.
An ardent supporter of the party, Mohammed described the
overwhelming victory of Nana as a “victory for the party
and the nation and for the people who are daily searching
for better life.”
“I will also like to congratulate the other competitors,
particularly Alan Cash for his gracious acceptance of
defeat. I wish to assure him that he would surely get the
nod the next time,“ he intimated.
A member of the student wing of the NPP at the Tamale
Polytechnic, Hamza Issah observed that, “the decision of
the Party to re-nominate Nana Addo as our Presidential
candidate is very reassuring as he had been marketed already
and has the wherewithal to compete the sitting
President.”
Fati Alhassan on her part commended the party faithful in
Tamale and the northern region for the show of maturity,
patience and tolerance during the entire period of campaigns
that culminated in the election on Saturday.
Monday, August 9, 2010
TRAIN MMDAs ON CENSUS — DAWUNI (PAGE 13, 2010)
THE Assembly Member for the Nakpale Borile Electoral Area at Tatale, Mr Edward Atta Abebe Dawuni, has stressed on the need for the training of presiding members of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies on the intricacies of the impending population and housing census this year.
He noted that such an informed exercise would enable the members to educate their colleagues in the assemblies, who would in turn explain the importance of the census to the electorate, including chiefs at their respective local levels.
“I will therefore entreat the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to liaise with the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG to chart the way forward in this direction,” Mr Dawuni stated.
He made the call during an interaction with the electorate in his constituency at Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale district of the Northern Region.
Mr Dawuni, who is also the Presiding Member of the assembly, pointed out that since some people still held the erroneous customary beliefs about enumeration of people, it would be necessary for assembly members to have some knowledge about the census to enable them educate their people to co-operate with the field workers who would be deployed for the exercise.
Touching on education, he appealed to the people to reduce their expenditure on funerals, weddings and other social events and rather channel their resources into their wards schooling.
Mr Dawuni further observed that “it is only through education that we can lift ourselves out of the prevailing poverty situation and also improve on our well-being and the accelerated development of our various communities.”
He, therefore, urged them to take advantage of the government’s social intervention policies in education through the provision of free school uniforms, books and feeding programme by not only enrolling their children in school, but making sure that they supported them to complete their respective courses.
The assembly member also advised them to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them benefit from the free medical service in the hospitals and clinics.
Mr Dawuni however noted that development could not thrive in an atmosphere of instability and therefore advised them to continue to maintain the prevailing peace in the area to attract the necessary investments.
The Paramount Chief of Tatale traditional area, Obore Gariba Yankosor, who was part of the meetings, appealed to Ghanaians not to politicise the impending population census exercise and called for maximum co-operation from all stakeholders for its success.
He noted that such an informed exercise would enable the members to educate their colleagues in the assemblies, who would in turn explain the importance of the census to the electorate, including chiefs at their respective local levels.
“I will therefore entreat the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to liaise with the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG to chart the way forward in this direction,” Mr Dawuni stated.
He made the call during an interaction with the electorate in his constituency at Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale district of the Northern Region.
Mr Dawuni, who is also the Presiding Member of the assembly, pointed out that since some people still held the erroneous customary beliefs about enumeration of people, it would be necessary for assembly members to have some knowledge about the census to enable them educate their people to co-operate with the field workers who would be deployed for the exercise.
Touching on education, he appealed to the people to reduce their expenditure on funerals, weddings and other social events and rather channel their resources into their wards schooling.
Mr Dawuni further observed that “it is only through education that we can lift ourselves out of the prevailing poverty situation and also improve on our well-being and the accelerated development of our various communities.”
He, therefore, urged them to take advantage of the government’s social intervention policies in education through the provision of free school uniforms, books and feeding programme by not only enrolling their children in school, but making sure that they supported them to complete their respective courses.
The assembly member also advised them to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them benefit from the free medical service in the hospitals and clinics.
Mr Dawuni however noted that development could not thrive in an atmosphere of instability and therefore advised them to continue to maintain the prevailing peace in the area to attract the necessary investments.
The Paramount Chief of Tatale traditional area, Obore Gariba Yankosor, who was part of the meetings, appealed to Ghanaians not to politicise the impending population census exercise and called for maximum co-operation from all stakeholders for its success.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
GOVT TO RESOURCE NYEP TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMMES (PAGE 22, AUGUST 7, 2010)
THE government is prepared to resource the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to implement its laudable programmes, especially in northern Ghana to help forestall the mass exodus of the youth from the area to southern Ghana in search of menial jobs.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasaamu Asabigi, said this in a speech read on his behalf at the close of a six-month skill and manpower training workshop for graduates of the Ghana Young Artisans Movement and the NYEP in Tamale.
The 85 trainees were trained in various fields, including hair-dressing, dress- making, catering, batik, tie-dye production.
Mr Asabigi described as unfortunate the current situation in northern Ghana where a large number of energetic youth were idling about as a result of unavailability of employment.
He gave the assurance that the government had mapped out a number of programmes, including the revamping of the agricultural sector to absorb the youth.
The National Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Abuga Pele, said the exercise formed part of the “trade and vocation model” of the NYEP that was aimed at exploring the potentials of the youth through self-employment.
He said that would lessen the burden on government’s financial stride to provide lucrative jobs for the youth of Ghana.
Mr Abuga Pele hinted that plans were afoot to replicate the vocation and trade model throughout the country that would also benefit the disabled.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Young Artisans Movement, Mr Abdul Fatawu Ibrahim, commended the government for its unrelenting efforts to develop the youth of Ghana through such interventions.
He also expressed appreciation to donor agencies, including “Tools for self reliance” in the United Kingdom, Simavi in the Netherlands, the Embassies and High Commissions of Britain and Canada in Ghana for their support over the years.
Mr Fatawu revealed that GYAM had since its establishment in 1995 been involved in youth and community development through which water and sanitation facilities had been provided to peri-urban communities in the three regions of the north.
The graduates received certificates and some working tools to help them establish their own businesses.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasaamu Asabigi, said this in a speech read on his behalf at the close of a six-month skill and manpower training workshop for graduates of the Ghana Young Artisans Movement and the NYEP in Tamale.
The 85 trainees were trained in various fields, including hair-dressing, dress- making, catering, batik, tie-dye production.
Mr Asabigi described as unfortunate the current situation in northern Ghana where a large number of energetic youth were idling about as a result of unavailability of employment.
He gave the assurance that the government had mapped out a number of programmes, including the revamping of the agricultural sector to absorb the youth.
The National Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Abuga Pele, said the exercise formed part of the “trade and vocation model” of the NYEP that was aimed at exploring the potentials of the youth through self-employment.
He said that would lessen the burden on government’s financial stride to provide lucrative jobs for the youth of Ghana.
Mr Abuga Pele hinted that plans were afoot to replicate the vocation and trade model throughout the country that would also benefit the disabled.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Young Artisans Movement, Mr Abdul Fatawu Ibrahim, commended the government for its unrelenting efforts to develop the youth of Ghana through such interventions.
He also expressed appreciation to donor agencies, including “Tools for self reliance” in the United Kingdom, Simavi in the Netherlands, the Embassies and High Commissions of Britain and Canada in Ghana for their support over the years.
Mr Fatawu revealed that GYAM had since its establishment in 1995 been involved in youth and community development through which water and sanitation facilities had been provided to peri-urban communities in the three regions of the north.
The graduates received certificates and some working tools to help them establish their own businesses.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
JAPAN MOTORS TO EXPAND BASE AT TAMALE (PAGE 29, JULY 31, 2010)
JAPAN Motors and Trading Company, dealers in automobile and accessories is to undertake a massive infrastructure investment in its Tamale branch within the next three years.
Among the strategies line-up to capture the growing market in the metropolis, are the construction of a modern showroom for vehicles and Yamaha Motorbikes to offer customers a serene and comfortable environment to do business.
A three-story office complex, part of which will be rented to institutions that want to set up near the light-industrial area of Tamale, will also be constructed on part of the land. As part of the expansion process, the workshop will be relocated and given a state of the art design.
According to the Branch Manager of the company in Tamale, Mr. Al-Hassan Somoa Mahama, “as Tamale is becoming the commercial hub of the north, the company also intends putting up two large warehouses drawing from our experience of managing warehouses in our Tema Branch.”
In doing this, “we are envisaging that when the In-land-port in Tamale becomes operational, the needs of importers will also be met,” he explained.
The manager observed that most people were still unaware that they could purchase their vehicles at their office in Tamale and had to trek all the way to Accra stressing that, “the vehicles you buy from us here and those from our head office in Accra are all of the same quality and durability.”
Mr Mahama further indicated that his outfit also offers training facilities to students from the technical schools, polytechnics and universities like its sister branches in other parts of the country.
“It is the only automobile garage in all the three northern regions equipped with modern vehicle diagnosis equipment.
Giving a background of the company’s existence in the north, the manager explained that Japan Motors was among other automobile firms that opened its branch in Tamale in 1973 to enjoy the benefits of the agriculture boom in the area.
The rapid decline of the agricultural sector in the 1980s in the area, however, led to the decline in incomes as automobile sales plummeted. Almost all the automobile firms dealing in agricultural equipment and vehicles folded up before the middle of the 1980’s.
He said while others folded up, Japan Motors re-strategised and adapted to the new challenges. “The endurance and patience of Japan Motors later paid off as the sales of the Yamaha Motorbikes soared in the 1990’s. The Nissan range of vehicles, which is the hallmark of the company, also enjoyed much patronage.”
The manager explained that the surge in sales was largely due to the influx of NGOs and Christian missionary activities which required robust means of transport that could traverse the rugged Northern Ghana roads and paths leading to the hinterlands. He added that the introduction of the Local Government Decentralisation system also empowered district assemblies to make purchases of vehicles and motorcycles within their locality, thus broadening the branch’s clientele base.
Among the strategies line-up to capture the growing market in the metropolis, are the construction of a modern showroom for vehicles and Yamaha Motorbikes to offer customers a serene and comfortable environment to do business.
A three-story office complex, part of which will be rented to institutions that want to set up near the light-industrial area of Tamale, will also be constructed on part of the land. As part of the expansion process, the workshop will be relocated and given a state of the art design.
According to the Branch Manager of the company in Tamale, Mr. Al-Hassan Somoa Mahama, “as Tamale is becoming the commercial hub of the north, the company also intends putting up two large warehouses drawing from our experience of managing warehouses in our Tema Branch.”
In doing this, “we are envisaging that when the In-land-port in Tamale becomes operational, the needs of importers will also be met,” he explained.
The manager observed that most people were still unaware that they could purchase their vehicles at their office in Tamale and had to trek all the way to Accra stressing that, “the vehicles you buy from us here and those from our head office in Accra are all of the same quality and durability.”
Mr Mahama further indicated that his outfit also offers training facilities to students from the technical schools, polytechnics and universities like its sister branches in other parts of the country.
“It is the only automobile garage in all the three northern regions equipped with modern vehicle diagnosis equipment.
Giving a background of the company’s existence in the north, the manager explained that Japan Motors was among other automobile firms that opened its branch in Tamale in 1973 to enjoy the benefits of the agriculture boom in the area.
The rapid decline of the agricultural sector in the 1980s in the area, however, led to the decline in incomes as automobile sales plummeted. Almost all the automobile firms dealing in agricultural equipment and vehicles folded up before the middle of the 1980’s.
He said while others folded up, Japan Motors re-strategised and adapted to the new challenges. “The endurance and patience of Japan Motors later paid off as the sales of the Yamaha Motorbikes soared in the 1990’s. The Nissan range of vehicles, which is the hallmark of the company, also enjoyed much patronage.”
The manager explained that the surge in sales was largely due to the influx of NGOs and Christian missionary activities which required robust means of transport that could traverse the rugged Northern Ghana roads and paths leading to the hinterlands. He added that the introduction of the Local Government Decentralisation system also empowered district assemblies to make purchases of vehicles and motorcycles within their locality, thus broadening the branch’s clientele base.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
MEETING ON CHILD TRAFFICKING ENDS IN TAMALE (PAGE 11, JULY 29, 2010)
A forum on the need to deal with child trafficking and uphold children’s rights, has been held in Tamale to map out strategies to promote the welfare of children.
The discussants touched on current approaches on rights of the child and trafficking and indicated the urgent need for effective collaboration and advocacy among various stakeholders in arresting the growing phenomenon, that sometimes resulted in the migration of children and adolescents from the northern sector of the country to the south, for menial jobs.
The workshop was organised by the Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the Department of Children.
Participants were also drawn from the civil society organisations, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service (DOVVSU), district assemblies, the Ghana Education Service and the media.
The Vice Chairman of the board of trustees of RAINS, Alhaji Bakari Nyari, indicated the need to shift focus from the welfare approach to handling issues confronting children.
“Since issues affecting children are mainly human rights issues, we are under an obligation to demonstrate responsibly that children are not objects of charity seeking help and compassion from society. Instead they are individuals who are entitled to protection” he said.
Over the years, RAINS under its “Next Generation” Programme (NGP), with funding from Comic Relief has responded to the needs of children in various forms.
According to Alhaji Nyari, RAINS has been supporting local communities to deal with issues confronting children, especially those who suffered abuse and deprivation. “We are particularly focusing on fostered girls to ensure that they have protection, as well as access to resources including education”, he added.
At the moment RAINS is supporting the education of 1,600 girls in basic schools and over 600 young girls with vocational and life skills in the Northern Region.
A number of children are also being assisted through Children Clubs to raise issues of child rights and protection. In addition, families are being provided with loans and micro enterprise support to enable them bring up their children responsibly.
In spite of all these efforts, Alhaji Nyari lamented that there were still widespread ignorance of the law as child rights are often tagged as acts of “insubordination” and alien concepts.
“There are also still some deep seated negative practices often branded as culture. I will be particularly interested in how we negotiate a balance between culture and legislation in relation to child rights,” he further stated.
The participants were also of the view that skills training and provision of material items were not enough to stop human trafficking and “Kayaye” and called for more sensitisation programmes to change attitudes. They also called on local authorities, especially district assemblies, to be at the forefront in the fight against child trafficking, abuse and labour.
The participants further noted the significant influence of chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly persons and youth leaders in the communities and that such influence could be harnessed and utilised in the fight against child labour and trafficking.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, said it was the policy of the government to empower the youth to enable them develop their potentials and reminded the people that, children have the right to live, and be provided with food, clothing, shelter, protection, affection, good health and education.
The discussants touched on current approaches on rights of the child and trafficking and indicated the urgent need for effective collaboration and advocacy among various stakeholders in arresting the growing phenomenon, that sometimes resulted in the migration of children and adolescents from the northern sector of the country to the south, for menial jobs.
The workshop was organised by the Regional Advisory, Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the Department of Children.
Participants were also drawn from the civil society organisations, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service (DOVVSU), district assemblies, the Ghana Education Service and the media.
The Vice Chairman of the board of trustees of RAINS, Alhaji Bakari Nyari, indicated the need to shift focus from the welfare approach to handling issues confronting children.
“Since issues affecting children are mainly human rights issues, we are under an obligation to demonstrate responsibly that children are not objects of charity seeking help and compassion from society. Instead they are individuals who are entitled to protection” he said.
Over the years, RAINS under its “Next Generation” Programme (NGP), with funding from Comic Relief has responded to the needs of children in various forms.
According to Alhaji Nyari, RAINS has been supporting local communities to deal with issues confronting children, especially those who suffered abuse and deprivation. “We are particularly focusing on fostered girls to ensure that they have protection, as well as access to resources including education”, he added.
At the moment RAINS is supporting the education of 1,600 girls in basic schools and over 600 young girls with vocational and life skills in the Northern Region.
A number of children are also being assisted through Children Clubs to raise issues of child rights and protection. In addition, families are being provided with loans and micro enterprise support to enable them bring up their children responsibly.
In spite of all these efforts, Alhaji Nyari lamented that there were still widespread ignorance of the law as child rights are often tagged as acts of “insubordination” and alien concepts.
“There are also still some deep seated negative practices often branded as culture. I will be particularly interested in how we negotiate a balance between culture and legislation in relation to child rights,” he further stated.
The participants were also of the view that skills training and provision of material items were not enough to stop human trafficking and “Kayaye” and called for more sensitisation programmes to change attitudes. They also called on local authorities, especially district assemblies, to be at the forefront in the fight against child trafficking, abuse and labour.
The participants further noted the significant influence of chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly persons and youth leaders in the communities and that such influence could be harnessed and utilised in the fight against child labour and trafficking.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, said it was the policy of the government to empower the youth to enable them develop their potentials and reminded the people that, children have the right to live, and be provided with food, clothing, shelter, protection, affection, good health and education.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
ROTARY CLUB DONATES TO SHS (PAGE 35, JULY 28, 2010)
THE Rotary Club of Tamale has presented large quantities of rapid diagnostic units for the detection of malaria parasites to the Northern Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Tamale.
The 38,400 pieces of the detectors were donated by the Rotary Club of Notfolk-District 7600, Virginia, USA in collaboration with its Tamale partners.
It is to be distributed to Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) and other public and private health institutions in both the Northern and Upper East regions.
The Northern Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, who received the items, expressed appreciation to their beneficiaries for their support to the health sector over the years.
According to him, the malaria disease had continued to claim the lives of many people in the area and indicated that, in 2008, 502,000 cases of malaria were recorded, while 708,000 cases were registered in 2009.
“We could not however confirm all the cases because of lack of the diagnostic facilities in our
health centres,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi therefore, described the donation as timely and significant.
He entreated other spirited bodies to complement the government’s efforts to improve health delivery services in the area by extending their support to the sector, especially in deprived rural committees in the region.
The director observed that even though the MOH had supplied quantities of treated mosquito bed nets to pregnant and lactating mothers, they were still not enough to contain the malaria menace.
He, therefore, advised the people to keep their environments clean and to do away with stagnant waters.
The President of the Rotary Club of Tamale, Mr
Joseph Mumuni said members were committed to the improvement of quality of life of the deprived in society, adding that for that reason, it would continue to put smiles on the faces of the underprivileged by providing interventions in various sectors.
Apart from their involvement in the health sector, the club had also sunk a number of boreholes and provided other social amenities in the deprived rural communities in the region.
The 38,400 pieces of the detectors were donated by the Rotary Club of Notfolk-District 7600, Virginia, USA in collaboration with its Tamale partners.
It is to be distributed to Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) and other public and private health institutions in both the Northern and Upper East regions.
The Northern Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, who received the items, expressed appreciation to their beneficiaries for their support to the health sector over the years.
According to him, the malaria disease had continued to claim the lives of many people in the area and indicated that, in 2008, 502,000 cases of malaria were recorded, while 708,000 cases were registered in 2009.
“We could not however confirm all the cases because of lack of the diagnostic facilities in our
health centres,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi therefore, described the donation as timely and significant.
He entreated other spirited bodies to complement the government’s efforts to improve health delivery services in the area by extending their support to the sector, especially in deprived rural committees in the region.
The director observed that even though the MOH had supplied quantities of treated mosquito bed nets to pregnant and lactating mothers, they were still not enough to contain the malaria menace.
He, therefore, advised the people to keep their environments clean and to do away with stagnant waters.
The President of the Rotary Club of Tamale, Mr
Joseph Mumuni said members were committed to the improvement of quality of life of the deprived in society, adding that for that reason, it would continue to put smiles on the faces of the underprivileged by providing interventions in various sectors.
Apart from their involvement in the health sector, the club had also sunk a number of boreholes and provided other social amenities in the deprived rural communities in the region.
ACQUAINT YOUR MODERN OPERATIONAL TOOLS (PAGE 35, JULY 28, 2010)
THE acting Director-General of the Ghana Prison Service, Mr Michael Kofi Bansah has implored personnel of the service to acquaint themselves with modern tools of operation so that they are not outwitted by emerging tricks of convicts.
He has, therefore, advised them to take advantage of the various educational opportunities to enrich themselves with the requisite knowledge of combating crimes in the prisons.
“In this information technology age, knowledge is fast spreading and new inventions continue to emerge as the crime wave; you should therefore take advantage to learn and further your education,” Mr Bansah admonished.
He was speaking at the pulling out ceremony of the Deputy Director of Prisons in charge of the Northern Region, Mr Philip Laari at a ceremony at the Tamale Central Prisons Office.
Mr Laari, who has successfully served the service in various capacities and at different stations in the country for more than 30 years, is currently on terminal leave prior to retirement.
He is a member of the International Police Service (IPS), International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and the American Correctional Association.
Mr Laari is also a recipient of the United Nations Medal as a member of the International Police Service, among others.
According to the acting director–general, Mr Laari had “exhibited the spirit of hard work, dedication and confidence, as well as being disciplined and impressive at whatever assignment that was given him”.
He further stated that the above virtues reflected in the various capacities Mr Laari served in the service in all the regions he had worked, adding that his dedication and devotion to duty were what won him the numerous recognition, including the long service and UN awards.
For his part, Mr Laari called for the change of orientation of prison staff towards therapeutic care to ensure attitudinal changes in inmates.
“Against this background, prison officers are encouraged to act in ways that do not make worse the pains associated with imprisonment; they are obliged to respect the human rights of prisoners,” he stated.
Mr Laari further reminded them that, torture, cruelty, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishments were not allowed in prison.
He expressed appreciation to his colleagues, the chiefs and people in the Northern Region for their co-operation and support and to the directorate of the Prisons Service for reposing confidence in him over the years.
He has, therefore, advised them to take advantage of the various educational opportunities to enrich themselves with the requisite knowledge of combating crimes in the prisons.
“In this information technology age, knowledge is fast spreading and new inventions continue to emerge as the crime wave; you should therefore take advantage to learn and further your education,” Mr Bansah admonished.
He was speaking at the pulling out ceremony of the Deputy Director of Prisons in charge of the Northern Region, Mr Philip Laari at a ceremony at the Tamale Central Prisons Office.
Mr Laari, who has successfully served the service in various capacities and at different stations in the country for more than 30 years, is currently on terminal leave prior to retirement.
He is a member of the International Police Service (IPS), International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and the American Correctional Association.
Mr Laari is also a recipient of the United Nations Medal as a member of the International Police Service, among others.
According to the acting director–general, Mr Laari had “exhibited the spirit of hard work, dedication and confidence, as well as being disciplined and impressive at whatever assignment that was given him”.
He further stated that the above virtues reflected in the various capacities Mr Laari served in the service in all the regions he had worked, adding that his dedication and devotion to duty were what won him the numerous recognition, including the long service and UN awards.
For his part, Mr Laari called for the change of orientation of prison staff towards therapeutic care to ensure attitudinal changes in inmates.
“Against this background, prison officers are encouraged to act in ways that do not make worse the pains associated with imprisonment; they are obliged to respect the human rights of prisoners,” he stated.
Mr Laari further reminded them that, torture, cruelty, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishments were not allowed in prison.
He expressed appreciation to his colleagues, the chiefs and people in the Northern Region for their co-operation and support and to the directorate of the Prisons Service for reposing confidence in him over the years.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
CHAMBAS LAUDS ASSEMBLY CONCEPT (PAGE 14, JULY 22, 2010)
THE Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and the Pacific countries, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has lauded the district assembly concept and observed that if much attention was paid to its objectives, the assemblies could effectively accelerate the pace of development at the local level.
He said the high rate of poverty and deprivations at rural communities, particularly those in the northern parts of the country, could be turned around if there were effective collaboration and concerted efforts by the assemblies and other stakeholders in the initiation and implementation stages of development initiatives.
According to him, the district assembly concept was in tune with the vision of the ACP countries which “principal objectives includes the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and the smooth and the gradual integration of ACP states”.
The Secretary General made these observations at Walewale during the second ordinary meeting of the West Mamprusi District Assembly.
Dr Chambas, who expressed appreciation for the warm welcome accorded him by the Assembly, urged members to ensure unity at all times and to endeavour to live up to their responsibilities of serving their people with honesty and selflessness.
“I entreat you to live together in harmony and carry out the development agenda of the district to improve upon the lives of our people and to offer the young ones hope to aspire to greater heights in future,” he further admonished.
The Secretary General later conferred with the District Chief Executive for the area, Sulley Abudu Zakaria, and his Co-ordinating Director on the way forward for the district.
The District Director of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Haroun, emphasised the significance of education and entreated the people not only to enrol their wards in school, but also ensure that they supported and encouraged them to complete their respective courses and vocations.
The Member of Parliament for the area, Alidu Iddris Zakaria, congratulated Dr Chambas on his ascension to his current position and thanked him for finding time to observe proceedings in the assembly.
For his part, the DCE indicated that the government was on track in fulfilling its election promises in achieving the “Better Ghana” mantra.
He, however, called for patience, co-operation and support from Ghanaians as efforts were being made to realise those objectives.
Dr Chambas, who was the former President of the ECOWAS, was elevated to the Secretary-General position of the ACP last year. The ACP consists of 79-members that is made up of 48 countries from Africa, 16 Caribbean and 15 Pacific states.
He said the high rate of poverty and deprivations at rural communities, particularly those in the northern parts of the country, could be turned around if there were effective collaboration and concerted efforts by the assemblies and other stakeholders in the initiation and implementation stages of development initiatives.
According to him, the district assembly concept was in tune with the vision of the ACP countries which “principal objectives includes the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and the smooth and the gradual integration of ACP states”.
The Secretary General made these observations at Walewale during the second ordinary meeting of the West Mamprusi District Assembly.
Dr Chambas, who expressed appreciation for the warm welcome accorded him by the Assembly, urged members to ensure unity at all times and to endeavour to live up to their responsibilities of serving their people with honesty and selflessness.
“I entreat you to live together in harmony and carry out the development agenda of the district to improve upon the lives of our people and to offer the young ones hope to aspire to greater heights in future,” he further admonished.
The Secretary General later conferred with the District Chief Executive for the area, Sulley Abudu Zakaria, and his Co-ordinating Director on the way forward for the district.
The District Director of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Haroun, emphasised the significance of education and entreated the people not only to enrol their wards in school, but also ensure that they supported and encouraged them to complete their respective courses and vocations.
The Member of Parliament for the area, Alidu Iddris Zakaria, congratulated Dr Chambas on his ascension to his current position and thanked him for finding time to observe proceedings in the assembly.
For his part, the DCE indicated that the government was on track in fulfilling its election promises in achieving the “Better Ghana” mantra.
He, however, called for patience, co-operation and support from Ghanaians as efforts were being made to realise those objectives.
Dr Chambas, who was the former President of the ECOWAS, was elevated to the Secretary-General position of the ACP last year. The ACP consists of 79-members that is made up of 48 countries from Africa, 16 Caribbean and 15 Pacific states.
Monday, July 12, 2010
EDUCATION INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN WULENSI (PAGE 11, JULY 12, 2010)
AN educational initiative aims at promoting the enrolment and retention of children in school, especially in rural communities, has been launched at Wulensi in the Northern Region.
The interactive learning road show programme is the initiative of the Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) Ghana. It formed part of the “1 Goal: Education for All” campaign that aims at getting world leaders to commit themselves to achieving education for all children by 2015.
The programme brought together over 1,500 in-school and out-of-school children from kindergarten to the senior high school level in the Bimbilla North and South Districts of the Northern Region.
The occasion was witnessed by renowned musicians and footballers such as Obuor, Mama Rams, Mohammed Gargo and Shilla llliasu.
It afforded the out-of-school children the opportunity to interact with their friends at the lower primary level. They were taken through computer-based interactive play and learning lessons, among other innovations.
It is expected that at the beginning of this academic year, more children would be enrolled, as Camfed has pledged to motivate more children by providing them with uniforms and other teaching and learning materials to begin schooling this September.
In addition, mobile libraries and books would be presented to selected schools, while 50 girls who commute long distances to school every day would be provided with bicycles in beneficiary districts.
The programme is being funded by Credit Suisse, a charity organisation as part of its vision to educate 45,000 students.
According to the Executive Director of Camfed, Mrs Dolores Dickson, her outfit is into charity work, dedicated to the eradication of poverty in Africa through education and the empowerment of girls.
She said the NGO was a partner of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition which was leading the 1 Goal campaign in the country.
The director further explained that the road show initiative was the first of its kind and an innovative activity that combined excitement in learning environment for schoolchildren.
The Northern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Elizabeth De-Souza, said the model would not only engage and motivate pupils and their parents but also build the interest of out- of- school children, particularly girls and their parents to enrol them in school.
“I will like to commend Camfed for this innovation,” she said, and called on parents to encourage their children, especially girls,
to go to school and remain in school till completion to enhance their lives and that of their communities.
The interactive learning road show programme is the initiative of the Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) Ghana. It formed part of the “1 Goal: Education for All” campaign that aims at getting world leaders to commit themselves to achieving education for all children by 2015.
The programme brought together over 1,500 in-school and out-of-school children from kindergarten to the senior high school level in the Bimbilla North and South Districts of the Northern Region.
The occasion was witnessed by renowned musicians and footballers such as Obuor, Mama Rams, Mohammed Gargo and Shilla llliasu.
It afforded the out-of-school children the opportunity to interact with their friends at the lower primary level. They were taken through computer-based interactive play and learning lessons, among other innovations.
It is expected that at the beginning of this academic year, more children would be enrolled, as Camfed has pledged to motivate more children by providing them with uniforms and other teaching and learning materials to begin schooling this September.
In addition, mobile libraries and books would be presented to selected schools, while 50 girls who commute long distances to school every day would be provided with bicycles in beneficiary districts.
The programme is being funded by Credit Suisse, a charity organisation as part of its vision to educate 45,000 students.
According to the Executive Director of Camfed, Mrs Dolores Dickson, her outfit is into charity work, dedicated to the eradication of poverty in Africa through education and the empowerment of girls.
She said the NGO was a partner of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition which was leading the 1 Goal campaign in the country.
The director further explained that the road show initiative was the first of its kind and an innovative activity that combined excitement in learning environment for schoolchildren.
The Northern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Elizabeth De-Souza, said the model would not only engage and motivate pupils and their parents but also build the interest of out- of- school children, particularly girls and their parents to enrol them in school.
“I will like to commend Camfed for this innovation,” she said, and called on parents to encourage their children, especially girls,
to go to school and remain in school till completion to enhance their lives and that of their communities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)