THE embattled Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Adama Mahama Walvis, has described the action by some disgruntled National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth in Yendi last weekend as most unfortunate.
“A section of the group who are bent on tarnishing my image and making my work difficult is behind it all but indeed I consider these developments as challenges and an occupational hazard,” he opined.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale where he is seeking refuge following threats on his life by some irate party youth in Yendi last Saturday, Mr Walvis also stated that the youth might be venting their anger on him following the unavailability of job opportunities in the area at the moment.
“I urge them to exercise restraint in the face of these challenges as efforts are being made to engage them. At the moment, contracts have been awarded and soon more job opportunities would be created for the people in the area,” he stated.
The wind shield of an NDC pick-up vehicle that was being driven by the constituency party chairman, Alhaji Salifu Sabah, was smashed in the said disturbances by the youth.
That was after the chairman had failed to persuade the angry youth to rescind their decision not to allow the Yendi MCE to change the venue or attend a meeting with the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and some party and district chief executives from the eastern corridor of the region in Yendi.
They accused the MCE of being incompetent and lacking vision in championing the cause of the party and the government in the area, adding that they had lost confidence in him because he had also lost faith in the party.
Mr Walvis, however, denied all the allegations levelled against him and stated that he had been a committed member of the NDC since its formation.
He added that he was very focused in his drive to strengthen the structures of the party and also ensure the accelerated development of the district.
The MCE further explained the reasons behind his decision to change the venue of the meeting to his residence instead of the community centre.
According to him, the day of the said meeting coincided with the eighth anniversary of the murder of the Ya-Na.
“Since the centre was located in the middle of the town, there were fears that there could be a possible clash between the supporters of the late Ya-Na, who were in black and red apparels and those opposed to the celebration,” the MCE stated.
Mr Walvis said the decision was arrived at after consultations with the party executives, adding “I do not engage in unilateral decisions as I have always consulted the executives in all matters.”
He expressed his preparedness to dialogue with anybody who had any grievance against his administration, pointing out that taking the law into their own hands was not the solution.
On the said meeting, the northern regional secretary of the NDC, Alhaji Umar Issifu Alhassan, said it eventually came off successfully at the community centre, and that it formed part of an ongoing nation-wide outreach programme of the party.
He said among the issues they deliberated on were the challenges and the way forward for the party in the area.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
IRATE YOUTH SHOOT COP AT NAKPANDURI (PAGE 3, MARCH 25, 2010)
AN attempt by the police to search a vehicle suspected to be carrying arms at the Nakpanduri Barrier in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the Northern Region last Tuesday led to the shooting of a police officer.
The injured officer, whose name was not given for security reasons, sustained gunshot wounds on his back after he had been shot at by some irate youth in the area who attacked the police with guns.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre. However, according to the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubotuge Awuni, the officer would be transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
A number of people have been arrested in connection with the violence. At the time of filing this report, the suspects were being transferred to Tamale to assist the police in their investigations.
The commander explained that the police had a tip-off that a particular Bunkpurugu-bound vehicle was carrying arms into the area but they were not furnished with the registration number of the vehicle.
He, however, said when a vehicle, with registration number AS 285 F, got to the Nakpanduri Barrier at 7 p.m. on that Tuesday, the police intercepted it, since it fitted the description of the particular vehicle they had been tipped-off about.
Later, around 11 p.m. when the police attempted searching the vehicle, irate youth of the area, who had apparently got wind of the intention of the police, massed up at the barrier to prevent the police from conducting the search.
Their presence degenerated into confusion, resulting in an attack on the police and leading to the shooting of the policeman.
According to ACP Awuni, “at the moment the vehicle is on its way to Tamale and it shall be thoroughly searched upon arrival to ascertain whether it is really carrying weapons or not”.
A similar search on a Bunkpurugu-bound vehicle by the police at a Tamale barrier last week led to the retrieval of some weapons, including 178 rounds of ammunition for AK 47 rifles, 80 rounds of MM used by conventional pistols, eight bayonets and 19 military pouches.
The driver of that vehicle, with registration number ER 3336X, Abdullah Yaro, and his mate, Yamuson Ibrahim, are currently facing charges at the Tamale District Court for carrying offensive weapons without authority.
The injured officer, whose name was not given for security reasons, sustained gunshot wounds on his back after he had been shot at by some irate youth in the area who attacked the police with guns.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre. However, according to the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubotuge Awuni, the officer would be transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
A number of people have been arrested in connection with the violence. At the time of filing this report, the suspects were being transferred to Tamale to assist the police in their investigations.
The commander explained that the police had a tip-off that a particular Bunkpurugu-bound vehicle was carrying arms into the area but they were not furnished with the registration number of the vehicle.
He, however, said when a vehicle, with registration number AS 285 F, got to the Nakpanduri Barrier at 7 p.m. on that Tuesday, the police intercepted it, since it fitted the description of the particular vehicle they had been tipped-off about.
Later, around 11 p.m. when the police attempted searching the vehicle, irate youth of the area, who had apparently got wind of the intention of the police, massed up at the barrier to prevent the police from conducting the search.
Their presence degenerated into confusion, resulting in an attack on the police and leading to the shooting of the policeman.
According to ACP Awuni, “at the moment the vehicle is on its way to Tamale and it shall be thoroughly searched upon arrival to ascertain whether it is really carrying weapons or not”.
A similar search on a Bunkpurugu-bound vehicle by the police at a Tamale barrier last week led to the retrieval of some weapons, including 178 rounds of ammunition for AK 47 rifles, 80 rounds of MM used by conventional pistols, eight bayonets and 19 military pouches.
The driver of that vehicle, with registration number ER 3336X, Abdullah Yaro, and his mate, Yamuson Ibrahim, are currently facing charges at the Tamale District Court for carrying offensive weapons without authority.
SIX CHARGED FOR MURDER (1C, MARCH 25,2010)
Six out of 47 suspects rounded up last Monday for their alleged involvement in the murder of the chief of Garizhegu, Yakubu Andani, have been charged with conspiracy to murder and murder.
The others were charged for carrying offensive weapons.
Their pleas were not taken by the Tamale District Court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye. They were remanded in prison custody to re-appear on April 9, 2010.
According to the police, two other suspects, the regent of the village, Alhassan Tia, and his brother were on the run.
Prosecuting, Inspector Johnson Kyeremeh told the court that the deceased, Andani Yakubu, had been enskinned the chief of Garizhegu on March 14, this year. That, however, had not gone down well with a section of the people in the village who protested over the issue.
As a result, the late chief had been living outside the village since his instalment.
He said last Monday, the deceased decided to visit his friend at a nearby village, Nangbagu, on his motorbike.
On his return, he was allegedly stopped at Garizhegu and subsequently attacked by the suspects, leading to his death. The motorbike was also burnt and placed on his body.
A number of offensive weapons were also retrieved. They included 18 locally manufactured guns, four machetes and knives.
In a related development, the Tamale Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) has appealed for calm and restraint at Garizhegu following “the unfortunate and tragic incident leading to the loss of life”.
A statement signed and issued by the Chairman of METSEC, Alhaji Abudulai Harruna Friday, said the situation in Garizhegu had been brought under control through the combined efforts of the METSEC and the security agencies and that further efforts were being made to ensure lasting peace in the community.
According to the METSEC, the suspects were currently facing trial and further appealed to the residents, especially women, children and the elderly, who fled the hitherto peaceful community to return to their respective homes.
The others were charged for carrying offensive weapons.
Their pleas were not taken by the Tamale District Court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye. They were remanded in prison custody to re-appear on April 9, 2010.
According to the police, two other suspects, the regent of the village, Alhassan Tia, and his brother were on the run.
Prosecuting, Inspector Johnson Kyeremeh told the court that the deceased, Andani Yakubu, had been enskinned the chief of Garizhegu on March 14, this year. That, however, had not gone down well with a section of the people in the village who protested over the issue.
As a result, the late chief had been living outside the village since his instalment.
He said last Monday, the deceased decided to visit his friend at a nearby village, Nangbagu, on his motorbike.
On his return, he was allegedly stopped at Garizhegu and subsequently attacked by the suspects, leading to his death. The motorbike was also burnt and placed on his body.
A number of offensive weapons were also retrieved. They included 18 locally manufactured guns, four machetes and knives.
In a related development, the Tamale Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) has appealed for calm and restraint at Garizhegu following “the unfortunate and tragic incident leading to the loss of life”.
A statement signed and issued by the Chairman of METSEC, Alhaji Abudulai Harruna Friday, said the situation in Garizhegu had been brought under control through the combined efforts of the METSEC and the security agencies and that further efforts were being made to ensure lasting peace in the community.
According to the METSEC, the suspects were currently facing trial and further appealed to the residents, especially women, children and the elderly, who fled the hitherto peaceful community to return to their respective homes.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
HORROR IN 2 VILLAGES ...Chief tortured to death at Garizhegu...3 Killed at Danchira, near Weija (LEAD STORY, MARCH 24, 2010)
STORY: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale & Musah Jafaru, Accra
Chieftaincy and land disputes in two villages in the Northern and Greater Accra regions exploded into violent clashes and mayhem when a group of irate youth decided to take the law into their own hands.
Garizhegu, a quiet farming community in the Tamale North Constituency of the Northern Region, was turned into a scene of anarchy last Monday when the newly enskinned chief of the area, Andani Yakubu, was tortured to death, while at Danchira, near Weija in the Greater Accra Region, a clash between supporters of two rival chiefs resulted in the death of three persons and serious injuries to another person.
Those killed at Danchira were Nii Djabeng Armah, middle-aged, Aboi Tettey, in his early 30s, and one Abu, middle-aged. The injured person is Nii Saka Mustapha Addo, in his 40s.
The casualties suffered from gunshot, machete and stone wounds.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, the chief of Garizhegu, who was on a motorbike, was attacked at Garizhegu while he was on his way from Nangbagu, a nearby village.
He was allegedly tortured to death by the unidentified youth and his motorbike, which was set on fire in the process, placed on him.
The remains of the chief are currently at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital awaiting autopsy.
A number of houses were also burnt in the attack.
Most residents of the community have deserted the area, while the police have stepped up their presence there to forestall any further disturbances.
So far, 46 suspects have been rounded up, while four locally manufactured guns and some implements have been retrieved by the police.
ACP Awuni said the suspects would later be screened and those found culpable subsequently charged.
The commander explained that about 7 p.m. on Monday, the police received information to the effect that there was pandemonium at Garizhegu and when his men rushed there they saw the deceased, with the burnt motorbike on his battered body.
He indicated that the deceased had been enskinned as the Garizhegu Naa on March 14, this year by the Sagnari Naa, who has jurisdiction over the village.
That development, however, did not go down well with a section of the people in the village who protested against the enskinment.
As a result, the late chief had been living outside the village since his instalment.
According to ACP Awuni, when the irate youth got wind of his presence in the area on Monday, they laid ambush and eventually attacked him when he got there.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the people of Zuhayi North, a suburb of Yendi, are yet to come to terms with the gruesome murder of a 60-year-old widow, Bibata Alhassan, who was allegedly hacked to death by her rival’s son.
The suspect, Sofo Alhassan, 27 and crippled in the right leg, is on the run.
According to ACP Awuni, the incident occurred about 7:45 p.m. on Monday when the deceased was attending to the call of nature outside the house.
He said the suspect followed her and allegedly hit his stepmother with an implement, after which he butchered her with a machete.
An eyewitness who rushed to the scene to apprehend the suspect later abandoned him to attend to the deceased, who was then struggling on the ground for survival.
ACP Awuni indicated that the police were yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder, since, according to the suspect’s brother, Alhassan did not behave abnormally, nor did he show any open animosity towards the deceased before the incident.
The police, therefore, appealed to the general public to help in apprehending the suspect to face the full rigours of the law.
Briefing the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Weija District Police Commander, ASP Kwame Asari, said the bodies of the three dead persons in the violent clashes between the rival chiefs Nii Akrama Ayikai II and Nii Kwame Amo II at Denkyira had been taken to the Police Hospital for autopsy.
He said the police had picked seven suspects for interrogation.
He said following the clashes, most of the men had fled the area, leaving behind women and children.
Meanwhile, the police have maintained a heavy presence in the area, while investigations have been intensified.
Chieftaincy and land disputes in two villages in the Northern and Greater Accra regions exploded into violent clashes and mayhem when a group of irate youth decided to take the law into their own hands.
Garizhegu, a quiet farming community in the Tamale North Constituency of the Northern Region, was turned into a scene of anarchy last Monday when the newly enskinned chief of the area, Andani Yakubu, was tortured to death, while at Danchira, near Weija in the Greater Accra Region, a clash between supporters of two rival chiefs resulted in the death of three persons and serious injuries to another person.
Those killed at Danchira were Nii Djabeng Armah, middle-aged, Aboi Tettey, in his early 30s, and one Abu, middle-aged. The injured person is Nii Saka Mustapha Addo, in his 40s.
The casualties suffered from gunshot, machete and stone wounds.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, the chief of Garizhegu, who was on a motorbike, was attacked at Garizhegu while he was on his way from Nangbagu, a nearby village.
He was allegedly tortured to death by the unidentified youth and his motorbike, which was set on fire in the process, placed on him.
The remains of the chief are currently at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital awaiting autopsy.
A number of houses were also burnt in the attack.
Most residents of the community have deserted the area, while the police have stepped up their presence there to forestall any further disturbances.
So far, 46 suspects have been rounded up, while four locally manufactured guns and some implements have been retrieved by the police.
ACP Awuni said the suspects would later be screened and those found culpable subsequently charged.
The commander explained that about 7 p.m. on Monday, the police received information to the effect that there was pandemonium at Garizhegu and when his men rushed there they saw the deceased, with the burnt motorbike on his battered body.
He indicated that the deceased had been enskinned as the Garizhegu Naa on March 14, this year by the Sagnari Naa, who has jurisdiction over the village.
That development, however, did not go down well with a section of the people in the village who protested against the enskinment.
As a result, the late chief had been living outside the village since his instalment.
According to ACP Awuni, when the irate youth got wind of his presence in the area on Monday, they laid ambush and eventually attacked him when he got there.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the people of Zuhayi North, a suburb of Yendi, are yet to come to terms with the gruesome murder of a 60-year-old widow, Bibata Alhassan, who was allegedly hacked to death by her rival’s son.
The suspect, Sofo Alhassan, 27 and crippled in the right leg, is on the run.
According to ACP Awuni, the incident occurred about 7:45 p.m. on Monday when the deceased was attending to the call of nature outside the house.
He said the suspect followed her and allegedly hit his stepmother with an implement, after which he butchered her with a machete.
An eyewitness who rushed to the scene to apprehend the suspect later abandoned him to attend to the deceased, who was then struggling on the ground for survival.
ACP Awuni indicated that the police were yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder, since, according to the suspect’s brother, Alhassan did not behave abnormally, nor did he show any open animosity towards the deceased before the incident.
The police, therefore, appealed to the general public to help in apprehending the suspect to face the full rigours of the law.
Briefing the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Weija District Police Commander, ASP Kwame Asari, said the bodies of the three dead persons in the violent clashes between the rival chiefs Nii Akrama Ayikai II and Nii Kwame Amo II at Denkyira had been taken to the Police Hospital for autopsy.
He said the police had picked seven suspects for interrogation.
He said following the clashes, most of the men had fled the area, leaving behind women and children.
Meanwhile, the police have maintained a heavy presence in the area, while investigations have been intensified.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
POLICE INTERCEPT ARMS TO BUNKPURGU-YONYOO DISTRICT (PAGE 31, MARCH 23, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Police Command has intercepted ammunition and military accoutrements that were being transported to the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District in the Northern Region, which has witnessed some communal violence recently.
The weapons included 178 rounds of ammunition for AK47 rifles, 80 rounds of MM used by conventional pistols, eight bayonets and 19 military porches.
Briefing newsmen in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, said the items were concealed in a container and placed under the seat of the driver of a bus bound for Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo.
He said the bus, with registration number ER3336X, was intercepted at the Datoyili barrier on the outskirts of Tamale on Saturday morning.
“A search conducted on the bus exposed the items and this led to the arrest of the driver and his mate, while the vehicle was escorted to the police headquarters,” he said.
When questioned, the suspects — the driver, Abdullah Yaro, 28, and the driver’s mate, Yamuson Ibrahim, 20 — failed to mention the names of the owners of the items.
He said the police would continue with investigations to get to the truth and prosecute those found to have been behind the purchase and transportation of the items.
ACP Awuni explained that the police had earlier received information that some prominent persons were attempting to transport arms to the Bunkpurugu area to support a faction in the communal violence.
He said upon receiving the information, the police tightened their security checks at the barriers and added that the police were making sure that all cargo trucks heading to the Bunkpurugu area were searched thoroughly.
Mr Awuni cautioned all persons who intended to fuel the conflict in the area to rescind their decision, since the security was firmly on the ground monitoring events.
Meanwhile, the suspects, who have been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and military accoutrements, will be arraigned while investigations continue.
The weapons included 178 rounds of ammunition for AK47 rifles, 80 rounds of MM used by conventional pistols, eight bayonets and 19 military porches.
Briefing newsmen in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, said the items were concealed in a container and placed under the seat of the driver of a bus bound for Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo.
He said the bus, with registration number ER3336X, was intercepted at the Datoyili barrier on the outskirts of Tamale on Saturday morning.
“A search conducted on the bus exposed the items and this led to the arrest of the driver and his mate, while the vehicle was escorted to the police headquarters,” he said.
When questioned, the suspects — the driver, Abdullah Yaro, 28, and the driver’s mate, Yamuson Ibrahim, 20 — failed to mention the names of the owners of the items.
He said the police would continue with investigations to get to the truth and prosecute those found to have been behind the purchase and transportation of the items.
ACP Awuni explained that the police had earlier received information that some prominent persons were attempting to transport arms to the Bunkpurugu area to support a faction in the communal violence.
He said upon receiving the information, the police tightened their security checks at the barriers and added that the police were making sure that all cargo trucks heading to the Bunkpurugu area were searched thoroughly.
Mr Awuni cautioned all persons who intended to fuel the conflict in the area to rescind their decision, since the security was firmly on the ground monitoring events.
Meanwhile, the suspects, who have been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and military accoutrements, will be arraigned while investigations continue.
Friday, March 19, 2010
MAN BUTCHERS 8-YR-OLD BOY, WOUNDS 2 OTHERS (BACK PAGE, NARCH 19, 2010)
RESIDENTS of Gumbihini, a suburb of Tamale, on Wednesday woke up to the horrific scene of a man who had allegedly butchered his eight-year-old nephew and slashed the throats of two others.
The body of the deceased, Mustapha Abdul-Jalil, has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, while the two other victims, Mustapha Aliu, 9, and Mustapha Mohammed, 7, whose conditions are said to be critical, are on admission at the same hospital.
The 20-year-old suspect, Abubakari Iddrisu, who is alleged to be on drugs, is currently in police custody.
The mother of the deceased, Madam Mustapha Zenabu, who collapsed out of shock upon visiting the scene of the incident, is also responding to treatment at the same hospital.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, following the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in some parts of the Northern Region, people were being encouraged to sleep in open spaces to avoid congestion and heat.
“As a result, the deceased’s mother had been sleeping in the compound with her children and the rest of the members of the household,” Mr Tetteh indicated.
He explained that about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Madam Zenabu was woken from her sleep by the desperate cries of the children who were lying in the doorway of the suspect.
When she rushed to the scene, she saw the kids in a pool of blood and gasping for breath.
The officer said when the mother raised an alarm, the suspect fled into the bush but he was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police, while the victims were rushed to the hospital, where Abdul-Jalil was pronounced dead.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and claimed that the victims had been stealing his money.
The body of the deceased, Mustapha Abdul-Jalil, has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, while the two other victims, Mustapha Aliu, 9, and Mustapha Mohammed, 7, whose conditions are said to be critical, are on admission at the same hospital.
The 20-year-old suspect, Abubakari Iddrisu, who is alleged to be on drugs, is currently in police custody.
The mother of the deceased, Madam Mustapha Zenabu, who collapsed out of shock upon visiting the scene of the incident, is also responding to treatment at the same hospital.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, following the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in some parts of the Northern Region, people were being encouraged to sleep in open spaces to avoid congestion and heat.
“As a result, the deceased’s mother had been sleeping in the compound with her children and the rest of the members of the household,” Mr Tetteh indicated.
He explained that about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Madam Zenabu was woken from her sleep by the desperate cries of the children who were lying in the doorway of the suspect.
When she rushed to the scene, she saw the kids in a pool of blood and gasping for breath.
The officer said when the mother raised an alarm, the suspect fled into the bush but he was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police, while the victims were rushed to the hospital, where Abdul-Jalil was pronounced dead.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and claimed that the victims had been stealing his money.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
HARUNA SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (PAGE 15, MARCH 18, 2010)
THE Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has supported the execution of development projects in three communities in his constituency.
The beneficiary communities are Wamale, Vitting and Lamashegu. He funded the construction of GH¢8,000 new ward at the Sheikinah Clinic at Wamale. Residents of Vitting also benefited from a 10-seater KVIP toilet facility worth GH¢22,000 while a public lighting system was also put up at Lamashegu. The projects were executed from his share of the Common Fund.
Mr Haruna, who is also the Minister of Communications, explained that the intervention was part of his commitment to see to the welfare of the people and pledged his willingness to extend such support to other under served communities in the area.
According to him, the government would not renege on its promise to better the lot of Ghanaians.
He, however, urged them to be patient as efforts were being made to fast-track the development of the country to create job opportunities and improve on social amenities as part of our “Better Ghana Agenda.”
Mr Harruna particularly mentioned agriculture, which he said the government had plans to revamp, by importing more farming equipment and inputs needed to support farmers especially in the Northern Region where farming is the main occupation of the people.
He noted that such an initiative would not only help the farmers to generate enough income to improve their well-being and ensure food security but would also make the people of the Northern Region to reclaim its potential as the food basket of the country.
The MP, however, advised the people particularly the youth in the area to exercise restraint in the face of current challenges and not to take the law into their own hands, as efforts were being made to address their grievances.
The Assembly Member for Lamashegu North, Awudu Abdul Latif, on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended Mr Haruna for honouring his promises and underscored the need to support the Government to help alleviate their plight.
The beneficiary communities are Wamale, Vitting and Lamashegu. He funded the construction of GH¢8,000 new ward at the Sheikinah Clinic at Wamale. Residents of Vitting also benefited from a 10-seater KVIP toilet facility worth GH¢22,000 while a public lighting system was also put up at Lamashegu. The projects were executed from his share of the Common Fund.
Mr Haruna, who is also the Minister of Communications, explained that the intervention was part of his commitment to see to the welfare of the people and pledged his willingness to extend such support to other under served communities in the area.
According to him, the government would not renege on its promise to better the lot of Ghanaians.
He, however, urged them to be patient as efforts were being made to fast-track the development of the country to create job opportunities and improve on social amenities as part of our “Better Ghana Agenda.”
Mr Harruna particularly mentioned agriculture, which he said the government had plans to revamp, by importing more farming equipment and inputs needed to support farmers especially in the Northern Region where farming is the main occupation of the people.
He noted that such an initiative would not only help the farmers to generate enough income to improve their well-being and ensure food security but would also make the people of the Northern Region to reclaim its potential as the food basket of the country.
The MP, however, advised the people particularly the youth in the area to exercise restraint in the face of current challenges and not to take the law into their own hands, as efforts were being made to address their grievances.
The Assembly Member for Lamashegu North, Awudu Abdul Latif, on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended Mr Haruna for honouring his promises and underscored the need to support the Government to help alleviate their plight.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
MAN DIES IN FIRE OUTBREAK AT WARIZHEHI (PAGE 29, MARCH 16, 2010)
TRAGEDY hit occupants of a compound house at Warizhehi, a suburb of Tamale along the Water Works road, last week when fire gutted the 13-room house, leading to the death of an occupant in the process.
The deceased, Zakaria Mohammed, aka Merrah, 19, a popular tourist guide in the metropolis, has since been buried according to Islamic custom.
Even though the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, some of the occupants have attributed it to an electrical fault.
According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred at dawn last Wednesday when the deceased, who had returned from Accra on Tuesday, March 9, was asleep in his room.
“It was after part of the wooden ceiling that was also on fire had fallen on him that he woke up and struggled his way out,” the eyewitness, Latif Abu, alleged.
The deceased was subsequently rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital with multiple burns on his body but died later in the evening.
Most residents of the house, including friends of the deceased, described Abu as a very affable and easy-going person who easily made friends with foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Northern Region has presented assorted relief items to the over 30 stranded occupants of the house, while efforts are being made to resettle them.
At the moment, the occupants, majority of whom were tenants and who claim they could not retrieve their property, are putting up with friends and family members.
The deceased, Zakaria Mohammed, aka Merrah, 19, a popular tourist guide in the metropolis, has since been buried according to Islamic custom.
Even though the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, some of the occupants have attributed it to an electrical fault.
According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred at dawn last Wednesday when the deceased, who had returned from Accra on Tuesday, March 9, was asleep in his room.
“It was after part of the wooden ceiling that was also on fire had fallen on him that he woke up and struggled his way out,” the eyewitness, Latif Abu, alleged.
The deceased was subsequently rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital with multiple burns on his body but died later in the evening.
Most residents of the house, including friends of the deceased, described Abu as a very affable and easy-going person who easily made friends with foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Northern Region has presented assorted relief items to the over 30 stranded occupants of the house, while efforts are being made to resettle them.
At the moment, the occupants, majority of whom were tenants and who claim they could not retrieve their property, are putting up with friends and family members.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
TAMALE NGO DONATES TO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (PAGE 29, FEB 26, 2010)
Zakaria Alhassan, Savelugu.
THE Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO has presented financial support to the Savelugu School for the Deaf (SAVEDEAF) in the Northern Region to help improve on effective teaching and learning at the special school.
The funds is to be channeled into providing vocational skills and in-service training for both students and tutors. It will also assist to link up the deaf trainees with business development services agencies among other areas.
The GH¢7,085 fund was realized through the support of RAINS United Kingdom development partners, Hope for Children and Molleybrown Legacy.
According to the administrator of RAINS, Mrs. Mavis Kotoka, the SAVEDEAF is one of the key partners of her outfit in reaching out to the under privileged in society.
“In selecting the SAVEDEAF, we are informed by crass social and economic discrimination against the deaf as well as the limited opportunities that are available to them,” she explained.
The administrator however acknowledged the enormous task involved in turning the challenges of the school around and therefore entreated other NGOs and civil society organizations to compliment their efforts to bring some glimmer of hope to the school.
“In this way, we shall all be joining hands to empower the powerless, strengthen the weak and provide opportunities for the deprived and ultimately help build a stronger society,” she stated.
The headmistress of the School, Mrs. Atoriyah Immaculate expressed her appreciation to their benefactors and appealed to other public-spirited organizations to come to the aid of the school, which she said was disadvantaged.
The Savelugu/Nanton District Director of Education, Madam Adrina Randilige commended RAINS for the various interventions in the educational sector, especially the girl-child and the poor.
She outlined the various pro-poor programmes earmarked for the education sector by the government and advised parents and guardians to take advantage of such initiatives by enrolling their wards, particularly girls in school.
THE Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO has presented financial support to the Savelugu School for the Deaf (SAVEDEAF) in the Northern Region to help improve on effective teaching and learning at the special school.
The funds is to be channeled into providing vocational skills and in-service training for both students and tutors. It will also assist to link up the deaf trainees with business development services agencies among other areas.
The GH¢7,085 fund was realized through the support of RAINS United Kingdom development partners, Hope for Children and Molleybrown Legacy.
According to the administrator of RAINS, Mrs. Mavis Kotoka, the SAVEDEAF is one of the key partners of her outfit in reaching out to the under privileged in society.
“In selecting the SAVEDEAF, we are informed by crass social and economic discrimination against the deaf as well as the limited opportunities that are available to them,” she explained.
The administrator however acknowledged the enormous task involved in turning the challenges of the school around and therefore entreated other NGOs and civil society organizations to compliment their efforts to bring some glimmer of hope to the school.
“In this way, we shall all be joining hands to empower the powerless, strengthen the weak and provide opportunities for the deprived and ultimately help build a stronger society,” she stated.
The headmistress of the School, Mrs. Atoriyah Immaculate expressed her appreciation to their benefactors and appealed to other public-spirited organizations to come to the aid of the school, which she said was disadvantaged.
The Savelugu/Nanton District Director of Education, Madam Adrina Randilige commended RAINS for the various interventions in the educational sector, especially the girl-child and the poor.
She outlined the various pro-poor programmes earmarked for the education sector by the government and advised parents and guardians to take advantage of such initiatives by enrolling their wards, particularly girls in school.
TAMALE NGO DONATES TO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (PAGE 29, FEB 26, 2010)
Zakaria Alhassan, Savelugu.
THE Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO has presented financial support to the Savelugu School for the Deaf (SAVEDEAF) in the Northern Region to help improve on effective teaching and learning at the special school.
The funds is to be channeled into providing vocational skills and in-service training for both students and tutors. It will also assist to link up the deaf trainees with business development services agencies among other areas.
The GH¢7,085 fund was realized through the support of RAINS United Kingdom development partners, Hope for Children and Molleybrown Legacy.
According to the administrator of RAINS, Mrs. Mavis Kotoka, the SAVEDEAF is one of the key partners of her outfit in reaching out to the under privileged in society.
“In selecting the SAVEDEAF, we are informed by crass social and economic discrimination against the deaf as well as the limited opportunities that are available to them,” she explained.
The administrator however acknowledged the enormous task involved in turning the challenges of the school around and therefore entreated other NGOs and civil society organizations to compliment their efforts to bring some glimmer of hope to the school.
“In this way, we shall all be joining hands to empower the powerless, strengthen the weak and provide opportunities for the deprived and ultimately help build a stronger society,” she stated.
The headmistress of the School, Mrs. Atoriyah Immaculate expressed her appreciation to their benefactors and appealed to other public-spirited organizations to come to the aid of the school, which she said was disadvantaged.
The Savelugu/Nanton District Director of Education, Madam Adrina Randilige commended RAINS for the various interventions in the educational sector, especially the girl-child and the poor.
She outlined the various pro-poor programmes earmarked for the education sector by the government and advised parents and guardians to take advantage of such initiatives by enrolling their wards, particularly girls in school.
THE Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO has presented financial support to the Savelugu School for the Deaf (SAVEDEAF) in the Northern Region to help improve on effective teaching and learning at the special school.
The funds is to be channeled into providing vocational skills and in-service training for both students and tutors. It will also assist to link up the deaf trainees with business development services agencies among other areas.
The GH¢7,085 fund was realized through the support of RAINS United Kingdom development partners, Hope for Children and Molleybrown Legacy.
According to the administrator of RAINS, Mrs. Mavis Kotoka, the SAVEDEAF is one of the key partners of her outfit in reaching out to the under privileged in society.
“In selecting the SAVEDEAF, we are informed by crass social and economic discrimination against the deaf as well as the limited opportunities that are available to them,” she explained.
The administrator however acknowledged the enormous task involved in turning the challenges of the school around and therefore entreated other NGOs and civil society organizations to compliment their efforts to bring some glimmer of hope to the school.
“In this way, we shall all be joining hands to empower the powerless, strengthen the weak and provide opportunities for the deprived and ultimately help build a stronger society,” she stated.
The headmistress of the School, Mrs. Atoriyah Immaculate expressed her appreciation to their benefactors and appealed to other public-spirited organizations to come to the aid of the school, which she said was disadvantaged.
The Savelugu/Nanton District Director of Education, Madam Adrina Randilige commended RAINS for the various interventions in the educational sector, especially the girl-child and the poor.
She outlined the various pro-poor programmes earmarked for the education sector by the government and advised parents and guardians to take advantage of such initiatives by enrolling their wards, particularly girls in school.
COMMANDER SHOT AT (PAGE 3, JAN 4, 2010)
Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
THE Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abanga Caeser received a bullet wound on his right thumb during a temporary riot by some agitated supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Northern Regional Congress of the party in Tamale on Sunday.
The victim who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital has since been treated and discharged.
Five persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident to assist the Police in their investigations. Calm has however returned at the Radach Memorial Centre at Lamashegu, a suburb, where the congress is being held.
According to Mr. Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30am after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr. Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of teargas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about fifteen minutes of disorder.
As at the time of filing this report, the candidates vying for the various positions of the party were being introduced to the delegates. The hotly contested position is the chairmanship that is being competed for by six candidates including the incumbent, Alhassan Addow.
The others are Mr. Bugre Naabu, an Accra-based building contractor, Alhaji Mugisu Siibawey of the Ghana Health Service and Alhaji Alhassan Mahmud, the immediate past northern regional NADMO coordinator. The rest are Alhaji Haroona Tia Sulemana, a Tamale-based building contractor and Na-Vugu Joseph Nongre of the office of the former Chief of Staff.
Among the national executive members of the party present at the congress to witness proceedings were Nana Ohene Ntow, the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr. Lord Commey, National Organiser, Madam Rita Asobayeri, National Women’s Organiser and Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan, former MP for Yendi.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni led the police contingent at the congress.
THE Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abanga Caeser received a bullet wound on his right thumb during a temporary riot by some agitated supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Northern Regional Congress of the party in Tamale on Sunday.
The victim who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital has since been treated and discharged.
Five persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident to assist the Police in their investigations. Calm has however returned at the Radach Memorial Centre at Lamashegu, a suburb, where the congress is being held.
According to Mr. Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30am after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr. Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of teargas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about fifteen minutes of disorder.
As at the time of filing this report, the candidates vying for the various positions of the party were being introduced to the delegates. The hotly contested position is the chairmanship that is being competed for by six candidates including the incumbent, Alhassan Addow.
The others are Mr. Bugre Naabu, an Accra-based building contractor, Alhaji Mugisu Siibawey of the Ghana Health Service and Alhaji Alhassan Mahmud, the immediate past northern regional NADMO coordinator. The rest are Alhaji Haroona Tia Sulemana, a Tamale-based building contractor and Na-Vugu Joseph Nongre of the office of the former Chief of Staff.
Among the national executive members of the party present at the congress to witness proceedings were Nana Ohene Ntow, the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr. Lord Commey, National Organiser, Madam Rita Asobayeri, National Women’s Organiser and Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan, former MP for Yendi.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni led the police contingent at the congress.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
DAMBA FESTIVAL VERY PEACEFUL (BACK PAGE, MARCH 9, 2010)
THIS year’s Damba festival in Tamale has been described as one of the most peaceful and best organised traditional events to be witnessed in the metropolis in recent years.
It attracted people from varied backgrounds, including their different political and chieftaincy affiliations.
The Denkyira Akwaboso Chief, Nana Adjei-Kopah II, and his retinue of elders, including the Queen, Nana Konadu Yiadom, graced the occasion.
Reports from the Police in Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kinship, also indicated that the festival was marked at the Gbewaa Palace without any incident. Other towns and villages in Dagbon also observed the time-tested festival with pomp and pageantry associated with the event.
In Tamale, most tourists and visitors who could not resist the euphoria generated by the revellers joined in the dancing.
The week-long festival was climaxed at the weekend with a durbar of Chiefs at the Dakpema’s Palace. The day is referred to as “Damba Belli Kulisi” (Farewell to Damba).
The revellers were adorned in their colourful smocks of varying sizes and shapes as they responded to the throbbing beats from the gong-gong. Various youth groups, including their beautifully clad ladies, also paraded the streets singing and dancing.
The immaculately dressed sub-chiefs stole the show as they sat on their equally decorated horses and danced majestically to beats of the “Lungsi” drummers amidst shooting of muskets, which produced smoke that temporarily clouded the bright skies.
The joyous crowd accompanying the chiefs had to meander their way to the Dakpema’s Palace, which is the rallying point of the celebrants.
And by 5 p.m, almost all the sub-chiefs, accompanied by their respective retinues and ‘‘warriors’’ from the suburbs, had gathered at the palace to demonstrate the rich cultural displays associated with the festival.
The festival, which is a blend of Islamic and traditional event, is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north including Dagombas.
It is to mark the birth and subsequent naming of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W), the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming year.
Earlier, the Dakpema, Chief of Tamale, Naa Mohammed Alhassan Dawuni, announced the establishment of the Dakpema Education Fund inaugurated in December last year to provide assistance to needy, brilliant pupils and students.
He appealed to corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to contribute generously to the fund.
The Chief also urged the government to come up with innovative policies, including viable agricultural initiatives, to create employment opportunities for the youth.
“I would also like to advise the people to bury their differences and rather unite to fight poverty, disease and illiteracy, which are our common enemy: I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together, we can make Tamale, which is reported to be one of the fastest growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for all of us to live in,” he entreated.
It attracted people from varied backgrounds, including their different political and chieftaincy affiliations.
The Denkyira Akwaboso Chief, Nana Adjei-Kopah II, and his retinue of elders, including the Queen, Nana Konadu Yiadom, graced the occasion.
Reports from the Police in Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kinship, also indicated that the festival was marked at the Gbewaa Palace without any incident. Other towns and villages in Dagbon also observed the time-tested festival with pomp and pageantry associated with the event.
In Tamale, most tourists and visitors who could not resist the euphoria generated by the revellers joined in the dancing.
The week-long festival was climaxed at the weekend with a durbar of Chiefs at the Dakpema’s Palace. The day is referred to as “Damba Belli Kulisi” (Farewell to Damba).
The revellers were adorned in their colourful smocks of varying sizes and shapes as they responded to the throbbing beats from the gong-gong. Various youth groups, including their beautifully clad ladies, also paraded the streets singing and dancing.
The immaculately dressed sub-chiefs stole the show as they sat on their equally decorated horses and danced majestically to beats of the “Lungsi” drummers amidst shooting of muskets, which produced smoke that temporarily clouded the bright skies.
The joyous crowd accompanying the chiefs had to meander their way to the Dakpema’s Palace, which is the rallying point of the celebrants.
And by 5 p.m, almost all the sub-chiefs, accompanied by their respective retinues and ‘‘warriors’’ from the suburbs, had gathered at the palace to demonstrate the rich cultural displays associated with the festival.
The festival, which is a blend of Islamic and traditional event, is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north including Dagombas.
It is to mark the birth and subsequent naming of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W), the Founder of Islam. It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming year.
Earlier, the Dakpema, Chief of Tamale, Naa Mohammed Alhassan Dawuni, announced the establishment of the Dakpema Education Fund inaugurated in December last year to provide assistance to needy, brilliant pupils and students.
He appealed to corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to contribute generously to the fund.
The Chief also urged the government to come up with innovative policies, including viable agricultural initiatives, to create employment opportunities for the youth.
“I would also like to advise the people to bury their differences and rather unite to fight poverty, disease and illiteracy, which are our common enemy: I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together, we can make Tamale, which is reported to be one of the fastest growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for all of us to live in,” he entreated.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
EFFORTS TO ENSURE PEACE IN TAMALE (PAGE 31, MAR 4, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Police Command is engaging the various youth groups in the region to support the police to map out strategies to consolidate the prevailing peace in the region.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Angwutogbe Awuni, “At the moment the region is enjoying significant harmony. And for Tamale in particular I can say that the metropolis is among the cities with the lowest crime rates in the country.”
He explained that it was to consolidate these gains that his outfit was dialoguing with the various stakeholders to strengthen the existing peace, especially as the annual Damba Festival approached.
He acknowledged that even though the festival had, over the years, not recorded any violence in the area, his outfit was beefing up security to avert any possible disturbance, particularly in the traditional Dagbon seat of Yendi.
He commended the chiefs and people of the region, including all the political parties, for their support and co-operation towards the prevailing peace in the area.
Mr Awuni also expressed appreciation to the membership of the Azorka group for their support towards the successful national congress of the NDC in Tamale last month.
The leadership of the Azorka Boys pledged their commitment to security and further expressed its preparedness to engage the various youth groups to ensure a peaceful observance of the time-tested festival.
Last week, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) called for the suspension of all funeral performances in the Yendi municipality as preparations were underway for the performance of the festival in the area.
The REGSEC also directed that the activities and performance of the Damba Festival be restricted to the temporary Gbewaa Palace to forestall any misunderstanding in the performance of the festival in the traditional area.
That was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Chairman of the REGSEC, Mr Moses Mabengba.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Angwutogbe Awuni, “At the moment the region is enjoying significant harmony. And for Tamale in particular I can say that the metropolis is among the cities with the lowest crime rates in the country.”
He explained that it was to consolidate these gains that his outfit was dialoguing with the various stakeholders to strengthen the existing peace, especially as the annual Damba Festival approached.
He acknowledged that even though the festival had, over the years, not recorded any violence in the area, his outfit was beefing up security to avert any possible disturbance, particularly in the traditional Dagbon seat of Yendi.
He commended the chiefs and people of the region, including all the political parties, for their support and co-operation towards the prevailing peace in the area.
Mr Awuni also expressed appreciation to the membership of the Azorka group for their support towards the successful national congress of the NDC in Tamale last month.
The leadership of the Azorka Boys pledged their commitment to security and further expressed its preparedness to engage the various youth groups to ensure a peaceful observance of the time-tested festival.
Last week, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) called for the suspension of all funeral performances in the Yendi municipality as preparations were underway for the performance of the festival in the area.
The REGSEC also directed that the activities and performance of the Damba Festival be restricted to the temporary Gbewaa Palace to forestall any misunderstanding in the performance of the festival in the traditional area.
That was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Chairman of the REGSEC, Mr Moses Mabengba.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL NOT HAPPY WIT NHIS (PAGE 29, MARCH 1, 2010)
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr Ken Sagoe, has expressed concern over the delay by the management of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to settle huge debts owed the hospital over the years.
The Chief Executive was speaking at this year’s annual health performance review of the Northern Regional Health Directorate in Tamale.
He observed that if the debts were not settled, it could “cripple our operations and therefore affect our mandate of ensuring the delivery of quality health services to the people.”
The CEO further indicated that as a result of the prevailing situation, some service providers were declining to supply the hospital with drugs and other necessary materials to facilitate their work.
On the much anticipated rehabilitation of the hospital, whose structures and facilities had deteriorated over the years, Dr Tagoe gave the assurance that the contract would be signed in a couple of weeks.
“This will then pave the way for the actual work to begin on the rehabilitation works that would include the construction of new structures and the renovation of existing ones”, he said.
The government has already secured funds totalling 39.3 million Euros for the rehabilitation works, which, he indicated, would commence later this year. The CEO affirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading the hospital to befit its status as a teaching hospital.
He said the management was making strides in its recruitment drive to attract the necessary manpower to the facility to ensure effective health delivery services to the people.
According to Dr Sagoe, the hospital recruited a total number of 346 staff members, comprising 26 doctors, 90 nurses and 183 other categories of staff last year.
This brings the total number of doctors to 55 and that of nurses to 303, while the refurbished Intensive Care Unit of the hospital now has a consultant anaesthetist and intensive care specialist.
A neurosurgical unit that was established in the hospital last year is also operational.
The Chief Executive was speaking at this year’s annual health performance review of the Northern Regional Health Directorate in Tamale.
He observed that if the debts were not settled, it could “cripple our operations and therefore affect our mandate of ensuring the delivery of quality health services to the people.”
The CEO further indicated that as a result of the prevailing situation, some service providers were declining to supply the hospital with drugs and other necessary materials to facilitate their work.
On the much anticipated rehabilitation of the hospital, whose structures and facilities had deteriorated over the years, Dr Tagoe gave the assurance that the contract would be signed in a couple of weeks.
“This will then pave the way for the actual work to begin on the rehabilitation works that would include the construction of new structures and the renovation of existing ones”, he said.
The government has already secured funds totalling 39.3 million Euros for the rehabilitation works, which, he indicated, would commence later this year. The CEO affirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading the hospital to befit its status as a teaching hospital.
He said the management was making strides in its recruitment drive to attract the necessary manpower to the facility to ensure effective health delivery services to the people.
According to Dr Sagoe, the hospital recruited a total number of 346 staff members, comprising 26 doctors, 90 nurses and 183 other categories of staff last year.
This brings the total number of doctors to 55 and that of nurses to 303, while the refurbished Intensive Care Unit of the hospital now has a consultant anaesthetist and intensive care specialist.
A neurosurgical unit that was established in the hospital last year is also operational.
NYPD COMMENDS MAHAMA AYARIGA (PAGE 15, MARCH 2, 2010)
THE Northern Youth for Peace and Development (NYPD), a pressure group in Tamale, has commended the former Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Mahama Ayariga for his foresight in the establishment of an Agriculture Mechanisation Centre in Bawku.
According to the group, the provision of the tractor services at reduced prices in the north had made it possible for many poor farmers who could not afford the market rate to successfully plough their lands in the catchment area.
They indicated that while the prevailing market rate for the ploughing of one acre of land was about GH¢25, the tractors were doing so for farmers at GH¢12 without financial benefits to Mr Ayariga.
The General Secretary of the NYPD, Mohammed Abdul-Mumin who made the commendation at, a press conference in Tamale, therefore, appealed to the Appointments Committee of Parliament to fast-track the approval of Mr Ayariga as the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industries to bring his experience and expertise to bear on the fortunes of the ministry for the benefit of all.
“Obviously, the committee failed to establish to Ghanaians that Mr Ayariga is not competent to occupy that office. If the media speculations that all the frustrations that Mr Ayariga is going through has to do with MPs ex-gratia then God save Ghana. We urge Parliament to do the noble thing by honourably approving the nomination of Mr Ayariga,” the secretary stated.
He further indicated that the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is a constitutional body with the mandate of determining whether a public officer has abused his office or not, had already exonerated Mr Ayariga from any wrongdoing and, therefore, wondered why the Appointments Committee was still delaying in recommending him.
The secretary also described the various attacks on the character of Mr Ayariga by a section of the media and some political parties and interest groups in the country as most unfortunate.
Mr Abdul-Mumin expressed the preparedness of his group to embark on a peaceful demonstration in Tamale on March 1st next month in support of the approval and confirmation of Mr Ayariga as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industries.
According to the group, the provision of the tractor services at reduced prices in the north had made it possible for many poor farmers who could not afford the market rate to successfully plough their lands in the catchment area.
They indicated that while the prevailing market rate for the ploughing of one acre of land was about GH¢25, the tractors were doing so for farmers at GH¢12 without financial benefits to Mr Ayariga.
The General Secretary of the NYPD, Mohammed Abdul-Mumin who made the commendation at, a press conference in Tamale, therefore, appealed to the Appointments Committee of Parliament to fast-track the approval of Mr Ayariga as the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industries to bring his experience and expertise to bear on the fortunes of the ministry for the benefit of all.
“Obviously, the committee failed to establish to Ghanaians that Mr Ayariga is not competent to occupy that office. If the media speculations that all the frustrations that Mr Ayariga is going through has to do with MPs ex-gratia then God save Ghana. We urge Parliament to do the noble thing by honourably approving the nomination of Mr Ayariga,” the secretary stated.
He further indicated that the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is a constitutional body with the mandate of determining whether a public officer has abused his office or not, had already exonerated Mr Ayariga from any wrongdoing and, therefore, wondered why the Appointments Committee was still delaying in recommending him.
The secretary also described the various attacks on the character of Mr Ayariga by a section of the media and some political parties and interest groups in the country as most unfortunate.
Mr Abdul-Mumin expressed the preparedness of his group to embark on a peaceful demonstration in Tamale on March 1st next month in support of the approval and confirmation of Mr Ayariga as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industries.
Monday, March 1, 2010
MOVES TO CONSOLIDATE PEACE IN TAMALE (PAGE 16, FEB 26, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Police Command is engaging the various youth groups in the area to support the police to map out strategies to consolidate the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the region.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Angwutogbe Awuni, “At the moment, the region is enjoying significant harmony. And for Tamale in particular, I can say that the metropolis is among the cities with the least crime rate in the country.”
He explained that it was in furtherance of consolidating these gains that his outfit was dialoguing with various stakeholders to strengthen the existing peaceful co-existence, especially as the annual Damba festival was approaching.
The commander was speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Azorka Boys, an NDC youth group in Tamale, on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that even though over the years the festival had not recorded any violence in the area, his outfit was fortifying the security to avert any possible disturbances, particularly in the traditional Dagbon seat of Yendi.
Mr Awuni indicated that there had been some re-enforcement of police personnel at Yendi, and that they would also intensify police patrols in other areas of the region to ensure absolute peace before, during and after the festival. This year’s Damba will come off next weekend.
He commended the chiefs and people of the region, including all political parties, for their support and co-operation in the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the area. Mr Awuni expressed appreciation to the membership of the Azorka group for their support in realising a successful national congress of the NDC in Tamale last month.
The leadership of the Azorka Boys pledged their commitment to the security and further expressed their preparedness to complement their efforts at engaging the various youth groups to ensure a peaceful observance of the time-tested festival.
Last week, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) called for the suspension of all funeral performances in the Yendi Municipality as preparations were underway for the performance of the festival in the area.
The REGSEC has also directed that the activities and the performance of the festival should be restricted to the temporary Gbewaa Palace so as to forestall any misunderstanding in the performance of the festival in the traditional area.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Chairman of the REGSEC, Mr Moses Mabengba.
The festival is a merger between Islam and tradition practises and is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north, and largely by Dagombas.
It is, however, said to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (S.A.W). It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming years.
Activities for this year’s Damba will commence this week and end in the following weekend.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Angwutogbe Awuni, “At the moment, the region is enjoying significant harmony. And for Tamale in particular, I can say that the metropolis is among the cities with the least crime rate in the country.”
He explained that it was in furtherance of consolidating these gains that his outfit was dialoguing with various stakeholders to strengthen the existing peaceful co-existence, especially as the annual Damba festival was approaching.
The commander was speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Azorka Boys, an NDC youth group in Tamale, on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that even though over the years the festival had not recorded any violence in the area, his outfit was fortifying the security to avert any possible disturbances, particularly in the traditional Dagbon seat of Yendi.
Mr Awuni indicated that there had been some re-enforcement of police personnel at Yendi, and that they would also intensify police patrols in other areas of the region to ensure absolute peace before, during and after the festival. This year’s Damba will come off next weekend.
He commended the chiefs and people of the region, including all political parties, for their support and co-operation in the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the area. Mr Awuni expressed appreciation to the membership of the Azorka group for their support in realising a successful national congress of the NDC in Tamale last month.
The leadership of the Azorka Boys pledged their commitment to the security and further expressed their preparedness to complement their efforts at engaging the various youth groups to ensure a peaceful observance of the time-tested festival.
Last week, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) called for the suspension of all funeral performances in the Yendi Municipality as preparations were underway for the performance of the festival in the area.
The REGSEC has also directed that the activities and the performance of the festival should be restricted to the temporary Gbewaa Palace so as to forestall any misunderstanding in the performance of the festival in the traditional area.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Chairman of the REGSEC, Mr Moses Mabengba.
The festival is a merger between Islam and tradition practises and is celebrated by majority of the Muslim-dominated communities in the north, and largely by Dagombas.
It is, however, said to mark the birth and subsequent ‘‘outdooring’’ of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (S.A.W). It is used to offer sacrifices to show appreciation to Allah and also chart a new course for the coming years.
Activities for this year’s Damba will commence this week and end in the following weekend.
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