SOIL infertility remains the major constraint to sustainable agricultural production in northern Ghana.
Soil organic matter influences the physical and chemical properties of soil, as well as the availability of nutrients for microbial and successful plant growth.
However, the levels of soil organic matter in northern Ghana are disproportionately low. While the soil organic matter content of agricultural top soil is usually in the range of 0.1 to six per cent, the organic matter content in the north averages less than one per cent.
This prevailing situation has largely been attributed to human-induced degradation activities such as extensive soil cultivation, soil erosion, over-grazing, land clearing and desertification.
The Director-General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana), Dr Abdulai Salifu, who disclosed this in Tamale, therefore, stated that “any strategy that seeks to turn around the general soil infertility constraint in the north into a resource must be welcome news for our agricultural policy makers and farmers”.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a $1.54 million project aimed at increasing maize-legume production through up scaling of proven integrated soil fertility management technologies and the strengthening of farmer organisations.
The three-year project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international organisation.
It is being implemented in collaboration with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana).
Dr Salifu expressed confidence in the successful implantation of the project, stressing that “it has been our business in the CSIR to deliver even against the backdrop of abysmal low research funding due to lack of commitment”.
He stated that northern Ghana could reclaim its position as the bread basket of the country if only there was a political will for decisive action by providing the necessary resources needed.
“Indeed currently, nearly 80 per cent of the national grain production and approximately 60 per cent of the national legumes and some sizeable amount of root crops are grown in the north,” the director-general stated.
Dr Salifu further said the rainy season in normal times allowed for a growing period of 150-160 days in the Upper East Region and 180-200 days in the Upper West and Northern regions.
He, however, expressed concern about low funding for science and technology and that the government’s investment in that sector was well below the one per cent GDP threshold recommended in the Lagos Plan of Action.
Dr Salifu reminded the people that a country’s level of technology largely determined its competitiveness in the globalised world.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Joseph Boamah, observed that the average fertiliser application by Ghanaian farmers, eight kilogrammes per hectare of land, was very low as compared to the recommended African Union proposed average of 50 kilogrammes per hectare of land to improve productivity and production in the African sub-region.
He said it was for that reason that the government introduced the fertiliser subsidy programme in 2008 for sustainable national food security.
According to the director, a total of 43,176.75 metric tonnes constituting 863,535 bags of compound and nitrogen fertilisers were subsidised to the tune of GH¢20 million between July and December, 2008.
Mr Boamah added that last year, the coupon system was used again in subsidising 72,748.75 metric tonnes, thus 454,975 bags of fertiliser at a cost of GH¢32,250,680 to the government.
On the problems associated with the distribution system, he said “we are putting the necessary institutions and processes in place to ensure successful implementation of the programme”.
Monday, April 26, 2010
MABENGBA CAUTIONS NDC YOUTH (PAGE 13, APRIL 26, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, has cautioned the youth in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region against allowing other political parties to set the agenda for them.
He entreated them to be patient with the government while it initiated laudable programmes for their benefit.
“Although I must acknowledge that it takes time for such programmes to be implemented, the government is determined to meet its set targets and, therefore, the youth should avoid buying into propaganda,” he said.
Mr Mabengba was responding to a question from the Northern Regional Editor of the Daily Graphic, Mr Zakaria Alhassan, on the security situation in Yendi, following recent agitation among a youth group in the area against the style of administration of the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
This was during an interaction the regional minister had with staff of the Tamale Office of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL).
The visit was to help build bridges and a fruitful working relationship between the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council and the media.
Mr Mabengba explained that he had personally met with the youth groups in Yendi and spoken to them, and that had considerably reduced tension in the area.
He also confirmed that the Yendi MCE was now at post and that the area was calm.
He commended the Daily Graphic for maintaining high journalistic standards, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring balanced reportage.
“As for Daily Graphic, we do not have problems with the paper and we thank the company for promoting peace in the region through its reportage,” he stated.
“The GCGL is a giant media house and we respect the company for the leading role it has been playing in the media industry,” he said.
Mr Mabengba was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi; the Regional NDC Secretary, Alhaji Imoro Alhassan Umar; the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, and the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Joseph Dasana.
He entreated them to be patient with the government while it initiated laudable programmes for their benefit.
“Although I must acknowledge that it takes time for such programmes to be implemented, the government is determined to meet its set targets and, therefore, the youth should avoid buying into propaganda,” he said.
Mr Mabengba was responding to a question from the Northern Regional Editor of the Daily Graphic, Mr Zakaria Alhassan, on the security situation in Yendi, following recent agitation among a youth group in the area against the style of administration of the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
This was during an interaction the regional minister had with staff of the Tamale Office of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL).
The visit was to help build bridges and a fruitful working relationship between the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council and the media.
Mr Mabengba explained that he had personally met with the youth groups in Yendi and spoken to them, and that had considerably reduced tension in the area.
He also confirmed that the Yendi MCE was now at post and that the area was calm.
He commended the Daily Graphic for maintaining high journalistic standards, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring balanced reportage.
“As for Daily Graphic, we do not have problems with the paper and we thank the company for promoting peace in the region through its reportage,” he stated.
“The GCGL is a giant media house and we respect the company for the leading role it has been playing in the media industry,” he said.
Mr Mabengba was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi; the Regional NDC Secretary, Alhaji Imoro Alhassan Umar; the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, and the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Joseph Dasana.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
TWO DIE IN CONFLICT (PAGE 19, APRIL 24, 2010)
TWO persons have died and unspecified number of people sustained injuries in a renewed conflict between the people of Bankuni and Kambaktiak in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the Northern Region.
One of the deceased had his genitals and arm chopped off and a number of houses had also been burnt.
The Police personnel who had been stationed in the area to keep peace had to take cover at a nearby town, Mamba to escape the attack of the feuding factions. Some residents have also fled the two towns for safety.
The remains of the deceased, Kantan Dinioh, 32 and Kunsankui Dubik, 70 have been deposited at the morgue of the Nalerigu Baptist Hospital.
No arrest has been made yet. However there has been a police and military re-enforcement in the area to help restore calm as investigations into the latest violence are underway.
According to the Northern Region Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, there has been an existing misunderstandings between the two clans over some time now and that such conflicts have often led to the lost of lives and destruction of properties in the area.
He indicated that in one of the conflicts, a court bonded them to be of good behaviour.
The main issues at stake are over land and chieftaincy matters.
The District Security Committee (DISEC) and other stakeholders have also intensified efforts to resolve the recurrent dispute between the clans in the conflict. The people of Bankuni belong to the Nadoom clan while those of Kambatiak are from the Nakuk clan.
One of the deceased had his genitals and arm chopped off and a number of houses had also been burnt.
The Police personnel who had been stationed in the area to keep peace had to take cover at a nearby town, Mamba to escape the attack of the feuding factions. Some residents have also fled the two towns for safety.
The remains of the deceased, Kantan Dinioh, 32 and Kunsankui Dubik, 70 have been deposited at the morgue of the Nalerigu Baptist Hospital.
No arrest has been made yet. However there has been a police and military re-enforcement in the area to help restore calm as investigations into the latest violence are underway.
According to the Northern Region Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, there has been an existing misunderstandings between the two clans over some time now and that such conflicts have often led to the lost of lives and destruction of properties in the area.
He indicated that in one of the conflicts, a court bonded them to be of good behaviour.
The main issues at stake are over land and chieftaincy matters.
The District Security Committee (DISEC) and other stakeholders have also intensified efforts to resolve the recurrent dispute between the clans in the conflict. The people of Bankuni belong to the Nadoom clan while those of Kambatiak are from the Nakuk clan.
Friday, April 23, 2010
MCA DISBURSES $2.7m TO FBOS (BACK PAGE, APRIL 23, 2010)
THE Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Ghana programme has so far disbursed $2.7 million to support 80 farmer-based organisations (FBOs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in five districts of the Northern Region to boost agriculture.
The beneficiary FBOs and SMEs are in the Tamale metropolis, the Savelugu-Nanton, Karaga, West Mamprusi and Tolon-Kumbungu districts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Mr Martin Esson-Benjamin, made this known during an interaction with media practitioners in Tamale aimed at highlighting the challenges and achievements of the Northern Intervention Zone MCA programme.
Mr Esson-Benjamin observed that low levels of technology and technical assistance, inadequate farmer training skills development, low investments in production and processing, under-developed marketing systems and unco-ordinated development supportive programmes accounted for more than the 90 per cent poverty levels recorded in some rural agricultural districts in the north.
He explained that the strategic goal of the MCA Ghana programme was to create an enabling environment for sustainable business in agriculture.
The CEO stated that 23 out of the 30 beneficiary districts nation-wide were selected based on their agricultural growth potential, scope for rural poverty reduction and private sector participation in the growth process.
“The MCA programme is meant to assist small rural farmers to participate in local and international markets through investments that, among other things, will enable communities to become better organised through the training and commercial development of FBOs,” he noted.
According to Mr Esson-Benjamin, 15,488 farmers had been trained under the MCA programme, while $3.6 million worth of starter packs had been donated to members of the Kpangmanga Youth Association, an FBO based at Kanvilli, a suburb of Tamale.
He further disclosed that 1,161 irrigation schemes had been rehabilitated at Ligba, Bontanga, Golinga, Nasia, Wala, Janga, Arigu, Karaminga and Gunayili.
The beneficiary FBOs and SMEs are in the Tamale metropolis, the Savelugu-Nanton, Karaga, West Mamprusi and Tolon-Kumbungu districts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Mr Martin Esson-Benjamin, made this known during an interaction with media practitioners in Tamale aimed at highlighting the challenges and achievements of the Northern Intervention Zone MCA programme.
Mr Esson-Benjamin observed that low levels of technology and technical assistance, inadequate farmer training skills development, low investments in production and processing, under-developed marketing systems and unco-ordinated development supportive programmes accounted for more than the 90 per cent poverty levels recorded in some rural agricultural districts in the north.
He explained that the strategic goal of the MCA Ghana programme was to create an enabling environment for sustainable business in agriculture.
The CEO stated that 23 out of the 30 beneficiary districts nation-wide were selected based on their agricultural growth potential, scope for rural poverty reduction and private sector participation in the growth process.
“The MCA programme is meant to assist small rural farmers to participate in local and international markets through investments that, among other things, will enable communities to become better organised through the training and commercial development of FBOs,” he noted.
According to Mr Esson-Benjamin, 15,488 farmers had been trained under the MCA programme, while $3.6 million worth of starter packs had been donated to members of the Kpangmanga Youth Association, an FBO based at Kanvilli, a suburb of Tamale.
He further disclosed that 1,161 irrigation schemes had been rehabilitated at Ligba, Bontanga, Golinga, Nasia, Wala, Janga, Arigu, Karaminga and Gunayili.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
TAMALE RESIDENTS COMMEND PREZ FOR VISIT (SPREAD, APRIL 22, 2010)
RESIDENTS of Tamale have commended President John Evans Atta Mills for his three-day working visit to the Northern Region and for living up to his campaign pledge of refurbishing and expanding facilities at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
According to the chiefs and people of the area, the deplorable state of the hospital, which served as the only referral centre in the three northern regions, had been a source of worry to them over the years.
They, therefore, described the decision by the government to address the age-long problems of the health facility within the first one-and-a-half years since assuming office as very refreshing, since successive governments had paid lip-service to its rehabilitation since the facility was constructed in 1974.
The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Andani, who graced the sod-cutting ceremony with his sub-chiefs and elders on Tuesday, compared the poor state of the hospital to a death trap and indicated that “we in this part of the country will ever be grateful for this landmark”.
The President, who arrived in Tamale last Monday to a tumultuous welcome, earlier inaugurated a GH¢7-million central administration block for the University for Development Studies (UDS) at its Tamale campus, where he expressed the government’s determination to ensure the provision of quality education in the country.
He also called for the judicious use of resources by beneficiaries of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) “to ensure value for money”.
President Mills also interacted with metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives in the Northern Region behind closed doors. According to the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, the chief executives were charged to live above reproach and also embark on innovative local revenue mobilisation to generate additional funds to ensure the accelerated development of their respective areas.
The President, who earlier addressed the youth upon his arrival, assured them of the government’s commitment to expanding the economy to create more job opportunities to engage them, stressing that “we will never turn our backs on you”.
Professor Mills, who was visibly excited over the warm reception accorded him at all the places he visited, thanked the chiefs and people for their unflinching support and assured them that “the government will continue to deliver for keeping faith in us”.
He, however, entreated Ghanaians to exercise restraint, as efforts were being made by the government to attend to their needs “because the only reason why we are in government is to raise your living standards”.
The President was accompanied on his visit by some Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and NDC party functionaries.
According to the chiefs and people of the area, the deplorable state of the hospital, which served as the only referral centre in the three northern regions, had been a source of worry to them over the years.
They, therefore, described the decision by the government to address the age-long problems of the health facility within the first one-and-a-half years since assuming office as very refreshing, since successive governments had paid lip-service to its rehabilitation since the facility was constructed in 1974.
The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Andani, who graced the sod-cutting ceremony with his sub-chiefs and elders on Tuesday, compared the poor state of the hospital to a death trap and indicated that “we in this part of the country will ever be grateful for this landmark”.
The President, who arrived in Tamale last Monday to a tumultuous welcome, earlier inaugurated a GH¢7-million central administration block for the University for Development Studies (UDS) at its Tamale campus, where he expressed the government’s determination to ensure the provision of quality education in the country.
He also called for the judicious use of resources by beneficiaries of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) “to ensure value for money”.
President Mills also interacted with metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives in the Northern Region behind closed doors. According to the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, the chief executives were charged to live above reproach and also embark on innovative local revenue mobilisation to generate additional funds to ensure the accelerated development of their respective areas.
The President, who earlier addressed the youth upon his arrival, assured them of the government’s commitment to expanding the economy to create more job opportunities to engage them, stressing that “we will never turn our backs on you”.
Professor Mills, who was visibly excited over the warm reception accorded him at all the places he visited, thanked the chiefs and people for their unflinching support and assured them that “the government will continue to deliver for keeping faith in us”.
He, however, entreated Ghanaians to exercise restraint, as efforts were being made by the government to attend to their needs “because the only reason why we are in government is to raise your living standards”.
The President was accompanied on his visit by some Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and NDC party functionaries.
PREZ WARNS MMDCEs (SPREAD, APRIL 21, 2010)
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has sounded a strong warning to metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) that they will be made to face the consequences if they misuse state resources for their personal benefit.
At a meeting with MMDCEs in the Northern Region in Tamale on Monday night, President Mills said, “Nobody will be spared if there is misuse of resources because they belong to the people and must be used for the benefit of the people.”
The President, who is on a three-day tour of the region, convened the meeting to map out strategies for the accelerated development of the region.
President Mills said to ensure that MMDCEs delivered on their mandate, their performance would now be appraised periodically to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the challenges facing them.
The meeting, attended by all the 20 MMDCEs in the region, was held behind closed doors and it was believed to have centred on job creation and the judicious use of national resources in the various districts.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, said the President reminded the MMDCEs that his administration had declared this year an ‘Action Year’ and the need to work towards the realisation of the ‘better Ghana’ agenda.
He said the normal feature of the President was to hold discussions with the chief executives of any region he visited to remind them of the government’s agenda for development.
He said the MMDCEs were reminded that they would be appraised on their performance to see where they had excelled and areas where they faced challenges in order to carve the way forward in achieving the goals contained in the government’s agenda.
He further explained that at the recent Cabinet retreat in Accra, the President stressed that the priority of his government was to ensure the expansion of the economy to create more jobs for Ghanaians.
Mr Anyidoho said the President, therefore, urged the MMDCEs to work assiduously to realise those objectives and challenged them to come up with innovative ways of generating revenue in their respective areas to complement the government’s efforts.
At a meeting with MMDCEs in the Northern Region in Tamale on Monday night, President Mills said, “Nobody will be spared if there is misuse of resources because they belong to the people and must be used for the benefit of the people.”
The President, who is on a three-day tour of the region, convened the meeting to map out strategies for the accelerated development of the region.
President Mills said to ensure that MMDCEs delivered on their mandate, their performance would now be appraised periodically to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the challenges facing them.
The meeting, attended by all the 20 MMDCEs in the region, was held behind closed doors and it was believed to have centred on job creation and the judicious use of national resources in the various districts.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, said the President reminded the MMDCEs that his administration had declared this year an ‘Action Year’ and the need to work towards the realisation of the ‘better Ghana’ agenda.
He said the normal feature of the President was to hold discussions with the chief executives of any region he visited to remind them of the government’s agenda for development.
He said the MMDCEs were reminded that they would be appraised on their performance to see where they had excelled and areas where they faced challenges in order to carve the way forward in achieving the goals contained in the government’s agenda.
He further explained that at the recent Cabinet retreat in Accra, the President stressed that the priority of his government was to ensure the expansion of the economy to create more jobs for Ghanaians.
Mr Anyidoho said the President, therefore, urged the MMDCEs to work assiduously to realise those objectives and challenged them to come up with innovative ways of generating revenue in their respective areas to complement the government’s efforts.
GOVT TO EMBARK ON RURAL POWER PROJECT IN 3 REGIONS (PAGE 43, APRIL 21, 2010)
PRESIDENT John Evans Atta Mills yesterday announced plans by the government to embark on a rural electrification project in the three Northern regions to facilitate economic growth there.
In that regard, he said the government would make available $300 million this year for the realisation of the project, following approval by Parliament.
The President also indicated that the government was sourcing additional funds to commence work on roads in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region, stretching from Yendi through the Volta Region to the Greater Accra Region.
It is expected that when the project is completed, it will not only cut short the many hours of travel from the north to the south of the country but also reduce the drudgery commuters encounter daily as they make the journey.
The President announced this when he cut the sod for the commencement of work on the rehabilitation, expansion and upgrading of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Tamale.
He said the northern part of the country lagged behind in many facets of development and that it was now time for the government to focus attention on the accelerated development of the area to improve on the quality of life of the people.
“The only reason we are in power is to raise the living standards of our people by leading them out of poverty and over the last 15 months we have demonstrated our commitment to this principle with the introduction of several initiatives and projects in various parts of the country,” President Mills stated.
He particularly expressed the appreciation of the government to the people of the north “for keeping faith with us. There is no way we will turn our backs on you”.
“The bond that unites us is getting stronger and stronger and together we will form a formidable team and, God willing, this country will move forward in the right direction,” President Mills added.
In that regard, he said the government would make available $300 million this year for the realisation of the project, following approval by Parliament.
The President also indicated that the government was sourcing additional funds to commence work on roads in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region, stretching from Yendi through the Volta Region to the Greater Accra Region.
It is expected that when the project is completed, it will not only cut short the many hours of travel from the north to the south of the country but also reduce the drudgery commuters encounter daily as they make the journey.
The President announced this when he cut the sod for the commencement of work on the rehabilitation, expansion and upgrading of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Tamale.
He said the northern part of the country lagged behind in many facets of development and that it was now time for the government to focus attention on the accelerated development of the area to improve on the quality of life of the people.
“The only reason we are in power is to raise the living standards of our people by leading them out of poverty and over the last 15 months we have demonstrated our commitment to this principle with the introduction of several initiatives and projects in various parts of the country,” President Mills stated.
He particularly expressed the appreciation of the government to the people of the north “for keeping faith with us. There is no way we will turn our backs on you”.
“The bond that unites us is getting stronger and stronger and together we will form a formidable team and, God willing, this country will move forward in the right direction,” President Mills added.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
GOVT ON COURSE TO DELIVER ON PROMISES (1B, APRIL 21, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
President John Evans Atta Mills has indicated that the government is on course in fulfilling its campaign promises.
He, therefore, entreated the people to have faith in it as it delivered on its promises one after another.
“As a government, we are working feverishly to achieve these objectives; let no one doubt our ability to meet these promises,” he emphasised.
The President was speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony for work to commence on the 43.1 million Euro rehabilitation, expansion and upgrading project of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
When completed, the 400-bed 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.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd of people from all walks of life, including Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and members of the Council of State.
The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Andani, and some of his sub-chiefs also graced the occasion.
The four-year project involves the construction of a new four-storey block and 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.
According to the President, “the start of this project is and will remain a testimony to the promise we made to Ghanaians on assumption of duty barely 15 months ago. It is also a testimony to our commitment to transform the Savannah zone of this country into a vibrant and well-functioning part of this country and to ensure that it contributes effectively to the better Ghana agenda”.
He said the project was also a well-orchestrated plan by the government to boost medical education in the northern part of the country, as it would serve as a breeding ground for the Medical School of the University for Development Studies in Tamale.
“Our resolve, as a government, towards the realisation of the vision of ensuring access to basic health care for all is not negotiable. And we will only claim that we have achieved our goal when every community in all parts of this country can access basic healthcare services without difficulty,” President Mills said.
He, however, observed that the continuing challenges of mal-distribution of health staff, misuse of resources and the total neglect of ethics and the code of conduct by some medical professionals in dealing with patients were among issues that needed to be dealt with.
The President further noted that the provision of quality health care could not be attained in the country without the requisite infrastructure, for which reason the government had devoted resources to strengthening the institutional capacity of various agencies under the Ministry of Health.
The Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe, said the successful completion of the project would offer the staff the opportunity to achieve the mandate of the hospital as a teaching hospital and also realise their vision of offering quality tertiary health care, medical education and research to the people.
He expressed appreciation to the government for the project and commended the staff of the hospital for working through trying moments over the years in the face of the daily challenges.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, said an additional GH¢14.6 million would be needed to provide staff bungalows for the hospital and gave the assurance that the government was prepared to realise that objective.
He indicated that a monitoring team had been established at the MoH to give an update on the progress of work on a regular basis.
“It is our hope that the people of Tamale will co-operate with the project team to ensure its successful completion,” he added.
President John Evans Atta Mills has indicated that the government is on course in fulfilling its campaign promises.
He, therefore, entreated the people to have faith in it as it delivered on its promises one after another.
“As a government, we are working feverishly to achieve these objectives; let no one doubt our ability to meet these promises,” he emphasised.
The President was speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony for work to commence on the 43.1 million Euro rehabilitation, expansion and upgrading project of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
When completed, the 400-bed 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.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd of people from all walks of life, including Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and members of the Council of State.
The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Na Abdulai Andani, and some of his sub-chiefs also graced the occasion.
The four-year project involves the construction of a new four-storey block and 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.
According to the President, “the start of this project is and will remain a testimony to the promise we made to Ghanaians on assumption of duty barely 15 months ago. It is also a testimony to our commitment to transform the Savannah zone of this country into a vibrant and well-functioning part of this country and to ensure that it contributes effectively to the better Ghana agenda”.
He said the project was also a well-orchestrated plan by the government to boost medical education in the northern part of the country, as it would serve as a breeding ground for the Medical School of the University for Development Studies in Tamale.
“Our resolve, as a government, towards the realisation of the vision of ensuring access to basic health care for all is not negotiable. And we will only claim that we have achieved our goal when every community in all parts of this country can access basic healthcare services without difficulty,” President Mills said.
He, however, observed that the continuing challenges of mal-distribution of health staff, misuse of resources and the total neglect of ethics and the code of conduct by some medical professionals in dealing with patients were among issues that needed to be dealt with.
The President further noted that the provision of quality health care could not be attained in the country without the requisite infrastructure, for which reason the government had devoted resources to strengthening the institutional capacity of various agencies under the Ministry of Health.
The Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe, said the successful completion of the project would offer the staff the opportunity to achieve the mandate of the hospital as a teaching hospital and also realise their vision of offering quality tertiary health care, medical education and research to the people.
He expressed appreciation to the government for the project and commended the staff of the hospital for working through trying moments over the years in the face of the daily challenges.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, said an additional GH¢14.6 million would be needed to provide staff bungalows for the hospital and gave the assurance that the government was prepared to realise that objective.
He indicated that a monitoring team had been established at the MoH to give an update on the progress of work on a regular basis.
“It is our hope that the people of Tamale will co-operate with the project team to ensure its successful completion,” he added.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
WE'LL ADDRESS NEEDS OF YOUTH (PAGE 3, APRIL 20, 2010)
THE President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, has expressed the resolve of the government to address the problems and needs of the youth of the country.
He, therefore, admonished them to exercise maximum restraint as efforts were made to engage them.
He said the government was not oblivious to the needs of the youth, nor was it neglecting them, emphasising that “we acknowledge your immense contribution to the party and the government over the years”.
The President was speaking on his arrival at the Presidential Lodge in Tamale where he addressed an enthusiastic crowd of the youth yesterday.
A large number of people, including NDC faithful, had earlier thronged the Tamale Airport to welcome Prof. Mills. It took the President over an hour to arrive at the lodge because of the teeming crowd, some of whom had lined up the roads to catch a glimpse of him.
The President is on a three-day official visit to the Northern Region. He inaugurated an administration block complex for the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, yesterday and is expected to address metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives on a wide range of issues today.
The President will also cut the sod today for the commencement of work on the refurbishment of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
President Mills expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of Tamale for the warm reception accorded him and his team into the metropolis and assured them that the government would not disappoint them but surely live up to the expectation of ensuring a better Ghana for all.
He, therefore, admonished them to exercise maximum restraint as efforts were made to engage them.
He said the government was not oblivious to the needs of the youth, nor was it neglecting them, emphasising that “we acknowledge your immense contribution to the party and the government over the years”.
The President was speaking on his arrival at the Presidential Lodge in Tamale where he addressed an enthusiastic crowd of the youth yesterday.
A large number of people, including NDC faithful, had earlier thronged the Tamale Airport to welcome Prof. Mills. It took the President over an hour to arrive at the lodge because of the teeming crowd, some of whom had lined up the roads to catch a glimpse of him.
The President is on a three-day official visit to the Northern Region. He inaugurated an administration block complex for the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, yesterday and is expected to address metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives on a wide range of issues today.
The President will also cut the sod today for the commencement of work on the refurbishment of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
President Mills expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of Tamale for the warm reception accorded him and his team into the metropolis and assured them that the government would not disappoint them but surely live up to the expectation of ensuring a better Ghana for all.
QUALITY EDUCATION OUR AIM, SAYS PREZ (1B, APRIL 20, 2010)
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, yesterday began a three-day visit to the Northern Region with the assurance that the government would provide the needed resources for quality education for all.
Declaring that education was the bedrock for development, President Mills said it was in view of the commitment of the government to education that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) was redirecting funds into the provision and improvement of infrastructure at the basic, secondary, teacher training and vocational school levels.
As part of the visit, the President inaugurated the GH¢7 million central administration block of the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
He is scheduled to hold a meeting with metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) in the three northern regions in Tamale to discuss development issues, among others.
Inaugurating the project, President Mills said even though the UDS was on course in achieving its mandate of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of northern Ghana and the country as a whole, it still needed the support of the government and other stakeholders to ensure academic excellence.
“The UDS has a special place in our hearts and we shall ensure that the government provides the necessary support for the university to enable it to rub shoulders with other established universities in the country,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the quality of work executed by the contractors on the administration block project and stated that “we will ensure that we get value for money; we cannot accept any sub-standard performance”.
On the accelerated development of northern Ghana, President Mills indicated that “we as a government have vowed to turn the Savannah Zone into a viable productive area”.
He said it was for that reason that the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) was established.
The Administrator of the GETFund, Mr Sam Garbah, said that in pursuance of the government’s commitment to improve infrastructure and ensure academic excellence in educational institutions, the fund had this year released GH¢2.3 million to the UDS administration and an additional GH¢1.5 million to its School of Medical Sciences.
“We are working towards getting extra funding to support the other under-developed faculties of the university,” he said.
He, however, entreated the administrators of the university to ensure the judicious use of all funds extended to the institution.
The acting Vice-Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Kaku Sagary Nokoe, commended the President for accepting the invitation to inaugurate the block.
He said the President’s visit was the first by a sitting President in the last nine years.
He said currently the university had faculties in Tamale, Nyankpala, Wa and Navrongo and that another campus at Kintampo would soon be established.
“From its humble beginnings with 39 students in one faculty in 1993 to 15,013 in eight faculties, the UDS has the largest Faculty of Agriculture in Ghana, and with 1,200 students in the Faculty of Mathematics, it has the highest number of students pursuing Mathematics in any university in Ghana,” he indicated.
Prof Nokoe expressed the university’s preparedness to partner the government to ensure the successful implementation of the SADA.
The Chairman of the UDS Council, Dr Abdulai Salifu, said the university was blessed with a dedicated and hardworking staff.
Declaring that education was the bedrock for development, President Mills said it was in view of the commitment of the government to education that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) was redirecting funds into the provision and improvement of infrastructure at the basic, secondary, teacher training and vocational school levels.
As part of the visit, the President inaugurated the GH¢7 million central administration block of the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
He is scheduled to hold a meeting with metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) in the three northern regions in Tamale to discuss development issues, among others.
Inaugurating the project, President Mills said even though the UDS was on course in achieving its mandate of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of northern Ghana and the country as a whole, it still needed the support of the government and other stakeholders to ensure academic excellence.
“The UDS has a special place in our hearts and we shall ensure that the government provides the necessary support for the university to enable it to rub shoulders with other established universities in the country,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the quality of work executed by the contractors on the administration block project and stated that “we will ensure that we get value for money; we cannot accept any sub-standard performance”.
On the accelerated development of northern Ghana, President Mills indicated that “we as a government have vowed to turn the Savannah Zone into a viable productive area”.
He said it was for that reason that the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) was established.
The Administrator of the GETFund, Mr Sam Garbah, said that in pursuance of the government’s commitment to improve infrastructure and ensure academic excellence in educational institutions, the fund had this year released GH¢2.3 million to the UDS administration and an additional GH¢1.5 million to its School of Medical Sciences.
“We are working towards getting extra funding to support the other under-developed faculties of the university,” he said.
He, however, entreated the administrators of the university to ensure the judicious use of all funds extended to the institution.
The acting Vice-Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Kaku Sagary Nokoe, commended the President for accepting the invitation to inaugurate the block.
He said the President’s visit was the first by a sitting President in the last nine years.
He said currently the university had faculties in Tamale, Nyankpala, Wa and Navrongo and that another campus at Kintampo would soon be established.
“From its humble beginnings with 39 students in one faculty in 1993 to 15,013 in eight faculties, the UDS has the largest Faculty of Agriculture in Ghana, and with 1,200 students in the Faculty of Mathematics, it has the highest number of students pursuing Mathematics in any university in Ghana,” he indicated.
Prof Nokoe expressed the university’s preparedness to partner the government to ensure the successful implementation of the SADA.
The Chairman of the UDS Council, Dr Abdulai Salifu, said the university was blessed with a dedicated and hardworking staff.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
TAMALE CHIEF COMMENDS DEVT ORGANISATIONS (PAGE 33, APRIL 19, 2010)
THE chief of Tamale, Dapkema Alhassan Dawun, has commended development organisations, especially ActionAid Ghana for their immeasurable contributions to the socio-economic development of northern Ghana over the years.
He mentioned that education had enjoyed tremendous support from the organisation through the construction of school infrastructure, provision of teaching and learning materials, especially in deprived rural communities.
Dapkema Dawuni made the commendation after receiving cash donation from the Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Adwoa Kwarteng-Kluvitse in support of the Dakpema Education Endowment Fund, which he established a couple of years ago.
The chief pledged his commitment to the promotion of quality education in the metropolis.
He entreated other development oriented organisations and stakeholders to emulate the exemplary role of ActionAid by initiating programmes that would enhance quality education and also encourage the enrolment of more children into the school system.
Dapkema Dawuni further observed that when the youth were educated and offered employable skills, it would go a long way to reduce the incidence of crime and the occasional disturbances witnessed in the area.
Madam Kwateng-Kluvitse said prioritising education, particularly that of the girl child, was the surest way of accelerating development in any community.
She also expressed her outfit’s preparedness to support women to attain leadership positions for which reason the organisation would encourage potential female candidates in the forthcoming district assembly elections.
The country director, who was accompanied by Mr Yakubu Saani, the northern sector director for the organisation, also paid a courtesy call on the regent of Gukpegu, Alhaji Abdulai Ziblim, where the latter entreated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to intensify their efforts in helping to find lasting solution to the head porter “Kayaye” menace by migrant young girls from northern Ghana to the southern part of the country.
Madam Kwateng-Kluvitse and her team had earlier visited some operational areas of the NGO at Chereponi, Gnani and Gushiegu.
He mentioned that education had enjoyed tremendous support from the organisation through the construction of school infrastructure, provision of teaching and learning materials, especially in deprived rural communities.
Dapkema Dawuni made the commendation after receiving cash donation from the Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Adwoa Kwarteng-Kluvitse in support of the Dakpema Education Endowment Fund, which he established a couple of years ago.
The chief pledged his commitment to the promotion of quality education in the metropolis.
He entreated other development oriented organisations and stakeholders to emulate the exemplary role of ActionAid by initiating programmes that would enhance quality education and also encourage the enrolment of more children into the school system.
Dapkema Dawuni further observed that when the youth were educated and offered employable skills, it would go a long way to reduce the incidence of crime and the occasional disturbances witnessed in the area.
Madam Kwateng-Kluvitse said prioritising education, particularly that of the girl child, was the surest way of accelerating development in any community.
She also expressed her outfit’s preparedness to support women to attain leadership positions for which reason the organisation would encourage potential female candidates in the forthcoming district assembly elections.
The country director, who was accompanied by Mr Yakubu Saani, the northern sector director for the organisation, also paid a courtesy call on the regent of Gukpegu, Alhaji Abdulai Ziblim, where the latter entreated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to intensify their efforts in helping to find lasting solution to the head porter “Kayaye” menace by migrant young girls from northern Ghana to the southern part of the country.
Madam Kwateng-Kluvitse and her team had earlier visited some operational areas of the NGO at Chereponi, Gnani and Gushiegu.
TAMA TO CONCENTRATE ON DEV PROJECT (PAGE 21, APRIL 19, 2010)
THE Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) is embarking on various development projects this year to give a face lift to the metropolis to befit its status as an emerging cosmopolitan settlement.
A total of 60 kilometres of roads will be graded whilst another five kilometres will be gravelled. They include Nyanshegu, Dungu, Kakpagyili, Kobilimahagu and Jisonayili roads.
The Metropolitan Roads Unit has also been tasked to identify all roads that need speed humps, culverts and other facilities for immediate attention.
The assembly has also repaired its grader to facilitate maintenance of existing roads.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, who disclosed this in Tamale, further indicated that the assembly intended to construct an 800-metre length of outfall drain at the Choggu Low Cost suburb.
He was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the assembly this year. The mayor acknowledged that even though the assembly was facing tremendous challenges in its strides, “over the last one year, we were able to complete a number of projects with some still on-going”.
On the construction of an assembly hall complex, he revealed that the contractor had been paid GH¢172,330 from the assembly’s Common Fund and that work had since resumed.
The MCE added that work on the construction of an Out-Patient Department (OPD) at the Tamale West Hospital was also on course whilst abandoned works at the Nyohini and Fooshegu clinics would all be completed soon.
He also indicated the assembly’s preparedness to rehabilitate security lights at the Aboabo market and other suburbs to ensure security at those places at night.
“Other projects which have recently been undertaken include the construction and rehabilitation of 10 school blocks, the Ambariyya Islamic Institute fence wall, toilet at Fuo, rehabilitation of some street lights and the bungalow for the metropolitan co-ordinating director,” the MCE stated.
According to him, he has visited almost all the communities in the metropolis since assuming office and that the concerns of the chiefs and people had mainly centred on the provision of safe water, electricity, school infrastructure, places of convenience and roads.
“I assure the people that we have taken note of their concerns and requests and with your support and co-operation, we shall take steps to address them one after the other as and when funds are available,” the mayor pledged.
A total of 60 kilometres of roads will be graded whilst another five kilometres will be gravelled. They include Nyanshegu, Dungu, Kakpagyili, Kobilimahagu and Jisonayili roads.
The Metropolitan Roads Unit has also been tasked to identify all roads that need speed humps, culverts and other facilities for immediate attention.
The assembly has also repaired its grader to facilitate maintenance of existing roads.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday, who disclosed this in Tamale, further indicated that the assembly intended to construct an 800-metre length of outfall drain at the Choggu Low Cost suburb.
He was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the assembly this year. The mayor acknowledged that even though the assembly was facing tremendous challenges in its strides, “over the last one year, we were able to complete a number of projects with some still on-going”.
On the construction of an assembly hall complex, he revealed that the contractor had been paid GH¢172,330 from the assembly’s Common Fund and that work had since resumed.
The MCE added that work on the construction of an Out-Patient Department (OPD) at the Tamale West Hospital was also on course whilst abandoned works at the Nyohini and Fooshegu clinics would all be completed soon.
He also indicated the assembly’s preparedness to rehabilitate security lights at the Aboabo market and other suburbs to ensure security at those places at night.
“Other projects which have recently been undertaken include the construction and rehabilitation of 10 school blocks, the Ambariyya Islamic Institute fence wall, toilet at Fuo, rehabilitation of some street lights and the bungalow for the metropolitan co-ordinating director,” the MCE stated.
According to him, he has visited almost all the communities in the metropolis since assuming office and that the concerns of the chiefs and people had mainly centred on the provision of safe water, electricity, school infrastructure, places of convenience and roads.
“I assure the people that we have taken note of their concerns and requests and with your support and co-operation, we shall take steps to address them one after the other as and when funds are available,” the mayor pledged.
Friday, April 16, 2010
BOOST FOR MAIZE, LEGUME FARMERS (BACK PAGE, APRIL 16, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
A Soil health project that is targeted at boosting maize and legume production in the three northern regions was on Tuesday inaugurated in Tamale.
The 1.54 million US Dollars project is aimed at increasing maize-legume production through up scaling of proven integrated soil fertility management technologies and the strengthening of farmer organisations.
It will also update and refine fertilizer recommendations for maize and grain legumes and monitor and assess impacts of the integrated soil fertility management technologies on productivity of small-scale agriculture and livelihoods of rural communities.
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. It is being implemented in collaboration with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana).
Farmers from eleven districts in the Northern, five in the Upper West and four in the Upper East regions are to benefit from the project.
In a speech read on his behalf, the northern regional minister, Mr. Moses Mabengba noted that even though the north accounts for 42 percent of the country’s cereal production, it was still plagued with high levels of food insecurity and poverty.
“The main reason is that most of our people are small-scale resource poor farmers who rely mainly on rain fed agriculture to improve their livelihoods under low farm input conditions,” he indicated.
The minister therefore lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the realisation of the project but urged them to also help in addressing the issues of credit to farmers and access to market.
He said efforts were being made by the government to rehabilitate some broken down dams while constructing new ones at deprived areas. “The government has also pledged to continue with its policy on fertiliser subsidy that is in excess of 14 Million US Dollars for 2010” Mr. Mabengba added.
The project manager, Dr. Mathias Fosu said the programme will promote the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in addition to other locally adapted soil fertility measures.
“We will reach about 120,000 farmers in about 225 villages with information on integrated soil fertility management through demonstrations, radio and T.V. documentaries and the production of extension leafless,” he stated.
The manager further expressed hope that, at the end of the project,” Northern Ghana which currently produces only 51 percent of its maize requirement will become net exporter of maize.”
In a speech read on his behalf, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Joseph Boamah observed that plant nutrients were being removed and lost than were being applied and that it was for this reasons that the government introduced the fertilizer subsidy programme in 2008.
The Director-General of the CSIR-Ghana, Dr. Abdulai Salifu commended scientists of the Institute for their immense efforts at attracting funding to solve the problems of farmers in northern Ghana and the nation at large.
He explained that, SARI was one of the 13 research institutes of the CSIR-Ghana and that his outfit remained the largest scientific research organisation in the country.
Dr. Salifu further indicated that, their research institutes are stationed in most parts of the country each of which has a mandate to cover specialised areas of importance for growth and development of the nation.
A Soil health project that is targeted at boosting maize and legume production in the three northern regions was on Tuesday inaugurated in Tamale.
The 1.54 million US Dollars project is aimed at increasing maize-legume production through up scaling of proven integrated soil fertility management technologies and the strengthening of farmer organisations.
It will also update and refine fertilizer recommendations for maize and grain legumes and monitor and assess impacts of the integrated soil fertility management technologies on productivity of small-scale agriculture and livelihoods of rural communities.
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. It is being implemented in collaboration with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana).
Farmers from eleven districts in the Northern, five in the Upper West and four in the Upper East regions are to benefit from the project.
In a speech read on his behalf, the northern regional minister, Mr. Moses Mabengba noted that even though the north accounts for 42 percent of the country’s cereal production, it was still plagued with high levels of food insecurity and poverty.
“The main reason is that most of our people are small-scale resource poor farmers who rely mainly on rain fed agriculture to improve their livelihoods under low farm input conditions,” he indicated.
The minister therefore lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the realisation of the project but urged them to also help in addressing the issues of credit to farmers and access to market.
He said efforts were being made by the government to rehabilitate some broken down dams while constructing new ones at deprived areas. “The government has also pledged to continue with its policy on fertiliser subsidy that is in excess of 14 Million US Dollars for 2010” Mr. Mabengba added.
The project manager, Dr. Mathias Fosu said the programme will promote the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in addition to other locally adapted soil fertility measures.
“We will reach about 120,000 farmers in about 225 villages with information on integrated soil fertility management through demonstrations, radio and T.V. documentaries and the production of extension leafless,” he stated.
The manager further expressed hope that, at the end of the project,” Northern Ghana which currently produces only 51 percent of its maize requirement will become net exporter of maize.”
In a speech read on his behalf, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Joseph Boamah observed that plant nutrients were being removed and lost than were being applied and that it was for this reasons that the government introduced the fertilizer subsidy programme in 2008.
The Director-General of the CSIR-Ghana, Dr. Abdulai Salifu commended scientists of the Institute for their immense efforts at attracting funding to solve the problems of farmers in northern Ghana and the nation at large.
He explained that, SARI was one of the 13 research institutes of the CSIR-Ghana and that his outfit remained the largest scientific research organisation in the country.
Dr. Salifu further indicated that, their research institutes are stationed in most parts of the country each of which has a mandate to cover specialised areas of importance for growth and development of the nation.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
POLICE REFUTE ALLEGATIONS ON ARREST OF BOLIN LANA (PAGE 3, APRIL 15, 2010)
The Northern Regional Police Command has denied allegations that it carried out an operation in Yendi last Tuesday to effect the arrest of the Bolin Lana, Muhammadu Abdulai.
Refuting the allegations in an interview in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said “the police did not go there to make any arrest; our operations were exclusively for Gushiegu”.
In a dawn swoop in Yendi last Saturday, 41 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of the Dagbon Overlord, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and a number of his elders which occurred on March 27, 2002.
Nine people who were later implicated in the case are currently facing trial at an Accra District Magistrate Court. They include the caretaker of the Bolin Lana, Mba Dugu Iddrisu Iddi.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, Yendi was reported calm and people were going about their various businesses peacefully.
Refuting the allegations in an interview in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said “the police did not go there to make any arrest; our operations were exclusively for Gushiegu”.
In a dawn swoop in Yendi last Saturday, 41 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of the Dagbon Overlord, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and a number of his elders which occurred on March 27, 2002.
Nine people who were later implicated in the case are currently facing trial at an Accra District Magistrate Court. They include the caretaker of the Bolin Lana, Mba Dugu Iddrisu Iddi.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, Yendi was reported calm and people were going about their various businesses peacefully.
TWO REMANDED OVER ARMS (PAGE 3, APRIL 15, 2010)
THE Tamale High Court has remanded in prison custody the two suspects who were in possession of locally manufactured guns during a dawn swoop in Yendi last Saturday.
The two, Mohammed Baba and Abdulai Osman, who were charged for illegal possession of firearms, are to re-appear before the court on April 26, 2010. The guns were tendered in court as exhibits.
The suspects were among 41 others picked up by security operatives in connection with the murder of the Dagbon Overlord, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, on March 27, 2002.
The guns were found on them when they were screened at Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region after they had been arrested in Yendi.
The case involving six other suspects who were also rounded up during a rampage at the Yendi Market last Sunday could not be heard in court because they were deemed as minors.
The case has, therefore, been referred to the Attorney-General’s Office for advice.
In a related development, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, has indicated that the Yendi municipality is now calm after earlier skirmishes by some irate youth groups following the arrest of the suspects.
He advised the residents to remain calm as the security went about its duties and warned that anybody who took the law into his or her own hands would be drastically dealt with by the law.
He said the presence of security personnel in the municipality was not to intimidate anybody but ensure law and order. He, therefore, advised all law-abiding residents to go about their duties and activities peacefully without fear.
The two, Mohammed Baba and Abdulai Osman, who were charged for illegal possession of firearms, are to re-appear before the court on April 26, 2010. The guns were tendered in court as exhibits.
The suspects were among 41 others picked up by security operatives in connection with the murder of the Dagbon Overlord, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, on March 27, 2002.
The guns were found on them when they were screened at Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region after they had been arrested in Yendi.
The case involving six other suspects who were also rounded up during a rampage at the Yendi Market last Sunday could not be heard in court because they were deemed as minors.
The case has, therefore, been referred to the Attorney-General’s Office for advice.
In a related development, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, has indicated that the Yendi municipality is now calm after earlier skirmishes by some irate youth groups following the arrest of the suspects.
He advised the residents to remain calm as the security went about its duties and warned that anybody who took the law into his or her own hands would be drastically dealt with by the law.
He said the presence of security personnel in the municipality was not to intimidate anybody but ensure law and order. He, therefore, advised all law-abiding residents to go about their duties and activities peacefully without fear.
23 PICKED AT GUSHIEGU (PAGE 3, APRIL 15, 2010)
TWENTY three people have been picked up at Gushiegu in the Northern Region for their alleged involvement in the political violence that occurred in the area and Kpatinga in 2008 which led to the death of three persons, including an elderly sub-chief.
The names of the suspects were not given for security reasons.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, all the suspects are now in police custody and are being prepared for prosecution.
He said the suspects included six others who had earlier been tried in connection with the case at the Tamale Magistrate’s Court but had later been granted bail by the Tamale High Court.
The docket on the case was subsequently referred to the Attorney-General’s (A-G) Office for advice.
Mr Tetteh explained that the arrest of the 23 suspects was, therefore, upon the advice of the AG’s office.
Following the murder of the three persons and the destruction of property during the violence, a curfew was imposed on the area in 2008.
The curfew is yet to be completely lifted, as the Ministry of the Interior continues to renew it almost every week to forestall any possible reprisal attacks.
The names of the suspects were not given for security reasons.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, all the suspects are now in police custody and are being prepared for prosecution.
He said the suspects included six others who had earlier been tried in connection with the case at the Tamale Magistrate’s Court but had later been granted bail by the Tamale High Court.
The docket on the case was subsequently referred to the Attorney-General’s (A-G) Office for advice.
Mr Tetteh explained that the arrest of the 23 suspects was, therefore, upon the advice of the AG’s office.
Following the murder of the three persons and the destruction of property during the violence, a curfew was imposed on the area in 2008.
The curfew is yet to be completely lifted, as the Ministry of the Interior continues to renew it almost every week to forestall any possible reprisal attacks.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
NSTITUTE MEASURES TO CONTAIN MORAL DECADENCE (PAGE 16, APRIL 13, 2010)
THE Member of Parliament for Salaga, Ibrahim Dey, has expressed concern over the high levels of moral decadence among the youth in the constituency and called for pragmatic measures to curb the growing phenomenon.
He, therefore, appealed to the chiefs, religious leaders and other stakeholders to join hands in mapping out measures to contain the situation which, he observed, had led to indiscipline and poor performance of pupils and students in schools.
Mr. Dey raised these concerns in Salaga after presenting some school items to the district education directorate to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
The items, which were purchased from his share of the MP’s common fund, included 20 computers and accessories, exercise books, mathematical sets and 15 sets of jerseys.
He also funded a 200 kilometre stretch street light project and made available 2,000 cutlasses and wellington boots to support agricultural activities in the district.
Mr. Dey noted that most of the students patronised entertainment joints such as discos and video centres instead of spending time on their books, leading to poor performance in their final exams and related social vices.
According to him, such abysmal performances over the years had now positioned the district among the lower ranks in the Basic Education Certificate Examination results table.
The MP further unveiled his plans to provide more infrastructure and motivation packages to teachers and urged parents to invest in their children’s education (particularly the girl-child).
This, the Salaga MP noted, would make the East Gonja District produce more scholars to contribute to the socio-economic development of the area.
Ms. Christine B. Tampie, the District Director of Education, commended the MP for his kind gesture and promised that the donation would be put to good use to achieve its intended purpose.
He, therefore, appealed to the chiefs, religious leaders and other stakeholders to join hands in mapping out measures to contain the situation which, he observed, had led to indiscipline and poor performance of pupils and students in schools.
Mr. Dey raised these concerns in Salaga after presenting some school items to the district education directorate to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
The items, which were purchased from his share of the MP’s common fund, included 20 computers and accessories, exercise books, mathematical sets and 15 sets of jerseys.
He also funded a 200 kilometre stretch street light project and made available 2,000 cutlasses and wellington boots to support agricultural activities in the district.
Mr. Dey noted that most of the students patronised entertainment joints such as discos and video centres instead of spending time on their books, leading to poor performance in their final exams and related social vices.
According to him, such abysmal performances over the years had now positioned the district among the lower ranks in the Basic Education Certificate Examination results table.
The MP further unveiled his plans to provide more infrastructure and motivation packages to teachers and urged parents to invest in their children’s education (particularly the girl-child).
This, the Salaga MP noted, would make the East Gonja District produce more scholars to contribute to the socio-economic development of the area.
Ms. Christine B. Tampie, the District Director of Education, commended the MP for his kind gesture and promised that the donation would be put to good use to achieve its intended purpose.
7 REFUSED BAIL (PAGE 3, APRIL 13, 2010)
THE seven accused persons charged with conspiracy to murder and murdering the Chief of Garizhegu, Andani Yakubu, have been refused bail by the Tamale District Court.
They are Haruna Tia, Abukari Tia, Yakubu Tia, Musa Tia, Joseph Tia, Abudu Tia and Kojo Hamza, alias Gushie-Na.
Forty-one others charged for carrying offensive weapons were also refused bail by the court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye.
Their pleas were not taken by the court and they were remanded in prison custody to reappear on April 23, 2010.
The court said investigations into the case were still ongoing and, therefore, it would be premature to grant bail to the accused persons.
Mr Mate-Teye further indicated that “his court jurisdiction is limited and, therefore, cannot grant bail in the matter relating to murder and carrying of weapons and consequently bail for the persons is declined”.
He, therefore, advised counsel for the accused persons to rather apply to the Tamale High Court for the issue of bail to be considered.
In his earlier submission, the prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Kyeremeh, had said there had been a new development following the arrest of an additional suspect who had been on the run.
The facts of the case are that the deceased, Andani Yakubu, was enskinned the Garizhegu Chief on March 14, 2010.
That, however, did not go down well with a section of the people in the village who protested over the issue.
As a result, the late chief had been leaving outside the village since his instalment.
The deceased decided to visit his friend at a nearby village, Nangbagu, on his motorbike.
However, on his return, he was allegedly stopped at Garizhegu and subsequently attacked by the suspects, leading to his death.
His motorbike was burnt and placed on his body.
A number of offensive weapons were also retrieved, including 18 locally manufactured guns, four machetes and a knife.
They are Haruna Tia, Abukari Tia, Yakubu Tia, Musa Tia, Joseph Tia, Abudu Tia and Kojo Hamza, alias Gushie-Na.
Forty-one others charged for carrying offensive weapons were also refused bail by the court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye.
Their pleas were not taken by the court and they were remanded in prison custody to reappear on April 23, 2010.
The court said investigations into the case were still ongoing and, therefore, it would be premature to grant bail to the accused persons.
Mr Mate-Teye further indicated that “his court jurisdiction is limited and, therefore, cannot grant bail in the matter relating to murder and carrying of weapons and consequently bail for the persons is declined”.
He, therefore, advised counsel for the accused persons to rather apply to the Tamale High Court for the issue of bail to be considered.
In his earlier submission, the prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Kyeremeh, had said there had been a new development following the arrest of an additional suspect who had been on the run.
The facts of the case are that the deceased, Andani Yakubu, was enskinned the Garizhegu Chief on March 14, 2010.
That, however, did not go down well with a section of the people in the village who protested over the issue.
As a result, the late chief had been leaving outside the village since his instalment.
The deceased decided to visit his friend at a nearby village, Nangbagu, on his motorbike.
However, on his return, he was allegedly stopped at Garizhegu and subsequently attacked by the suspects, leading to his death.
His motorbike was burnt and placed on his body.
A number of offensive weapons were also retrieved, including 18 locally manufactured guns, four machetes and a knife.
The bizarre Ya-Na murder case...41 PICKED UP IN SWOOP (LEAD STORY, APRIL 12, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Yendi
IN a fresh attempt by the government and the security and law enforcement agencies to find the killers of the late Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and a number of his elders, 41 people were picked up in a dawn swoop in Yendi last Saturday for questioning.
After initial screening in Bimbilla, 33 were given self-recognisance bail, while six, including some of the leaders of the Abudu Royal Family in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide, were sent to Accra to assist in further investigation into the bizarre murder which occurred on March 27, 2002.
The incident sent shock waves throughout the country.
Two others who were in possession of locally manufactured guns were sent back to Yendi to be put before court for possession of weapons in a prohibited area.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, who briefed journalists on the arrest in Tamale last Saturday, declined to disclose the names of the six suspects for security reasons.
The arrest of the suspects generated uneasy calm in Yendi on Saturday, leading to the burning of car tyres by some angry youth as a sign of protest.
However, the timely intervention by the security agents prevented the situation from degenerating into chaos.
At the moment, there is uneasy calm in Yendi, even though people are going about their normal business. Military and police personnel have, however, increased their presence and also intensified their patrols in Yendi, which is the traditional seat of the Dagbon Traditional Area.
Since the murder of the Dagbon Overlord in 2002, there has been relentless pressure on the government to find the perpetrators.
In the run-up to the 2008 general election, the NDC, then in opposition, promised to arrest and prosecute the alleged killers of the Ya-Na.
Since the party assumed office in January, 2009, the leadership of the Andani Royal Family has sent several reminders to the government and President John Evans Atta Mills to fulfil their campaign promise.
In the latest of such calls, the children of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani issued a two-month ultimatum to the government to find the killers of their father or face persistent protest.
Meanwhile, four persons were arrested in Yendi yesterday for their alleged involvement in causing public nuisance which nearly resulted in a riot in the municipality.
They were also alleged to have schemed in setting fire to the store of the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive.
The suspects — Aremeyaw Abubakari, Labran Fofo, Abubakari Alhassan and Abubakari Seidu — are being prepared for court for causing public nuisance.
One other suspect, known as Zoomnurse, is said to be on the run.
According to the Police PRO, the suspects were part of a group, numbering more than 400, who engaged in the burning of lorry tyres and the throwing of stones after the police had prevented them from holding a press conference at the Yendi Social Centre because of their failure to inform the police of their intended gathering.
IN a fresh attempt by the government and the security and law enforcement agencies to find the killers of the late Dagbon King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and a number of his elders, 41 people were picked up in a dawn swoop in Yendi last Saturday for questioning.
After initial screening in Bimbilla, 33 were given self-recognisance bail, while six, including some of the leaders of the Abudu Royal Family in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide, were sent to Accra to assist in further investigation into the bizarre murder which occurred on March 27, 2002.
The incident sent shock waves throughout the country.
Two others who were in possession of locally manufactured guns were sent back to Yendi to be put before court for possession of weapons in a prohibited area.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, who briefed journalists on the arrest in Tamale last Saturday, declined to disclose the names of the six suspects for security reasons.
The arrest of the suspects generated uneasy calm in Yendi on Saturday, leading to the burning of car tyres by some angry youth as a sign of protest.
However, the timely intervention by the security agents prevented the situation from degenerating into chaos.
At the moment, there is uneasy calm in Yendi, even though people are going about their normal business. Military and police personnel have, however, increased their presence and also intensified their patrols in Yendi, which is the traditional seat of the Dagbon Traditional Area.
Since the murder of the Dagbon Overlord in 2002, there has been relentless pressure on the government to find the perpetrators.
In the run-up to the 2008 general election, the NDC, then in opposition, promised to arrest and prosecute the alleged killers of the Ya-Na.
Since the party assumed office in January, 2009, the leadership of the Andani Royal Family has sent several reminders to the government and President John Evans Atta Mills to fulfil their campaign promise.
In the latest of such calls, the children of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani issued a two-month ultimatum to the government to find the killers of their father or face persistent protest.
Meanwhile, four persons were arrested in Yendi yesterday for their alleged involvement in causing public nuisance which nearly resulted in a riot in the municipality.
They were also alleged to have schemed in setting fire to the store of the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive.
The suspects — Aremeyaw Abubakari, Labran Fofo, Abubakari Alhassan and Abubakari Seidu — are being prepared for court for causing public nuisance.
One other suspect, known as Zoomnurse, is said to be on the run.
According to the Police PRO, the suspects were part of a group, numbering more than 400, who engaged in the burning of lorry tyres and the throwing of stones after the police had prevented them from holding a press conference at the Yendi Social Centre because of their failure to inform the police of their intended gathering.
Friday, April 9, 2010
NORTHERN REGION ENJOYS PEACE NOW (PAGE 20, APRIL 9, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Police Command has indicated that it is on track and that it will not be distracted from its responsibility of dealing with all persons who infringe the law in the area to ensure sustainable peace and development in the region.
It gave the assurance that the recent security infringement by some unruly elements was under control and that security personnel had stepped up their presence at all the trouble spots in the area.
According to the command, all the suspects connected with crimes were being prosecuted at the law courts in Tamale.
That development, according to the police, would serve as a deterrent to others who intend to take the law into their own hands to stop the culture of impunity that had permeated the area over the years.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubotuge Awuni, was emphatic that “the law will surely catch up with anybody who falls foul of it”.
On whether there had been political interference in his duties since his assumption of office a little over a year now, he said there was none and that “even if there is, I will only listen to you but ensure that the right things are done for the sake of peace and posterity”.
He said the region had enjoyed relative peace in the past year and described the current security situation in the region as isolated cases, stressing, “Security in the Northern Region is not under threat; everything is under control”.
The commander mentioned chieftaincy and land issues as some of the matters that had threatened the security of the area over the years and entreated traditional authorities and their subjects to always endeavour to alert the police whenever there were signs of conflict, instead of waiting for them to explode.
He mentioned the recent cache of arms which was being smuggled to Bunkpurugu, the murder of the eight-year-old boy by his uncle in Tamale and that of the 60-year-old woman by one Sofo, her stepson, in Yendi, the killing of the chief of Garizhegu, near Tamale, and said all the suspects involved in those cases were currently being prosecuted in Tamale.
“I would, therefore, like to remind the people that we are not going to shield anybody in such matters, irrespective of one’s party or chieftaincy affiliation, so far as the matter borders on crime,” ACP Awuni warned.
He also appealed to the chiefs and people of the region to support the security services to flush out miscreants in the area to ensure lasting peace and development in the region.
It gave the assurance that the recent security infringement by some unruly elements was under control and that security personnel had stepped up their presence at all the trouble spots in the area.
According to the command, all the suspects connected with crimes were being prosecuted at the law courts in Tamale.
That development, according to the police, would serve as a deterrent to others who intend to take the law into their own hands to stop the culture of impunity that had permeated the area over the years.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Angwubotuge Awuni, was emphatic that “the law will surely catch up with anybody who falls foul of it”.
On whether there had been political interference in his duties since his assumption of office a little over a year now, he said there was none and that “even if there is, I will only listen to you but ensure that the right things are done for the sake of peace and posterity”.
He said the region had enjoyed relative peace in the past year and described the current security situation in the region as isolated cases, stressing, “Security in the Northern Region is not under threat; everything is under control”.
The commander mentioned chieftaincy and land issues as some of the matters that had threatened the security of the area over the years and entreated traditional authorities and their subjects to always endeavour to alert the police whenever there were signs of conflict, instead of waiting for them to explode.
He mentioned the recent cache of arms which was being smuggled to Bunkpurugu, the murder of the eight-year-old boy by his uncle in Tamale and that of the 60-year-old woman by one Sofo, her stepson, in Yendi, the killing of the chief of Garizhegu, near Tamale, and said all the suspects involved in those cases were currently being prosecuted in Tamale.
“I would, therefore, like to remind the people that we are not going to shield anybody in such matters, irrespective of one’s party or chieftaincy affiliation, so far as the matter borders on crime,” ACP Awuni warned.
He also appealed to the chiefs and people of the region to support the security services to flush out miscreants in the area to ensure lasting peace and development in the region.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
IMPROPER WIRING SYSTEMS CAUSE FIRE OUTBREAKS (PAGE 21, APRIL 7, 2010)
THE Deputy Energy Minister, Mr Inusah Fuseini, has attributed the frequent outbreaks of fire to improper wiring systems and the failure by some house owners to ensure the regular maintenance of their buildings, including the replacement of faulty cables.
He observed that most landlords had not replaced their worn-out cables that were laid decades ago and advised that such cables must be replaced with quality ones to forestall the frequent outbreak of fires.
In most cases, the rubber coatings usually wear out after several years of usage, thus exposing the wires and that results in fire outbreaks.
Mr Fuseini, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, was speaking after donating quantities of relief items to victims of the recent fire outbreak in which a 13-room compound house at Warizhei, a Tamale suburb, was burnt. One person died in the process.
The items included mats, bales of used clothing, bags of rice, maize and detergents.
Mr Fuseini expressed concern about the emerging phenomenon where every issue was considered with political lens and stressed that that attitude would not promote national unity.
He stated that Ghanaians were one people with a common destiny so their actions and utterances should promote national unity instead of creating divisions and conflicts.
The minister further indicated that the government would ensure justice and fairness during its reign for sustainable peace in the country, and northern Ghana in particular to ensure accelerated development.
He commended the chiefs and people of the area for sustaining the prevailing peace in Tamale and Dagbon and entreated them to always resort to dialogue in resolving their differences.
Mr Fuseini observed that it was only when there was peace that the government would be motivated to initiate development projects that would improve the lives of the people in the area.
He observed that most landlords had not replaced their worn-out cables that were laid decades ago and advised that such cables must be replaced with quality ones to forestall the frequent outbreak of fires.
In most cases, the rubber coatings usually wear out after several years of usage, thus exposing the wires and that results in fire outbreaks.
Mr Fuseini, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, was speaking after donating quantities of relief items to victims of the recent fire outbreak in which a 13-room compound house at Warizhei, a Tamale suburb, was burnt. One person died in the process.
The items included mats, bales of used clothing, bags of rice, maize and detergents.
Mr Fuseini expressed concern about the emerging phenomenon where every issue was considered with political lens and stressed that that attitude would not promote national unity.
He stated that Ghanaians were one people with a common destiny so their actions and utterances should promote national unity instead of creating divisions and conflicts.
The minister further indicated that the government would ensure justice and fairness during its reign for sustainable peace in the country, and northern Ghana in particular to ensure accelerated development.
He commended the chiefs and people of the area for sustaining the prevailing peace in Tamale and Dagbon and entreated them to always resort to dialogue in resolving their differences.
Mr Fuseini observed that it was only when there was peace that the government would be motivated to initiate development projects that would improve the lives of the people in the area.
WORKERS URGED TO BE BI-PARTISAN (PAGE 20, APRIL 7, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabingba has underscored the need for workers in the region to approach their duties diligently and in a bi-partisan manner for the accelerated development of the area.
He also asked upon them to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of their duties, and entreated the chiefs and people of the region to foster unity and togetherness at all times as efforts were being made by the government to better their lot.
“The proper development of the Northern Region is the collective responsibility of all; it is in this regard that we appeal to you to co-operate and support this administration to deliver on the government’s “Better Ghana agenda,” the minister stated.
Addressing heads of department in Tamale, Mr Mabingba mentioned absenteeism and lateness to work as some of the reasons responsible for the area’s low level of development, and called for immediate change of attitude.
He described himself as a team player who welcomed everybody on board to fast track the region’s development agenda, but warned that laziness, complacency and treachery would not to be tolerated.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to provide affordable accommodation to employees in the region.
He, therefore, appealed to workers, who were either posted or transferred to the area not to hesitate in accepting to work in the region.
According to Mr Mabingba, the people in the region were very warm and accommodating of visitors, and described the current security situation in the area as peaceful and conducive.
Some of the concerns raised at the maiden meeting with the minister included inadequate accommodation, logistics and under-staffing.
The departmental heads, however, expressed their preparedness to support and co-operate with the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) for the smooth administration of the area.
Mr Mabingba officially took over office from Mr Stephen Nayina recently. Until his appointment, he served as the deputy Northern Regional Minister.
He also asked upon them to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of their duties, and entreated the chiefs and people of the region to foster unity and togetherness at all times as efforts were being made by the government to better their lot.
“The proper development of the Northern Region is the collective responsibility of all; it is in this regard that we appeal to you to co-operate and support this administration to deliver on the government’s “Better Ghana agenda,” the minister stated.
Addressing heads of department in Tamale, Mr Mabingba mentioned absenteeism and lateness to work as some of the reasons responsible for the area’s low level of development, and called for immediate change of attitude.
He described himself as a team player who welcomed everybody on board to fast track the region’s development agenda, but warned that laziness, complacency and treachery would not to be tolerated.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to provide affordable accommodation to employees in the region.
He, therefore, appealed to workers, who were either posted or transferred to the area not to hesitate in accepting to work in the region.
According to Mr Mabingba, the people in the region were very warm and accommodating of visitors, and described the current security situation in the area as peaceful and conducive.
Some of the concerns raised at the maiden meeting with the minister included inadequate accommodation, logistics and under-staffing.
The departmental heads, however, expressed their preparedness to support and co-operate with the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) for the smooth administration of the area.
Mr Mabingba officially took over office from Mr Stephen Nayina recently. Until his appointment, he served as the deputy Northern Regional Minister.
NDC CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMAN SHOT...Chief's wife killed in Begoro (PAGE 3, APRIL 7, 2010)
Story: Samuel Kyei-Boateng in Accra & Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
Two separate shooting incidents, one in which a woman was allegedly murdered and the other in which a constituency chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was seriously injured, have occurred in the Fanteakwa District of the Eastern Region and the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the Northern Region.
While the Begoro Police have arrested two men in connection with the alleged murder of Rose Asantewaa, 54, the wife of Osabarima Bosompem Ayiripe, the Chief of Dede-Sawirako near Begoro, the police in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District are yet to identify the assailants who allegedly shot Mr John Kampion Yenikoa last Monday.
The Fanteakwa suspects are Christopher Narh, an Assembly Member, who is also a presiding elder of the Church of Pentecost, and Isaac Teye, a 40-year-old farmer. The two have been sent to the Eastern Regional Police Command for further investigations.
While the body of Asantewaa has been sent to the morgue, Mr Yenikoa, who was injured in his left arm, is responding to treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District.
According to the Northern Regional Police Command, Mr Yenikoa was shot on Monday by some unknown assailants when he was parking his motorbike at home.
No arrest has been made yet, while investigations are ongoing.
Even though the reason for the alleged attack is yet to be ascertained, it is believed to be a spill-over from the long-standing disagreement between the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District Chief Executive, Hajia Mavis Bawa, and some NDC constituency executive members in the area.
The alleged shooting of Mr Yenikoa comes in the wake of other forms of internal wrangling within the NDC in some constituencies in the region.
Last weekend, there was disagreement between some youth groups at Karaga and the DCE for the area, resulting in the alleged harassment of some journalists who had gone there to cover an event.
And a couple of weeks ago, some youth groups of the party also chased away the MCE for the Yendi municipality, allegedly smashing the windshield of the constituency vehicle of the party.
The Northern Regional Secretary of the NDC, Alhaji Umar Issifu Alhassan, described the actions within a section of youth groups as most unfortunate.
He reminded them of the party’s internal structures for the redress of all grievances and advised all aggrieved members of the party to always channel their grievances through laid down procedures, instead of taking the law into their own hands at the slightest provocation.
Narrating the circumstances that led to the alleged murder of his wife, Osabarima Ayiripe alleged that Madam Asantewaa, a mother of six, was butchered in her house when she was on her way to have her bath around 6.30 a.m. last Saturday.
According to him, the assailant had targeted him and when he (the assailant) could not locate him, he allegedly killed his wife.
He said about three weeks ago, there had been a misunderstanding among him, the assembly member and another person now at large who had threatened to murder him and so he had reported the matter to the Begoro Police.
Osabarima Ayiripe stated that the police arrested the assembly member and the man on the run, took their statements and made them to sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour.
He said he was out of his palace around 6.30 a.m. last Saturday, April 3, when he heard that Teye had allegedly butchered his wife in her house so he rushed to the scene to find the woman lying dead in a pool of blood.
According to him, after the dastardly act, Teye took to his heels but the youth, who were attracted to the scene, chased and arrested him and sent him to the Begoro Police Station.
When contacted, the Begoro District Police Commander, who gave his name only as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Reuben, confirmed on phone the alleged murder but refused to give details.
Two separate shooting incidents, one in which a woman was allegedly murdered and the other in which a constituency chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was seriously injured, have occurred in the Fanteakwa District of the Eastern Region and the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the Northern Region.
While the Begoro Police have arrested two men in connection with the alleged murder of Rose Asantewaa, 54, the wife of Osabarima Bosompem Ayiripe, the Chief of Dede-Sawirako near Begoro, the police in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District are yet to identify the assailants who allegedly shot Mr John Kampion Yenikoa last Monday.
The Fanteakwa suspects are Christopher Narh, an Assembly Member, who is also a presiding elder of the Church of Pentecost, and Isaac Teye, a 40-year-old farmer. The two have been sent to the Eastern Regional Police Command for further investigations.
While the body of Asantewaa has been sent to the morgue, Mr Yenikoa, who was injured in his left arm, is responding to treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District.
According to the Northern Regional Police Command, Mr Yenikoa was shot on Monday by some unknown assailants when he was parking his motorbike at home.
No arrest has been made yet, while investigations are ongoing.
Even though the reason for the alleged attack is yet to be ascertained, it is believed to be a spill-over from the long-standing disagreement between the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District Chief Executive, Hajia Mavis Bawa, and some NDC constituency executive members in the area.
The alleged shooting of Mr Yenikoa comes in the wake of other forms of internal wrangling within the NDC in some constituencies in the region.
Last weekend, there was disagreement between some youth groups at Karaga and the DCE for the area, resulting in the alleged harassment of some journalists who had gone there to cover an event.
And a couple of weeks ago, some youth groups of the party also chased away the MCE for the Yendi municipality, allegedly smashing the windshield of the constituency vehicle of the party.
The Northern Regional Secretary of the NDC, Alhaji Umar Issifu Alhassan, described the actions within a section of youth groups as most unfortunate.
He reminded them of the party’s internal structures for the redress of all grievances and advised all aggrieved members of the party to always channel their grievances through laid down procedures, instead of taking the law into their own hands at the slightest provocation.
Narrating the circumstances that led to the alleged murder of his wife, Osabarima Ayiripe alleged that Madam Asantewaa, a mother of six, was butchered in her house when she was on her way to have her bath around 6.30 a.m. last Saturday.
According to him, the assailant had targeted him and when he (the assailant) could not locate him, he allegedly killed his wife.
He said about three weeks ago, there had been a misunderstanding among him, the assembly member and another person now at large who had threatened to murder him and so he had reported the matter to the Begoro Police.
Osabarima Ayiripe stated that the police arrested the assembly member and the man on the run, took their statements and made them to sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour.
He said he was out of his palace around 6.30 a.m. last Saturday, April 3, when he heard that Teye had allegedly butchered his wife in her house so he rushed to the scene to find the woman lying dead in a pool of blood.
According to him, after the dastardly act, Teye took to his heels but the youth, who were attracted to the scene, chased and arrested him and sent him to the Begoro Police Station.
When contacted, the Begoro District Police Commander, who gave his name only as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Reuben, confirmed on phone the alleged murder but refused to give details.
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