JAPAN Motors and Trading Company, dealers in automobiles and accessories, is to undertake a massive infrastructural investment in its Tamale branch within the next three years.
Among the strategies lined up to capture the growing market in the metropolis is the construction of a modern showroom for vehicles and Yamaha Motorbikes to offer customers a serene and comfortable business environment.
A three-storey office complex, part of which will be rented to institutions that wish to set up offices near the light-industrial area of Tamale, will also be constructed on part of the land. As part of the expansion process, the workshop will be relocated and given a state-of-the-art design.
According to the Tamale Branch Manager of the company, Mr Al-Hassan Somoa Mahama, Tamale was becoming the commercial hub of northern Ghana so the company intended putting up two large warehouses, drawing from its experience of managing warehouses at the Tema branch.
Mr Mahama observed that most people were still unaware that they could purchase their vehicles at the office in Tamale instead of trekking all the way to Accra, stressing that “the vehicles you buy from us here and those from our head office in Accra are of the same quality and durability.”
He further stated that his outfit also offered training facilities to students from the technical schools, polytechnics and universities, like its sister branches in other parts of the country.
“It is the only automobile garage in all the three northern regions equipped with modern vehicle diagnosis equipment; no wonder it is the preferred choice of automobile engineering teachers and students who want to be abreast of the latest technology in vehicle diagnosis,” he stated.
Giving a background of the company’s existence in northern Ghana, Mr Mahama said Japan Motors opened its branch in Tamale in 1973 to enjoy the benefits of the agricultural boom in the area.
After observing that the transport needs of northern Ghana could best be served with the supply of motorcycles, the company added the sale and service of Yamaha Motorbikes to its range of products.
The rapid decline of the agricultural sector in the 1980s in the area, however, led to the decline in its incomes as automobile sales plummeted. Almost all the automobile firms dealing in agricultural equipment and vehicles folded up before the mid 1980s.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
NO GUNSHOTS IN BUIPE (SPREAD, MAY 28, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Police Command has denied reports that tension in Buipe had led to gunshots in the area.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, the situation at Buipe at the moment was calm.
There had been a long-standing disagreement between the Buipewura and some members of the traditional council, leading to threats and counter-threats from both sides. The chief had often complained of lack of respect for his authority by some council members.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate a case between the Buipewura and one of his alleged antagonists, Monowura Akwasi Piesie, who the former claimed to have deskinned for gross disrespect to his skin.
The mediation talks, however, turned acrimonious leading to heated verbal exchanges between the Buipeura and his loyalists on one side and the Yagbonwura and the other chiefs and their supporters on the other.
The Buipewura was alleged to have subsequently pulled out a gun and fired warning shots, a charge the Buipewura has since denied.
Following this development, the council declared its intention to destool the Buipewura for what they considered as insubordination and gross disrespect to the council members.
In a statement signed by the Yagbonwura, Tuntunba Boorish Sulemana Jakpa II, and 12 other paramount chiefs of the Gonja Traditional Council at Damongo, the chiefs accused the Buipewura of “gross disrespect for the King of Gonja and the entire members of the Gonja Traditional Council by Buipewura Jinapor II Abdulai Mahama”.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, the situation at Buipe at the moment was calm.
There had been a long-standing disagreement between the Buipewura and some members of the traditional council, leading to threats and counter-threats from both sides. The chief had often complained of lack of respect for his authority by some council members.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate a case between the Buipewura and one of his alleged antagonists, Monowura Akwasi Piesie, who the former claimed to have deskinned for gross disrespect to his skin.
The mediation talks, however, turned acrimonious leading to heated verbal exchanges between the Buipeura and his loyalists on one side and the Yagbonwura and the other chiefs and their supporters on the other.
The Buipewura was alleged to have subsequently pulled out a gun and fired warning shots, a charge the Buipewura has since denied.
Following this development, the council declared its intention to destool the Buipewura for what they considered as insubordination and gross disrespect to the council members.
In a statement signed by the Yagbonwura, Tuntunba Boorish Sulemana Jakpa II, and 12 other paramount chiefs of the Gonja Traditional Council at Damongo, the chiefs accused the Buipewura of “gross disrespect for the King of Gonja and the entire members of the Gonja Traditional Council by Buipewura Jinapor II Abdulai Mahama”.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
25 DOCTORS FOR NORTHERN REGION (BACK PAGE, MAY 26, 2010)
For once in many years, 25 medical doctors have accepted to do their housemanship in the Northern Region.
The Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Akwasi Twumasi, who announced this, commended the doctors for their patriotism and indicated that the directorate had attractive incentive packages for medical personnel who would accept postings to the area, particularly the rural communities.
“This region has so many opportunities for research and growth. There are also a few long-serving doctors in the region who are ready to assist you to develop your skills and knowledge and also help you with their expert advice and experience to enable you to develop professionally,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi, who was speaking at a reception in honour of the new doctors in Tamale, also described the people in the area as hospitable.
Many doctors have refused to accept postings to the Northern Region for various reasons, including lack of incentives, accommodation, infrastructure and requisite equipment to work with, especially in the rural communities.
Last year for instance, only one out of eight doctors who were posted to serve in the region reported at post, while only three out of 13 pharmacists reported for duty.
As of February 17, 2010, none of the 15 doctors who were posted to the region had confirmed acceptance of the postings.
Dr Twumasi described the new development as refreshing and expressed the hope that more medical professionals would also accept postings to the region to facilitate effective healthcare delivery in the area.
He announced that by June, this year, the construction of five modern polyclinics would have been completed at Janga in the West Mamprusi District, Kpandi in the East Gonja District, Karaga in the Karaga District, Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale District and Chereponi in the Chereponi District.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, entreated workers posted or transferred to the region not to hesitate to go there “since they will get the full support of the co-ordinating council to make their stay enjoyable”.
He said contrary to speculation that the region was volatile, the area was rather one of the most conducive regions with a lot of opportunities.
The Regional Health Promoter, Alhaji A. B. Yakubu, blamed a section of the media for portraying the region as volatile, thus scaring away potential investors and health personnel.
He, therefore, appealed to the media to highlight the positive developments springing up in various parts of the region instead of always trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.
The Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Akwasi Twumasi, who announced this, commended the doctors for their patriotism and indicated that the directorate had attractive incentive packages for medical personnel who would accept postings to the area, particularly the rural communities.
“This region has so many opportunities for research and growth. There are also a few long-serving doctors in the region who are ready to assist you to develop your skills and knowledge and also help you with their expert advice and experience to enable you to develop professionally,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi, who was speaking at a reception in honour of the new doctors in Tamale, also described the people in the area as hospitable.
Many doctors have refused to accept postings to the Northern Region for various reasons, including lack of incentives, accommodation, infrastructure and requisite equipment to work with, especially in the rural communities.
Last year for instance, only one out of eight doctors who were posted to serve in the region reported at post, while only three out of 13 pharmacists reported for duty.
As of February 17, 2010, none of the 15 doctors who were posted to the region had confirmed acceptance of the postings.
Dr Twumasi described the new development as refreshing and expressed the hope that more medical professionals would also accept postings to the region to facilitate effective healthcare delivery in the area.
He announced that by June, this year, the construction of five modern polyclinics would have been completed at Janga in the West Mamprusi District, Kpandi in the East Gonja District, Karaga in the Karaga District, Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale District and Chereponi in the Chereponi District.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, entreated workers posted or transferred to the region not to hesitate to go there “since they will get the full support of the co-ordinating council to make their stay enjoyable”.
He said contrary to speculation that the region was volatile, the area was rather one of the most conducive regions with a lot of opportunities.
The Regional Health Promoter, Alhaji A. B. Yakubu, blamed a section of the media for portraying the region as volatile, thus scaring away potential investors and health personnel.
He, therefore, appealed to the media to highlight the positive developments springing up in various parts of the region instead of always trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Friday, May 21, 2010
SALAGA COURT REMANDS FULANI HERDSMEN (BACK PAGE, MAY 21, 2010)
THE Salaga Magistrate’s Court has remanded two Fulani herdsmen into prison custody for their alleged involvement in the murder of butchers at Kabache, near Salaga, last week.
The suspects, Mahamadu Hassan, 44, and Ali Sandow, 33, who were served with the provisional charge of murder, are to reappear before the court on June 1, 2010.
Other suspects are, however, on the run.
On Tuesday, May 11, the deceased, Alhassan Gado, 27, and Sulemana Muntaka, 21, were allegedly murdered by some Fulani herdsmen when they went to Kabache to buy some cows.
Their bodies were later found in the bush by a search party after they failed to return home the next day. Upon careful examination of the bodies, it was found that they had been shot with locally manufactured guns.
Three cartridges were found at the crime scene.
Butchers in Salaga later threatened to avenge the death of their colleagues, if immediate measures were not taken to arrest and punish the suspects behind the murder.
The suspects, Mahamadu Hassan, 44, and Ali Sandow, 33, who were served with the provisional charge of murder, are to reappear before the court on June 1, 2010.
Other suspects are, however, on the run.
On Tuesday, May 11, the deceased, Alhassan Gado, 27, and Sulemana Muntaka, 21, were allegedly murdered by some Fulani herdsmen when they went to Kabache to buy some cows.
Their bodies were later found in the bush by a search party after they failed to return home the next day. Upon careful examination of the bodies, it was found that they had been shot with locally manufactured guns.
Three cartridges were found at the crime scene.
Butchers in Salaga later threatened to avenge the death of their colleagues, if immediate measures were not taken to arrest and punish the suspects behind the murder.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
MAYOR TASKS FINANCE COMMITTEE (PAGE 18, May 14, 2010)
Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
>
> THE Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday has
> tasked the Finance and Administration sub-committee of the
> assembly to come out with more innovative ways of mobilizing
> revenue for the assembly.
> “The sub-committee may also have to revisit some of the
> mechanisms used in collecting revenue in order to step-up
> our performance to attract more funds to meet our
> development targets,” he indicated.
> The mayor who was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of
> the assembly this year in Tamale bemoaned the abysmal
> performance of the revenue department of the assembly in the
> first quarter of this year.
> From January to March, the assembly generated only
> GH¢148,000 representing about 19 percent of the targeted
> revenue of GH¢814148.00 for the year.
> “From the picture, it is clear that we need to do more to
> be able to achieve our annual revenue target for which
> reason I will urge our revenue officers to take it upon
> themselves as personal challenge to themselves and as a
> group,” Alhaji Friday stated.
> He further stated that, as part of measure to ensure
> efficiency in the revenue mobilization, the assembly will be
> embarking on periodic checks on revenue collectors at
> posts.
> The mayor announced that the assembly had received an
> amount of GH¢345,000 as its fourth quarter allocation of
> the Common Fund and that, “the amount is being used to
> service existing debts and other approved development
> projects of the assembly.”
> On the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the metropolis,
> Alhaji Friday commended security personnel including the
> “Bilchinsi” peace council and taskforces at the various
> communities for their dedication and selflessness.
> He promised the assembly will provide them with the
> necessary logistics to facilitate their work.
> The mayor called for the cooperation of residents to the
> work of the taskforce and indicated that, “the maintenance
> of peace and security should be seen as the collective
> responsibility of every one of us in this metropolis
>
> THE Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna Friday has
> tasked the Finance and Administration sub-committee of the
> assembly to come out with more innovative ways of mobilizing
> revenue for the assembly.
> “The sub-committee may also have to revisit some of the
> mechanisms used in collecting revenue in order to step-up
> our performance to attract more funds to meet our
> development targets,” he indicated.
> The mayor who was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of
> the assembly this year in Tamale bemoaned the abysmal
> performance of the revenue department of the assembly in the
> first quarter of this year.
> From January to March, the assembly generated only
> GH¢148,000 representing about 19 percent of the targeted
> revenue of GH¢814148.00 for the year.
> “From the picture, it is clear that we need to do more to
> be able to achieve our annual revenue target for which
> reason I will urge our revenue officers to take it upon
> themselves as personal challenge to themselves and as a
> group,” Alhaji Friday stated.
> He further stated that, as part of measure to ensure
> efficiency in the revenue mobilization, the assembly will be
> embarking on periodic checks on revenue collectors at
> posts.
> The mayor announced that the assembly had received an
> amount of GH¢345,000 as its fourth quarter allocation of
> the Common Fund and that, “the amount is being used to
> service existing debts and other approved development
> projects of the assembly.”
> On the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the metropolis,
> Alhaji Friday commended security personnel including the
> “Bilchinsi” peace council and taskforces at the various
> communities for their dedication and selflessness.
> He promised the assembly will provide them with the
> necessary logistics to facilitate their work.
> The mayor called for the cooperation of residents to the
> work of the taskforce and indicated that, “the maintenance
> of peace and security should be seen as the collective
> responsibility of every one of us in this metropolis
CALM RETURNS TO BUIPE (BACK PAGE, MAY 18, 2010)
Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
CALM has returned to Buipe in the Central Gonja district of
the northern region after a couple of weeks standoff between
the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor and the Gonja traditional
council at Damongo.
Following the misunderstanding, the council subsequently
declared its intention to destool the Buipewura for what
they considered as insubordination and gross disrespect to
the council. The decision was reached after an emergency
meeting last Thursday.
However at the time of filing this report, the Buipewura
was still at his palace insisting that he was still the
rightful chief for Buipe and will therefore not abdicate the
skin.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations
Officer, Chief Inspector, Ebenezer Tetteh, the situation at
Buipe was peaceful with people going about their
businesses.
In a statement signed by the Yagbon-wura Tuntunba Boorish
Sulemana Jakpa II and twelve other paramount chiefs of the
Gonja traditional council at Damongo, the chiefs accused the
Buipewura of “gross disrespect for the King of Gonja and
the entire members of the Gonja Traditional Council by
Buipewura Jinapor II Abdulai Mahama.”
According to the statement, on the 3rd day sitting of the
1st Ordinary Meeting of the Gonjaland Traditional Council on
May 13th May, 2010 at Damongo one of the items on the agenda
was the mediation of a case between the Buipewura and
Monowura Akwasi Piesie in which Buipewura arbitrarily
deskinned Monowura for gross disrespect to him.
The Gonja King, together with the other chiefs, appealed to
the Buipewura to rescind his decision to deskin the
Mono-Wura.
But the Buipe-Wura did not heed the advice as he argued
that the Mono-Wura had refused to pay homage to him as
tradition demanded.
The mediation talks turned acrimonious leading into hot
verbal exchanges between the Buipe-Wura and his loyalists on
one hand, and the Yagbon-Wura and the other chiefs and their
supporters on the other.
The Buipewura subsequently cast insinuations at the other
chiefs and allegedly pulled out and fired warning shots.
CALM has returned to Buipe in the Central Gonja district of
the northern region after a couple of weeks standoff between
the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor and the Gonja traditional
council at Damongo.
Following the misunderstanding, the council subsequently
declared its intention to destool the Buipewura for what
they considered as insubordination and gross disrespect to
the council. The decision was reached after an emergency
meeting last Thursday.
However at the time of filing this report, the Buipewura
was still at his palace insisting that he was still the
rightful chief for Buipe and will therefore not abdicate the
skin.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations
Officer, Chief Inspector, Ebenezer Tetteh, the situation at
Buipe was peaceful with people going about their
businesses.
In a statement signed by the Yagbon-wura Tuntunba Boorish
Sulemana Jakpa II and twelve other paramount chiefs of the
Gonja traditional council at Damongo, the chiefs accused the
Buipewura of “gross disrespect for the King of Gonja and
the entire members of the Gonja Traditional Council by
Buipewura Jinapor II Abdulai Mahama.”
According to the statement, on the 3rd day sitting of the
1st Ordinary Meeting of the Gonjaland Traditional Council on
May 13th May, 2010 at Damongo one of the items on the agenda
was the mediation of a case between the Buipewura and
Monowura Akwasi Piesie in which Buipewura arbitrarily
deskinned Monowura for gross disrespect to him.
The Gonja King, together with the other chiefs, appealed to
the Buipewura to rescind his decision to deskin the
Mono-Wura.
But the Buipe-Wura did not heed the advice as he argued
that the Mono-Wura had refused to pay homage to him as
tradition demanded.
The mediation talks turned acrimonious leading into hot
verbal exchanges between the Buipe-Wura and his loyalists on
one hand, and the Yagbon-Wura and the other chiefs and their
supporters on the other.
The Buipewura subsequently cast insinuations at the other
chiefs and allegedly pulled out and fired warning shots.
BUTCHERS KILLED (BACK PAGE, FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010)
Two butchers who went to purchase some cows at a village near Salaga in the Northern Region have allegedly been murdered by some Fulani herdsmen in the area.
The bodies of the butchers, Alhassan Gado, 27, and Sulemana Muntaka, 21, have been deposited at the Salaga Hospital awaiting autopsy as the police continue investigations to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
At the moment the security situation in the Salaga area remains calm.
Meanwhile, butchers at Salaga have threatened to avenge the death of their colleagues if immediate measures are not taken to arrest and punish the Fulanis alleged to have committed the murder.
Narrating the incident to the media in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said his outfit was informed about the murder by the Assembly member for the Dagomba Electoral Area in Salaga, Mr Fuseini Issifu.
According to him, the incident occurred last Tuesday when the bodies were found in the bush by a search party after the deceased had failed to return home on the previous day from Kabache in the Salaga District, where they had gone to buy some cows.
The officer indicated that upon careful examination of their bodies, it was found out that they had been shot with locally manufactured guns. Three cartridges were also found at the crime scene.
Mr Tetteh has meanwhile cautioned the butchers against taking the law into their own hands.
“I can assure them that we are investigating the matter to bring the perpetrators to book. Therefore, anybody who violates the law will be prosecuted,” he stressed.
The bodies of the butchers, Alhassan Gado, 27, and Sulemana Muntaka, 21, have been deposited at the Salaga Hospital awaiting autopsy as the police continue investigations to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
At the moment the security situation in the Salaga area remains calm.
Meanwhile, butchers at Salaga have threatened to avenge the death of their colleagues if immediate measures are not taken to arrest and punish the Fulanis alleged to have committed the murder.
Narrating the incident to the media in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said his outfit was informed about the murder by the Assembly member for the Dagomba Electoral Area in Salaga, Mr Fuseini Issifu.
According to him, the incident occurred last Tuesday when the bodies were found in the bush by a search party after the deceased had failed to return home on the previous day from Kabache in the Salaga District, where they had gone to buy some cows.
The officer indicated that upon careful examination of their bodies, it was found out that they had been shot with locally manufactured guns. Three cartridges were also found at the crime scene.
Mr Tetteh has meanwhile cautioned the butchers against taking the law into their own hands.
“I can assure them that we are investigating the matter to bring the perpetrators to book. Therefore, anybody who violates the law will be prosecuted,” he stressed.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
ARREST PERPETRATORS OF CONFLICTS — BIMOBA STUDENTS (PAGE 4, MAY 13, 2010)
THE Tamale Polytechnic branch of the Bimoba Students Union have appealed to the security agencies to step up their activities in the Bunkpuru/Yunyoo District to apprehend and bring to book perpetrators of the protracted conflicts in the area.
They also called on the regional and district security committees to always be proactive in stemming the conflicts instead of allowing the situation to get out of control before sending in re-enforcement.
The students pledged to team up with their colleagues in other institutions to embark on a peace mission in the area to prevail on their people to lay down their arms and use dialogue to resolve their differences.
The President of the union, Mr Dimang Nelson Yennuban, made the appeal at a news conference in Tamale over the weekend. It attracted both students and some citizens from the area, including the Bimoba chief in Tamale, Jacob Jamon Dam.
Mr Yennuban described the continuous influx of arms into the area as regrettable and advised the people to rather expend their energies on the eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance that had been their bane over the years.
Following the rampant conflicts in the area that is considered to be one of the most deprived districts in the country, there has been an influx of arms, fuelling the already volatile situation in the district.
The Police, however, in recent times, have intercepted some of the arms concealed in vehicles bound for the area upon tip-offs. The latest of such cache of ammunitions was seized on May 8, this year at the Fufulso Junction in the Central Gonja District in the Northern Region.
Upon a thorough search of the vehicle at the Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale, 250 pieces of cartridges were found in the vehicle that was heading towards the flash point.
Three persons suspected to be the owners of the cartridges are assisting the police in investigations. They are Jacob Kolan, 39, Goori Duut, 30, Seidu Larri, 25, and the driver of the vehicle, Ibrahim Abdala, 35.
The president stated that the continuous conflict in the district had claimed the lives of many, destroyed property worth thousands of Ghana cedis and rendered about 150, 000 people homeless.
Mr Yennuban, therefore, appealed to the “chiefs and opinion leaders in the area to immediately meet and deliberate to find lasting peace to the problem”.
“As already observed, unemployment and poverty are the major problems in the area; we, therefore, appeal to the government to facilitate the creation of more jobs for the youth in the district,” the president appealed.
They also called on the regional and district security committees to always be proactive in stemming the conflicts instead of allowing the situation to get out of control before sending in re-enforcement.
The students pledged to team up with their colleagues in other institutions to embark on a peace mission in the area to prevail on their people to lay down their arms and use dialogue to resolve their differences.
The President of the union, Mr Dimang Nelson Yennuban, made the appeal at a news conference in Tamale over the weekend. It attracted both students and some citizens from the area, including the Bimoba chief in Tamale, Jacob Jamon Dam.
Mr Yennuban described the continuous influx of arms into the area as regrettable and advised the people to rather expend their energies on the eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance that had been their bane over the years.
Following the rampant conflicts in the area that is considered to be one of the most deprived districts in the country, there has been an influx of arms, fuelling the already volatile situation in the district.
The Police, however, in recent times, have intercepted some of the arms concealed in vehicles bound for the area upon tip-offs. The latest of such cache of ammunitions was seized on May 8, this year at the Fufulso Junction in the Central Gonja District in the Northern Region.
Upon a thorough search of the vehicle at the Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale, 250 pieces of cartridges were found in the vehicle that was heading towards the flash point.
Three persons suspected to be the owners of the cartridges are assisting the police in investigations. They are Jacob Kolan, 39, Goori Duut, 30, Seidu Larri, 25, and the driver of the vehicle, Ibrahim Abdala, 35.
The president stated that the continuous conflict in the district had claimed the lives of many, destroyed property worth thousands of Ghana cedis and rendered about 150, 000 people homeless.
Mr Yennuban, therefore, appealed to the “chiefs and opinion leaders in the area to immediately meet and deliberate to find lasting peace to the problem”.
“As already observed, unemployment and poverty are the major problems in the area; we, therefore, appeal to the government to facilitate the creation of more jobs for the youth in the district,” the president appealed.
SIC DONATES GH¢10,000 TO UDS (PAGE 11, MAY 12, 2010)
THE Northern Regional branch of the State Insurance Company Limited (SIC) has presented a cheque for GH¢10,000 to the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
According to the branch manager of the company, Mr Emmanuel Simpiney-Mensah, the presentation formed part of the company’s social responsibility programme to support educational institutions to promote academic excellence.
“We have also developed tailor made modern package policies for the universities, polytechnics, metropolitan, municipal, district assemblies and commercial houses; we are rendering free risk management services to any establishment or industry that requires this service,” the manager stated.
Mr Simpiney-Mensah announced this at a dinner night to express their appreciation to its numerous clients.The company also used the occasion to reward retired staff and clients for their tremendous contribution to the growth of the company.
He said since its establishment in 1962, the company has grown into a very viable entity, making it the most capitalised insurance company on the stock market with 60 per cent shares loaded on the exchange.
“Our vision is to maintain dominance in the insurance industry and position ourselves as the most profitable, innovative and customer friendly insurance company,” he indicated.
According to Mr Simpiney-Mensah, the company was on track in realising its vision as it continues to introduce innovative products to suit their customers, adding that “We have established prompt claim settlement and payment mechanisms. having shifted our gear from satisfaction to making our clients take delight in our services and we reward complaints and feedback”.
He said the management of the company in the region had decided to make the occasion an annual affair to fete clients and reward hard working staff members as they charted the way forward.
A former Northern Regional liaison officer of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, commended management and staff of the SIC for their efforts in helping to turn the fortunes of the company around.
He, however, urged them not to come out with more innovations that would attract new clients in the competitive business climate.
According to the branch manager of the company, Mr Emmanuel Simpiney-Mensah, the presentation formed part of the company’s social responsibility programme to support educational institutions to promote academic excellence.
“We have also developed tailor made modern package policies for the universities, polytechnics, metropolitan, municipal, district assemblies and commercial houses; we are rendering free risk management services to any establishment or industry that requires this service,” the manager stated.
Mr Simpiney-Mensah announced this at a dinner night to express their appreciation to its numerous clients.The company also used the occasion to reward retired staff and clients for their tremendous contribution to the growth of the company.
He said since its establishment in 1962, the company has grown into a very viable entity, making it the most capitalised insurance company on the stock market with 60 per cent shares loaded on the exchange.
“Our vision is to maintain dominance in the insurance industry and position ourselves as the most profitable, innovative and customer friendly insurance company,” he indicated.
According to Mr Simpiney-Mensah, the company was on track in realising its vision as it continues to introduce innovative products to suit their customers, adding that “We have established prompt claim settlement and payment mechanisms. having shifted our gear from satisfaction to making our clients take delight in our services and we reward complaints and feedback”.
He said the management of the company in the region had decided to make the occasion an annual affair to fete clients and reward hard working staff members as they charted the way forward.
A former Northern Regional liaison officer of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), Alhaji Issahaku Yakubu, commended management and staff of the SIC for their efforts in helping to turn the fortunes of the company around.
He, however, urged them not to come out with more innovations that would attract new clients in the competitive business climate.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
COP SHOOTS WIFE (PAGE 3, MAY 8, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
RESIDENTS of a Police barracks in Tamale are beside themselves with bewilderment following the bizarre action by a Police officer who shot his wife in the neck for alleged infidelity.
The wife, Dorcas Nde whose condition is said to be critical is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Tamale Teaching hospital.
The husband, Lance Corporal Mathew Appiah Nde 32 who is in the grips of the police is assisting in investigations.
Even though the Police could not readily tell whether the shot was deliberate or accidental, neighbours of the Ndes told the “Daily Graphic” that the suspect had over the months been quarrelling with the victim over her alleged unfaithfulness which she has always denied.
The two children of the couple who are minors and at the moment being taken care of by a neighbour looked distraught during the visit to the barracks.
Narrating the incident to the media, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh said at dawn today (Friday), the suspect booked for a riffle to attend a bank guard duty at Aboabo, a Tamale surburb.
According to the PRO, Nde later came back to the barracks at about 8:30am from his duty post to allegedly take his breakfast.
“Not quite long after entering his room, there was sound of a gunshot that attracted the neighbours to the Ndes where the victim was found in a critical condition and was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment,” he explained.
The victim was ostensibly shot through the gate of their room as she was outside washing her cloths.
The suspect, who looked remorseful after the act, later surrendered himself to the Police.
RESIDENTS of a Police barracks in Tamale are beside themselves with bewilderment following the bizarre action by a Police officer who shot his wife in the neck for alleged infidelity.
The wife, Dorcas Nde whose condition is said to be critical is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Tamale Teaching hospital.
The husband, Lance Corporal Mathew Appiah Nde 32 who is in the grips of the police is assisting in investigations.
Even though the Police could not readily tell whether the shot was deliberate or accidental, neighbours of the Ndes told the “Daily Graphic” that the suspect had over the months been quarrelling with the victim over her alleged unfaithfulness which she has always denied.
The two children of the couple who are minors and at the moment being taken care of by a neighbour looked distraught during the visit to the barracks.
Narrating the incident to the media, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh said at dawn today (Friday), the suspect booked for a riffle to attend a bank guard duty at Aboabo, a Tamale surburb.
According to the PRO, Nde later came back to the barracks at about 8:30am from his duty post to allegedly take his breakfast.
“Not quite long after entering his room, there was sound of a gunshot that attracted the neighbours to the Ndes where the victim was found in a critical condition and was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment,” he explained.
The victim was ostensibly shot through the gate of their room as she was outside washing her cloths.
The suspect, who looked remorseful after the act, later surrendered himself to the Police.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
NGO ORGANISES CARER FAIR FOR 300 LADIES (PAGE 35, MAY 4, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
THE unavailability of job opportunities continues to be the bane of the youth in the northern part of the country. This has compelled most of them, particularly the out of school girls to migrate down south to engage in menial jobs.
Those who cannot continue with their education for various reasons also idol at home leading to teenage pregnancies and the engagement in other unproductive ventures.
It was to find a way forward for such unfortunate group of people that the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), an NGO, organized a two-day career entrepreneurship fair for over 300 young ladies including third year students from senior high schools from 14 districts of the northern region and funded by Blatter and Frick, social investors.
It was envisaged at offering them guidance on their life careers and how to achieve them. The fair was on the theme "Possibilities and opportunities."
Areas covered included career development-formal sector, financing your career, entrepreneurial prospects and opportunities and social entrepreneurship prospects.
There were also motivational talk on life choices and career management. Interactive and inspiration presentations were made by renowned successful career persons such as Mrs. PaullyApea-Kubi of Ebenut Ghana limited, an export company and Mr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi of the Future Leaders Group.
Others were a lecturer at the University for Development Studies, Mrs. Rukaya Husein and Mrs. Clara Beeri Kasser-Tee of Benchi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankoma, a law firm and
In her presentation, Mrs Kassar-Tee said it was not
easy for her to overcome the numerous challenges to attain her status due to the background she came from, but that through hard work and determination, she was
able to achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer. She was adjudged the best law student for 2009.
She reminded the participants that the world was knowledge-based and that nothing stopped the youth from achieving their dreams.
According to the executive director of CAMFED-Ghana, Mrs Delores Dickson, “the fair has broadened their knowledge and motivated them to set long term goals for themselves and also empowered them to make the right choices.”
The director further explained that, CAMFED believes educating girls and providing economic opportunities to young women is a sure way of lifting poverty out of families in Africa.”
The fair attracted many people from the business, education, entrepreneurial and communication industries, who acknowledged that it would offer them guidance about their choices and how to overcome challenges to achieve their goals in life.
THE unavailability of job opportunities continues to be the bane of the youth in the northern part of the country. This has compelled most of them, particularly the out of school girls to migrate down south to engage in menial jobs.
Those who cannot continue with their education for various reasons also idol at home leading to teenage pregnancies and the engagement in other unproductive ventures.
It was to find a way forward for such unfortunate group of people that the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), an NGO, organized a two-day career entrepreneurship fair for over 300 young ladies including third year students from senior high schools from 14 districts of the northern region and funded by Blatter and Frick, social investors.
It was envisaged at offering them guidance on their life careers and how to achieve them. The fair was on the theme "Possibilities and opportunities."
Areas covered included career development-formal sector, financing your career, entrepreneurial prospects and opportunities and social entrepreneurship prospects.
There were also motivational talk on life choices and career management. Interactive and inspiration presentations were made by renowned successful career persons such as Mrs. PaullyApea-Kubi of Ebenut Ghana limited, an export company and Mr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi of the Future Leaders Group.
Others were a lecturer at the University for Development Studies, Mrs. Rukaya Husein and Mrs. Clara Beeri Kasser-Tee of Benchi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankoma, a law firm and
In her presentation, Mrs Kassar-Tee said it was not
easy for her to overcome the numerous challenges to attain her status due to the background she came from, but that through hard work and determination, she was
able to achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer. She was adjudged the best law student for 2009.
She reminded the participants that the world was knowledge-based and that nothing stopped the youth from achieving their dreams.
According to the executive director of CAMFED-Ghana, Mrs Delores Dickson, “the fair has broadened their knowledge and motivated them to set long term goals for themselves and also empowered them to make the right choices.”
The director further explained that, CAMFED believes educating girls and providing economic opportunities to young women is a sure way of lifting poverty out of families in Africa.”
The fair attracted many people from the business, education, entrepreneurial and communication industries, who acknowledged that it would offer them guidance about their choices and how to overcome challenges to achieve their goals in life.
MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FORUM HELD IN TAMALE (PAGE 34,MAY 1, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
THE Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa Professor Kwame Karikari has advised radio stations in the regions not to replicate wholesale programmes from sister stations in Accra but that they must design their own agenda to address their peculiar needs.
“You should come out with your own programmes and initiatives that will help enrich the people and also accelerate the development of your respective communities because if you continue copying from elsewhere, you will soon become irrelevant to your own people,” he admonished.
Professor Karikari also expressed concern over the politicisation of issues in the country and cautioned that if it was not stopped, it will affect the growth of the nation since credible people would not feel comfortable in their actions and utterances because of the fear of being tagged of belonging to party A or B.
“You are labelled either belonging to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) depending on what you say at any particularly given time,” he noted.
Professor Karikari gave the advice at a media development forum in Tamale at the weekend which was attended by managers of radio stations from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions.
It was themed: "The responsibility of the broadcaster in promoting free speech in a democracy." The forum which was under the auspices of the foundation's Ghana Media Standards Improvement Project (GMSIP) was funded by the Royal Danish Embassy in Accra.
Professor Karikari further cautioned media practitioners against allowing themselves to be used by politicians and indicated that such journalists are often dumped after they have been used to achieve the selfish interests of their pay masters.
“The interest of politicians are not always in the best interest of the public,” he reminded them and noted that even though such erring journalists are normally parted on the back by their masters, they are often scorned by the general public who see them as pawns.
He therefore urged media practitioners to be assertive in the discharge of their duties at all times and not allow themselves to be relegated to the background through their actions or inactions because “how you sell yourself is how you will be bought.”
Professor Karikari also underscored the need for the media to reposition itself and focus on issues of national unity and development. He said the media had the power to either construct or destroy but indicated that such powers should be used responsibly for national good.
He reminded them of the need to be truthful, accurate, fair and decent and to ensure social harmony and peace at all times in their reportage stressing, “we have a responsibility to be positive and offensive for progressive.”
A veteran journalist and media consultant, Mr. Edward Ameyibor charged media practitioners in the north to be objective in their reportage and also endeavour to portray the positive attributes of the area instead of always dwelling on the negatives that are often blown out of proportion.
“There are more violent crimes in other parts of the country, but while theirs are well managed, those in the north are sometimes exaggerated and blown out of proportions,” he observed.
Mr. Ameyibor called on the media to expose people behind the fanning and sponsoring of conflicts in the north to help stem the tide for development to thrive in the area that he noted has the potential for growth.
A registrar at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Dr. A.B.T. Zakaria indicated that the media, particularly radio, is a serious business that needed to be operated and managed by fair minded professionals to achieve the desired results.
THE Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa Professor Kwame Karikari has advised radio stations in the regions not to replicate wholesale programmes from sister stations in Accra but that they must design their own agenda to address their peculiar needs.
“You should come out with your own programmes and initiatives that will help enrich the people and also accelerate the development of your respective communities because if you continue copying from elsewhere, you will soon become irrelevant to your own people,” he admonished.
Professor Karikari also expressed concern over the politicisation of issues in the country and cautioned that if it was not stopped, it will affect the growth of the nation since credible people would not feel comfortable in their actions and utterances because of the fear of being tagged of belonging to party A or B.
“You are labelled either belonging to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) depending on what you say at any particularly given time,” he noted.
Professor Karikari gave the advice at a media development forum in Tamale at the weekend which was attended by managers of radio stations from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions.
It was themed: "The responsibility of the broadcaster in promoting free speech in a democracy." The forum which was under the auspices of the foundation's Ghana Media Standards Improvement Project (GMSIP) was funded by the Royal Danish Embassy in Accra.
Professor Karikari further cautioned media practitioners against allowing themselves to be used by politicians and indicated that such journalists are often dumped after they have been used to achieve the selfish interests of their pay masters.
“The interest of politicians are not always in the best interest of the public,” he reminded them and noted that even though such erring journalists are normally parted on the back by their masters, they are often scorned by the general public who see them as pawns.
He therefore urged media practitioners to be assertive in the discharge of their duties at all times and not allow themselves to be relegated to the background through their actions or inactions because “how you sell yourself is how you will be bought.”
Professor Karikari also underscored the need for the media to reposition itself and focus on issues of national unity and development. He said the media had the power to either construct or destroy but indicated that such powers should be used responsibly for national good.
He reminded them of the need to be truthful, accurate, fair and decent and to ensure social harmony and peace at all times in their reportage stressing, “we have a responsibility to be positive and offensive for progressive.”
A veteran journalist and media consultant, Mr. Edward Ameyibor charged media practitioners in the north to be objective in their reportage and also endeavour to portray the positive attributes of the area instead of always dwelling on the negatives that are often blown out of proportion.
“There are more violent crimes in other parts of the country, but while theirs are well managed, those in the north are sometimes exaggerated and blown out of proportions,” he observed.
Mr. Ameyibor called on the media to expose people behind the fanning and sponsoring of conflicts in the north to help stem the tide for development to thrive in the area that he noted has the potential for growth.
A registrar at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Dr. A.B.T. Zakaria indicated that the media, particularly radio, is a serious business that needed to be operated and managed by fair minded professionals to achieve the desired results.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
VEEP LAUNCHES EDUCATION INITIATIVE (PAGE 51, MAY 4, 2010)
THE Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, at the weekend inaugurated an education initiative aimed at ensuring quality basic education delivery for disadvantaged children, particularly girls in northern Ghana.
The 10-year project, dubbed: “Tackling Education Inclusively” (TENI), will improve pupils’ retention, performance and transition from the primary to the junior high school (JHS) level.
The project, which was launched at Walewale, will cover the northern sector with focus in three deprived districts of West Mamprusi in the Northern, Talensi-Nabdam in the Upper East and Jirapa in the Upper West regions.
It is being implemented by the Voluntary Services Overseas Ghana (VSOG), an international development organisation, in collaboration with some local partners with support from the Comic Relief UK, a charity organisation.
The Vice-President urged the people to give priority attention to the education of their children instead of channelling their resources into unproductive ventures, since the value of education could not be quantified.
He noted that the lackadaisical attitude of most parents and guardians towards education in the north had resulted in the migration of the youth to the southern parts of the country to engage in labour-intensive jobs such as “kayaye” and stressed that it was preferable to live in “poverty in dignity to wealth in humiliation”.
According to the Vice-Persident, the government had established various social interventions in the education sector such as the provision of free school uniforms and books ; increased the Capitation Grant and incentives for rural teachers.
“Parents and guardians have, therefore, no reason not to enrol their children and wards in school,” Mr Mahama indicated, and further entreated chiefs and opinion leaders to take keen interest in school administration in their respective communities.
The Country Director of the VSOG, Mr Amidu Ibrahim Tanko, explained that the first phase of the project would cover the period between 2009 and 2013.
He mentioned the activities to include strengthening of community groups to identify and modify socio-cultural practices that affect girls’ education and the empowerment of mothers’ economic status by linking them with existing livelihood interventions.
The director said it would also improve teacher availability through placement of 500 national volunteer teachers & advocacy for effective teacher support and management.
It will further identify female role models and mentor girls at risk of dropping out of school and establish and strengthen girls’ clubs and peer groups, among other interventions.
Mr Tanko also indicated that change could only be achieved when it came from within an individual, community, family, organisation or district.
“TENI, therefore, engages multiple stakeholders and builds on best practices to tackle underlying causes that prevent children completing and performing in school, including socio-cultural beliefs, poverty barriers, the school environment and quality of teaching and learning,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme: “Working together to achieve systematic change in education in northern Ghana,” the West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, Sulley Abudu Zakaria, said as part of its quest to improve academic excellence in the district, the assembly had released some funds to the district directorate of education to organise a best teacher awards ceremony to reward hard work.
The 10-year project, dubbed: “Tackling Education Inclusively” (TENI), will improve pupils’ retention, performance and transition from the primary to the junior high school (JHS) level.
The project, which was launched at Walewale, will cover the northern sector with focus in three deprived districts of West Mamprusi in the Northern, Talensi-Nabdam in the Upper East and Jirapa in the Upper West regions.
It is being implemented by the Voluntary Services Overseas Ghana (VSOG), an international development organisation, in collaboration with some local partners with support from the Comic Relief UK, a charity organisation.
The Vice-President urged the people to give priority attention to the education of their children instead of channelling their resources into unproductive ventures, since the value of education could not be quantified.
He noted that the lackadaisical attitude of most parents and guardians towards education in the north had resulted in the migration of the youth to the southern parts of the country to engage in labour-intensive jobs such as “kayaye” and stressed that it was preferable to live in “poverty in dignity to wealth in humiliation”.
According to the Vice-Persident, the government had established various social interventions in the education sector such as the provision of free school uniforms and books ; increased the Capitation Grant and incentives for rural teachers.
“Parents and guardians have, therefore, no reason not to enrol their children and wards in school,” Mr Mahama indicated, and further entreated chiefs and opinion leaders to take keen interest in school administration in their respective communities.
The Country Director of the VSOG, Mr Amidu Ibrahim Tanko, explained that the first phase of the project would cover the period between 2009 and 2013.
He mentioned the activities to include strengthening of community groups to identify and modify socio-cultural practices that affect girls’ education and the empowerment of mothers’ economic status by linking them with existing livelihood interventions.
The director said it would also improve teacher availability through placement of 500 national volunteer teachers & advocacy for effective teacher support and management.
It will further identify female role models and mentor girls at risk of dropping out of school and establish and strengthen girls’ clubs and peer groups, among other interventions.
Mr Tanko also indicated that change could only be achieved when it came from within an individual, community, family, organisation or district.
“TENI, therefore, engages multiple stakeholders and builds on best practices to tackle underlying causes that prevent children completing and performing in school, including socio-cultural beliefs, poverty barriers, the school environment and quality of teaching and learning,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme: “Working together to achieve systematic change in education in northern Ghana,” the West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, Sulley Abudu Zakaria, said as part of its quest to improve academic excellence in the district, the assembly had released some funds to the district directorate of education to organise a best teacher awards ceremony to reward hard work.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
BARCLAYS OPENS NEW BRANCH IN GUMANI (PAGE 38, MAY 1, 2010)
THE growing business opportunities in the Tamale metropolis continue to attract the attention of more banks with the existing ones opening additional branches.
The latest to increase its presence in the metropolis is Barclays Bank. Their newly constructed Gumani branch was opened to the general public last weekend. This brings to two, their branches in Tamale and the 92nd nationwide.
According to the Managing Director of the bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, the decision to establish an additional branch in the metropolis formed part of their long-term strategy.
It also followed the impressive performance of the main branch and the growing number of customers who are attracted to the innovative products of the bank in the area.
He also explained that it was part of the bank’s objective to expand its footprint and to consolidate its position in becoming the number one bank in the country by providing strategies and products that would respond to the needs of Ghanaians.
He said developments in the country's banking sector in the first quarter of the year indicated a continued strong asset growth on account of significant increases in deposits and shareholder funds and advised the people to avail themselves of the opportunities and gains made so far.
Mr Dabrah further indicated that the bank was also into community development and had funded a number of projects as part of its social responsibilities.
He mentioned the Nadowli Women's Advocacy Group in Upper West Region, Afram Plains Development Organisation, Challenging Heights, School for Life and the Guinea Worm Eradication Programme in the Northern Region as some of the beneficiaries of their support.
The Director of the bank’s Consumer Banking, Nana Benneh, also explained that the decision for the expansion was to bring world class banking to the doorsteps of the people and therefore, urged them to “continue to do business with us because in Barclays, you have indeed found your financial partner”.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Nasamu Asabigi acknowledged the significant contributions made by the private sector to the growth of the economy and entreated the bank to extend its support to farmers and peace initiative programmes in the area.
“I also wish to appeal to the management of the bank to consider making it easier for more people to be able to access loans to expand their small-scale businesses, particularly the women in view of the fact that such support has become a major source of livelihood for our people,”he indicated.
On behalf of the chiefs and people, the minister commended the bank for its long presence in the metropolis and also establishing an additional branch to respond to the demands of the people.
The latest to increase its presence in the metropolis is Barclays Bank. Their newly constructed Gumani branch was opened to the general public last weekend. This brings to two, their branches in Tamale and the 92nd nationwide.
According to the Managing Director of the bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, the decision to establish an additional branch in the metropolis formed part of their long-term strategy.
It also followed the impressive performance of the main branch and the growing number of customers who are attracted to the innovative products of the bank in the area.
He also explained that it was part of the bank’s objective to expand its footprint and to consolidate its position in becoming the number one bank in the country by providing strategies and products that would respond to the needs of Ghanaians.
He said developments in the country's banking sector in the first quarter of the year indicated a continued strong asset growth on account of significant increases in deposits and shareholder funds and advised the people to avail themselves of the opportunities and gains made so far.
Mr Dabrah further indicated that the bank was also into community development and had funded a number of projects as part of its social responsibilities.
He mentioned the Nadowli Women's Advocacy Group in Upper West Region, Afram Plains Development Organisation, Challenging Heights, School for Life and the Guinea Worm Eradication Programme in the Northern Region as some of the beneficiaries of their support.
The Director of the bank’s Consumer Banking, Nana Benneh, also explained that the decision for the expansion was to bring world class banking to the doorsteps of the people and therefore, urged them to “continue to do business with us because in Barclays, you have indeed found your financial partner”.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Nasamu Asabigi acknowledged the significant contributions made by the private sector to the growth of the economy and entreated the bank to extend its support to farmers and peace initiative programmes in the area.
“I also wish to appeal to the management of the bank to consider making it easier for more people to be able to access loans to expand their small-scale businesses, particularly the women in view of the fact that such support has become a major source of livelihood for our people,”he indicated.
On behalf of the chiefs and people, the minister commended the bank for its long presence in the metropolis and also establishing an additional branch to respond to the demands of the people.
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