A training programme is to be organised in selected cowpea-production areas in the northern sector of the country .
The programme will ensure the proper storage of the crop to enhance food security and improve household incomes in the beneficiary communities.
Dubbed, “Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS)”, the programme is a regional project involving 10 countries in West Africa.
In Ghana, it is to be implemented in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions. The target is to reach out to more than 2,000 communities within a year.
The project is being funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The partner implementing agencies in the country include World Vision, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and community-based organisations.
According to Dr Dieudonne Baributsa of the Purdue University in the USA, one of the collaborators, the programme also has the potential to reduce poverty among the people.
Dr Baributsa, who was speaking at the inauguration of the programme in Tamale, therefore, emphasised the need for farmers to ensure that they installed proper storage facilities using bags that had polythene in them.
“Using the Hermetic Triple Plastic Bag will help prevent post-harvest losses and improve household incomes for the poor farmers”, he stated.
The PICS Co-ordinator in Ghana, Dr John Adu-Kumi, explained that the new method would be demonstrated in each community, and radio sensitisation programmes organised.
He said if cowpeas was not stored properly, weevils would infect them and destroy the beans; a situation, he said, could lead to food insecurity and health hazards.
The Savelugu-based Operation Team Leader of World Vision, Mr James Asedem, said the project fell in line with the objectives of his outfit.
He stated that apart from being an important crop in the diet of the people, cowpea was also a key cash crop for many rural communities.
Mr Asedem, however, observed that cowpea farmers had over the years experienced the highest post-harvest losses due to ‘bruchid’ infestation.
He further said due to poverty and lack of proper storage facilities, some of the farmers usually sold their produce soon after harvesting, when prices for the crop were low.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
MELCOM DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO TAMALE MUSLIMS (PAGE 22, SEPT 7, 2010)
THE Tamale branch of Melcom group of companies limited has presented quantities of food items to the Tamale Central Mosque to support the congregation in their ongoing fasting obligation.
The items included sugar, rice, cooking oil, tea and milk.
According to the Tamale Branch Manager of Melcom, Mr Rizwan Ahmad Khan, the donation, which was the first of its kind to the mosque, formed part of Melcom's social responsibility.
He stated that Tamale was predominantly a Muslim community and it was for that reason that it found it necessary to support the Muslim Umma in fulfilling one of their religious obligations.
The manager promised to extend the gesture to other mosques in the metropolis in future.
Mr Khan expressed appreciation to the people of the metropolis for the continuous patronage of their goods which he described as affordable and of quality.
“At the moment, we are refurbishing the shop to make it more comfortable and congenial to shop as this is in line with our vision of always satisfying our customers needs,” he stated.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture and pledged to ensure the fair distribution of the items.
He advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to reflect on their past deeds, pray for forgiveness and chart a new course of life devoid of negative tendencies.
The items included sugar, rice, cooking oil, tea and milk.
According to the Tamale Branch Manager of Melcom, Mr Rizwan Ahmad Khan, the donation, which was the first of its kind to the mosque, formed part of Melcom's social responsibility.
He stated that Tamale was predominantly a Muslim community and it was for that reason that it found it necessary to support the Muslim Umma in fulfilling one of their religious obligations.
The manager promised to extend the gesture to other mosques in the metropolis in future.
Mr Khan expressed appreciation to the people of the metropolis for the continuous patronage of their goods which he described as affordable and of quality.
“At the moment, we are refurbishing the shop to make it more comfortable and congenial to shop as this is in line with our vision of always satisfying our customers needs,” he stated.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture and pledged to ensure the fair distribution of the items.
He advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to reflect on their past deeds, pray for forgiveness and chart a new course of life devoid of negative tendencies.
COUNCIL DRAWS UP PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP NR (PAGE 22, SEPT 7, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) has rolled out a number of programmes to facilitate the accelerated development of the area which is among the least developed regions in the country.
Among the thematic sectors that are attracting the council’s attention are, infrastructure development, agriculture, education and security.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, outlined the achievements chalked up so far and the vision of the government towards the forward move of the region at a well-attended “Meet the press” series held in Tamale.
The meeting was attended by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Agyenim Boateng, a Member of the Council of State, Kpan-Na Mohammed Bawa, District Chief Executives, chiefs and heads of departments, among others.
According to Mr Mabengba, as of December, last year, a total of 81.90 kilometres of roads had been constructed.
He said there were spot improvements and rehabilitation of some roads while a number of town roads were also worked on.
The minister also mentioned the construction of bridges, adding that routine maintenance on 15 roads covering a distance of 377.30 kilometres had been completed at while work on 450 kilometres of roads would commence soon.
He added that contract had been awarded on road surfacing in Chereponi, Tolon and Bole districts under the District Capital Road Improvement Project.
Mr Mabengba said some roads in the Tamale Metropolis were also to be given a facelift.
They include the 1.2-kilometre Nalungfon road which will be rehabilitated and that of the Picorna stretch.
“Again, 1.2 kilometres length of storm drains at Choggu Low Cost area is to be constructed as excavation works on this project has commenced,” he stated.
On the agricultural sector, the Regional Minister said available land for agricultural production in the region was 4.9 million hectares out of which only 800,000 hectares, representing 16 per cent were under production.
“Part of the remainder is used for livestock production while 10 per cent of the Volta Lake system that falls in the region also provides a platform for irrigation agriculture that can be undertaken in the region throughout the year,” he added.
Mr Mabengba mentioned the Youth in Agriculture block farm, fertiliser subsidy, Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programmes, including the rice sector support and the livestock development projects as some of the initiatives the government was undertaking to ensure food security in the region.
Under the block farm programme, the regional minister stated that it was being implemented in all the 20 districts in the region. Crops under cultivation include maize, rice, soya beans, sorghum and onions.
According to him, “a total of 15,722 farmers had been registered as beneficiaries of the 2010 programme. this means that through agriculture, the government has been able to provide employment for more than 15,000 people.”
Touching on the security situation in the region, Mr Mabengba observed that the area was experiencing some calm now, despite the fact that there were still unresolved matters on chieftaincy and land disputes.
“However, these have largely been contained, thanks to the increased appreciation and understanding of the role of peace in development by all stakeholders,” he stated.
Mr Mabengba, however, mentioned the Dagbon crisis, contenders for the Bimbilla skins, the Buipe skin affair and other minor chieftaincy issues pending at the Regional House of Chiefs, which, he said, were currently under review by the judicial committee of the House.
The Regional Minister said the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District had witnessed a number of violent conflicts leading to many internal displaced persons, adding that the area was now calm with security patrols.
On highway robbery, he said the incidence had now reduced following the constant patrol of the roads by a combined team of the military and the police. According to him, the robberies were often committed by Fulani herdsmen and their Ghanaian collaborators.
Mr Mabengba commended the chiefs and people of the area for their patience and co-operation over the years and assured them that the government was on track in achieving its "Better Ghana" agenda.
Among the thematic sectors that are attracting the council’s attention are, infrastructure development, agriculture, education and security.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, outlined the achievements chalked up so far and the vision of the government towards the forward move of the region at a well-attended “Meet the press” series held in Tamale.
The meeting was attended by a Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Agyenim Boateng, a Member of the Council of State, Kpan-Na Mohammed Bawa, District Chief Executives, chiefs and heads of departments, among others.
According to Mr Mabengba, as of December, last year, a total of 81.90 kilometres of roads had been constructed.
He said there were spot improvements and rehabilitation of some roads while a number of town roads were also worked on.
The minister also mentioned the construction of bridges, adding that routine maintenance on 15 roads covering a distance of 377.30 kilometres had been completed at while work on 450 kilometres of roads would commence soon.
He added that contract had been awarded on road surfacing in Chereponi, Tolon and Bole districts under the District Capital Road Improvement Project.
Mr Mabengba said some roads in the Tamale Metropolis were also to be given a facelift.
They include the 1.2-kilometre Nalungfon road which will be rehabilitated and that of the Picorna stretch.
“Again, 1.2 kilometres length of storm drains at Choggu Low Cost area is to be constructed as excavation works on this project has commenced,” he stated.
On the agricultural sector, the Regional Minister said available land for agricultural production in the region was 4.9 million hectares out of which only 800,000 hectares, representing 16 per cent were under production.
“Part of the remainder is used for livestock production while 10 per cent of the Volta Lake system that falls in the region also provides a platform for irrigation agriculture that can be undertaken in the region throughout the year,” he added.
Mr Mabengba mentioned the Youth in Agriculture block farm, fertiliser subsidy, Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programmes, including the rice sector support and the livestock development projects as some of the initiatives the government was undertaking to ensure food security in the region.
Under the block farm programme, the regional minister stated that it was being implemented in all the 20 districts in the region. Crops under cultivation include maize, rice, soya beans, sorghum and onions.
According to him, “a total of 15,722 farmers had been registered as beneficiaries of the 2010 programme. this means that through agriculture, the government has been able to provide employment for more than 15,000 people.”
Touching on the security situation in the region, Mr Mabengba observed that the area was experiencing some calm now, despite the fact that there were still unresolved matters on chieftaincy and land disputes.
“However, these have largely been contained, thanks to the increased appreciation and understanding of the role of peace in development by all stakeholders,” he stated.
Mr Mabengba, however, mentioned the Dagbon crisis, contenders for the Bimbilla skins, the Buipe skin affair and other minor chieftaincy issues pending at the Regional House of Chiefs, which, he said, were currently under review by the judicial committee of the House.
The Regional Minister said the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District had witnessed a number of violent conflicts leading to many internal displaced persons, adding that the area was now calm with security patrols.
On highway robbery, he said the incidence had now reduced following the constant patrol of the roads by a combined team of the military and the police. According to him, the robberies were often committed by Fulani herdsmen and their Ghanaian collaborators.
Mr Mabengba commended the chiefs and people of the area for their patience and co-operation over the years and assured them that the government was on track in achieving its "Better Ghana" agenda.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
CSM CLAIMS 22 LIVES IN NORTHERN REGION (BACK PAGE, SEPT 2, 2010)
CELEBRO Spinal Meningitis (CSM) has claimed 22 lives in the Northern Region, out of the 117 cases reported at various health centres in the early part of this year.
Malaria, however, continues to be the leading cause of illness and death in the region.
In the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District, 35 cases of CSM were reported with eight deaths. The East Mamprusi District had 48 cases with seven deaths while the Saboba District had 22 cases with no fatalities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, disclosed this at the region’s turn at the “Meet the Press” series in Tamale last Monday.
The minister further indicated that there were 44 per cent institutional deaths from malaria while malaria fatality rate increased marginally from 2.94 per cent in 2009 to 2.98 per cent this year.
On the current guinea worm situation in the region, he said only eight cases had so far been reported this year. This is a significant reduction from the same time last year when 231 cases were received.
The region, according to Mr Mabengba, also registered 51 maternal deaths while the HIV prevalence rate increased from 1.1 per cent in 2007 to 2.0 per cent last year. There have also been 71 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in the area with eight persons testing positive.
Touching on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he said since its inception, 1,713,414 persons in the region had registered with the scheme, representing 69.4 per cent of the region’s population.
“Let me also mention that fraudulent activities in both the schemes and by the providers that have bedevilled the smooth running of the scheme in the region have reduced drastically,” he noted.
The minister, however, expressed concern that in spite of the several appeals made to health personnel to accept postings to the Northern Region, some of them were still reluctant to work in the area.
He said this had led to the existing challenges faced by the region in its quest to ensure efficient health delivery services to the people.
He observed for instance that the five doctors who were posted to the area this year had all refused to report to post.
At the moment, there are only nine doctors serving in the 20 districts in the region. The number of midwives is 275 with 542 nurses. However, the Tamale Teaching Hospital has 57 doctors, including 23 House Officers.
Malaria, however, continues to be the leading cause of illness and death in the region.
In the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District, 35 cases of CSM were reported with eight deaths. The East Mamprusi District had 48 cases with seven deaths while the Saboba District had 22 cases with no fatalities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, disclosed this at the region’s turn at the “Meet the Press” series in Tamale last Monday.
The minister further indicated that there were 44 per cent institutional deaths from malaria while malaria fatality rate increased marginally from 2.94 per cent in 2009 to 2.98 per cent this year.
On the current guinea worm situation in the region, he said only eight cases had so far been reported this year. This is a significant reduction from the same time last year when 231 cases were received.
The region, according to Mr Mabengba, also registered 51 maternal deaths while the HIV prevalence rate increased from 1.1 per cent in 2007 to 2.0 per cent last year. There have also been 71 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in the area with eight persons testing positive.
Touching on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he said since its inception, 1,713,414 persons in the region had registered with the scheme, representing 69.4 per cent of the region’s population.
“Let me also mention that fraudulent activities in both the schemes and by the providers that have bedevilled the smooth running of the scheme in the region have reduced drastically,” he noted.
The minister, however, expressed concern that in spite of the several appeals made to health personnel to accept postings to the Northern Region, some of them were still reluctant to work in the area.
He said this had led to the existing challenges faced by the region in its quest to ensure efficient health delivery services to the people.
He observed for instance that the five doctors who were posted to the area this year had all refused to report to post.
At the moment, there are only nine doctors serving in the 20 districts in the region. The number of midwives is 275 with 542 nurses. However, the Tamale Teaching Hospital has 57 doctors, including 23 House Officers.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
GOVT SENDS REINFORCEMENT TO KARAGA ...To check violence (PAGE 19, AUGUST 31, 2010)
Military and police reinforcement has been despatched to Karaga to contain violence which erupted over the nomination of a new District Chief Executive for the Karaga District in the Northern Region.
The reinforcement was necessitated by the fact that police personnel sent to Karaga to maintain law and order were chased away by irate members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who were said to have gone on the rampage because they were not pleased with the nomination of Mr Hussein Issah Sulemana as the new DCE.
About six months ago, the district chief executives for Karaga, Yendi and Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo were relieved of their posts by President John Atta Mills after protest against them by some youth groups in their respective areas.
After the announcement of the nomination of the new DCE on Friday August 27, 2010, a faction of the youth group of the party alleged to be supporters of the former chief executive, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai Sandow, allegedly clashed with those of the current nominee leading to injuries to people on both sides and destruction of property.
Supporters of Alhaji Sandow accused those of Mr Sulemana of being responsible for the agitation that led to the removal of the former DCE from office.
Addressing the meet-the-press series in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, said calm had returned to Karaga and declared the resolve of the Regional Security Council to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the disturbances.
“Wherever they are, we shall pursue and arrest them,” he said.
He condemned the action of the irate NDC members who went on the rampage in Karaga and said it was high time such miscreants were brought to book and made to answer for their actions.
As of the time of filing this report, the DCE nominee who is also the Karaga Constituency Secretary of the NDC was said to be in Tamale consulting with the party executives.
The reinforcement was necessitated by the fact that police personnel sent to Karaga to maintain law and order were chased away by irate members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who were said to have gone on the rampage because they were not pleased with the nomination of Mr Hussein Issah Sulemana as the new DCE.
About six months ago, the district chief executives for Karaga, Yendi and Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo were relieved of their posts by President John Atta Mills after protest against them by some youth groups in their respective areas.
After the announcement of the nomination of the new DCE on Friday August 27, 2010, a faction of the youth group of the party alleged to be supporters of the former chief executive, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai Sandow, allegedly clashed with those of the current nominee leading to injuries to people on both sides and destruction of property.
Supporters of Alhaji Sandow accused those of Mr Sulemana of being responsible for the agitation that led to the removal of the former DCE from office.
Addressing the meet-the-press series in Tamale yesterday, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, said calm had returned to Karaga and declared the resolve of the Regional Security Council to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the disturbances.
“Wherever they are, we shall pursue and arrest them,” he said.
He condemned the action of the irate NDC members who went on the rampage in Karaga and said it was high time such miscreants were brought to book and made to answer for their actions.
As of the time of filing this report, the DCE nominee who is also the Karaga Constituency Secretary of the NDC was said to be in Tamale consulting with the party executives.
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