THE Gonja Traditional Council has served notice of its intention to contest the Tamale High Court ruling on the Buipe Skin at the Court of Appeal.
This is to enable it to seek justice on the matter in which the court ruled in favour of the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor, as the rightful occupant of the skin.
The council contended that it was not satisfied with the ruling, since the Yagbonwura, who is the Paramount Chief for the area, had the sole authority of enskinning and removing chiefs who were not loyal to him.
The council has, therefore, vowed to appeal against the ruling at the Appeals Court after their lawyers have studied details of the ruling.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Tamale on Monday and signed by 11 chiefs including the Yagbonwura.
It would be recalled that the Tamale High Court last week declared as null and void the deskinment of Abdulai Jinapor by the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Borisa Sulemana Jakpa II, for gross insubordination in May last year.
The Buipewura later challenged the decision by the Yagbonwura, the Traditional Council and its registrar in the court.
Justice Kwame Ansu Gyeabour, who presided over the matter, upheld that the Buipewura could not be deskinned by the defendants because they were not the kingmakers for the skin.
The court also upheld the Buipewura’s argument that he was not given a fair hearing before the supposed deskinment and, therefore, awarded costs and general damages to the tune of GH¢6,400 against the defendants.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate in the 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 Buipewura 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 and 12 other paramount chiefs of the Gonja Traditional Area at Damongo, the chiefs accused the Buipewura, Jinapor II Abdulai Mahama of “gross disrespect for the King of Gonja and the entire members of the Gonja Traditional Council.”
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
TAMA HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING (PAGE 29, JAN 24, 2011)
THE Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) has held a Town Hall meeting where the mayor, Alhaji Haruna Abdulai Friday, outlined his achievements, spelt out his visions and answered questions bordering on the accelerated development of the metropolis.
The meeting, which was the second of its kind to be held by the assembly, was attended by the general public, members of the assembly, some heads of departments and their officials.
Among the topics discussed were revenue mobilisation, employment generation, water and sanitation and peace and security.
Alhaji Friday indicated that there had been some improvements in the revenue mobilisation drive by the assembly last year.
He said out of the GH¢1500000 cedis targetted for the year, the assembly was able to mobilise.
He further indicated that the total debts inherited before May 2009 was “over GH¢320,000 but we have so far serviced about 90 per cent of the debts.”
The mayor denied a statement that his outfit was not sensitive to the needs of the youth and disclosed that under the National Youth Employment Programme, a total number of 7707 people had been engaged in productive ventures through the eleven modules rolled out by the programme.
The Youth in Agriculture programme had also supported a total of 82 groups with a numerical strength of 1,976 farmers with an interest-free loan to cultivate 3,401 acres of rice, maize and soya beans.
Additionally, some livestock farmers were also given animals to rear and that more farmers would be benefiting from the programme this year.
Alhaji Friday also stated that the assembly had over the last two years extended pipe-borne water and constructed several public toilets to a number of communities and schools in collaboration with its development partners.
Some of the beneficiary communities include Garizegu, Nyanshegu, Taha, Gbalahi and Wovogu.
On the prevailing peace and security in the metropolis, the mayor explained that it was as a result of the effective co-ordination of all security agencies and other stakeholders in the maintenance of law and order.
Task forces had also been established in all the 54 electoral areas in the metropolis with a numerical strength of 1,242 volunteers to give early warning signals to prevent and manage conflicts.
Training and some logistical support had also been offered members of the task force to aid them in their duties. According to the mayor, the task force had so far arrested over 114 suspected criminals during their night patrols and that most of them had since been prosecuted.
He announced that an investment forum is to be held in the metropolis to showcase the potential of the area to attract the needed investments for accelerated growth.
“With the relative peace achieved, coupled with the increased internal revenue mobilisation performance of over 100 per cent, high employment opportunities and food security, there has been an increase in commercial activities leading to improved standard of life,” the mayor stated.
He, however, observed that more efforts would be needed to sustain the gains made over the years.
The meeting, which was the second of its kind to be held by the assembly, was attended by the general public, members of the assembly, some heads of departments and their officials.
Among the topics discussed were revenue mobilisation, employment generation, water and sanitation and peace and security.
Alhaji Friday indicated that there had been some improvements in the revenue mobilisation drive by the assembly last year.
He said out of the GH¢1500000 cedis targetted for the year, the assembly was able to mobilise.
He further indicated that the total debts inherited before May 2009 was “over GH¢320,000 but we have so far serviced about 90 per cent of the debts.”
The mayor denied a statement that his outfit was not sensitive to the needs of the youth and disclosed that under the National Youth Employment Programme, a total number of 7707 people had been engaged in productive ventures through the eleven modules rolled out by the programme.
The Youth in Agriculture programme had also supported a total of 82 groups with a numerical strength of 1,976 farmers with an interest-free loan to cultivate 3,401 acres of rice, maize and soya beans.
Additionally, some livestock farmers were also given animals to rear and that more farmers would be benefiting from the programme this year.
Alhaji Friday also stated that the assembly had over the last two years extended pipe-borne water and constructed several public toilets to a number of communities and schools in collaboration with its development partners.
Some of the beneficiary communities include Garizegu, Nyanshegu, Taha, Gbalahi and Wovogu.
On the prevailing peace and security in the metropolis, the mayor explained that it was as a result of the effective co-ordination of all security agencies and other stakeholders in the maintenance of law and order.
Task forces had also been established in all the 54 electoral areas in the metropolis with a numerical strength of 1,242 volunteers to give early warning signals to prevent and manage conflicts.
Training and some logistical support had also been offered members of the task force to aid them in their duties. According to the mayor, the task force had so far arrested over 114 suspected criminals during their night patrols and that most of them had since been prosecuted.
He announced that an investment forum is to be held in the metropolis to showcase the potential of the area to attract the needed investments for accelerated growth.
“With the relative peace achieved, coupled with the increased internal revenue mobilisation performance of over 100 per cent, high employment opportunities and food security, there has been an increase in commercial activities leading to improved standard of life,” the mayor stated.
He, however, observed that more efforts would be needed to sustain the gains made over the years.
ONLY 19 WOMEN GOT THE NOD IN NR ...As assembly members (PAGE 13, JAN 24, 2011)
OUT of the total number of 137 female candidates who contested for the district assembly elections in the Northern Region, only 19 of them were given the mandate to serve in their various assemblies.
The figure reflects a sharp reduction as compared to 38 females who were elected to the assemblies in the last elections in 2006.
There was also a decline in the voter turn-out of 53.1 per cent as against the 56 per cent figure achieved in 2006.
In the Tamale metropolis, for instance, only one woman was voted to the assembly, compared to the 64 elected men. In nine other districts of Bole, East Gonja, Kpandai, Nanumba South, Yendi and Saboba, no female was offered the mandate.
Chereponi, Savelugu/Nanton, East Maprusi and Bunkpurugu also recorded zero per cent for the female candidates.
The West Mamprusi District, however, recorded the highest elected females of five from the 43 electoral areas followed by West Gonja, Nanumba North, Gushiegu, Karaga and Tolon/Kumbungu districts which had two elected members each, respectively.
According to the Northern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Sylvester Kanyi, all the 20 districts in the region recorded lower turn-out except the Nanumba North, South, Zabzugu/Tatale, Yendi and Saboba where figures were higher than those in 2006.
The figures for Kpandai and Chereponi for 2006 were not readily available.
While some people in the region have attributed the low turn-out to the inconsistencies in the designated dates for the elections by the EC, others blamed the situation on voter apathy and the unattractive nature of the district assembly concept.
They also claimed that the female candidates may have suffered from stereotyping and the lack of support and resources to compete effectively.
The figure reflects a sharp reduction as compared to 38 females who were elected to the assemblies in the last elections in 2006.
There was also a decline in the voter turn-out of 53.1 per cent as against the 56 per cent figure achieved in 2006.
In the Tamale metropolis, for instance, only one woman was voted to the assembly, compared to the 64 elected men. In nine other districts of Bole, East Gonja, Kpandai, Nanumba South, Yendi and Saboba, no female was offered the mandate.
Chereponi, Savelugu/Nanton, East Maprusi and Bunkpurugu also recorded zero per cent for the female candidates.
The West Mamprusi District, however, recorded the highest elected females of five from the 43 electoral areas followed by West Gonja, Nanumba North, Gushiegu, Karaga and Tolon/Kumbungu districts which had two elected members each, respectively.
According to the Northern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Sylvester Kanyi, all the 20 districts in the region recorded lower turn-out except the Nanumba North, South, Zabzugu/Tatale, Yendi and Saboba where figures were higher than those in 2006.
The figures for Kpandai and Chereponi for 2006 were not readily available.
While some people in the region have attributed the low turn-out to the inconsistencies in the designated dates for the elections by the EC, others blamed the situation on voter apathy and the unattractive nature of the district assembly concept.
They also claimed that the female candidates may have suffered from stereotyping and the lack of support and resources to compete effectively.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS SIX LIVES (BACK PAGE, JAN 14, 2011)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
SIX persons died on the spot while four others sustained injuries when a vehicle in which they were travelling in, veered off and run into an oncoming Articulator truck at Diare, along the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway.
There was however an altercation between the police and the kinsmen and sympathizers of the deceased when the former arrived at the scene to pick the deceased to the Morgue for autopsy.
The crowd blocked the road and compelled the Police to release the bodies that had already been deposited in the Police vehicle to them for early burial according to Islamic tradition.
The four injured persons including the driver of the KIA were nonetheless sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
According to the Police PRO, Ebenezer Tetteh, the incident occurred on Wednesday night at about 10pm. The KIA vehicle with the registration number AS 6798 Z in which all the ten victims were travelling in, was carrying foodstuff and animals from Lingbinsi in the West Mamprusi district to Techiman.
While the articulator truck with the registration number AS 1297 G was on its way from Accra to Bolgatanga.
Mr. Tetteh explained that, one of the front tyres of the KIA vehicle burst after hitting a pot hole. The driver thus lost control and veered off onto the lane of the oncoming articulator truck. It braced the truck in the process and somersaulted.
The PRO explained that the police arrived at the scene at about 11 pm and picked the deceased into their vehicle but were prevented from sending them to the TTH morgue by the agitated crowd who insisted that since the people were dead, there was no need for further delays in burying their kinsmen according to Islamic tradition.
“We had to release the bodies and leave the scene at around 1am to prevent any further tension,” Mr. Tetteh intimated.
He however said they were able to identify one Azumah Bawumia a circuit supervisor with the GES and indicated that, “if the people go ahead to burry the bodies without our consent, we would hold him responsible since he led the protest.”
SIX persons died on the spot while four others sustained injuries when a vehicle in which they were travelling in, veered off and run into an oncoming Articulator truck at Diare, along the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway.
There was however an altercation between the police and the kinsmen and sympathizers of the deceased when the former arrived at the scene to pick the deceased to the Morgue for autopsy.
The crowd blocked the road and compelled the Police to release the bodies that had already been deposited in the Police vehicle to them for early burial according to Islamic tradition.
The four injured persons including the driver of the KIA were nonetheless sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
According to the Police PRO, Ebenezer Tetteh, the incident occurred on Wednesday night at about 10pm. The KIA vehicle with the registration number AS 6798 Z in which all the ten victims were travelling in, was carrying foodstuff and animals from Lingbinsi in the West Mamprusi district to Techiman.
While the articulator truck with the registration number AS 1297 G was on its way from Accra to Bolgatanga.
Mr. Tetteh explained that, one of the front tyres of the KIA vehicle burst after hitting a pot hole. The driver thus lost control and veered off onto the lane of the oncoming articulator truck. It braced the truck in the process and somersaulted.
The PRO explained that the police arrived at the scene at about 11 pm and picked the deceased into their vehicle but were prevented from sending them to the TTH morgue by the agitated crowd who insisted that since the people were dead, there was no need for further delays in burying their kinsmen according to Islamic tradition.
“We had to release the bodies and leave the scene at around 1am to prevent any further tension,” Mr. Tetteh intimated.
He however said they were able to identify one Azumah Bawumia a circuit supervisor with the GES and indicated that, “if the people go ahead to burry the bodies without our consent, we would hold him responsible since he led the protest.”
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP ATTACKS COP (PAGE 46, JAN 20, 2011)
A POLICE officer, Sergeant Kwame Atinkorang suffered some internal injuries when he was allegedly attacked by an unidentified youth group in Tamale last Saturday after arresting a motorist for committing a traffic offence.
The officer, who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment, only gained consciousness yesterday and is currently responding to treatment. No arrest has been made yet.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the incident occurred around the central business district.
That was after the victim had released a motorist who committed a traffic offence and asked him to report to the police after his motorist licence had been confiscated.
Some unidentified youth later pounced on Sgt Atinkorang and beat him up mercilessly for what could be described as a reprisal attack for the arrest and detention of the attackers’ colleague.
According to the PRO, earlier, a motorist, who was riding without a crash helmet, had been arrested and detained at the Police charge office.
Later, colleagues of the suspect rushed to the charge office and obstructed the work of the police.
In the process, Mr Tetteh said, they acted violently for which reason three of them were also placed in custody.
Upon hearing about the incident, many of their colleagues also besieged the station demanding the immediate release of the four associates.
He said that created a scene that attracted the attention of the Police high command in the region whose intervention ensured sanity.
The PRO stated that Sgt Atinkorang was later attacked in town when he joined his colleagues to continue with the special exercise to clamp down on motor traffic offences in the metropolis.
At the recent encounter with the media, President Atta Mills expressed grave concern over the growing indiscipline on the roads following which the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, ordered his men to undertake the exercise.
The officer, who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment, only gained consciousness yesterday and is currently responding to treatment. No arrest has been made yet.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the incident occurred around the central business district.
That was after the victim had released a motorist who committed a traffic offence and asked him to report to the police after his motorist licence had been confiscated.
Some unidentified youth later pounced on Sgt Atinkorang and beat him up mercilessly for what could be described as a reprisal attack for the arrest and detention of the attackers’ colleague.
According to the PRO, earlier, a motorist, who was riding without a crash helmet, had been arrested and detained at the Police charge office.
Later, colleagues of the suspect rushed to the charge office and obstructed the work of the police.
In the process, Mr Tetteh said, they acted violently for which reason three of them were also placed in custody.
Upon hearing about the incident, many of their colleagues also besieged the station demanding the immediate release of the four associates.
He said that created a scene that attracted the attention of the Police high command in the region whose intervention ensured sanity.
The PRO stated that Sgt Atinkorang was later attacked in town when he joined his colleagues to continue with the special exercise to clamp down on motor traffic offences in the metropolis.
At the recent encounter with the media, President Atta Mills expressed grave concern over the growing indiscipline on the roads following which the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, ordered his men to undertake the exercise.
POVERTY REDUCTION PROJECT LAUNCHED ...In Tamale (BACK PAGE, JAN 19, 2011)
THE Social Opportunities Project (SOP) targeted at improving the socio-economic life of the rural poor in the country has commenced in Tamale.
The US$88.6 million project is to provide rural poor households with access to employment and income-earning opportunities, especially during agricultural off-seasons, while rehabilitating productive and social infrastructure such as dams and feeder roads.
The five-year project is being funded by the World Bank through a loan facility.
In all, 40 districts are to benefit from the project nation-wide. They include 11 districts from the Northern, six from the Upper West and eight from the Upper West regions.
At a capacity-building workshop for 20 beneficiary districts in Tamale last Tuesday, the outgoing Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, explained that the government adopted a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) with the aim of protecting the poorest and most vulnerable segment of society.
According to a speech read on his behalf, a number of programmes, such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the Capitation Grant, School Feeding, distribution of free school uniforms and free maternal care for pregnant women, were all part of the NSPS.
The US$88.6 million project is to provide rural poor households with access to employment and income-earning opportunities, especially during agricultural off-seasons, while rehabilitating productive and social infrastructure such as dams and feeder roads.
The five-year project is being funded by the World Bank through a loan facility.
In all, 40 districts are to benefit from the project nation-wide. They include 11 districts from the Northern, six from the Upper West and eight from the Upper West regions.
At a capacity-building workshop for 20 beneficiary districts in Tamale last Tuesday, the outgoing Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, explained that the government adopted a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) with the aim of protecting the poorest and most vulnerable segment of society.
According to a speech read on his behalf, a number of programmes, such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the Capitation Grant, School Feeding, distribution of free school uniforms and free maternal care for pregnant women, were all part of the NSPS.
Monday, January 17, 2011
FIRE DESTROYS RICE FARMS (PAGE 3, JAN 17, 2011)
BUSHFIRES continue to wreak havoc on large tracts of rice farms in the Northern Region, where farmers are saddled with the problem of inadequate machinery for harvest.
By last Saturday, the disaster had struck more than eight rice farms, covering hundreds of hectares, including a 77-hectare farm in Yendi owned by Col (retd) Ibrahim Abdulai, a former Northern Regional Minister.
The other calamity occurred at Kpalkori, where the farmers claimed that the unavailability of combine harvesters for early harvest in the region was a contributory factor to the hazard.
The Kpalkori Farm belongs to members of Northern Youth for Peace and Development, a Tamale-based civil society organisation.
According to the project co-ordinator, Mr Yahaya Abdul-Rauf, the youth cultivated 87 hectares of rice, out of which only 10 hectares was spared by the fire.
He was full of sympathy for the farmers he described as unemployed youth mobilised from various political groups to take advantage of the youth-in-agriculture programme rolled out by the government.
Mr Abdul-Rauf explained that after acquiring the land at Kpalkori, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture supported them with fast-yielding rice seeds which they planted in September.
“Even though the rice was ready for harvest in October, we could not readily get a combine harvester, since there were not enough in the region,” he indicated.
He said members of the association had to contribute to buy fuel and spare parts to fix some broken down combine harvesters, “but unfortunately they all broke down again on the farm”.
Mr Abdul-Rauf, therefore, appealed to the government to come to their aid, since they had exhausted all their resources in their farming venture.
By last Saturday, the disaster had struck more than eight rice farms, covering hundreds of hectares, including a 77-hectare farm in Yendi owned by Col (retd) Ibrahim Abdulai, a former Northern Regional Minister.
The other calamity occurred at Kpalkori, where the farmers claimed that the unavailability of combine harvesters for early harvest in the region was a contributory factor to the hazard.
The Kpalkori Farm belongs to members of Northern Youth for Peace and Development, a Tamale-based civil society organisation.
According to the project co-ordinator, Mr Yahaya Abdul-Rauf, the youth cultivated 87 hectares of rice, out of which only 10 hectares was spared by the fire.
He was full of sympathy for the farmers he described as unemployed youth mobilised from various political groups to take advantage of the youth-in-agriculture programme rolled out by the government.
Mr Abdul-Rauf explained that after acquiring the land at Kpalkori, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture supported them with fast-yielding rice seeds which they planted in September.
“Even though the rice was ready for harvest in October, we could not readily get a combine harvester, since there were not enough in the region,” he indicated.
He said members of the association had to contribute to buy fuel and spare parts to fix some broken down combine harvesters, “but unfortunately they all broke down again on the farm”.
Mr Abdul-Rauf, therefore, appealed to the government to come to their aid, since they had exhausted all their resources in their farming venture.
UNEASY CALM AT BUIPE (PAGE 3, JAN 15, 2011)
BUIPE, the Central Gonja District capital in the Northern Region, is seemingly calm after the landmark ruling by the Tamale High Court declaring null and void the deskinment of the Chief for the area, Abdulai Jinapor.
According to the police, the security in the area had been on high alert since the decision by the Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Sulemana Jakpa II, the traditional council and the registrar of the council in May last year to deskin the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor.
“Since the court passed its judgement on the matter on Thursday, we have beefed up security in the area to high alert and monitoring the situation closely,” Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the Northern Regional Police PRO, told the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
He further said “the police will deal with any person or group that will disturb the fragile peace in the area”.
Justice Kwame Ansu Gyeabour, who presided over the matter, ruled that the Buipewura could not be deskinned by the defendants because they were not the kingmakers for the skin.
The court also upheld the Buipewura’s argument that he was not given a fair hearing before the supposed deskinment and awarded costs and general damages to the tune of GH¢6,400 against the defendants.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate the case between the Buipewura and one of his alleged antagonists, Monowura Akwasi Piesie, whom 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 Buipewura and his loyalists, on one side, and the Yagbonwura, the other chiefs and their supporters, on the other.
The Buipewura was alleged to have subsequently pulled a gun and fired warning shots, a charge he had since denied.
Following that development, the council decided to deskin the Buipewura for insubordination and gross disrespect to the council members.
In a statement signed by Yagbonwura Sulemana Jakpa 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 Abdulai Mahama II”.
The Buipewura, however, resorted to the court for redress.
According to the police, the security in the area had been on high alert since the decision by the Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Sulemana Jakpa II, the traditional council and the registrar of the council in May last year to deskin the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor.
“Since the court passed its judgement on the matter on Thursday, we have beefed up security in the area to high alert and monitoring the situation closely,” Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the Northern Regional Police PRO, told the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
He further said “the police will deal with any person or group that will disturb the fragile peace in the area”.
Justice Kwame Ansu Gyeabour, who presided over the matter, ruled that the Buipewura could not be deskinned by the defendants because they were not the kingmakers for the skin.
The court also upheld the Buipewura’s argument that he was not given a fair hearing before the supposed deskinment and awarded costs and general damages to the tune of GH¢6,400 against the defendants.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate the case between the Buipewura and one of his alleged antagonists, Monowura Akwasi Piesie, whom 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 Buipewura and his loyalists, on one side, and the Yagbonwura, the other chiefs and their supporters, on the other.
The Buipewura was alleged to have subsequently pulled a gun and fired warning shots, a charge he had since denied.
Following that development, the council decided to deskin the Buipewura for insubordination and gross disrespect to the council members.
In a statement signed by Yagbonwura Sulemana Jakpa 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 Abdulai Mahama II”.
The Buipewura, however, resorted to the court for redress.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
ALIU URGES NPP TO MANAGE PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES WELL (PAGE 12, JAN 12, 2011)
FORMER Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has stressed the need for the forthcoming NPP Parliamentary primaries to be handled cautiously in other to come out with winnable candidates while keeping the unity of the party intact.
He indicated that it was equally important to select popular candidates who could attract majority votes in the constituencies irrespective of their educational background.
The former vice president was briefing the media in Tamale after visiting some constituencies including Salaga, Bimbila and Wulensi as part of his second leg campaign tour of the northern regions.
“What matters in elections is about winning; but at the same time we would need to manage the primaries well to ensure the unity of the party after the exercise,” Alhaji Mahama said.
He observed that the divisiveness and rancour prior to the parliamentary primaries in the 2008 elections were partly some of the reasons why the NPP lost many of its seats.
Alhaji Mahama explained that the motive behind his early campaigns in the North ahead of the 2012 elections was to repackage the party and make it more attractive to the electorate.
“Party unity and fraternisation is the key to our victory in 2012 and that is why I have embarked on this early campaign in northern Ghana to interact with the chiefs and people who benefited from the massive development the Kufour-led NPP administration brought to their communities during the last eight years” he stressed.
He, therefore, called on the rank and file of the party to close their ranks and gird their loins for the 2012 general election which he said the NPP was determined to win.
He added that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had failed woefully to address the needs of the people.
Alhaji Mahama expressed appreciation to the party leadership and supporters in the Bimbila constituency for their spirit of unity and urged them to retain the seat in 2012.
At Salaga, Wulensi and Adibo where Alhaji Aliu interacted with the chiefs, they all commended him for his visit and hard work and stressed the need for lasting peace in the region to ensure accelerated development.
He indicated that it was equally important to select popular candidates who could attract majority votes in the constituencies irrespective of their educational background.
The former vice president was briefing the media in Tamale after visiting some constituencies including Salaga, Bimbila and Wulensi as part of his second leg campaign tour of the northern regions.
“What matters in elections is about winning; but at the same time we would need to manage the primaries well to ensure the unity of the party after the exercise,” Alhaji Mahama said.
He observed that the divisiveness and rancour prior to the parliamentary primaries in the 2008 elections were partly some of the reasons why the NPP lost many of its seats.
Alhaji Mahama explained that the motive behind his early campaigns in the North ahead of the 2012 elections was to repackage the party and make it more attractive to the electorate.
“Party unity and fraternisation is the key to our victory in 2012 and that is why I have embarked on this early campaign in northern Ghana to interact with the chiefs and people who benefited from the massive development the Kufour-led NPP administration brought to their communities during the last eight years” he stressed.
He, therefore, called on the rank and file of the party to close their ranks and gird their loins for the 2012 general election which he said the NPP was determined to win.
He added that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had failed woefully to address the needs of the people.
Alhaji Mahama expressed appreciation to the party leadership and supporters in the Bimbila constituency for their spirit of unity and urged them to retain the seat in 2012.
At Salaga, Wulensi and Adibo where Alhaji Aliu interacted with the chiefs, they all commended him for his visit and hard work and stressed the need for lasting peace in the region to ensure accelerated development.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
3 ARRESTED OVER GUSHIEGU CAMPUS (PAGE 3, JAN 4, 2011)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan & Nurudeen Salifu, Tamale
THREE persons were arrested in Gushiegu yesterday in connection with the disturbances that occurred in the area in the run-up to the 2008 general election.
The three — Haruna Abdul-Rahaman, Abdulai Yakubu and Abdulai Sulemana — were picked up during a dawn swoop conducted by the Yendi Divisional Police.
Three persons, including an elderly chief, died in the violence, while several people sustained various degrees of injury, with massive destruction of properties and vehicles belonging to the Gushiegu Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Alhaji Jemoni.
The violence at Gushiegu in the run-up to the 2008 elections was a spill-over from an earlier clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC at Kpatinga, near Gushiegu, on August 31, 2008.
The Public Relations Officer of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said the suspects would be sent from Gushiegu to Accra to assist in police investigations.
According to him, the condition of the suspects was normal, but noted that “they feigned sickness occasionally”.
He indicated that the case was under investigation by the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the headquarters in Accra.
On the situation in Gushiegu, the PRO said, “Everything is calm and there is no cause for alarm. We are, nonetheless, monitoring the situation to respond to any eventuality, appropriately.”
When the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gushiegu, Mr Alhassan Fuseini, was contacted, he said the District Security Council (DISEC) was in a meeting on the matter.
THREE persons were arrested in Gushiegu yesterday in connection with the disturbances that occurred in the area in the run-up to the 2008 general election.
The three — Haruna Abdul-Rahaman, Abdulai Yakubu and Abdulai Sulemana — were picked up during a dawn swoop conducted by the Yendi Divisional Police.
Three persons, including an elderly chief, died in the violence, while several people sustained various degrees of injury, with massive destruction of properties and vehicles belonging to the Gushiegu Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Alhaji Jemoni.
The violence at Gushiegu in the run-up to the 2008 elections was a spill-over from an earlier clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC at Kpatinga, near Gushiegu, on August 31, 2008.
The Public Relations Officer of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, who briefed the Daily Graphic, said the suspects would be sent from Gushiegu to Accra to assist in police investigations.
According to him, the condition of the suspects was normal, but noted that “they feigned sickness occasionally”.
He indicated that the case was under investigation by the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the headquarters in Accra.
On the situation in Gushiegu, the PRO said, “Everything is calm and there is no cause for alarm. We are, nonetheless, monitoring the situation to respond to any eventuality, appropriately.”
When the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gushiegu, Mr Alhassan Fuseini, was contacted, he said the District Security Council (DISEC) was in a meeting on the matter.
Monday, December 20, 2010
FORUM ON WATER SITUATION HELD IN TAMALE (PAGE 20, DEC 20, 2010)
THE Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, has observed that the continuous usage of pipe-borne water by vehicle washing bays is posing a threat to the continuous availability of water in urban centres.
He also mentioned pollution, cutting of vegetative cover and dumping of toxic waste in water sources as some of the other activities posing hazard to water bodies in the country.
“These and other similar activities are causing siltation of our river channels, thereby reducing their flood carrying capacities and reducing the quality of water and its availability,” the minister stated.
Mr Bagbin was speaking at a forum on the water situation in the country and the Northern Region in Tamale.
According to him, the annual population growth in the country was putting pressure on the available water.
“This means that today the quantity of water available to us per person has reduced to about a third of what it was in 1960, and will further shrink to a sixth by 2050; in other words, the water available to us today is only 29 per cent of what it was in 1960, and will be only 16 per cent by 2050,” Mr Bagbin stated.
He mentioned the available water systems in the country to include the Black and White Volta, Oti, Tano, Pra, Ochi, Ayensu, Densu and Ankobra.
Mr Bagbin said the average annual volume of water available to Ghana was about 40 billion cubic meters (about 9,000 billion gallons) per year.
On achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the minister said even though the government had set a minimum target of 78 per cent coverage by 2015, “our target is to reach 85 per cent by 2015 and universal access by 2025.”
“As a party and a government, our pledge to the good people of Ghana is to end the perennial water crisis of our communities and cities by significantly expanding and upgrading water infrastructure by the end of our first term in office,” Mr Bagbin emphasised.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed concern over the inadequate water resources in the area, adding that about only 60 per cent of the rural and peri-urban population currently had access to safe water.
“The implications are that the unserved population is at risk of contracting the various forms of water-borne and water-related diseases, and are thus unable to contribute meaningfully to life and the socio-economic development of their communities,” he stated.
He commended the government and other development partners for their various contributions in the provision of water to the people over the years.
Mr Mabengba, however, appealed for more support to address the growing imbalance in the water supply systems in the region, particularly in rural communities.
He also mentioned pollution, cutting of vegetative cover and dumping of toxic waste in water sources as some of the other activities posing hazard to water bodies in the country.
“These and other similar activities are causing siltation of our river channels, thereby reducing their flood carrying capacities and reducing the quality of water and its availability,” the minister stated.
Mr Bagbin was speaking at a forum on the water situation in the country and the Northern Region in Tamale.
According to him, the annual population growth in the country was putting pressure on the available water.
“This means that today the quantity of water available to us per person has reduced to about a third of what it was in 1960, and will further shrink to a sixth by 2050; in other words, the water available to us today is only 29 per cent of what it was in 1960, and will be only 16 per cent by 2050,” Mr Bagbin stated.
He mentioned the available water systems in the country to include the Black and White Volta, Oti, Tano, Pra, Ochi, Ayensu, Densu and Ankobra.
Mr Bagbin said the average annual volume of water available to Ghana was about 40 billion cubic meters (about 9,000 billion gallons) per year.
On achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the minister said even though the government had set a minimum target of 78 per cent coverage by 2015, “our target is to reach 85 per cent by 2015 and universal access by 2025.”
“As a party and a government, our pledge to the good people of Ghana is to end the perennial water crisis of our communities and cities by significantly expanding and upgrading water infrastructure by the end of our first term in office,” Mr Bagbin emphasised.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed concern over the inadequate water resources in the area, adding that about only 60 per cent of the rural and peri-urban population currently had access to safe water.
“The implications are that the unserved population is at risk of contracting the various forms of water-borne and water-related diseases, and are thus unable to contribute meaningfully to life and the socio-economic development of their communities,” he stated.
He commended the government and other development partners for their various contributions in the provision of water to the people over the years.
Mr Mabengba, however, appealed for more support to address the growing imbalance in the water supply systems in the region, particularly in rural communities.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
WORKSHOP ON CORRUPTION HELD IN TAMALE (PAGE 35, DEC 13, 2010)
THE Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised a day’s workshop on the effects of corruption on a nation in Tamale in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
EXPANSION OF TAMALE HOSPITAL ON COURSE (PAGE 22, 2010)
WORK on the 43 million Euro expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
Friday, December 10, 2010
WATER, SANITATION PROJECTS FOR 54 DISTRICTS (BACK PAGE, DEC 9, 2010)
A project to expand water and sanitation services to 600,000 people in 54 districts in six regions has been launched at Nanton-Zuo in Tamale.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 42, DEC 9, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 22, DEC 7, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
Monday, December 6, 2010
UK WILL HELP GHANA ACHIEVE MDG...In health sector (PAGE 22, DEC 4, 2010)
THE United Kingdom Government’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Stephen O”Brien, has suggested that more pragmatic measures must be taken to ensure that donor funds trickle down to beneficiary communities.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
WORK ON TAMALE HOSPITAL PROGRESSES (PAGE 3, DEC 4, 2010)
WORK on the €43 million expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
LET ALL HANDS BE ON DECK FOR VICTORY — AKUFFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 27, 2010)
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has underscored the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the party is united for victory in the 2012 general election.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
I'M NOT INTO DRUGS — AKFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 26, 2010)
Nana Akufo-Addo has denied either being cocaine addict or a drug baroon.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
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