Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
TRAFFIC lights are signals on roads that direct, guide and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. As such the consequences of the unavailability of traffic lights at major road intersections are clear: confusions and accidents.
The intermittent break down of traffic lights in the Tamale metropolis has therefore become a source of worry to many residents and motorists alike.
At the moment, traffic lights at the Central Mosque and Standchart Bank intersections have been out of order for several months now, thereby resulting in confusions and accidents, particularly in the peak hours of mornings and evenings.
Those that are currently functioning also suffer intermittent break downs every now and then thereby creating disorder.
Sometimes, the bulbs get fused for days without replacement an act which confuses motorists the more. In all, there are six traffic lights in the metropolis.
During such periods, the community protection unit and the Police MTTU personnel sometimes direct traffic especially during the peak hours.
The unfortunate thing however is that, even though they have often performed up to the task, they are not regular .
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Mohammed Adam Baba, two additional traffic lights would soon be installed at the Jisonayili and the Warders Canteen intersections to ensure sanity in those areas.
On the dysfunctional ones, Alhaji Baba explained that, most of the components of the system were not readily available on the open market in the country.
‘‘Infact most of it have to be imported upon request. At the moment we have made the requests and are only waiting for the arrival of those components and its subsequent re-installation,’’ he intimated.
Some residents and motorists have however expressed concern over the frequent breakdown of the traffic lights and have appealed to the assembly to constantly monitor the system to ensure that they do not become white elephants.
‘‘At least, if it would take them time to repair the faulty ones, the assembly could allow the city guards to go on shift in the mornings and evenings to direct traffic where need be,’’ Abukari Yakubu, a cabbie, also admonished.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tatale appeals for separate district
March 28
THE chiefs and people of Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale District in the Northern Region have appealed for the creation of a separate district to accelerate the development of the area which is one of the most deprived in the region.
They contended that not only was the traditional area vast, but that its elevation to a district would also facilitate the decentralisation process, leading to the fair distribution of resources to improve on the fortunes of the people.
The Paramount Chief of the Area, Obore Yankosor Gariba II, made the appeal at a durbar of chiefs and elders at Tatale.
It was witnessed by the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and other distinguished personalities.
‘‘We are very peaceful people, who are ready to co-operate and dialogue with the government and development partners to support our worthy course in being elevated to a district status,’’ he stated.
The chief further disclosed that his outfit had already made available over 80 acres of land for the construction of offices and staff accommodation for the new district if their request was granted. However, ‘‘temporary offices and staff accommodation will be provided free of charge if approval is given for the creation of the district.’’
The regional minister assured the chief that his plea would be forwarded to the President for consideration. Alhaji Idris commended the people for their ‘‘ability to co-exist as one people despite having different ethnic groupings.’’
He entreated the chiefs to continue to champion the course of development in their respective communities.
‘‘You should give your maximum support to the assembly and their partners in their development agenda so that the living conditions of our people would continue to improve for the better,’’ Alhaji Idris stressed.
He further appealed to the chiefs to re-kindle the spirit of communal exercise, which he noted, was dying in some communities.
‘‘Many a donor and non-governmental organisations demand the contribution of beneficiary communities for assistance given; we need to help ourselves to be helped,’’ the regional minister reminded the people.
He also urged them to sensitise the people against indiscriminate bush burning since it had a devastating consequences on life and property.
‘‘I pray that you would also lead the crusade to implore our people to invest in the education of their children, especially with the implementation of the government’s favourable policies on education, such as the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme,’ Alhaji Idris added.
THE chiefs and people of Tatale in the Zabzugu/Tatale District in the Northern Region have appealed for the creation of a separate district to accelerate the development of the area which is one of the most deprived in the region.
They contended that not only was the traditional area vast, but that its elevation to a district would also facilitate the decentralisation process, leading to the fair distribution of resources to improve on the fortunes of the people.
The Paramount Chief of the Area, Obore Yankosor Gariba II, made the appeal at a durbar of chiefs and elders at Tatale.
It was witnessed by the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and other distinguished personalities.
‘‘We are very peaceful people, who are ready to co-operate and dialogue with the government and development partners to support our worthy course in being elevated to a district status,’’ he stated.
The chief further disclosed that his outfit had already made available over 80 acres of land for the construction of offices and staff accommodation for the new district if their request was granted. However, ‘‘temporary offices and staff accommodation will be provided free of charge if approval is given for the creation of the district.’’
The regional minister assured the chief that his plea would be forwarded to the President for consideration. Alhaji Idris commended the people for their ‘‘ability to co-exist as one people despite having different ethnic groupings.’’
He entreated the chiefs to continue to champion the course of development in their respective communities.
‘‘You should give your maximum support to the assembly and their partners in their development agenda so that the living conditions of our people would continue to improve for the better,’’ Alhaji Idris stressed.
He further appealed to the chiefs to re-kindle the spirit of communal exercise, which he noted, was dying in some communities.
‘‘Many a donor and non-governmental organisations demand the contribution of beneficiary communities for assistance given; we need to help ourselves to be helped,’’ the regional minister reminded the people.
He also urged them to sensitise the people against indiscriminate bush burning since it had a devastating consequences on life and property.
‘‘I pray that you would also lead the crusade to implore our people to invest in the education of their children, especially with the implementation of the government’s favourable policies on education, such as the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme,’ Alhaji Idris added.
Accident mars Easter festivities
March 28
THIS year’s Easter celebrations in the Tamale metropolis ended on a sad note as some celebrants were involved in a fatal accident near the Ghana Civil Aviation Centre.
As at the time of filing this report, the deceased and his pillion female rider were yet to be identified.
However, unconfirmed reports claim that one of the deceased was a military officer.
Their remains have been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to an eye witness, the accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday near the Ghana Civil Aviation Centre on the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway.
He alleged that the deceased, who was riding without his headlights on, veered off his lane into an oncoming speeding vehicle which was heading towards town.
Residents marked the Easter Monday holiday with many picnics to climax the end of the Easter festivities in the metropolis.
While members of some churches and ethnic groupings organised picnics at some designated environs, others converged at the Kamina Barracks, the VRA Club House and other spots where they swam in the pools and danced to loud throbbing sounds from sound systems.
Some came with their respective families and carried along food and drinks while others erected their own canopies to protect them against the scorching sun.
It was also an occasion to showcase their fashionable cloths, particularly the ladies,some of whom dressed in a manner that exposed their waist lines and cleavages to the prying eyes of many onlookers.
A 16-year old student, Janet Akron, said, ‘‘I always look forward to this day because that is the time I meet most of my friends from far and near to dine and have fun.’’
THIS year’s Easter celebrations in the Tamale metropolis ended on a sad note as some celebrants were involved in a fatal accident near the Ghana Civil Aviation Centre.
As at the time of filing this report, the deceased and his pillion female rider were yet to be identified.
However, unconfirmed reports claim that one of the deceased was a military officer.
Their remains have been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to an eye witness, the accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday near the Ghana Civil Aviation Centre on the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway.
He alleged that the deceased, who was riding without his headlights on, veered off his lane into an oncoming speeding vehicle which was heading towards town.
Residents marked the Easter Monday holiday with many picnics to climax the end of the Easter festivities in the metropolis.
While members of some churches and ethnic groupings organised picnics at some designated environs, others converged at the Kamina Barracks, the VRA Club House and other spots where they swam in the pools and danced to loud throbbing sounds from sound systems.
Some came with their respective families and carried along food and drinks while others erected their own canopies to protect them against the scorching sun.
It was also an occasion to showcase their fashionable cloths, particularly the ladies,some of whom dressed in a manner that exposed their waist lines and cleavages to the prying eyes of many onlookers.
A 16-year old student, Janet Akron, said, ‘‘I always look forward to this day because that is the time I meet most of my friends from far and near to dine and have fun.’’
Women steal show on Sundays in Tamale
March 28
SUNDAYS are very eventful days in the flourishing Tamale metropolis. The day is adorned with feminine beauty and charm. Indeed, almost every lady looks beautiful on Sunday.
There is a popular saying in town that an eligible man should not make the mistake of entering into a relationship with a lady in the metropolis on Sundays, as the lady may not be what she portrays to the outside world in her magnificent outfit.
Apart from weddings and outdoorings another event that has slowly crept into the social life of the youth on Sundays is what is termed “pass out” ceremonies for apprentice seamstresses and hairdressers. This is because hardly does a Sunday pass without a ceremony of the sort.
Contrary to the belief that Tamale is dominated by Muslims, there is also a large population of Christians who flock to the various churches in their Sunday best, adding more colour and elegance to the day that officially marks the beginning of a new week.
The ladies are spotted in their best intricate and fittingly sewn kaba cloths with immaculate intertwined headgear and beautifully designed footwear to match.
They appear in different sizes, shapes and colour: Slim, fat, tall, short and medium. Some wear their natural chocolate or ebony black complexion while the majority of them prefer to bleach their skins to the marrow in spite of its resultant health hazards, just to look alluring to attract men’s attention.
Some of the girls, who cannot afford but are also eager to impress end up borrowing cloths and shoes from friends and relatives.
They, most of the times, attend those events uninvited. Some invitees also end up at the ceremonies with a friend or more.
According to a 21 year-old hairdresser, Abibata Iddrisu, ‘‘such occasions are meant for merry making and socialisation, therefore, I don’t see anything wrong in attending them with friends and acquaintances.’’
The latest craze among ladies in the metropolis is motorbikes. The Asian made motorbikes are called various names such as: ‘‘Mapuka,’’ ‘‘Thank you darling,’’ and ‘‘feminine power’’
Some girls go to the extent of hiring the motorbike for GH¢10 Ghana a day (Sunday) just to carry their friends round the metropolis in style to attract attention.
According to one trader at the Tamale Central Market, Ms Abibata Iddrisu, ‘‘I hired the motor on two occasions and frankly speaking it facilitated my movement to a number of ceremonies without which I could not have honoured those invitations.’’
She further explained that ‘‘I do not see anything wrong with the practice, after all, I cannot afford the price of the motor that sells between four to six hundred Ghana cedis. In any case, other people take ‘droppings’ in taxis, what do you say about that?’’
SUNDAYS are very eventful days in the flourishing Tamale metropolis. The day is adorned with feminine beauty and charm. Indeed, almost every lady looks beautiful on Sunday.
There is a popular saying in town that an eligible man should not make the mistake of entering into a relationship with a lady in the metropolis on Sundays, as the lady may not be what she portrays to the outside world in her magnificent outfit.
Apart from weddings and outdoorings another event that has slowly crept into the social life of the youth on Sundays is what is termed “pass out” ceremonies for apprentice seamstresses and hairdressers. This is because hardly does a Sunday pass without a ceremony of the sort.
Contrary to the belief that Tamale is dominated by Muslims, there is also a large population of Christians who flock to the various churches in their Sunday best, adding more colour and elegance to the day that officially marks the beginning of a new week.
The ladies are spotted in their best intricate and fittingly sewn kaba cloths with immaculate intertwined headgear and beautifully designed footwear to match.
They appear in different sizes, shapes and colour: Slim, fat, tall, short and medium. Some wear their natural chocolate or ebony black complexion while the majority of them prefer to bleach their skins to the marrow in spite of its resultant health hazards, just to look alluring to attract men’s attention.
Some of the girls, who cannot afford but are also eager to impress end up borrowing cloths and shoes from friends and relatives.
They, most of the times, attend those events uninvited. Some invitees also end up at the ceremonies with a friend or more.
According to a 21 year-old hairdresser, Abibata Iddrisu, ‘‘such occasions are meant for merry making and socialisation, therefore, I don’t see anything wrong in attending them with friends and acquaintances.’’
The latest craze among ladies in the metropolis is motorbikes. The Asian made motorbikes are called various names such as: ‘‘Mapuka,’’ ‘‘Thank you darling,’’ and ‘‘feminine power’’
Some girls go to the extent of hiring the motorbike for GH¢10 Ghana a day (Sunday) just to carry their friends round the metropolis in style to attract attention.
According to one trader at the Tamale Central Market, Ms Abibata Iddrisu, ‘‘I hired the motor on two occasions and frankly speaking it facilitated my movement to a number of ceremonies without which I could not have honoured those invitations.’’
She further explained that ‘‘I do not see anything wrong with the practice, after all, I cannot afford the price of the motor that sells between four to six hundred Ghana cedis. In any case, other people take ‘droppings’ in taxis, what do you say about that?’’
Influx of foreigners to Tamale
March 28
THERE has been an influx of foreigners into the Tamale metropolis of late. Most of them are from Europe and the U.S. Some of them are tourists while others are students who come to conduct their research and to do their internship.
Majority of those the Daily Graphic spoke to explained that they chose to come to Tamale because of the friendly nature of the people, while others described the city as safe, serene and peaceful in spite of all the negative press the area had had since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis occurred in Yendi in 2002, leading to the death of the overlord of the area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani ll.
Others also said they enjoyed living in Tamale because of the rich culture of the people, which some of them have come to savour and learn at the Centre for National Culture.
Indeed, it may surprise most Ghanaians to learn that despite such disturbances between the two protagonists in the crisis - the Abudu and Andani - Tamale remains one of the safest cities in the country with the least crime rate, according to Police statistics.
As stated by a 21 year-old British lady, Josephine ‘‘all the negative stories I was told about this metropolis when I arrived in Accra turned out not to be true; the people are warm and welcoming and will smile and wave at you when you meet them.’’
She added that she and her colleagues sometimes stayed out in town up to 2 a.m. and returned to their respective abodes without anybody giving them any cause to worry.
A graduate student from the U.S, J. H. Peterson, who is on a short holiday, was full of praise for a taxi driver who returned his wallet containing $1,200 to him at his hotel when he dropped it in the cab on the first day of his arrival in Tamale.
The foreigners come in different forms: fat, slim, tall and short. While some prefer to sleep in hotels, others make friends with the indigenous and live with them in their various localities.
Some are not choosy in their foods and just like some of the indigene, they buy and eat foods such as ‘‘waatche,’’ ‘‘Koko and kosei,’’ ‘‘tuo zaafi,’’ fufu and other local delicacies like ‘‘Kulikuli’’ from the road side.
They often prefer to ride bicycles and are often seen gleefully riding on the bicycle lanes in pairs. Others prefer to walk and sweat it out in the March heat: perhaps to tan their bodies.
They are also often spotted at the numerous Internet cafe’s dotted around the nook and cranny of the metropolis. Others spend their nightlife at discotheques.
THERE has been an influx of foreigners into the Tamale metropolis of late. Most of them are from Europe and the U.S. Some of them are tourists while others are students who come to conduct their research and to do their internship.
Majority of those the Daily Graphic spoke to explained that they chose to come to Tamale because of the friendly nature of the people, while others described the city as safe, serene and peaceful in spite of all the negative press the area had had since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis occurred in Yendi in 2002, leading to the death of the overlord of the area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani ll.
Others also said they enjoyed living in Tamale because of the rich culture of the people, which some of them have come to savour and learn at the Centre for National Culture.
Indeed, it may surprise most Ghanaians to learn that despite such disturbances between the two protagonists in the crisis - the Abudu and Andani - Tamale remains one of the safest cities in the country with the least crime rate, according to Police statistics.
As stated by a 21 year-old British lady, Josephine ‘‘all the negative stories I was told about this metropolis when I arrived in Accra turned out not to be true; the people are warm and welcoming and will smile and wave at you when you meet them.’’
She added that she and her colleagues sometimes stayed out in town up to 2 a.m. and returned to their respective abodes without anybody giving them any cause to worry.
A graduate student from the U.S, J. H. Peterson, who is on a short holiday, was full of praise for a taxi driver who returned his wallet containing $1,200 to him at his hotel when he dropped it in the cab on the first day of his arrival in Tamale.
The foreigners come in different forms: fat, slim, tall and short. While some prefer to sleep in hotels, others make friends with the indigenous and live with them in their various localities.
Some are not choosy in their foods and just like some of the indigene, they buy and eat foods such as ‘‘waatche,’’ ‘‘Koko and kosei,’’ ‘‘tuo zaafi,’’ fufu and other local delicacies like ‘‘Kulikuli’’ from the road side.
They often prefer to ride bicycles and are often seen gleefully riding on the bicycle lanes in pairs. Others prefer to walk and sweat it out in the March heat: perhaps to tan their bodies.
They are also often spotted at the numerous Internet cafe’s dotted around the nook and cranny of the metropolis. Others spend their nightlife at discotheques.
GT seeks help to stop cable thefts
March 28
Story: Zakaria Alhassan
THE Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Care of the Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, Major Albert Don-Chebe(Retd), has expressed grave concern over the increasing incident of cable thefts in the system.
He said if the occurrence was not checked, it could pose immense threat to the smooth operations of the company in offering uninterrupted services to its numerous customers.
Major Don-Chebe has, therefore, entreated chiefs and community members to be alert and vigilant at monitoring the activities of people who tamper with the company’s cables in their respective communities.
The head of corporate communications, who expressed this concern after presenting a quantity of mobile phones to security agencies in the Tamale metropolis reminded the people of the reward the company had instituted for informants and those who made extra efforts to apprehend the thieves.
‘‘Any informant who gives information that will lead to the arrest of a cable thief is awarded GH¢500 for his efforts while a person, who is able to apprehend a thief is offered GH¢1,000,’’ he disclosed.
Ghana Telecom presented 12 phones to the Ghana Police Service and the Military at separate ceremonies in the metropolis on Tuesday.
According to Major Don-Chebe, the donation was aimed at helping to facilitate easy communication among the agencies in their efforts at curbing the cable theft and general crime in the metropolis and surrounding communities.
‘‘The rate at which our cables are being stolen is very disturbing since the company spends millions of dollars to import them; it is for this reason that we are courting the support of all to assist in arresting the situation,’’ he stated.
Major Don-Chebe further explained that there was no way the company could succeed in its efforts without the active support of the security agencies and the general public and, therefore, appealed to the people to always volunteer information that would lead to the apprehension of such criminals.
The Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Northern Region, Mr Ephraim O. Brakatu, who received the phones on behalf of the security agencies, expressed appreciation to the company for its support in the fight against crime.
He gave the assurance that the phones would be used for the right purpose since the security agencies relied much on information flow to execute their mission.
Story: Zakaria Alhassan
THE Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Care of the Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, Major Albert Don-Chebe(Retd), has expressed grave concern over the increasing incident of cable thefts in the system.
He said if the occurrence was not checked, it could pose immense threat to the smooth operations of the company in offering uninterrupted services to its numerous customers.
Major Don-Chebe has, therefore, entreated chiefs and community members to be alert and vigilant at monitoring the activities of people who tamper with the company’s cables in their respective communities.
The head of corporate communications, who expressed this concern after presenting a quantity of mobile phones to security agencies in the Tamale metropolis reminded the people of the reward the company had instituted for informants and those who made extra efforts to apprehend the thieves.
‘‘Any informant who gives information that will lead to the arrest of a cable thief is awarded GH¢500 for his efforts while a person, who is able to apprehend a thief is offered GH¢1,000,’’ he disclosed.
Ghana Telecom presented 12 phones to the Ghana Police Service and the Military at separate ceremonies in the metropolis on Tuesday.
According to Major Don-Chebe, the donation was aimed at helping to facilitate easy communication among the agencies in their efforts at curbing the cable theft and general crime in the metropolis and surrounding communities.
‘‘The rate at which our cables are being stolen is very disturbing since the company spends millions of dollars to import them; it is for this reason that we are courting the support of all to assist in arresting the situation,’’ he stated.
Major Don-Chebe further explained that there was no way the company could succeed in its efforts without the active support of the security agencies and the general public and, therefore, appealed to the people to always volunteer information that would lead to the apprehension of such criminals.
The Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Northern Region, Mr Ephraim O. Brakatu, who received the phones on behalf of the security agencies, expressed appreciation to the company for its support in the fight against crime.
He gave the assurance that the phones would be used for the right purpose since the security agencies relied much on information flow to execute their mission.
Friday, April 18, 2008
TAMALE TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE GETS NEW BOARD (PAGE 11)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale
A new board of governors for the Tamale Teacher Training College (TATCO) has been sworn in to re-direct the focus of the college now that it is offering diploma programmes.
The 13-member board is under the chairmanship of the deputy Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Haroon Kambodia.
Currently the college, which has been accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB), runs Diploma courses in Basic Education which began four years ago, the Untrained Teachers Diploma in Basic Education (UTTDBE) and sandwich programmes for Certificate ‘’A’’ Teachers.
In all, the regular students are 827 and UTTDBE 1,300 while 952 students are offering the sandwich course.
According to the Principal of the College, Alhaji Chief Gushie-Na Yakubu Bukari, the college was now over-stretched, following the high number of students undertaking the various programmes.
He, however, commended the tutors for their hard work and commitment, which, he said, was yielding the necessary results. For instance the principal disclosed that the pioneer regular diploma students attained almost 100 per cent pass in their final examinations.
Alhaji Yakubu meanwhile mentioned inadequate hostel facilities, particularly for female students and tutors, as some of the challenges they were facing in the discharge of their duties.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the government for the support received so far in the areas of transportation and the construction of a laboratory, library and some classroom blocks.
‘‘From our internally generated funds we have also put up additional structures such as a computer laboratory and also renovated some buildings,’’ the principal added.
Alhaji Yakubu said his outfit also intended to fence the college and tar the compound to protect it from burglary, and the equipment from dust, saying, ‘‘even though we would begin the project on our own, we appeal to the government for additional support to complete it on time.’’
For his part, Alhaji Kambodia thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his determination to use his thre-year mandate to turn the fortunes of the college around.
‘‘Together with the rich experience of my colleagues, we hope to support the college to attain its quest for academic excellence,’’ he intimated.
A new board of governors for the Tamale Teacher Training College (TATCO) has been sworn in to re-direct the focus of the college now that it is offering diploma programmes.
The 13-member board is under the chairmanship of the deputy Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Haroon Kambodia.
Currently the college, which has been accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB), runs Diploma courses in Basic Education which began four years ago, the Untrained Teachers Diploma in Basic Education (UTTDBE) and sandwich programmes for Certificate ‘’A’’ Teachers.
In all, the regular students are 827 and UTTDBE 1,300 while 952 students are offering the sandwich course.
According to the Principal of the College, Alhaji Chief Gushie-Na Yakubu Bukari, the college was now over-stretched, following the high number of students undertaking the various programmes.
He, however, commended the tutors for their hard work and commitment, which, he said, was yielding the necessary results. For instance the principal disclosed that the pioneer regular diploma students attained almost 100 per cent pass in their final examinations.
Alhaji Yakubu meanwhile mentioned inadequate hostel facilities, particularly for female students and tutors, as some of the challenges they were facing in the discharge of their duties.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the government for the support received so far in the areas of transportation and the construction of a laboratory, library and some classroom blocks.
‘‘From our internally generated funds we have also put up additional structures such as a computer laboratory and also renovated some buildings,’’ the principal added.
Alhaji Yakubu said his outfit also intended to fence the college and tar the compound to protect it from burglary, and the equipment from dust, saying, ‘‘even though we would begin the project on our own, we appeal to the government for additional support to complete it on time.’’
For his part, Alhaji Kambodia thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his determination to use his thre-year mandate to turn the fortunes of the college around.
‘‘Together with the rich experience of my colleagues, we hope to support the college to attain its quest for academic excellence,’’ he intimated.
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