TWO persons resident at Mognori, a border town near Bawku in the Upper East Region, were beaten to death at the Burkina Faso side of Mognori on Thursday evening following a misunderstanding that ensued between them and some residents on the Burkina side.
The White Volta River separates the two communities and people from either side constantly cross it for trading activities.
A security source in Bawku told this reporter that since the river had partially dried up, some young men on the Ghana side had constructed a temporary road, using tree branches, to facilitate the movement of vehicles into both sides of the Mognori community.
The temporary “road” across the White Volta links the two sides in the dry season and drivers who use the road are expected to pay a toll of GH¢1 to the youth who constructed it.
According to the source, on one occasion a Burkinabe driver crossed over to the Ghana side and back to the Burkina side over five times without paying the prescribed toll.
A misunderstanding ensued and in the process the Burkinabe driver allegedly slapped one of the youth from the Ghana side of Mognori. The young man allegedly ran to the Ghana side and later to Bawku to organise some colleagues to attack the driver.
The group, led by one Moro, armed themselves with a weapon and headed towards the Burkina side of the community where they fired indiscriminately and attacked the residents there.
Some members of the group, the source said, upon seeing the situation, fled the area, leaving the two who were beaten to death.
Security personnel from Ghana were detailed to the area to negotiate with their counterparts on the other side of the river and brought the deceased back to Ghana on Friday.
The names of the deceased were given only as Angola and Murtalla, both Bissas. Their remains have since been deposited at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Sunday 29 November 2009
Tuesday 24 November 2009
MILITARY PRESENCE IN BAWKU VITAL — LECTURER (PAGE 15, NOV 24)
There is the need for a robust military presence in Bawku to enforce peace in the violence-stricken municipality in the Upper East Region.
Lietenant Colonel Emeka Ogbanna, a lecturer at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College who made the call noted that, until such a decision is taken, the situation in the troubled border town would continue to deteriorate and the search for peace would remain elusive.
Lt Col Ogbonna made the observation during a meeting with the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni and some members of the Regional Security Council at Bolgatanga after a tour of the region by some lecturers and students of the college.
Four directing staff and eight students from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College were in the region for a week’s study tour.
The tour formed part of the Senior Staff Course of the college, which is conducted yearly to help the students to collate views and suggestions from institutions as part of their academic programme.
Lt. Col. Ogbonna , a Nigerian, said the unending violence in Bawku, in spite of all the measures taken by the Government, was derailing development efforts of the municipality in particular and the region as a whole. He, therefore, appealed to the Government to renew the mandate of the military in the area to deal effectively with the conflict, irrespective of the opposition by human rights groups.
He emphasised that for a long time, combatants had acted with impunity and disregarded the right of innocent persons to live in peace and added that it was about time combatants in the conflict were dealt with drastically to serve as a deterrent to others.
He recounted a similar exercise in Nigeria, which helped to bring peace in one of the states after a similar insurrection.
The call by the military officer follows a similar one made by the Regional Minister and Chairman of Regional Security Council, Mr Mark Woyongo to the Government earlier this month, to declare a state of emergency in Bawku to enable the security agencies to deal with the situation there.
This was after Mr Woyongo and some members of REGSEC were forced to take cover and avoid being fired at by combatants during a recent altercation in the municipality.
The students from Ghana, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, observed that the conflict in Bawku was impacting negatively on the lives of the people and called for a prompt resolution to improve trade and socio-economic activity.
Whist commending the Government for the intervention made so far in the resolution of the conflict, they advocated the involvement of other paramount chiefs in the region in the conflict-resolution process.
On Agriculture, the students noticed a huge potential in the sector but bemoaned the lack of inputs and modern technology to move farming to a higher level.
They, therefore, suggested that farmers in the region should be provided with inputs such as tractors and water pumps, amongst others, to enhance farming.
They observed that the Northern Star Tomato Factory had a great potential and suggested that operations at the factory be diversified for other crops such as pepper to be processed there, and the production standards improved to attract private investment to assist farmers in the region.
They also supported the suggestion that farmers and other people be allowed to have shares in the factory.
The students bemoaned the inadequacy of health personnel in the region and asked the regional co-ordinating council and the Ghana Health Service to address the issue.
“From our tour, the doctor–patient ration was 1:16,000, whilst in the Builsa District, the ratio is 1: 81,000. This is unacceptable and poses a serious challenge”, one of the students observed.
They also raised concern about the rice farms at the Fumbisi Valley in the Builsa District where they said large tracts of rice fields were ready for harvesting but were being threatened by bush fires due to the absence of a combine harvester for the job. They appealed to the Government to help the farmers to harvest the crop.
Responding to some of the observations, Mrs Awuni said their findings would be critically looked into and indicated that the regional minister was already in Accra negotiating for a combine harvester for farmers to assist in harvesting the rice.
She also added that the RCC was already addressing some of the issues raised, including the lack of medical doctors and other allied health workers.
Naval Captain James Kontoh leader of the team, said findings from the tour, apart from fulfilling the academic requirements of the students would also be forwarded to the Government to serve as a feedback on its policies and programmes.
The two other lecturers who accompanied the team were Lt Col Irvine Aryeetey and Lt Col John Obibah Kusah.
Lietenant Colonel Emeka Ogbanna, a lecturer at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College who made the call noted that, until such a decision is taken, the situation in the troubled border town would continue to deteriorate and the search for peace would remain elusive.
Lt Col Ogbonna made the observation during a meeting with the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni and some members of the Regional Security Council at Bolgatanga after a tour of the region by some lecturers and students of the college.
Four directing staff and eight students from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College were in the region for a week’s study tour.
The tour formed part of the Senior Staff Course of the college, which is conducted yearly to help the students to collate views and suggestions from institutions as part of their academic programme.
Lt. Col. Ogbonna , a Nigerian, said the unending violence in Bawku, in spite of all the measures taken by the Government, was derailing development efforts of the municipality in particular and the region as a whole. He, therefore, appealed to the Government to renew the mandate of the military in the area to deal effectively with the conflict, irrespective of the opposition by human rights groups.
He emphasised that for a long time, combatants had acted with impunity and disregarded the right of innocent persons to live in peace and added that it was about time combatants in the conflict were dealt with drastically to serve as a deterrent to others.
He recounted a similar exercise in Nigeria, which helped to bring peace in one of the states after a similar insurrection.
The call by the military officer follows a similar one made by the Regional Minister and Chairman of Regional Security Council, Mr Mark Woyongo to the Government earlier this month, to declare a state of emergency in Bawku to enable the security agencies to deal with the situation there.
This was after Mr Woyongo and some members of REGSEC were forced to take cover and avoid being fired at by combatants during a recent altercation in the municipality.
The students from Ghana, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, observed that the conflict in Bawku was impacting negatively on the lives of the people and called for a prompt resolution to improve trade and socio-economic activity.
Whist commending the Government for the intervention made so far in the resolution of the conflict, they advocated the involvement of other paramount chiefs in the region in the conflict-resolution process.
On Agriculture, the students noticed a huge potential in the sector but bemoaned the lack of inputs and modern technology to move farming to a higher level.
They, therefore, suggested that farmers in the region should be provided with inputs such as tractors and water pumps, amongst others, to enhance farming.
They observed that the Northern Star Tomato Factory had a great potential and suggested that operations at the factory be diversified for other crops such as pepper to be processed there, and the production standards improved to attract private investment to assist farmers in the region.
They also supported the suggestion that farmers and other people be allowed to have shares in the factory.
The students bemoaned the inadequacy of health personnel in the region and asked the regional co-ordinating council and the Ghana Health Service to address the issue.
“From our tour, the doctor–patient ration was 1:16,000, whilst in the Builsa District, the ratio is 1: 81,000. This is unacceptable and poses a serious challenge”, one of the students observed.
They also raised concern about the rice farms at the Fumbisi Valley in the Builsa District where they said large tracts of rice fields were ready for harvesting but were being threatened by bush fires due to the absence of a combine harvester for the job. They appealed to the Government to help the farmers to harvest the crop.
Responding to some of the observations, Mrs Awuni said their findings would be critically looked into and indicated that the regional minister was already in Accra negotiating for a combine harvester for farmers to assist in harvesting the rice.
She also added that the RCC was already addressing some of the issues raised, including the lack of medical doctors and other allied health workers.
Naval Captain James Kontoh leader of the team, said findings from the tour, apart from fulfilling the academic requirements of the students would also be forwarded to the Government to serve as a feedback on its policies and programmes.
The two other lecturers who accompanied the team were Lt Col Irvine Aryeetey and Lt Col John Obibah Kusah.
Sunday 22 November 2009
DEPUTY MINISTER PRAISES RELIGIOUS BODIES (PAGE 39, NOV 23)
THE Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, has commended religious organisations for assisting the governments in the provision of education for Ghanaian children.
She stated that the government saw the private sector, including the churches, as an active partner in development.
Mrs Awuni said this during the inauguration of a new classroom block for the Fountain Gate International School at Bolgatanga.
The GH¢443,238.98 building, financed by the Fountain Gate Chapel, consists of 27 classrooms, an administrative block, a dining hall, and a sports field, among other facilities.
Mrs Awuni cautioned the school authorities to live above reproach, avoid indulging in any amorous relationship with the pupils but rather serve as role models to them.
The Director of the school, Reverend Mrs Rosemond Anaba, said the academic facility was established in 1996 with 107 children in four classrooms, but currently had total enrolment of 640 pupils.
She said the aim of the church was to adequately equip the school to provide the needed human resources for the country.
Mrs Anaba said the school had been scoring 100 per cent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) since its establishment with an average score of 80 per cent distinction.
She stated that the government saw the private sector, including the churches, as an active partner in development.
Mrs Awuni said this during the inauguration of a new classroom block for the Fountain Gate International School at Bolgatanga.
The GH¢443,238.98 building, financed by the Fountain Gate Chapel, consists of 27 classrooms, an administrative block, a dining hall, and a sports field, among other facilities.
Mrs Awuni cautioned the school authorities to live above reproach, avoid indulging in any amorous relationship with the pupils but rather serve as role models to them.
The Director of the school, Reverend Mrs Rosemond Anaba, said the academic facility was established in 1996 with 107 children in four classrooms, but currently had total enrolment of 640 pupils.
She said the aim of the church was to adequately equip the school to provide the needed human resources for the country.
Mrs Anaba said the school had been scoring 100 per cent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) since its establishment with an average score of 80 per cent distinction.
Thursday 19 November 2009
ERNEST ACHEAMPONG'S BREAKTHROUGH (SHOWBIZ, PAGE 4, NOV 19)
By Benjamin Xornam Glover
THE auditorium of Fountain Gate Chapel last Sunday witnessed the launch of the musical works of one of the young musicians practising his trade in the Upper East Region.
The album launch marked the biggest breakthrough for gospel artiste, Ernest Acheampong who for the past four and half years had been looking forward to outdoor his talents.
In a chat with Showbiz, Ernest, a native of Trede in the Ashanti Region who lives in Bolgatanga said “it was the love of the things of the Lord that inspired me to put together this maiden album titled Aseda Nkoa.”
The CD version has seven songs while the audio cassette has six. All songs were written, arranged and sang by Ernest.
A member of the Church of Pentecost, Bolgatanga District, Ernest, born in 1979, was full of praise to God for guiding him through thick and thin culminating in the official launch of his debut.
He re-countered several challenges that came his way that nearly prevented him from achieving his objective. “ Key among them was the difficulty in getting a producer to support my vision.”
He was therefore grateful to Mr. Peter K. Kufour, a Bolgatanga based businessman and other philanthropists for recognising his potential and offering him the necessary support culminating in the release of his album.
He dedicated his maiden effort to all apostles of the gospel and also to his mother Madam Serwah Akoto, who he described as a great inspiration in his life.
The album launch kicked off with performances by some musicians such as Darling Silvia, Evangelist K. Frimpong and Madam Martha Fuseini.
Halfway through the performances, Pastor Solomon Dapour of the Fountain Gate Chapel officially launched the album.
That done, MC for the launch, Onimyamfuor Aborampa, a DJ with Hello FM in Kumasi auctioned the album.The first copy of the CD was bought at GH¢1,000 by a Bolgatanga based businessman, Mr. Kwodwo Boakye.
This paved the way for performances from Ernest who treated patrons to songs from the album including the title track Aseda Nkoa, Pagya Me Ko Soro, and Madamfo Pa. Other songs on the album are; Waye Amame and Animonyam Nka Wo.
THE auditorium of Fountain Gate Chapel last Sunday witnessed the launch of the musical works of one of the young musicians practising his trade in the Upper East Region.
The album launch marked the biggest breakthrough for gospel artiste, Ernest Acheampong who for the past four and half years had been looking forward to outdoor his talents.
In a chat with Showbiz, Ernest, a native of Trede in the Ashanti Region who lives in Bolgatanga said “it was the love of the things of the Lord that inspired me to put together this maiden album titled Aseda Nkoa.”
The CD version has seven songs while the audio cassette has six. All songs were written, arranged and sang by Ernest.
A member of the Church of Pentecost, Bolgatanga District, Ernest, born in 1979, was full of praise to God for guiding him through thick and thin culminating in the official launch of his debut.
He re-countered several challenges that came his way that nearly prevented him from achieving his objective. “ Key among them was the difficulty in getting a producer to support my vision.”
He was therefore grateful to Mr. Peter K. Kufour, a Bolgatanga based businessman and other philanthropists for recognising his potential and offering him the necessary support culminating in the release of his album.
He dedicated his maiden effort to all apostles of the gospel and also to his mother Madam Serwah Akoto, who he described as a great inspiration in his life.
The album launch kicked off with performances by some musicians such as Darling Silvia, Evangelist K. Frimpong and Madam Martha Fuseini.
Halfway through the performances, Pastor Solomon Dapour of the Fountain Gate Chapel officially launched the album.
That done, MC for the launch, Onimyamfuor Aborampa, a DJ with Hello FM in Kumasi auctioned the album.The first copy of the CD was bought at GH¢1,000 by a Bolgatanga based businessman, Mr. Kwodwo Boakye.
This paved the way for performances from Ernest who treated patrons to songs from the album including the title track Aseda Nkoa, Pagya Me Ko Soro, and Madamfo Pa. Other songs on the album are; Waye Amame and Animonyam Nka Wo.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
TWO BAWKU SHOOTING INCIDENT SUSPECTS ON REMAND (BACK PAGE, NOV 18)
A circuit court in Bolgatanga has remanded in police custody for two weeks the two suspects arrested in Bawku last week in connection with the shooting incident in the municipality.
Rashid Bukari and Justine Hado will re-appear before the court on November 27, 2009.
The Upper East Regional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Edward Tabiri, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said that would allow the police to continue with their investigations.
He said the two were being held for unlawful possession of ammunition, adding that after investigations had been concluded, appropriate charges would be preferred against them.
Supt Tabiri said a duplicate docket had been forwarded to the Attorney-General’s office for further advice, adding that the pleas of the suspects were not taken.
The suspects were picked up by a joint military and police patrol team after Rashid was alleged to have fired some shots in town, creating panic in the municipality.
Thirty-four rounds of unfired AK 47 ammunition were reportedly retrieved from a jacket said to have been worn by Rashid.
Rashid Bukari and Justine Hado will re-appear before the court on November 27, 2009.
The Upper East Regional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Edward Tabiri, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said that would allow the police to continue with their investigations.
He said the two were being held for unlawful possession of ammunition, adding that after investigations had been concluded, appropriate charges would be preferred against them.
Supt Tabiri said a duplicate docket had been forwarded to the Attorney-General’s office for further advice, adding that the pleas of the suspects were not taken.
The suspects were picked up by a joint military and police patrol team after Rashid was alleged to have fired some shots in town, creating panic in the municipality.
Thirty-four rounds of unfired AK 47 ammunition were reportedly retrieved from a jacket said to have been worn by Rashid.
Sunday 15 November 2009
UPPER EAST NDC PROPOSES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (PAGE 14, DEC 14)
THE Upper East Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed amendments to the party’s constitution that will extend the tenure of office from a period of two years to four years for all party executive members at all levels.
The branch also proposed for the consideration of the national conference the redesignation of the propaganda wing of the party as its communication wing to avoid misinterpretations of its functions.
Another amendment proposed by the conference was the inclusion of the Youth and Women’s Organiser to the branch level executive of the party.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, announced this at the party’s regional delegate’s conference which also saw the election of new executive to man the affairs of the party.
He said the proposed extension of the term of office for executive when adopted, would give the elected officers more time to execute their respective projects for the party.
He explained that the constant organisation of the party every two years created division as some people campaigned on mudslinging.
“When this happens, we do not have enough time to reconcile our differences before going for another conference. If it is changed to four years, there will be adequate time to resolve those differences and build bridges before the next elections,” he explained.
Touching on the performance of the party over the past four years, Mr Atanga said with hard work and the support of leadership at the constituency to branch levels, the party won eight parliamentary seats out of the 13 seats in the region.
While commending the grassroots members for their hard work and support for the party, he urged them to brace themselves up for bigger challenges in the 2012 general election.
During the election, the incumbent Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, retained his position when he polled 79 votes as against 21 and 13 votes obtained by his contenders, Dr Robert Akuganaba and Mr Solomon Adambire respectively.
Mr Victor Yahaya won the position of first vice chairman, while Mr Robert Apassanaba secured the post of second regional vice chairman.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga retained the post of Secretary after defeating five others who contested the position, with that of Deputy Secretary going to Mr James Abanka who went unopposed.
The post of regional Treasurer was secured by Alhaji Issah Mumuni, with Mohammed Mashod as his deputy.
Baba Kumasi caused a major upset when he polled 64 votes to topple the incumbent regional organiser Mr David Aruk who had 42 votes.
Mr Issaka Haruna contested the post of deputy organiser unopposed and won after his contender Mr Patrick Amoro had stepped down. The position of Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Bernard Bougzo, while that of Deputy Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Said Ahmed.
Earlier in the week, the youth and women wings of the party also elected Mr Robert Yeleoni and Madam Faustina Teni Abagre as their organisers respectively.
The elected executive were sworn into office by a Member of the National Executive Committee, Madam Hilda Salifu.
Those present at the conference were, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, Minister of Interior and MP for Zebilla, Mr Cletus Avoka, the Presidential Spokesperson Mahama Ayariga, and the MP for Garu-Tempane, Dominic Azumah and a Deputy National Youth Organiser of the NDC, Mr Kofi Adams.
Speaker after speaker urged the followers of the party to remain united and work towards fostering unity and consolidating the fortunes of the party beyond the 2012 general election.
The branch also proposed for the consideration of the national conference the redesignation of the propaganda wing of the party as its communication wing to avoid misinterpretations of its functions.
Another amendment proposed by the conference was the inclusion of the Youth and Women’s Organiser to the branch level executive of the party.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, announced this at the party’s regional delegate’s conference which also saw the election of new executive to man the affairs of the party.
He said the proposed extension of the term of office for executive when adopted, would give the elected officers more time to execute their respective projects for the party.
He explained that the constant organisation of the party every two years created division as some people campaigned on mudslinging.
“When this happens, we do not have enough time to reconcile our differences before going for another conference. If it is changed to four years, there will be adequate time to resolve those differences and build bridges before the next elections,” he explained.
Touching on the performance of the party over the past four years, Mr Atanga said with hard work and the support of leadership at the constituency to branch levels, the party won eight parliamentary seats out of the 13 seats in the region.
While commending the grassroots members for their hard work and support for the party, he urged them to brace themselves up for bigger challenges in the 2012 general election.
During the election, the incumbent Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, retained his position when he polled 79 votes as against 21 and 13 votes obtained by his contenders, Dr Robert Akuganaba and Mr Solomon Adambire respectively.
Mr Victor Yahaya won the position of first vice chairman, while Mr Robert Apassanaba secured the post of second regional vice chairman.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga retained the post of Secretary after defeating five others who contested the position, with that of Deputy Secretary going to Mr James Abanka who went unopposed.
The post of regional Treasurer was secured by Alhaji Issah Mumuni, with Mohammed Mashod as his deputy.
Baba Kumasi caused a major upset when he polled 64 votes to topple the incumbent regional organiser Mr David Aruk who had 42 votes.
Mr Issaka Haruna contested the post of deputy organiser unopposed and won after his contender Mr Patrick Amoro had stepped down. The position of Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Bernard Bougzo, while that of Deputy Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Said Ahmed.
Earlier in the week, the youth and women wings of the party also elected Mr Robert Yeleoni and Madam Faustina Teni Abagre as their organisers respectively.
The elected executive were sworn into office by a Member of the National Executive Committee, Madam Hilda Salifu.
Those present at the conference were, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, Minister of Interior and MP for Zebilla, Mr Cletus Avoka, the Presidential Spokesperson Mahama Ayariga, and the MP for Garu-Tempane, Dominic Azumah and a Deputy National Youth Organiser of the NDC, Mr Kofi Adams.
Speaker after speaker urged the followers of the party to remain united and work towards fostering unity and consolidating the fortunes of the party beyond the 2012 general election.
ZORKO BENEFITS FROM MEDICAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME (PAGE 40, NOV 16)
THE people of Zorko in the Bongo District in the Upper East Region have benefited from a medical outreach programme organised by the Royalhouse Chapel International, a church based in Accra.
A team of medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists from the church screened the people for various ailments and administered drugs.
Those with critical cases were referred to the Regional Hospital for further attention. Apart from the medical screening, the medical team also gave out gifts, including food items, rice, soap, cooking oil and clothing.
The leader of the team and Head Pastor of Royalhouse Chapel, Most Rev. Sam Kurankye Ankrah, told the Daily Graphic that the programme was done to extend the church’s love for the community and to propagate the gospel of Christ.
“Any compassion that is not followed with the action of love is no compassion. We in the Royal House Chapel International have been touched by the love and mercies of God who has blessed the congregation so there is no need to sit in the comfort of Accra, but move to the hinterlands and reach out to the poor and share the love of Christ with the people,” Rev Ankrah said.
He said those whose condition required further attention would be sent to Accra where they would be referred to the teaching hospital for attention.
A member of the medical team, Dr Frank Yirenkyi, told this reporter that the aim of the programme was to reach out to the people in the community who in one way or another did not have access health facility in the community.
Rev. Joseph Owusu Banahene of the World Gospel Missionary Ministry based in Bolgatanga, who facilitated the medical outreach programme, was grateful to the medical team and expressed the hope that it would be sustained.
A team of medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists from the church screened the people for various ailments and administered drugs.
Those with critical cases were referred to the Regional Hospital for further attention. Apart from the medical screening, the medical team also gave out gifts, including food items, rice, soap, cooking oil and clothing.
The leader of the team and Head Pastor of Royalhouse Chapel, Most Rev. Sam Kurankye Ankrah, told the Daily Graphic that the programme was done to extend the church’s love for the community and to propagate the gospel of Christ.
“Any compassion that is not followed with the action of love is no compassion. We in the Royal House Chapel International have been touched by the love and mercies of God who has blessed the congregation so there is no need to sit in the comfort of Accra, but move to the hinterlands and reach out to the poor and share the love of Christ with the people,” Rev Ankrah said.
He said those whose condition required further attention would be sent to Accra where they would be referred to the teaching hospital for attention.
A member of the medical team, Dr Frank Yirenkyi, told this reporter that the aim of the programme was to reach out to the people in the community who in one way or another did not have access health facility in the community.
Rev. Joseph Owusu Banahene of the World Gospel Missionary Ministry based in Bolgatanga, who facilitated the medical outreach programme, was grateful to the medical team and expressed the hope that it would be sustained.
GROW TREES TO CHECK ON DESERTICATION ... Woyongo (PAGE 40, NOV 16)
THE Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Owen Woyongo has underscored the need for residents in the region to grow more trees as way of forestalling the ever growing desertification threatening the future of the region.
He stated that in the face of climate change and its impact on human beings, there was the need for the people, particularly those living close to the White Volta River to plant more trees, particularly the economic ones such as mango and cashew nuts.
According to him that would not only help reduce deforestation, but would also create incomes for members of the community.
Mr Woyongo made the call at the third Ghana Country Forum of communities in the White Volta Basin held at Zebilla in the Bawku West District.
The forum which attracted participants from 13 communities along the White Volta Basin, was facilitated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Since 2004, the IUCN, a body of the United Nations has been collaborating with the Water Resources Commission of Ghana and the Directorate General of Water Resources (DGRE) of Burkina
Faso, to implement the project to improve water governance in the Volta River Basin.
The forum in Zebilla was therefore aimed at bringing the various stakeholders to share thoughts, experiences and come out with appropriate institutional framework for the management of the White Volta Basin in a sustainable manner.
Mr Woyongo commended the IUCN for the intervention, especially for supporting communities to raise more than 15,000 seedlings planted along the white Volta river bank.
Mr Joachim A. Abungba of the of the Water Resources Commission said the phase II of the project for improving water governance in the Volta basin within the framework of the local trans-boundary committee for management of the White Volta sub-basin (CTGEN), necessitated the co-ordination role of Water Resources Commission (WRC) through the White Volta Basin Secretariat (WVBS) in the implementation of interventions in the selected communities.
Mr Abungba said the NGOs partnering the project, namely BACH which mobilised communities in Bawku West District and BEWDA, which was responsible for communities in Bawku Municipality and Garu-Tempane District, also organised HIV/AIDs education and awareness campaigns for five communities in August 2009.
According to him, Range Officers of Forest Services Division also helped in training nursery attendants of the newly selected communities in nurseries management in August, 2009.
Mr Abungba said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) also organised soil fertility management training for all the communities in August, 2009, which benefited about 300 people.
He stated that in the face of climate change and its impact on human beings, there was the need for the people, particularly those living close to the White Volta River to plant more trees, particularly the economic ones such as mango and cashew nuts.
According to him that would not only help reduce deforestation, but would also create incomes for members of the community.
Mr Woyongo made the call at the third Ghana Country Forum of communities in the White Volta Basin held at Zebilla in the Bawku West District.
The forum which attracted participants from 13 communities along the White Volta Basin, was facilitated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Since 2004, the IUCN, a body of the United Nations has been collaborating with the Water Resources Commission of Ghana and the Directorate General of Water Resources (DGRE) of Burkina
Faso, to implement the project to improve water governance in the Volta River Basin.
The forum in Zebilla was therefore aimed at bringing the various stakeholders to share thoughts, experiences and come out with appropriate institutional framework for the management of the White Volta Basin in a sustainable manner.
Mr Woyongo commended the IUCN for the intervention, especially for supporting communities to raise more than 15,000 seedlings planted along the white Volta river bank.
Mr Joachim A. Abungba of the of the Water Resources Commission said the phase II of the project for improving water governance in the Volta basin within the framework of the local trans-boundary committee for management of the White Volta sub-basin (CTGEN), necessitated the co-ordination role of Water Resources Commission (WRC) through the White Volta Basin Secretariat (WVBS) in the implementation of interventions in the selected communities.
Mr Abungba said the NGOs partnering the project, namely BACH which mobilised communities in Bawku West District and BEWDA, which was responsible for communities in Bawku Municipality and Garu-Tempane District, also organised HIV/AIDs education and awareness campaigns for five communities in August 2009.
According to him, Range Officers of Forest Services Division also helped in training nursery attendants of the newly selected communities in nurseries management in August, 2009.
Mr Abungba said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) also organised soil fertility management training for all the communities in August, 2009, which benefited about 300 people.
GRATIS FOUNDATION SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR EXPANSION (PAGE 40, NOV 16)
IN 1999, the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology and Industrial Services (GRATIS) Foundation was incorporated to promote small-scale industrialisation in Ghana.
Its vision was to become a reputable technology development and skills transfer organisation. It was also mandated to provide appropriate technological support for small scale enterprises in the country.
To fulfil its mandate, GRATIS Foundation has been offering both engineering and non-engineering training for technical apprentices and rural people.
The GRATIS Foundation has helped to develop, promote and disseminate marketable technologies and skills for the growth of industry, particularly micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the Upper East Region, .
Over the years, GRATIS has trained more than 600 people in both engineering and non-engineering trades, some of whom have been able to set up their own businesses.
The engineering training includes welding and fabrication and metal machining, which apprentices are supposed to undergo for three years. The non-engineering training has a duration of 10 years and it involves training in batik, tie and dye, cosmetic production and beekeeping, among others.
Apart from the training, the foundation also carries out manufacturing of products to generate some income to support its training activities and operational cost.
Products manufactured include agro- processors, such as corn mills, rice hurlers, threshers and sheabutter kneaders.
The foundation is also engaged in the production of litter bins, farming implements, beds, trolleys, and metal furniture (beds, chairs and desks).
In an interaction with the acting Upper East Regional Manager of the GRATIS Foundation, Mr Ibrahim Kamil, he said since 2007, the foundation in the region had not been able to train people in the non-engineering section due to the withdrawal of donor support and the inability of the government to provide financial support to make the training possible.
According to him, the foundation also faced problems in the apprenticeship training since the people could not afford the training cost which was quite high as a result of the high cost of materials for training.
Mr Kamil said one major challenge facing the foundation was the lukewarm attitude of district assemblies towards the foundation’s activities. That, he explained, had made it difficult for his organisation to secure jobs from district assemblies and other government institutions.
According to him, lack of a separate transformer for the facility had also affected its productivity.
During a tour of the facility by the Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, the acting Manager of the foundation made a number of requests, saying if they were honoured, they could go a long way to support government’s efforts at generating jobs for many people.
His first request was for the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to hold periodic meetings with the foundation at least once a quarter to afford it the opportunity to brief the key actors on the foundation’s activities of GRATIS.
Mr Kamil also appealed to the regional minister to influence the award of contracts from other ministries, especially those related to metal works, such as irrigation canal gates, metal beds and chairs for his organisation since that would save cost and also offer employment for the youth in the region.
He proposed that Municipal and District Assemblies should support the youth in acquiring employable skills by sponsoring at least two people each from the district every year.
According to Mr Kamil, the fabrication and supply of student desks and beds should be awarded directly to the GRATIS Foundation.
He called for the renovation of the workshop building to give the centre a facelift, stressing that if the requests were fulfilled, they would enable the centre to generate enough money to support their activities and subsequently become self reliant.
Responding, Mr Woyongo observed that the facilities at the foundation had been under utilised and it was about time something was done about the situation to maximise its benefits and also help in making the youth self reliant.
“That way, we will be helping in eradicating poverty, unemployment and dejection in the region,” he said.
While assuring the management of the GRATIS Foundation of his administration’s support, he also urged them to be proactive through aggressive marketing and advertisements to attract the attention of the public.
Its vision was to become a reputable technology development and skills transfer organisation. It was also mandated to provide appropriate technological support for small scale enterprises in the country.
To fulfil its mandate, GRATIS Foundation has been offering both engineering and non-engineering training for technical apprentices and rural people.
The GRATIS Foundation has helped to develop, promote and disseminate marketable technologies and skills for the growth of industry, particularly micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the Upper East Region, .
Over the years, GRATIS has trained more than 600 people in both engineering and non-engineering trades, some of whom have been able to set up their own businesses.
The engineering training includes welding and fabrication and metal machining, which apprentices are supposed to undergo for three years. The non-engineering training has a duration of 10 years and it involves training in batik, tie and dye, cosmetic production and beekeeping, among others.
Apart from the training, the foundation also carries out manufacturing of products to generate some income to support its training activities and operational cost.
Products manufactured include agro- processors, such as corn mills, rice hurlers, threshers and sheabutter kneaders.
The foundation is also engaged in the production of litter bins, farming implements, beds, trolleys, and metal furniture (beds, chairs and desks).
In an interaction with the acting Upper East Regional Manager of the GRATIS Foundation, Mr Ibrahim Kamil, he said since 2007, the foundation in the region had not been able to train people in the non-engineering section due to the withdrawal of donor support and the inability of the government to provide financial support to make the training possible.
According to him, the foundation also faced problems in the apprenticeship training since the people could not afford the training cost which was quite high as a result of the high cost of materials for training.
Mr Kamil said one major challenge facing the foundation was the lukewarm attitude of district assemblies towards the foundation’s activities. That, he explained, had made it difficult for his organisation to secure jobs from district assemblies and other government institutions.
According to him, lack of a separate transformer for the facility had also affected its productivity.
During a tour of the facility by the Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, the acting Manager of the foundation made a number of requests, saying if they were honoured, they could go a long way to support government’s efforts at generating jobs for many people.
His first request was for the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to hold periodic meetings with the foundation at least once a quarter to afford it the opportunity to brief the key actors on the foundation’s activities of GRATIS.
Mr Kamil also appealed to the regional minister to influence the award of contracts from other ministries, especially those related to metal works, such as irrigation canal gates, metal beds and chairs for his organisation since that would save cost and also offer employment for the youth in the region.
He proposed that Municipal and District Assemblies should support the youth in acquiring employable skills by sponsoring at least two people each from the district every year.
According to Mr Kamil, the fabrication and supply of student desks and beds should be awarded directly to the GRATIS Foundation.
He called for the renovation of the workshop building to give the centre a facelift, stressing that if the requests were fulfilled, they would enable the centre to generate enough money to support their activities and subsequently become self reliant.
Responding, Mr Woyongo observed that the facilities at the foundation had been under utilised and it was about time something was done about the situation to maximise its benefits and also help in making the youth self reliant.
“That way, we will be helping in eradicating poverty, unemployment and dejection in the region,” he said.
While assuring the management of the GRATIS Foundation of his administration’s support, he also urged them to be proactive through aggressive marketing and advertisements to attract the attention of the public.
Friday 13 November 2009
POLICE INTERROGATE TWO BAWKU SUSPECTS (SPREAD, NOV 13)
TWO suspects arrested in connection with the shooting incident at Patelme, a suburb of Bawku, on Wednesday are being interrogated by the police in Bawku.
According to the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bright Oduro, the suspects, after the interrogation, would be transferred to Bolgatanga, where they would be put before court.
ACP Oduro told the Daily Graphic in Bolgatanga, that the investigation would include the reconstruction of the scene and a further search of the vicinity where they were arrested for the weapons they used in firing.
“Our preoccupation now is to find the weapons in question. We also need to know the source of ammunition,” he said.
The suspects, Rashid Bukari and Justine Hado, were picked up by a joint military and police patrol team after one of them, Rashid, was alleged to have fired some shots in town, creating some confusion.
Thirty-four rounds of unfired AK 47 ammunition were reportedly retrieved from a jacket said to have been worn by Rashid.
According to the regional police commander, Rashid had allegedly thrown away the jacket that had the ammunition concealed in it after he had targeted someone, fired but missed the target.
He said the joint military and police patrol team which rushed to the scene of the shooting spotted Rashid fleeing but he was pursued by the security men and subsequently arrested.
Mr Oduro said Rashid, who, at that time was bare-chested, and Hado were led to a waiting car and transported to the police station.
He commended the security personnel on the ground for doing remarkably well.
The regional police commander refuted allegations that the human rights of the suspects had been violated by parading them naked.
“I do not think that is true. Nobody will just take away the dress of a suspect like that. Of course, these people put up resistance and, in the process, they were partially exposed,” he said.
He stressed that the security agencies did not act in any way that could be described as an abuse of human rights.
“In the past, a number of arrests were made. Some of those arrested have got back their freedom, others are in custody and in all these cases the suspects have been treated so decently. We have had situations where some of the combatants did not show respect to our human rights. If they do, they will not be firing indiscriminately and creating this state of confusion in Bawku.
“For us, we have been decent. We know how to treat them and have been doing our best. We want the combatants to reciprocate the gesture and treat security personnel and the people of Bawku the same way they want to be treated. We want them to respect human rights, respect the law and not create so much panic, tension and confusion in the area,” he said.
According to the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bright Oduro, the suspects, after the interrogation, would be transferred to Bolgatanga, where they would be put before court.
ACP Oduro told the Daily Graphic in Bolgatanga, that the investigation would include the reconstruction of the scene and a further search of the vicinity where they were arrested for the weapons they used in firing.
“Our preoccupation now is to find the weapons in question. We also need to know the source of ammunition,” he said.
The suspects, Rashid Bukari and Justine Hado, were picked up by a joint military and police patrol team after one of them, Rashid, was alleged to have fired some shots in town, creating some confusion.
Thirty-four rounds of unfired AK 47 ammunition were reportedly retrieved from a jacket said to have been worn by Rashid.
According to the regional police commander, Rashid had allegedly thrown away the jacket that had the ammunition concealed in it after he had targeted someone, fired but missed the target.
He said the joint military and police patrol team which rushed to the scene of the shooting spotted Rashid fleeing but he was pursued by the security men and subsequently arrested.
Mr Oduro said Rashid, who, at that time was bare-chested, and Hado were led to a waiting car and transported to the police station.
He commended the security personnel on the ground for doing remarkably well.
The regional police commander refuted allegations that the human rights of the suspects had been violated by parading them naked.
“I do not think that is true. Nobody will just take away the dress of a suspect like that. Of course, these people put up resistance and, in the process, they were partially exposed,” he said.
He stressed that the security agencies did not act in any way that could be described as an abuse of human rights.
“In the past, a number of arrests were made. Some of those arrested have got back their freedom, others are in custody and in all these cases the suspects have been treated so decently. We have had situations where some of the combatants did not show respect to our human rights. If they do, they will not be firing indiscriminately and creating this state of confusion in Bawku.
“For us, we have been decent. We know how to treat them and have been doing our best. We want the combatants to reciprocate the gesture and treat security personnel and the people of Bawku the same way they want to be treated. We want them to respect human rights, respect the law and not create so much panic, tension and confusion in the area,” he said.
Thursday 12 November 2009
DAUGHTERS GIVE TO BOLGA COMMUNITIES (NOV 12, SHOWBIZ, PAGE 4)
By Benjamin Xornam Glover
One hundred people in deprived communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality and the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region have received free registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme thanks to the gospel music trio, Daughters of Glorious Jesus as part of activities marking their 20th anniversary.
The beneficiaries were from Pwalugu, Karimenga, Tongo Beo, Winkongo, Tongo Yinduri, Sheaga Balungu and Zanlerigu.
The trio, Mrs. Cynthia Agyare Appiadu, Mrs. Monica Owusu Ansah and Mrs. Edna Agyare Sarpong paid out the insurance premiums at a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga last week.
The manager of the group, Mr. Kofi Appiadu said the gesture was to enable the less privileged in society to have easy access to quality health services, adding that most people were unable to seek medical attention at various health facilities due to lack of funds.
“In the past, we have done various charity events, but this time round the ladies would like to do something extra that will have a long lasting benefit, hence the decision to enroll people into the NHIS”, said Kofi.
Cynthia Agyare Appiadu said as part of its programme to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the group has targeted to register a total of 1000 people across the country into the NHIS. “We are doing this to show our appreciation to all who have supported our ministry over the years”, she said.
The trio were in Bolgatanga from Wednesday, November, 4 to Sunday, November 8, 2009 as guests on a programme dubbed “Possessing the land rally” hosted by the Fountain Gate Chapel. For five days running, the trio ministered in songs to over 6,000 people. They charged the atmosphere with a repertoire of songs from their very first album to the latest album on the market, “Trimude”.
At a point, the Senior Pastor of Fountain Gate Chapel, Pastor Eastwood Anaba, wouldn’t let the songs go waste and was spotted on his feet, dancing to the songs from the ladies all in praise of God.
Asked what has kept them together all these years, Mrs. Edna Agyare Sarpong said it all started with the kind of foundation they got during the formative years of the group. She also cited unity; trust in God and above all determination to succeed as the secret behind their success.
And what does the future hold in store for them? “It is our prayer that the good lord should continue to strengthen us to stay in the business of winning souls for Christ through music”, said Cynthia.
One hundred people in deprived communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality and the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region have received free registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme thanks to the gospel music trio, Daughters of Glorious Jesus as part of activities marking their 20th anniversary.
The beneficiaries were from Pwalugu, Karimenga, Tongo Beo, Winkongo, Tongo Yinduri, Sheaga Balungu and Zanlerigu.
The trio, Mrs. Cynthia Agyare Appiadu, Mrs. Monica Owusu Ansah and Mrs. Edna Agyare Sarpong paid out the insurance premiums at a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga last week.
The manager of the group, Mr. Kofi Appiadu said the gesture was to enable the less privileged in society to have easy access to quality health services, adding that most people were unable to seek medical attention at various health facilities due to lack of funds.
“In the past, we have done various charity events, but this time round the ladies would like to do something extra that will have a long lasting benefit, hence the decision to enroll people into the NHIS”, said Kofi.
Cynthia Agyare Appiadu said as part of its programme to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the group has targeted to register a total of 1000 people across the country into the NHIS. “We are doing this to show our appreciation to all who have supported our ministry over the years”, she said.
The trio were in Bolgatanga from Wednesday, November, 4 to Sunday, November 8, 2009 as guests on a programme dubbed “Possessing the land rally” hosted by the Fountain Gate Chapel. For five days running, the trio ministered in songs to over 6,000 people. They charged the atmosphere with a repertoire of songs from their very first album to the latest album on the market, “Trimude”.
At a point, the Senior Pastor of Fountain Gate Chapel, Pastor Eastwood Anaba, wouldn’t let the songs go waste and was spotted on his feet, dancing to the songs from the ladies all in praise of God.
Asked what has kept them together all these years, Mrs. Edna Agyare Sarpong said it all started with the kind of foundation they got during the formative years of the group. She also cited unity; trust in God and above all determination to succeed as the secret behind their success.
And what does the future hold in store for them? “It is our prayer that the good lord should continue to strengthen us to stay in the business of winning souls for Christ through music”, said Cynthia.
2 ARRESTED OVER BAWKU SHOOTING (PAGE 3, NOV 12)
Two young men have been arrested in Bawku in connection with a shooting incident at the outskirts of the municipality.
A 26-year-old unemployed man, Rashid Bukari, a Mamprusi, and his accomplice, Justine Hado, a Yanga by tribe and teacher at the Methodist JHS in Bawku, were picked up by soldiers after the two had been given a hot chase to their hideout.
Security personnel seized 34 rounds of AK 47 ammunition from Rashid, who was wearing a military jacket when he was arrested.
The two have been detained at the Bawku Police Station and are being questioned.
In a telephone interview, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Musah Abdulai, said about 8 a.m. yesterday gunshots were heard around Patelme, a suburb of Bawku.
Mr Abdulai, who is also the Chairman of the Municipal Security Committee, said security men were immediately dispatched to the area and, on their arrival, they saw Rashid in a military uniform and running into a house.
He said the soldiers and the policemen gave Rashid a hot chase and caught up with him in the house when he was trying to undress, adding that he was immediately arrested, together with his accomplice Hado.
The MCE denied assertions that the soldiers had manhandled the suspects by stripping them naked, explaining that at the time of Rashid’s arrest, he had removed the military jacket he was wearing and was left with only a pair of trousers which the security personnel held while sending him to the police station.
He said the situation in Bawku was now calm and commended the security personnel for the quick and swift manner in which they responded to the security threat.
“Today is a market day and these people were just trying to put fear in the people by creating a panic situation,” he said.
Mr Abdulai warned that the security agencies were on high alert and would not sit down for some unscrupulous persons to continue to create tension in the municipality.
A 26-year-old unemployed man, Rashid Bukari, a Mamprusi, and his accomplice, Justine Hado, a Yanga by tribe and teacher at the Methodist JHS in Bawku, were picked up by soldiers after the two had been given a hot chase to their hideout.
Security personnel seized 34 rounds of AK 47 ammunition from Rashid, who was wearing a military jacket when he was arrested.
The two have been detained at the Bawku Police Station and are being questioned.
In a telephone interview, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Musah Abdulai, said about 8 a.m. yesterday gunshots were heard around Patelme, a suburb of Bawku.
Mr Abdulai, who is also the Chairman of the Municipal Security Committee, said security men were immediately dispatched to the area and, on their arrival, they saw Rashid in a military uniform and running into a house.
He said the soldiers and the policemen gave Rashid a hot chase and caught up with him in the house when he was trying to undress, adding that he was immediately arrested, together with his accomplice Hado.
The MCE denied assertions that the soldiers had manhandled the suspects by stripping them naked, explaining that at the time of Rashid’s arrest, he had removed the military jacket he was wearing and was left with only a pair of trousers which the security personnel held while sending him to the police station.
He said the situation in Bawku was now calm and commended the security personnel for the quick and swift manner in which they responded to the security threat.
“Today is a market day and these people were just trying to put fear in the people by creating a panic situation,” he said.
Mr Abdulai warned that the security agencies were on high alert and would not sit down for some unscrupulous persons to continue to create tension in the municipality.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
FEEDING PROGRAMME MUST COVER MORE SCHOOLS... In Upper East Region (PAGE 11, NOV 11)
THE Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has underscored the need for more schools in the region to be enrolled in the programme for it to achieve the objective for which it was established.
He noted that the GSFP which is supposed to spearhead the retention of pupils in schools through the provision of nutritious meals to primary school pupils would not achieve its aim if those in very deprived areas were not given priority attention.
He said though it was a well-known fact that the Upper East Region was a poverty endemic area, very few schools were benefiting from the programme.
“Here is the case where we only have 64 schools out of the 1,000 schools in the region benefiting from the programme whereas in other parts of the country where the people are relatively well-to-do, more schools are on the programme”, he said.
He argued that there was no justification in having only four per cent of schools in the region which was regarded as poor covered under the programme, whereas in the Ashanti Region where conditions were relatively better, as many as 29 per cent of schools had been placed under the GSFP.
Mr Atanga said the time had come for a careful study of the programme to enable more children in the deprived communities of the country to benefit from the programme.
One other challenge facing the smooth implementation of the programme was the lack of office equipment and transport facilities, he said, and called on the government to resource the GSFP Secretariat in the region to enable it to function effectively.
The programme currently operates from an office allocated to it by the Regional Coordinating Council, but it lacks chairs and computers for keeping data, he said, adding that officers were, therefore, forced to keep official records in their cars.
The Assistant Director of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mrs Irene Odokai Messiba, said it was important for metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives to monitor the GSFP to help address some of its challenges and improve its operations.
The actual implementation of the GSFP at the district level was done by the district assemblies using the already existing district staff and structures and the direct beneficiaries of the programme were the districts and communities in which the beneficiary schools of GSFP were sited, she stated.
They should, therefore, regard and the programme as their own, she said.
The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, urged municipal and district chief executives as Chairmen of the District Implementation Committees of the programme, to adhere to due financial management regulations to ensure compliance with all financial regulations.
“Do not engage in acts that will put you and the programme into disrepute and public ridicule. All stakeholders ought to be extremely vigilant to ensure that food suppliers or contractors do not fleece the programme through over-invoicing and other shoddy deals”, she cautioned.
According to her, this will be one of the effective ways of ensuring the sustainability of the programme and encouraging its spread to all basic schools.
He noted that the GSFP which is supposed to spearhead the retention of pupils in schools through the provision of nutritious meals to primary school pupils would not achieve its aim if those in very deprived areas were not given priority attention.
He said though it was a well-known fact that the Upper East Region was a poverty endemic area, very few schools were benefiting from the programme.
“Here is the case where we only have 64 schools out of the 1,000 schools in the region benefiting from the programme whereas in other parts of the country where the people are relatively well-to-do, more schools are on the programme”, he said.
He argued that there was no justification in having only four per cent of schools in the region which was regarded as poor covered under the programme, whereas in the Ashanti Region where conditions were relatively better, as many as 29 per cent of schools had been placed under the GSFP.
Mr Atanga said the time had come for a careful study of the programme to enable more children in the deprived communities of the country to benefit from the programme.
One other challenge facing the smooth implementation of the programme was the lack of office equipment and transport facilities, he said, and called on the government to resource the GSFP Secretariat in the region to enable it to function effectively.
The programme currently operates from an office allocated to it by the Regional Coordinating Council, but it lacks chairs and computers for keeping data, he said, adding that officers were, therefore, forced to keep official records in their cars.
The Assistant Director of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mrs Irene Odokai Messiba, said it was important for metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives to monitor the GSFP to help address some of its challenges and improve its operations.
The actual implementation of the GSFP at the district level was done by the district assemblies using the already existing district staff and structures and the direct beneficiaries of the programme were the districts and communities in which the beneficiary schools of GSFP were sited, she stated.
They should, therefore, regard and the programme as their own, she said.
The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, urged municipal and district chief executives as Chairmen of the District Implementation Committees of the programme, to adhere to due financial management regulations to ensure compliance with all financial regulations.
“Do not engage in acts that will put you and the programme into disrepute and public ridicule. All stakeholders ought to be extremely vigilant to ensure that food suppliers or contractors do not fleece the programme through over-invoicing and other shoddy deals”, she cautioned.
According to her, this will be one of the effective ways of ensuring the sustainability of the programme and encouraging its spread to all basic schools.
Sunday 8 November 2009
COPS CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE...In Bawku conflict (LEAD STORY, NOV 7)
Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bawku
THREE police officers involved in peacekeeping operations in Bawku have been caught in the ethnic crossfire.
Constable Oscar Sarpong, Constable Augustine Henyo and Lance Corporal A.K. Mawualo sustained various degrees of injury, in trying to restore peace to the perennial conflict zone.
Henyo, whose injury was described as critical, has been flown to Accra to receive treatment at the Police Hospital, while the other two are on admission at the Quality Medical Centre in Bawku.
Giving details of the situation to the Daily Graphic in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Police Public Affairs Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Agbanyo, lamented that at all material times, the police had remained neutral in the conflict. However, it appears they had become targets in the conflict.
He warned the combatants of dire consequences if they continued to turn their guns on the police.
“We wish to inform the people of Bawku that so far as the police is concerned, our mandate in Bawku is to help ensure peace and save the lives of innocent civilians. When they continue to attack our personnel, they (police) will be forced to react,” he warned.
“They (the combatants ) should know that the police personnel have been well trained and equipped with the expertise to handle all kinds of situations including attacks on us but we as professionals will not resort to any form of violence.”
Explaining further, Chief Inspector Agbanyo said the latest disturbances began when a cattle dealer by name Fuseini Imoro aka Gazere from Sabon Geri, who was riding a motorbike towards the Kariyama cattle market, was allegedly ambushed by some AK-47 wielding young men, who fired several shots at Imoro, but failed to get him.
He said Constable Henyo, who was at the scene where Moro was attacked, was hit in the left leg by a bullet from the assailants’ rifle. The victim was immediately rushed to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital and later referred to the Police Hospital in Accra.
He added that on Sunday November 1, 2009, an informant notified the police that a group of people had violated the curfew in the municipality and therefore eight policemen led by Chief Inspector G.K Okyere were dispatched to scene.
The PRO said on arrival, they were confronted by a group of young people and in an attempt to disarm them. General Constable Oscar Sarpong’s rifle went off and the bullet hit one Samuel Akparibo in the waist.
Chief Inspector Agbanyo said the people then regrouped and took the policeman hostage, while the other policemen were chased into the Binduri forest from where they were rescued and returned to base.
According to the Police PRO on November 2, 2009, some youth attacked some police officers at their rented quarters at Hausa Zongo and in the process Lance Corporal Mawualo was hit in the left foot by a bullet and was admitted to the Quality Medical Centre.
The Police Spokesman described these attacks as unfortunate and warned the combatants to desist from them.
Constable Oscar Sarpong, Constable Augustine Henyo and Lance Corporal A.K. Mawualo sustained various degrees of injury, in trying to restore peace to the perennial conflict zone.
Henyo, whose injury was described as critical, has been flown to Accra to receive treatment at the Police Hospital, while the other two are on admission at the Quality Medical Centre in Bawku.
Giving details of the situation to the Daily Graphic in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Police Public Affairs Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Agbanyo, lamented that at all material times, the police had remained neutral in the conflict. However, it appears they had become targets in the conflict.
He warned the combatants of dire consequences if they continued to turn their guns on the police.
“We wish to inform the people of Bawku that so far as the police is concerned, our mandate in Bawku is to help ensure peace and save the lives of innocent civilians. When they continue to attack our personnel, they (police) will be forced to react,” he warned.
“They (the combatants ) should know that the police personnel have been well trained and equipped with the expertise to handle all kinds of situations including attacks on us but we as professionals will not resort to any form of violence.”
Explaining further, Chief Inspector Agbanyo said the latest disturbances began when a cattle dealer by name Fuseini Imoro aka Gazere from Sabon Geri, who was riding a motorbike towards the Kariyama cattle market, was allegedly ambushed by some AK-47 wielding young men, who fired several shots at Imoro, but failed to get him.
He said Constable Henyo, who was at the scene where Moro was attacked, was hit in the left leg by a bullet from the assailants’ rifle. The victim was immediately rushed to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital and later referred to the Police Hospital in Accra.
He added that on Sunday November 1, 2009, an informant notified the police that a group of people had violated the curfew in the municipality and therefore eight policemen led by Chief Inspector G.K Okyere were dispatched to scene.
The PRO said on arrival, they were confronted by a group of young people and in an attempt to disarm them. General Constable Oscar Sarpong’s rifle went off and the bullet hit one Samuel Akparibo in the waist.
Chief Inspector Agbanyo said the people then regrouped and took the policeman hostage, while the other policemen were chased into the Binduri forest from where they were rescued and returned to base.
According to the Police PRO on November 2, 2009, some youth attacked some police officers at their rented quarters at Hausa Zongo and in the process Lance Corporal Mawualo was hit in the left foot by a bullet and was admitted to the Quality Medical Centre.
The Police Spokesman described these attacks as unfortunate and warned the combatants to desist from them.
Friday 6 November 2009
BOLGA MEAT FACTORY IN NEED OF MORE FUNDS (BACK PAGE, NOV 6)
THE Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in the Upper East Region is soliciting the support of Parliament to ensure that the government makes resources available to resuscitate the Bolgatanga Meat Factory.
According to the acting Regional Director of MoFA, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Ziblim Salifu, with the injection of a little capital, the factory, which has been closed down for some years now, would be in a position to produce quality dairy products.
He recalled the days when the factory produced the famous “Volta Beef“ and said in its present state, it could produce high-class products comparable to similar products from other countries.
Alhaji Salifu made the appeal when he briefed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs on the performance of the ministry in the region.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu, was on a working visit to the region.
He told members of the committee that agro-based raw materials in the northern sector of the country and the Upper East Region in particular had the potential to bring about food self-sufficiency if farmers applied science and technology to agriculture.
On livestock, the acting director said the production of indigenous chicken, especially guinea fowl, could be enhanced with the provision of small-scale incubators to replace natural brooding and the cold chain system that could boost processing and transportation to southern markets.
Touching on the performance of the fisheries sector in the region, Alhaji Salifu said rehabilitated dams and fish ponds at Tono and Vea could be used for technologies on integrated aquaculture such as cage culture.
He said from 91.16 tonnes in 2006, catches rose to 378.44 tonnes in 2008, adding that with the injection of resources and other logistics, there would be a great potential for aqua-culture.
Dr Yakubu commended the Regional Directorate of MoFA for working hard to reduce the hunger cycle in the region.
“This is a region that had a hunger cycle of three years but due to hard work by MoFA and its partners, it was reduced to five years and now it is almost non-existent,” he said, and urged the staff not to relent in their efforts.
According to the acting Regional Director of MoFA, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Ziblim Salifu, with the injection of a little capital, the factory, which has been closed down for some years now, would be in a position to produce quality dairy products.
He recalled the days when the factory produced the famous “Volta Beef“ and said in its present state, it could produce high-class products comparable to similar products from other countries.
Alhaji Salifu made the appeal when he briefed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs on the performance of the ministry in the region.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu, was on a working visit to the region.
He told members of the committee that agro-based raw materials in the northern sector of the country and the Upper East Region in particular had the potential to bring about food self-sufficiency if farmers applied science and technology to agriculture.
On livestock, the acting director said the production of indigenous chicken, especially guinea fowl, could be enhanced with the provision of small-scale incubators to replace natural brooding and the cold chain system that could boost processing and transportation to southern markets.
Touching on the performance of the fisheries sector in the region, Alhaji Salifu said rehabilitated dams and fish ponds at Tono and Vea could be used for technologies on integrated aquaculture such as cage culture.
He said from 91.16 tonnes in 2006, catches rose to 378.44 tonnes in 2008, adding that with the injection of resources and other logistics, there would be a great potential for aqua-culture.
Dr Yakubu commended the Regional Directorate of MoFA for working hard to reduce the hunger cycle in the region.
“This is a region that had a hunger cycle of three years but due to hard work by MoFA and its partners, it was reduced to five years and now it is almost non-existent,” he said, and urged the staff not to relent in their efforts.
Thursday 5 November 2009
BAWKU NANA OKAYS MEASURES (PAGE 3, NOV 5)
THE Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has endorsed measures taken by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to curb the latest round of violence in the traditional area.
Speaking through a spokesperson to the media at his palace in reaction to the disturbances that had so far claimed three lives, the Bawku Naba commended the security personnel for their swift response to the disturbances and urged them to be firm and professional in handling the situation.
He said the latest disturbances in the area had come as a surprise to him, emphasising that he was particularly disturbed by the turn of events, especially at a time when more efforts and resources from state agencies and NGOs had been pumped into various peace initiatives.
“I am particularly disturbed by the turn of events. My hope was that the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee which was formed by the government through the regional minister was about to make a breakthrough for peace to prevail.
Unfortunately, our Mamprusi counterparts withdrew from the committee and have disorganised its activities,” he said.
While commending the security agencies, he also called on his subjects to remain calm and co-operate with the agencies to bring the situation under control while the government found lasting solutions to the chronic ethnic conflict.
The latest violence erupted on Friday, October 30, 2009 when a cattle dealer, Fuseini Imoro, was ambushed by some youth who shot at him around the cattle market at Kariyama, a suburb of Bawku.
The cattle dealer, however, escaped narrowly.
Then on Sunday, November 1, 2009, when the family members and friends of the late Barichesu Fuseini had gathered to mourn her at her residence at Mazema, some gunmen, alleged to be Mamprusis, suddenly arrived at the house and shot into the gathering, injuring two persons in the process.
There was another indiscriminate shooting just about the same time at Azaanga, a predominantly Kusasi suburb.
Soon after those shootings, there were intense sporadic gunshots at various locations throughout the night, continuing into the morning of Monday, November 2, 2009.
It took the combined effort of the military and the police to bring the violence under control by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Speaking through a spokesperson to the media at his palace in reaction to the disturbances that had so far claimed three lives, the Bawku Naba commended the security personnel for their swift response to the disturbances and urged them to be firm and professional in handling the situation.
He said the latest disturbances in the area had come as a surprise to him, emphasising that he was particularly disturbed by the turn of events, especially at a time when more efforts and resources from state agencies and NGOs had been pumped into various peace initiatives.
“I am particularly disturbed by the turn of events. My hope was that the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee which was formed by the government through the regional minister was about to make a breakthrough for peace to prevail.
Unfortunately, our Mamprusi counterparts withdrew from the committee and have disorganised its activities,” he said.
While commending the security agencies, he also called on his subjects to remain calm and co-operate with the agencies to bring the situation under control while the government found lasting solutions to the chronic ethnic conflict.
The latest violence erupted on Friday, October 30, 2009 when a cattle dealer, Fuseini Imoro, was ambushed by some youth who shot at him around the cattle market at Kariyama, a suburb of Bawku.
The cattle dealer, however, escaped narrowly.
Then on Sunday, November 1, 2009, when the family members and friends of the late Barichesu Fuseini had gathered to mourn her at her residence at Mazema, some gunmen, alleged to be Mamprusis, suddenly arrived at the house and shot into the gathering, injuring two persons in the process.
There was another indiscriminate shooting just about the same time at Azaanga, a predominantly Kusasi suburb.
Soon after those shootings, there were intense sporadic gunshots at various locations throughout the night, continuing into the morning of Monday, November 2, 2009.
It took the combined effort of the military and the police to bring the violence under control by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
GUNS BOOM IN BAWKU AGAIN ( NOV 3, Front Page)
Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover & Alhandu Abdul-Hamid, Bawku
ECHOES of sporadic gunshots, as well as an eerie sense of uncertainty, were heard in Bawku late into the night yesterday after the latest outbreak of conflict in the municipality on Sunday. At least three people are reported killed, with several others injured, in the latest upsurge in the conflict, while shops and government offices remained closed as members of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) moved to strategic points to assess the nature of unrest. Two of the three persons so far killed were burnt to ashes at the Bawku suburb of Zabugu.At a critical time during the REGSEC’s tour of the hot spots, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, who is also the Chairman of the REGSEC, was one of those who had to lie flat on the ground to escape the volley of bullets flying over. Twenty-nine people have so far been picked for screening in connection with the violence.Other members of the security delegation were the Chief Director of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), Mr Samuel N’lary; the acting Regional Prisons Commander, Mr Cletus Asaana; the Regional Chief Fire Officer, Mr Wuni Azomyana, and the Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Peter Defie.At the time of filing this report, the streets of the municipality were completely deserted and gunshots were still ramming through the air, especially at the suburb of Daduri.Residents had been forced indoors, some without food and water, from 7 p.m. on Sunday when the latest round of shooting erupted, the cause of which is yet to be ascertained.A curfew imposed by the Ministry of the Interior, effective 2 p.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. today, was also in force. A statement from the Ministry of Information announcing the curfew said it was due to the renewed violence that had erupted in Bawku on Sunday night.The statement announcing the curfew, which was signed by the Minister for Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, explained that the imposition of the curfew was in consultation with and on the recommendation of the Upper East REGSEC. It said the curfew was meant to protect lives and property in the area and also enable the security agencies to deploy more troops on the ground to enhance security operations in Bawku. It noted that the curfew period would be subject to review based on the situation in the area when it expired today. Media personnel accompanying the REGSEC team were holed up at the offices of the Municipal Police Station where a press conference was hurriedly organised to update the media on events.Briefing the media after a lengthy in-camera deliberation, Mr Woyongo said two of the three dead persons had been burnt to ashes at Zabugu, while the third died through a gunshot. Others whose names he gave as Mubarak Hamidu and Yussif Ziblim sustained injuries and were on admission at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital.According to Mr Woyongo, after the consultations, it was recommended that a state of emergency be declared in Bawku to help curtail the rampant shooting
ECHOES of sporadic gunshots, as well as an eerie sense of uncertainty, were heard in Bawku late into the night yesterday after the latest outbreak of conflict in the municipality on Sunday. At least three people are reported killed, with several others injured, in the latest upsurge in the conflict, while shops and government offices remained closed as members of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) moved to strategic points to assess the nature of unrest. Two of the three persons so far killed were burnt to ashes at the Bawku suburb of Zabugu.At a critical time during the REGSEC’s tour of the hot spots, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, who is also the Chairman of the REGSEC, was one of those who had to lie flat on the ground to escape the volley of bullets flying over. Twenty-nine people have so far been picked for screening in connection with the violence.Other members of the security delegation were the Chief Director of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), Mr Samuel N’lary; the acting Regional Prisons Commander, Mr Cletus Asaana; the Regional Chief Fire Officer, Mr Wuni Azomyana, and the Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Peter Defie.At the time of filing this report, the streets of the municipality were completely deserted and gunshots were still ramming through the air, especially at the suburb of Daduri.Residents had been forced indoors, some without food and water, from 7 p.m. on Sunday when the latest round of shooting erupted, the cause of which is yet to be ascertained.A curfew imposed by the Ministry of the Interior, effective 2 p.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. today, was also in force. A statement from the Ministry of Information announcing the curfew said it was due to the renewed violence that had erupted in Bawku on Sunday night.The statement announcing the curfew, which was signed by the Minister for Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, explained that the imposition of the curfew was in consultation with and on the recommendation of the Upper East REGSEC. It said the curfew was meant to protect lives and property in the area and also enable the security agencies to deploy more troops on the ground to enhance security operations in Bawku. It noted that the curfew period would be subject to review based on the situation in the area when it expired today. Media personnel accompanying the REGSEC team were holed up at the offices of the Municipal Police Station where a press conference was hurriedly organised to update the media on events.Briefing the media after a lengthy in-camera deliberation, Mr Woyongo said two of the three dead persons had been burnt to ashes at Zabugu, while the third died through a gunshot. Others whose names he gave as Mubarak Hamidu and Yussif Ziblim sustained injuries and were on admission at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital.According to Mr Woyongo, after the consultations, it was recommended that a state of emergency be declared in Bawku to help curtail the rampant shooting
SECURITY BEEFED UP IN BAWKU (PAGE 3, NOV 4)
THE Police High Command has dispatched four light armoured vehicles, a Scopio armoured car and 200 bullet-proof jackets to Bawku in response to recommendations made by the Upper East Regional Security Council following renewed clashes in Bawku last Sunday.
At a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga en route to Bawku, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Bright Oduro, told the press that the equipment was to help enhance the operational efficiency of the personnel operating in Bawku.
He said the Police High Command was further beefing up security by sending 60 more policemen from Accra to complement the over 300 personnel on the ground to help reinforce security at Bawku.
DCOP Oduro said the security agencies were on top of issues in Bawku at the moment and that there was no cause for alarm, adding that those arrested on Monday were being screened and those found not to be connected with the clashes would be released.
At a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga en route to Bawku, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Bright Oduro, told the press that the equipment was to help enhance the operational efficiency of the personnel operating in Bawku.
He said the Police High Command was further beefing up security by sending 60 more policemen from Accra to complement the over 300 personnel on the ground to help reinforce security at Bawku.
DCOP Oduro said the security agencies were on top of issues in Bawku at the moment and that there was no cause for alarm, adding that those arrested on Monday were being screened and those found not to be connected with the clashes would be released.
Monday 2 November 2009
BAWKU NCCE EMBARKS ON OUTREACH PROGRAMME (PAGE 38, NOV 2)
THE National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Bawku Municipality has embarked on a series of programmes, particularly targeted at the youth, with a view of imbibing in them the sense of nationalism.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Bawku, the Bawku Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr P.P. Apaabey Baba, said his outfit had been collaborating with the Municipal Assembly, the Young Christian Workers Organisation, the Ghana Education Service and some civil society organisations such as the Belim-Wusa Development Association (BEWDA) to educate the youth on various national issues.
He said topics treated since the programme started three months ago included Fundamental Human Rights and Responsibilities as contained in the 1992 Constitution, the challenges of building a culture of effective citizens participation in democracy, conflict prevention in schools, using the channels of communication and the Children’s Act.
The Municipal NCCE Director said his outfit impressed upon Islamic schoolchildren and their instructors that besides the study of Quran, they should take the teaching and learning of secular education seriously for them to acquire higher academic qualifications in order to secure good jobs.
He said as part of the programme the youth were advised against drug abuse and spending too much time on festivals, funerals and also urged to desist from immoral activities.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Bawku, the Bawku Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr P.P. Apaabey Baba, said his outfit had been collaborating with the Municipal Assembly, the Young Christian Workers Organisation, the Ghana Education Service and some civil society organisations such as the Belim-Wusa Development Association (BEWDA) to educate the youth on various national issues.
He said topics treated since the programme started three months ago included Fundamental Human Rights and Responsibilities as contained in the 1992 Constitution, the challenges of building a culture of effective citizens participation in democracy, conflict prevention in schools, using the channels of communication and the Children’s Act.
The Municipal NCCE Director said his outfit impressed upon Islamic schoolchildren and their instructors that besides the study of Quran, they should take the teaching and learning of secular education seriously for them to acquire higher academic qualifications in order to secure good jobs.
He said as part of the programme the youth were advised against drug abuse and spending too much time on festivals, funerals and also urged to desist from immoral activities.
REGIONAL MINISTER INAUGURATES CRAFT CENTRE (NOV 2, PAGE 38)
A GH¢30,000 craft centre capable of accommodating 170 craftsmen engaged in basket weaving has been inaugurated at Nyariga, near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
The building comprises a large hall, two store rooms and an office.
The project was partly financed by two USA-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), “The Blessing Basket Project” and “Whole Foods Market”, which are major clients of hand-made craft products from Nyariga.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Blessing Basket Project, Ms Theresa Wilson, said she realised the potential of the basket weaving industry in the community five years ago although there was no reliable market for the products, while poverty was also rife among the people.
She, therefore, went into partnership with the community to buy their baskets at prices higher than the prevailing market value for export to the USA where the Whole Food Market took up the responsibility to retail the products.
Ms Wilson said the two companies decided to plough back the profit they made into the community.
She explained that the goal of the project was to end poverty among the people they serve by giving them a “hand-up” not “a hand out”, adding “Our approach to poverty reduction is simple and clear”.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, who inaugurated the centre, commended the two organisations for the good work they were doing for the community.
He said basket and smock weaving had now become important local industry and primary source of income for most of the people in the district, adding that the industry had contributed in reducing abject poverty in the area which is the ultimate goal of every nation.
Mr Woyongo urged the people not to be complacent but should work harder to ensure that their children were not only enrolled in schools, but must stay to complete their education.
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr John Nyaaba appealed to the government to assist the women with credit facilities to enable them to produce more baskets.
He also called for financial assistance to buy more raw materials during the main season which will be stored to be used during the lean season.
The building comprises a large hall, two store rooms and an office.
The project was partly financed by two USA-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), “The Blessing Basket Project” and “Whole Foods Market”, which are major clients of hand-made craft products from Nyariga.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Blessing Basket Project, Ms Theresa Wilson, said she realised the potential of the basket weaving industry in the community five years ago although there was no reliable market for the products, while poverty was also rife among the people.
She, therefore, went into partnership with the community to buy their baskets at prices higher than the prevailing market value for export to the USA where the Whole Food Market took up the responsibility to retail the products.
Ms Wilson said the two companies decided to plough back the profit they made into the community.
She explained that the goal of the project was to end poverty among the people they serve by giving them a “hand-up” not “a hand out”, adding “Our approach to poverty reduction is simple and clear”.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, who inaugurated the centre, commended the two organisations for the good work they were doing for the community.
He said basket and smock weaving had now become important local industry and primary source of income for most of the people in the district, adding that the industry had contributed in reducing abject poverty in the area which is the ultimate goal of every nation.
Mr Woyongo urged the people not to be complacent but should work harder to ensure that their children were not only enrolled in schools, but must stay to complete their education.
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr John Nyaaba appealed to the government to assist the women with credit facilities to enable them to produce more baskets.
He also called for financial assistance to buy more raw materials during the main season which will be stored to be used during the lean season.
GAWU HOLDS PUBLIC LECTURE IN BOLGATANGA (PAGE 35, NOV 2)
THE General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has held a public lecture in Bolgatanga as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the union. The theme for the golden jubilee anniversary was: “50 years of organising agricultural workers for development: Achievements, challenges and prospects”.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, said GAWU believed strongly that industrialisation rather than export-led growth was vital if the nation was to make any significant gains from trade.
He emphasised that one of the lessons of the global crises was that countries depending on agricultural and other primary commodities for export would remain vulnerable to the crises that were not their own making.
“In this connection, GAWU is quick to observe that the Ghana School Feeding and Free School Uniform Programmes could be used strategically to leverage the production of food and the development of the textile industry”, he said.
Mr Ofei-Nkansah reiterated GAWU’s call on the government not to initial the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.
He lauded the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for taking steps to support the locally produced rice by directing that local rice be served at all state functions.
The Upper East Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Augustine Adongo commended GAWU on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration.
He expressed the hope that the union would continue to seek the interest of agricultural sector workers.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, said GAWU believed strongly that industrialisation rather than export-led growth was vital if the nation was to make any significant gains from trade.
He emphasised that one of the lessons of the global crises was that countries depending on agricultural and other primary commodities for export would remain vulnerable to the crises that were not their own making.
“In this connection, GAWU is quick to observe that the Ghana School Feeding and Free School Uniform Programmes could be used strategically to leverage the production of food and the development of the textile industry”, he said.
Mr Ofei-Nkansah reiterated GAWU’s call on the government not to initial the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.
He lauded the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for taking steps to support the locally produced rice by directing that local rice be served at all state functions.
The Upper East Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Augustine Adongo commended GAWU on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration.
He expressed the hope that the union would continue to seek the interest of agricultural sector workers.
GAWU HOLDS PUBLIC LECTURE IN BOLGATANGA (PAGE 35, NOV 2)
THE General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has held a public lecture in Bolgatanga as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the union. The theme for the golden jubilee anniversary was: “50 years of organising agricultural workers for development: Achievements, challenges and prospects”.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, said GAWU believed strongly that industrialisation rather than export-led growth was vital if the nation was to make any significant gains from trade.
He emphasised that one of the lessons of the global crises was that countries depending on agricultural and other primary commodities for export would remain vulnerable to the crises that were not their own making.
“In this connection, GAWU is quick to observe that the Ghana School Feeding and Free School Uniform Programmes could be used strategically to leverage the production of food and the development of the textile industry”, he said.
Mr Ofei-Nkansah reiterated GAWU’s call on the government not to initial the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.
He lauded the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for taking steps to support the locally produced rice by directing that local rice be served at all state functions.
The Upper East Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Augustine Adongo commended GAWU on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration.
He expressed the hope that the union would continue to seek the interest of agricultural sector workers.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, said GAWU believed strongly that industrialisation rather than export-led growth was vital if the nation was to make any significant gains from trade.
He emphasised that one of the lessons of the global crises was that countries depending on agricultural and other primary commodities for export would remain vulnerable to the crises that were not their own making.
“In this connection, GAWU is quick to observe that the Ghana School Feeding and Free School Uniform Programmes could be used strategically to leverage the production of food and the development of the textile industry”, he said.
Mr Ofei-Nkansah reiterated GAWU’s call on the government not to initial the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.
He lauded the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for taking steps to support the locally produced rice by directing that local rice be served at all state functions.
The Upper East Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Augustine Adongo commended GAWU on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration.
He expressed the hope that the union would continue to seek the interest of agricultural sector workers.
COMMITTEE ON UER'S GOLDEN JUBILEE PRESENTS REPORT (PAGE 35, NOV 2)
THE committee set up by the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to plan the region’s golden jubilee celebration has presented its report to the Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo.
Presenting the documents at a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Donald Adabere, said the significance of the event could not be overemphasised.
The event, he said, would enable the region to highlight its achievements and to market its potential to attract investments and promote tourism.
Mr Adabere, who is also Ghana’s Ambassador designate to Mali, said the occasion would also be an opportunity to show recognition by way of awards/honours to distinguished personalities and institutions that had contributed immensely towards the development of the region.
He said in search of an appropriate theme for the anniversary, the committee considered education as the key to move the region forward.
In line with that, the committee proposed: “Upper East Region @ 50 — “Harnessing our endowed resources for accelerated development through education” as the theme for the year long event.
Mr Adabere said in cognisance of the theme, the committee had lined up a number of educational programmes, including public lectures, symposia, debate, essay and quiz competitions, to whip up the interest of pupils/students in the various educational institutions in the region.
He said a grand durbar of chiefs and people in the region would be held in Bolgatanga in addition to “District Days” for the nine districts in the region to showcase their socio-economic potential and rich culture.
Other programmes outlined for the celebration include sporting and entertainment events, such as U-15 soccer match for boys, volleyball match for adults, triangular tennis tournament as well as inter-regional soccer match among the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.
The committee also proposed a boxing tournament between the Upper East Region and the South Central Province of Burkina Faso as well as beauty pageant dubbed: “Miss Upper East Region @ 50”.
Mr Adabere said the committee also proposed the creation of a website to give publicity to the event as well as a congress or homecoming of Upper Easterners, among other activities.
He said the celebration was estimated to cost about GH¢300,000 apart from infrastructural improvements and development.
Mr Adabere stated that the committee also proposed a special project to be known as “the Upper East Regional Golden Jubilee Project”.
According to him, the committee had proposed the imposition of levies on all the Municipal and District Assemblies, raffle draws, appeal for funds and sponsorship of some of events from individuals and corporate entities, as part of generating funds to finance the event.
The committee further proposed that the RCC should officially request for special funds from the central government to give the regional capital a face lift.
Receiving the report, Mr Woyongo commended the members for doing a good job, adding that the report would be thoroughly studied and implemented to ensure a successful celebration.
He said the first thing the RCC would want to implement in the recommendation was the creation of the website before the end of November, this year, because that would be the window to the celebration.
Mr Woyongo said the RCC had contracted a media consultant to market the anniversary and source for sponsorship for some to the activities to be undertaken during the period.
He said while the committee was doing its work, the RCC had also requested for funds from the Castle to rehabilitate the residency and the regional administration.
The regional minister stated that GH¢5.4 million had been approved for the anniversary celebration and the facelift of the residency and regional administration.
According to him, the money would come from the regional budget for 2010, adding that notwithstanding, the RCC was not despaired but was optimistic that the region would be able to source funds from the corporate world and well-meaning citizens and philanthropic organisations in the country and beyond.
He said an appeal had also been made to the Sports Minister for the construction of a sports complex to mark the occasion, adding that there were strong indications that the projects would be undertaken.
Mr Woyongo said as part of the face-lifting of the regional capital, contract had been awarded for a new street lighting project for Bolgatanga.
He expressed concern about the bad road network in Bolgatanga, which he said, was the worst of all the regional capitals in the country.
Mr Woyongo said realistic measures would be taken to have the roads reconstructed before the anniversary began.
He stated that approval had been given for the construction of two kilometres of tarred roads in the Bolgatanga Municipality, adding that the Department of Urban Roads would decide on which of the roads to be tarred.
“We are also making proposals for the asphalting of the Bolgatanga–Bawku road which is a an international route. The project is estimated at $96 million,” the regional minister said.
Presenting the documents at a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Donald Adabere, said the significance of the event could not be overemphasised.
The event, he said, would enable the region to highlight its achievements and to market its potential to attract investments and promote tourism.
Mr Adabere, who is also Ghana’s Ambassador designate to Mali, said the occasion would also be an opportunity to show recognition by way of awards/honours to distinguished personalities and institutions that had contributed immensely towards the development of the region.
He said in search of an appropriate theme for the anniversary, the committee considered education as the key to move the region forward.
In line with that, the committee proposed: “Upper East Region @ 50 — “Harnessing our endowed resources for accelerated development through education” as the theme for the year long event.
Mr Adabere said in cognisance of the theme, the committee had lined up a number of educational programmes, including public lectures, symposia, debate, essay and quiz competitions, to whip up the interest of pupils/students in the various educational institutions in the region.
He said a grand durbar of chiefs and people in the region would be held in Bolgatanga in addition to “District Days” for the nine districts in the region to showcase their socio-economic potential and rich culture.
Other programmes outlined for the celebration include sporting and entertainment events, such as U-15 soccer match for boys, volleyball match for adults, triangular tennis tournament as well as inter-regional soccer match among the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.
The committee also proposed a boxing tournament between the Upper East Region and the South Central Province of Burkina Faso as well as beauty pageant dubbed: “Miss Upper East Region @ 50”.
Mr Adabere said the committee also proposed the creation of a website to give publicity to the event as well as a congress or homecoming of Upper Easterners, among other activities.
He said the celebration was estimated to cost about GH¢300,000 apart from infrastructural improvements and development.
Mr Adabere stated that the committee also proposed a special project to be known as “the Upper East Regional Golden Jubilee Project”.
According to him, the committee had proposed the imposition of levies on all the Municipal and District Assemblies, raffle draws, appeal for funds and sponsorship of some of events from individuals and corporate entities, as part of generating funds to finance the event.
The committee further proposed that the RCC should officially request for special funds from the central government to give the regional capital a face lift.
Receiving the report, Mr Woyongo commended the members for doing a good job, adding that the report would be thoroughly studied and implemented to ensure a successful celebration.
He said the first thing the RCC would want to implement in the recommendation was the creation of the website before the end of November, this year, because that would be the window to the celebration.
Mr Woyongo said the RCC had contracted a media consultant to market the anniversary and source for sponsorship for some to the activities to be undertaken during the period.
He said while the committee was doing its work, the RCC had also requested for funds from the Castle to rehabilitate the residency and the regional administration.
The regional minister stated that GH¢5.4 million had been approved for the anniversary celebration and the facelift of the residency and regional administration.
According to him, the money would come from the regional budget for 2010, adding that notwithstanding, the RCC was not despaired but was optimistic that the region would be able to source funds from the corporate world and well-meaning citizens and philanthropic organisations in the country and beyond.
He said an appeal had also been made to the Sports Minister for the construction of a sports complex to mark the occasion, adding that there were strong indications that the projects would be undertaken.
Mr Woyongo said as part of the face-lifting of the regional capital, contract had been awarded for a new street lighting project for Bolgatanga.
He expressed concern about the bad road network in Bolgatanga, which he said, was the worst of all the regional capitals in the country.
Mr Woyongo said realistic measures would be taken to have the roads reconstructed before the anniversary began.
He stated that approval had been given for the construction of two kilometres of tarred roads in the Bolgatanga Municipality, adding that the Department of Urban Roads would decide on which of the roads to be tarred.
“We are also making proposals for the asphalting of the Bolgatanga–Bawku road which is a an international route. The project is estimated at $96 million,” the regional minister said.
Sunday 1 November 2009
SHOOTING INCIDENT ROCKS BAWKU (PAGE 3, OCT 31)
REPORTS reaching the Daily Graphic from Bawku indicate that there was a shooting incident in parts of the municipality yesterday.
Some residents who spoke to this reporter in Bolgatanga said the incident occurred about 10 a.m.
They said incidentally yesterday was a market day and activities in the town came to a temporary halt after some gunshots had been heard around Possum and the Kariyama Market.
When the police heard of the incident, they swiftly mobilised and rushed to the scene and other nearby suburbs, including the Kariyama Animal Market.
The residents said it was at the animal market that a stray bullet allegedly hit a policeman in the leg.
The victim, whose name is being withheld, was rushed to the Bawku Presby Hospital for treatment.
The Municipal Police Commander, DSP Cashman Blewushie, could not be contacted for an official confirmation of the reports.
However, when reached on phone, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Musah Abdulai, confirmed that some skirmishes had been reported in parts of the municipality.
Mr Abdulai, who was out of town attending an official assignment, could not give further details.
Some residents who spoke to this reporter in Bolgatanga said the incident occurred about 10 a.m.
They said incidentally yesterday was a market day and activities in the town came to a temporary halt after some gunshots had been heard around Possum and the Kariyama Market.
When the police heard of the incident, they swiftly mobilised and rushed to the scene and other nearby suburbs, including the Kariyama Animal Market.
The residents said it was at the animal market that a stray bullet allegedly hit a policeman in the leg.
The victim, whose name is being withheld, was rushed to the Bawku Presby Hospital for treatment.
The Municipal Police Commander, DSP Cashman Blewushie, could not be contacted for an official confirmation of the reports.
However, when reached on phone, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Musah Abdulai, confirmed that some skirmishes had been reported in parts of the municipality.
Mr Abdulai, who was out of town attending an official assignment, could not give further details.
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