Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
General Constable Emmanuel Attivoe, the police officer who defiled two sisters at the Tamale Police Barracks in March last year, has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment by the Tamale Circuit Court.
He was charged on two counts of defiling the two sisters, both aged 14. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Thirty-one-year-old Attivoe was sentenced to 12 years on each of the two counts to run concurrently.
According to the facts of the case, as presented by a State Attorney, Mr Salia Abdul-Quddus, the victims lived with their guardian, who operates a chop bar at the police barracks in Tamale, and the convict was a regular customer of the bar.
According to the prosecutor, sometimes when the convict bought food, either of the two sisters sent it to his room. Mr Abdul-Quddus stated that in March 2007, Attivoe had carnal knowledge of the first victim once and then the second victim four times.
The prosecution further stated that in July 2007, the head teacher of the Police Barracks Primary School where the victims attended school noticed some physical changes in the bodies of the girls. He, subsequently, referred the victims to the Builpela Clinic, where it was detected that the girls were 19 and 20 weeks pregnant, respectively.
According to Mr Abdul-Quddus, the girls were later sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and again it was confirmed that they were pregnant.
On July 20, 2007, the head teacher, the two girls and two female teachers made a report to the Regional Office of the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Tamale.
Upon interrogation, the victims mentioned the convict as the person responsible for the pregnancies. Accompanied by a CID officer, the victims identified Attivoe’s room and block number as the place where he had sex with them.
An identification parade was also held at the Regional Police Headquarters where the girls pointed out the convict as the one responsible for their pregnancies.
However, the convict denied the act when he was interrogated and after further investigations he was arrested and charged with two counts of defilement. He was subsequently put before the court, presided over by Mrs Angelina Mensah-Momiah, for trial.
In August last year, the Ghana Police Service interdicted Attivoe for the act. The service also instituted a service enquiry to investigate his conduct.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
SOUTH AFRICA HAPPY WITH TAMALE ... (Page 62)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
The Head of Delegation of the South African team that is currently in Tamale for the Ghana 2008 tournament, Mr Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuk, has observed that negative media publicity that sought to paint a gloomy picture about the metropolis prior to the team’s arrival in the area was unfounded.
“On the contrary, we are very happy about the kind of things we have seen here and the warm reception being accorded us by residents. In fact I can’t believe what I am seeing here in Tamale,” he further stated.
Mr Mazibuk made the remark during a reception organised for the officials of the four participating teams who are playing in Group D matches in the metropolis. They are, South Africa, Tunisia, Angola and Senegal.
The reception was organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Director of the Institute for Policy Alternatives (IPA), Dr Sulley Gariba.
It was aimed, among other objectives, at promoting interaction among the teams and some key personalities and individuals in the metropolis. It also offered the visitors the opportunity to enjoy some musical performances by the indigenous people.
King Ayisoba, Sheriff Ghale, and the Yongo and Golb groups from the Upper East Region entertained the visitors with scintillating music.
Mr Mazibuk expressed optimism that residents would continue to accord the teams warm reception during and after the tournament.
The Senegalese Minister of Sports, Mr Issa N’baye Samb, said “what we are witnessing in Tamale bears testimony to the proverbial African hospitality”.
He noted that cordial relationship existed among all the participating teams. Mr N’baye Samb equally commended media practitioners covering the tournament for their immense role, adding that “you people are indispensable”.
He later donated a cheque for 10 million CFA (France) to sports journalists from Senegal to help facilitate their work.
Dr Gariba and the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, both noted that sporting events such as the Ghana 2008 tournament were critical to the exchange of ideas and economic revival among the participating countries.
“We want to assure you that you are at home and we would offer you the greatest sense of hospitality and friendliness,” he further stated.
The Chairman of the Tamale Venue Organising Committee (TVOC), Mr Bolina Saaka, for his part, hoped the foreigners would go back to their respective countries with fond memories of Tamale.
The Head of Delegation of the South African team that is currently in Tamale for the Ghana 2008 tournament, Mr Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuk, has observed that negative media publicity that sought to paint a gloomy picture about the metropolis prior to the team’s arrival in the area was unfounded.
“On the contrary, we are very happy about the kind of things we have seen here and the warm reception being accorded us by residents. In fact I can’t believe what I am seeing here in Tamale,” he further stated.
Mr Mazibuk made the remark during a reception organised for the officials of the four participating teams who are playing in Group D matches in the metropolis. They are, South Africa, Tunisia, Angola and Senegal.
The reception was organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Director of the Institute for Policy Alternatives (IPA), Dr Sulley Gariba.
It was aimed, among other objectives, at promoting interaction among the teams and some key personalities and individuals in the metropolis. It also offered the visitors the opportunity to enjoy some musical performances by the indigenous people.
King Ayisoba, Sheriff Ghale, and the Yongo and Golb groups from the Upper East Region entertained the visitors with scintillating music.
Mr Mazibuk expressed optimism that residents would continue to accord the teams warm reception during and after the tournament.
The Senegalese Minister of Sports, Mr Issa N’baye Samb, said “what we are witnessing in Tamale bears testimony to the proverbial African hospitality”.
He noted that cordial relationship existed among all the participating teams. Mr N’baye Samb equally commended media practitioners covering the tournament for their immense role, adding that “you people are indispensable”.
He later donated a cheque for 10 million CFA (France) to sports journalists from Senegal to help facilitate their work.
Dr Gariba and the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, both noted that sporting events such as the Ghana 2008 tournament were critical to the exchange of ideas and economic revival among the participating countries.
“We want to assure you that you are at home and we would offer you the greatest sense of hospitality and friendliness,” he further stated.
The Chairman of the Tamale Venue Organising Committee (TVOC), Mr Bolina Saaka, for his part, hoped the foreigners would go back to their respective countries with fond memories of Tamale.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
CAP TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO NORTHERN GHANA..... Page 16
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, has stated that a CPP administration will give special attention to northern Ghana to create wealth and opportunities for the people in the area.
"I am very much aware of the big gap in development that exists between the northern and the southern parts of the country. My administration will, therefore, not divide the people in the north and fan the flames of conflict," he pointed out.
Dr Nduom stated this at a press conference in Tamale last Thursday as part of his three-day tour of the northern region.
The CPP flag bearer observed that the "northern part of the country needs special attention in terms of education, social services, infrastructure, community development and job creation".
According to him, the time had come to "remove the bitterness and anger politics that has been played in Ghana since 1992; this is the time for the peacemaker, the CPP".
He indicated that the task for the leadership of the party was to bring everyone on board and demonstrate to Ghanaians that they were capable of taking over the administration of the country for positive results.
"Our spirits are high and the CPP is on its way back with renewed energy and fighting spirit. Ghanaians all over the country are now looking to the CPP as the alternative to the NDC and the NPP," Dr Nduom further stated.
He intimated that the party was recruiting young men and women to enhance the support base of the party, particularly at the grass roots.
" Indeed, the CPP can win the 2008 elections. Our party has changed from one that contested the 2000 and 2004 elections," he pointed out.
The National Treasurer of the party, Mr Mike Eghan, noted that the CPP could win the 2008 general election if the rank and file identified the weaknesses of the party and adopted effective strategies to overcome the challenges.
The first National Vice-Chairman, Dr Abu Sakara, observed that the party's performance in this year's elections largely depended on "winning people from the NPP and the NDC as well as retaining our own members. This is also the time for us to field qualified and credible aspiring parliamentarians".
A Member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, Professor Abubakar Alhassan, stated that "the vision of our party is to accelerate development in the north and so we must first of all win this election".
THE Presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, has stated that a CPP administration will give special attention to northern Ghana to create wealth and opportunities for the people in the area.
"I am very much aware of the big gap in development that exists between the northern and the southern parts of the country. My administration will, therefore, not divide the people in the north and fan the flames of conflict," he pointed out.
Dr Nduom stated this at a press conference in Tamale last Thursday as part of his three-day tour of the northern region.
The CPP flag bearer observed that the "northern part of the country needs special attention in terms of education, social services, infrastructure, community development and job creation".
According to him, the time had come to "remove the bitterness and anger politics that has been played in Ghana since 1992; this is the time for the peacemaker, the CPP".
He indicated that the task for the leadership of the party was to bring everyone on board and demonstrate to Ghanaians that they were capable of taking over the administration of the country for positive results.
"Our spirits are high and the CPP is on its way back with renewed energy and fighting spirit. Ghanaians all over the country are now looking to the CPP as the alternative to the NDC and the NPP," Dr Nduom further stated.
He intimated that the party was recruiting young men and women to enhance the support base of the party, particularly at the grass roots.
" Indeed, the CPP can win the 2008 elections. Our party has changed from one that contested the 2000 and 2004 elections," he pointed out.
The National Treasurer of the party, Mr Mike Eghan, noted that the CPP could win the 2008 general election if the rank and file identified the weaknesses of the party and adopted effective strategies to overcome the challenges.
The first National Vice-Chairman, Dr Abu Sakara, observed that the party's performance in this year's elections largely depended on "winning people from the NPP and the NDC as well as retaining our own members. This is also the time for us to field qualified and credible aspiring parliamentarians".
A Member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, Professor Abubakar Alhassan, stated that "the vision of our party is to accelerate development in the north and so we must first of all win this election".
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
TAMALE STADIUM FILLED TO CAPACITY (G/S Page 5)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan & Vincent Adedze, Tamale
Thousands of ecstatic residents in the Tamale metropolis moved in droves in the early hours of last Friday to witness the inauguration of the newly-constructed Tamale Stadium by President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Gates to the stadium were opened at 12 noon, and within two hours, the 20,000 capacity stadium was filled, with a lot more people standing while others leant against the hand-rails.
The excited fans who sat through for almost six hours before the arrival of the President at about 6:30 p.m. were treated to music by some local artistes in the area.
And when the President was finally ushered into the stadium, there was a spontaneous uproar of ‘Amaraaba,’ literally meaning welcome in Dagbani, by the excited crowd.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih, the Northern and Upper East Regional Ministers, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris and Alhassan Samari respectively, as well as some District Chief Executives.
Others included Prince Oduro Mensah, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, the vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lepowura Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula, and some prominent chiefs in the metropolis.
Thousands of ecstatic residents in the Tamale metropolis moved in droves in the early hours of last Friday to witness the inauguration of the newly-constructed Tamale Stadium by President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Gates to the stadium were opened at 12 noon, and within two hours, the 20,000 capacity stadium was filled, with a lot more people standing while others leant against the hand-rails.
The excited fans who sat through for almost six hours before the arrival of the President at about 6:30 p.m. were treated to music by some local artistes in the area.
And when the President was finally ushered into the stadium, there was a spontaneous uproar of ‘Amaraaba,’ literally meaning welcome in Dagbani, by the excited crowd.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih, the Northern and Upper East Regional Ministers, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris and Alhassan Samari respectively, as well as some District Chief Executives.
Others included Prince Oduro Mensah, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, the vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lepowura Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula, and some prominent chiefs in the metropolis.
EXHIBIT GOODWILL ...JAK advises Tamale fans (G/S Page 5)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan & Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has called on Ghanaians to exhibit a high sense of goodwill and hospitality towards visitors during the Ghana 2008 Africa Nations C up tournament.
He also entreated those in the hospitality industry and catering services to bring their professionalism to bear on the tournament to make hosting of the event a success.
President Kufuor made the call when he inaugurated the new $38.5 million ultra-modern stadium in Tamale.
Work on the stadium was started on January 31, 2006 and was completed and handed over to the government on November 2, 2007.
The Shanghai Construction Company of China executed the project. The state-of-the-art stadium has a seating capacity of 20,000, and is equipped with such facilities as floodlights, electronic scoreboard, security systems and a security control room.
Also the stadium has a hotel facility, dressing rooms, lift system and a VIP lounge, as well as a restaurant that would be commercialised after the tournament.
The President described that by a strange quirk of fate, Tamale, and for that matter the north, was now getting a standard stadium several years after the area had produced enough quality players who had contributed significantly to the laurels achieved by the various national football teams in the country.
He expressed hope that “with the construction of this edifice, further opportunities would be opened for more football potential to emerge from this area”.
The President reiterated the government’s determination to construct modern stadia in the rest of the regional capitals in the country.
He commended the chiefs and people of the northern region particularly the Regent of Gulkpegu, Alhaji Abdulai Ziblim for their support that facilitated the execution and completion of the project on schedule.
President Kufuor equally commended the Shanghai Company for a “good job done”.
“I also wish to urge management of the four stadia in Tamale, Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi and Kumasi to have an exchange programme to cross-fertilise ideas on how to ensure best management practices, including safety measures for the effective maintenance of the stadia,” he admonished.
The Minister for Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih, noted that the facility would ultimately “open windows of opportunities for the youth to realise their full potential as well as help promote a peaceful co-existence among the people”.
He also indicated that the stadium was one huge investment that would equally boost economic activities in the metropolis and, therefore, appealed to the management of the stadium to ensure regular maintenance of the facility to enable the region derive maximum benefits from it.
Professor Fobih also paid a glowing tribute to some former footballers of northern extraction and said their exploits deserved commendation for making Ghana popular on the international football scene.
The Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Iddris, noted that “this is the biggest gift that any government could give us” and that “posterity would judge us if we don’t take good care of this facility”.
The Regent of Gukpegu, for his part commended the government for the new stadium and stressed that “we shall jealously guard the facility and assist to maintain it for posterity”.
Alhaji Ziblim equally called on the government to help revamp the cotton and rice industries in the northern region.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, a friendly football match was played between Real Tamale United (RTU) and the Catholic Stars of Bolgatanga. The match ended in a drawn game.
THE President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has called on Ghanaians to exhibit a high sense of goodwill and hospitality towards visitors during the Ghana 2008 Africa Nations C up tournament.
He also entreated those in the hospitality industry and catering services to bring their professionalism to bear on the tournament to make hosting of the event a success.
President Kufuor made the call when he inaugurated the new $38.5 million ultra-modern stadium in Tamale.
Work on the stadium was started on January 31, 2006 and was completed and handed over to the government on November 2, 2007.
The Shanghai Construction Company of China executed the project. The state-of-the-art stadium has a seating capacity of 20,000, and is equipped with such facilities as floodlights, electronic scoreboard, security systems and a security control room.
Also the stadium has a hotel facility, dressing rooms, lift system and a VIP lounge, as well as a restaurant that would be commercialised after the tournament.
The President described that by a strange quirk of fate, Tamale, and for that matter the north, was now getting a standard stadium several years after the area had produced enough quality players who had contributed significantly to the laurels achieved by the various national football teams in the country.
He expressed hope that “with the construction of this edifice, further opportunities would be opened for more football potential to emerge from this area”.
The President reiterated the government’s determination to construct modern stadia in the rest of the regional capitals in the country.
He commended the chiefs and people of the northern region particularly the Regent of Gulkpegu, Alhaji Abdulai Ziblim for their support that facilitated the execution and completion of the project on schedule.
President Kufuor equally commended the Shanghai Company for a “good job done”.
“I also wish to urge management of the four stadia in Tamale, Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi and Kumasi to have an exchange programme to cross-fertilise ideas on how to ensure best management practices, including safety measures for the effective maintenance of the stadia,” he admonished.
The Minister for Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih, noted that the facility would ultimately “open windows of opportunities for the youth to realise their full potential as well as help promote a peaceful co-existence among the people”.
He also indicated that the stadium was one huge investment that would equally boost economic activities in the metropolis and, therefore, appealed to the management of the stadium to ensure regular maintenance of the facility to enable the region derive maximum benefits from it.
Professor Fobih also paid a glowing tribute to some former footballers of northern extraction and said their exploits deserved commendation for making Ghana popular on the international football scene.
The Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Iddris, noted that “this is the biggest gift that any government could give us” and that “posterity would judge us if we don’t take good care of this facility”.
The Regent of Gukpegu, for his part commended the government for the new stadium and stressed that “we shall jealously guard the facility and assist to maintain it for posterity”.
Alhaji Ziblim equally called on the government to help revamp the cotton and rice industries in the northern region.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, a friendly football match was played between Real Tamale United (RTU) and the Catholic Stars of Bolgatanga. The match ended in a drawn game.
Friday, January 18, 2008
MIXED REACTIONS FROM TAMALE (Page 11)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THERE are mixed reactions among teachers, pupils and students regarding the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008) tournament in the Tamale metropolis.
While there is general euphoria among majority of the teachers and pupils, a significant number of teachers wished their respective schools had not re-opened. According to them, if schools had been on vacation, it would have ensured proper monitoring of the activities of pupils by their parents during the tournament.
The Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of Education on Wednesday postponed the re-opening date for first and second- cycle schools from January 16, 2008 to February 4, 2008. However, final-year JHS and SHS students are to report to school.
Some teachers told the Daily Graphic that “we are eager to watch and witness this memorable event and we wish school had not re-opened to enable us to get more time for the event”.
Others expressed regret that some “stubborn pupils and student may go wayward because some of them will deceive their parents that they are going to school but they may not report at school but roam the streets and even fall victim to all kinds of immoral acts”.
The Headmistress of the Tishegu Anglican Primary/JHS, Madam Hazara Mahama, therefore, entreated parents to join hands with school authorities, while the tournament was on, to effectively supervise and monitor the activities of their children.
Another teacher of the school indicated that “although we teachers are happy about this tournament, we are at the same time apprehensive of the fact that some of our children might be tempted by some visitors of suspicious character to engage in immoral acts like homosexuality, for instance”.
The sports teacher of the school, Mr Edward Bagonluri, for his part, stated that “publicity on the tournament is all right but in schools such as ours, where we run shift, the matches will disrupt the attention of those children who must have lessons while their colleagues watch the matches”.
Other teachers in the metropolis simply said “schools should have been on vacation, especially in a host city such as Tamale. However, we pray to God to make our children safe during and after the tournament”.
The Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr Joseph Abu, observed that since a good number of the matches would be played in the evenings, it would not affect the work of teachers.
He, however, cautioned girls in the JHS to avoid dressing provocatively in order not to attract unnecessary attention from men, thereby promoting promiscuity.
“In fact, we have been telling the teachers to keep their eyes on the girls to prevent them from falling prey to sexual misconduct under the influence of alcohol or to be lured by money,” the GNAT secretary pointed out.
According to him, the fact that schools had re-opened was for the good of both teachers and students, particularly final-year JHS pupils.
For some students and pupils, the re-opening of schools does not go down well with some of them. However, final-year JHS students were happy that schools had re-opened.
A final-year JHS student of the Tishegu Anglican school, Mohammed Manan, said, “I want to go to school rather than spend time watching football matches. My exams are just around the corner so my focus is on passing the exams.”
When this reporter visited the Tamale Polytechnic, he was told that the students were on vacation.
A teaching assistant at the polytechnic stated that “for us teachers, we do not have a problem because most of us have covered enough of the syllabus”.
He further stated that there were mixed reactions among students regarding vacation and the tournament.
According to him, while some students wished the polytechnic had not vacated, others held a different opinion.
“Those not in favour of the vacation say their academic calendar will be distorted,” the teaching assistant pointed out.
Students of the University for Development Studies (UDS) are also on vacation but the euphoria among both lecturers and students is high.
THERE are mixed reactions among teachers, pupils and students regarding the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008) tournament in the Tamale metropolis.
While there is general euphoria among majority of the teachers and pupils, a significant number of teachers wished their respective schools had not re-opened. According to them, if schools had been on vacation, it would have ensured proper monitoring of the activities of pupils by their parents during the tournament.
The Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of Education on Wednesday postponed the re-opening date for first and second- cycle schools from January 16, 2008 to February 4, 2008. However, final-year JHS and SHS students are to report to school.
Some teachers told the Daily Graphic that “we are eager to watch and witness this memorable event and we wish school had not re-opened to enable us to get more time for the event”.
Others expressed regret that some “stubborn pupils and student may go wayward because some of them will deceive their parents that they are going to school but they may not report at school but roam the streets and even fall victim to all kinds of immoral acts”.
The Headmistress of the Tishegu Anglican Primary/JHS, Madam Hazara Mahama, therefore, entreated parents to join hands with school authorities, while the tournament was on, to effectively supervise and monitor the activities of their children.
Another teacher of the school indicated that “although we teachers are happy about this tournament, we are at the same time apprehensive of the fact that some of our children might be tempted by some visitors of suspicious character to engage in immoral acts like homosexuality, for instance”.
The sports teacher of the school, Mr Edward Bagonluri, for his part, stated that “publicity on the tournament is all right but in schools such as ours, where we run shift, the matches will disrupt the attention of those children who must have lessons while their colleagues watch the matches”.
Other teachers in the metropolis simply said “schools should have been on vacation, especially in a host city such as Tamale. However, we pray to God to make our children safe during and after the tournament”.
The Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr Joseph Abu, observed that since a good number of the matches would be played in the evenings, it would not affect the work of teachers.
He, however, cautioned girls in the JHS to avoid dressing provocatively in order not to attract unnecessary attention from men, thereby promoting promiscuity.
“In fact, we have been telling the teachers to keep their eyes on the girls to prevent them from falling prey to sexual misconduct under the influence of alcohol or to be lured by money,” the GNAT secretary pointed out.
According to him, the fact that schools had re-opened was for the good of both teachers and students, particularly final-year JHS pupils.
For some students and pupils, the re-opening of schools does not go down well with some of them. However, final-year JHS students were happy that schools had re-opened.
A final-year JHS student of the Tishegu Anglican school, Mohammed Manan, said, “I want to go to school rather than spend time watching football matches. My exams are just around the corner so my focus is on passing the exams.”
When this reporter visited the Tamale Polytechnic, he was told that the students were on vacation.
A teaching assistant at the polytechnic stated that “for us teachers, we do not have a problem because most of us have covered enough of the syllabus”.
He further stated that there were mixed reactions among students regarding vacation and the tournament.
According to him, while some students wished the polytechnic had not vacated, others held a different opinion.
“Those not in favour of the vacation say their academic calendar will be distorted,” the teaching assistant pointed out.
Students of the University for Development Studies (UDS) are also on vacation but the euphoria among both lecturers and students is high.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
EXHIBIT HIGH SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM ... (Page 20)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Northern Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr William Ayambire, has entreated food vendors, including traditional caterers in the Tamale metropolis, to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and maintain standards in the preparation of food.
He said that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the successful hosting of the Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup tournament in the Tamale metropolis.
Mr Ayambire further urged the food vendors to provide visitors with prompt services and to be customer-friendly, stressing that such a measure would ultimately boost their sales and subsequently their incomes.
Mr Ayambire made the call at a day’s training workshop on enhancing quality food service delivery during the tournament.
The workshop, organised by the GTB in collaboration with Cook Art Ghana, a catering services establishment, was attended by 200 participants comprising food vendors, including wayside food sellers, fast food joint operators, and chop bar and drinking bar operators.
The participants were taken through topics such as food preparation, hygiene, maintenance and management of facilities as well as customer care.
According to Mr Ayambire, food vendors had a major role to play in the tournament, since the event was a great one.
He stated that the event was more about tourism than football, adding, “We must help to expose the cultural tourism aspect of the region.”
He further implored the participants to observe sound personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness, adding, “The success of this tournament lies on you.
“You are competitors and not enemies so you must try as much as possible to avoid petty jealousies and envy; we must all join hands to make the tournament a memorable one for the visitors,” the regional manager stressed.
The National Co-ordinator of Cook Art Ghana, Mrs Bella Ahu, noted that the event “provides you the opportunity to make more money and so you must avoid using abusive language, maintain quality and offer your customers affordable prices”.
A trainer in food production and hygiene of Cook Art, Ms Jemima Mattey, took the participants through street food industry and entreated them to package their food items properly to increase their sales.
THE Northern Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr William Ayambire, has entreated food vendors, including traditional caterers in the Tamale metropolis, to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and maintain standards in the preparation of food.
He said that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the successful hosting of the Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup tournament in the Tamale metropolis.
Mr Ayambire further urged the food vendors to provide visitors with prompt services and to be customer-friendly, stressing that such a measure would ultimately boost their sales and subsequently their incomes.
Mr Ayambire made the call at a day’s training workshop on enhancing quality food service delivery during the tournament.
The workshop, organised by the GTB in collaboration with Cook Art Ghana, a catering services establishment, was attended by 200 participants comprising food vendors, including wayside food sellers, fast food joint operators, and chop bar and drinking bar operators.
The participants were taken through topics such as food preparation, hygiene, maintenance and management of facilities as well as customer care.
According to Mr Ayambire, food vendors had a major role to play in the tournament, since the event was a great one.
He stated that the event was more about tourism than football, adding, “We must help to expose the cultural tourism aspect of the region.”
He further implored the participants to observe sound personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness, adding, “The success of this tournament lies on you.
“You are competitors and not enemies so you must try as much as possible to avoid petty jealousies and envy; we must all join hands to make the tournament a memorable one for the visitors,” the regional manager stressed.
The National Co-ordinator of Cook Art Ghana, Mrs Bella Ahu, noted that the event “provides you the opportunity to make more money and so you must avoid using abusive language, maintain quality and offer your customers affordable prices”.
A trainer in food production and hygiene of Cook Art, Ms Jemima Mattey, took the participants through street food industry and entreated them to package their food items properly to increase their sales.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
GHANA HEALTH SERVICE PREPARES FOR GHANA 2008 (Page 20)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Ghana Health Service (GHS) has embarked on a number of activities in preparation towards the hosting of the Ghana 2008 tournament in the Tamale Metropolis.
The activities include training of health workers in the Northern Region to effectively handle emergencies during the tournament.
Another programme is being organised to raise awareness on the need for residents to donate blood to enrich the blood bank to help save lives during the tournament.
The three-day training programme discussed such health issues as acute syndrome, head and spinal injury, and mass casualty incident management.
The National Co-ordinator for the programme, Dr Wilfred Addo, stated that the GHS and its collaborators were prepared to “put in our best to ensure a successful tournament”.
According to him, his outfit would ensure that health services were on the doorstep of every individual who would take part in the tournament.
Dr Addo further indicated that “our services would be expanded to include all the hotels, training pitches, the stadium itself and all the designated venues”.
He said the military, the police, the Fire Service, the Red Cross Society, and other relevant groups and institutions would work hand in hand with the GHS to ensure quality service during the event.
“We will put in our best in spite of the constraints; we will ensure that garbage, water-borne diseases and other related issues are handled professionally,” the co-ordinator further stressed.
THE Ghana Health Service (GHS) has embarked on a number of activities in preparation towards the hosting of the Ghana 2008 tournament in the Tamale Metropolis.
The activities include training of health workers in the Northern Region to effectively handle emergencies during the tournament.
Another programme is being organised to raise awareness on the need for residents to donate blood to enrich the blood bank to help save lives during the tournament.
The three-day training programme discussed such health issues as acute syndrome, head and spinal injury, and mass casualty incident management.
The National Co-ordinator for the programme, Dr Wilfred Addo, stated that the GHS and its collaborators were prepared to “put in our best to ensure a successful tournament”.
According to him, his outfit would ensure that health services were on the doorstep of every individual who would take part in the tournament.
Dr Addo further indicated that “our services would be expanded to include all the hotels, training pitches, the stadium itself and all the designated venues”.
He said the military, the police, the Fire Service, the Red Cross Society, and other relevant groups and institutions would work hand in hand with the GHS to ensure quality service during the event.
“We will put in our best in spite of the constraints; we will ensure that garbage, water-borne diseases and other related issues are handled professionally,” the co-ordinator further stressed.
Friday, January 11, 2008
TAMALE STADIUM, THE NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION .....(Page 26)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan & Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THERE is no doubt that the people of Tamale love football. Their passion for the game has been manifested in many ways that have ensured that, the ‘‘Pride of the North,’’ Real Tamale United (RTU), has survived the drudgery of the elite division for almost 30 years now without ever tasting the bitterness of relegation.
It was with the same zeal and obsession, coupled with an eagerness to have a complete view and feel of the new ultra-modern Tamale Stadium that saw hundreds of fans troop to the stadium on Sunday (Jan 6) to watch the homester’s Onetouch Premier League match against visiting Kessben FC that ended 2-0 in favour of the Tamale lads.
Some of the eager spectators that included many ladies, however, had to return home because of the frustration and chaotic situation they had to go through in buying tickets at the gates.
In spite of that handicap, the club was still able to gross an amount of GH¢11,300 at the end of the day.
Some of the ladies said they did not patronise league matches previously because the Kaladan Park was too “rough, dusty and uncomfortable” for them.
They said with the construction of the new stadium they were now prepared to invite their friends from the other regions and neighbouring countries where the tournament would not be hosted to Tamale to witness the event.
“We are encouraged by what we have seen here and we like this new stadium; we like sports and this new structure would encourage us more to watch local and international matches here,” they further stressed.
If the honouring of the ninth league fixture at the stadium was to test the facilities and the readiness to play the group ‘‘D’’ matches in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament at the new edifice, then it passed the test.
The only difficulty encountered by the spectators which many of them complained about was the winding queues at the gates. The design at the gates are such that a spectator would have to queue through the three tier handrails to gain access to the stadium.
As a result, those who could not bear the situation went back home while those who managed to go through had to watch only the second half of the match due to the delay at the gates.
According to one of the spectators who could not get access to watch the match, Mrs Azaratu Issah, ‘‘I was in the queue for more than thirty minutes, but unfortunately some people were jumping the queue in the full glare of the security and they did nothing to stop them.’’
Another female fan, Ms Augustina Bawuah, who was lucky to watch proceedings described the stadium as a ‘‘master piece of aesthetic work that should be maintained and protected at all times.’’
The 20,000 all-seater stadium is strategically located on a hill near the forest at the Education Ridge roundabout. It covers an area of 26.834 hectares, about 22,517 square meters. Among the facilities at the ultra modern edifice are a 40-bedroom hostel, VIP stand, a giant electronic score board, press box and dressing rooms.
Some of the awe stricken spectators also described the luscious green turf as very attractive for good football. The state of the art floodlights are also attached to the roof in the stadium.
It is therefore not surprising that the magnificent stadium has become one of the monumental edifices in the metropolis that is attracting many residents and visitors alike to the metropolis.
Most of the people interviewed by this reporter, however, expressed concern over its maintenance and appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to put in place an efficient management system to ensure that, ‘‘this monument is properly preserved for the present and future generations,’’ Alhaji Abdul-Karim Yahaya entreated.
THERE is no doubt that the people of Tamale love football. Their passion for the game has been manifested in many ways that have ensured that, the ‘‘Pride of the North,’’ Real Tamale United (RTU), has survived the drudgery of the elite division for almost 30 years now without ever tasting the bitterness of relegation.
It was with the same zeal and obsession, coupled with an eagerness to have a complete view and feel of the new ultra-modern Tamale Stadium that saw hundreds of fans troop to the stadium on Sunday (Jan 6) to watch the homester’s Onetouch Premier League match against visiting Kessben FC that ended 2-0 in favour of the Tamale lads.
Some of the eager spectators that included many ladies, however, had to return home because of the frustration and chaotic situation they had to go through in buying tickets at the gates.
In spite of that handicap, the club was still able to gross an amount of GH¢11,300 at the end of the day.
Some of the ladies said they did not patronise league matches previously because the Kaladan Park was too “rough, dusty and uncomfortable” for them.
They said with the construction of the new stadium they were now prepared to invite their friends from the other regions and neighbouring countries where the tournament would not be hosted to Tamale to witness the event.
“We are encouraged by what we have seen here and we like this new stadium; we like sports and this new structure would encourage us more to watch local and international matches here,” they further stressed.
If the honouring of the ninth league fixture at the stadium was to test the facilities and the readiness to play the group ‘‘D’’ matches in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament at the new edifice, then it passed the test.
The only difficulty encountered by the spectators which many of them complained about was the winding queues at the gates. The design at the gates are such that a spectator would have to queue through the three tier handrails to gain access to the stadium.
As a result, those who could not bear the situation went back home while those who managed to go through had to watch only the second half of the match due to the delay at the gates.
According to one of the spectators who could not get access to watch the match, Mrs Azaratu Issah, ‘‘I was in the queue for more than thirty minutes, but unfortunately some people were jumping the queue in the full glare of the security and they did nothing to stop them.’’
Another female fan, Ms Augustina Bawuah, who was lucky to watch proceedings described the stadium as a ‘‘master piece of aesthetic work that should be maintained and protected at all times.’’
The 20,000 all-seater stadium is strategically located on a hill near the forest at the Education Ridge roundabout. It covers an area of 26.834 hectares, about 22,517 square meters. Among the facilities at the ultra modern edifice are a 40-bedroom hostel, VIP stand, a giant electronic score board, press box and dressing rooms.
Some of the awe stricken spectators also described the luscious green turf as very attractive for good football. The state of the art floodlights are also attached to the roof in the stadium.
It is therefore not surprising that the magnificent stadium has become one of the monumental edifices in the metropolis that is attracting many residents and visitors alike to the metropolis.
Most of the people interviewed by this reporter, however, expressed concern over its maintenance and appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to put in place an efficient management system to ensure that, ‘‘this monument is properly preserved for the present and future generations,’’ Alhaji Abdul-Karim Yahaya entreated.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY BOOM IN RURAL TAMALE COMMUNITIES....(Page 26)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
TEENAGE pregnancy in 10 peri-urban communities of the Tamale metropolis is said to have assumed alarming proportions.
School dropout rate is also high among both boys and girls in those communities.
The situation has been attributed to parental neglect and lack of supervision.
The affected communities are Gurugu, Malshegu, Dungu, Nyanshegu, Kanvilli, Dunyin, Builpela, Vitting, Nyohini, and Kakpayili-Kpanvo.
The Metropolitan Youth Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Eric Gyan Ansah, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
According to him the information was gathered by the NYC during the implementation of a one-and-a-half year advocacy project on women and child rights in the 10 beneficiary communities.
The project, he said, included the sensitisation of the communities and building the capacity of community leaders to help build a vibrant and democratic society as a strategy in protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
It was sponsored by the United States Democratic and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy with collaboration from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Commission on Children (NCC) and the Women’s Department of the National Council on Women and Development (NCWD).
Mr Ansah said findings by his outfit within the one-and-a-half years of the project further showed that majority of the young girls at Nyohini, for instance, were pregnant while the other communities also recorded similar trends.
He also expressed concern about the manner in which most of the youth at Nyohini had taken up trading instead of going to school.
“The family value system has broken down these days so people no longer cater for or check the activities of wayward children,” the co-ordinator noted.
According to him, findings by the NYC also revealed that spousal abuse had reduced over the years in the beneficiary communities.
Mr Ansah, therefore, called on chiefs, teachers, assembly members and parents to join in the campaign to sensitise the youth to immoral acts that ruined their future.
He also entreated the government and the international community to support efforts at youth development in the country.
TEENAGE pregnancy in 10 peri-urban communities of the Tamale metropolis is said to have assumed alarming proportions.
School dropout rate is also high among both boys and girls in those communities.
The situation has been attributed to parental neglect and lack of supervision.
The affected communities are Gurugu, Malshegu, Dungu, Nyanshegu, Kanvilli, Dunyin, Builpela, Vitting, Nyohini, and Kakpayili-Kpanvo.
The Metropolitan Youth Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Eric Gyan Ansah, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
According to him the information was gathered by the NYC during the implementation of a one-and-a-half year advocacy project on women and child rights in the 10 beneficiary communities.
The project, he said, included the sensitisation of the communities and building the capacity of community leaders to help build a vibrant and democratic society as a strategy in protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
It was sponsored by the United States Democratic and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy with collaboration from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Commission on Children (NCC) and the Women’s Department of the National Council on Women and Development (NCWD).
Mr Ansah said findings by his outfit within the one-and-a-half years of the project further showed that majority of the young girls at Nyohini, for instance, were pregnant while the other communities also recorded similar trends.
He also expressed concern about the manner in which most of the youth at Nyohini had taken up trading instead of going to school.
“The family value system has broken down these days so people no longer cater for or check the activities of wayward children,” the co-ordinator noted.
According to him, findings by the NYC also revealed that spousal abuse had reduced over the years in the beneficiary communities.
Mr Ansah, therefore, called on chiefs, teachers, assembly members and parents to join in the campaign to sensitise the youth to immoral acts that ruined their future.
He also entreated the government and the international community to support efforts at youth development in the country.
TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL GETS STANDBY GENERATOR ....(Page 26)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE frustrations and several disappointments that some public spirited organisations in the Tamale Metropolis went through in mobilising resources to procure a stand-by generator for the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has now paid off.
At least for now, members of the Concerned Citizens Association of Tamale (CCAT), a pressure group, and the Youth Empowerment Centre, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), can now heave a sigh of relief for being able to procure a new 19 horsepower Honda generator at the cost of GH¢1,500 to facilitate effective health care delivery at the TTH.
The establishment of the GH¢500,000 fund by the groups for the procurement of stand-by generators and other hospital equipment to ensure effective health care delivery at the TTH encountered many difficulties.
All the 18 district assemblies and the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) that pledged to contribute a total amount of GH¢46,000 for instance, allegedly failed to deliver on their promises.
The fund was inaugurated last year with all the funfair, including promises that go with such functions and eventually, GH¢50,000 was mobilised as seed money in pledges and in cash.
However, the pledges that formed the bulk of the seed money needed for the fund were not honoured.
The CCAT and its partners were able to mobilise only GH¢2,000.
Speaking at a ceremony at which the plant was presented to the hospital’s authorities, the President of the CCAT, Mr Basharu Daballi, expressed regret that the association and its partners decided to procure the generator with the little resources available due to the current bank charges on the GH¢2,000 so far mobilised.
“Unfortunately the pledges were not forthcoming and it is only the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhaji Abukari Sumani, who honoured his pledge among the three parliamentarians in Tamale by paying his GH¢1000,” the president further pointed out.
He, therefore, appealed to residents and the RCC to honour their pledges. Mr Daballi thanked those who had so far contributed towards the fund.
According to him, a four-member committee had been set up to help manage the fund to promote accountability.
The Regent of Tamale, Richard Alhassan Iddrisu, expressed concern about the lukewarm attitude of some individuals towards such laudable initiatives by the CCAT and its partners.
The District Director of Nursing Services, Madam Elizabeth Yayah, who recieved the generator on behalf of the hospital thanked the CCAT for the gesture, and appealed to other public spirited organisations and residents to contribute to the fund.
THE frustrations and several disappointments that some public spirited organisations in the Tamale Metropolis went through in mobilising resources to procure a stand-by generator for the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has now paid off.
At least for now, members of the Concerned Citizens Association of Tamale (CCAT), a pressure group, and the Youth Empowerment Centre, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), can now heave a sigh of relief for being able to procure a new 19 horsepower Honda generator at the cost of GH¢1,500 to facilitate effective health care delivery at the TTH.
The establishment of the GH¢500,000 fund by the groups for the procurement of stand-by generators and other hospital equipment to ensure effective health care delivery at the TTH encountered many difficulties.
All the 18 district assemblies and the Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) that pledged to contribute a total amount of GH¢46,000 for instance, allegedly failed to deliver on their promises.
The fund was inaugurated last year with all the funfair, including promises that go with such functions and eventually, GH¢50,000 was mobilised as seed money in pledges and in cash.
However, the pledges that formed the bulk of the seed money needed for the fund were not honoured.
The CCAT and its partners were able to mobilise only GH¢2,000.
Speaking at a ceremony at which the plant was presented to the hospital’s authorities, the President of the CCAT, Mr Basharu Daballi, expressed regret that the association and its partners decided to procure the generator with the little resources available due to the current bank charges on the GH¢2,000 so far mobilised.
“Unfortunately the pledges were not forthcoming and it is only the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhaji Abukari Sumani, who honoured his pledge among the three parliamentarians in Tamale by paying his GH¢1000,” the president further pointed out.
He, therefore, appealed to residents and the RCC to honour their pledges. Mr Daballi thanked those who had so far contributed towards the fund.
According to him, a four-member committee had been set up to help manage the fund to promote accountability.
The Regent of Tamale, Richard Alhassan Iddrisu, expressed concern about the lukewarm attitude of some individuals towards such laudable initiatives by the CCAT and its partners.
The District Director of Nursing Services, Madam Elizabeth Yayah, who recieved the generator on behalf of the hospital thanked the CCAT for the gesture, and appealed to other public spirited organisations and residents to contribute to the fund.
Friday, January 4, 2008
GIRL, 6, OUT OF SCHOOL (Page 17)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Savelugu
THE Akuapem campus of the Presbyterian University College (PUC) has held its first matriculation to admit 68 students.
The students, made up of 43 males and 25 females, would be pursuing programmes in Rural and Community Development, Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Business Economics.
The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Osahene Ofei Kwasi Agyeman, Krontihene of Akuapem, the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North, Mr Adu Aboagye and top clergymen of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
Addressing the gathering, the Principal, Professor Kofi Sraku-Lartey, said the PUC, which was established in 2004 with campuses at Kwahu and Asante Akyem, had planned to set up a department of languages at the Akuapem campus to admit students for French, English and Akan programmes.
He said the aim of the university was to produce leaders with creative and innovative skills to meet the challenges of the country.
He expressed the PUC’s gratitude to the PCG, other organisations and individuals for their support to the university.
Osahene Offei Agyeman told the students that since tertiary education was gradually becoming the basic requirement in Ghana, they should take their studies seriously to come out successfully.
He appealed to traditional rulers and civil society to support the university, since it would bring a lot of benefits to the area.
The Chairman of the Akuapem Presbytery, Rt Rev J.O.Y. Mantey, said the Akuapem campus would not only produce professionals imbued with Christian principles but would also transform Akuapem to be “Ghana’s Oxford”.
He gave the assurance that the PCG would continue to support the university.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, said the Kufuor Administration, since taking office about seven years ago, had allocated huge sums of money to the educational sector, which has been reformed through a number of interventions such as the Capitation Grant and free meals at the basic level.
He said since the government alone could not meet the educational requirements of the country, it had empowered the private sector to be actively involved in that respect and praised the PCG for building a number of schools in the country.
THE Akuapem campus of the Presbyterian University College (PUC) has held its first matriculation to admit 68 students.
The students, made up of 43 males and 25 females, would be pursuing programmes in Rural and Community Development, Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Business Economics.
The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Osahene Ofei Kwasi Agyeman, Krontihene of Akuapem, the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North, Mr Adu Aboagye and top clergymen of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
Addressing the gathering, the Principal, Professor Kofi Sraku-Lartey, said the PUC, which was established in 2004 with campuses at Kwahu and Asante Akyem, had planned to set up a department of languages at the Akuapem campus to admit students for French, English and Akan programmes.
He said the aim of the university was to produce leaders with creative and innovative skills to meet the challenges of the country.
He expressed the PUC’s gratitude to the PCG, other organisations and individuals for their support to the university.
Osahene Offei Agyeman told the students that since tertiary education was gradually becoming the basic requirement in Ghana, they should take their studies seriously to come out successfully.
He appealed to traditional rulers and civil society to support the university, since it would bring a lot of benefits to the area.
The Chairman of the Akuapem Presbytery, Rt Rev J.O.Y. Mantey, said the Akuapem campus would not only produce professionals imbued with Christian principles but would also transform Akuapem to be “Ghana’s Oxford”.
He gave the assurance that the PCG would continue to support the university.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, said the Kufuor Administration, since taking office about seven years ago, had allocated huge sums of money to the educational sector, which has been reformed through a number of interventions such as the Capitation Grant and free meals at the basic level.
He said since the government alone could not meet the educational requirements of the country, it had empowered the private sector to be actively involved in that respect and praised the PCG for building a number of schools in the country.
GIVE US CHILDREN'S PARK (Page 28)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
CHILDREN in the Tamale metropolis have entreated the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) and public spirited organisations to facilitate the establishment of a children’s park in the metropolis.
They equally stressed the need for children to be involved in activities that bordered on their welfare to enable them realise their full potential for the accelerated development of the area.
“The inability of the authorities to provide us with a park where we can meet other children from all manner of social backgrounds, particularly during festivities does not augur well for our social well-being at all,” they lamented.
The appeal was made jointly by the President of the Ananse Reach Concept (ARC), a child-driven movement, Miss Emefa Yegbe, and the Country Director of the movement, Madam Ibrahim Humu-Kusum, during the first ever Ananse “Love Feast” organised by the ARC for about 100 children in the Tamale metropolis.
The programme was facilitated by the ARC in collaboration with the Northern Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Total Supply, a stationery dealer, Radio Justice and Northern Star FM.
It was aimed at, among other objectives, promoting interaction between the less-privileged and privileged children in the metropolis.
The establishment of the ARC was mooted by an 11-year-old girl, Nana Adwoa Anti, and her eight-year-old brother, Lawrence, who were touched by the deplorable condition under which children in deprived communities lived in the country.
According to Miss Yegbe, the concept was all about helping needy children in the society, stressing that: “We need to be, given a chance to express ourselves on many issues that affect children in the metropolis”.
Touching on the feast, she said the event was “quite encouraging and we need the government and other stakeholders to come to our aid”.
Madam Humu-Kusum, for her part, urged parents, guardians and school authorities to give children the needed support this year to enable them to realise their full potential for the accelerated development of their respective communities.
She also urged children from rich backgrounds not to look down on the less-privileged children in the society but to share the little they have with them.
The Vice-Chairperson of the board of trustees of the ARC, Madam Alimatu Abdul-Nasser, expressed gratitude to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the success of the programme.
In a related development some event organisers in the Tamale metropolis have bemoaned the poor patronage recorded at most night clubs and restaurants where social events were organised to usher in the New Year.
An event organiser, Mr Adam Abdul-Basit, told the Daily Graphic that “most of the activities my colleagues organised were so boring that I wondered what was happening”.
According to him, places like the Picorna Hotel, Las Hotel and other entertainment centres did not receive the needed patronage that was expected during the New Year.
Mr Abdul-Basit, however, noted that most of the youth in the metropolis rather patronised church activities after which they went home and slept.
“My brother it seems people are changing these days because this year we found out that the church activities had drowned all social events; in fact patronage at almost all the night clubs was not encouraging at all”, he lamented.
CHILDREN in the Tamale metropolis have entreated the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) and public spirited organisations to facilitate the establishment of a children’s park in the metropolis.
They equally stressed the need for children to be involved in activities that bordered on their welfare to enable them realise their full potential for the accelerated development of the area.
“The inability of the authorities to provide us with a park where we can meet other children from all manner of social backgrounds, particularly during festivities does not augur well for our social well-being at all,” they lamented.
The appeal was made jointly by the President of the Ananse Reach Concept (ARC), a child-driven movement, Miss Emefa Yegbe, and the Country Director of the movement, Madam Ibrahim Humu-Kusum, during the first ever Ananse “Love Feast” organised by the ARC for about 100 children in the Tamale metropolis.
The programme was facilitated by the ARC in collaboration with the Northern Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Total Supply, a stationery dealer, Radio Justice and Northern Star FM.
It was aimed at, among other objectives, promoting interaction between the less-privileged and privileged children in the metropolis.
The establishment of the ARC was mooted by an 11-year-old girl, Nana Adwoa Anti, and her eight-year-old brother, Lawrence, who were touched by the deplorable condition under which children in deprived communities lived in the country.
According to Miss Yegbe, the concept was all about helping needy children in the society, stressing that: “We need to be, given a chance to express ourselves on many issues that affect children in the metropolis”.
Touching on the feast, she said the event was “quite encouraging and we need the government and other stakeholders to come to our aid”.
Madam Humu-Kusum, for her part, urged parents, guardians and school authorities to give children the needed support this year to enable them to realise their full potential for the accelerated development of their respective communities.
She also urged children from rich backgrounds not to look down on the less-privileged children in the society but to share the little they have with them.
The Vice-Chairperson of the board of trustees of the ARC, Madam Alimatu Abdul-Nasser, expressed gratitude to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the success of the programme.
In a related development some event organisers in the Tamale metropolis have bemoaned the poor patronage recorded at most night clubs and restaurants where social events were organised to usher in the New Year.
An event organiser, Mr Adam Abdul-Basit, told the Daily Graphic that “most of the activities my colleagues organised were so boring that I wondered what was happening”.
According to him, places like the Picorna Hotel, Las Hotel and other entertainment centres did not receive the needed patronage that was expected during the New Year.
Mr Abdul-Basit, however, noted that most of the youth in the metropolis rather patronised church activities after which they went home and slept.
“My brother it seems people are changing these days because this year we found out that the church activities had drowned all social events; in fact patronage at almost all the night clubs was not encouraging at all”, he lamented.
TAMALE MECHANICS PLEAD FOR MORE TIME (Page 28)
Story: Vincent Adedze
SOME motor mechanics in the Tamale metropolis have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) to relax its byelaws on the demolition of unauthorised structures in the area to enable their businesses to grow to meet demands during the Ghana 2008 tournament scheduled between January 20 - February 10.
According to them, their businesses might fold up if their fitting shops were relocated to another area since their services might no longer be accessible to their customers.
They made the appeal during an interaction with this reporter in Tamale.
The appeal came in the wake of a series of demolition exercises embarked upon by the TAMA last year, as part of its beautification programme.
The metropolis has a good number of fitting shops and mechanics, some of whom have specialised in repairing all kinds of vehicles.
It is worthy to note that vehicular traffic in the metropolis keeps increasing each passing year as many residents are purchasing more modern and sophisticated vehicles.
This, perhaps, has given rise to the increase in demand for the services of mechanics and spare parts hence the establishment of more fitting shops in the metropolis.
Some of the mechanics have started venturing into the spare parts business which they consider to be more lucrative.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, reacting told the Daily Graphic that ‘the beautification programme was aimed at making Tamale a clean and beautiful city as part of the strategy to attract tourists and investors as well as prepare towards the Ghana 2008 tournament”.
He called on residents to co-operate with the assembly to help “achieve those noble objectives”.
Mr Adam also reminded companies and business entities in the metropolis of the need to register their entities with the assembly and to pay their Business Operation Fees (BOF), adding that the assembly would not contract such companies to execute projects on its behalf.
He indicated that his outfit was collaborating with the private sector to help establish a plant pool in the metropolis to enable local road construction firms to get the requisite equipment to execute projects effectively.
SOME motor mechanics in the Tamale metropolis have appealed to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) to relax its byelaws on the demolition of unauthorised structures in the area to enable their businesses to grow to meet demands during the Ghana 2008 tournament scheduled between January 20 - February 10.
According to them, their businesses might fold up if their fitting shops were relocated to another area since their services might no longer be accessible to their customers.
They made the appeal during an interaction with this reporter in Tamale.
The appeal came in the wake of a series of demolition exercises embarked upon by the TAMA last year, as part of its beautification programme.
The metropolis has a good number of fitting shops and mechanics, some of whom have specialised in repairing all kinds of vehicles.
It is worthy to note that vehicular traffic in the metropolis keeps increasing each passing year as many residents are purchasing more modern and sophisticated vehicles.
This, perhaps, has given rise to the increase in demand for the services of mechanics and spare parts hence the establishment of more fitting shops in the metropolis.
Some of the mechanics have started venturing into the spare parts business which they consider to be more lucrative.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, reacting told the Daily Graphic that ‘the beautification programme was aimed at making Tamale a clean and beautiful city as part of the strategy to attract tourists and investors as well as prepare towards the Ghana 2008 tournament”.
He called on residents to co-operate with the assembly to help “achieve those noble objectives”.
Mr Adam also reminded companies and business entities in the metropolis of the need to register their entities with the assembly and to pay their Business Operation Fees (BOF), adding that the assembly would not contract such companies to execute projects on its behalf.
He indicated that his outfit was collaborating with the private sector to help establish a plant pool in the metropolis to enable local road construction firms to get the requisite equipment to execute projects effectively.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
AIRBORNE FORCE PLEDGES TO DEFEND CONSTITUTION (Page 14)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the Airborne Force (ABF) in Tamale, Lt. Col. Irvine Aryeetey, has expressed the determination of the unit to remain neutral and to protect the integrity of the country’s constitutional rule, particularly during the 2008 general election.
“The 2008 general election for instance would test our neutrality in Ghana politics; the coming year poses great challenges to us because we are required to provide maximum security during the Ghana 2008 and the elections,” he pointed out.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey stated this during the West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) 2007 of the unit at Barwah Barracks in Tamale.
The WASSA is an annual event aimed at promoting interaction among soldiers and their families and the public.
The occasion was used to reward hard-working soldiers and their wives and retired army officers. Private Belinda Ohene Kwakye was adjudged this year’s overall best soldier for the combat company of the unit. She was enlisted into the Army barely two years ago.
According to the CO, the unit’s performance in peacekeeping operations in Liberia was adjudged the best, adding that the unit had the highest number of promotions this year.
He, therefore, commended officers and men of the unit for their hard work and dedication to duty and urged them to put in their best to help ensure peaceful elections next year.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey observed that the Upper West and East regions, where the unit had oversight responsibility, had been peaceful during the year and pledged to do everything in his power to maintain the status quo.
He, however, expressed concern about the inability of the authorities to provide the necessary facilities and logistics like Internet, telephone and fax machines to facilitate work at the unit.
“Our accommodation facilities are still not the best and our relatively remote location should be taken into consideration and supported to acquire the needed facilities to ensure smooth work here,” the CO further pointed out.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the regional ministers of the three northern regions for their support so far.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey entreated soldiers to invest in their health and the education of their children in order to make life better for them and their children in the future.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Iddris, called on the officers and men of the unit to redouble their efforts to help uplift the image of the army.
He later made a personal donation of sporting kits to two schools at the Kamina and the Barwah barracks.
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the Airborne Force (ABF) in Tamale, Lt. Col. Irvine Aryeetey, has expressed the determination of the unit to remain neutral and to protect the integrity of the country’s constitutional rule, particularly during the 2008 general election.
“The 2008 general election for instance would test our neutrality in Ghana politics; the coming year poses great challenges to us because we are required to provide maximum security during the Ghana 2008 and the elections,” he pointed out.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey stated this during the West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) 2007 of the unit at Barwah Barracks in Tamale.
The WASSA is an annual event aimed at promoting interaction among soldiers and their families and the public.
The occasion was used to reward hard-working soldiers and their wives and retired army officers. Private Belinda Ohene Kwakye was adjudged this year’s overall best soldier for the combat company of the unit. She was enlisted into the Army barely two years ago.
According to the CO, the unit’s performance in peacekeeping operations in Liberia was adjudged the best, adding that the unit had the highest number of promotions this year.
He, therefore, commended officers and men of the unit for their hard work and dedication to duty and urged them to put in their best to help ensure peaceful elections next year.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey observed that the Upper West and East regions, where the unit had oversight responsibility, had been peaceful during the year and pledged to do everything in his power to maintain the status quo.
He, however, expressed concern about the inability of the authorities to provide the necessary facilities and logistics like Internet, telephone and fax machines to facilitate work at the unit.
“Our accommodation facilities are still not the best and our relatively remote location should be taken into consideration and supported to acquire the needed facilities to ensure smooth work here,” the CO further pointed out.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the regional ministers of the three northern regions for their support so far.
Lt. Col. Aryeetey entreated soldiers to invest in their health and the education of their children in order to make life better for them and their children in the future.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Iddris, called on the officers and men of the unit to redouble their efforts to help uplift the image of the army.
He later made a personal donation of sporting kits to two schools at the Kamina and the Barwah barracks.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
4 FINED FOR ASSAULT (Page 19)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Savelugu
THE District Magistrate’s Court at Savelugu in the Northern Region has convicted four persons who assaulted a teacher at the Local Authority (L.A.) Junior High School at Pong-Tamale last month to a fine of GH¢240.00 each or in default serve a jail term of six months.
The four are Mohammed Abukari, Osman Abdul-Aziz, Seidu Abdul-Mumin and Osman Abdul-Rashid. One of the accused persons, Gariba Abukari, is, however, at large. They pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting a public officer and pleaded for leniency.
In her judgement, the District Magistrate Madam Vivian Lariba Yamusah, explained that three of the four convicts would be sent to a senior correctional centre if they failed to pay the fines, while the remaining one would face the six months jail term.
Last month, November 2007, the convicts attacked a teacher at the L.A. School for disciplining a school boy who reportedly slapped the girls’ senior prefect in the presence of his teachers.
They further pursued the teacher to his house and beat him up, tearing his clothes in the process.
The situation led to a strike embarked on by teachers in Pong-Tamale, in solidarity with their colleague. However, the teachers resumed work a few weeks after they became convinced that the security situation in their respective schools had improved.
Police officers who were earlier detailed to effect the arrest of the convicts were chased out of town.
As a result, the police served the convicts with criminal summons that compelled them to appear before court for trial.
THE District Magistrate’s Court at Savelugu in the Northern Region has convicted four persons who assaulted a teacher at the Local Authority (L.A.) Junior High School at Pong-Tamale last month to a fine of GH¢240.00 each or in default serve a jail term of six months.
The four are Mohammed Abukari, Osman Abdul-Aziz, Seidu Abdul-Mumin and Osman Abdul-Rashid. One of the accused persons, Gariba Abukari, is, however, at large. They pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting a public officer and pleaded for leniency.
In her judgement, the District Magistrate Madam Vivian Lariba Yamusah, explained that three of the four convicts would be sent to a senior correctional centre if they failed to pay the fines, while the remaining one would face the six months jail term.
Last month, November 2007, the convicts attacked a teacher at the L.A. School for disciplining a school boy who reportedly slapped the girls’ senior prefect in the presence of his teachers.
They further pursued the teacher to his house and beat him up, tearing his clothes in the process.
The situation led to a strike embarked on by teachers in Pong-Tamale, in solidarity with their colleague. However, the teachers resumed work a few weeks after they became convinced that the security situation in their respective schools had improved.
Police officers who were earlier detailed to effect the arrest of the convicts were chased out of town.
As a result, the police served the convicts with criminal summons that compelled them to appear before court for trial.
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