Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
A 70-year-old “wanzam” who circumcised a three-month-old baby girl five years ago has been arrested by the Bole police in the Northern Region.
Putuo Irinebe, the “wanzam”, was said to have contracted to do the circumcision by the child’s mother, now deceased, at Signyekura, near Bole in the Northern Region.
Female circumcision, commonly referred to as female genital mutilation, is a criminal act under the law.
He was arrested by the Bole police at the weekend upon a tip-off by the guardian of the girl.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, told the Daily Graphic in Tamale that the guardian of the victim, Vida Toyiri, told the police that she had information that the mother of the victim sent her to Irinebe for the circumcision in 2003.
According to Inspector Johnson, Toyiri said on April 17, 2008, she discovered that there were some abnormalities in the genitals of the victim.
He said Toyiri subsequently sent the girl to the Bole Government Hospital where it was confirmed that the clitoris had been cut off.
She therefore reported the case to the police and the man was subsequently arrested. Irinebe is currently in police custody assisting the police in their investigations.
Under the Criminal Code, Act 29 of 1960 such acts could result in being charged with second degree felony and those found liable could be given a prison term of not less than three years.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD CONDEMNS DEMONSTRATION (PAGE 20)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Bolga
THE Board of Directors of the Central Gonja District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and the district assembly have described the recent demonstration by a group of youth in the area as irrelevant, politically motivated and calculated to make the scheme unpopular.
The two institutions have, therefore, referred the matter to the District Security Committee (DISEC) for appropriate action to be taken as soon as practicable in order not to breach the “fragile peace we are currently enjoying in Buipe”.
The Board Chairman of the scheme, Mr Kingsley Mainoo, and the District Chief Executive, Mr Zakariah Yakubu, made this known at a joint news conference at Buipe.
The two institutions organised the news conference in reaction to the recent demonstration by a group calling itself the “Concerned Youth of Central Gonja District”.
The demonstrators, among other things, expressed dissatisfaction with the operations of the scheme and accused the Scheme Manager, Mr Dauda Mahama, of incompetence and abuse of office.
“The recent demonstration was only an orchestration to malign the scheme manager to achieve their selfish interests; it had some political undertones and calculated to make the government’s policy on the health insurance scheme unpopular,” Mr Yakubu stressed.
The DCE described the action of the group as baseless, adding that “it is crystal clear that the organisers of the recent demonstration are a group of miscreants, who are bent on denting the image of the scheme manager out of sheer greed and envy.
“The leadership of the group ignorantly accused the scheme of operating without a working plan, budget, goals and objectives, all of which are a blatant lie because all such documents were put in place before the district acquired a certificate from the Registrar General’s outfit,” Mr Yakubu stated.
He said the National Health Insurance Council granted the district GH¢15,000 as start-up funds to make the scheme operational.
The DCE further stated that after receiving the funds, the district assembly carried out various activities such as training of the management team, sensitisation of communities, setting up of office and the formation of health insurance community committees.
Mr Yakubu disclosed that over the past one year, the scheme had registered 10,245 clients and issued 8,744 identity cards to the beneficiaries.
He, however, stated that 1,501 identity cards were still being processed while 873 beneficiaries were attending the various health facilities.
According to the DCE, as of March, 2008, a total of GH¢5,463,945 was paid as claims for beneficiaries while the total premium collected as of March 2008 was GH¢21,583.
“The district made frantic efforts after its creation in 2004 to establish its own Mutual Health Insurance Scheme due to the difficulty of the West Gonja District Assembly to effectively cover the two districts,” Mr Yakubu added.
He stated that the scheme manager was not accountable to “any individual or group of persons but to the Board of Directors of the scheme only.
“Anybody who wants information on the scheme must first and foremost contact the board of directors,” Mr Yakubu stressed.
The board chairman, Mr Mainoo, however, acknowledged the fact that there was a misunderstanding between the scheme manager and the accountant and that had affected the smooth implementation of the scheme.
According to Mr Mainoo, the board was still finding ways of resolving the matter once and for all.
He stressed: “If we see that the two cannot work together, then we would separate them; but we are optimistic that the problem would be resolved.”
THE Board of Directors of the Central Gonja District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and the district assembly have described the recent demonstration by a group of youth in the area as irrelevant, politically motivated and calculated to make the scheme unpopular.
The two institutions have, therefore, referred the matter to the District Security Committee (DISEC) for appropriate action to be taken as soon as practicable in order not to breach the “fragile peace we are currently enjoying in Buipe”.
The Board Chairman of the scheme, Mr Kingsley Mainoo, and the District Chief Executive, Mr Zakariah Yakubu, made this known at a joint news conference at Buipe.
The two institutions organised the news conference in reaction to the recent demonstration by a group calling itself the “Concerned Youth of Central Gonja District”.
The demonstrators, among other things, expressed dissatisfaction with the operations of the scheme and accused the Scheme Manager, Mr Dauda Mahama, of incompetence and abuse of office.
“The recent demonstration was only an orchestration to malign the scheme manager to achieve their selfish interests; it had some political undertones and calculated to make the government’s policy on the health insurance scheme unpopular,” Mr Yakubu stressed.
The DCE described the action of the group as baseless, adding that “it is crystal clear that the organisers of the recent demonstration are a group of miscreants, who are bent on denting the image of the scheme manager out of sheer greed and envy.
“The leadership of the group ignorantly accused the scheme of operating without a working plan, budget, goals and objectives, all of which are a blatant lie because all such documents were put in place before the district acquired a certificate from the Registrar General’s outfit,” Mr Yakubu stated.
He said the National Health Insurance Council granted the district GH¢15,000 as start-up funds to make the scheme operational.
The DCE further stated that after receiving the funds, the district assembly carried out various activities such as training of the management team, sensitisation of communities, setting up of office and the formation of health insurance community committees.
Mr Yakubu disclosed that over the past one year, the scheme had registered 10,245 clients and issued 8,744 identity cards to the beneficiaries.
He, however, stated that 1,501 identity cards were still being processed while 873 beneficiaries were attending the various health facilities.
According to the DCE, as of March, 2008, a total of GH¢5,463,945 was paid as claims for beneficiaries while the total premium collected as of March 2008 was GH¢21,583.
“The district made frantic efforts after its creation in 2004 to establish its own Mutual Health Insurance Scheme due to the difficulty of the West Gonja District Assembly to effectively cover the two districts,” Mr Yakubu added.
He stated that the scheme manager was not accountable to “any individual or group of persons but to the Board of Directors of the scheme only.
“Anybody who wants information on the scheme must first and foremost contact the board of directors,” Mr Yakubu stressed.
The board chairman, Mr Mainoo, however, acknowledged the fact that there was a misunderstanding between the scheme manager and the accountant and that had affected the smooth implementation of the scheme.
According to Mr Mainoo, the board was still finding ways of resolving the matter once and for all.
He stressed: “If we see that the two cannot work together, then we would separate them; but we are optimistic that the problem would be resolved.”
Monday, April 28, 2008
GIRL, 15, DIES FROM ABORTION (PAGE 54)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
A 15-year-old student of the Damongo Senior High School died after taking in some drugs given to her by her boyfriend to abort a three-month old pregnancy.
The student, Adimpong Nimo, suddenly fell sick on April 19, 2008 and was rushed to the Wenchi Government Hospital where she died the following day.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, who made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale at the weekend, stated that while she was on admission, Nimo confessed having been given some medicine by her boyfriend, Christopher Nsoah, to abort the pregnancy.
According to the PRO, a post-mortem examination had, however, revealed that the deceased was not pregnant.
Christopher was subsequently arrested by the police and he is currently assisting them in their investigations.
In a related development, a 16-year-old girl has been arrested by the police at Bole for allegedly committing illegal abortion on April 22, 2008.
The suspect, Samata Iddrisu, was rushed to the Bole Government Hospital for treatment.
Upon interrogation, she mentioned Issah Mahama and Donkor Ababio as those who had impregnated her and also administered some herbal concoctions to her to abort the pregnancy.
The three suspects are all in police custody pending further investigations.
A 15-year-old student of the Damongo Senior High School died after taking in some drugs given to her by her boyfriend to abort a three-month old pregnancy.
The student, Adimpong Nimo, suddenly fell sick on April 19, 2008 and was rushed to the Wenchi Government Hospital where she died the following day.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, who made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale at the weekend, stated that while she was on admission, Nimo confessed having been given some medicine by her boyfriend, Christopher Nsoah, to abort the pregnancy.
According to the PRO, a post-mortem examination had, however, revealed that the deceased was not pregnant.
Christopher was subsequently arrested by the police and he is currently assisting them in their investigations.
In a related development, a 16-year-old girl has been arrested by the police at Bole for allegedly committing illegal abortion on April 22, 2008.
The suspect, Samata Iddrisu, was rushed to the Bole Government Hospital for treatment.
Upon interrogation, she mentioned Issah Mahama and Donkor Ababio as those who had impregnated her and also administered some herbal concoctions to her to abort the pregnancy.
The three suspects are all in police custody pending further investigations.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
FINDING ACCOMODATION IN TAMALE IS HELL (PAGE 29)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
ACCOMMODATION problems facing workers in the Tamale metropolis will soon be a thing of the past.
Currently, the government is constructing 10 housing units in the metropolis and plans are underway to increase the units to meet the increasing demand among workers.
As of November 2006, there were more than 80 applications for accommodation on the waiting list.
There are 607 government housing units located at such areas as Sakasaka, Choggu, Bagabaga, Kalpohini, Vitting, Attaasibi, Nyohini and Airport, all suburbs of Tamale.
There are also 255 low cost housing units at Choggu, Bagabaga and Kalpohini, all earmarked for sale.
Unfortunately, however, none of the units is vacant for newly posted workers to occupy and the situation has been attributed to the fact that the number of workers posted to the metropolis has outgrown the number of government bungalows available in the area.
In view of this, workers have, on several platforms, made urgent and passionate appeals to the government to provide affordable housing units for them.
Among other issues being raised by workers in the sprawling metropolis is the exorbitant rent charged by landlords and ladies.
Some workers contend that renting private premises is more expensive than renting a government bungalow.
Indeed, investigations by this reporter show that occupants of government housing units pay between 14 and 18 per cent of their gross salaries for the various types of units.
On the other hand, some workers claim they pay advance rent of between GH¢120 and GH¢2,500 spread between one and three years, depending on the apartment and the facilities available in a particular house.
It is, therefore, gratifying to note that the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, during his recent tour of the project site in Tamale, announced government’s preparedness to provide more housing units to help increase productivity in the area.
Alhaji Saddique called on the 20 contractors on site to work harder to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Some of the contractors complained of inadequate supply of cement and iron rods.
On when the project was expected to be completed and the cost involved, the Project Co-ordinator of Architect of Amalgamated Group, Mr Daniel Gyarteng, said its completion would depend on the availability of the needed resources.
According to him, the cost of the project could not be established now because of the unstable prices of building materials.
ACCOMMODATION problems facing workers in the Tamale metropolis will soon be a thing of the past.
Currently, the government is constructing 10 housing units in the metropolis and plans are underway to increase the units to meet the increasing demand among workers.
As of November 2006, there were more than 80 applications for accommodation on the waiting list.
There are 607 government housing units located at such areas as Sakasaka, Choggu, Bagabaga, Kalpohini, Vitting, Attaasibi, Nyohini and Airport, all suburbs of Tamale.
There are also 255 low cost housing units at Choggu, Bagabaga and Kalpohini, all earmarked for sale.
Unfortunately, however, none of the units is vacant for newly posted workers to occupy and the situation has been attributed to the fact that the number of workers posted to the metropolis has outgrown the number of government bungalows available in the area.
In view of this, workers have, on several platforms, made urgent and passionate appeals to the government to provide affordable housing units for them.
Among other issues being raised by workers in the sprawling metropolis is the exorbitant rent charged by landlords and ladies.
Some workers contend that renting private premises is more expensive than renting a government bungalow.
Indeed, investigations by this reporter show that occupants of government housing units pay between 14 and 18 per cent of their gross salaries for the various types of units.
On the other hand, some workers claim they pay advance rent of between GH¢120 and GH¢2,500 spread between one and three years, depending on the apartment and the facilities available in a particular house.
It is, therefore, gratifying to note that the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, during his recent tour of the project site in Tamale, announced government’s preparedness to provide more housing units to help increase productivity in the area.
Alhaji Saddique called on the 20 contractors on site to work harder to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Some of the contractors complained of inadequate supply of cement and iron rods.
On when the project was expected to be completed and the cost involved, the Project Co-ordinator of Architect of Amalgamated Group, Mr Daniel Gyarteng, said its completion would depend on the availability of the needed resources.
According to him, the cost of the project could not be established now because of the unstable prices of building materials.
ICT CENTRE ALMOST COMPLETED (PAGE 29)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
WORK on the proposed GH¢100,000 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre project in Tamale is nearing completion.
Currently, the contractors are putting finishing touches to the project.
The work began in July last year but it delayed for seven months because of the inability of the various stakeholders to conclude tendering processes on schedule.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the project in December 2006, witnessed by a cross-section of residents, including the youth, of the metropolis.
The facility, when completed, will help train the youth in ICT skills to empower them to fit into the job market.
The project is being executed by Dagban Construction Works, based in Tamale, and funded by the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GC-NET), a private company that is into ICT software and hardware.
The Site Foreman, Mr Alhassan Damba, told this reporter that work was expected to be completed this year.
According to him, what was left to be done included plastering and wiring, adding, “We have redesigned the project to provide toilet facilities for the physically challenged in the metropolis.”
Mr Damba further stated that “for now we do not have any problem and there is no interference to hamper the smooth execution of the project”.
Investigations by this reporter showed that work was progressing steadily and that a fence had been built around the facility.
The Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Ziblim Shaibu, in an interview, commended the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, the Vice-President and GC-NET for their commitment to the execution of the project.
He promised to ensure that the facility was put to good use but appealed to the government to adequately resource the NYC to enable it to perform its mandatory roles effectively.
The co-ordinator equally urged Parliament and the government to “promulgate the National Youth Policy”.
“We also want the government to take a critical look at providing a boys’ dormitory and feeding grant for the Nalerigu Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institute,” Mr Shaibu further appealed.
Touching on reports about the alleged defilement of two pupils by a police constable in the metropolis, Mr Shaibu stressed the need for human rights activists to take up the issue to ensure that justice prevailed.
WORK on the proposed GH¢100,000 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre project in Tamale is nearing completion.
Currently, the contractors are putting finishing touches to the project.
The work began in July last year but it delayed for seven months because of the inability of the various stakeholders to conclude tendering processes on schedule.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the project in December 2006, witnessed by a cross-section of residents, including the youth, of the metropolis.
The facility, when completed, will help train the youth in ICT skills to empower them to fit into the job market.
The project is being executed by Dagban Construction Works, based in Tamale, and funded by the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GC-NET), a private company that is into ICT software and hardware.
The Site Foreman, Mr Alhassan Damba, told this reporter that work was expected to be completed this year.
According to him, what was left to be done included plastering and wiring, adding, “We have redesigned the project to provide toilet facilities for the physically challenged in the metropolis.”
Mr Damba further stated that “for now we do not have any problem and there is no interference to hamper the smooth execution of the project”.
Investigations by this reporter showed that work was progressing steadily and that a fence had been built around the facility.
The Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Ziblim Shaibu, in an interview, commended the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, the Vice-President and GC-NET for their commitment to the execution of the project.
He promised to ensure that the facility was put to good use but appealed to the government to adequately resource the NYC to enable it to perform its mandatory roles effectively.
The co-ordinator equally urged Parliament and the government to “promulgate the National Youth Policy”.
“We also want the government to take a critical look at providing a boys’ dormitory and feeding grant for the Nalerigu Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institute,” Mr Shaibu further appealed.
Touching on reports about the alleged defilement of two pupils by a police constable in the metropolis, Mr Shaibu stressed the need for human rights activists to take up the issue to ensure that justice prevailed.
Friday, April 25, 2008
KAYAYOO DUMPS 16-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER IN LATRINE (MIRROR, PAGE 35)
From Vincent Adedze, Tamale
threats of lynching by residents of Dungu-Sawaba, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region, a teenage porter (kayayo) and mother of a-16-month-old girl has finally confessed dumping her daughter in a KVIP in the area, resulting in her death.
The 18-year-old Hawah Jingo claimed she committed the offence out of frustration since the man, Baba Zakariah, who allegedly impregnated her at the Konkomba Market in Accra had rejected the pregnancy and subsequently denied responsibility.
The incident occurred on April 20,2008. The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Tamale Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, the assembly member for the area, Mr Sulemana Bismark, accompanied by one Hawah Issifu, a relative of the suspect, reported the incident to the police in Tamale on April 21, 2008, a day after the incident.
Inspector Johnson further said, neighbours of the family suspected foul play when on Sunday April 20,2008, the little girl was not seen accompanying the mother as usual throughout the whole day.
However, after several hours of intimidation and admonition by some residents, Jingo (the suspect) confessed dumping her daughter alive into a hole full of human excreta, thereby killing the deceased.
Inspector Johnson said some police personnel from the Regional Police Command were therefore detailed to visit the crime scene and subsequently retrieved the body of the deceased.
He intimated that after thorough investigations the police discovered that there were bruises on the head and body of the deceased, suggesting that the little girl was forced through an opening in the toilet room into the hole.
threats of lynching by residents of Dungu-Sawaba, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region, a teenage porter (kayayo) and mother of a-16-month-old girl has finally confessed dumping her daughter in a KVIP in the area, resulting in her death.
The 18-year-old Hawah Jingo claimed she committed the offence out of frustration since the man, Baba Zakariah, who allegedly impregnated her at the Konkomba Market in Accra had rejected the pregnancy and subsequently denied responsibility.
The incident occurred on April 20,2008. The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Tamale Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, the assembly member for the area, Mr Sulemana Bismark, accompanied by one Hawah Issifu, a relative of the suspect, reported the incident to the police in Tamale on April 21, 2008, a day after the incident.
Inspector Johnson further said, neighbours of the family suspected foul play when on Sunday April 20,2008, the little girl was not seen accompanying the mother as usual throughout the whole day.
However, after several hours of intimidation and admonition by some residents, Jingo (the suspect) confessed dumping her daughter alive into a hole full of human excreta, thereby killing the deceased.
Inspector Johnson said some police personnel from the Regional Police Command were therefore detailed to visit the crime scene and subsequently retrieved the body of the deceased.
He intimated that after thorough investigations the police discovered that there were bruises on the head and body of the deceased, suggesting that the little girl was forced through an opening in the toilet room into the hole.
FOUR PERSONS ARRESTED FOR DEALING IN DRUGS (PAGE 30)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Tamale Police have seized 190 wrapped pieces of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and arrested four persons during a swoop on suspected criminals at Moshi Zongo, a suburb of the Tamale metropolis.
The police also impounded four motorbikes, two of which were unregistered, two bicycles, a pair of scissors, a voter ID card bearing the name of Yakubu Alhassan and a Motorola cell phone.
The suspects who are assisting the police in their investigations are Abdul Rahman, Adam Yusif, Tahiru Majeed Sulemana and Yakubu Abdul Majeed.
The operation, led by the Metropolitan Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Foli Washington, followed several complaints by both residents of and visitors to the metropolis concerning rampant incidents of stealing in the area.
The residents also complained that some criminals in the area had been snatching their bags, mobile phones and other valuable items at an area close to the main lorry park in the central business district of Tamale.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale on Thursday.
According to the PRO, the suspects were currently in police custody and would soon be arraigned.
Inspector Johnson further said the Metropolitan Police Commander “strategically launched the operation” that was successful in busting the criminals.
According to him, DSP Washington and his team had vowed to sustain the programme until the metropolis was rid of criminals and their activities.
THE Tamale Police have seized 190 wrapped pieces of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and arrested four persons during a swoop on suspected criminals at Moshi Zongo, a suburb of the Tamale metropolis.
The police also impounded four motorbikes, two of which were unregistered, two bicycles, a pair of scissors, a voter ID card bearing the name of Yakubu Alhassan and a Motorola cell phone.
The suspects who are assisting the police in their investigations are Abdul Rahman, Adam Yusif, Tahiru Majeed Sulemana and Yakubu Abdul Majeed.
The operation, led by the Metropolitan Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Foli Washington, followed several complaints by both residents of and visitors to the metropolis concerning rampant incidents of stealing in the area.
The residents also complained that some criminals in the area had been snatching their bags, mobile phones and other valuable items at an area close to the main lorry park in the central business district of Tamale.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale on Thursday.
According to the PRO, the suspects were currently in police custody and would soon be arraigned.
Inspector Johnson further said the Metropolitan Police Commander “strategically launched the operation” that was successful in busting the criminals.
According to him, DSP Washington and his team had vowed to sustain the programme until the metropolis was rid of criminals and their activities.
2 NIGERIANS KILLED ON TAMALE-BUIPE HIGHWAY (BACK PAGE)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Managing Director of Goodies Music Productions, Mr Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle pellets of cocaine to London.
He was arrested while going through departure formalities at the Kotoka International Airport about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night.
He was said to have requested to be allowed to commit suicide, since he could not bear the humiliation associated with the exposure in the media.
He had allegedly swallowed 80 thumb-size pellets of cocaine, which he claimed had been given to him at East Legon by someone he identified only as Abdul.
At the time of filing this report, Aidoo had expelled 39 of the pellets.
Three others, said to be couriers — Mohammed Yakubu, Othniel Oppong Boansi and Philip Asiedu Kissi — are also in custody for attempting to smuggle various quantities of cocaine to Europe between April 21 and 22, 2008.
Confirming Aidoo’s arrest to the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), Mr Francis Amoah, said operatives of NACOB had suspected Aidoo of carrying drugs and subsequently isolated him for further questioning.
He said the suspect initially denied carrying drugs but an X-ray examination on him revealed that he had swallowed foreign materials.
According to him, it was at that stage that Aidoo allegedly admitted to swallowing the 80 pellets.
Mr Amoah said Aidoo had claimed that he was introduced to the courier business in London by someone he again identified only as William who promised to pay him £3,000 on successful delivery.
The PRO said when the operatives went to Abdul’s residence at East Legon, they were told that he had relocated from the house two weeks before.
With regard to Mohammed Yakubu, the PRO said the suspect, a Ghanaian based in Ireland, was arrested on April 21, 2008 for swallowing 10 pellets of cocaine.
He said the suspect had claimed the drugs were for his use and not for sale.
He said Oppong Boansi, a Ghanaian holding an American passport, expelled 53 pellets of cocaine he said he intended sending to a friend in Italy.
He said the suspect had claimed that the friend, Derrick Boateng, had left the previous day and promised to pay him 3,000 euros on successful delivery of the drugs to him in Italy.
Mr Amoah said Kissi expelled 74 pellets of cocaine after his arrest on April 22, 2008.
He said Kissi had been also arrested while going through departure formalities at the airport.
The PRO explained that all the suspects have been remanded in custody pending further investigations.
THE Managing Director of Goodies Music Productions, Mr Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle pellets of cocaine to London.
He was arrested while going through departure formalities at the Kotoka International Airport about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night.
He was said to have requested to be allowed to commit suicide, since he could not bear the humiliation associated with the exposure in the media.
He had allegedly swallowed 80 thumb-size pellets of cocaine, which he claimed had been given to him at East Legon by someone he identified only as Abdul.
At the time of filing this report, Aidoo had expelled 39 of the pellets.
Three others, said to be couriers — Mohammed Yakubu, Othniel Oppong Boansi and Philip Asiedu Kissi — are also in custody for attempting to smuggle various quantities of cocaine to Europe between April 21 and 22, 2008.
Confirming Aidoo’s arrest to the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), Mr Francis Amoah, said operatives of NACOB had suspected Aidoo of carrying drugs and subsequently isolated him for further questioning.
He said the suspect initially denied carrying drugs but an X-ray examination on him revealed that he had swallowed foreign materials.
According to him, it was at that stage that Aidoo allegedly admitted to swallowing the 80 pellets.
Mr Amoah said Aidoo had claimed that he was introduced to the courier business in London by someone he again identified only as William who promised to pay him £3,000 on successful delivery.
The PRO said when the operatives went to Abdul’s residence at East Legon, they were told that he had relocated from the house two weeks before.
With regard to Mohammed Yakubu, the PRO said the suspect, a Ghanaian based in Ireland, was arrested on April 21, 2008 for swallowing 10 pellets of cocaine.
He said the suspect had claimed the drugs were for his use and not for sale.
He said Oppong Boansi, a Ghanaian holding an American passport, expelled 53 pellets of cocaine he said he intended sending to a friend in Italy.
He said the suspect had claimed that the friend, Derrick Boateng, had left the previous day and promised to pay him 3,000 euros on successful delivery of the drugs to him in Italy.
Mr Amoah said Kissi expelled 74 pellets of cocaine after his arrest on April 22, 2008.
He said Kissi had been also arrested while going through departure formalities at the airport.
The PRO explained that all the suspects have been remanded in custody pending further investigations.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
3 DIE IN SEPARATE ACCIDENTS (PAGE 25)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THREE persons died, while six others sustained various degrees of injury, in three separate accidents at different locations in the Northern Region this month.
Two of the deceased were identified as Nuor Komate, 30, and Mohammed Yakubu, 18, while the third victim is yet to be identified.
The accidents occurred on April 8, 10 and 11, 2008 at Benyukro, near Bole; Walewale and Sonayile, near Bimbilla, respectively.
In the case of the Benyukro accident, the police have arrested four persons for allegedly burning down the cargo truck that was involved in the accident.
The truck ran over Komate, who was riding a bicycle, killing him instantly. The deceased was said to be crossing the main road at Benyukro when he was run over by the truck.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, the driver of the truck, Yakubu Salia, duly reported the incident at the Bole Police Station but on his return, he discovered that some unknown persons had burnt his truck.
The PRO indicated that upon thorough investigations, the four — Merge, Bayor, Batapuri and Sumaka Kwaku — were arrested, while the driver is assisting in investigations.
At Walewale in the West Mamprusi District, one Alhassan Nufu, who was riding an unregistered motorbike from Bole to Bawku in the Upper East Region, knocked down Yakubu at Walewale.
According to the PRO, although both the victim and the rider were rushed to the Walewale Hospital for treatment, the victim died a few hours later. Nufu is currently helping the police in their investigations.
In the third accident, a yet-to-be identified passenger on board a KIA cargo truck died instantly, while six others sustained various degrees of injury, when the steering wheel of the truck on which they were travelling from Bimbilla to Sonayile suddenly went off in the course of the journey, resulting in the accident.
THREE persons died, while six others sustained various degrees of injury, in three separate accidents at different locations in the Northern Region this month.
Two of the deceased were identified as Nuor Komate, 30, and Mohammed Yakubu, 18, while the third victim is yet to be identified.
The accidents occurred on April 8, 10 and 11, 2008 at Benyukro, near Bole; Walewale and Sonayile, near Bimbilla, respectively.
In the case of the Benyukro accident, the police have arrested four persons for allegedly burning down the cargo truck that was involved in the accident.
The truck ran over Komate, who was riding a bicycle, killing him instantly. The deceased was said to be crossing the main road at Benyukro when he was run over by the truck.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Inspector Albert Johnson, the driver of the truck, Yakubu Salia, duly reported the incident at the Bole Police Station but on his return, he discovered that some unknown persons had burnt his truck.
The PRO indicated that upon thorough investigations, the four — Merge, Bayor, Batapuri and Sumaka Kwaku — were arrested, while the driver is assisting in investigations.
At Walewale in the West Mamprusi District, one Alhassan Nufu, who was riding an unregistered motorbike from Bole to Bawku in the Upper East Region, knocked down Yakubu at Walewale.
According to the PRO, although both the victim and the rider were rushed to the Walewale Hospital for treatment, the victim died a few hours later. Nufu is currently helping the police in their investigations.
In the third accident, a yet-to-be identified passenger on board a KIA cargo truck died instantly, while six others sustained various degrees of injury, when the steering wheel of the truck on which they were travelling from Bimbilla to Sonayile suddenly went off in the course of the journey, resulting in the accident.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
THE first phase of work on the Osagyefo Barge, an electricity-producing facility at Effaso-Manyea in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, being
April 2
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery, was given a State burial in Tamale yesterday.
Among those who witnessed the ceremony were President J.A. Kufuor, Vice-President Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Council of State, parliamentarians and district chief executives.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hajia Alima Mahama, were among the dignitaries.
A delegation from the Vatican in Rome, priests and reverend sisters, as well as chiefs, also attended the burial.
The Catholic Bishop of Cape Coast, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, represented the Pope at the ceremony.
A tribute read on behalf of the President by the Minister of Energy-designate, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, noted that the late Cardinal was an “outstanding shepherd of the Catholic flock”.
According to President Kufuor, the Cardinal understood the linkages between education and community development.
“He equally fostered human resource development and supported the credit unions and farmers’ co-operative societies in Ghana,” President Kufuor further observed.
In a sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, the Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong, hoped that this “public recognition being given to this illustrious son of Ghana will ultimately help unite the people of the three northern regions and the entire country, particularly in this election year”.
The Most Reverend Sarpong described the late Cardinal as “an effective pacesetter in numerous respects” and noted that his initiative in building schools and health facilities and providing potable water was there for everybody to see.
“His loyalty and devotion to duty cannot be overemphasised. He was also vocal when it came to promoting peace issues in the north, particularly in the Dagbon and Bawku conflicts,” the Archbishop pointed out.
The Most Reverend Sarpong noted that the late Cardinal Dery had the rare quality of bearing pain to the extent that even when he was bedridden, he still performed his divine duties, including ordaining pastors.
The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Reverend Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya, commended the government for paying its last respects to the Cardinal by declaring a State burial for him.
His Eminence Peter Cardinal Dery died on March 6, 2008, two months to his 90th birthday. He was born in Zemuopare, a village eight kilometres from Nandom in the Upper West Region, on May 10, 1918.
He was the fourth of 10 boys born to Theodore Porekuu and Agnes Zoore.
The late Cardinal had the chance to work with the missionaries in Jirapa. While there, he was enlisted into the Catechists’ school in 1932. He was determined to learn the English language and the missionaries observed that he had the interest and ability to read and write.
In 1934, he was enrolled at the Junior High School in Navrongo. He completed his studies in 1939 and successfully completed his seminary formation in 1950.
He was a member of the Council of State in 1972 and member of the Ghana Education Service Council for seven years.
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery, was given a State burial in Tamale yesterday.
Among those who witnessed the ceremony were President J.A. Kufuor, Vice-President Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Council of State, parliamentarians and district chief executives.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, and the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hajia Alima Mahama, were among the dignitaries.
A delegation from the Vatican in Rome, priests and reverend sisters, as well as chiefs, also attended the burial.
The Catholic Bishop of Cape Coast, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, represented the Pope at the ceremony.
A tribute read on behalf of the President by the Minister of Energy-designate, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, noted that the late Cardinal was an “outstanding shepherd of the Catholic flock”.
According to President Kufuor, the Cardinal understood the linkages between education and community development.
“He equally fostered human resource development and supported the credit unions and farmers’ co-operative societies in Ghana,” President Kufuor further observed.
In a sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, the Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong, hoped that this “public recognition being given to this illustrious son of Ghana will ultimately help unite the people of the three northern regions and the entire country, particularly in this election year”.
The Most Reverend Sarpong described the late Cardinal as “an effective pacesetter in numerous respects” and noted that his initiative in building schools and health facilities and providing potable water was there for everybody to see.
“His loyalty and devotion to duty cannot be overemphasised. He was also vocal when it came to promoting peace issues in the north, particularly in the Dagbon and Bawku conflicts,” the Archbishop pointed out.
The Most Reverend Sarpong noted that the late Cardinal Dery had the rare quality of bearing pain to the extent that even when he was bedridden, he still performed his divine duties, including ordaining pastors.
The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Reverend Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya, commended the government for paying its last respects to the Cardinal by declaring a State burial for him.
His Eminence Peter Cardinal Dery died on March 6, 2008, two months to his 90th birthday. He was born in Zemuopare, a village eight kilometres from Nandom in the Upper West Region, on May 10, 1918.
He was the fourth of 10 boys born to Theodore Porekuu and Agnes Zoore.
The late Cardinal had the chance to work with the missionaries in Jirapa. While there, he was enlisted into the Catechists’ school in 1932. He was determined to learn the English language and the missionaries observed that he had the interest and ability to read and write.
In 1934, he was enrolled at the Junior High School in Navrongo. He completed his studies in 1939 and successfully completed his seminary formation in 1950.
He was a member of the Council of State in 1972 and member of the Ghana Education Service Council for seven years.
Use Easter to avoid greed
March 25, 2008
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Rev Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya, has asked Ghanaians, particularly Christians, to use the Easter occasion to reflect on their lives and avoid negative tendencies like greed, hatred and arrogance.
“There is the need for us to use this period to change from our misdeeds and avoid amassing wealth to the extent that we no longer care for each other or extend a hand of friendship to the less privileged in society,” the archbishop stressed.
Addressing an Easter vigil at the OLA Cathedral in Tamale at the weekend to mark the occasion, the Most Rev Kpiebaya stated that “Easter is a celebration of joy and marks a new beginning in the life of Christians; if there is sadness in your family just kill it with joy”.
He equally paid glowing tribute to all the saints of the church in Africa and other parts of the world for laying down their lives, in order that the name of Christ would be preserved.
“This season has made it possible for us to conquer sin; the death and resurrection of Christ is victory for us and we must reciprocate the love that Jesus Christ has for man by leading selfless lives,“ the archbishop pointed out.
Other churches in the metropolis like the Fountain Gate Chapel and the Church of Pentecost also marked the occasion with such activities at Easter conventions and special church services.
While some residents attended church activities, others patronised social activities like night jams over the weekend. Event organisers told this reporter that patronage at the various nightclubs was very encouraging compared to last year's.
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Rev Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya, has asked Ghanaians, particularly Christians, to use the Easter occasion to reflect on their lives and avoid negative tendencies like greed, hatred and arrogance.
“There is the need for us to use this period to change from our misdeeds and avoid amassing wealth to the extent that we no longer care for each other or extend a hand of friendship to the less privileged in society,” the archbishop stressed.
Addressing an Easter vigil at the OLA Cathedral in Tamale at the weekend to mark the occasion, the Most Rev Kpiebaya stated that “Easter is a celebration of joy and marks a new beginning in the life of Christians; if there is sadness in your family just kill it with joy”.
He equally paid glowing tribute to all the saints of the church in Africa and other parts of the world for laying down their lives, in order that the name of Christ would be preserved.
“This season has made it possible for us to conquer sin; the death and resurrection of Christ is victory for us and we must reciprocate the love that Jesus Christ has for man by leading selfless lives,“ the archbishop pointed out.
Other churches in the metropolis like the Fountain Gate Chapel and the Church of Pentecost also marked the occasion with such activities at Easter conventions and special church services.
While some residents attended church activities, others patronised social activities like night jams over the weekend. Event organisers told this reporter that patronage at the various nightclubs was very encouraging compared to last year's.
Friday, April 18, 2008
YAGBONWURA WANTS BONIFACE AS AKUFO-ADDO'S RUNNING MATE (PAGE 16)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
THE King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Abudu Bawa Doshie I, has entreated the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to consider selecting the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface as the running mate of the NPP flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the December election.
He noted that selecting Alhaji Saddique would brighten the chances of the party in the general election, particularly in northern Ghana, as well as the zongo communities across the length and breadth of the country.
“Our son has the track record of contributing immensely to the promotion of peace and the accelerated development of the area, particularly when he was appointed a regional minister,” the Yagbonwura further said.
The King stated this at Damongo in the West Gonja District when Alhaji Saddique called on him at his palace as part of his two-day working visit to the Northern Region.
The minister inspected a number of water and affordable housing projects and other facilities in the region.
The Yagbonwura recalled that before Alhaji Saddique left office as the Northern Regional Minister, he had initiated positive steps towards the realisation of lasting peace in Dagbon and the entire region and observed that his selection would further strengthen the region’s resolve to promote peace and development in the area.
Yagbonwura Doshie enumerated a number of development projects provided by the NPP in the Gonja area and stressed the need for the party to select Alhaji Saddique to “consolidate your good works in the region”.
He commended the government for creating three districts in the Gonja area — West, East and Central Gonja districts — as well as the construction of the Kumdi Bridge and the ongoing work on a bridge over the River Tachali in the West Gonja District.
At Daboya, the Wasipewura, Mumuni Anyame II, also appealed to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider selecting Alhaji Saddique as his running mate, since the NPP stood to gain a lot if that decision was taken.
The Wasipewura, however, called for the provision of more development projects in the area, particularly the creation of a separate district for Daboya and the rehabilitation of the poor road network in the area.
Alhaji Saddique, for his part, called on the youth in the area to avoid antagonism and lawlessness, since they were the “vibrant and most productive segment of the population in the country”.
He stressed the need for the youth to also support the electoral process to ensure violence-free elections in the area.
THE King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Abudu Bawa Doshie I, has entreated the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to consider selecting the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface as the running mate of the NPP flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the December election.
He noted that selecting Alhaji Saddique would brighten the chances of the party in the general election, particularly in northern Ghana, as well as the zongo communities across the length and breadth of the country.
“Our son has the track record of contributing immensely to the promotion of peace and the accelerated development of the area, particularly when he was appointed a regional minister,” the Yagbonwura further said.
The King stated this at Damongo in the West Gonja District when Alhaji Saddique called on him at his palace as part of his two-day working visit to the Northern Region.
The minister inspected a number of water and affordable housing projects and other facilities in the region.
The Yagbonwura recalled that before Alhaji Saddique left office as the Northern Regional Minister, he had initiated positive steps towards the realisation of lasting peace in Dagbon and the entire region and observed that his selection would further strengthen the region’s resolve to promote peace and development in the area.
Yagbonwura Doshie enumerated a number of development projects provided by the NPP in the Gonja area and stressed the need for the party to select Alhaji Saddique to “consolidate your good works in the region”.
He commended the government for creating three districts in the Gonja area — West, East and Central Gonja districts — as well as the construction of the Kumdi Bridge and the ongoing work on a bridge over the River Tachali in the West Gonja District.
At Daboya, the Wasipewura, Mumuni Anyame II, also appealed to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider selecting Alhaji Saddique as his running mate, since the NPP stood to gain a lot if that decision was taken.
The Wasipewura, however, called for the provision of more development projects in the area, particularly the creation of a separate district for Daboya and the rehabilitation of the poor road network in the area.
Alhaji Saddique, for his part, called on the youth in the area to avoid antagonism and lawlessness, since they were the “vibrant and most productive segment of the population in the country”.
He stressed the need for the youth to also support the electoral process to ensure violence-free elections in the area.
TAMALE WATER WORKS EXPANSION PROGRESSES (BACK PAGE)
Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale
WORK on the 45-million Euro water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis is progressing steadily, with more than half the work completed.
Currently, 71 kilometres out of the stipulated 94.5 kilometres of pipelines have been laid and barring any hitches, the work will be completed by August this year as scheduled.
The project is being funded by the Dutch government.
On completion, the quantity of water supplied to residents is expected to increase from the present 5.6 million gallons rationed weekly to 10 million gallons daily.
The Project Manager of the GWCL, Mr Edward Agyekum, stated this in Tamale when he briefed the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Abubakar Saddique Boniface, on progress of work on the water expansion project.
The minister later called on the regents of Gulkpegu and Kakpema, Alhaji Ziblim Abdulai and Alhassan Iddrisu respectively, as well as the authorities of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to Mr Agyekum, "70 per cent of the water expansion work has been completed”, adding that he was hopeful the project would be completed on schedule.
He explained that the perennial water problem in the Tamale metropolis was attributable to the fact that the pipelines laid since 1972 were supposed to supply water to meet the needs of 120,000 people, noting that the current population in the metropolis had increased to 300,000.
Mr Boniface indicated that the government was sourcing an additional 45 million euros to further expand the facilities to enable residents to enjoy potable water up to 30 years.
He also announced that the Spanish government was providing 20 million euros for the supply of potable water to Yendi and Damongo.
WORK on the 45-million Euro water expansion project in the Tamale metropolis is progressing steadily, with more than half the work completed.
Currently, 71 kilometres out of the stipulated 94.5 kilometres of pipelines have been laid and barring any hitches, the work will be completed by August this year as scheduled.
The project is being funded by the Dutch government.
On completion, the quantity of water supplied to residents is expected to increase from the present 5.6 million gallons rationed weekly to 10 million gallons daily.
The Project Manager of the GWCL, Mr Edward Agyekum, stated this in Tamale when he briefed the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Abubakar Saddique Boniface, on progress of work on the water expansion project.
The minister later called on the regents of Gulkpegu and Kakpema, Alhaji Ziblim Abdulai and Alhassan Iddrisu respectively, as well as the authorities of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to Mr Agyekum, "70 per cent of the water expansion work has been completed”, adding that he was hopeful the project would be completed on schedule.
He explained that the perennial water problem in the Tamale metropolis was attributable to the fact that the pipelines laid since 1972 were supposed to supply water to meet the needs of 120,000 people, noting that the current population in the metropolis had increased to 300,000.
Mr Boniface indicated that the government was sourcing an additional 45 million euros to further expand the facilities to enable residents to enjoy potable water up to 30 years.
He also announced that the Spanish government was providing 20 million euros for the supply of potable water to Yendi and Damongo.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MAMPRUGU KING TO INTERVENE IN BAWKU CONFLICT (PAGE 31)
(Published March 18)
STORY: VINCENT ADEZDE, NALERIGU
THE King of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has resolved to personally intervene in the protracted Bawku conflict by consulting the National House of Chiefs, the elders and sub-chiefs in his kingdom to help find a lasting solution to the crisis.
He cautioned politicians and the youth in the Northern and Upper East regions to refrain from further reprisals and to “rise above their parochial interests to help heal the deep excruciating pain that the people of Bawku have already endured”.
Naa Bohugu stated this during a press conference at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern Region. The conference was, among other objectives, to appeal to the feuding factions, especially the youth, to lay down their arms and bring hostilities to an immediate end.
The ongoing violent conflict between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis which began at Sabon Gari in the Upper East Region in December last year has claimed a number of lives.
The king further called on the government to “intervene cautiously and be impartial in its quest to help find and restore lasting peace to the area.
“I further appeal to the government and the Ministry of the Interior to review the long hours of curfew imposed on the area, as it has serious health implications, especially in this period of the Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM),” Naa Bohugu added.
He entreated “all Mamprugu youth, especially those in Nalerigu, Gambaga, Langbinsi, Walewale and Bolgatanga to remain calm and not to indulge in retaliatory attacks on the lives and property of the Kusasis who travel through Mamprugu or are resident in these parts of my kingdom”.
The king called on political commentators to “refrain from making irresponsible pronouncements on the situation in Bawku in order to score political points”.
The Nayiri expressed regret at the way perpetrators of the violence were fuelling the conflict, stressing that “those who fuel and fund the conflict must put an immediate end to their activities before they are consumed by their own misdeeds”.
He was also not happy about the continuous loss of lives in the conflict, despite the presence of the security agencies.
Naa Bohugu further stated that traditional means must be used to resolve the chieftaincy problem, adding that the Mamprusi regent should be allowed to perform his father’s funeral as part of the peace efforts in that area.
Responding to a question as to why he waited for so long before that latest intervention, the Nayiri explained that as an elderly man, he decided to carefully study the events as they unfolded but had now realised that in spite of the efforts by the government and the security agencies, the conflict continued to claim more lives.
Touching on his traditional jurisdiction, the king emphasised, “My kingdom remains the oldest in Ghana and started in Pusiga-Bawku and some parts of the Upper East Region, such as Nangode, Sakote, Tongo, Zuarungu and Bongo.
“It should be noted that towns such as Binduri, Teishi, Worikambo and Tanga were all enskinned by my kingdom. Therefore, any person or group of persons who want or attempt to rewrite the history of this tradition by whichever means must put a stop to it or face the wrath of the gods,” Naa Bohugu warned.
STORY: VINCENT ADEZDE, NALERIGU
THE King of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has resolved to personally intervene in the protracted Bawku conflict by consulting the National House of Chiefs, the elders and sub-chiefs in his kingdom to help find a lasting solution to the crisis.
He cautioned politicians and the youth in the Northern and Upper East regions to refrain from further reprisals and to “rise above their parochial interests to help heal the deep excruciating pain that the people of Bawku have already endured”.
Naa Bohugu stated this during a press conference at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern Region. The conference was, among other objectives, to appeal to the feuding factions, especially the youth, to lay down their arms and bring hostilities to an immediate end.
The ongoing violent conflict between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis which began at Sabon Gari in the Upper East Region in December last year has claimed a number of lives.
The king further called on the government to “intervene cautiously and be impartial in its quest to help find and restore lasting peace to the area.
“I further appeal to the government and the Ministry of the Interior to review the long hours of curfew imposed on the area, as it has serious health implications, especially in this period of the Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM),” Naa Bohugu added.
He entreated “all Mamprugu youth, especially those in Nalerigu, Gambaga, Langbinsi, Walewale and Bolgatanga to remain calm and not to indulge in retaliatory attacks on the lives and property of the Kusasis who travel through Mamprugu or are resident in these parts of my kingdom”.
The king called on political commentators to “refrain from making irresponsible pronouncements on the situation in Bawku in order to score political points”.
The Nayiri expressed regret at the way perpetrators of the violence were fuelling the conflict, stressing that “those who fuel and fund the conflict must put an immediate end to their activities before they are consumed by their own misdeeds”.
He was also not happy about the continuous loss of lives in the conflict, despite the presence of the security agencies.
Naa Bohugu further stated that traditional means must be used to resolve the chieftaincy problem, adding that the Mamprusi regent should be allowed to perform his father’s funeral as part of the peace efforts in that area.
Responding to a question as to why he waited for so long before that latest intervention, the Nayiri explained that as an elderly man, he decided to carefully study the events as they unfolded but had now realised that in spite of the efforts by the government and the security agencies, the conflict continued to claim more lives.
Touching on his traditional jurisdiction, the king emphasised, “My kingdom remains the oldest in Ghana and started in Pusiga-Bawku and some parts of the Upper East Region, such as Nangode, Sakote, Tongo, Zuarungu and Bongo.
“It should be noted that towns such as Binduri, Teishi, Worikambo and Tanga were all enskinned by my kingdom. Therefore, any person or group of persons who want or attempt to rewrite the history of this tradition by whichever means must put a stop to it or face the wrath of the gods,” Naa Bohugu warned.
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