From Vincent Amenuveve, Tamale
WHEN a taxi driver at Choggu Manayilli, a suburb of Tamale, quarrelled with his girlfriend for allegedly bringing home another man, little did he know that his taxi cab would pay dearly for that confrontation as the girlfriend smashed the windscreen of the vehicle.
For her lawlessness, the Tamale District Court, presided over by a Magistrate, Gabriel Mate-Teye, sentenced Jezawu Mohammed, a trader at Gurugu in Tamale, to a fine of GH¢600 or in default serve six months imprisonment in hard labour.
The convict, however, pleaded guilty to the charge of causing unlawful damage.
According to the prosecution, at about 9:00 p.m. on March 21, 2010, Shaibu Mohammed, the taxi driver visited Jezawu at her house but did not meet her.
After waiting for her for sometime, Jezawu arrived home with another man.
The prosecution stated that the situation brought about a quarrel between Mohammed and Jezawu after the man at the centre of the controversy left.
Mohammed’s taxi developed a mechanical fault after the quarrel and so he could not drive the vehicle back home.
The prosecution explained that Mohammed, therefore, parked the vehicle behind the house of the convict.
When Mohammed left, the convict who was still annoyed because she was rebuked by Mohammed vented that anger on his taxi cab and smashed both the front and rear windscreens of the vehicle with a stone, damaging them in the process.
The prosecution said the convict also broke the inner glasses in all the doors of the vehicle.
The prosecution continued that when Mohammed returned the following day with his mechanic to repair the fault on the vehicle, the convict, still angered by the boyfriend’s action, went to them and started boasting that she had damaged the vehicle.
The matter was reported to the police and the convict was arrested and after investigations, she was charged with the offence.
Friday, October 29, 2010
CHOP BAR ATTENDANT JAILED FOR DUMPING BABY (MIRROR, PAGE 20, OCT 30, 2010)
From Vincent Amenuveve, Tamale
A chop bar attendant has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment by the Tamale District Court for abandoning her day-old baby on a refuse dump.
Rahi Iddrisu, who lives at Salamba, a suburb of Tamale, already has two children, aged two and three.
She pleaded guilty to the charge of child abandonment at the court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye.
The facts of the case, as presented by the prosecution, were that about 4 a.m. on July 25, 2010, Mr Alhassan Salifu Kalala of the Bilchinsi Task Force was informed by some of the community members about the abandonment of an infant on a rubbish dump near the Community Health Nursing Training School in Tamale.
Mr Kalala rushed to the scene and took the baby to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), where it was admitted for examination and treatment.
According to the prosecution, the community members later identified the convict as the culprit and, upon interrogation, she admitted committing the offence.
On July 27, 2010, the convict was handed over to the police for investigation, during which, in her caution statement, she admitted the offence and led the police to where she had dumped the baby.
The prosecution further explained that on August 4, 2010, one Adam Inusah, an uncle of the convict, presented a copy of an application requesting custody of the baby.
After investigations, the convict was charged with the offence of child abandonment.
Meanwhile, the baby is currently in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare in Tamale.
A chop bar attendant has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment by the Tamale District Court for abandoning her day-old baby on a refuse dump.
Rahi Iddrisu, who lives at Salamba, a suburb of Tamale, already has two children, aged two and three.
She pleaded guilty to the charge of child abandonment at the court, presided over by Mr Gabriel Mate-Teye.
The facts of the case, as presented by the prosecution, were that about 4 a.m. on July 25, 2010, Mr Alhassan Salifu Kalala of the Bilchinsi Task Force was informed by some of the community members about the abandonment of an infant on a rubbish dump near the Community Health Nursing Training School in Tamale.
Mr Kalala rushed to the scene and took the baby to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), where it was admitted for examination and treatment.
According to the prosecution, the community members later identified the convict as the culprit and, upon interrogation, she admitted committing the offence.
On July 27, 2010, the convict was handed over to the police for investigation, during which, in her caution statement, she admitted the offence and led the police to where she had dumped the baby.
The prosecution further explained that on August 4, 2010, one Adam Inusah, an uncle of the convict, presented a copy of an application requesting custody of the baby.
After investigations, the convict was charged with the offence of child abandonment.
Meanwhile, the baby is currently in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare in Tamale.
NR TOURISM SECTOR GROWING STEADILY (PAGE 27, OCT 30, 2010)
From Vincent
Amenuveve, Tamale.
THE tourism sector in the Northern Region generated a total of GH¢413,232 between 2002 and last year.
Additionally, a total of GH¢106,916 tourists arrived in the region within the same period.
The Regional Chief Officer of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Alexander Nketia, who made this known to The Mirror in Tamale, said the sector had grown significantly over the past eight years particularly in the areas of revenue and tourist arrivals to the region.
According to him, the region bagged GH¢142,218 with 17,620 tourist arrivals last year alone.
The major tourist attractions are located at Larabanga, Mognori, Daboya, Mole National Park and Tizaa among others.
He attributed the growth to frantic efforts over the years by the GTB to protect and discover more tourist attractions in the region.
Touching on the World Tourism Day celebrations, the officer intimated that the developing world’s share of global or international tourism had grown from 34 per cent in the year 2000 to 40 per cent at the moment.
That of Ghana, Mr Nketia said, had grown from 428,533 visitors with corresponding receipts of $836 million in 2005 to over 850,000 visitors with receipts of over $1.5 billion last year.
“If these figures are anything to go by then the need to protect and conserve the biodiversity upon which our tourism attractions are dependent” the officer pointed out.
He noted that there was the need to educate and inform communities particularly the youth about the dangers of destroying biodiversity.
“The GTB therefore sees it as a unique opportunity to raise public awareness particularly among the youth of the importance of biodiversity to tourism development,” he stressed.
Mr Nketia urged communities to avoid such activities as poaching, bush burning, lumbering, environmental pollution, improper disposal of waste and use of weedicides.
A lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism and Environment, Mr Raymond Adongo, said tourism depended so much on biodiversity, saying one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism was the nature based one.
He advocated the formation of tourism clubs in schools, development of tourism infrastructure as well as proper disposal of wastes.
Amenuveve, Tamale.
THE tourism sector in the Northern Region generated a total of GH¢413,232 between 2002 and last year.
Additionally, a total of GH¢106,916 tourists arrived in the region within the same period.
The Regional Chief Officer of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Alexander Nketia, who made this known to The Mirror in Tamale, said the sector had grown significantly over the past eight years particularly in the areas of revenue and tourist arrivals to the region.
According to him, the region bagged GH¢142,218 with 17,620 tourist arrivals last year alone.
The major tourist attractions are located at Larabanga, Mognori, Daboya, Mole National Park and Tizaa among others.
He attributed the growth to frantic efforts over the years by the GTB to protect and discover more tourist attractions in the region.
Touching on the World Tourism Day celebrations, the officer intimated that the developing world’s share of global or international tourism had grown from 34 per cent in the year 2000 to 40 per cent at the moment.
That of Ghana, Mr Nketia said, had grown from 428,533 visitors with corresponding receipts of $836 million in 2005 to over 850,000 visitors with receipts of over $1.5 billion last year.
“If these figures are anything to go by then the need to protect and conserve the biodiversity upon which our tourism attractions are dependent” the officer pointed out.
He noted that there was the need to educate and inform communities particularly the youth about the dangers of destroying biodiversity.
“The GTB therefore sees it as a unique opportunity to raise public awareness particularly among the youth of the importance of biodiversity to tourism development,” he stressed.
Mr Nketia urged communities to avoid such activities as poaching, bush burning, lumbering, environmental pollution, improper disposal of waste and use of weedicides.
A lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism and Environment, Mr Raymond Adongo, said tourism depended so much on biodiversity, saying one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism was the nature based one.
He advocated the formation of tourism clubs in schools, development of tourism infrastructure as well as proper disposal of wastes.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
TOURISM SECTOR GROWS STEADILY IN NORTHERN REGION (PAGE 42, OCT 28, 2010)
THE tourism sector in the Northern Region has been growing steadily for the past eight years in the areas of revenue and tourist arrivals to the region.
According to the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), the region bagged GH¢142,218 from 17,620 tourist arrivals in 2001 as against GH¢9,401 from 7,295 visitors recorded in 2002.
In 2008, the region recorded 20,711 tourist arrivals and obtained GH¢62,385 as revenue. In 2007, GH¢51,889 was received in the sector with 16,545 visitors to tourist sites. The major tourist attractions are located at Larabanga, Mognori, Daboya, Mole National Park and Tizaa, among others.
The Regional Chief Officer of the GTB, Mr Alexander Nketia, made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale during a symposium to mark the World Tourism Day.
He attributed the growth to frantic efforts to protect and discover more tourist attractions in the region. The day was held on the theme: “Tourism and biodiversity.”
According to Mr Nketia, the developing world’s share of global or international tourism had grown from 34 per cent in 2000 to 40 per cent currently.
Mr Nketia said Ghana had grown from 428,533 visitors in 2005 with corresponding receipts of $836 million to over 850,000 visitors in 2009 with receipts of over $1.5 billion.
“If these figures are anything to go by, then there is the need to protect and conserve the biodiversity on which our tourism attractions are dependent,” he stated.
Mr Nketia stressed the need to educate and inform communities, particularly the youth, about the dangers of destroying biodiversity.
“The GTB, therefore, sees it as a unique opportunity to raise public awareness, especially among the youth, of the importance of biodiversity to tourism development,” he stressed.
Mr Nketia urged communities to avoid such activities as poaching, bush burning, lumbering, environmental pollution, improper disposal of waste and use of weedicides.
A lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism and Environment at the University for Development Studies, Mr Raymond Adongo, said tourism depended so much on biodiversity, adding that one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism was the nature based one.
He advocated the formation of tourism clubs in schools, the development of tourism infrastructure as well as proper disposal of waste.
According to the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), the region bagged GH¢142,218 from 17,620 tourist arrivals in 2001 as against GH¢9,401 from 7,295 visitors recorded in 2002.
In 2008, the region recorded 20,711 tourist arrivals and obtained GH¢62,385 as revenue. In 2007, GH¢51,889 was received in the sector with 16,545 visitors to tourist sites. The major tourist attractions are located at Larabanga, Mognori, Daboya, Mole National Park and Tizaa, among others.
The Regional Chief Officer of the GTB, Mr Alexander Nketia, made this known to the Daily Graphic in Tamale during a symposium to mark the World Tourism Day.
He attributed the growth to frantic efforts to protect and discover more tourist attractions in the region. The day was held on the theme: “Tourism and biodiversity.”
According to Mr Nketia, the developing world’s share of global or international tourism had grown from 34 per cent in 2000 to 40 per cent currently.
Mr Nketia said Ghana had grown from 428,533 visitors in 2005 with corresponding receipts of $836 million to over 850,000 visitors in 2009 with receipts of over $1.5 billion.
“If these figures are anything to go by, then there is the need to protect and conserve the biodiversity on which our tourism attractions are dependent,” he stated.
Mr Nketia stressed the need to educate and inform communities, particularly the youth, about the dangers of destroying biodiversity.
“The GTB, therefore, sees it as a unique opportunity to raise public awareness, especially among the youth, of the importance of biodiversity to tourism development,” he stressed.
Mr Nketia urged communities to avoid such activities as poaching, bush burning, lumbering, environmental pollution, improper disposal of waste and use of weedicides.
A lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism and Environment at the University for Development Studies, Mr Raymond Adongo, said tourism depended so much on biodiversity, adding that one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism was the nature based one.
He advocated the formation of tourism clubs in schools, the development of tourism infrastructure as well as proper disposal of waste.
POOR ROAD NETWORK IN BUNKPURUGU HAMPERS PROGRESS (PAGE 42, OCT 28, 2010)
THE poor nature of roads in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District in the Northern Region is a major source of worry to the people.
The situation has worsened with the onset of the rains and time without number, many vehicles get stuck on the roads.
The undulating state of the roads most often result in accidents and sometimes deaths.
The area is predominantly a farming community and the people cultivate crops such as maize, guinea corn, groundnuts, sorghum, and soyabeans. They also rear guinea fowls, cattle and goats for economic gains.
The major tribes in the area are the Mamprusis, Bimobas and Konkombas.
Indeed farmers in the area complain bitterly about their inability to convey foodstuffs from their farms to the marketing centres.
It is common to see most mummy trucks locked up on the roads either because they have broken down or they are unable to ply the roads, especially during the rainy season.
The Chief of Bunkpurugu, Alhaji Abuba Nasumang, minced no words when he lamented about the situation in an interview with the Daily Graphic at his palace.
He stressed the need for the government to provide the only senior high school with boarding facility and hospitals in the area with the needed equipment to enhance the work of the officials.
“The deplorable roads affect our socio-economic lives and the earlier something is done about them the better; we are tired of this situation and we are wondering why it is so,”Alhaji Nasumang stressed.
During a recent visit to the area to inspect development projects, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, also acknowledged the deplorable state of roads in the area.
He, however, assured the people that the government was committed to the improvement of the road network in the area.
Mr Asabigi, therefore, entreated the people to avoid bickering and to unite for the accelerated development of the area.
The District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdulai Mumuni for his part, stated that the poor state of roads in the area affected effective policing.
He said whenever there was a robbery incident around the Nankpanduri scarp, it took the police hours to get to the scene of crime by which time the suspects had escaped.
“Even if you get a distress call and you reach the place and you call for reinforcement, most of the time, it is impossible for them to come because of the bad roads; In fact, that is affecting security in the area,” ASP Mumuni stated.
The new District Chief Executive, Mr Philip Laari, pledged to take a critical look at the road sector, saying such challenges are surmountable.
The situation has worsened with the onset of the rains and time without number, many vehicles get stuck on the roads.
The undulating state of the roads most often result in accidents and sometimes deaths.
The area is predominantly a farming community and the people cultivate crops such as maize, guinea corn, groundnuts, sorghum, and soyabeans. They also rear guinea fowls, cattle and goats for economic gains.
The major tribes in the area are the Mamprusis, Bimobas and Konkombas.
Indeed farmers in the area complain bitterly about their inability to convey foodstuffs from their farms to the marketing centres.
It is common to see most mummy trucks locked up on the roads either because they have broken down or they are unable to ply the roads, especially during the rainy season.
The Chief of Bunkpurugu, Alhaji Abuba Nasumang, minced no words when he lamented about the situation in an interview with the Daily Graphic at his palace.
He stressed the need for the government to provide the only senior high school with boarding facility and hospitals in the area with the needed equipment to enhance the work of the officials.
“The deplorable roads affect our socio-economic lives and the earlier something is done about them the better; we are tired of this situation and we are wondering why it is so,”Alhaji Nasumang stressed.
During a recent visit to the area to inspect development projects, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, also acknowledged the deplorable state of roads in the area.
He, however, assured the people that the government was committed to the improvement of the road network in the area.
Mr Asabigi, therefore, entreated the people to avoid bickering and to unite for the accelerated development of the area.
The District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdulai Mumuni for his part, stated that the poor state of roads in the area affected effective policing.
He said whenever there was a robbery incident around the Nankpanduri scarp, it took the police hours to get to the scene of crime by which time the suspects had escaped.
“Even if you get a distress call and you reach the place and you call for reinforcement, most of the time, it is impossible for them to come because of the bad roads; In fact, that is affecting security in the area,” ASP Mumuni stated.
The new District Chief Executive, Mr Philip Laari, pledged to take a critical look at the road sector, saying such challenges are surmountable.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
TAMALE RESIDENTS WALK TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY (PAGE 29, OCT 27, 2010)
AS part of efforts to curb road accidents in the Tamale metropolis, the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the Northern Region has organised a road safety walk in the metropolis.
Dubbed ‘Walk for Health Stay with Cowbell’, the walk was part of the new strategies adopted by the NRSC to sensitise residents to the need to ensure road safety measures.
A cross-section of the public took part in the walk that included keep fit exercises held at the Jubilee Park.
Speaking to the participants, the Regional Manager of the NRSC for the Northern and Upper East regions, Mr Thomas Boakye, stated that the walk would be organised every month.
He said that research had shown that where “enforcement of road traffic regulations failed, motivation must be adopted to encourage motorists to ensure road safety measures”.
He announced that next month had been declared a road safety month, adding that a “cycling month” would also be put in place as a way of educating the public on road traffic regulations.
He further explained that those who wore their crash helmets regularly would be identified and rewarded as a way of motivating residents to adhere to road safety measures.
“Safety consciousness is an individual affair and I must warn that if you mess up yourself and die through your own carelessness on the road, even God himself would not forgive you” the manager cautioned.
An educator at the NRSC in the region, Mr Baba Musah, noted that every road user should be concerned about the lives of other road users including pedestrians in order to reduce accidents to the barest minimum.
Last month 26 people died in a road accident at Zagyuri, near Kamina, when the cargo truck on which they were travelling from Zoggu in the Savelugu-Nanton District to Tamale veered off the road in an attempt to overtake a tipper truck and plunged into a gutter killing the passengers on the bus.
Dubbed ‘Walk for Health Stay with Cowbell’, the walk was part of the new strategies adopted by the NRSC to sensitise residents to the need to ensure road safety measures.
A cross-section of the public took part in the walk that included keep fit exercises held at the Jubilee Park.
Speaking to the participants, the Regional Manager of the NRSC for the Northern and Upper East regions, Mr Thomas Boakye, stated that the walk would be organised every month.
He said that research had shown that where “enforcement of road traffic regulations failed, motivation must be adopted to encourage motorists to ensure road safety measures”.
He announced that next month had been declared a road safety month, adding that a “cycling month” would also be put in place as a way of educating the public on road traffic regulations.
He further explained that those who wore their crash helmets regularly would be identified and rewarded as a way of motivating residents to adhere to road safety measures.
“Safety consciousness is an individual affair and I must warn that if you mess up yourself and die through your own carelessness on the road, even God himself would not forgive you” the manager cautioned.
An educator at the NRSC in the region, Mr Baba Musah, noted that every road user should be concerned about the lives of other road users including pedestrians in order to reduce accidents to the barest minimum.
Last month 26 people died in a road accident at Zagyuri, near Kamina, when the cargo truck on which they were travelling from Zoggu in the Savelugu-Nanton District to Tamale veered off the road in an attempt to overtake a tipper truck and plunged into a gutter killing the passengers on the bus.
TRULL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS NINE ORGANISATIONS (PAGE 29, OCT 26, 2010)
THIS year, the northern part of Ghana has witnessed one of its heaviest rains and this has led to the flooding of many communities in the various districts. Lives have been lost, houses collapsed, roads destroyed, farms inundated and communities cut off from each other.
Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, was not spared its share of the destruction. One person was confirmed dead while several others sustained various degrees of injuries when the buildings they were residing in collapsed on them during the rains.
The daily lives of people living in parts of Gumani, Koblimahagu, Builpela, Kukuo, Wamali and Fuo became a nightmare as they had to move through water and swamp to and from home.
One of the most visible leftovers of the floods was the destruction caused to road networks in the various suburbs of the metropolis.
Some portions of various feeder roads were washed away by the running water, leaving behind large potholes on several portions.
For instance, roads in the Gbewa community, behind the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Kukuo, were severely damaged dividing some of the roads into halves.
The residents of the area told the Daily Graphic that the nature of the roads was impeding movement, particularly for drivers of automobiles, as they had to manoeuvre their way through the potholes.
“Sometimes, you just have to park your car at a point and try to cross a ditch to the other side,” Mr Abdul Sadiq, a resident, stated.
One thing that the rains have, however, exposed is the failure of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) to tar many roads in the city. Apart from the roads in the main township, the rest are dusty roads that are awarded on contract periodically for reshaping.
This year, for instance, the main road in the Gbewa community was reshaped, but the floods have damaged the road once more, thereby leading to a waste of resources.
Except for the late 1990s and between 2002 and 2008, the metropolis has not undergone any major improvements in its road networks in recent times.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, said the assembly had noted the deplorable condition of many roads in the city and had drawn up a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate them.
He said the plan, which was drafted in collaboration with the Urban Roads Department, captured all important roads in the city, but noted that the lack of funds was hindering the implementation of the plan.
Notwithstanding the challenge of lack of finance, Mr Musah insisted that there was some hope that the roads in the metropolis would be improved soon.
He noted, for instance, that some of the major roads had been captured in a proposal for special attention under the Ghana Urban Management Project (GUMP), which is to be sponsored by the French Development Agency (AFD).
These projects, he mentioned, included the upgrading of a portion of Tamale’s second ring road, between TAYSEC Junction and the SSNIT Flat Roundabout and access roads within Tishigu and Moshi Zongo.
The PRO also mentioned the rehabilitation of the Aboabo lorry park and the construction of the Gumani storm drain and retention point as two other projects that had been included in the proposal.
He said whiles the assembly waited for approval to undertake these projects, it had taken some temporary measures such as the rehabilitation of the assembly’s grader, which was being used from time to time to undertake minor repair works on the roads.
Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, was not spared its share of the destruction. One person was confirmed dead while several others sustained various degrees of injuries when the buildings they were residing in collapsed on them during the rains.
The daily lives of people living in parts of Gumani, Koblimahagu, Builpela, Kukuo, Wamali and Fuo became a nightmare as they had to move through water and swamp to and from home.
One of the most visible leftovers of the floods was the destruction caused to road networks in the various suburbs of the metropolis.
Some portions of various feeder roads were washed away by the running water, leaving behind large potholes on several portions.
For instance, roads in the Gbewa community, behind the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Kukuo, were severely damaged dividing some of the roads into halves.
The residents of the area told the Daily Graphic that the nature of the roads was impeding movement, particularly for drivers of automobiles, as they had to manoeuvre their way through the potholes.
“Sometimes, you just have to park your car at a point and try to cross a ditch to the other side,” Mr Abdul Sadiq, a resident, stated.
One thing that the rains have, however, exposed is the failure of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) to tar many roads in the city. Apart from the roads in the main township, the rest are dusty roads that are awarded on contract periodically for reshaping.
This year, for instance, the main road in the Gbewa community was reshaped, but the floods have damaged the road once more, thereby leading to a waste of resources.
Except for the late 1990s and between 2002 and 2008, the metropolis has not undergone any major improvements in its road networks in recent times.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, said the assembly had noted the deplorable condition of many roads in the city and had drawn up a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate them.
He said the plan, which was drafted in collaboration with the Urban Roads Department, captured all important roads in the city, but noted that the lack of funds was hindering the implementation of the plan.
Notwithstanding the challenge of lack of finance, Mr Musah insisted that there was some hope that the roads in the metropolis would be improved soon.
He noted, for instance, that some of the major roads had been captured in a proposal for special attention under the Ghana Urban Management Project (GUMP), which is to be sponsored by the French Development Agency (AFD).
These projects, he mentioned, included the upgrading of a portion of Tamale’s second ring road, between TAYSEC Junction and the SSNIT Flat Roundabout and access roads within Tishigu and Moshi Zongo.
The PRO also mentioned the rehabilitation of the Aboabo lorry park and the construction of the Gumani storm drain and retention point as two other projects that had been included in the proposal.
He said whiles the assembly waited for approval to undertake these projects, it had taken some temporary measures such as the rehabilitation of the assembly’s grader, which was being used from time to time to undertake minor repair works on the roads.
Monday, October 25, 2010
ARMED ROBBERS SHOOT MILITARY MAN (PAGE 77, OCT 25, 2010)
A Soldier was reportedly gunned down on Friday when a group of suspected armed robbers attacked a Mercedes Benz saloon car on the Tamale-Buipe highway in the Central Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The deceased, a Warrant Officer (WO) whose name is being withheld for security reasons, was one of the five occupants of the vehicle, with registration number CR 826 W, that was travelling from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to Tamale when the incident occurred. It was, however, not clear who shot and killed the deceased.
The outgoing Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, who confirmed the story to the Daily Graphic in Tamale, said the incident happened at about 3:00 a.m. but the police were yet to establish where the gunshots that killed the soldier came from as the matter was still under investigations.
According to him, the suspects had mounted road blocks in a bid to rob their victims and so when the car approached the crime scene one of the robbers asked the occupants to get down.
He explained that after the robbery, a police officer reportedly appeared on the scene and engaged in a shoot-out with the robbers and they subsequently fled into a nearby bush.
Narrating the incident, the driver of the vehicle, Mr Mahama Nasiru, said upon reaching the scene, one of the robbers opened the driver’s door and asked him (Nasiru) to come out and lie down.
According to him, the robber asked him to bring the money he had on him to which he (Nasiru) refused and so the suspect took his mobile phone and robbed one of the occupants of an amount of GH¢200.
Mr Nasiru explained that the robber asked the soldier also to come out of the vehicle and subsequently the soldier struggled with the robber and managed to snatch a locally manufactured weapon from him (the robber).
The driver said the robber, sensing danger, ran into the bush.
He said a few moments later he heard about three gunshots and when he stood up he found the soldier lying dead.
The deceased, a Warrant Officer (WO) whose name is being withheld for security reasons, was one of the five occupants of the vehicle, with registration number CR 826 W, that was travelling from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to Tamale when the incident occurred. It was, however, not clear who shot and killed the deceased.
The outgoing Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, who confirmed the story to the Daily Graphic in Tamale, said the incident happened at about 3:00 a.m. but the police were yet to establish where the gunshots that killed the soldier came from as the matter was still under investigations.
According to him, the suspects had mounted road blocks in a bid to rob their victims and so when the car approached the crime scene one of the robbers asked the occupants to get down.
He explained that after the robbery, a police officer reportedly appeared on the scene and engaged in a shoot-out with the robbers and they subsequently fled into a nearby bush.
Narrating the incident, the driver of the vehicle, Mr Mahama Nasiru, said upon reaching the scene, one of the robbers opened the driver’s door and asked him (Nasiru) to come out and lie down.
According to him, the robber asked him to bring the money he had on him to which he (Nasiru) refused and so the suspect took his mobile phone and robbed one of the occupants of an amount of GH¢200.
Mr Nasiru explained that the robber asked the soldier also to come out of the vehicle and subsequently the soldier struggled with the robber and managed to snatch a locally manufactured weapon from him (the robber).
The driver said the robber, sensing danger, ran into the bush.
He said a few moments later he heard about three gunshots and when he stood up he found the soldier lying dead.
FOUR DCES SWORN INTO OFFICE (PAGE 13, OCT 23, 2010)
FOUR new District Chief Executives in the Northern Region have been sworn into office at a ceremony in Tamale.
They are Mr Philip Laari, 60, a former Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service for the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district, Mr Issah Zakaria, 50, an Educationist of the Yendi Municipality.
The rest are Mr Sulemana Issah, 48, a teacher of the Karaga District and Isaac Dramani, 40, an Accountant for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
They were sworn-in by a Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Lawrene L. Mensah, in consonance with Article 243 of the 1992 constitution and section 20(1) of the Local Government Act 462.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbenba, reminded the DCEs that the purpose for establishing the various district assemblies in Ghana was to among other things, ensure the full involvement of the local people in the decision making process.
He explained that the success of that initiative depended on some key values exhibited by the DCEs, namely honesty, commitment, firmness, probity, accountability and responsiveness to development issues, among others.
Mr Magbenba equally drew their attention to key provisions in the Local Government Act that related to their responsibilities.
“Clearly, as DCEs, you are supposed to lead the assembly in its development efforts by using the available human and material resources to implement planned programmes,” he pointed out.
The minister entreated the DCEs to provide leadership in the administration of their respective districts.
Mr Magbenba cautioned them against over-reliance on the district assemblies common fund and urged them to devise innovative ways of generating more local revenue for the accelerated development of the districts.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, told the new DCEs that the practice of swearing the official oath was to give them the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their total commitment to the implementation of the government’s policies, plans and programmes.
“By swearing the various oaths, you are going to pledge to act as effective agents of change for your people, give them sincere, honest and carefully thought-through advice on matters that come before you,” he explained.
Mr Laari pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, to help maintain relative peace by working hard to improve the security situation in their respective districts.
“Our administration will be an open one and opportunities will be granted to all, especially the youth and women who constitute the backbone of the development of any nation,” he stated.
Mr Laari further observed that all the four districts had similar challenges such as “security, chieftaincy, land and political disputes, road network and inadequate infrastructure”.
He was, however, glad that the issues about conflict in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district was gradually being resolved, while the major ones such as youth unemployment, lack of potable water, inadequate health and educational facilities were yet to be addressed.
They are Mr Philip Laari, 60, a former Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service for the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district, Mr Issah Zakaria, 50, an Educationist of the Yendi Municipality.
The rest are Mr Sulemana Issah, 48, a teacher of the Karaga District and Isaac Dramani, 40, an Accountant for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
They were sworn-in by a Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Lawrene L. Mensah, in consonance with Article 243 of the 1992 constitution and section 20(1) of the Local Government Act 462.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Regional Minister, Mr Moses Magbenba, reminded the DCEs that the purpose for establishing the various district assemblies in Ghana was to among other things, ensure the full involvement of the local people in the decision making process.
He explained that the success of that initiative depended on some key values exhibited by the DCEs, namely honesty, commitment, firmness, probity, accountability and responsiveness to development issues, among others.
Mr Magbenba equally drew their attention to key provisions in the Local Government Act that related to their responsibilities.
“Clearly, as DCEs, you are supposed to lead the assembly in its development efforts by using the available human and material resources to implement planned programmes,” he pointed out.
The minister entreated the DCEs to provide leadership in the administration of their respective districts.
Mr Magbenba cautioned them against over-reliance on the district assemblies common fund and urged them to devise innovative ways of generating more local revenue for the accelerated development of the districts.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, told the new DCEs that the practice of swearing the official oath was to give them the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their total commitment to the implementation of the government’s policies, plans and programmes.
“By swearing the various oaths, you are going to pledge to act as effective agents of change for your people, give them sincere, honest and carefully thought-through advice on matters that come before you,” he explained.
Mr Laari pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, to help maintain relative peace by working hard to improve the security situation in their respective districts.
“Our administration will be an open one and opportunities will be granted to all, especially the youth and women who constitute the backbone of the development of any nation,” he stated.
Mr Laari further observed that all the four districts had similar challenges such as “security, chieftaincy, land and political disputes, road network and inadequate infrastructure”.
He was, however, glad that the issues about conflict in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district was gradually being resolved, while the major ones such as youth unemployment, lack of potable water, inadequate health and educational facilities were yet to be addressed.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Case of ambush at Nakpanduri...ANOTHER COP DIES (PAGE 3, OCT 22, 2010)
ONE of the policemen who got injured during an attack on them while on duty on the Nakpanduri Scarp in the Northern Region last Sunday has died of his wounds.
Constable Owusu Frimpong died early yesterday morning at the Nalerigu Hospital, where he was admitted following the injuries he sustained from the attack.
His death brings to two, the number of policemen who have lost their lives following Sunday’s attack by the gunmen believed to be under the command of Johnson Soloma Kombian, who has been described by the police as a notorious jail breaker.
Kombian is also suspected to be recruiting young men to be carrying out a series of criminal activities along the scarp.
Constable Prince Agyare died earlier during the attack and his body has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, leaving Lance Corporal Osei Bonsu, who was airlifted to Accra for further medical treatment, as the lone survivor.
They were attacked while on patrol duties in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the latest death to the Daily Graphic in Tamale yesterday.
Meanwhile, four persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on the three policemen.
The suspects are Talata Sonika, Yenuduki Kombian, Bitian Kombian and Fintima Kunchan and are currently in police custody in Tamale to be arraigned.
The police administration has mounted a search for Johnson Soloma Kombian and offered a prize of GH¢3,000 to anyone who would provide information that would lead to his arrest.
A high-powered delegation from the police headquarters in Accra is expected to visit the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District to assess the situation on the ground.
Constable Owusu Frimpong died early yesterday morning at the Nalerigu Hospital, where he was admitted following the injuries he sustained from the attack.
His death brings to two, the number of policemen who have lost their lives following Sunday’s attack by the gunmen believed to be under the command of Johnson Soloma Kombian, who has been described by the police as a notorious jail breaker.
Kombian is also suspected to be recruiting young men to be carrying out a series of criminal activities along the scarp.
Constable Prince Agyare died earlier during the attack and his body has been deposited at the morgue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, leaving Lance Corporal Osei Bonsu, who was airlifted to Accra for further medical treatment, as the lone survivor.
They were attacked while on patrol duties in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the latest death to the Daily Graphic in Tamale yesterday.
Meanwhile, four persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on the three policemen.
The suspects are Talata Sonika, Yenuduki Kombian, Bitian Kombian and Fintima Kunchan and are currently in police custody in Tamale to be arraigned.
The police administration has mounted a search for Johnson Soloma Kombian and offered a prize of GH¢3,000 to anyone who would provide information that would lead to his arrest.
A high-powered delegation from the police headquarters in Accra is expected to visit the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District to assess the situation on the ground.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
FOUR ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH SHOOTING OF COPS (BACK PAGE, OCT 21, 2010)
FOUR persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on three policemen on the Nankpanduri scarp in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District, which resulted in the death of one policeman and injuries to two others.
The suspects, Talata Sonika, Yenuduki Kombian, Bitian Kombian and Fintima Kunchan, were arrested last Tuesday at their hideout in Nankpanduri upon a tip-off.
A police source said Talata was alleged to have taken part in the attack on the police personnel on the scarp while Fintima was reportedly harbouring the notorious criminal Johnson Soloma Kombian in his house.
Johnson Soloma Kombian is believed to have masterminded the attack on the police personnel, which left Constable Prince Agyare dead and Lance Corporal Osei Bonsu and Constable Owusu Frimpong seriously injured.
Bonsu has been flown to Accra for further treatment while arrangements were still being made for Frimpong to be airlifted from the Nalerigu Hospital to Accra.
Johnson Soloma Kombian has been on the police wanted list for several years and has gained notoriety as a jail-breaker.
Kombian is also suspected to be recruiting young men in the area to be carrying out all manner of criminal activities along the scarp.
The national security apparatus has been placed on high alert while a thorough search has begun to arrest him.
Meanwhile the outgoing Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Angwubutoge Awuni, has led a team of police officials to visit one of the injured policemen at the Nalerigu Hospital. He described the officer’s condition as being stable.
The suspects, Talata Sonika, Yenuduki Kombian, Bitian Kombian and Fintima Kunchan, were arrested last Tuesday at their hideout in Nankpanduri upon a tip-off.
A police source said Talata was alleged to have taken part in the attack on the police personnel on the scarp while Fintima was reportedly harbouring the notorious criminal Johnson Soloma Kombian in his house.
Johnson Soloma Kombian is believed to have masterminded the attack on the police personnel, which left Constable Prince Agyare dead and Lance Corporal Osei Bonsu and Constable Owusu Frimpong seriously injured.
Bonsu has been flown to Accra for further treatment while arrangements were still being made for Frimpong to be airlifted from the Nalerigu Hospital to Accra.
Johnson Soloma Kombian has been on the police wanted list for several years and has gained notoriety as a jail-breaker.
Kombian is also suspected to be recruiting young men in the area to be carrying out all manner of criminal activities along the scarp.
The national security apparatus has been placed on high alert while a thorough search has begun to arrest him.
Meanwhile the outgoing Northern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Angwubutoge Awuni, has led a team of police officials to visit one of the injured policemen at the Nalerigu Hospital. He described the officer’s condition as being stable.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
DON'T CHANGE DATE FOR ASSEMBLY POLLS...Civil Society urges EC (PAGE 13, OCT 14, 2010)
CIVIL Society Organisations (CSOS) in the Northern Region have called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to ensure that the December 28, 2010 date fixed for the District and Unit Committee elections is not changed.
The organisations, observed that the postponement of the date from October 23 to December 28, 2010 would create a power vacuum in all the 170 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) and affect the activities of the assemblies.
It will also deny the people the opportunity to demand accountability within the period.
The Facilitator of the CSO Forum, Mr Alhassan Awal, made the call at a press conference in Tamale on emerging issues of the 2010 District and Unit Committee Elections.
The conference followed a forum held on September 6, 2010 by the 21 members of the CSOs to critically assess the forthcoming district assembly elections.
According to Mr Awal, the CSOs observed with grave concern “key stakeholders’ contribution to the postponement of the 2010 district assembly elections that had created confusion and worry to aspirants and wondered if government and the EC attached importance to this important national exercise”.
The facilitator urged the government to ensure the availability of the needed resources to enable the EC and the National Commission for Civic Education to create awareness on the new date and also encourage citizens to participate actively in the process.
Mr Awal equally pointed out the need for the President to use his executive powers during the period of the power vacuum to ensure that the activities of the assemblies were not interrupted.
He appealed to Parliament and other stakeholders whose duty it was to expedite action on resolving the legal aspect of the new date to immediately take action to bring to rest the current legal debate on the exercise.
The facilitator further explained that the postponement had created frustration among aspiring candidates who had already invested their resources in the campaign towards the earlier date of the elections.
“Citizens’ interest in the district assembly elections is likely to experience a serious setback which can affect operationalisation of the decentralisation concept”, he stressed.
According to Mr Awal, a few people who have to manage the resources of the assembly during the power vacuum created before the new date of the elections are likely to execute projects that may not reflect the needs of the people and further defeat the decentralisation concept.
“In the opinion of the CSO forum, the district assembly elections are as important as the presidential and parliamentary elections and must be given all the seriousness that it deserves”, he stated.
The organisations, observed that the postponement of the date from October 23 to December 28, 2010 would create a power vacuum in all the 170 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) and affect the activities of the assemblies.
It will also deny the people the opportunity to demand accountability within the period.
The Facilitator of the CSO Forum, Mr Alhassan Awal, made the call at a press conference in Tamale on emerging issues of the 2010 District and Unit Committee Elections.
The conference followed a forum held on September 6, 2010 by the 21 members of the CSOs to critically assess the forthcoming district assembly elections.
According to Mr Awal, the CSOs observed with grave concern “key stakeholders’ contribution to the postponement of the 2010 district assembly elections that had created confusion and worry to aspirants and wondered if government and the EC attached importance to this important national exercise”.
The facilitator urged the government to ensure the availability of the needed resources to enable the EC and the National Commission for Civic Education to create awareness on the new date and also encourage citizens to participate actively in the process.
Mr Awal equally pointed out the need for the President to use his executive powers during the period of the power vacuum to ensure that the activities of the assemblies were not interrupted.
He appealed to Parliament and other stakeholders whose duty it was to expedite action on resolving the legal aspect of the new date to immediately take action to bring to rest the current legal debate on the exercise.
The facilitator further explained that the postponement had created frustration among aspiring candidates who had already invested their resources in the campaign towards the earlier date of the elections.
“Citizens’ interest in the district assembly elections is likely to experience a serious setback which can affect operationalisation of the decentralisation concept”, he stressed.
According to Mr Awal, a few people who have to manage the resources of the assembly during the power vacuum created before the new date of the elections are likely to execute projects that may not reflect the needs of the people and further defeat the decentralisation concept.
“In the opinion of the CSO forum, the district assembly elections are as important as the presidential and parliamentary elections and must be given all the seriousness that it deserves”, he stated.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
MAJAH INTRODUCES MOBILE CAR WASH (PAGE 23, OCT 14, 2010)
LIFE, they say is not a bed of roses. But for those who persevere, they will be crowned with success at the end of the day. This has always been the philosophy of a young and enterprising man, Abubakari Majah, 23, who is currently into mobile washing of vehicles in the Tamale Metropolis.
By dint of hard work and perseverance, Majah mooted the idea of acquiring a motor-tricycle fitted with a water tank, pump and hose for washing vehicles any where and at the convenience of customers. Vehicle owners no longer have to drive to washing bays to have their cars washed for them. For one thing, Majah’s idea is the first of its kind in the metropolis.
Born in Tamale to the Late Yakubu Boti and Madam Mariama Yaa Medura, Majah had his primary and Junior High School (JHS) education at the Bawku Cluster of Schools in the Upper East Region and the Tishegu Anglican School in Tamale respectively.
Indeed Majah’s dream in life has always been to acquire a university education and preferably, a degree but as fate would have it, he could not achieve that due to lack of financial support.
After completing his JHS education in 2000, he had admission to the Northern Business College (NOBISCO) but could not afford the fees. Majah later attended the Tamale Polytechnic where he read Agricultural Engineering.
He later joined the Late Maurice Merga, a former presenter at Radio Justice in Tamale to acquire some experience in broadcasting. In 2004, the young man wrote the private Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination also known as NOV/DEC.
Unfortunately for him, he could not pass the examination and was determined to write another one when death laid its icy hands on his father in 2005.
According to Majah, he still had the ambition to re-write the examinations in order to gain admission to the University but he faced financial constraints.
Since life must continue, he decided to join the Top Class Entertainment Company and fortunately for him, he passed an audition and was asked to be assisting Nana Oye Lithur now a Lawyer.
“I tried not to be lazy and so I used my leisure hours to read anything I came across to help broaden my knowledge and if possible to discover more opportunities” he stated.
He intimated that at a point in his life he realised that determination, prayer and diligence were key to success and that although he had many friends, he did not imitate their bad lifestyles saying “I am not a copy cat”.
Realising that he could not get the needed support to help register and re-write the NOV/DEC, he tried to help himself “without being lawless”.
He tried writing fiction stories for broadcast on the various Accra-based FM stations. “When I saw that I was not making any headway, I decided to come back to Tamale and see what else to do” he said further.
He said he tried attending classes to enable him re-write the private SSCE so as to pass with good grades but this efforts proved futile as the major problem again was how to raise money to sponsor himself.
After deep thinking, he came out with the idea of cleaning the windscreens of vehicles, particularly when they are in traffic just to raise some funds.
According to Majah, he equally engaged in other menial jobs to raise money for his education as well as to feed his mother and sister’s children.
Then again another idea struck him, and that was to acquire a facility that will enable him to wash vehicles at anywhere and at anytime.
Majah had support from his brother to purchase the Motor-Tricycle and added his personal savings to acquire the water pump, tank and other facilities for the job. But the young man was quick to add that his priority was to raise money to pay for his fees to re-write his examination to enable him to pursue university education in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurial skills.
Majah speaks Dagbani, Hausa and Twi which facilitates his business as he is able to communicate with people from all walks of life who need his services. He urged his colleagues to continue to persevere in life and to avoid depending on people.
By dint of hard work and perseverance, Majah mooted the idea of acquiring a motor-tricycle fitted with a water tank, pump and hose for washing vehicles any where and at the convenience of customers. Vehicle owners no longer have to drive to washing bays to have their cars washed for them. For one thing, Majah’s idea is the first of its kind in the metropolis.
Born in Tamale to the Late Yakubu Boti and Madam Mariama Yaa Medura, Majah had his primary and Junior High School (JHS) education at the Bawku Cluster of Schools in the Upper East Region and the Tishegu Anglican School in Tamale respectively.
Indeed Majah’s dream in life has always been to acquire a university education and preferably, a degree but as fate would have it, he could not achieve that due to lack of financial support.
After completing his JHS education in 2000, he had admission to the Northern Business College (NOBISCO) but could not afford the fees. Majah later attended the Tamale Polytechnic where he read Agricultural Engineering.
He later joined the Late Maurice Merga, a former presenter at Radio Justice in Tamale to acquire some experience in broadcasting. In 2004, the young man wrote the private Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination also known as NOV/DEC.
Unfortunately for him, he could not pass the examination and was determined to write another one when death laid its icy hands on his father in 2005.
According to Majah, he still had the ambition to re-write the examinations in order to gain admission to the University but he faced financial constraints.
Since life must continue, he decided to join the Top Class Entertainment Company and fortunately for him, he passed an audition and was asked to be assisting Nana Oye Lithur now a Lawyer.
“I tried not to be lazy and so I used my leisure hours to read anything I came across to help broaden my knowledge and if possible to discover more opportunities” he stated.
He intimated that at a point in his life he realised that determination, prayer and diligence were key to success and that although he had many friends, he did not imitate their bad lifestyles saying “I am not a copy cat”.
Realising that he could not get the needed support to help register and re-write the NOV/DEC, he tried to help himself “without being lawless”.
He tried writing fiction stories for broadcast on the various Accra-based FM stations. “When I saw that I was not making any headway, I decided to come back to Tamale and see what else to do” he said further.
He said he tried attending classes to enable him re-write the private SSCE so as to pass with good grades but this efforts proved futile as the major problem again was how to raise money to sponsor himself.
After deep thinking, he came out with the idea of cleaning the windscreens of vehicles, particularly when they are in traffic just to raise some funds.
According to Majah, he equally engaged in other menial jobs to raise money for his education as well as to feed his mother and sister’s children.
Then again another idea struck him, and that was to acquire a facility that will enable him to wash vehicles at anywhere and at anytime.
Majah had support from his brother to purchase the Motor-Tricycle and added his personal savings to acquire the water pump, tank and other facilities for the job. But the young man was quick to add that his priority was to raise money to pay for his fees to re-write his examination to enable him to pursue university education in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurial skills.
Majah speaks Dagbani, Hausa and Twi which facilitates his business as he is able to communicate with people from all walks of life who need his services. He urged his colleagues to continue to persevere in life and to avoid depending on people.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
2 NGOS DRAW PROGRAMME TO ASSIST 'WITCHES' (PAGE 11, OCT 12, 2010)
TWO non-governmental organisations, Songtaba and ActionAid Ghana have drawn up a programme to work closely with the various district assemblies in the Northern Region where witches camps are located to effectively help and respond to the concerns of the alleged witches.
Dubbed “Exit Plan and Sustainability Strategy” the programme will be implemented between now and 2015, to help build the confidence of the alleged witches, mostly women and children who are confined to the six witches camps in the Northern Region. The non-governmental organisations are Songtaba and ActionAid.
As part of the programme, the two organisations will increase awareness of the women on their rights, as well as co-ordinate with the district assemblies to set up responsive budget to meet the social needs of the inmates in the short to medium term.
The promotion of a violence free environment for children staying in the camps, as well as enjoying rights to education devoid of stigmatisation will also be enhanced under the plan.
The six camps are located at Gnani in the Yendi Municipality , Kukuo in the Nanumba South District, Bonyansi in the Central Gonja District, Gambaga in the East Mamprusi District, Naboli and Kpatinga all in the Gushiegu District.
Since 2006, Songtaba together with its partners have been playing leading roles of working in these camps with the aim of empowering the alleged witches to live dignified lives and enjoy their respective basic rights including participating in the decision-making process in a violence free environment.
The organisations have been facing such challenges as alleged entrenched and insensitive attitude of some personalities, particularly in state institutions’ response to the needs of inmates at the various camps.
Indeed, that problem had affected the response to myriad of problems facing the alleged witches thereby leaving them in abject poverty.
Inadequate funds to support the immediate needs of the women in all the six camps is another challenge while re-integrating these women accused of witchcraft into the society also hangs in a balance although the two organisations have been advocating the effective implementation of laws such as the Domestic Violence Law.
Inspite of these challenges, the two organisations have been able to facilitate the payment of the annual premium of the National Health Insurance Scheme for alleged witches at the Gnani Camp in Yendi in 2007.
It is also heart warming to note that, through the efforts of the two organisations, the six alleged witches camp with a total population of 674 inmates were enlightened on their rights.
Between 2007 and 2010, the two organisations facilitated the cultivation of maize in the six camps as a way of helping to provide enough food for the alleged witches.
An Alleged Witches Network called the Ti-Gbub’taba Women’s Network was introduced to intensify lobbying and engagement with government authorities and other development agencies to make life bearable for the inmates.
Reflect Circles were also introduced in the Gnani camp at Yendi to help raise the awareness on the rights of the alleged witches.
At a recent meeting of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Tamale, the Programme Officer of Songtaba, Madam Adam Lamnatu, intimated that “the work with alleged witches" camps is a key activity in the strategy of mobilising women in the overall objective of Songtaba’s partnership with ActionAid to curb violence against women and children”.
Some of the participants at the meeting expressed concern about the brutalities being meted out to the alleged witches and resolved to help address the issue.
Dubbed “Exit Plan and Sustainability Strategy” the programme will be implemented between now and 2015, to help build the confidence of the alleged witches, mostly women and children who are confined to the six witches camps in the Northern Region. The non-governmental organisations are Songtaba and ActionAid.
As part of the programme, the two organisations will increase awareness of the women on their rights, as well as co-ordinate with the district assemblies to set up responsive budget to meet the social needs of the inmates in the short to medium term.
The promotion of a violence free environment for children staying in the camps, as well as enjoying rights to education devoid of stigmatisation will also be enhanced under the plan.
The six camps are located at Gnani in the Yendi Municipality , Kukuo in the Nanumba South District, Bonyansi in the Central Gonja District, Gambaga in the East Mamprusi District, Naboli and Kpatinga all in the Gushiegu District.
Since 2006, Songtaba together with its partners have been playing leading roles of working in these camps with the aim of empowering the alleged witches to live dignified lives and enjoy their respective basic rights including participating in the decision-making process in a violence free environment.
The organisations have been facing such challenges as alleged entrenched and insensitive attitude of some personalities, particularly in state institutions’ response to the needs of inmates at the various camps.
Indeed, that problem had affected the response to myriad of problems facing the alleged witches thereby leaving them in abject poverty.
Inadequate funds to support the immediate needs of the women in all the six camps is another challenge while re-integrating these women accused of witchcraft into the society also hangs in a balance although the two organisations have been advocating the effective implementation of laws such as the Domestic Violence Law.
Inspite of these challenges, the two organisations have been able to facilitate the payment of the annual premium of the National Health Insurance Scheme for alleged witches at the Gnani Camp in Yendi in 2007.
It is also heart warming to note that, through the efforts of the two organisations, the six alleged witches camp with a total population of 674 inmates were enlightened on their rights.
Between 2007 and 2010, the two organisations facilitated the cultivation of maize in the six camps as a way of helping to provide enough food for the alleged witches.
An Alleged Witches Network called the Ti-Gbub’taba Women’s Network was introduced to intensify lobbying and engagement with government authorities and other development agencies to make life bearable for the inmates.
Reflect Circles were also introduced in the Gnani camp at Yendi to help raise the awareness on the rights of the alleged witches.
At a recent meeting of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Tamale, the Programme Officer of Songtaba, Madam Adam Lamnatu, intimated that “the work with alleged witches" camps is a key activity in the strategy of mobilising women in the overall objective of Songtaba’s partnership with ActionAid to curb violence against women and children”.
Some of the participants at the meeting expressed concern about the brutalities being meted out to the alleged witches and resolved to help address the issue.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
RENEWAL ENERGY PROJECT LAUNCHED AT WALEWALE (PAGE 19, OCT 9, 2010)
A Jetropha project aimed at increasing access to improved modern and renewable energy services in rural communities has been inaugurated at Walewale in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern Region.
The €2 million project will ensure the establishment of 500 hectares of the plant in seven beneficiary communities over a five-year period. They are Bimbini, Wungu, Kparigu, Nasia, Loagri Number Two, Janga and Yama.
It is being financed by the European Union (EU), with support from the Technology Consultancy Centre of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Tamale and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
New Energy, a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation, and the Desertification Research Group of the University of Sassari in Italy are also partners in the project.
The project co-ordinator, Professor Giuseppe Enne, indicated that the Jetropha Curcas plant had a strong adaptation capacity and a long productive lifespan of up to 30 years.
He further explained that the project was expected to help develop and construct an appropriate and cost-effective expeller for Jetropha oil extraction and the establishment of a localised small-scale facility in selected rural communities.
Prof. Enne said the project would increase the financial and educational status of women and other marginal groups leading to higher social status.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, noted that about 69 per cent of the total energy consumed in the country was from the already depleting forest resources.
According to him, the effects of climate change and rising cost of fossil fuel have compelled the government to look for clean, alternative and sustainable fuel to meet the energy demands of the country.
The West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, Mr Sulley Zakaria, observed that the project would help ensure sustainable livelihood conditions in rural communities through the use of the Jetropha plant.
Mr Zakaria entreated the beneficiary communities to own the project and put in their maximum efforts by giving the project equal attention as they would do to their maize or rice farms.
The €2 million project will ensure the establishment of 500 hectares of the plant in seven beneficiary communities over a five-year period. They are Bimbini, Wungu, Kparigu, Nasia, Loagri Number Two, Janga and Yama.
It is being financed by the European Union (EU), with support from the Technology Consultancy Centre of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Tamale and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
New Energy, a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation, and the Desertification Research Group of the University of Sassari in Italy are also partners in the project.
The project co-ordinator, Professor Giuseppe Enne, indicated that the Jetropha Curcas plant had a strong adaptation capacity and a long productive lifespan of up to 30 years.
He further explained that the project was expected to help develop and construct an appropriate and cost-effective expeller for Jetropha oil extraction and the establishment of a localised small-scale facility in selected rural communities.
Prof. Enne said the project would increase the financial and educational status of women and other marginal groups leading to higher social status.
The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, noted that about 69 per cent of the total energy consumed in the country was from the already depleting forest resources.
According to him, the effects of climate change and rising cost of fossil fuel have compelled the government to look for clean, alternative and sustainable fuel to meet the energy demands of the country.
The West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, Mr Sulley Zakaria, observed that the project would help ensure sustainable livelihood conditions in rural communities through the use of the Jetropha plant.
Mr Zakaria entreated the beneficiary communities to own the project and put in their maximum efforts by giving the project equal attention as they would do to their maize or rice farms.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
CHASS MUST NOT CHASTISE GOVT — LUDWIG (PAGE 12, OCT 5, 2010)
THE National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Ludwig Hlodze, has called on the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to avoid “chastising the government” for lapses in the education sector, particularly the senior high school (SHS) system.
He noted that the NDC government would not allow the future of the youth in the country to be ruined by the implementation of bad policies since the government was committed to promoting quality education in the country.
Mr Hlodze made the call in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale during his three-day working visit to the Northern Region.
As part of his visit, the Youth Organiser held a meeting with various youth groups in the area and held discussions with Regional and Constituency executives of the party.
He also addressed a youth forum organised by the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the NDC at the Tamale Polytechnic campus.
“As far as the government is concerned, the President is doing his best to address the distortion in the senior high school system”, he stressed.
Mr Hlodze entreated CHASS to evolve effective strategies that would help address the lapses in the education system rather than blaming the government for the problems in the sector.
He commended former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings for his enormous contribution to the establishment of the University for Development Studies (UDS) which has campuses in the three Northern Regions.
He further commended President John Evans Atta Mills for facilitating the establishment of two new universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions.
Mr Hlodze advised the youth in the region to refrain from lawless acts in order to promote peace which is a prerequisite for the accelerated development of the area.
He further entreated them to unite and exercise restraint in making their legitimate demands since the government would not relent in its efforts to make them realise their full potential.
According to him, it was important for the youth to work together as a team to help make the “Better Ghana Agenda” successful.
Mr Hlodze indicated that government was working hard to put in place the required structures that would enable the youth to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development agenda.
He noted that the NDC government would not allow the future of the youth in the country to be ruined by the implementation of bad policies since the government was committed to promoting quality education in the country.
Mr Hlodze made the call in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale during his three-day working visit to the Northern Region.
As part of his visit, the Youth Organiser held a meeting with various youth groups in the area and held discussions with Regional and Constituency executives of the party.
He also addressed a youth forum organised by the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the NDC at the Tamale Polytechnic campus.
“As far as the government is concerned, the President is doing his best to address the distortion in the senior high school system”, he stressed.
Mr Hlodze entreated CHASS to evolve effective strategies that would help address the lapses in the education system rather than blaming the government for the problems in the sector.
He commended former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings for his enormous contribution to the establishment of the University for Development Studies (UDS) which has campuses in the three Northern Regions.
He further commended President John Evans Atta Mills for facilitating the establishment of two new universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions.
Mr Hlodze advised the youth in the region to refrain from lawless acts in order to promote peace which is a prerequisite for the accelerated development of the area.
He further entreated them to unite and exercise restraint in making their legitimate demands since the government would not relent in its efforts to make them realise their full potential.
According to him, it was important for the youth to work together as a team to help make the “Better Ghana Agenda” successful.
Mr Hlodze indicated that government was working hard to put in place the required structures that would enable the youth to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development agenda.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
TAMALE CENTRAL MARKET NEEDS REHABILITATION (PAGE 23, OCT 4, 2010)
THE Tamale Central Market, which is located within the central business district (CBD) of the metropolis, needs a facelift.
Members of the Progressive Traders Association (PTA) and visitors to the market have on countless occasions raised serious concerns about the poor facilities at the market. The muddy nature of the walkways anytime it rains is a major source of worry to residents as well.
Due to the poor nature of the walkways some residents are reluctant to go to the market to buy food items.
The spaces between the sheds and stores are almost always flooded.
It is common to see both men and women raising either their trousers or long skirts and dresses to prevent them from being stained by the muddy water.
Those who transact business there eventually come out of the market soaked with water and mud after they have bought their items.
The market is strategically located so travellers in big trucks to and from the Sahelian region stop by to buy food items. It was renovated by the traders in 1980, following a fire outbreak.
When contacted on the issue, the Public Affairs Manager of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, stated that the assembly was liaising with the PTA to help raise funds to help renovate the walkways and structures at the market.
That, he stated, would ultimately help to boost business activities in the metropolis.
Mr Musah, therefore, entreated traders to bear with the assembly while it took concrete steps to address the situation.
He acknowledged that the strategic location of the market was critical to boosting commercial activities in the metropolis, hence it must be put in good shape.
The Secretary to the PTA, Mr Thomas Ade, said that the PTA, in collaboration with the TaMA, was evolving effective strategies to sensitise traders to the dangers of fire outbreaks.
According to him, for years, conditions at the market had been of grave concern to the PTA members.
He suggested to the assembly to include the provision of security lights in the rehabilitation work to be done at the market.
Mr Ade was optimistic that patronage of the market would increase in the years ahead in spite of the many challenges confronting traders.
Members of the Progressive Traders Association (PTA) and visitors to the market have on countless occasions raised serious concerns about the poor facilities at the market. The muddy nature of the walkways anytime it rains is a major source of worry to residents as well.
Due to the poor nature of the walkways some residents are reluctant to go to the market to buy food items.
The spaces between the sheds and stores are almost always flooded.
It is common to see both men and women raising either their trousers or long skirts and dresses to prevent them from being stained by the muddy water.
Those who transact business there eventually come out of the market soaked with water and mud after they have bought their items.
The market is strategically located so travellers in big trucks to and from the Sahelian region stop by to buy food items. It was renovated by the traders in 1980, following a fire outbreak.
When contacted on the issue, the Public Affairs Manager of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, stated that the assembly was liaising with the PTA to help raise funds to help renovate the walkways and structures at the market.
That, he stated, would ultimately help to boost business activities in the metropolis.
Mr Musah, therefore, entreated traders to bear with the assembly while it took concrete steps to address the situation.
He acknowledged that the strategic location of the market was critical to boosting commercial activities in the metropolis, hence it must be put in good shape.
The Secretary to the PTA, Mr Thomas Ade, said that the PTA, in collaboration with the TaMA, was evolving effective strategies to sensitise traders to the dangers of fire outbreaks.
According to him, for years, conditions at the market had been of grave concern to the PTA members.
He suggested to the assembly to include the provision of security lights in the rehabilitation work to be done at the market.
Mr Ade was optimistic that patronage of the market would increase in the years ahead in spite of the many challenges confronting traders.
TAMALE CENTRAL MARKET NEEDS REHABILITATION (PAGE 23, OCT 4, 2010)
THE Tamale Central Market, which is located within the central business district (CBD) of the metropolis, needs a facelift.
Members of the Progressive Traders Association (PTA) and visitors to the market have on countless occasions raised serious concerns about the poor facilities at the market. The muddy nature of the walkways anytime it rains is a major source of worry to residents as well.
Due to the poor nature of the walkways some residents are reluctant to go to the market to buy food items.
The spaces between the sheds and stores are almost always flooded.
It is common to see both men and women raising either their trousers or long skirts and dresses to prevent them from being stained by the muddy water.
Those who transact business there eventually come out of the market soaked with water and mud after they have bought their items.
The market is strategically located so travellers in big trucks to and from the Sahelian region stop by to buy food items. It was renovated by the traders in 1980, following a fire outbreak.
When contacted on the issue, the Public Affairs Manager of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, stated that the assembly was liaising with the PTA to help raise funds to help renovate the walkways and structures at the market.
That, he stated, would ultimately help to boost business activities in the metropolis.
Mr Musah, therefore, entreated traders to bear with the assembly while it took concrete steps to address the situation.
He acknowledged that the strategic location of the market was critical to boosting commercial activities in the metropolis, hence it must be put in good shape.
The Secretary to the PTA, Mr Thomas Ade, said that the PTA, in collaboration with the TaMA, was evolving effective strategies to sensitise traders to the dangers of fire outbreaks.
According to him, for years, conditions at the market had been of grave concern to the PTA members.
He suggested to the assembly to include the provision of security lights in the rehabilitation work to be done at the market.
Mr Ade was optimistic that patronage of the market would increase in the years ahead in spite of the many challenges confronting traders.
Members of the Progressive Traders Association (PTA) and visitors to the market have on countless occasions raised serious concerns about the poor facilities at the market. The muddy nature of the walkways anytime it rains is a major source of worry to residents as well.
Due to the poor nature of the walkways some residents are reluctant to go to the market to buy food items.
The spaces between the sheds and stores are almost always flooded.
It is common to see both men and women raising either their trousers or long skirts and dresses to prevent them from being stained by the muddy water.
Those who transact business there eventually come out of the market soaked with water and mud after they have bought their items.
The market is strategically located so travellers in big trucks to and from the Sahelian region stop by to buy food items. It was renovated by the traders in 1980, following a fire outbreak.
When contacted on the issue, the Public Affairs Manager of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, stated that the assembly was liaising with the PTA to help raise funds to help renovate the walkways and structures at the market.
That, he stated, would ultimately help to boost business activities in the metropolis.
Mr Musah, therefore, entreated traders to bear with the assembly while it took concrete steps to address the situation.
He acknowledged that the strategic location of the market was critical to boosting commercial activities in the metropolis, hence it must be put in good shape.
The Secretary to the PTA, Mr Thomas Ade, said that the PTA, in collaboration with the TaMA, was evolving effective strategies to sensitise traders to the dangers of fire outbreaks.
According to him, for years, conditions at the market had been of grave concern to the PTA members.
He suggested to the assembly to include the provision of security lights in the rehabilitation work to be done at the market.
Mr Ade was optimistic that patronage of the market would increase in the years ahead in spite of the many challenges confronting traders.
EPA AWARDS DUUYIN FOR PRESERVING ENVIRONMENT (PAGE 23, OCT 4, 2010)
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Duuyin, a peri-urban farming community in the Tamale Metropolis, as the best environmentally friendly community in the Northern Region for 2010.
This follows the progress made by the community in preserving its vegetation through the avoidance of bush burning and other harmful environmental practices.
The community was presented with a certificate, cutlasses, wellington boots and water cans during this year’s Environmental Day celebration, which took place at Duuyin.
Awards were also presented to other individuals and institutions that have contributed immensely to promoting environmental sustainability.
The Daily Graphic, Enquirer and Advocate newspapers, as well as Radio Justice were awarded for devoting much of their news content to environmental issues, particularly those pertaining to the Northern Region.
The World Environmental Day, which falls on June 5 each year, was set aside by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate worldwide awareness on the need to conserve the environment by advocating more political commitment and civil society involvement in conservation issues.
The Director of the EPA, Mr Iddrisu Abu, said more efforts needed to be made towards regenerating the north’s depleted forestry and vegetative resources in order to combat desertification.
He said activities like bush burning, charcoal production, illegal logging, surface mining and other harmful practices continued to impact negatively on the environment.
Mr Abu said the EPA was implementing the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP) which is a five-year (2009-2013) project that was designed to strengthen the capacity of public institutions and rural communities in the three northen regions, in order to reverse land degradation and desertification.
The GEMP is being funded by the Canadian Government through a special funding arrangement co-ordinated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The director said the EPA had facilitated the establishment of 20 Environmental Management Committees (EMCs) in all the districts, while over 100 of such committees had been established at the community levels as part of the GEMP implementation.
“In addition, we have formed 20 new environmental clubs in some basic and second cycle schools in the region, while 10 of such clubs which were defunct, have also been reactivated”, he further mentioned.
All these activities, Mr Abu stated, were expected to strengthen the beneficiary communities to be able to address environmental issues in a co-ordinated and sustained manner.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, said the environment and natural resources were like property that had been passed on from generation to generation due to its importance to life.
He said it was, therefore, prudent that the current generation utilised these resources wisely if they were not to deny future generations the use of these essential resources and re-echoed the saying, “when the last tree dies, the last man dies.”
This follows the progress made by the community in preserving its vegetation through the avoidance of bush burning and other harmful environmental practices.
The community was presented with a certificate, cutlasses, wellington boots and water cans during this year’s Environmental Day celebration, which took place at Duuyin.
Awards were also presented to other individuals and institutions that have contributed immensely to promoting environmental sustainability.
The Daily Graphic, Enquirer and Advocate newspapers, as well as Radio Justice were awarded for devoting much of their news content to environmental issues, particularly those pertaining to the Northern Region.
The World Environmental Day, which falls on June 5 each year, was set aside by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate worldwide awareness on the need to conserve the environment by advocating more political commitment and civil society involvement in conservation issues.
The Director of the EPA, Mr Iddrisu Abu, said more efforts needed to be made towards regenerating the north’s depleted forestry and vegetative resources in order to combat desertification.
He said activities like bush burning, charcoal production, illegal logging, surface mining and other harmful practices continued to impact negatively on the environment.
Mr Abu said the EPA was implementing the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP) which is a five-year (2009-2013) project that was designed to strengthen the capacity of public institutions and rural communities in the three northen regions, in order to reverse land degradation and desertification.
The GEMP is being funded by the Canadian Government through a special funding arrangement co-ordinated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The director said the EPA had facilitated the establishment of 20 Environmental Management Committees (EMCs) in all the districts, while over 100 of such committees had been established at the community levels as part of the GEMP implementation.
“In addition, we have formed 20 new environmental clubs in some basic and second cycle schools in the region, while 10 of such clubs which were defunct, have also been reactivated”, he further mentioned.
All these activities, Mr Abu stated, were expected to strengthen the beneficiary communities to be able to address environmental issues in a co-ordinated and sustained manner.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, said the environment and natural resources were like property that had been passed on from generation to generation due to its importance to life.
He said it was, therefore, prudent that the current generation utilised these resources wisely if they were not to deny future generations the use of these essential resources and re-echoed the saying, “when the last tree dies, the last man dies.”
GBEWAA YOUTH REHABILITATE AREA ROADS (PAGE 23, OCT 4, 2010)
THE heavy downpours that have characterised this year’s raining season have left many roads linking most district capitals and communities in the Northern Region in poor shape.
Many of the roads have been rendered unusable as they have been reduced to potholes, rocks and large gutters filled with muddy water.
In Tamale, some of the untarred roads which have been damaged by the rains can be found in Kukuo, Koblimahagu, Wurishe, Gumani, Bulpela, Gbewa and some peri-urban communities.
In most of these communities, the residents are awaiting authorisation by the assembly before rehabilitating these damaged roads.
However, the youth of Gbewa, one of the emerging suburbs of Tamale, near Kukuo, say they cannot continue to wait on the assembly, while the roads further deteriorate.
According to them, the damaged roads and gutters were impeding movement in and around the community.
They also noted that the rainwater had collected in choked gutters and potholes, resulting in floods and the breeding of mosquitoes.
Last weekend, about 30 of them came together to do some stop gap repair works on the damaged roads in the vicinity.
With a few shovels, hoes and cutlasses, the exuberant young men cleared some of the gutters that had been choked with silt, thereby allowing the water that had been trapped to run freely.
They also sealed potholes and cleared the weeds that had grown along the sides of some of the streets. This led to the recovery of portions of the road that had been consumed by weedy grass.
Although most of the youth in the area do not use cars, they told the Daily Graphic that their desire was to keep their area roads in good shape in order to facilitate the movement of residents and visitors.
One of the leaders, Abdul Sadiq, commended the communal spirit exhibited by the youth in the area, and described it as very rare.
He said in the past, it was a common phenomenon to see community members being mobilise to undertake some activities in the interest of the community.
“This phenomenon is, however, fast declining in modern Ghana, particularly due to the increasing urbanisation of various towns”, he stated.
Mr Sadiq, however, entreated the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to endeavour to repair the damaged roads, since the efforts of the youth could not sustain the condition of the roads.
Many of the roads have been rendered unusable as they have been reduced to potholes, rocks and large gutters filled with muddy water.
In Tamale, some of the untarred roads which have been damaged by the rains can be found in Kukuo, Koblimahagu, Wurishe, Gumani, Bulpela, Gbewa and some peri-urban communities.
In most of these communities, the residents are awaiting authorisation by the assembly before rehabilitating these damaged roads.
However, the youth of Gbewa, one of the emerging suburbs of Tamale, near Kukuo, say they cannot continue to wait on the assembly, while the roads further deteriorate.
According to them, the damaged roads and gutters were impeding movement in and around the community.
They also noted that the rainwater had collected in choked gutters and potholes, resulting in floods and the breeding of mosquitoes.
Last weekend, about 30 of them came together to do some stop gap repair works on the damaged roads in the vicinity.
With a few shovels, hoes and cutlasses, the exuberant young men cleared some of the gutters that had been choked with silt, thereby allowing the water that had been trapped to run freely.
They also sealed potholes and cleared the weeds that had grown along the sides of some of the streets. This led to the recovery of portions of the road that had been consumed by weedy grass.
Although most of the youth in the area do not use cars, they told the Daily Graphic that their desire was to keep their area roads in good shape in order to facilitate the movement of residents and visitors.
One of the leaders, Abdul Sadiq, commended the communal spirit exhibited by the youth in the area, and described it as very rare.
He said in the past, it was a common phenomenon to see community members being mobilise to undertake some activities in the interest of the community.
“This phenomenon is, however, fast declining in modern Ghana, particularly due to the increasing urbanisation of various towns”, he stated.
Mr Sadiq, however, entreated the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to endeavour to repair the damaged roads, since the efforts of the youth could not sustain the condition of the roads.
TAMALE'S POTENTIALS NOT FULLY TAPPED (PAGE 23, OCT 4, 2010)
THE investment potentials of the Tamale Metropolis are enormous. Unfortunately, these potentials have not been fully tapped for the accelerated development of the sprawling city and its residents.
The sunflower industry, for instance, is an export earning one that investors can take advantage of. According to experts, especially Dr. H. Schubert, a German agronomist, Soya bean can overtake cocoa in less than 10years if given the desired push.
The demand for sunflower products is high; European Union consumed over 2.1 metric tonnes in 1996 and 1997 alone.
A pilot project (farms) has been undertaken in the Metropolis and results prove that sunflower could be grown successfully and profitably in the area.
The Metropolis, together with the some peri-urban communities, produce large quantities of rice, cotton, groundnuts, shea-nuts and beans particularly, soya beans.
There are a few companies which process some of these agricultural products into finished goods for the market. However, most of these companies are distressed financially and require enormous capital to revamp their operations.
There is the potential to develop the manufacturing sector, particularly in vehicle repair, prefabrication of spare parts, cutlasses, bullock ploughs and trailers, leather works, pottery and carpentry.
These are all areas investors can explore for the mutual benefit of both residents and the investors themselves.
The phenomenal growth in population of the Metropolis has a lot of implications for real estate development. From a mere population of 40,000 in 1960, it increased to 167,778 in 1994 and it is currently about 300,000, according to the 2000 Population and Housing Census.
Even though the housing stock also increased, it did not match with the demand for housing, especially among the middle and high-income groups.
This high demand for housing emanates from the proliferation of non-governmental organisations in the Metropolis coupled with the demand from civil servants posted to the metropolis and also from the informal sector.
There is ample land which is relatively cheap and investors interested in real estate development can exploit the exciting situation to their advantage.
It has been suggested to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) to invest in sightseeing facilities like zoological gardens, botanical gardens, museums and entertainment (theatres), shopping malls, art and craft village to give incentive to craftsmen and other small-scale operators.
The sunflower industry, for instance, is an export earning one that investors can take advantage of. According to experts, especially Dr. H. Schubert, a German agronomist, Soya bean can overtake cocoa in less than 10years if given the desired push.
The demand for sunflower products is high; European Union consumed over 2.1 metric tonnes in 1996 and 1997 alone.
A pilot project (farms) has been undertaken in the Metropolis and results prove that sunflower could be grown successfully and profitably in the area.
The Metropolis, together with the some peri-urban communities, produce large quantities of rice, cotton, groundnuts, shea-nuts and beans particularly, soya beans.
There are a few companies which process some of these agricultural products into finished goods for the market. However, most of these companies are distressed financially and require enormous capital to revamp their operations.
There is the potential to develop the manufacturing sector, particularly in vehicle repair, prefabrication of spare parts, cutlasses, bullock ploughs and trailers, leather works, pottery and carpentry.
These are all areas investors can explore for the mutual benefit of both residents and the investors themselves.
The phenomenal growth in population of the Metropolis has a lot of implications for real estate development. From a mere population of 40,000 in 1960, it increased to 167,778 in 1994 and it is currently about 300,000, according to the 2000 Population and Housing Census.
Even though the housing stock also increased, it did not match with the demand for housing, especially among the middle and high-income groups.
This high demand for housing emanates from the proliferation of non-governmental organisations in the Metropolis coupled with the demand from civil servants posted to the metropolis and also from the informal sector.
There is ample land which is relatively cheap and investors interested in real estate development can exploit the exciting situation to their advantage.
It has been suggested to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) to invest in sightseeing facilities like zoological gardens, botanical gardens, museums and entertainment (theatres), shopping malls, art and craft village to give incentive to craftsmen and other small-scale operators.
NPP YOUTH DEMONSTRATE IN TAMALE (PAGE 12, OCT 2, 2010)
A group within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Concerned Elephants Youth Association (CEYA), have expressed concern about the continuous detention and delay in the trial of five of its members who were alleged to have been involved in disturbances in Tamale in February last year.
The group further called on the judiciary to impress upon the judges to fast track the case at the Tamale High Court to ensure a speedy trial.
The five, Yahuza Yakubu, Adinu Dagbana, Majeed Alhassan, Alhassan Sayibu,Imoro Gundaanaa, were arrested and detained following political disturbances between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP in February last year.
The violence led to the death of one person and the burning down of some houses and property around the Choggu, Gumbihini and Nyohini areas.
The leader of the group, Mr Rashid Haruna, stated this in a petition signed by him and presented to the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, in Tamale.
It followed a peaceful demonstration through the streets of the metropolis.
“It is exactly 19 months today when our colleagues have been in detention under the watch of your government that promised a better Ghana agenda and claiming equal rights and justice for all” he stated.
Mr Haruna noted that “the continuous detention of our members is politically motivated and we are also compelled to believe that the continuous detention of these five innocent gentlemen is being orchestrated by the NDC to intimidate the foot soldiers of our party”.
According to him, the selective justice and the institution of political detention and trial of some NPP members was not the best.
“We are also aware that the continuous delay of the trial is a calculated plan to silence our youth and put fear in them” the petition further explained.
He expressed regret that it was unfortunate that those in the NPP had to undergo such treatment by a government that claimed to be for all.
The group further called on the judiciary to impress upon the judges to fast track the case at the Tamale High Court to ensure a speedy trial.
The five, Yahuza Yakubu, Adinu Dagbana, Majeed Alhassan, Alhassan Sayibu,Imoro Gundaanaa, were arrested and detained following political disturbances between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP in February last year.
The violence led to the death of one person and the burning down of some houses and property around the Choggu, Gumbihini and Nyohini areas.
The leader of the group, Mr Rashid Haruna, stated this in a petition signed by him and presented to the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, in Tamale.
It followed a peaceful demonstration through the streets of the metropolis.
“It is exactly 19 months today when our colleagues have been in detention under the watch of your government that promised a better Ghana agenda and claiming equal rights and justice for all” he stated.
Mr Haruna noted that “the continuous detention of our members is politically motivated and we are also compelled to believe that the continuous detention of these five innocent gentlemen is being orchestrated by the NDC to intimidate the foot soldiers of our party”.
According to him, the selective justice and the institution of political detention and trial of some NPP members was not the best.
“We are also aware that the continuous delay of the trial is a calculated plan to silence our youth and put fear in them” the petition further explained.
He expressed regret that it was unfortunate that those in the NPP had to undergo such treatment by a government that claimed to be for all.
Friday, October 1, 2010
DESOUZA UNHAPPY WITH DIRTY SCHOOL COMPOUNDS (PAGE 11, OCT 1, 2010)
THE Northern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Elizabeth De-Souza, has taken a swipe at authorities of the Dakpema Metropolitan Assembly and the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Cluster of Schools in Tamale for non-performance and negligence of duty.
This is when the director led the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday, and the Metropolitan Director of Education, Alhaji Shaani Abdul-Rahman to the schools to mark ‘My First Day at School’.
In the case of the Dakpema school, Mrs De-Souza expressed disappointment over the inability of the authorities to maintain the furniture and infrastructure in the school.
She wondered what the authorities used the Capitation Grant for, saying “you must use the funds judiciously”.
Apparently angry at the sight of a good number of classroom furniture that were packed behind some classrooms begging for maintenance, the director ordered the metropolitan directorate of education not to consider any requests for provision of furniture by the school until the authorities put things right.
‘You must do well to use the funds to reinforce your own doors and windows; if I am the metropolitan director of education, I would not mind you if you put in a request for classroom furniture,” she stated.
Mrs De-Souza advised the School Management Committee and the authorities to hold an emergency meeting to repair the future.
“Let us maintain our classroom furniture; infact until you maintain the old ones nobody would give you new ones,” she further stated.
At the SDA cluster of schools, the director expressed dissatisfaction about the unclean environment, saying “this is a big minus for you.”
Mrs De-Souza was not happy with the authorities for keeping the school compound dirty stressing that “infact you people have disgraced me and what I have seen this morning is bad. I urge you to change your attitude towards work so that the next time I come here, I would see things in a better shape than this.
For his part, Mr Asabigi told the authorities of the schools to work hard to help improve on educational standards in the metropolis.
New pupils were presented with souvenirs, fruit drinks and biscuits.
At the Dakpema School, the authorities recorded 25 new pupils for primary one while the SDA Primary A and B had recorded 68 pupils as of 10:00 am.
Mrs De-Souza later visited schools at Parishei, Jerigu and Duunyin all peri-urban communities.
This is when the director led the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday, and the Metropolitan Director of Education, Alhaji Shaani Abdul-Rahman to the schools to mark ‘My First Day at School’.
In the case of the Dakpema school, Mrs De-Souza expressed disappointment over the inability of the authorities to maintain the furniture and infrastructure in the school.
She wondered what the authorities used the Capitation Grant for, saying “you must use the funds judiciously”.
Apparently angry at the sight of a good number of classroom furniture that were packed behind some classrooms begging for maintenance, the director ordered the metropolitan directorate of education not to consider any requests for provision of furniture by the school until the authorities put things right.
‘You must do well to use the funds to reinforce your own doors and windows; if I am the metropolitan director of education, I would not mind you if you put in a request for classroom furniture,” she stated.
Mrs De-Souza advised the School Management Committee and the authorities to hold an emergency meeting to repair the future.
“Let us maintain our classroom furniture; infact until you maintain the old ones nobody would give you new ones,” she further stated.
At the SDA cluster of schools, the director expressed dissatisfaction about the unclean environment, saying “this is a big minus for you.”
Mrs De-Souza was not happy with the authorities for keeping the school compound dirty stressing that “infact you people have disgraced me and what I have seen this morning is bad. I urge you to change your attitude towards work so that the next time I come here, I would see things in a better shape than this.
For his part, Mr Asabigi told the authorities of the schools to work hard to help improve on educational standards in the metropolis.
New pupils were presented with souvenirs, fruit drinks and biscuits.
At the Dakpema School, the authorities recorded 25 new pupils for primary one while the SDA Primary A and B had recorded 68 pupils as of 10:00 am.
Mrs De-Souza later visited schools at Parishei, Jerigu and Duunyin all peri-urban communities.
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