24-11-09 RICE PTOJECT
A project dubbed “Strengthening the Rice Value Chain in the Upper East Region’’ has been initiated by TradeAID. The project which is aimed at bringing together all the rice actors and to explore ways of revamping the local rice industries in the region by identifying and training rice farmers groups in the area of micro enterprise development as well as leadership and group dynamics, will also seek to partner with other local institutions. It will also seek to build the capacity of women involved in the parboiling of rice at the various processing centres in the region as well as facilitate the development of new and attractive package materials and also support local rice distributions to develop business plans and funding from financial institutions.
GBC END IA/SZ
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
INVOLVE WOMEN IN DISATER RISK REDUCTION
16-11-09 INVOLVE WOMEN IN DISATER RISK REDUCTION
The Upper East Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Patrick Akake said effect of the 2007 floods in Northern Ghana and the recent floods in parts of Southern Ghana coupled with the yearly occurrence of bushfires calls for effective disaster risk management. Mr. Akake was speaking at a Gender and Disaster Management forum at Bolgatanga. The workshop which was on the theme “Promoting Gender Responsive Culture on Climate Change, Risk Management and Reduction” was jointly organized by NADMO and ABANTU for Development, a non-governmental organisation and a regional women’s organization advocacy group. The workshop which brought together women’s groups, Personnel from the security services, Community Base Organisations, NGOs, Assembly Members, and other disaster management providers, was aimed at enhancing public understanding of gender concerns and the need in disaster risk reduction. It was also geared at increasing women’s participation in decision making in reference to disaster risk reduction and its management component. Mr. Akake, who described the theme of the occasion as appropriate, called on the need to involve women and children in disaster risk management since they are the most vulnerable in the society and the worst hit in times of disaster, citing the 2007 floods in Northern Ghana and some parts of southern Ghana, which, according to him, brought untold hardship and suffering to most women and children in the affected areas. He therefore emphasised that adherence to the adoption and implementation of the objectives of the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction will be the surest way of ensuring disaster risk management, adding that an increased awareness and political commitment to disaster risk reduction would also serve as a way forward. Mr. Folley Jaleiba Member, ABANTU for Development, in an address, expressed the believe that since women actively contribute to the basic survival needs of families, communities and nations, there is the urgent need to involve them by building their skills and capacities for sustainable development, peace and security. Mr. Jaleiba urged the government to take action to integrate gender perspectives into disaster risk reduction legislation, policies and programmes. On his part, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga, bemoaned certain negative and socio cultural practices which he said, deprived more than 50 percent of the Ghanaian populace in serious decision making, planning and execution of projects and programmes at the various levels of policy making. Mr. Epsona appealed to all government policy makers, civil societies, traditional rulers, agencies and the youth and the marginalized to help put gender issues at the forefront to ensure fair and equitable distribution in the decision making process and active participation in governance. GBC IA/
The Upper East Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Patrick Akake said effect of the 2007 floods in Northern Ghana and the recent floods in parts of Southern Ghana coupled with the yearly occurrence of bushfires calls for effective disaster risk management. Mr. Akake was speaking at a Gender and Disaster Management forum at Bolgatanga. The workshop which was on the theme “Promoting Gender Responsive Culture on Climate Change, Risk Management and Reduction” was jointly organized by NADMO and ABANTU for Development, a non-governmental organisation and a regional women’s organization advocacy group. The workshop which brought together women’s groups, Personnel from the security services, Community Base Organisations, NGOs, Assembly Members, and other disaster management providers, was aimed at enhancing public understanding of gender concerns and the need in disaster risk reduction. It was also geared at increasing women’s participation in decision making in reference to disaster risk reduction and its management component. Mr. Akake, who described the theme of the occasion as appropriate, called on the need to involve women and children in disaster risk management since they are the most vulnerable in the society and the worst hit in times of disaster, citing the 2007 floods in Northern Ghana and some parts of southern Ghana, which, according to him, brought untold hardship and suffering to most women and children in the affected areas. He therefore emphasised that adherence to the adoption and implementation of the objectives of the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction will be the surest way of ensuring disaster risk management, adding that an increased awareness and political commitment to disaster risk reduction would also serve as a way forward. Mr. Folley Jaleiba Member, ABANTU for Development, in an address, expressed the believe that since women actively contribute to the basic survival needs of families, communities and nations, there is the urgent need to involve them by building their skills and capacities for sustainable development, peace and security. Mr. Jaleiba urged the government to take action to integrate gender perspectives into disaster risk reduction legislation, policies and programmes. On his part, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga, bemoaned certain negative and socio cultural practices which he said, deprived more than 50 percent of the Ghanaian populace in serious decision making, planning and execution of projects and programmes at the various levels of policy making. Mr. Epsona appealed to all government policy makers, civil societies, traditional rulers, agencies and the youth and the marginalized to help put gender issues at the forefront to ensure fair and equitable distribution in the decision making process and active participation in governance. GBC IA/
Gov’t Committed to the Development of the Rural Communities - Minister
29-12-09 Gov’t Committed to the Development of the Rural Communities - Minister
The Minister of Water Resources Works and Housing, Albert Abongo, has assured Ghanaians that government is committed to ensuring that development reaches the rural communities in the country through the provision of portable drinking water and electricity. In line with this, government as a matter of concern would construct 2000 boreholes throughout the country. Mr. Abongo gave the assurance at the annual Azambene Fire Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Bongo in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. The occasion which received a high turnout was on the theme: “Culture Re-Awakening to Promote Education, Sustainable Environment and Afforestation”. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has filed this report.
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The occasion brought together government officials, divisional chiefs of the Bongo Traditional Area, dignitaries from Korea and China, heads of decentralized departments as well as sons and daughters of Bongo both at home and abroad. The annual Azambene festival is in commemoration of the defeat of Busasis by Asikulga and Awubigo descendants from Bongo. It is also in remembrance of the movement of their great fathers from Nalerigu into Bongo. Mr. Abongo who commended the chiefs and people of the area for maintaining peace and order expressed government’s determination in ensuring that rural communities are provided with the needed logistics and infrastructure to help enhance their standard of living. He disclosed that government will from next year construct more boreholes in rural communities of which Bongo is a beneficiary community, adding that the Bongo-Bolgatanga trunk road and the Gorigo Bridge linking Bongo with Burkina-Faso would also be constructed in due time. Mr. Abongo also hinted that government with support from Korean and Chinese investors will construct 200,000 housing units throughout the country to address the problem of accommodation for workers and individuals. Mr. Abongo catalogued some interventional policies and programmes initiated by the government to alleviate the plight of people in the rural communities. The District Chief Executive, Mr. Clement Akugre expressed his desire to make education his topmost priority in the district and charged parents to put premium in their wards education since it is the greatest legacy any parent can bequeath the child. He hinted that the assembly, since his assumption of office has spent 28,456 Ghana cedis in sponsoring and assisting brilliant but needy students into the second cycle and tertiary institutions. Also sponsorship packages have been provided for nursing trainees in Public Health and Clinical Nursing. The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Aleemyaarum, called on the government to come out with pragmatic measures to tackle poverty in the area. Naba Alemyaarum advised participants to cultivate the habit of tree planting to help addressed the global issue of climate change. He appealed to NGOs, organisations and individuals to financially contribute to the Bongo Educational Endowment Fund to improve upon the standard of education in the area.
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The Minister of Water Resources Works and Housing, Albert Abongo, has assured Ghanaians that government is committed to ensuring that development reaches the rural communities in the country through the provision of portable drinking water and electricity. In line with this, government as a matter of concern would construct 2000 boreholes throughout the country. Mr. Abongo gave the assurance at the annual Azambene Fire Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Bongo in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. The occasion which received a high turnout was on the theme: “Culture Re-Awakening to Promote Education, Sustainable Environment and Afforestation”. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has filed this report.
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The occasion brought together government officials, divisional chiefs of the Bongo Traditional Area, dignitaries from Korea and China, heads of decentralized departments as well as sons and daughters of Bongo both at home and abroad. The annual Azambene festival is in commemoration of the defeat of Busasis by Asikulga and Awubigo descendants from Bongo. It is also in remembrance of the movement of their great fathers from Nalerigu into Bongo. Mr. Abongo who commended the chiefs and people of the area for maintaining peace and order expressed government’s determination in ensuring that rural communities are provided with the needed logistics and infrastructure to help enhance their standard of living. He disclosed that government will from next year construct more boreholes in rural communities of which Bongo is a beneficiary community, adding that the Bongo-Bolgatanga trunk road and the Gorigo Bridge linking Bongo with Burkina-Faso would also be constructed in due time. Mr. Abongo also hinted that government with support from Korean and Chinese investors will construct 200,000 housing units throughout the country to address the problem of accommodation for workers and individuals. Mr. Abongo catalogued some interventional policies and programmes initiated by the government to alleviate the plight of people in the rural communities. The District Chief Executive, Mr. Clement Akugre expressed his desire to make education his topmost priority in the district and charged parents to put premium in their wards education since it is the greatest legacy any parent can bequeath the child. He hinted that the assembly, since his assumption of office has spent 28,456 Ghana cedis in sponsoring and assisting brilliant but needy students into the second cycle and tertiary institutions. Also sponsorship packages have been provided for nursing trainees in Public Health and Clinical Nursing. The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Aleemyaarum, called on the government to come out with pragmatic measures to tackle poverty in the area. Naba Alemyaarum advised participants to cultivate the habit of tree planting to help addressed the global issue of climate change. He appealed to NGOs, organisations and individuals to financially contribute to the Bongo Educational Endowment Fund to improve upon the standard of education in the area.
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Sunday, 27 December 2009
BAWKU WEST REJECTS PRESIDENT’S NOMINEE
29-04-09 BAWKU WEST REJECTS PRESIDENT’S NOMINEE
Members of the Bawku West District Assembly have failed to endorsed, Imoro Adam Anaba, the President’s nominee for district Chief Executive at Zebilla in the upper East Region. Mr. Anaba, who needed twenty nine votes, polled 21 votes out of 41 votes cast. After failing to get the required votes, the Regional Electoral Officer, Mr. Godwin Tawia Okley, who supervised the elections, called for re-election in ten days time. During the Presiding Member elections, Albert Avoka, a social worker and assembly member for Guzeisi Electoral area stepped down for his opponent, Mr. Moses Aduk -Pam ,a teacher by profession after the first round of voting. In the first round of voting, Mr. Aduk –Pam polled 27 votes whilst Avoka polled 14 votes out of the 41 votes cast. At the second round of voting, Mr. Aduk- Pam polled 38 out of the 41 votes cast. He was therefore declared as the Presiding Member for the assembly. At the Kassena – Nankana East District Assembly also in the Upper East Region, members have confirmed Emmanuel Andema, President’s nominee as District Chief Executive. All 30 elected and appointed assembly members voted for Mr. Andema giving him hundred per cent. Mr. Andema in an acceptance speech thanked the members for the honour done him and pledged to work solidly behind them to enhance the well being of the people in the area and the region as a whole. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo commended the assembly for exhibiting high sense of maturity. He therefore urged them to put aside their political differences and tackle the daunting challenges that face the people of the district.
GBC END IOA
Members of the Bawku West District Assembly have failed to endorsed, Imoro Adam Anaba, the President’s nominee for district Chief Executive at Zebilla in the upper East Region. Mr. Anaba, who needed twenty nine votes, polled 21 votes out of 41 votes cast. After failing to get the required votes, the Regional Electoral Officer, Mr. Godwin Tawia Okley, who supervised the elections, called for re-election in ten days time. During the Presiding Member elections, Albert Avoka, a social worker and assembly member for Guzeisi Electoral area stepped down for his opponent, Mr. Moses Aduk -Pam ,a teacher by profession after the first round of voting. In the first round of voting, Mr. Aduk –Pam polled 27 votes whilst Avoka polled 14 votes out of the 41 votes cast. At the second round of voting, Mr. Aduk- Pam polled 38 out of the 41 votes cast. He was therefore declared as the Presiding Member for the assembly. At the Kassena – Nankana East District Assembly also in the Upper East Region, members have confirmed Emmanuel Andema, President’s nominee as District Chief Executive. All 30 elected and appointed assembly members voted for Mr. Andema giving him hundred per cent. Mr. Andema in an acceptance speech thanked the members for the honour done him and pledged to work solidly behind them to enhance the well being of the people in the area and the region as a whole. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo commended the assembly for exhibiting high sense of maturity. He therefore urged them to put aside their political differences and tackle the daunting challenges that face the people of the district.
GBC END IOA
Golden Jubilee Planning Committee Inaugurated
01-05-09 Golden Jubilee Planning Committee Inaugurated
A 22- Member Planning Committee of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council has been duly inaugurated at Bolgatanga. The committee which has its membership drawn from a wide spectrum of professionals a and Interest Groups from academia, the Public and Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organizations, Traditional authorities, the Media among others had been set up to cater and plan for the region’s upcoming golden jubilee celebration slated for next year. In an address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said the then Upper Region which was created out of the then Northern Region has reached a significant milestone which deserves to be celebrated in a grand style adding that the event as envisioned, will offer the region the opportunity to showcase its achievements and potentials since its inception about 50 years ago. Mr. Woyongo stated that the inauguration of the planning committee will make for all-inclusive and holistic planning towards projecting the rich potentials and achievement s of the region to the outside world. He also noted that the region which has had its fair share of the national cake has great potentials in large scale and urged all and sundry to discard perception associated with deprivation, poverty, misery, and violent conflicts of the region to the outside world. Mr. Woyongo therefore entreat the committee to submit its report in two months time so that they can have adequate time for preparation since it is not a government sponsored programme. The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Donald Adabere thanked the Regional Minister for the confidence repose in him and called for total collaboration of all committee members to explore every avenue to ensure that the event is celebrated with pomp and pageantry.
GBC END IA/
A 22- Member Planning Committee of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council has been duly inaugurated at Bolgatanga. The committee which has its membership drawn from a wide spectrum of professionals a and Interest Groups from academia, the Public and Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organizations, Traditional authorities, the Media among others had been set up to cater and plan for the region’s upcoming golden jubilee celebration slated for next year. In an address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said the then Upper Region which was created out of the then Northern Region has reached a significant milestone which deserves to be celebrated in a grand style adding that the event as envisioned, will offer the region the opportunity to showcase its achievements and potentials since its inception about 50 years ago. Mr. Woyongo stated that the inauguration of the planning committee will make for all-inclusive and holistic planning towards projecting the rich potentials and achievement s of the region to the outside world. He also noted that the region which has had its fair share of the national cake has great potentials in large scale and urged all and sundry to discard perception associated with deprivation, poverty, misery, and violent conflicts of the region to the outside world. Mr. Woyongo therefore entreat the committee to submit its report in two months time so that they can have adequate time for preparation since it is not a government sponsored programme. The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Donald Adabere thanked the Regional Minister for the confidence repose in him and called for total collaboration of all committee members to explore every avenue to ensure that the event is celebrated with pomp and pageantry.
GBC END IA/
U/E DEP. MIN. OUTLINE VISION
28-04-09 U/E DEP. MIN. OUTLINE VISION
The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni has outlined some of her vision for the Region. She said one of her major goals is to help elevate the quality of life of the people in the region particularly women through education, agriculture, health, increase incomes and poverty reduction. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Mrs. Awuni noted that as an educationist, she will liaise with the Regional Minister to achieve his developmental goals. She stated that the education of the girl child, employment creation and women empowerment are some of her major priorities. Mrs. Awuni, pointed out that despite the role women play in the socio-economic development of the country, they are sidelined and often ignored, adding that her outfit will seek to help support women and empower them in all spheres and also make them effective advocates. In view of this, Mrs. Awuni emphasized that her outfit will focus on areas that will create immediate impact on the lives of women in the region. She pledged to embark on a number of corporate programmes including the establishment of viable income generating activities for women. Meanwhile, Mrs. Awuni who was earlier introduced to the staff of the Bolgatanga Regional Coordinating Council at the Residency underscored the need for the staff to support them in the performance of their duties.
GBC END IA/
The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni has outlined some of her vision for the Region. She said one of her major goals is to help elevate the quality of life of the people in the region particularly women through education, agriculture, health, increase incomes and poverty reduction. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Mrs. Awuni noted that as an educationist, she will liaise with the Regional Minister to achieve his developmental goals. She stated that the education of the girl child, employment creation and women empowerment are some of her major priorities. Mrs. Awuni, pointed out that despite the role women play in the socio-economic development of the country, they are sidelined and often ignored, adding that her outfit will seek to help support women and empower them in all spheres and also make them effective advocates. In view of this, Mrs. Awuni emphasized that her outfit will focus on areas that will create immediate impact on the lives of women in the region. She pledged to embark on a number of corporate programmes including the establishment of viable income generating activities for women. Meanwhile, Mrs. Awuni who was earlier introduced to the staff of the Bolgatanga Regional Coordinating Council at the Residency underscored the need for the staff to support them in the performance of their duties.
GBC END IA/
BAWKU WEST REJECTS PRESIDENT’S NOMINEE
29-04-09 BAWKU WEST REJECTS PRESIDENT’S NOMINEE
Members of the Bawku West District Assembly have failed to endorsed, Imoro Adam Anaba, the President’s nominee for district Chief Executive at Zebilla in the upper East Region. Mr. Anaba, who needed twenty nine votes, polled 21 votes out of 41 votes cast. After failing to get the required votes, the Regional Electoral Officer, Mr. Godwin Tawia Okley, who supervised the elections, called for re-election in ten days time. During the Presiding Member elections, Albert Avoka, a social worker and assembly member for Guzeisi Electoral area stepped down for his opponent, Mr. Moses Aduk -Pam ,a teacher by profession after the first round of voting. In the first round of voting, Mr. Aduk –Pam polled 27 votes whilst Avoka polled 14 votes out of the 41 votes cast. At the second round of voting, Mr. Aduk- Pam polled 38 out of the 41 votes cast. He was therefore declared as the Presiding Member for the assembly. At the Kassena – Nankana East District Assembly also in the Upper East Region, members have confirmed Emmanuel Andema, President’s nominee as District Chief Executive. All 30 elected and appointed assembly members voted for Mr. Andema giving him hundred per cent. Mr. Andema in an acceptance speech thanked the members for the honour done him and pledged to work solidly behind them to enhance the well being of the people in the area and the region as a whole. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo commended the assembly for exhibiting high sense of maturity. He therefore urged them to put aside their political differences and tackle the daunting challenges that face the people of the district.
GBC END IOA
Members of the Bawku West District Assembly have failed to endorsed, Imoro Adam Anaba, the President’s nominee for district Chief Executive at Zebilla in the upper East Region. Mr. Anaba, who needed twenty nine votes, polled 21 votes out of 41 votes cast. After failing to get the required votes, the Regional Electoral Officer, Mr. Godwin Tawia Okley, who supervised the elections, called for re-election in ten days time. During the Presiding Member elections, Albert Avoka, a social worker and assembly member for Guzeisi Electoral area stepped down for his opponent, Mr. Moses Aduk -Pam ,a teacher by profession after the first round of voting. In the first round of voting, Mr. Aduk –Pam polled 27 votes whilst Avoka polled 14 votes out of the 41 votes cast. At the second round of voting, Mr. Aduk- Pam polled 38 out of the 41 votes cast. He was therefore declared as the Presiding Member for the assembly. At the Kassena – Nankana East District Assembly also in the Upper East Region, members have confirmed Emmanuel Andema, President’s nominee as District Chief Executive. All 30 elected and appointed assembly members voted for Mr. Andema giving him hundred per cent. Mr. Andema in an acceptance speech thanked the members for the honour done him and pledged to work solidly behind them to enhance the well being of the people in the area and the region as a whole. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo commended the assembly for exhibiting high sense of maturity. He therefore urged them to put aside their political differences and tackle the daunting challenges that face the people of the district.
GBC END IOA
212 RECRUITS PASSED OUT
25-04-09 212 RECRUITS PASSED OUT
Two hundred and twelve recruits have been formally ushered in to the Ghana Police Office at Pwalugu in the Upper East Region. Out of this number, one hundred and ninety were males and twenty two females. The recruits were given intensive training in weapon handling, physical training and foot drill during their six months basic training. The Reviewing Officer who is also the Upper East Regional Commander, DCOP Alhaji Hamidu Mahama in a speech, advised the recruits to utilise the skills and training they have acquired judiciously, efficiently and effectively in the discharge of their duties in order to benefit the nation. DCOP Mahama urged the general public to provide the police with valuable information about criminals and also to expose public officers who indulge in corrupt and unprofessional activities including those who use their uniforms to achieve their selfish interest rather than the nation’s interest. He also charged the recruits to be incorruptible, accountable and above all responsive to societal aspirations since technology has placed heavy demands on the police and the profession. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who was present at the occasion, received the general salute coupled with a powerful display of foot drills from the recruits. Various categories of awards were given to deserving recruits. G/R Clement Yamoah was adjudged the overall best recruit. The Acting Inspector General of Police IGP Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Robertson and the Headquarters Management and Advisory Board (HEMAB) extended their best wishes to G/R Yamoah and the entire award winners for their outstanding performance.
GBC END IOA
Two hundred and twelve recruits have been formally ushered in to the Ghana Police Office at Pwalugu in the Upper East Region. Out of this number, one hundred and ninety were males and twenty two females. The recruits were given intensive training in weapon handling, physical training and foot drill during their six months basic training. The Reviewing Officer who is also the Upper East Regional Commander, DCOP Alhaji Hamidu Mahama in a speech, advised the recruits to utilise the skills and training they have acquired judiciously, efficiently and effectively in the discharge of their duties in order to benefit the nation. DCOP Mahama urged the general public to provide the police with valuable information about criminals and also to expose public officers who indulge in corrupt and unprofessional activities including those who use their uniforms to achieve their selfish interest rather than the nation’s interest. He also charged the recruits to be incorruptible, accountable and above all responsive to societal aspirations since technology has placed heavy demands on the police and the profession. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who was present at the occasion, received the general salute coupled with a powerful display of foot drills from the recruits. Various categories of awards were given to deserving recruits. G/R Clement Yamoah was adjudged the overall best recruit. The Acting Inspector General of Police IGP Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Robertson and the Headquarters Management and Advisory Board (HEMAB) extended their best wishes to G/R Yamoah and the entire award winners for their outstanding performance.
GBC END IOA
GES Cautions the Media
15-12-09 GES Cautions the Media
The Deputy Director, Human Resource Division of the Ghana Education Service GES Bolgatanga, Ben Yindol has denounced media reportage that pupils of Afeghera Primary School at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality lie on their stomachs for their lessons. Mr. Yindol described the publication as untrue and unfortunate. He was reacting to media report that the school lacks basic logistics thus, compelling the children to lie on their stomach for lessons. This media report came to light following the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration of the school, jointly organized by the school’s Management Committee (SMC) and other stakeholders at Zuarungu. According to Mr. Yindol, the Ghana Education Service for some time now has identified certain challenges confronting the primary and Junior High Schools in the region which he said borders on furniture, teacher accommodation, portable drinking water and learning materials among others adding that the Regional Educational Directorate as a matter of concern is working around the clock to rectify these problems to ensure standard of education in the region. He said inadequate text books, ICT materials and language coordinators also pose a major challenge to most of the schools in the region. Touching on the Afeghera media reports, he said though the school lacks certain facilities; children at the school do not lie on the floor for their lessons. He therefore addressed the media to be circumspect in their reportage by making sure that all information are done with caution.
GBC END IA/EAD
The Deputy Director, Human Resource Division of the Ghana Education Service GES Bolgatanga, Ben Yindol has denounced media reportage that pupils of Afeghera Primary School at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality lie on their stomachs for their lessons. Mr. Yindol described the publication as untrue and unfortunate. He was reacting to media report that the school lacks basic logistics thus, compelling the children to lie on their stomach for lessons. This media report came to light following the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration of the school, jointly organized by the school’s Management Committee (SMC) and other stakeholders at Zuarungu. According to Mr. Yindol, the Ghana Education Service for some time now has identified certain challenges confronting the primary and Junior High Schools in the region which he said borders on furniture, teacher accommodation, portable drinking water and learning materials among others adding that the Regional Educational Directorate as a matter of concern is working around the clock to rectify these problems to ensure standard of education in the region. He said inadequate text books, ICT materials and language coordinators also pose a major challenge to most of the schools in the region. Touching on the Afeghera media reports, he said though the school lacks certain facilities; children at the school do not lie on the floor for their lessons. He therefore addressed the media to be circumspect in their reportage by making sure that all information are done with caution.
GBC END IA/EAD
22-12-09 LITERACY DAY CELEBRATION AT ZANLERIGU
22-12-09 22-12-09 LITERACY DAY CELEBRATION AT ZANLERIGU
Two hundred and twenty one voluntary facilitators and thirteen supervisors of the Frafra Literacy and Development Project, (FLADP), a literacy organisation, have been awarded with incentives packages worth 7,020 Ghana Cedis at a ceremony at Zanlerigu, a community in the Talensi –Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. Each beneficiary received a half piece of wax print and other reading materials with certificates. Consequently, 2,701 male and female learners who successfully passed through the literacy programme also received certificate of excellence and participation. The ceremony brought together a section of the public, partner organisations, chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members, as well as women and literacy groups. Isaac Asare was at the ceremony and has filed this report.
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The Frafra Literacy and Development Projects (FLADP) under the Ghana Institute of Linguistics Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) began in 1972 when two American couples after settling in Zuarungu, a community in the Bolgatanga municipality, decided to translate the Bible from English to Frafra. After a successful translation of the New Testament in 1985, a self management committee was then formed to continue the literacy aspect of the programme. Since then, the programme has expanded to cover three other districts in the region namely, the Bongo District, Bolgatanga and the Talensi-Nabdam district. In line with the achievements of the literacy programme over the years, a day is set aside each year to reward volunteers and supervisors with incentive packages for their immense contribution to providing literacy education to the door step of the people in the three districts. The day is also set aside to create awareness on the importance of literacy in communities where the level of education is nothing to write home about. The Project Manager of FLADP, Mr. Joe Ayobah catalogued some of the challenges and relevance of the project which, according to him, has impacted positively on the lives of people in the three districts particularly, those in the Talensi-Nabdam District. Mr. Ayobah, disclosed that the project is on its way to becoming a local NGO by 2010. He therefore called for the support of individuals and donor agencies to help the project acquire its own office accommodation to enhance its effectiveness and also ensure more enrolment into the literacy programme. A Representative from GILLBT, Mr. Peter Wangara, in an address, stressed the importance of reading and writing adding that literacy skills as a form of education adds value to one’s life. He advised illiterates as well as the poor and the vulnerable in the respective communities to enroll into the literacy programme to better their lot since education is a necessary tool for development. He commended OPONOMOUS Foundation, a donor agency in the Netherlands for providing 65,000 Euros this year to support the project. Mr. Wangara called for the sustainability of the programme since his outfit cannot continue to rely on donor support. He therefore appealed to the chiefs and other stakeholders to help assist the project to gain grounds. An amount of 201 Ghana Cedis was later bagged during an appeal for fund.
End
Two hundred and twenty one voluntary facilitators and thirteen supervisors of the Frafra Literacy and Development Project, (FLADP), a literacy organisation, have been awarded with incentives packages worth 7,020 Ghana Cedis at a ceremony at Zanlerigu, a community in the Talensi –Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. Each beneficiary received a half piece of wax print and other reading materials with certificates. Consequently, 2,701 male and female learners who successfully passed through the literacy programme also received certificate of excellence and participation. The ceremony brought together a section of the public, partner organisations, chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members, as well as women and literacy groups. Isaac Asare was at the ceremony and has filed this report.
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The Frafra Literacy and Development Projects (FLADP) under the Ghana Institute of Linguistics Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) began in 1972 when two American couples after settling in Zuarungu, a community in the Bolgatanga municipality, decided to translate the Bible from English to Frafra. After a successful translation of the New Testament in 1985, a self management committee was then formed to continue the literacy aspect of the programme. Since then, the programme has expanded to cover three other districts in the region namely, the Bongo District, Bolgatanga and the Talensi-Nabdam district. In line with the achievements of the literacy programme over the years, a day is set aside each year to reward volunteers and supervisors with incentive packages for their immense contribution to providing literacy education to the door step of the people in the three districts. The day is also set aside to create awareness on the importance of literacy in communities where the level of education is nothing to write home about. The Project Manager of FLADP, Mr. Joe Ayobah catalogued some of the challenges and relevance of the project which, according to him, has impacted positively on the lives of people in the three districts particularly, those in the Talensi-Nabdam District. Mr. Ayobah, disclosed that the project is on its way to becoming a local NGO by 2010. He therefore called for the support of individuals and donor agencies to help the project acquire its own office accommodation to enhance its effectiveness and also ensure more enrolment into the literacy programme. A Representative from GILLBT, Mr. Peter Wangara, in an address, stressed the importance of reading and writing adding that literacy skills as a form of education adds value to one’s life. He advised illiterates as well as the poor and the vulnerable in the respective communities to enroll into the literacy programme to better their lot since education is a necessary tool for development. He commended OPONOMOUS Foundation, a donor agency in the Netherlands for providing 65,000 Euros this year to support the project. Mr. Wangara called for the sustainability of the programme since his outfit cannot continue to rely on donor support. He therefore appealed to the chiefs and other stakeholders to help assist the project to gain grounds. An amount of 201 Ghana Cedis was later bagged during an appeal for fund.
End
Two hundred and twenty one voluntary facilitators and thirteen supervisors of the Frafra Literacy and Development Project, (FLADP), a literacy organisation, have been awarded with incentives packages worth 7,020 Ghana Cedis at a ceremony at Zanlerigu, a community in the Talensi –Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. Each beneficiary received a half piece of wax print and other reading materials with certificates. Consequently, 2,701 male and female learners who successfully passed through the literacy programme also received certificate of excellence and participation. The ceremony brought together a section of the public, partner organisations, chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members, as well as women and literacy groups. Isaac Asare was at the ceremony and has filed this report.
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The Frafra Literacy and Development Projects (FLADP) under the Ghana Institute of Linguistics Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) began in 1972 when two American couples after settling in Zuarungu, a community in the Bolgatanga municipality, decided to translate the Bible from English to Frafra. After a successful translation of the New Testament in 1985, a self management committee was then formed to continue the literacy aspect of the programme. Since then, the programme has expanded to cover three other districts in the region namely, the Bongo District, Bolgatanga and the Talensi-Nabdam district. In line with the achievements of the literacy programme over the years, a day is set aside each year to reward volunteers and supervisors with incentive packages for their immense contribution to providing literacy education to the door step of the people in the three districts. The day is also set aside to create awareness on the importance of literacy in communities where the level of education is nothing to write home about. The Project Manager of FLADP, Mr. Joe Ayobah catalogued some of the challenges and relevance of the project which, according to him, has impacted positively on the lives of people in the three districts particularly, those in the Talensi-Nabdam District. Mr. Ayobah, disclosed that the project is on its way to becoming a local NGO by 2010. He therefore called for the support of individuals and donor agencies to help the project acquire its own office accommodation to enhance its effectiveness and also ensure more enrolment into the literacy programme. A Representative from GILLBT, Mr. Peter Wangara, in an address, stressed the importance of reading and writing adding that literacy skills as a form of education adds value to one’s life. He advised illiterates as well as the poor and the vulnerable in the respective communities to enroll into the literacy programme to better their lot since education is a necessary tool for development. He commended OPONOMOUS Foundation, a donor agency in the Netherlands for providing 65,000 Euros this year to support the project. Mr. Wangara called for the sustainability of the programme since his outfit cannot continue to rely on donor support. He therefore appealed to the chiefs and other stakeholders to help assist the project to gain grounds. An amount of 201 Ghana Cedis was later bagged during an appeal for fund.
End
Two hundred and twenty one voluntary facilitators and thirteen supervisors of the Frafra Literacy and Development Project, (FLADP), a literacy organisation, have been awarded with incentives packages worth 7,020 Ghana Cedis at a ceremony at Zanlerigu, a community in the Talensi –Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. Each beneficiary received a half piece of wax print and other reading materials with certificates. Consequently, 2,701 male and female learners who successfully passed through the literacy programme also received certificate of excellence and participation. The ceremony brought together a section of the public, partner organisations, chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members, as well as women and literacy groups. Isaac Asare was at the ceremony and has filed this report.
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ANCR V/O
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The Frafra Literacy and Development Projects (FLADP) under the Ghana Institute of Linguistics Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) began in 1972 when two American couples after settling in Zuarungu, a community in the Bolgatanga municipality, decided to translate the Bible from English to Frafra. After a successful translation of the New Testament in 1985, a self management committee was then formed to continue the literacy aspect of the programme. Since then, the programme has expanded to cover three other districts in the region namely, the Bongo District, Bolgatanga and the Talensi-Nabdam district. In line with the achievements of the literacy programme over the years, a day is set aside each year to reward volunteers and supervisors with incentive packages for their immense contribution to providing literacy education to the door step of the people in the three districts. The day is also set aside to create awareness on the importance of literacy in communities where the level of education is nothing to write home about. The Project Manager of FLADP, Mr. Joe Ayobah catalogued some of the challenges and relevance of the project which, according to him, has impacted positively on the lives of people in the three districts particularly, those in the Talensi-Nabdam District. Mr. Ayobah, disclosed that the project is on its way to becoming a local NGO by 2010. He therefore called for the support of individuals and donor agencies to help the project acquire its own office accommodation to enhance its effectiveness and also ensure more enrolment into the literacy programme. A Representative from GILLBT, Mr. Peter Wangara, in an address, stressed the importance of reading and writing adding that literacy skills as a form of education adds value to one’s life. He advised illiterates as well as the poor and the vulnerable in the respective communities to enroll into the literacy programme to better their lot since education is a necessary tool for development. He commended OPONOMOUS Foundation, a donor agency in the Netherlands for providing 65,000 Euros this year to support the project. Mr. Wangara called for the sustainability of the programme since his outfit cannot continue to rely on donor support. He therefore appealed to the chiefs and other stakeholders to help assist the project to gain grounds. An amount of 201 Ghana Cedis was later bagged during an appeal for fund.
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NORPRA INTERACTS WITH MINISTER
-12-09 NORPRA INTERACTS WITH MINISTER
Members of the Northern Patriots and Research Advocacy (NORPRA), a youth right group, has paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, at his office in Bolgatanga. The visit was to deliberate with the minister pertinent issues confronting the people in the region and how they can be addressed. The leader of the delegation, Bismark Adongo, commended the minister for instituting an open door policy, which according to him, has contributed in the promotion of good governance in the country. In his submission, Mr. Adongo touched on issues bordering on the re-registration of motorbikes, farmers inability to get access to fertilizers, the meagre budgetary allocation for the start of the proposed Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), and conflict in Bawku, among others. These issues according to Mr. Adongo are affecting the lives of the ordinary people in the region. Mr. Adongo also commended the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for exhibiting high sense of professionalism in ensuring law and order in conflict areas, particularly, Bawku. Mr. Woyongo promised to tackle all the issues raised and called for the support of the people in the region. Mr. Woyongo expressed the hope that in the next two years or more, the Upper East Region will be ahead in terms of food production. In his explanation, Mr. Woyongo said the government is working around the clock to ensure that tomato and rice farmers in the region are giving the needed financial and managerial support to boost tomato production in the country. He revealed that government has also taken delivery of six combine harvesters for the region of which more are yet to come.
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Members of the Northern Patriots and Research Advocacy (NORPRA), a youth right group, has paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, at his office in Bolgatanga. The visit was to deliberate with the minister pertinent issues confronting the people in the region and how they can be addressed. The leader of the delegation, Bismark Adongo, commended the minister for instituting an open door policy, which according to him, has contributed in the promotion of good governance in the country. In his submission, Mr. Adongo touched on issues bordering on the re-registration of motorbikes, farmers inability to get access to fertilizers, the meagre budgetary allocation for the start of the proposed Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), and conflict in Bawku, among others. These issues according to Mr. Adongo are affecting the lives of the ordinary people in the region. Mr. Adongo also commended the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for exhibiting high sense of professionalism in ensuring law and order in conflict areas, particularly, Bawku. Mr. Woyongo promised to tackle all the issues raised and called for the support of the people in the region. Mr. Woyongo expressed the hope that in the next two years or more, the Upper East Region will be ahead in terms of food production. In his explanation, Mr. Woyongo said the government is working around the clock to ensure that tomato and rice farmers in the region are giving the needed financial and managerial support to boost tomato production in the country. He revealed that government has also taken delivery of six combine harvesters for the region of which more are yet to come.
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CHRISTMAS SIGNIFIES PEACE AND LOVE-MINISTER
25-12-09 CHRISTMAS SIGNIFIES PEACE AND LOVE-MINISTER
The District Minister of Penniel Presbyterian Church, Bolgatanga, Reverend Fei Hyeaman, has advised Ghanaians to use this Christmas occasion to foster peace, love and unity as exhibited by the lord Jesus Christ. He said, the day marks the incarnation of Christ and his infinite love for mankind which signifies peace and spiritual renewal. Rev Hyeaman was speaking at a charol night service held at Bolgatanga. He therefore cautioned the youth to refrain from activities that will mar their God giving talents and potentials adding that the menace of Computer fraud popularly known in the media circus as “Sakawa” should not be condoned by the youth. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Rev Hyeaman also advised the youth not to allow themselves to be use as agents of war and violence but rather emulate the good examples of Christ. He said the birth of Christ has brought life to all mankind, particularly, the youth who constitute the majority in the society. Rev. Hyeaman expressed the hope that the coming year will bring a lot of salvation to the world. He sent a congratulatory message to all Christians in the country and urged them to do away with immoral behaviours. The Presbyterian Junior Youth (JY), later thrilled the congregation with a drama on the birth of Jesus Christ and his mission for mankind. Meanwhile a visit to some of the churches in the municipality saw them packed as members thronged from all over for Christmas service. However, the situation at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Bolga was different as the members looked somber following the death of their Bishop Lucas Abadamloora last Wednesday.
GBC END IA/EAD
The District Minister of Penniel Presbyterian Church, Bolgatanga, Reverend Fei Hyeaman, has advised Ghanaians to use this Christmas occasion to foster peace, love and unity as exhibited by the lord Jesus Christ. He said, the day marks the incarnation of Christ and his infinite love for mankind which signifies peace and spiritual renewal. Rev Hyeaman was speaking at a charol night service held at Bolgatanga. He therefore cautioned the youth to refrain from activities that will mar their God giving talents and potentials adding that the menace of Computer fraud popularly known in the media circus as “Sakawa” should not be condoned by the youth. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Rev Hyeaman also advised the youth not to allow themselves to be use as agents of war and violence but rather emulate the good examples of Christ. He said the birth of Christ has brought life to all mankind, particularly, the youth who constitute the majority in the society. Rev. Hyeaman expressed the hope that the coming year will bring a lot of salvation to the world. He sent a congratulatory message to all Christians in the country and urged them to do away with immoral behaviours. The Presbyterian Junior Youth (JY), later thrilled the congregation with a drama on the birth of Jesus Christ and his mission for mankind. Meanwhile a visit to some of the churches in the municipality saw them packed as members thronged from all over for Christmas service. However, the situation at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Bolga was different as the members looked somber following the death of their Bishop Lucas Abadamloora last Wednesday.
GBC END IA/EAD
NDC CONSTITUENCY WOMEN’S ORGANISER HONOURED
24-12-09 NDC CONSTITUENCY WOMEN’S ORGANISER HONOURED
The Newly elected NDC Constituency Women’s Organiser for Bolgatanga Central, Regina Abotineraba, has been honoured by the Market Women Association (MWA) at a ceremony in Bolgatanga. It was attended by some government officials including party Executives as well as sympathizers. Madam Abotineraba, in a speech expressed her willingness to work closely with her party executives to help achieve their set objectives and also improve upon the lives of women in her constituency, particularly, the market women. Madam Abotineraba urged the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to help reconstruct the Bolgatanga market which according to her has been abandoned for the past ten years. She also appealed to the assembly to grant the market women soft loans to cater for their businesses. Addressing the gathering, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga took the opportunity to educate the people on the need to prepare adequately for the upcoming National Identification Programme and the National Population Census. Mr. Ayamga also entreated participants to register for the National Health Insurance scheme which, he said, has come to address the health needs of Ghanaians. Mr. Ayamga pledged his support for women in the region adding that the assembly would work towards the reconstruction of the Bolgatanga market. He emphasised that NDC, as a social democratic party, will continue to fight the cause of the youth in the country and called for the support of the people. Earlier, the Bolgatanga Market Women paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni at her office to congratulate her on her appointment as a deputy minister. Mrs Awuni advised the women to work hard in order to generate more income to cater for their families.
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The Newly elected NDC Constituency Women’s Organiser for Bolgatanga Central, Regina Abotineraba, has been honoured by the Market Women Association (MWA) at a ceremony in Bolgatanga. It was attended by some government officials including party Executives as well as sympathizers. Madam Abotineraba, in a speech expressed her willingness to work closely with her party executives to help achieve their set objectives and also improve upon the lives of women in her constituency, particularly, the market women. Madam Abotineraba urged the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to help reconstruct the Bolgatanga market which according to her has been abandoned for the past ten years. She also appealed to the assembly to grant the market women soft loans to cater for their businesses. Addressing the gathering, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga took the opportunity to educate the people on the need to prepare adequately for the upcoming National Identification Programme and the National Population Census. Mr. Ayamga also entreated participants to register for the National Health Insurance scheme which, he said, has come to address the health needs of Ghanaians. Mr. Ayamga pledged his support for women in the region adding that the assembly would work towards the reconstruction of the Bolgatanga market. He emphasised that NDC, as a social democratic party, will continue to fight the cause of the youth in the country and called for the support of the people. Earlier, the Bolgatanga Market Women paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni at her office to congratulate her on her appointment as a deputy minister. Mrs Awuni advised the women to work hard in order to generate more income to cater for their families.
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Sunday, 13 December 2009
GIPC HOLDS INVESTMENT WORKSHOP AT BOLGATANGA
23-05-09 GIPC HOLDS INVESTMENT WORKSHOP AT BOLGATANGA
A Regional Outreach Programme organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in collaboration with the Ghana Free Zone Board (GFZB) has ended at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The workshop which was aimed at creating a platform for people to take advantage of the rich investment potentials in creating wealth and employment, was under the theme: “Investment promotion and Ghana’s development in the economic world”. The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni, in an address pledged to support the Ghana Police Service with the needed equipment and logistics in fighting cross border crimes, conflict, human and drug trafficking and many others in efforts to creating an enabling development for business investors to the region. The Director of Global and Regional Operations of the GIPC, Augustine Acheampong Otoo, in a presentation said out of the 2,955 distribution of projects as at the end of 2008 established nationwide, the Upper East Region can boast of only eight. This he said has put the region at a disadvantage compared to other regions. He called on chiefs and land owners in the region to help release land to local and foreign investors to help them boost the region’s business environment and also reduce poverty. Mr. Otoo recommended the promotion of leather works, basketry, pottery as well as textiles and garment produce by the local people. The Manager of GFZB responsible for Enclave and Development, Nana Kodwo Adentwi, disclosed that two hundred and one companies have so far been given license to operate whiles 27,736 people have been gainfully employed, adding that 1.63 billion dollars has also been realized as foreign exchange as at the end of 2008. He entreated participants to encourage local investors to invest in lucrative businesses in order to harness the rich potentials that abound in the region.
GBC END IA/
A Regional Outreach Programme organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in collaboration with the Ghana Free Zone Board (GFZB) has ended at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The workshop which was aimed at creating a platform for people to take advantage of the rich investment potentials in creating wealth and employment, was under the theme: “Investment promotion and Ghana’s development in the economic world”. The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni, in an address pledged to support the Ghana Police Service with the needed equipment and logistics in fighting cross border crimes, conflict, human and drug trafficking and many others in efforts to creating an enabling development for business investors to the region. The Director of Global and Regional Operations of the GIPC, Augustine Acheampong Otoo, in a presentation said out of the 2,955 distribution of projects as at the end of 2008 established nationwide, the Upper East Region can boast of only eight. This he said has put the region at a disadvantage compared to other regions. He called on chiefs and land owners in the region to help release land to local and foreign investors to help them boost the region’s business environment and also reduce poverty. Mr. Otoo recommended the promotion of leather works, basketry, pottery as well as textiles and garment produce by the local people. The Manager of GFZB responsible for Enclave and Development, Nana Kodwo Adentwi, disclosed that two hundred and one companies have so far been given license to operate whiles 27,736 people have been gainfully employed, adding that 1.63 billion dollars has also been realized as foreign exchange as at the end of 2008. He entreated participants to encourage local investors to invest in lucrative businesses in order to harness the rich potentials that abound in the region.
GBC END IA/
Release Land For Developmental Projects -MCE
13-12-09 Release Land For Developmental Projects
The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, (MCE), Epsona Ayamga has appealed to chiefs and land owners to help release land for developmental projects. Such gesture, he said, would be beneficial to all communities that lag behind in terms of development since the issue of land acquisition over the years has become a problem not only for the government but individuals and organisation as well. Mr. Ayamga made this appeal in a speech read for him at the Annual Sapuolugu Male-Tinga Festival celebrated by the chiefs and People of Kulbia, a farming community in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare witnessed the occasion and has this for Radio Ghana.
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The Sapuolugu Male-Tinga Festival is an annual festivity celebrated by the chiefs and people of Kulbia, a Frafra community in the Upper East Region. The festival which was celebrated in pomp and pageantry was well attended by hundreds of people as well as some government officials. In Gurune, Sapuolugu Male-Tinga literary signifies the “Abundance of Food” after harvest. It was initiated in 2003 following the abundance of food harvested by hard working farmers in the community. Mr. Ayamga who commended the chiefs and elders of Kulbia for initiating the festival also appealed to chiefs within the region to release land for developmental projects. He called for the maintenance of peace in the area adding that chieftaincy and land disputes coupled with ethnic conflicts in some parts of the region drives the developmental agendas of the government backwards and should be condemned. Mr. Epsona advised parents to put premium in their wards education since government is putting measures in place to improve upon the level of education in all communities in the country. The Assembly man for the area, Mr. George Awilumbongo in a speech outlined some of the developmental projects that have taken place in the area since his assumption of office. He commended the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for supporting farmers at Yebongo and part of Kulbia communities with fertilizers and tractor services. This, according to Mr Awilumbongo has helped the farmers in the area to harvest ninety –six acres of rice this season. He appealed to the assembly to help construct dams, boreholes, a modern market facility and a clinic for the people of Kulbia and its catchment areas. Mr. Awilumbongo also charged the assembly to help extend electricity to some parts of the community namely Dazongo, Anateem and Kulbia central. The Chief of Kulbia, Naba Akurigo Akadaaana expressed his readiness to release land for developmental projects in the area. An Amount of 539 Ghana Cedis was realized during an appeal for fund for the construction of a health facility in the area.
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The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, (MCE), Epsona Ayamga has appealed to chiefs and land owners to help release land for developmental projects. Such gesture, he said, would be beneficial to all communities that lag behind in terms of development since the issue of land acquisition over the years has become a problem not only for the government but individuals and organisation as well. Mr. Ayamga made this appeal in a speech read for him at the Annual Sapuolugu Male-Tinga Festival celebrated by the chiefs and People of Kulbia, a farming community in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare witnessed the occasion and has this for Radio Ghana.
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ANCR V/O:
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The Sapuolugu Male-Tinga Festival is an annual festivity celebrated by the chiefs and people of Kulbia, a Frafra community in the Upper East Region. The festival which was celebrated in pomp and pageantry was well attended by hundreds of people as well as some government officials. In Gurune, Sapuolugu Male-Tinga literary signifies the “Abundance of Food” after harvest. It was initiated in 2003 following the abundance of food harvested by hard working farmers in the community. Mr. Ayamga who commended the chiefs and elders of Kulbia for initiating the festival also appealed to chiefs within the region to release land for developmental projects. He called for the maintenance of peace in the area adding that chieftaincy and land disputes coupled with ethnic conflicts in some parts of the region drives the developmental agendas of the government backwards and should be condemned. Mr. Epsona advised parents to put premium in their wards education since government is putting measures in place to improve upon the level of education in all communities in the country. The Assembly man for the area, Mr. George Awilumbongo in a speech outlined some of the developmental projects that have taken place in the area since his assumption of office. He commended the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for supporting farmers at Yebongo and part of Kulbia communities with fertilizers and tractor services. This, according to Mr Awilumbongo has helped the farmers in the area to harvest ninety –six acres of rice this season. He appealed to the assembly to help construct dams, boreholes, a modern market facility and a clinic for the people of Kulbia and its catchment areas. Mr. Awilumbongo also charged the assembly to help extend electricity to some parts of the community namely Dazongo, Anateem and Kulbia central. The Chief of Kulbia, Naba Akurigo Akadaaana expressed his readiness to release land for developmental projects in the area. An Amount of 539 Ghana Cedis was realized during an appeal for fund for the construction of a health facility in the area.
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Thursday, 10 December 2009
DRIVERS AND VEHICLE OWNERS SENSITIZED
10-12-09 DRIVERS AND VEHICLE OWNERS SENSITIZED
Over 200 commercial drivers and vehicle owners drawn from the various districts of the Upper East Region have participated in a workshop on Insurance and Compensation Fund for vehicle owners and drivers at Bolgatanga. The workshop which was jointly organized by the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the National Road Safety Commission with support from other stakeholders was aimed at educating motorists on the urgent need to insure their motor bikes and vehicles and also acquire valid driving license. Addressing participants, the Legal Director, NIC, Mrs. Emma Ocran, advised drivers to register for the life insurance policy as well as the motor insurance policy which, according to her is compulsory since it protects motorists in times of accident. She outlined some of the benefits of insurance and its impacts on the country’s economy. Mrs. Ocran who entreated participants to carry the message across, expressed her outfit’s preparedness to address the need and challenges of drivers as far as insurance is concerned. The Upper East Road Safety Manager, Mr. Alexander Ayata, cautioned drivers to acquire driving license from the Drivers Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to prevent police arrest. He said about 90 per cent of the 102 road accidents involving132 Vehicles in the region, was caused by avoidable human error and advised passengers to caution drivers when they drive carelessly or disobey traffic rules. He disclosed that the region has so far recorded 45 deaths with 113 sustaining various degrees of injuries as a result of road accidents. He described the situation as unfortunate and charged motorists to wear seat belts and crash helmets to ensure their safety on the road. Mr. Ayata also took the opportunity to introduce new crash helmets and warning triangles to drivers. Participants during an open forum expressed their concerns as far as insurance claims are concerned.
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Over 200 commercial drivers and vehicle owners drawn from the various districts of the Upper East Region have participated in a workshop on Insurance and Compensation Fund for vehicle owners and drivers at Bolgatanga. The workshop which was jointly organized by the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the National Road Safety Commission with support from other stakeholders was aimed at educating motorists on the urgent need to insure their motor bikes and vehicles and also acquire valid driving license. Addressing participants, the Legal Director, NIC, Mrs. Emma Ocran, advised drivers to register for the life insurance policy as well as the motor insurance policy which, according to her is compulsory since it protects motorists in times of accident. She outlined some of the benefits of insurance and its impacts on the country’s economy. Mrs. Ocran who entreated participants to carry the message across, expressed her outfit’s preparedness to address the need and challenges of drivers as far as insurance is concerned. The Upper East Road Safety Manager, Mr. Alexander Ayata, cautioned drivers to acquire driving license from the Drivers Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to prevent police arrest. He said about 90 per cent of the 102 road accidents involving132 Vehicles in the region, was caused by avoidable human error and advised passengers to caution drivers when they drive carelessly or disobey traffic rules. He disclosed that the region has so far recorded 45 deaths with 113 sustaining various degrees of injuries as a result of road accidents. He described the situation as unfortunate and charged motorists to wear seat belts and crash helmets to ensure their safety on the road. Mr. Ayata also took the opportunity to introduce new crash helmets and warning triangles to drivers. Participants during an open forum expressed their concerns as far as insurance claims are concerned.
GBC END IA/
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
KASSENA-NANKANA SECOND ORDINARY MEETING
09-12-09 KASSENA-NANKANA SECOND ORDINARY MEETING
In line with government’s efforts to develop and improve upon the level of education in the country, the Kassena-Nankana East District Assembly is working around the clock to providing basic infrastructure and logistics to most community schools in the area. This is to ensure massive school enrolment among children, particularly, the girl child and also create an enabling environment for teaching and learning. The Kasssena-Nankana District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Andema, who announced this at this year’s Second Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly, said the assembly would attend to community schools that requires renovation, as new classroom blocks are being constructed at some identified communities in the district. He mentioned the Bonia, Gongnia and Sabisi schools among others as some of the beneficiaries. Mr. Andema also expressed his readiness to bring on board all stakeholders to restrategize and find ways of completing the District Library that has been abandoned for sometime now due to financial constraints. Mr. Andema hinted that the assembly has received its first trench of funds released under the District Development Fund to implement project as well as build the capacities of the staff of the assembly. As part of the annual action plan under the fund, the assembly intends to procure about 200 electricity service poles for the provision electricity from the National grid to communities and health facilities that do not have electricity. He said the construction of a Rehabilitation Centre for the physically challenged and the construction of a 3-unit classroom block for Nangalkinia Primary School and St. John’s Integrated School are some of the selected projects going through the procurement process for implementation. Mr. Andema deplored the low level of revenue mobilization in the district and charged the assembly to adopt strategies and measures worthy of trial to maximize its internally generated revenue. In the course of the meeting, Mr Dennis Chirawurah was elected as the new Presiding Member (PM) for the assembly following the death Joseph Awakapta who passed away on October 20, 2009. He polled 24 votes representing 72 percent as against 7 votes polled by his opponent, Bismark Azabre. Mr. Chirawurah in an address, advised assembly members to discard all divisive tendencies and work together to achieve a common goal to drive the developmental agendas of the assembly forward. He assured the assembly of his commitment to tackle the myriad of development challenges confronting people in the district.
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In line with government’s efforts to develop and improve upon the level of education in the country, the Kassena-Nankana East District Assembly is working around the clock to providing basic infrastructure and logistics to most community schools in the area. This is to ensure massive school enrolment among children, particularly, the girl child and also create an enabling environment for teaching and learning. The Kasssena-Nankana District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Andema, who announced this at this year’s Second Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly, said the assembly would attend to community schools that requires renovation, as new classroom blocks are being constructed at some identified communities in the district. He mentioned the Bonia, Gongnia and Sabisi schools among others as some of the beneficiaries. Mr. Andema also expressed his readiness to bring on board all stakeholders to restrategize and find ways of completing the District Library that has been abandoned for sometime now due to financial constraints. Mr. Andema hinted that the assembly has received its first trench of funds released under the District Development Fund to implement project as well as build the capacities of the staff of the assembly. As part of the annual action plan under the fund, the assembly intends to procure about 200 electricity service poles for the provision electricity from the National grid to communities and health facilities that do not have electricity. He said the construction of a Rehabilitation Centre for the physically challenged and the construction of a 3-unit classroom block for Nangalkinia Primary School and St. John’s Integrated School are some of the selected projects going through the procurement process for implementation. Mr. Andema deplored the low level of revenue mobilization in the district and charged the assembly to adopt strategies and measures worthy of trial to maximize its internally generated revenue. In the course of the meeting, Mr Dennis Chirawurah was elected as the new Presiding Member (PM) for the assembly following the death Joseph Awakapta who passed away on October 20, 2009. He polled 24 votes representing 72 percent as against 7 votes polled by his opponent, Bismark Azabre. Mr. Chirawurah in an address, advised assembly members to discard all divisive tendencies and work together to achieve a common goal to drive the developmental agendas of the assembly forward. He assured the assembly of his commitment to tackle the myriad of development challenges confronting people in the district.
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Sunday, 6 December 2009
NRGP EXPRESSED COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT POOR FARMERS
14-11-09 NRGP EXPRESSED COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT POOR FARMERS
In efforts to reducing poverty in the three regions of the North, the Northern Rural Growth Project (NRGP) has, as a matter of urgency, commenced field operations beginning with dry season irrigated agriculture. In this view, the project is supporting the Seed Growers Association to produce seeds of sorghum, soybean and maize, since the availability of seed is critical for expansion in the next cropping season. This was announced by the National Coordinator of NRGP, Roy Ayariga at a consultative forum on the participation of Rural and Community Banks (RCB) at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The forum which was aimed at enhancing the on-going efforts at poverty reduction and socio-economic growth of the Northern Savanna areas brought together, Rural and Community Bank Managers as well as heads of other financial institutions. Mr. Ayariga, who identified land degradation, drought, flooding, lack of investment resource, poor market access among others as some of the challenges facing northern farmers, revealed that, the NRGP is committed to supporting farmers with the necessary tools and farming equipments including fertilizers and foundation seeds adding that farmers would be supplied with water pumps on credit basis to improve their irrigation system which according to him would be channeled through Participating Financial Institutions across the nation. He therefore appealed to farmers, processors and other agro business firms to take the opportunity of seeking loans from banks to increase food production and also help improve food security in the country. Mr. Ayariga, however, urged banks and other financial institutions to grant soft loans to farmers devoid of high interest in order to allay the fear of seeking loans to expanding their farms but rather spend more time in educating farmers before loans are granted. He also appealed to banks to target women for support since they are the poor and vulnerable as far as land acquisition and loans are concerned.
GBC END AA/IA
In efforts to reducing poverty in the three regions of the North, the Northern Rural Growth Project (NRGP) has, as a matter of urgency, commenced field operations beginning with dry season irrigated agriculture. In this view, the project is supporting the Seed Growers Association to produce seeds of sorghum, soybean and maize, since the availability of seed is critical for expansion in the next cropping season. This was announced by the National Coordinator of NRGP, Roy Ayariga at a consultative forum on the participation of Rural and Community Banks (RCB) at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The forum which was aimed at enhancing the on-going efforts at poverty reduction and socio-economic growth of the Northern Savanna areas brought together, Rural and Community Bank Managers as well as heads of other financial institutions. Mr. Ayariga, who identified land degradation, drought, flooding, lack of investment resource, poor market access among others as some of the challenges facing northern farmers, revealed that, the NRGP is committed to supporting farmers with the necessary tools and farming equipments including fertilizers and foundation seeds adding that farmers would be supplied with water pumps on credit basis to improve their irrigation system which according to him would be channeled through Participating Financial Institutions across the nation. He therefore appealed to farmers, processors and other agro business firms to take the opportunity of seeking loans from banks to increase food production and also help improve food security in the country. Mr. Ayariga, however, urged banks and other financial institutions to grant soft loans to farmers devoid of high interest in order to allay the fear of seeking loans to expanding their farms but rather spend more time in educating farmers before loans are granted. He also appealed to banks to target women for support since they are the poor and vulnerable as far as land acquisition and loans are concerned.
GBC END AA/IA
Deprived Communities In Northern Ghana To Switch To Alternative Source Of Energy
Deprived Communities In Northern Ghana To Switch To Alternative Source Of Energy
VTR
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Ann: Some deprived communities in the three regions of the north that may not have access to electricity in the next five years or more will be introduced to solar PV systems as an alternative source of energy to improve their lot. This was disclosed by the Marketing Director of Wilkins Engineering Limited, Mr. Akwasi Agyenim Boateng, at a stakeholders meeting jointly organized by the Association of Ghana Solar Industries (AGSI), and Business Sector
R.Tape Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC) at Bolgatanga in the Upper East
T. Tape Region.
ANCR V/O : The workshop which was attended by a section of the public, Representatives from the Regional Health Directorate, District Co-ordinating Directors, Assembly members, energy Consultants and the press, was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the need to educate people to adapt to alternative source of energy which is the solar energy. In his presentation, Mr. Boateng mentioned beneficiary district as the Sisala District, Builsa, West Gonja and the West Mamprusi District as the four beneficiary districts for the pilot project. This he explained is partly due to the poor nature of these districts, hence the need to extend solar energy as a form of power to improve upon their living standard. Mr. Boateng emphasized that the project when completed will help bridge the developmental gap between the north and the south adding that the promotion of solar energy in deprived communities would improve maternal health care, enhance reading and learning, promote academic performance of school children and also help to eradiate poverty and extreme hunger in deprived communities.
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ANCR V/O A consultant of AGSI, Mr. Frank Adabere said his outfit in 2007 submitted a proposal to BUSAC to carried out an advocacy action on the issue of high taxation on imported solar systems in the country. This action when completed would be submitted to parliament for consideration. Mr Adabre called on the government to ensure a zero-taxation for imported solar systems to make it viable and affordable for users. He Spoke to GTV
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ANCR V/O The Manager of Global Sustainable Energy Solutions, Ghana Limited, Mr. Samuel Adu Asare also in an interview with GTV said Ghana ‘s electrification rate has reached an envious level of Sixty Seven Percent ,indicating that an estimated Thirty Three percent of the country are not currently electrified. He described the situation as unfortunate and called on district assemblies to help educate the people on the need to adapt to the use of solar energy.
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ANCR V/O The Talensi-Nabdam District Co-ordinationg Director , Mr Alhassan Fuseini shared his experience and desire to encourage other assemblies to consider the use of solar energy for the development of the region and the country as a whole.
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VTR
…..SECs
Ann: Some deprived communities in the three regions of the north that may not have access to electricity in the next five years or more will be introduced to solar PV systems as an alternative source of energy to improve their lot. This was disclosed by the Marketing Director of Wilkins Engineering Limited, Mr. Akwasi Agyenim Boateng, at a stakeholders meeting jointly organized by the Association of Ghana Solar Industries (AGSI), and Business Sector
R.Tape Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC) at Bolgatanga in the Upper East
T. Tape Region.
ANCR V/O : The workshop which was attended by a section of the public, Representatives from the Regional Health Directorate, District Co-ordinating Directors, Assembly members, energy Consultants and the press, was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the need to educate people to adapt to alternative source of energy which is the solar energy. In his presentation, Mr. Boateng mentioned beneficiary district as the Sisala District, Builsa, West Gonja and the West Mamprusi District as the four beneficiary districts for the pilot project. This he explained is partly due to the poor nature of these districts, hence the need to extend solar energy as a form of power to improve upon their living standard. Mr. Boateng emphasized that the project when completed will help bridge the developmental gap between the north and the south adding that the promotion of solar energy in deprived communities would improve maternal health care, enhance reading and learning, promote academic performance of school children and also help to eradiate poverty and extreme hunger in deprived communities.
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ANCR V/O A consultant of AGSI, Mr. Frank Adabere said his outfit in 2007 submitted a proposal to BUSAC to carried out an advocacy action on the issue of high taxation on imported solar systems in the country. This action when completed would be submitted to parliament for consideration. Mr Adabre called on the government to ensure a zero-taxation for imported solar systems to make it viable and affordable for users. He Spoke to GTV
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ANCR V/O The Manager of Global Sustainable Energy Solutions, Ghana Limited, Mr. Samuel Adu Asare also in an interview with GTV said Ghana ‘s electrification rate has reached an envious level of Sixty Seven Percent ,indicating that an estimated Thirty Three percent of the country are not currently electrified. He described the situation as unfortunate and called on district assemblies to help educate the people on the need to adapt to the use of solar energy.
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ANCR V/O The Talensi-Nabdam District Co-ordinationg Director , Mr Alhassan Fuseini shared his experience and desire to encourage other assemblies to consider the use of solar energy for the development of the region and the country as a whole.
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Navrongo: UDS To Benefit From President’s Endowment Fund Initiative
27-10-09 Navrongo: UDS To Benefit From President’s Endowment Fund Initiative
Narration: The Acting Vice –Chancellor of the University of Development Studies UDS, Navrongo Campus, Professor Sagary K. Nokoe has disclosed that the university will soon benefit from seed money from the President’s Endowment Fund Initiative, adding that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning are seriously working towards that direction and will soon release part of these funds to improve infrastructure and other developmental projects at the university. Professor Nokoe was speaking at the 17th Matriculation Ceremony of the University at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region. Here is a report from Isaac Asare.
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The University of Development Studies, Navrongo Campus started in 1993 on borrowed premises in Tamale, in 1994, the University again inherited already–existing premises at Nyankpala Campus, and in 1995, yet another borrowed facility was inherited at the Navrongo Campus. As a result of the limited accommodation, inadequate lecture halls and Poor Academic Performance, only 1,056 new students were admitted for the 2009/2010 academic year to pursue diploma and degree programmes. The Vice-Chancellor of the University who also administered the matriculation oath to the matriculants, said the university since its establishment is faced with the challenge of providing adequate infrastructure for academic purposes., lauded government support for sourcing funds from the GETFund through its annual budgetary allocation to help the school, which according to him, has been useful over the years. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo commended the students of the University for not resorting to violent demonstrations over the past years and advised the matriculants to take their studies seriously and eschew acts that would mar the enviable record of the University. He hinted that government in collaboration with other stakeholders, are putting measures in place to designed programmes to provide unemployed graduates with entrepreneurial skills and employment opportunities. Mr. Woyongo also expressed governments commitment to reviewing the GETFund Act to decentralized the operations of the GETFund Board and broaden the involvement of local institutions, including teachers organizations and tertiary students representations in prioritizing the fund usage adding that the fund would cover critical areas such as research , academic and residential facilities, scholarships and bursary awards for needy but brilliant students in order to raise the standard of education in consonance with the current global challenges.
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Narration: The Acting Vice –Chancellor of the University of Development Studies UDS, Navrongo Campus, Professor Sagary K. Nokoe has disclosed that the university will soon benefit from seed money from the President’s Endowment Fund Initiative, adding that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning are seriously working towards that direction and will soon release part of these funds to improve infrastructure and other developmental projects at the university. Professor Nokoe was speaking at the 17th Matriculation Ceremony of the University at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region. Here is a report from Isaac Asare.
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The University of Development Studies, Navrongo Campus started in 1993 on borrowed premises in Tamale, in 1994, the University again inherited already–existing premises at Nyankpala Campus, and in 1995, yet another borrowed facility was inherited at the Navrongo Campus. As a result of the limited accommodation, inadequate lecture halls and Poor Academic Performance, only 1,056 new students were admitted for the 2009/2010 academic year to pursue diploma and degree programmes. The Vice-Chancellor of the University who also administered the matriculation oath to the matriculants, said the university since its establishment is faced with the challenge of providing adequate infrastructure for academic purposes., lauded government support for sourcing funds from the GETFund through its annual budgetary allocation to help the school, which according to him, has been useful over the years. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo commended the students of the University for not resorting to violent demonstrations over the past years and advised the matriculants to take their studies seriously and eschew acts that would mar the enviable record of the University. He hinted that government in collaboration with other stakeholders, are putting measures in place to designed programmes to provide unemployed graduates with entrepreneurial skills and employment opportunities. Mr. Woyongo also expressed governments commitment to reviewing the GETFund Act to decentralized the operations of the GETFund Board and broaden the involvement of local institutions, including teachers organizations and tertiary students representations in prioritizing the fund usage adding that the fund would cover critical areas such as research , academic and residential facilities, scholarships and bursary awards for needy but brilliant students in order to raise the standard of education in consonance with the current global challenges.
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HAJJ PILGRIMS TO ENJOY FREE MOBILE SERVICES FROM ZAIN
23-10-09 HAJJ PILGRIMS TO ENJOY FREE MOBILE SERVICES FROM ZAIN
Narration: Zain subscribers will have the luxury of making calls from Saudi Arabia to Ghana before, during and after the Hajj Pilgrimage without roaming charges. In view of this, Zain users who travel to Mecca will enjoy free calls, receive incoming calls free of charge and also send text messages at local rates. This service is in line with Zain’s commitment to provide superior, yet affordable services to its valued customers and moreover, offer Ghanaians the opportunity to communicate to the rest of Africa and the Middle East at local rates. The Chief Executive Officer of Zain, Ghana, Philip Sowah gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka at his palace at Bawku. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
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The visit forms part of Zain’s “Build Our Nation” Programme which is a critical part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. The build one nation programme instituted by Zain, Ghana demonstrates how access to telecommunications services can assist in alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable in the society. The Chief Executive Director of Zain, Mr. Philip Sowah in a speech, said Zain as a telecommunication company has adopted a grassroots approach to developing education, health, arts and culture in Ghana. He gave the assurance that Zain Ghana in line with its set objective of bonding and creating a sense of belonging with the people they serve, will provide affordable and excellent quality service to all its loyal customers particularly, Hajj Pilgrims.. Mr. Sowah noted that Hajj Pilgrims would enjoy making free call from Saudi Arabia to Ghana without any charges. He promised the municipality of good and affordable telecommunication service. He later presented drinks and Zain souvenirs to Bawku Naba and his elders at his palace.the Bawku Naba also received a cheque of 3,500 ghana Cedis in support of his education endowment fund. At Zebilla in the Bawku West District, Zain presented books, bags, teaching aid and stationeries to Lamboya Model Primary at Zebilla. The headmaster of the school, James Ayariga who was full of praise to Zain for their immense role in contributing to the development of education, also commended the Bawku West District Education Directorate for giving the school a facelift from an ordinary primary school to a model one. Mr. Ayariga appealed to Zain, Ghana to lend their support in providing furniture and other infrastructure for the school which according to him poses a major challenge. The Bawku West District Chief Executive., Moro Adam Anaba appealed to Zain, Ghana to support other livelihood programmes in the district to be able to improve upon the lives of the people in the district in order to help them put their wards into school. He hinted that plans are far afoot to provide the school with library and an ICT Centre to meet the demands of a model school and called on the support of Zain Ghana. Earlier, Zain Ghana donated drinks, Zain souvenirs and a cheque of 2,500 Ghana Cedis in support of Bolga Naba’s Educational Endowment fund. The Bolga Naba, Naba Martin Atongo Abilba commended Zain for the kind gesture and promise to use the items judiciously. Mr. Sowah said the educational fund will go along way to serve as a backbone to assist the poor but the needy in the municipality and beyond. He promised his outfit’s commitment to provide superior mobile technology and affordable mobile services to all Ghanaians.
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Narration: Zain subscribers will have the luxury of making calls from Saudi Arabia to Ghana before, during and after the Hajj Pilgrimage without roaming charges. In view of this, Zain users who travel to Mecca will enjoy free calls, receive incoming calls free of charge and also send text messages at local rates. This service is in line with Zain’s commitment to provide superior, yet affordable services to its valued customers and moreover, offer Ghanaians the opportunity to communicate to the rest of Africa and the Middle East at local rates. The Chief Executive Officer of Zain, Ghana, Philip Sowah gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka at his palace at Bawku. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
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The visit forms part of Zain’s “Build Our Nation” Programme which is a critical part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. The build one nation programme instituted by Zain, Ghana demonstrates how access to telecommunications services can assist in alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable in the society. The Chief Executive Director of Zain, Mr. Philip Sowah in a speech, said Zain as a telecommunication company has adopted a grassroots approach to developing education, health, arts and culture in Ghana. He gave the assurance that Zain Ghana in line with its set objective of bonding and creating a sense of belonging with the people they serve, will provide affordable and excellent quality service to all its loyal customers particularly, Hajj Pilgrims.. Mr. Sowah noted that Hajj Pilgrims would enjoy making free call from Saudi Arabia to Ghana without any charges. He promised the municipality of good and affordable telecommunication service. He later presented drinks and Zain souvenirs to Bawku Naba and his elders at his palace.the Bawku Naba also received a cheque of 3,500 ghana Cedis in support of his education endowment fund. At Zebilla in the Bawku West District, Zain presented books, bags, teaching aid and stationeries to Lamboya Model Primary at Zebilla. The headmaster of the school, James Ayariga who was full of praise to Zain for their immense role in contributing to the development of education, also commended the Bawku West District Education Directorate for giving the school a facelift from an ordinary primary school to a model one. Mr. Ayariga appealed to Zain, Ghana to lend their support in providing furniture and other infrastructure for the school which according to him poses a major challenge. The Bawku West District Chief Executive., Moro Adam Anaba appealed to Zain, Ghana to support other livelihood programmes in the district to be able to improve upon the lives of the people in the district in order to help them put their wards into school. He hinted that plans are far afoot to provide the school with library and an ICT Centre to meet the demands of a model school and called on the support of Zain Ghana. Earlier, Zain Ghana donated drinks, Zain souvenirs and a cheque of 2,500 Ghana Cedis in support of Bolga Naba’s Educational Endowment fund. The Bolga Naba, Naba Martin Atongo Abilba commended Zain for the kind gesture and promise to use the items judiciously. Mr. Sowah said the educational fund will go along way to serve as a backbone to assist the poor but the needy in the municipality and beyond. He promised his outfit’s commitment to provide superior mobile technology and affordable mobile services to all Ghanaians.
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RESIDENTS OF BAWKU ASKED TO GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
27-10-09 RESIDENTS OF BAWKU ASKED TO GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo had asked the two feuding factions in the Bawku Municipality to reconcile and unite so as to maintain the existing peace process currently prevailing in the region. He emphasizes the need for people in the area to discard all retaliatory attacks but rather contribute their quota to the realization of the peace process. Mr. Woyongo was speaking at the final funeral rites of the late David Moli Belko, Co-Chairperson of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee, who died on the 30th of September, this year at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness. Isaac Asare was there and has sent this report.
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The late David Moli Belko, 64, born in Bawku was a founding member of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee instituted by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in collaboration with the government of Ghana. As a renowned and retired educationist, Belko served in various capacities which earned him laurels from UNICEF and other institutions. Due to his visionary position as the Co-Chairman of the Committee, he was also a member of the Bawku Municipal Education Planning Team and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Ghana’s jurisdiction, until his death. The late Belko left behind two wives and seven children. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo described the late Belko as hardworking and peace loving man who showed compassion, love, and maturity in his daily activities adding that his death comes as a big blow not only to his family but to the committee in general. He therefore appealed to the people in the Bawku Municipality particularly, the youth to emulate the examples of the late Belko by giving peace a chance. Mr. Woyongo challenged the people in the area to cultivate and practice his virtue and use the occasion to honour his death. He therefore cautioned those who had taken entrenched positions in the Bawku conflict to desist from the act since his outfit will not tolerate any act of violent conflict. He later donated 8 bags of rice, 4 gallons of cooking oil , 14 cartons of minerals and a an amount of 1,500 Ghana Cedis to support the bereaved family. Moreover the leader of the Mamprusis, Alhaji Khalifa in an interaction with the dignitaries present called on the government to do all that it can to ensure that peace is restored to Bawku. Dignitaries present at the funeral include, the Minister of Interior, Cletus Avoka, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai, Presidential Advisor, Martin Amidu, MP for Garu-Tampane, Azumbe and the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, among others.
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The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo had asked the two feuding factions in the Bawku Municipality to reconcile and unite so as to maintain the existing peace process currently prevailing in the region. He emphasizes the need for people in the area to discard all retaliatory attacks but rather contribute their quota to the realization of the peace process. Mr. Woyongo was speaking at the final funeral rites of the late David Moli Belko, Co-Chairperson of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee, who died on the 30th of September, this year at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness. Isaac Asare was there and has sent this report.
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The late David Moli Belko, 64, born in Bawku was a founding member of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee instituted by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in collaboration with the government of Ghana. As a renowned and retired educationist, Belko served in various capacities which earned him laurels from UNICEF and other institutions. Due to his visionary position as the Co-Chairman of the Committee, he was also a member of the Bawku Municipal Education Planning Team and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Ghana’s jurisdiction, until his death. The late Belko left behind two wives and seven children. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo described the late Belko as hardworking and peace loving man who showed compassion, love, and maturity in his daily activities adding that his death comes as a big blow not only to his family but to the committee in general. He therefore appealed to the people in the Bawku Municipality particularly, the youth to emulate the examples of the late Belko by giving peace a chance. Mr. Woyongo challenged the people in the area to cultivate and practice his virtue and use the occasion to honour his death. He therefore cautioned those who had taken entrenched positions in the Bawku conflict to desist from the act since his outfit will not tolerate any act of violent conflict. He later donated 8 bags of rice, 4 gallons of cooking oil , 14 cartons of minerals and a an amount of 1,500 Ghana Cedis to support the bereaved family. Moreover the leader of the Mamprusis, Alhaji Khalifa in an interaction with the dignitaries present called on the government to do all that it can to ensure that peace is restored to Bawku. Dignitaries present at the funeral include, the Minister of Interior, Cletus Avoka, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai, Presidential Advisor, Martin Amidu, MP for Garu-Tampane, Azumbe and the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, among others.
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DOCUMENTATION OF CUSTOMARY LAW VITAL- DR.DAANNAA
15-10-09 DOCUMENTATION OF CUSTOMARY LAW VITAL- DR.DAANNAA
A legal Anthropologist and Director of Research, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, Dr. H.S Daannaa has reiterated the need to ascertain and document customary law governing family and land issues of the various communities in the country. He emphasized that since customary lands support the livelihoods of the majority of the population, the sustainable management of such lands is critical to the socio-economic development of the country. Dr. Daannaa was speaking at a validation workshop on the ascertainment and codification of customary law report at Paga in the Upper East Region. The project which is being undertaken by the National House of Chiefs and the Law Reform Commission with support from the German Development Cooperation (GTZ) brought together a section of the public as well as chiefs and elders from the Paga Traditional Area. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has sent this report.
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The workshop was to validate the findings of data collected from the Paga Traditional area in order to engage the respondents to finally assess the outcome of the information collated by the research teams for correction and ratification. Dr. J.S Daannaa in a remark said even though the customary law is an important law in Ghana, the contents of the rules and practices of any particularly community are not clear, thus resulting to uncertainty, adding that lack of certainty in the customary and conflicting accounts of customary law rules, contribute significantly to family and land disputes in the country. He explained that gaps in the knowledge of customary law particularly family law which forms a vital part of the lives of Ghanaians accounts for the high incidence of chieftaincy disputes, hence the need for proper documentation and ascertainment of customary law governing family law issues in communities across the regions. The Executive Secretary of the Joint Steering Committee of the Ascertainment and Codification of Customary Law Project, Mrs. Sheila Minka-Premo, in a release signed hinted that her outfit would organize a regional and national validation exercise in the country since data collection in all the 20 selected traditional areas is almost completed. The Paramount Chief of Paga, Pio Awampaga commended the Joint Steering Committee for chosing the Paga traditional area as the pilot phase among the 20 selected traditional areas from all the 10 regions of the country for the collection of data. He stated that the outcome of the research project on land and family in Ghana coupled with the recommendations made will help assist in the settlement of disputes and bring more transparency in land transactions for development. He pledged his unflinching support for the committee and urge d them to take similar projects in the area.
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A legal Anthropologist and Director of Research, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, Dr. H.S Daannaa has reiterated the need to ascertain and document customary law governing family and land issues of the various communities in the country. He emphasized that since customary lands support the livelihoods of the majority of the population, the sustainable management of such lands is critical to the socio-economic development of the country. Dr. Daannaa was speaking at a validation workshop on the ascertainment and codification of customary law report at Paga in the Upper East Region. The project which is being undertaken by the National House of Chiefs and the Law Reform Commission with support from the German Development Cooperation (GTZ) brought together a section of the public as well as chiefs and elders from the Paga Traditional Area. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has sent this report.
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The workshop was to validate the findings of data collected from the Paga Traditional area in order to engage the respondents to finally assess the outcome of the information collated by the research teams for correction and ratification. Dr. J.S Daannaa in a remark said even though the customary law is an important law in Ghana, the contents of the rules and practices of any particularly community are not clear, thus resulting to uncertainty, adding that lack of certainty in the customary and conflicting accounts of customary law rules, contribute significantly to family and land disputes in the country. He explained that gaps in the knowledge of customary law particularly family law which forms a vital part of the lives of Ghanaians accounts for the high incidence of chieftaincy disputes, hence the need for proper documentation and ascertainment of customary law governing family law issues in communities across the regions. The Executive Secretary of the Joint Steering Committee of the Ascertainment and Codification of Customary Law Project, Mrs. Sheila Minka-Premo, in a release signed hinted that her outfit would organize a regional and national validation exercise in the country since data collection in all the 20 selected traditional areas is almost completed. The Paramount Chief of Paga, Pio Awampaga commended the Joint Steering Committee for chosing the Paga traditional area as the pilot phase among the 20 selected traditional areas from all the 10 regions of the country for the collection of data. He stated that the outcome of the research project on land and family in Ghana coupled with the recommendations made will help assist in the settlement of disputes and bring more transparency in land transactions for development. He pledged his unflinching support for the committee and urge d them to take similar projects in the area.
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BAWKU NABA MEETS THE PRESS
04-11-09 BAWKU NABA MEETS THE PRESS
Following the recent renewed crashes in the Bawku Municipality, that claimed some lives and property, the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka as a matter of clarification, has organized a press conference to inform the Ghanaian public on the latest development in the area. The Bawku Naba who condemned the recent clashes was not happy about the withdrawal of the Mamprusis from the inter-ethnic peace committee, describing it as worrisome. He emphasized that as the overlord of the area, he is particularly disturbed by the turns of events, despite the numerous interventions of peace initiatives by various state agencies and organizations. According to the Bawku Naba, the unfortunate incident occurred last Friday, when Fuseni Imoro, a Kusasi cattle dealer en route to the animal market was ambushed and shot in broad day light by some unknown gunmen. This, he said, resulted in serious gun shots between the two feuding factions of which three people had so far been confirmed dead. He said two days after the event, some gunmen suspected to be Mamprusis opened fire and killed two persons who were among relatives mourning the death of Barichesu Fuseini at Mazema, a community predominantly dominated by the Mamprusis. A similar shooting incident also took place at the funeral gathering at Azaaga. This generated intense sporadic gun shots at various locations throughout the night and continued in the next morning resulting in the recent ethnic clashes. Naba Asigri stressed that it took the combine efforts of the police and the military to bring the situation under control by 4.pm. he therefore commended the Regional Minister and the security agencies for their prompt response and professionalism and entreated them to continue their effort in restoring peace to Bawku. Naba Azoka called on the residents in the area to remain calm and adhere to curfew being imposed by the Regional Security Council since the government is committed to finding a lasting peace to Bawku Conflict. Interestingly the Kusasi youth group has kicked against the imposition of state of emergency in the Bawku Municipality as recommended by the Regional Minister. They are therefore of the view that it should be the last thing the government should do because many lives would be lost if it is imposed.
Following the recent renewed crashes in the Bawku Municipality, that claimed some lives and property, the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka as a matter of clarification, has organized a press conference to inform the Ghanaian public on the latest development in the area. The Bawku Naba who condemned the recent clashes was not happy about the withdrawal of the Mamprusis from the inter-ethnic peace committee, describing it as worrisome. He emphasized that as the overlord of the area, he is particularly disturbed by the turns of events, despite the numerous interventions of peace initiatives by various state agencies and organizations. According to the Bawku Naba, the unfortunate incident occurred last Friday, when Fuseni Imoro, a Kusasi cattle dealer en route to the animal market was ambushed and shot in broad day light by some unknown gunmen. This, he said, resulted in serious gun shots between the two feuding factions of which three people had so far been confirmed dead. He said two days after the event, some gunmen suspected to be Mamprusis opened fire and killed two persons who were among relatives mourning the death of Barichesu Fuseini at Mazema, a community predominantly dominated by the Mamprusis. A similar shooting incident also took place at the funeral gathering at Azaaga. This generated intense sporadic gun shots at various locations throughout the night and continued in the next morning resulting in the recent ethnic clashes. Naba Asigri stressed that it took the combine efforts of the police and the military to bring the situation under control by 4.pm. he therefore commended the Regional Minister and the security agencies for their prompt response and professionalism and entreated them to continue their effort in restoring peace to Bawku. Naba Azoka called on the residents in the area to remain calm and adhere to curfew being imposed by the Regional Security Council since the government is committed to finding a lasting peace to Bawku Conflict. Interestingly the Kusasi youth group has kicked against the imposition of state of emergency in the Bawku Municipality as recommended by the Regional Minister. They are therefore of the view that it should be the last thing the government should do because many lives would be lost if it is imposed.
YOUTH ADVISED TO ESCHEW NEGATIVE TENDENCIES
12-11-09 YOUTH ADVISED TO ESCHEW NEGATIVE TENDENCIES
The youth have been called upon to distance themselves from party politics but rather engage in other income generating activities including agriculture to help better their standard of living for the development of the country. This is one of the surest ways to discourage school going children from traveling down south for non-existing jobs. The Chief of Nyariga, Naba Malax Abosongo, made the call when he was addressing members of Canal View Youth of Nyariga, a youth group in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. Naba Abosongo also advised the children who were mostly primary and junior high students to take their studies seriously in order to become responsible persons in future. He therefore charged the various district assemblies to create employable skills for children who are not into schools and also help increase school enrolment among children in the district by extending the school feeding programme to other deprived communities. In a speech read on his behalf, the Headteacher of Nyariga Junior High School, Bismark Asug-Bey Yakubu challenged parents, teachers, guardians as well as students to play their respective roles so as to ensure effective teaching and learning. Mr. Yakubu urged parents to provide basic materials for their wards to enhance their learning capacity. The President of the youth group, Moses Aguama, appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders and district assemblies to put premium on education of the youth particularly, the girl child to empower them. He called on the youth to unite and live exemplary lifestyles devoid of smoking, drunkenness, stealing among others.
GBC END IA/
The youth have been called upon to distance themselves from party politics but rather engage in other income generating activities including agriculture to help better their standard of living for the development of the country. This is one of the surest ways to discourage school going children from traveling down south for non-existing jobs. The Chief of Nyariga, Naba Malax Abosongo, made the call when he was addressing members of Canal View Youth of Nyariga, a youth group in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. Naba Abosongo also advised the children who were mostly primary and junior high students to take their studies seriously in order to become responsible persons in future. He therefore charged the various district assemblies to create employable skills for children who are not into schools and also help increase school enrolment among children in the district by extending the school feeding programme to other deprived communities. In a speech read on his behalf, the Headteacher of Nyariga Junior High School, Bismark Asug-Bey Yakubu challenged parents, teachers, guardians as well as students to play their respective roles so as to ensure effective teaching and learning. Mr. Yakubu urged parents to provide basic materials for their wards to enhance their learning capacity. The President of the youth group, Moses Aguama, appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders and district assemblies to put premium on education of the youth particularly, the girl child to empower them. He called on the youth to unite and live exemplary lifestyles devoid of smoking, drunkenness, stealing among others.
GBC END IA/
SINGLE WOMEN CALLS FOR SUPPORT TO INCREASE RICE PRODUCTION/ NDC MEMBERS URGED TO UNITE
28-10-09 SINGLE WOMEN CALLS FOR SUPPORT TO INCREASE RICE PRODUCTION
Narration: The Daborin Single Mothers Association (SMA), a locally registered NGO based at Zuarungu a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, is appealing to the government, District and Municipal Assemblies, NGOs and benevolent organizations to help the Daborin and Sumbrungu single mothers rice processing centers with the needed financial and logistic support to promote the Bolgatanga Quality Rice in order to reduce its importation. The President of the Association, Stella Abagre made the call when representatives from Oxfam GB, an International advocacy group from Burkina-Faso visited the Daborin Single Mothers Rice Processing Centre. . Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
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The visit was to learn at first hand the operation of the Daborin Single Mothers Rice processing project, and also share ideas and experiences on how best locally produce rice would meet the international standard. The project which is being initiated by the Single Mothers Association,(SMA) is aimed at fighting the cause of deprived women in the society who are mostly widows and single mothers through poverty alleviation. The SMA also seeks to improve the livelihood of women and also fight against traditional practices which make women prone to single motherhood. The Upper East alone is home to over 900 registered single mothers who are into skills development training, basket weaving, among others. This serves as an income generating activity to the women and most importantly, provides economic and social empowerment to these deprived women. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the President of the Association, Mrs. Stella Abagre, commended most of the organizations for their support over the years. She said the SMA focuses its programming efforts to allaying the negative effects of the problems associated with single parenthood among women. Mrs. Abagre mentioned intra-family marriages, divorce, early childhood betrothal, preference for boy child and separation by death of a spouse as some of the challenges facing women in the region. He therefore called chiefs, traditional authorities and opinion leaders to abolish practices that affect the lives of women to help champion their cause. Mrs. Abagre also called on the support of government and individuals to help the Daborin Single Mothers Rice Project with funding to enable them produce more rice in the country. The Municipal Agric Extension Officer of MOFA, Alhassan Zimi also appealed to the government to allocate some of the schools under the Ghana School Feeding Programme to the single mothers rather than importing foreign rice on high purchase. This he said will reduce the 30 percent cost government spent in the importation of foreign rice into the country. Representatives from Oxfam GB were taken through the processes of rice parboiling which involves the process soaking, steaming and drying of the rice.
28-10-09 NDC MEMBERS URGED TO UNITE
The Upper East Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Bonaba has expressed government’s commitment to improving the living standard of Ghanaians better than before. He was speaking at the party’s congress held at Nangodi in the Nadbam Constituency of the Talensi –Nabdam District, to elect new executives to steer the affairs of the party. Mr. Bonaba commended all the delegates who were declared unopposed for their zeal and unity. The Nabdam Constituency Chairman of the party, Mr. Patrick Samare in his welcome address called on the rank and file of the party, to come together as one people to ensure total development in the district. Also the founding member of the Nabdam Constituency NDC, Mr. Thomas Moore on his part, said unity as the hallmark for peace is the surest way to development and urged all party faithfuls to collaborate effectively among themselves to ensure the party’s victory in the next elections. The District Chief Executive of the Talensi-Nabdam District, Mrs. Vivian Anarfo advised all the executive members to adhere to the rules and regulations of the party in order to move the party forward in the right direction. Mrs. Anarfo gave the advised after the swearing in ceremony.
GBC END
Narration: The Daborin Single Mothers Association (SMA), a locally registered NGO based at Zuarungu a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, is appealing to the government, District and Municipal Assemblies, NGOs and benevolent organizations to help the Daborin and Sumbrungu single mothers rice processing centers with the needed financial and logistic support to promote the Bolgatanga Quality Rice in order to reduce its importation. The President of the Association, Stella Abagre made the call when representatives from Oxfam GB, an International advocacy group from Burkina-Faso visited the Daborin Single Mothers Rice Processing Centre. . Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
CUE IN……………………..
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ANCR V/O
Report
The visit was to learn at first hand the operation of the Daborin Single Mothers Rice processing project, and also share ideas and experiences on how best locally produce rice would meet the international standard. The project which is being initiated by the Single Mothers Association,(SMA) is aimed at fighting the cause of deprived women in the society who are mostly widows and single mothers through poverty alleviation. The SMA also seeks to improve the livelihood of women and also fight against traditional practices which make women prone to single motherhood. The Upper East alone is home to over 900 registered single mothers who are into skills development training, basket weaving, among others. This serves as an income generating activity to the women and most importantly, provides economic and social empowerment to these deprived women. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the President of the Association, Mrs. Stella Abagre, commended most of the organizations for their support over the years. She said the SMA focuses its programming efforts to allaying the negative effects of the problems associated with single parenthood among women. Mrs. Abagre mentioned intra-family marriages, divorce, early childhood betrothal, preference for boy child and separation by death of a spouse as some of the challenges facing women in the region. He therefore called chiefs, traditional authorities and opinion leaders to abolish practices that affect the lives of women to help champion their cause. Mrs. Abagre also called on the support of government and individuals to help the Daborin Single Mothers Rice Project with funding to enable them produce more rice in the country. The Municipal Agric Extension Officer of MOFA, Alhassan Zimi also appealed to the government to allocate some of the schools under the Ghana School Feeding Programme to the single mothers rather than importing foreign rice on high purchase. This he said will reduce the 30 percent cost government spent in the importation of foreign rice into the country. Representatives from Oxfam GB were taken through the processes of rice parboiling which involves the process soaking, steaming and drying of the rice.
28-10-09 NDC MEMBERS URGED TO UNITE
The Upper East Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Bonaba has expressed government’s commitment to improving the living standard of Ghanaians better than before. He was speaking at the party’s congress held at Nangodi in the Nadbam Constituency of the Talensi –Nabdam District, to elect new executives to steer the affairs of the party. Mr. Bonaba commended all the delegates who were declared unopposed for their zeal and unity. The Nabdam Constituency Chairman of the party, Mr. Patrick Samare in his welcome address called on the rank and file of the party, to come together as one people to ensure total development in the district. Also the founding member of the Nabdam Constituency NDC, Mr. Thomas Moore on his part, said unity as the hallmark for peace is the surest way to development and urged all party faithfuls to collaborate effectively among themselves to ensure the party’s victory in the next elections. The District Chief Executive of the Talensi-Nabdam District, Mrs. Vivian Anarfo advised all the executive members to adhere to the rules and regulations of the party in order to move the party forward in the right direction. Mrs. Anarfo gave the advised after the swearing in ceremony.
GBC END
Obour on Ghana Reads Campaign
25-10-09 Obour on Ghana Reads Campaign
A renowned Ghanaian Hip-Life Artist, Bice Osei Kufour, popularly known as “Obour” has urged everyone particularly school children to inculcate the habit of reading and make it a part of everyday life, for that will give them the power to achieve great academic excellence. He said this during a sod cutting ceremony to commence a GHc 25,000 library complex at Zorkor, a farming community in Bongo District of the Upper East Region. Obour said, all great people achieved greatness through reading and making it a habit. He said Youth Icon Ghana the initiator of Ghana Reads Campaign is aiming at giving out the power of reading to young people especially those at the rural areas by helping build libraries in amost of the rural communities in all the regions in the country. He mentioned that during the launch of the campaign in Accra, at a launch of the campaign in Accra, an amount of 25,000 Ghana Cedis was raised for the construction of the first library of which Bongo was chosen as the beneficiary. He said Upper East Region for that matter Bongo was chosen because, the region is dear to his heart and he sees it as a privilege to begin the project in the region since all the projects he has embarked on started in the region. He mentioned Read Wide Ghana, and Kingdom Books and Stationary as some of the supporters of the project who have accepted to furnish and stock the libraries with books. He latter presented a GHc 5,000 cheque for the start of the project. The Bongo District Executive, Clement Akugri Atia said the district is ever prepared to support any project which is geared toward the development of the area. He urged the children to make good use of the library when constructed and should not use it as a recreational centre and this should be ensured by everyone. He also advised the youth of the area to refrain from the use of hard drugs. He therefore urges other individuals who are making it great in life to emulate the examples of Obour. He took the opportunity to cautioned fuel smugglers to stop the act for they will not be spared if caught. The Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional area, Naba Salifu Alemyarim, showed his deepest appreciation to Youth Icon Ghana and Obour for the positive initiative they are taking and choosing Bongo as the first site of the project. He said the importance of education cannot be realized without reading of books. He cautioned the people of the area to refrain from the notion that, the location of the library is politically motivated, he said he is determined to develop the area and he will not relent in his effort and be bias toward the development of the area. He therefore used the platform to advise his people to consult the assembly any time their embarking on a developmental project in the district since a development plan has been set for that purpose.
GBC END IA/GMST/
A renowned Ghanaian Hip-Life Artist, Bice Osei Kufour, popularly known as “Obour” has urged everyone particularly school children to inculcate the habit of reading and make it a part of everyday life, for that will give them the power to achieve great academic excellence. He said this during a sod cutting ceremony to commence a GHc 25,000 library complex at Zorkor, a farming community in Bongo District of the Upper East Region. Obour said, all great people achieved greatness through reading and making it a habit. He said Youth Icon Ghana the initiator of Ghana Reads Campaign is aiming at giving out the power of reading to young people especially those at the rural areas by helping build libraries in amost of the rural communities in all the regions in the country. He mentioned that during the launch of the campaign in Accra, at a launch of the campaign in Accra, an amount of 25,000 Ghana Cedis was raised for the construction of the first library of which Bongo was chosen as the beneficiary. He said Upper East Region for that matter Bongo was chosen because, the region is dear to his heart and he sees it as a privilege to begin the project in the region since all the projects he has embarked on started in the region. He mentioned Read Wide Ghana, and Kingdom Books and Stationary as some of the supporters of the project who have accepted to furnish and stock the libraries with books. He latter presented a GHc 5,000 cheque for the start of the project. The Bongo District Executive, Clement Akugri Atia said the district is ever prepared to support any project which is geared toward the development of the area. He urged the children to make good use of the library when constructed and should not use it as a recreational centre and this should be ensured by everyone. He also advised the youth of the area to refrain from the use of hard drugs. He therefore urges other individuals who are making it great in life to emulate the examples of Obour. He took the opportunity to cautioned fuel smugglers to stop the act for they will not be spared if caught. The Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional area, Naba Salifu Alemyarim, showed his deepest appreciation to Youth Icon Ghana and Obour for the positive initiative they are taking and choosing Bongo as the first site of the project. He said the importance of education cannot be realized without reading of books. He cautioned the people of the area to refrain from the notion that, the location of the library is politically motivated, he said he is determined to develop the area and he will not relent in his effort and be bias toward the development of the area. He therefore used the platform to advise his people to consult the assembly any time their embarking on a developmental project in the district since a development plan has been set for that purpose.
GBC END IA/GMST/
POLICE AND CEPS IDENTIFIED AS MOST CORRUPT INSTITUTIONS-SURVEY REVEALS
14-10-09 POLICE AND CEPS IDENTIFIED AS MOST CORRUPT INSTITUTIONS-SURVEY REVEALS
The Ghana Police Service and the Custom Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) have been identified as the two most corrupt institutions among other others institutions in the country. This was contained in an African Peer Review Mechanism Monitoring and Evaluation (APRM) report presented to participants at a day validation workshop for Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The Executive Secretary of the Municipal Oversight Committee, Mike Fuoh also mentioned the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) as the least corrupt institutions across the country. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
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The workshop which was organized by the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council was attended by chiefs, religious and opinion leaders, heads of departments, civil society groups, members of the municipal oversight committee and the APRM governing council, a section of the public and the press. In a presentation, the Secretary of the municipal oversight committee, Mr. Mike Fuoh, mentioned the Ghana Police Service and the Custom Excise and Preventive Services as the two most corrupt institutions in the country. This according to him was based on a survey conducted in four thematic areas namely; Democracy and Good Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance as well as Socio-economic development. The Executive Secretary of the NAPRM governing council, Dr Francis Appiah said Ghana which is the pace setter of the APRM system has chalked successes over the past few years. He noted that the APRM which is seeking to improve and deepen civil society participation in governance at the local level through establishment of district APRM oversight committees, is important for Africa’s development and should be embraced by all meaning Ghanaians devoid of party politics. He emphasized that the recent by the US President, Barrack Obama to the country, is a true indication that the APRM programme is on course. He therefore appealed to the general public to participate fully in the local governance system since the populace at the district level live with the problem of instability, deprivation, poverty, misery, hopelessness and health related issues. He hinted that a national validation would be held in the country after collating all the report from the 20 selected districts in the country, adding that the final report that will come out would be presented at the next African Union Summit by the President, Prof. J.E.A Mills. He entreated the various district assemblies to have gain access to the report collated by the oversight committee so that they can inform their development planning. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga, who supported the programme with 650 Ghana Cedis, commended the APRM Governing Council and the Municipal Oversight Committee for their contribution to government’s commitment of providing good governance at the door step of the people in the country. He re-echoed the need for people to contribute their quota to the promotion of good governance in the country. Some of the participants during an open forum cautioned the police and other security agencies to redeem their image by eschewing extortion and other negative tendencies to move the country forward.
End
The Ghana Police Service and the Custom Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) have been identified as the two most corrupt institutions among other others institutions in the country. This was contained in an African Peer Review Mechanism Monitoring and Evaluation (APRM) report presented to participants at a day validation workshop for Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The Executive Secretary of the Municipal Oversight Committee, Mike Fuoh also mentioned the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) as the least corrupt institutions across the country. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.
CUE IN……………………
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ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop which was organized by the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council was attended by chiefs, religious and opinion leaders, heads of departments, civil society groups, members of the municipal oversight committee and the APRM governing council, a section of the public and the press. In a presentation, the Secretary of the municipal oversight committee, Mr. Mike Fuoh, mentioned the Ghana Police Service and the Custom Excise and Preventive Services as the two most corrupt institutions in the country. This according to him was based on a survey conducted in four thematic areas namely; Democracy and Good Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance as well as Socio-economic development. The Executive Secretary of the NAPRM governing council, Dr Francis Appiah said Ghana which is the pace setter of the APRM system has chalked successes over the past few years. He noted that the APRM which is seeking to improve and deepen civil society participation in governance at the local level through establishment of district APRM oversight committees, is important for Africa’s development and should be embraced by all meaning Ghanaians devoid of party politics. He emphasized that the recent by the US President, Barrack Obama to the country, is a true indication that the APRM programme is on course. He therefore appealed to the general public to participate fully in the local governance system since the populace at the district level live with the problem of instability, deprivation, poverty, misery, hopelessness and health related issues. He hinted that a national validation would be held in the country after collating all the report from the 20 selected districts in the country, adding that the final report that will come out would be presented at the next African Union Summit by the President, Prof. J.E.A Mills. He entreated the various district assemblies to have gain access to the report collated by the oversight committee so that they can inform their development planning. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga, who supported the programme with 650 Ghana Cedis, commended the APRM Governing Council and the Municipal Oversight Committee for their contribution to government’s commitment of providing good governance at the door step of the people in the country. He re-echoed the need for people to contribute their quota to the promotion of good governance in the country. Some of the participants during an open forum cautioned the police and other security agencies to redeem their image by eschewing extortion and other negative tendencies to move the country forward.
End
REWARD PACKAGE FOR INFORMANTS
26-09-09 REWARD PACKAGE FOR INFORMANTS
An amount of 3000 Ghana Cedis has being paid by the Upper East Regional Police command as Reward package for informants. This is a new policy instituted by the police administration to reward people who provide information leading to the arrest of criminals in the region. The Upper East Regional Police Commander, ACP Bright Oduro, who made this revelation, at this year’s Regional Commander’s Parade at Bolgatanga, therefore charged the general public to help expose criminals for handsome reward packages. ACP Oduro hinted that reliable information from the public has led to the arrest of a notorious armed robber, who had been involved in several robberies in the Northern and the Upper East Regions. He appealed to all peace loving people in the Bawku Municipality who have any information on criminals and perpetrators of several acts of violence in the area to volunteer the information to the police for prompt action. He reiterated that, every useful information would be handsomely rewarded. ACP Oduro advised police personnel to be mindful of the proper handling of weapons and the need to return riles to the armoury immediately after duty. Officers who fail to report for duty or desert duty point were also cautioned to desist from the act, adding that those caught would be dealt with accordingly to the regulations of the police service. ACP Oduro pledged his outfit’s commitment to disrupt activities of criminals in the region since the market season in the three Northern Regions is approaching.
GBC END IA/
An amount of 3000 Ghana Cedis has being paid by the Upper East Regional Police command as Reward package for informants. This is a new policy instituted by the police administration to reward people who provide information leading to the arrest of criminals in the region. The Upper East Regional Police Commander, ACP Bright Oduro, who made this revelation, at this year’s Regional Commander’s Parade at Bolgatanga, therefore charged the general public to help expose criminals for handsome reward packages. ACP Oduro hinted that reliable information from the public has led to the arrest of a notorious armed robber, who had been involved in several robberies in the Northern and the Upper East Regions. He appealed to all peace loving people in the Bawku Municipality who have any information on criminals and perpetrators of several acts of violence in the area to volunteer the information to the police for prompt action. He reiterated that, every useful information would be handsomely rewarded. ACP Oduro advised police personnel to be mindful of the proper handling of weapons and the need to return riles to the armoury immediately after duty. Officers who fail to report for duty or desert duty point were also cautioned to desist from the act, adding that those caught would be dealt with accordingly to the regulations of the police service. ACP Oduro pledged his outfit’s commitment to disrupt activities of criminals in the region since the market season in the three Northern Regions is approaching.
GBC END IA/
MOVES TO FIGHTING CORRUPT AND FRADULENT PRACTICES ON THE COUNTRY’S CORRIDORS
23-11-09 MOVES TO FIGHTING CORRUPT AND FRADULENT PRACTICES ON THE COUNTRY’S CORRIDORS
Narration: In efforts to fighting corruption and fraudulent practices on the major corridors within the ECOWAS sub region, Social Support Foundation (SSF), in collaboration with the Community Development and Advocacy Center (CODAC), both non- governmental organizations, has organized a workshop for media practitioners at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The workshop which aimed at supporting the campaign to free the West African transport corridors from excessive barriers, corruption and delays particularly, on the Tema-Ouagadougou corridors was on the theme” fighting corrupt and fraudulent practices on the Tema-Paga-Ouagadougou trunk road the role of the media: the way forward for Ghana. Isaac Asare was at the meeting and has sent this report.
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The workshop is an accelerating Economic Development through Improved Road Transport Governance (AED-IRTG) Project geared at contributing towards enhancing equitable access, accountability and transparency in road transport governance within the West African sub region. This is through active media participation using various strategies including sensitization and behavioral change communication, advocacy and capacity building among others to fight the canker . The Project Manager of Community Development and Advocacy Center (CODAC), Bukari Issaku in a presentation, emphasized that the responsibility of ensuring good practices on the major corridors in the West Africa sub region greatly lies on the officials designated by the respective countries to man the check points and to a lesser extent on all road users especially drivers and driver unions in our respective countries. He charged the media to help expose security personnel manning the various check points in the country by closely monitoring their activities to help reduce bribery, delays and harassment of drivers and other passengers at the check points which he stressed constitutes s huge impediment to smooth trade within the sub region. Mr. Issaku challenged individuals, stakeholders and duty bearers to drivers, road users and political heads to take concrete measures to reform and transform road regulations of officials at the check points since the sub region loses high revenue as a result of extortion and other illegal activities by some officials. He urged drivers to join in the fight against the menace.
END
Narration: In efforts to fighting corruption and fraudulent practices on the major corridors within the ECOWAS sub region, Social Support Foundation (SSF), in collaboration with the Community Development and Advocacy Center (CODAC), both non- governmental organizations, has organized a workshop for media practitioners at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The workshop which aimed at supporting the campaign to free the West African transport corridors from excessive barriers, corruption and delays particularly, on the Tema-Ouagadougou corridors was on the theme” fighting corrupt and fraudulent practices on the Tema-Paga-Ouagadougou trunk road the role of the media: the way forward for Ghana. Isaac Asare was at the meeting and has sent this report.
CUE IN
CUE OUT
ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop is an accelerating Economic Development through Improved Road Transport Governance (AED-IRTG) Project geared at contributing towards enhancing equitable access, accountability and transparency in road transport governance within the West African sub region. This is through active media participation using various strategies including sensitization and behavioral change communication, advocacy and capacity building among others to fight the canker . The Project Manager of Community Development and Advocacy Center (CODAC), Bukari Issaku in a presentation, emphasized that the responsibility of ensuring good practices on the major corridors in the West Africa sub region greatly lies on the officials designated by the respective countries to man the check points and to a lesser extent on all road users especially drivers and driver unions in our respective countries. He charged the media to help expose security personnel manning the various check points in the country by closely monitoring their activities to help reduce bribery, delays and harassment of drivers and other passengers at the check points which he stressed constitutes s huge impediment to smooth trade within the sub region. Mr. Issaku challenged individuals, stakeholders and duty bearers to drivers, road users and political heads to take concrete measures to reform and transform road regulations of officials at the check points since the sub region loses high revenue as a result of extortion and other illegal activities by some officials. He urged drivers to join in the fight against the menace.
END
APRM ON COURSE
14-10-09 APRM ON COURSE
A Validation Workshop for Kassena-Nankana District African Peer Review Mechanism monitoring and evaluation report has taken place at Navrongo in the Upper East Region. It was being organized by the Governing Council of the National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM). The workshop which is being held for the second time in the district was attended by heads of departments, members of the District Oversight Committee (DOC), members of the APRM Governing council, opinion leaders, District Chief Executives, a section of the public and the press. The Executive Secretary of the NAPRM Governing Council, Mr. Francis Appiah in an address said the APRM which is voluntary self-monitoring process designed to promote the adoption of policies, standards and practices in the promotion of political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated economic integration has chalked successes in Ghana, which is the first African country to successfully complete the five stages of the APRM after African leaders assessed the country’s performance and heards its feedback and action plan. This, according to him was made possible through the sharing of experiences and reinforcement of successful best practices. Mr. Appiah noted that the problem of instability, poverty, misery deprivation, hopelessness among others should not be should not be shouldered by our leaders alone but rather needs collective involvement and participation in local governance at the local level to entice government’s intervention at the national and regional level. He added that though the peer review of Ghana is an important milestone for the improvement of governance in African countries, there is the urgent need to manage the economy prudently, take care of businesses, govern ourselves and also improve our material and standard of living. Mr. Appiah also urged the public. During an open forum some members of the DOC answered questions from participants based on the report of their research findings on democracy and good governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance and socio-economic development. The Public Affairs Officer of the APRM Governing Council, Mrs. Cornelia Amoah in an interview with Radio Ghana, hinted that the validation workshop would cover 20 selected districts in the country, adding that areas, including Mampong , Konongo, Sunyani among a few, have since had their fair share of it.
GBC END IA/
A Validation Workshop for Kassena-Nankana District African Peer Review Mechanism monitoring and evaluation report has taken place at Navrongo in the Upper East Region. It was being organized by the Governing Council of the National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM). The workshop which is being held for the second time in the district was attended by heads of departments, members of the District Oversight Committee (DOC), members of the APRM Governing council, opinion leaders, District Chief Executives, a section of the public and the press. The Executive Secretary of the NAPRM Governing Council, Mr. Francis Appiah in an address said the APRM which is voluntary self-monitoring process designed to promote the adoption of policies, standards and practices in the promotion of political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated economic integration has chalked successes in Ghana, which is the first African country to successfully complete the five stages of the APRM after African leaders assessed the country’s performance and heards its feedback and action plan. This, according to him was made possible through the sharing of experiences and reinforcement of successful best practices. Mr. Appiah noted that the problem of instability, poverty, misery deprivation, hopelessness among others should not be should not be shouldered by our leaders alone but rather needs collective involvement and participation in local governance at the local level to entice government’s intervention at the national and regional level. He added that though the peer review of Ghana is an important milestone for the improvement of governance in African countries, there is the urgent need to manage the economy prudently, take care of businesses, govern ourselves and also improve our material and standard of living. Mr. Appiah also urged the public. During an open forum some members of the DOC answered questions from participants based on the report of their research findings on democracy and good governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance and socio-economic development. The Public Affairs Officer of the APRM Governing Council, Mrs. Cornelia Amoah in an interview with Radio Ghana, hinted that the validation workshop would cover 20 selected districts in the country, adding that areas, including Mampong , Konongo, Sunyani among a few, have since had their fair share of it.
GBC END IA/
OLD CATERERS EXPRESSED JOY / NADMO DIPOSES ROTTEN MAIZE & ZOOMLION INTERACTS WITH THE MEDIA
27-10-09 OLD CATERERS EXPRESSED JOY
Old caterers in the Kassena-Nankana District working under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to the Bolgatanga high court for ruling in their favour in a case concerning their termination of contract as caterers by the assembly. According to them the assembly gave a directive that the old caterers should vacate their job for newly recruited caterers who they described as NDC sympathizers. In their quest to fight their right, a writ was filed against the assembly for breaching their contract. These caterers are workers employed under the NPP regime and had been at their various basic schools scattered in the region. In an interview with Radio Ghana, some of the caterers said they did not understand why the assembly wanted them to vacate their post which to them was politically motivated because they had posses all the qualities as qualified and experienced caterers. They noted that despite their role as professional caterers, they are not associated with any party since they are working for the betterment of the district, the region and the nation at large. Therefore, terminating their appointment illegally as caterers was an indictment on their right. This made them filed the writ at the law court to express their displeasure to the assembly and the government to look into the matter for the right to be done since they are serving the nation. To them the court ruling had shown that everyone is capable of defending his or her right without fear or contradiction from any quarters. They described the ruling as fair and transparent and urged their other colleagues in the various regions to also stand up and fight for their right in order to deepen the country’s enviable democracy.
GBC END IA/
26-10-09
26-10-10 NADMO DISPOSES OFF ROTTEN MAIZE
About 300 bags of maize, meant to be food aid for the 2007 flood victims in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region has been disposed off after they were found to be in a bad state. Apart from the rotten maize some bags of cement are also lying at the NADMO stores badly spoilt. The Kassena–Nankana District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema, who made this known in an interview with Radio Ghana said it outfit in consultation with NADMO decided to release the piled maize at the stores for persons who were affected by the recent flood but later realized that they had been invaded by weevils. As matter of urgency a decision was take by the appropriate authorities to sell them as cheap as 5 Ghana Cedis per bag to farmers as animal feed due to their rotten nature. He blamed the previous officers for mishandling the food aid because they have instituted measures to safeguard them against pest and heat. According to him , the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central was among those who bought some of the spoilt maize adding that the rest left at the stores had gone bad to the extent that they cannot be used in any way not even for animal consumption. The Newly appointed District Co-oordinator of NADMO, Mr Roland Ayalazoya explained that he only became aware of the rotten maize after he had taken over the office from the previous officer, Mr. Sylvester Navrose, in September this year. He stressed that the piled maize stock at the stores since 2007 was declared unwholesome for human consumption after frequent inspection conducted by the District Environmental Health Officer adding that about 30 bags of cement were also found at the stored quaked. Mr Ayalazoya emphasized that these relief items should have been kept properly after some of them were distributed to flood victims some years back. During a telephone interview with Mr. Navrose he said after the NDC took over power, a directive was given to him not to distribute any relief item to anyone so by the time he was leaving office he did not realize that some reserved stock of the maize were in bad condition.
GBC END IA
27-10-09 MANAGEMENT OF ZOOMLION INTERACTS WITH THE MEDIA
The management of the Bolgatanga office of Zoolion, Ghana, a waste management organization has urged media practitioners to help educate and address issues of sanitation to the general public. Explaining the rationale behind the organization of the meeting, the Regional Operational Supervisor of Zoolion, Mike Tagoe said it behooves on the media as the mouthpiece of the entire populace to sensitize and educate the public to ensure that good sanitary practices are exercise to avoid diseases. This, he said, would enable them to understand the operations of the company and the need to keep the environment clean. He noted that the company in its effort to combat poor environmental practices has signed an MOU with the municipal and district assemblies to provide waste containers and other services to the people. He advised residents in the Upper East Regional and beyond to embrace the National Malaria Control Programme (NAMCOP) instituted by Zoolion, Ghana as one of the safest and surest ways of protecting ourselves from mosquito bites to avoid contracting malaria a other related diseases. Mr. Tagoe attributed the high incidence of malaria cases to poor personal hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, indiscriminate disposal of waste, nonuse of treated insecticide bed nets; improper malaria treatment and lack of education which he said pose a great challenge. He therefore appealed to the media as the major stakeholders to help in the fight against best environmental practices to ensure a clean and better Ghana. Mr. Tagoe disclosed plans by Zoolion to establish compost and recycle plant to manage waste in the region. The Public Relations Officer of Zoolion, Mr. Francis Abirigo called on the general public to change their attitude towards waste disposal since the country waste many resources in the collection of waste daily. He hinted that 2016 tones of waste per average are collected in the municipality. In the course of the meeting the Regional Sanitation Supervisor, Mr. Derry Peter, and the Regional Pest Control Officer, Mr. Joseph Awuni also answered questions from the media.
GBC END IA/
Old caterers in the Kassena-Nankana District working under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to the Bolgatanga high court for ruling in their favour in a case concerning their termination of contract as caterers by the assembly. According to them the assembly gave a directive that the old caterers should vacate their job for newly recruited caterers who they described as NDC sympathizers. In their quest to fight their right, a writ was filed against the assembly for breaching their contract. These caterers are workers employed under the NPP regime and had been at their various basic schools scattered in the region. In an interview with Radio Ghana, some of the caterers said they did not understand why the assembly wanted them to vacate their post which to them was politically motivated because they had posses all the qualities as qualified and experienced caterers. They noted that despite their role as professional caterers, they are not associated with any party since they are working for the betterment of the district, the region and the nation at large. Therefore, terminating their appointment illegally as caterers was an indictment on their right. This made them filed the writ at the law court to express their displeasure to the assembly and the government to look into the matter for the right to be done since they are serving the nation. To them the court ruling had shown that everyone is capable of defending his or her right without fear or contradiction from any quarters. They described the ruling as fair and transparent and urged their other colleagues in the various regions to also stand up and fight for their right in order to deepen the country’s enviable democracy.
GBC END IA/
26-10-09
26-10-10 NADMO DISPOSES OFF ROTTEN MAIZE
About 300 bags of maize, meant to be food aid for the 2007 flood victims in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region has been disposed off after they were found to be in a bad state. Apart from the rotten maize some bags of cement are also lying at the NADMO stores badly spoilt. The Kassena–Nankana District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema, who made this known in an interview with Radio Ghana said it outfit in consultation with NADMO decided to release the piled maize at the stores for persons who were affected by the recent flood but later realized that they had been invaded by weevils. As matter of urgency a decision was take by the appropriate authorities to sell them as cheap as 5 Ghana Cedis per bag to farmers as animal feed due to their rotten nature. He blamed the previous officers for mishandling the food aid because they have instituted measures to safeguard them against pest and heat. According to him , the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central was among those who bought some of the spoilt maize adding that the rest left at the stores had gone bad to the extent that they cannot be used in any way not even for animal consumption. The Newly appointed District Co-oordinator of NADMO, Mr Roland Ayalazoya explained that he only became aware of the rotten maize after he had taken over the office from the previous officer, Mr. Sylvester Navrose, in September this year. He stressed that the piled maize stock at the stores since 2007 was declared unwholesome for human consumption after frequent inspection conducted by the District Environmental Health Officer adding that about 30 bags of cement were also found at the stored quaked. Mr Ayalazoya emphasized that these relief items should have been kept properly after some of them were distributed to flood victims some years back. During a telephone interview with Mr. Navrose he said after the NDC took over power, a directive was given to him not to distribute any relief item to anyone so by the time he was leaving office he did not realize that some reserved stock of the maize were in bad condition.
GBC END IA
27-10-09 MANAGEMENT OF ZOOMLION INTERACTS WITH THE MEDIA
The management of the Bolgatanga office of Zoolion, Ghana, a waste management organization has urged media practitioners to help educate and address issues of sanitation to the general public. Explaining the rationale behind the organization of the meeting, the Regional Operational Supervisor of Zoolion, Mike Tagoe said it behooves on the media as the mouthpiece of the entire populace to sensitize and educate the public to ensure that good sanitary practices are exercise to avoid diseases. This, he said, would enable them to understand the operations of the company and the need to keep the environment clean. He noted that the company in its effort to combat poor environmental practices has signed an MOU with the municipal and district assemblies to provide waste containers and other services to the people. He advised residents in the Upper East Regional and beyond to embrace the National Malaria Control Programme (NAMCOP) instituted by Zoolion, Ghana as one of the safest and surest ways of protecting ourselves from mosquito bites to avoid contracting malaria a other related diseases. Mr. Tagoe attributed the high incidence of malaria cases to poor personal hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, indiscriminate disposal of waste, nonuse of treated insecticide bed nets; improper malaria treatment and lack of education which he said pose a great challenge. He therefore appealed to the media as the major stakeholders to help in the fight against best environmental practices to ensure a clean and better Ghana. Mr. Tagoe disclosed plans by Zoolion to establish compost and recycle plant to manage waste in the region. The Public Relations Officer of Zoolion, Mr. Francis Abirigo called on the general public to change their attitude towards waste disposal since the country waste many resources in the collection of waste daily. He hinted that 2016 tones of waste per average are collected in the municipality. In the course of the meeting the Regional Sanitation Supervisor, Mr. Derry Peter, and the Regional Pest Control Officer, Mr. Joseph Awuni also answered questions from the media.
GBC END IA/
TV STORY -TRIPARTITE MEETING BETWEEN GHANA ,TOGO AND BURKINA FASO
Tenkodogo/Burkina-Faso: A 3-Day Tripartite Meeting Ends In Burkina-Faso
VTR
…….SECs
Ann: The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo has bemoaned the proliferation of small arms and narcotic drugs into the West African sub region. He said the deepening of cross border cohesion, peaceful co-existence and free movement of goods and persons between countries in the ECOWAS sub-region will be a mirage if the problems associated with insecurity are not addressed. Mr Woyongo was speaking at a 3-day tripartite
R. Tape meeting for the reinforcement of cross border cooperation, at
T Tape: Tenkodogo, chief town of the Central Province of Burkina –Faso
Ann V/O: The meeting which was on the theme: “Lets fight together against cross border crimes, insecurity, child trafficking, diseases, excision, corruption and fraud” brought together delegates from the Upper East of Ghana, the Savanna Region of Togo and the Central East Province of Burkina-Faso. It was aimed at deepening cooperation between communities of the three regions through the exchange of ideas in the sectors of environment, trade, security, transport, health and excision among other anti social practices. The Governor of the Central East Province of Burkina-Faso, Simeon Sawadogo, who expressed sadness about the incessant ethnic conflict in Bawku, advised the communities of the three regions to stay away from the conflict. He therefore called for peace in the area.
Up Sound
Cue At…Secs The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, reiterated the need for unity and effective cooperation between countries in the ECOWAS Sub-region to help overcome the daunting challenges facing member countries. He deplored the proliferation of small arms in conflict prone areas such as Bawku and called on participating countries to work closely to reduce the inflow of arms and narcotics in such areas, since the three regions share the same cultural and ethic backgrounds. Mr Woyongo also expressed his outfit’s preparedness to host the next meeting in the Upper East Region.
Up Sound
Cue At…Secs The Chief Executive of Dapaone, Togo, Ali Seydou Mossyamba urged participants to observe a two minutes silence for flood victims who died during the recent heavy downpour in Ouagadougou. He called for the deepening of cross border crimes, which he said, pose a challenge.
Cue At..Secs As part of the meeting, work on a thematic committee was instituted to deliberate on security, social and economic issues affecting the three regions. A communiqué signed, by the leaders of the three regions was later issued. Some of the participants who took part in the sub-committee meeting spoke to GTV.
Up Sound
The Upper East Regional Minister and his entourage, earlier paid courtesy call on Naba Saaga Dima of Zoungrantengo, King of Tenkodogo at his palace.
GTV END ISAAC ASARE
Bagre/Burkina-Faso: Minister Visits Bagre Dam
VTR
……SECs
Ann: In efforts to foster greater cooperation in the use and management of the water resource of the Volta basin, the Governor of the Central East Province of
R. Tape: Burkina-Faso, Simeon Sawadogo has led a high powered delegation from Ghana and Togo to the
T. Tape: Bagre dam at Bagre.
Ann V/O the destruction of farm lands in the Upper East and other parts of the region of Ghana as a result of the opening of the Bagre dam necessitated the visit. The construction of the Bagre dam, which provides hydro electric power irrigation and to the people of Burkina-Faso and other neighboring countries, started in 1989. It was finally completed and commissioned on January 1994, by the President, Blaise Campaore, at the cost of 32.9 billion CFA Franc. The Senior Engineer of the dam, Paul Campaore gave a brief history about the dam.
Up Sound
Cue At….Secs Mr Campaore described the spillage of the dam that caused severe flooding in most part of the three northern regions of Ghana as unfortunate. He attributed the spillage of the dam to the recent heavy down pour that hit the capital Ouagadougou, adding that message from the meteorological department about this years rain fall was also a contributory factor This he said forced the Bagre river to overflow it banks causing the dam to rise above the maximum level of 235 meters. He spoke to GTV.
Up Sound
Cue At….Secs The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo called for total collaboration between the county’s electricity company, SONABEL and the Volta River Authority to help share ideas during rainy seasons in order to avoid flooding. Mr Woyongo appealed to the authorities of the dam to spill gradually whenever the need arises.
Cue At…Secs Delegations from the Upper East Region of Ghana and Savanna Region of Togo later visited the ecotourist centre located along the banks of the Bagre River.
GTV END ISAAC ASARE
VTR
…….SECs
Ann: The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo has bemoaned the proliferation of small arms and narcotic drugs into the West African sub region. He said the deepening of cross border cohesion, peaceful co-existence and free movement of goods and persons between countries in the ECOWAS sub-region will be a mirage if the problems associated with insecurity are not addressed. Mr Woyongo was speaking at a 3-day tripartite
R. Tape meeting for the reinforcement of cross border cooperation, at
T Tape: Tenkodogo, chief town of the Central Province of Burkina –Faso
Ann V/O: The meeting which was on the theme: “Lets fight together against cross border crimes, insecurity, child trafficking, diseases, excision, corruption and fraud” brought together delegates from the Upper East of Ghana, the Savanna Region of Togo and the Central East Province of Burkina-Faso. It was aimed at deepening cooperation between communities of the three regions through the exchange of ideas in the sectors of environment, trade, security, transport, health and excision among other anti social practices. The Governor of the Central East Province of Burkina-Faso, Simeon Sawadogo, who expressed sadness about the incessant ethnic conflict in Bawku, advised the communities of the three regions to stay away from the conflict. He therefore called for peace in the area.
Up Sound
Cue At…Secs The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, reiterated the need for unity and effective cooperation between countries in the ECOWAS Sub-region to help overcome the daunting challenges facing member countries. He deplored the proliferation of small arms in conflict prone areas such as Bawku and called on participating countries to work closely to reduce the inflow of arms and narcotics in such areas, since the three regions share the same cultural and ethic backgrounds. Mr Woyongo also expressed his outfit’s preparedness to host the next meeting in the Upper East Region.
Up Sound
Cue At…Secs The Chief Executive of Dapaone, Togo, Ali Seydou Mossyamba urged participants to observe a two minutes silence for flood victims who died during the recent heavy downpour in Ouagadougou. He called for the deepening of cross border crimes, which he said, pose a challenge.
Cue At..Secs As part of the meeting, work on a thematic committee was instituted to deliberate on security, social and economic issues affecting the three regions. A communiqué signed, by the leaders of the three regions was later issued. Some of the participants who took part in the sub-committee meeting spoke to GTV.
Up Sound
The Upper East Regional Minister and his entourage, earlier paid courtesy call on Naba Saaga Dima of Zoungrantengo, King of Tenkodogo at his palace.
GTV END ISAAC ASARE
Bagre/Burkina-Faso: Minister Visits Bagre Dam
VTR
……SECs
Ann: In efforts to foster greater cooperation in the use and management of the water resource of the Volta basin, the Governor of the Central East Province of
R. Tape: Burkina-Faso, Simeon Sawadogo has led a high powered delegation from Ghana and Togo to the
T. Tape: Bagre dam at Bagre.
Ann V/O the destruction of farm lands in the Upper East and other parts of the region of Ghana as a result of the opening of the Bagre dam necessitated the visit. The construction of the Bagre dam, which provides hydro electric power irrigation and to the people of Burkina-Faso and other neighboring countries, started in 1989. It was finally completed and commissioned on January 1994, by the President, Blaise Campaore, at the cost of 32.9 billion CFA Franc. The Senior Engineer of the dam, Paul Campaore gave a brief history about the dam.
Up Sound
Cue At….Secs Mr Campaore described the spillage of the dam that caused severe flooding in most part of the three northern regions of Ghana as unfortunate. He attributed the spillage of the dam to the recent heavy down pour that hit the capital Ouagadougou, adding that message from the meteorological department about this years rain fall was also a contributory factor This he said forced the Bagre river to overflow it banks causing the dam to rise above the maximum level of 235 meters. He spoke to GTV.
Up Sound
Cue At….Secs The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo called for total collaboration between the county’s electricity company, SONABEL and the Volta River Authority to help share ideas during rainy seasons in order to avoid flooding. Mr Woyongo appealed to the authorities of the dam to spill gradually whenever the need arises.
Cue At…Secs Delegations from the Upper East Region of Ghana and Savanna Region of Togo later visited the ecotourist centre located along the banks of the Bagre River.
GTV END ISAAC ASARE
PUT PREMIUM ON INTERNALLY GENERATED FUNDS
16-10-09 PUT PREMINUM ON INTERNALLY GENERATED FUNDS
Assembly members have been urged to map out strategies to increase their internally generated funds (IGFs) in order to earn more support from external sources and donors. This can only be done if emphases are laid on the process of planning, budgeting, procurement and contract management, accounting as well as auditing to put their assemblies on their toes. A Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Local Government Studies ,ILGS, Eric Oduro Osae made the call during a presentation at a 2-day training Workshop for Presiding Members and newly appointed and elected Assembly Members at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare reports.
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ANCR V/O
Report
The training workshop was organized by the Institute of Local Government Studies ILGS, under the auspices of the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development. About 200 Assembly and Presiding members drawn from the nine districts in the Upper East Region took part in the workshop aimed at sensitizing them on the need to be abreast with the district assembly system and how it works. Mr. Eric Oduro Osae, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute noted ineffective and inefficient methods of mobilizing resources, Lack of linkage between mobilized resource and service delivery, perceived mistrust between the key stakeholders and the Assemblies, inadequate public education and sensitization, inadequate consultation, collaboration and recognition of key stakeholders especially tax payers and traditional authorities, Misapplication of donor support and Political interferences at all levels as some of reasons for low resources at the Assembly level. He stressed the need for the various assemblies to help improve its locally generated funds since the money derived from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is woefully inadequate. Mr. Osae disclosed that the Local Government Act 462 which is under review, is a fundamental law regulating the local government system to give more room and flexibility to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to generate and mobilize additional revenues in the form of internally generated funds and should be taken into consideration. He entreated assembly members to make judicious use of the district assembly common fund by ensuring human capacity building at the local level. The Head, Education Training Department of ILGS, Mr. Simon Bokor, who took assembly members through the committee system and its modus operadi advised assembly members to live up to expectation by disassociating themselves from taking up the role of traditional rulers in their various jurisdiction, but rather liaise with them to settle disputes and other matters of concern.. Mr Bokor also cautioned assembly members to put partisan politics aside and work as one people to ensure transparency and accountability, which he said is the hallmark for development.
END
Assembly members have been urged to map out strategies to increase their internally generated funds (IGFs) in order to earn more support from external sources and donors. This can only be done if emphases are laid on the process of planning, budgeting, procurement and contract management, accounting as well as auditing to put their assemblies on their toes. A Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Local Government Studies ,ILGS, Eric Oduro Osae made the call during a presentation at a 2-day training Workshop for Presiding Members and newly appointed and elected Assembly Members at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare reports.
CUE IN
CUE OUT
ANCR V/O
Report
The training workshop was organized by the Institute of Local Government Studies ILGS, under the auspices of the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development. About 200 Assembly and Presiding members drawn from the nine districts in the Upper East Region took part in the workshop aimed at sensitizing them on the need to be abreast with the district assembly system and how it works. Mr. Eric Oduro Osae, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute noted ineffective and inefficient methods of mobilizing resources, Lack of linkage between mobilized resource and service delivery, perceived mistrust between the key stakeholders and the Assemblies, inadequate public education and sensitization, inadequate consultation, collaboration and recognition of key stakeholders especially tax payers and traditional authorities, Misapplication of donor support and Political interferences at all levels as some of reasons for low resources at the Assembly level. He stressed the need for the various assemblies to help improve its locally generated funds since the money derived from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is woefully inadequate. Mr. Osae disclosed that the Local Government Act 462 which is under review, is a fundamental law regulating the local government system to give more room and flexibility to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to generate and mobilize additional revenues in the form of internally generated funds and should be taken into consideration. He entreated assembly members to make judicious use of the district assembly common fund by ensuring human capacity building at the local level. The Head, Education Training Department of ILGS, Mr. Simon Bokor, who took assembly members through the committee system and its modus operadi advised assembly members to live up to expectation by disassociating themselves from taking up the role of traditional rulers in their various jurisdiction, but rather liaise with them to settle disputes and other matters of concern.. Mr Bokor also cautioned assembly members to put partisan politics aside and work as one people to ensure transparency and accountability, which he said is the hallmark for development.
END
NAVRONGO HEALTH RESERCH CENTRE IS 20 YEARS
29-11-09 Navrongo Health Research Centre is 20 years old
Narration: the use of impregnated mosquito nets and the community Health and Health Family Planning Services Programme, CHPS which have informed national policy are accredited to the Navrongo Health Research Center, NHRC. The use of impregnated bed nets increases one’s chances of survival by 17 percent, while the CHPS compounds have brought health services to the door step of the people. These were made known at the 20TH Anniversary Celebration of the Navrongo Health Research Center at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana East District of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and have filed this report.
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In 1989, a team of Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, LSHTM, The School of Medical Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi and the Ghana Health Service conducted a research in the Kassena-Nankana area testing the survival benefit of giving Vitamin A to children under five years of age. The research came out that giving repeated dose of Vitamin A to children under five years increases their chances of survival by 20 percent. This was made a national policy and all children under five years are to be given doses of Vitamin A to increase their chances of survival. In view of this, he centre was then established to carry out research in health problems in Northern Ghana. , The Director of the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Dr Abraham Hodgson revealed that studies conducted by the centre shows that sleeping under impregnated bed nets increases one’s chances of survival by 17 percent. He therefore encouraged all and sundry to sleep under impregnated bed nets since it’s now a national policy. He said the introduction of the CHPS Compound under the centre’s Community Health and Family Planning services have increased health service delivery, immunization, family planning uptake and also decline deaths and generally improved health at the grassroots. He hinted that the centre have successfully conducted two vaccine trials of which some are ongoing. This he said is aimed at finding efficacious vaccines to control malaria, meningitis and Rotavirus diarrhoea. The Regent of Navroongo , Arthur Wekem Balina Adda in an address, commended the centre’s achievements as far as Vitamin A trials, impregnated mosquito nets, CHPS projects and HIV/AIDS Campaigns are concerned. This, he said have helped improved health and livelihood of people and also reduce maternal and child mortality in the area. Pio Adda emphasised that the centre have also help to address the unemployment problem in the district. In appreciation he offered a parcel of land for the centre to put up research infrastructure to facilitate their activities. The Upper East Regional Minister for his part, expressed Government readiness to introduce annual “science Congresses” for scientists and Researchers to make their findings known so that various organizations or institutions could adopt them for implementation.
End
Narration: the use of impregnated mosquito nets and the community Health and Health Family Planning Services Programme, CHPS which have informed national policy are accredited to the Navrongo Health Research Center, NHRC. The use of impregnated bed nets increases one’s chances of survival by 17 percent, while the CHPS compounds have brought health services to the door step of the people. These were made known at the 20TH Anniversary Celebration of the Navrongo Health Research Center at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana East District of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and have filed this report.
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ANCR V/O
Report
In 1989, a team of Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, LSHTM, The School of Medical Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi and the Ghana Health Service conducted a research in the Kassena-Nankana area testing the survival benefit of giving Vitamin A to children under five years of age. The research came out that giving repeated dose of Vitamin A to children under five years increases their chances of survival by 20 percent. This was made a national policy and all children under five years are to be given doses of Vitamin A to increase their chances of survival. In view of this, he centre was then established to carry out research in health problems in Northern Ghana. , The Director of the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Dr Abraham Hodgson revealed that studies conducted by the centre shows that sleeping under impregnated bed nets increases one’s chances of survival by 17 percent. He therefore encouraged all and sundry to sleep under impregnated bed nets since it’s now a national policy. He said the introduction of the CHPS Compound under the centre’s Community Health and Family Planning services have increased health service delivery, immunization, family planning uptake and also decline deaths and generally improved health at the grassroots. He hinted that the centre have successfully conducted two vaccine trials of which some are ongoing. This he said is aimed at finding efficacious vaccines to control malaria, meningitis and Rotavirus diarrhoea. The Regent of Navroongo , Arthur Wekem Balina Adda in an address, commended the centre’s achievements as far as Vitamin A trials, impregnated mosquito nets, CHPS projects and HIV/AIDS Campaigns are concerned. This, he said have helped improved health and livelihood of people and also reduce maternal and child mortality in the area. Pio Adda emphasised that the centre have also help to address the unemployment problem in the district. In appreciation he offered a parcel of land for the centre to put up research infrastructure to facilitate their activities. The Upper East Regional Minister for his part, expressed Government readiness to introduce annual “science Congresses” for scientists and Researchers to make their findings known so that various organizations or institutions could adopt them for implementation.
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GOV'T TO ESTABLISH JUNIOR FARM FIELDS AND LIFE SCHOOLS IN ALL DISTRICTS- MINISTER
24-11-09 Government to Establish Junior Farm Fields and Life Schools In All Districts-Minister
Government is collaborating with other agencies towards the establishment of Junior Farm Field and Life Schools (JFFLS)) in the various district of the country. In the rural areas under the scheme, young people ages 12-18 years would be taken through training programmes with particular attention to local agricultural skills with modern focus. Graduates from the school will form the cadre corps fro the modernization of agriculture. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni who made the disclosure at the launch of KERAPA, the National Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development at Bolgatanga said the scheme would go along way to help tackle the problem of unemployment among the youth since government is committed to placing the youth at the core of its polices and initiatives in order to restore hope in them. In view of this government also hopes to invest in the youth and fill them with a sense of belonging such that they would be committed to the ‘Better Ghana’ all Ghanaian are yearning for. Mrs. Awuni also urged the youth to embrace ICT education to help accelerate the development process of the country as government its desire to ensure that all school going persons acquires basic knowledge and skills in ICT in the realization of attaining a middle income status by the year 2020, is adopting an ICT-led economy to help transform the socio-economic fortunes of the country. The Regional Chairman, KERAPA, Hillary Adongo said, despite the daunting challenges facing the youth, their empowerment have been relegated to the background though they constitute the nation’s entire workforce and remain the majority in more than two third of the African Continent. He described the theme of the occasion” Sustainability: Our Challenge, Our Future as appropriate and urged the government to work to secure the future of the youth by making sustainable government policies and programmes and institutions which according to him involves all players in the development agenda of the youth. Mr Adongo commended the local and other international youth organizations in the country for their immense contribution to youth empowerment. Executives from the KERAPA youth group answered questions from participants during an open forum.
GBC END IA/
Government is collaborating with other agencies towards the establishment of Junior Farm Field and Life Schools (JFFLS)) in the various district of the country. In the rural areas under the scheme, young people ages 12-18 years would be taken through training programmes with particular attention to local agricultural skills with modern focus. Graduates from the school will form the cadre corps fro the modernization of agriculture. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni who made the disclosure at the launch of KERAPA, the National Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development at Bolgatanga said the scheme would go along way to help tackle the problem of unemployment among the youth since government is committed to placing the youth at the core of its polices and initiatives in order to restore hope in them. In view of this government also hopes to invest in the youth and fill them with a sense of belonging such that they would be committed to the ‘Better Ghana’ all Ghanaian are yearning for. Mrs. Awuni also urged the youth to embrace ICT education to help accelerate the development process of the country as government its desire to ensure that all school going persons acquires basic knowledge and skills in ICT in the realization of attaining a middle income status by the year 2020, is adopting an ICT-led economy to help transform the socio-economic fortunes of the country. The Regional Chairman, KERAPA, Hillary Adongo said, despite the daunting challenges facing the youth, their empowerment have been relegated to the background though they constitute the nation’s entire workforce and remain the majority in more than two third of the African Continent. He described the theme of the occasion” Sustainability: Our Challenge, Our Future as appropriate and urged the government to work to secure the future of the youth by making sustainable government policies and programmes and institutions which according to him involves all players in the development agenda of the youth. Mr Adongo commended the local and other international youth organizations in the country for their immense contribution to youth empowerment. Executives from the KERAPA youth group answered questions from participants during an open forum.
GBC END IA/
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