29-07-2010
Narration: The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo has expressed grave concern about the country’s increasing population growth, thus contributing to rapid urbanization without a comprehensive National Urban Policy to address the situation. He describe as quite alarming the current national population growth rate of 2.7 percent as against urban population growth of 4.4 percent and called on all policy makers to strategically manage the problem. Mr. Woyongo also stressed the need for coordination and collaboration of all stakeholders to assist in that direction. Mr. Woyongo was addressing participants at a validation workshop of the draft National Urban Policy at Bolgatanga. Here is a report by Isaac Asare
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Stakeholders drawn from the various districts and municipalities in the region attended the workshop. The workshop among other things was organized to help solicit meaningful contributions from participants on how best the issue of urbanization can be addressed in the country. This has become necessary due to the comprehensive National Urban Policy draft bill laid before parliament for approval. The bill when passed will help in ensuring development of urban areas towards achieving the goal of sustainable development of human settlements. The passage of the bill will as well complement planned efforts in reducing regional disparities in development between northern and southern Ghana as well as rural and urban areas. The overall objectives under the policy framework are to promote urban safety and security, curb excessive growth and expansion of primate cities, facilitate balanced re-distribution of urban population and also promote efficient urban services and infrastructure delivery. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo was not happy about the continuous population growth in the country’s towns and cities which according to him would lead to serious consequences if measures are not put in place to tackle the situation, hence the need for a national urban policy framework. Mr. Woyongo however appealed to the government as a matter of concern, accelerate the growth of small and medium sized urban centers in lagging regions. This he said can help in reducing the incessant of rural urban migration experienced in the three northern regions. Professor Paul Yankson of the University of Ghana in a presentation on the draft National Urban Policy of Ghana said the implementation of the various proposals contained in the policy document calls for close collaboration and effective coordination of the activities and programmes institutions as they relate to urban development. He emphasized that no country in the industrial age has ever achieved significant economic growth without urbanization and for Ghana to harness the benefits; the nation must develop conscious and planned efforts which flows from a comprehensive urban policy. Prof Yankson therefore called on government, departments and agencies as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to be at the driving seat of the policy to ensure its successful implementation. Participants also expressed worry about the wide north-south development gap and appealed to the government to help speed up development in lagging areas of the north.
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Thursday, 29 July 2010
Government should reconsider the Pwalugu Hydro-Electric Project- NORPRA
29-07-2010 Government as a matter of urgency has been called upon to ensure that the Pwalugu Hydro-Electric Project is enlisted inTO the 2009-20010 energy projects. This was contained in a release signed by the President of the Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy, NORPRA, Bismark Adongo Ayorogo at Bolgatanga. According to the release, exclusion of the said project will undoubtedly defeat the overall goal of government’s own energy policy which is aimed at developing and sustaining an efficient and viable energy sector. The policy, the release stated seeks to provide secure, safe and reliable supply of energy to meet development needs in a competitive manner. Mr. Adongo said in 2008, parliament gave an approval of 500 million loan agreement between the government of Ghana and the Brazillian National Bank for Economic and Social Development to finance the development and construction of Hydro-electric power projects at Pwalugu in the Upper East and Juale in the Northern Regions. He said two years after the loan approval no mention is made of the Pwalugu project though feasibility studies carried out by Coyne ET of France on the two projects showed that the schemes are technically and economically attractive and capable of adding more power generation. The project, he noted, also has a potential of exporting power to other neighbouring countries including Burkina- Faso and Mali. Mr Adongo indicated that the projects when completed will not only address the country’s energy problems but also have a positive impact on irrigation, fisheries as well as water transportation. The release said despite these immense potentials of the projects they were excluded in the government’s policy statement for 2010. It however appealed to the government to reconsider its decision in ensuring that those projects are implemented before the end of the year to help alley doubts about the development of the north as promised by the government.
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Documentary On The Role Of URA-Radio In Promoting Agriculture
In the early 1970s the Government of Ghana contracted a loan from the World Bank to promote agriculture in the then Upper Region. Government then established the Upper Region Agricultural Development programmes (URADEP) to undertake the project. Management of URADEP realized that if the Region was to make a head way in Agriculture, the rural peasant farmer must be properly educated to improve and adopt new methods of farming. They realized that the best way to educate the farmers was to establish an FM Radio station which would broadcast agricultural messages to the farmers –hence the establishment of URA Radio. The station was officially inaugurated in November, 1986 and on first January, 1987 the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation took over the station from URADEP. So, if one may ask, has URA Radio lived up to its mandate since its establishment 24 years ago? The story about the blind man in the Gospel of John chapter 9 will help us better answer the question. The Lord Jesus in one of his rounds found a man who was born blind begging. The Lord healed him. The Jewish leaders did not take kindly to the healing. They pulled the man to his parents and asked, ’’Is this your son whom you claim was born blind. How come that he is now seeing?’’. The parent replied,’’ yes, he is our son and was indeed born blind. But how he got his sight we d not know. He is of age and can answer for himself so ask him.’’ So, it is the people of the region who have been living with the station for the past 24years who can best tell the impact the station has made on them. The Director of the Manga Agric Research Centre of Bawku, Dr. Roger Kanton in an interview with URA Radio said research depends on publicity and that any research centre or institute that does not publish its findings and activities in good for nothing. Dr. Kanton said the centre develops drought restart and early maturing crops to meet the climate conditions of the region. Demonstration and field days are also organised to educate farmers. He said URA Radio has played a pivoted role in disseminating the finding of the centre and the message that are given at the field days. Dr. Kanton disclosed that when the centre introduced maize farming in 1992 farmers in the region vehemently resisted. But that through consistent education by URA Radio maize cultivation has now out tripped the early millet-naara and sorghum. According to him, almost half of the land in the region is put under maize cultivation in the wet season .Dr. Kanton added that the Bawku municipality and the Bawku West District are now net producers of maize who even export some to Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Dr. Kanton attributed the success story to the contribution of URA Radio. On his part, an animal husbandary officer from the region, Samuel Apiiga lauded URA Radio for contributing a lot to the promotion of animal husbandary in the region. He said as an expert in animal husbandary who has featured a lot on URA Radio has realized that most animal farmers in the region are practicing what they have been taught. He mentioned in particular message on improved housing, feeding, watering, vaccination and sanitation. Mr. Apiiga said one land mark of URA Radio is hoe the station has educated cattle owners to adopt animal traction .According to him, animal traction has reduced greatly the drudgery of the farmers associated with using the hoe. Mr. Apiiga who is also a consultant on guinea- fowl production said URA Radio has done a lot to improve guinea fowl production in the region. He said hundreds of farmers who use to rear a few guinea fowls have now formed associations and are rearing guinea fowls in the thousands. The 1996 National Best Farmer, George Stanley Alokodongo said he owes his awards to URA Radio. According to him, he took URA Radio messages on agriculture seriously and with hard work earned the award. Mr. Alokodongo who is also a serious tomato farmer said tomato farmers in the region will always be grateful to URA Radio. According to him whenever there is a glut, it is URA Radio that echoes their concern and fine market for them. The old book says ‘’ Man shall not live by bread alone…’’ And so apart from agriculture there are other factors that URA Radio promotes to make life holistic. Forinstances, URA Radio also broadcasts programmes on education, health and culture .Politicians such as regional minister, municipal and district chief executives also use URA Radio a lot to disseminate government policies to the people. URA Radio has educated the people of the region on a lot of things. Government should resource the station to continue with its good work.
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Moves To Empower Persons with Disabilities in the U/E
25-07-2010 The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo at a ceremony at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana East District has presented letters of appointment to 50 Persons living with Disability (PLWD) made up male and females. They are being employed under the National Youth Employment Programme as Office Assistants, teachers and sanitary inspectors among other positions. Mr. Woyongo, during the presentation of the letters, tasked person with disability not to look down upon themselves, since they have the ability and the skills to perform just like abled persons. He however entreated them to desist from alms begging but rather engage in profitable ventures to enhance their livelihood, adding that disable is not a barrier to progress. The Deputy National Co-ordinator of the NYEP in charge of Persons with Disability, Jacob Adongo commended government for his show of concern for persons with disability and urged other individuals and benevolent institution to supplement government’s effort in ensuring their total development. The Kassena-Nankana District Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Karim Mumin in an interview with Radio Ghana said his outfit in collaboration with the District Assembly, are poised to addressing the numerous challenges confronting persons with disability in the district. To this effect a physically challenged Craft Centre has been constructed in the district to engage physically challenged persons in profitable activities such as smock and basket weaving among other craft works. The facility he noted would go along way to make them productive and improve their standard of living. Mr Mumin also expressed his outfit’s desire to recruit more physically challenged persons into the various NYEP models.
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Minister Ends Inspection Tour of Educational Facilities
25-07-2010
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo says he is satisfied with the level of work done so far by contractors handling projects captured under the National Educational Crash Programme launched recently by the government. Mr. Woyongo said this when he inspected on-going projects in some second cycle schools in the Kassena-Nankana East and West Districts of the region. He was accompanied by the Navrongo District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema as well as officials from the district and Regional Education Directorate. The rationale behind Mr. Woyongo’s tour was to ascertain the level of work carried out by contractors and supervisors. Some of the on-going projects he visited include the Notre Damme Seminary Senior High School, the Navrongo Senior High School, St John Bosco’s College of Education and Our Lady of Lukes Girls SHS (OLL) all in the Kassena-Nankana East District of the region. The rest are Awe SHS, Sirigu Senior high school and the St Johns Integrated Senior Technical School also in the Kassena-Nankana West Districts. The projects which are being undertaken by local contractors with the aid of “Build quick technology” are said to be completed on schedule to ensure more student intake in the next academic year. The project among others seeks to address all problems related with the current 4-year education system for SHSs across the country. It is also aimed at addressing areas of special needs in order to achieve equitable development in the educational sector which will moreover, serve as the requirement for admission into Senior High Schools come September this year. This is to ensure the provision of additional educational infrastructure for deprived SHS particularly those in the three regions of the north. Mr. Woyongo during a press briefing as part of his 3-day inspection tour expressed satisfaction at the level of work done so far despite some challenges. He was optimistic that most of the projects would be ready before the end of September next year to enhance student intake since most of them are said to be completed ahead of time. Almost all the schools Mr. Woyongo visited were above lintel level except the OLL SHS at Gaani, which was at the foundation stage. The project which is estimated at an unspecified amount would comprise a dormitory block, bedroom quarter’s for staff, classroom block, dining hall, library complex and an Administrative block after completion. The Assembly hall and the Science Resource Centre for the Notre Damme SHS was at the completion stage. A 6 Unit classroom block estimated at the cost of 273,000 Ghana Cedis for the school was also in progress. The Navrongo District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema also praised the level of work exhibited by the contractors and urged them to continue with their good work to ensure that they are completed as schedule. This, he explained, would earn them more future contracts. He also cautioned the contractors against shoddy works adding that those who misappropriate funds and monies meant for the projects would have their contracts abrogated and punished. Mr. Andema however encouraged the contractors and supervisors to effectively play their respective roles devoid of laziness and cheating.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo says he is satisfied with the level of work done so far by contractors handling projects captured under the National Educational Crash Programme launched recently by the government. Mr. Woyongo said this when he inspected on-going projects in some second cycle schools in the Kassena-Nankana East and West Districts of the region. He was accompanied by the Navrongo District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema as well as officials from the district and Regional Education Directorate. The rationale behind Mr. Woyongo’s tour was to ascertain the level of work carried out by contractors and supervisors. Some of the on-going projects he visited include the Notre Damme Seminary Senior High School, the Navrongo Senior High School, St John Bosco’s College of Education and Our Lady of Lukes Girls SHS (OLL) all in the Kassena-Nankana East District of the region. The rest are Awe SHS, Sirigu Senior high school and the St Johns Integrated Senior Technical School also in the Kassena-Nankana West Districts. The projects which are being undertaken by local contractors with the aid of “Build quick technology” are said to be completed on schedule to ensure more student intake in the next academic year. The project among others seeks to address all problems related with the current 4-year education system for SHSs across the country. It is also aimed at addressing areas of special needs in order to achieve equitable development in the educational sector which will moreover, serve as the requirement for admission into Senior High Schools come September this year. This is to ensure the provision of additional educational infrastructure for deprived SHS particularly those in the three regions of the north. Mr. Woyongo during a press briefing as part of his 3-day inspection tour expressed satisfaction at the level of work done so far despite some challenges. He was optimistic that most of the projects would be ready before the end of September next year to enhance student intake since most of them are said to be completed ahead of time. Almost all the schools Mr. Woyongo visited were above lintel level except the OLL SHS at Gaani, which was at the foundation stage. The project which is estimated at an unspecified amount would comprise a dormitory block, bedroom quarter’s for staff, classroom block, dining hall, library complex and an Administrative block after completion. The Assembly hall and the Science Resource Centre for the Notre Damme SHS was at the completion stage. A 6 Unit classroom block estimated at the cost of 273,000 Ghana Cedis for the school was also in progress. The Navrongo District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema also praised the level of work exhibited by the contractors and urged them to continue with their good work to ensure that they are completed as schedule. This, he explained, would earn them more future contracts. He also cautioned the contractors against shoddy works adding that those who misappropriate funds and monies meant for the projects would have their contracts abrogated and punished. Mr. Andema however encouraged the contractors and supervisors to effectively play their respective roles devoid of laziness and cheating.
Stakeholders Conference for farmers Ends at Pusu Namongo
25-07-2010 Narration: A stakeholder’s workshop aimed at building long term business linkages and commercial relationship between farmers and buyers has taken place at Pusu-Namango in the Talensi-Nabdam district of the Upper East Region. It was under a project entitled “Linking farmers to Markets (FGM)”whose main objective is to ease the flow of farm produce from the farm-gate to the markets by linking smallholder farmers to commercial buyers and processors. Correspondent Isaac Asare was at the workshop and has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
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The 3-year project is being funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and implemented by the International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC). It brought together relevant stakeholders in the Agricultural sector as well as representatives from the various NGOs and organizations in the region. The project’s commodity which focuses on the production of rice, maize, sorghum and soybean, aims at assisting smallholder farmers particularly those in the three northern regions to identify and gain easier access to markets so as to earn higher incomes to enhance their livelihoods. This is to ensure that farmers have enough food surpluses to feed industries and also get markets for their produce in order to achieve food security in the country. Under the said project farmers and input dealers through the medium of cell phone technology, would be equipped with knowledge in database system to enable them help identify their market outlets to sell produce at reduced prices. The Country’s Representative from IFDC, Dr Kofi Debra said the rationale behind the conference is to discuss with participants how best farmers can get good market for their produce and also solicit views on the way forward. He said the project would afford farmers the opportunity to partner effectively with financial institutions and marketing companies for loans and other incentives. This, he noted, would help remove uncertainties between input dealers and farmers. In a presentation, the Managing Director of Imagead, an ICT Company, stressed the urgent need for farmers to be abreast with database system since the programme set to target about 50,000 farmers in the three regions of the north who after harvester encounter problems marketing their products. The programme he explained would help identify farmer population, identify buyers and processors, number of acreages and quantity of seeds to be planted on a particular piece of land among others. Representatives from the MOFA, Technoserve and the Savanna farmers’ Marketing Company SFMC, also took participants through their activities and programmes geared towards a common goal. Mr. David Azukpogo of the Navrongo –Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development office NAVOCADO, said his outfit is poised to achieving sustainable livelihood for farmers in deprived regions of the country and entreated farmers to adopt new ways of farming to improve their crop yield in order to reduce poverty and hunger.
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The 3-year project is being funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and implemented by the International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC). It brought together relevant stakeholders in the Agricultural sector as well as representatives from the various NGOs and organizations in the region. The project’s commodity which focuses on the production of rice, maize, sorghum and soybean, aims at assisting smallholder farmers particularly those in the three northern regions to identify and gain easier access to markets so as to earn higher incomes to enhance their livelihoods. This is to ensure that farmers have enough food surpluses to feed industries and also get markets for their produce in order to achieve food security in the country. Under the said project farmers and input dealers through the medium of cell phone technology, would be equipped with knowledge in database system to enable them help identify their market outlets to sell produce at reduced prices. The Country’s Representative from IFDC, Dr Kofi Debra said the rationale behind the conference is to discuss with participants how best farmers can get good market for their produce and also solicit views on the way forward. He said the project would afford farmers the opportunity to partner effectively with financial institutions and marketing companies for loans and other incentives. This, he noted, would help remove uncertainties between input dealers and farmers. In a presentation, the Managing Director of Imagead, an ICT Company, stressed the urgent need for farmers to be abreast with database system since the programme set to target about 50,000 farmers in the three regions of the north who after harvester encounter problems marketing their products. The programme he explained would help identify farmer population, identify buyers and processors, number of acreages and quantity of seeds to be planted on a particular piece of land among others. Representatives from the MOFA, Technoserve and the Savanna farmers’ Marketing Company SFMC, also took participants through their activities and programmes geared towards a common goal. Mr. David Azukpogo of the Navrongo –Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development office NAVOCADO, said his outfit is poised to achieving sustainable livelihood for farmers in deprived regions of the country and entreated farmers to adopt new ways of farming to improve their crop yield in order to reduce poverty and hunger.
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Friday, 9 July 2010
STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON REPOSITIONING FAMILY PLANNING
25-06-2010 Narration: The Upper East Regional Population Officer, Alosiba Azam has described as worrying, the continuous decline on the use of contraceptive among Ghanaians, particularly married couples. The situation, he indicated could result to population explosion if concrete measures are not taken to reverse the trend. He attributed the unfortunate decline to poverty, illiteracy, socio-cultural practices and superstition among others. Mr. Azam, however called on the government to reverse the decline in funding by increasing the allocation of internal sources. He expressed this concern at a Regional Co-ordinating meeting on Repositioning Family Planning held at Bolgatanga. Correspondent Isaac Asare has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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The meeting attended by representatives of reproductive health NGOs and officials from the regional Health Directorate was in response to the five year document launched by Ministry of Health during the World Population day marked on July, 11 2008. The document entitled ‘A Roadmap for repositioning family planning in Ghana was to ensure that family planning becomes the fulcrum for strengthening and advancing reproductive health care and rights. The strategies and activities enshrined in the document were also meant to help reposition family planning as a national policy for the wellbeing of the society particularly women. It was subsequently disseminated in the Upper East Region in 2009 by the office of the Regional Population Council with the view to addressing the negative impact of population growth and how it can be tackled through the adoption of family planning practices. This year’s meeting was to collate report on family planning activities carried out by partners and stakeholders working in the area of reproductive health and family planning, challenges and the way forward. Mr. Azam bemoaned the low level of contraceptive use in the country, particularly, married couples in the three regions of the north. He mentioned the Upper East Region as the second lowest level of contraceptive use, recording 15 percent with northern region recording the lowest of 6 percent. This, he noted, calls for a holistic approach by relevant stakeholders in reversing the trend. He said the continuous decline in the use of contraceptives poses a major challenge to international donor agencies that provides funding for family planning activities and called on the government to assist in that direction. Some of the participants in their presentation of report emphasized the urgent need to encourage male participation and involvement in repositioning family planning through initiatives such as the formation of men clubs, considering the traditional role of men in determining reproductive and family size issues. They also called for intensive public education with married women being the target audience. A representative of PRIDE-Ghana, Mr. Richard Adongo, called for the involvement of district and municipal assemblies as major stakeholders to promote and finance family planning activities and programmes to ensure its sustainability. A public health nurse at the Regional Health Directorate, Madam Veronica Navro, advised pregnant women to always bring along their sexual partners for counseling. This, she explained, would help give better understanding of contraceptive use among married couples.
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The meeting attended by representatives of reproductive health NGOs and officials from the regional Health Directorate was in response to the five year document launched by Ministry of Health during the World Population day marked on July, 11 2008. The document entitled ‘A Roadmap for repositioning family planning in Ghana was to ensure that family planning becomes the fulcrum for strengthening and advancing reproductive health care and rights. The strategies and activities enshrined in the document were also meant to help reposition family planning as a national policy for the wellbeing of the society particularly women. It was subsequently disseminated in the Upper East Region in 2009 by the office of the Regional Population Council with the view to addressing the negative impact of population growth and how it can be tackled through the adoption of family planning practices. This year’s meeting was to collate report on family planning activities carried out by partners and stakeholders working in the area of reproductive health and family planning, challenges and the way forward. Mr. Azam bemoaned the low level of contraceptive use in the country, particularly, married couples in the three regions of the north. He mentioned the Upper East Region as the second lowest level of contraceptive use, recording 15 percent with northern region recording the lowest of 6 percent. This, he noted, calls for a holistic approach by relevant stakeholders in reversing the trend. He said the continuous decline in the use of contraceptives poses a major challenge to international donor agencies that provides funding for family planning activities and called on the government to assist in that direction. Some of the participants in their presentation of report emphasized the urgent need to encourage male participation and involvement in repositioning family planning through initiatives such as the formation of men clubs, considering the traditional role of men in determining reproductive and family size issues. They also called for intensive public education with married women being the target audience. A representative of PRIDE-Ghana, Mr. Richard Adongo, called for the involvement of district and municipal assemblies as major stakeholders to promote and finance family planning activities and programmes to ensure its sustainability. A public health nurse at the Regional Health Directorate, Madam Veronica Navro, advised pregnant women to always bring along their sexual partners for counseling. This, she explained, would help give better understanding of contraceptive use among married couples.
Members of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee bounce back
08-07-2010 The Mamprusi side of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee, have finally rescind their decision to disassociate themselves from the committee having stayed away from the committee for nearly six months following a misunderstanding. They have expressed their preparedness to return to the committee in search for a lasting and sustained peace in the Bawku Municipality. The Upper East Regional Minster, Mark Woyongo made the disclosure at a meeting with members of the two feuding factions at Bawku. Members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) among other dignitaries attended the meeting. Mr. Woyongo who welcomed the decision advised both parties to avoid all pitfalls to achieve the ultimate goal of peace that has eluded the people of Bawku for over two and a half years. He however urged them to put behind their past events and work collectively to ensure prevailing peace and development in Bawku and its environs. He said peace can only be achieved if the people of accept and live together and follow the due process of law to have their grievances redressed instead of taking the law into their own hands in seeking justice. He said government is poised to lift the curfew imposed on the municipality and urged the people to help maintain the peaceful atmosphere they are currently enjoying. He added that government for that reason has renew the curfew hours from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am instead of 4.00 pm to 6.00 am. Mr. Woyongo entreated residents of the area to help expose criminals from their hide outs to curtail further ethnic hospitalities and hatred. He expressed the hope that the reunion of members of the committee would materialized in ensuring lasting peace to Bawku since government and the people of the region are worried about the developments of Bawku as well as the loss of lives and properties as a result of retaliatory tendencies previously exhibited by the two factions. This according to Mr. Woyongo has retarded the total development of the area. He called for peace and unity to prevail in the area. Representative from both side of the committee however expressed their willingness to do away with the conflict and called for government and individual support. They were however grateful to various prominent persons and individuals for their intervention and roles played in calming the situation in Bawku.
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Upper East Region Marks World TB Day
05-06-2010 Narration: The Upper East Region has joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s World Tuberculosis Day at Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District on the theme: “On the Move Against Tuberculosis: Innovate to Accelerate Action. The day which was organized by the Upper East Regional Directorate forms part of measures aimed at accelerating Tuberculosis management and control activities. Participants including chiefs, government officials, heads of decentralized departments and other health partners, took part in the celebration. Isaac Asare and Priscilla Kuguriye witnessed the event and have filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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An estimated 2 billion people worldwide equal to one third of the world’s population are believed to be affected with Tuberculosis caused by a germ called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB discovered in 1882, affects most part of the body particularly, the lungs and still remains the most infectious form of diseases spread from one person to the other. Available statistics indicates that TB kills 1.8 million people worldwide with 9.4 million cases reported each year, making it one of the deadliest diseases ever discovered. The annual event declared by the international community is geared at raising awareness and to re-orientate the public on the on-going fight against Tuberculosis. This year’s celebration was marked with various activities including a route march through the principal streets of Paga by pupils, students as well as members of the Red Cross Society. Some were holding placards with the inscription “TB and HIV are bed fellows, TB is not a curse, TB is preventable and curable and lets join the fight against TB”. The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services , Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams in a speech said TB remains one of the priority diseases that have received much attention by the health sector particularly, the Upper East Region where an average of 500 new cases are reported each year at the various health facilities. He indicated that the region despite its health challenges, has started making gains from efforts put into TB control programmes, emphasizing that, TB cases as at the endd of the first quarter of the year, has increased by 30 percent compared to 18 percent in the same period last year. Treatment success rate, he said, has hit an appreciable record of 85.3 percent compared to 77.0 percent recorded two years ago. Also 85 .3 percent of all patients were successfully treated in the region. Dr Awoonor-Williams, however attributed the success story to efforts put up by health care providers, treatment supporters and other relevant stakeholders in the health sector. He noted that the vision of his outfit is to ensure a zero tolerance to deaths in the district and the region as a result of TB and called on all to assist in that direction. the Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Mark Woyongo on his part entreated the general public to ensure good sanitary practices since government is committed to ensuring that adequate and effective drugs and logistics are provided free of charge in treating TB patients apart from the preventive and promotional interventions such as vaccination against the disease. Mr. Woyongo advised the people to report any possible sign of TB to the nearest health facility for treatment. He also called for hard work and attitudinal change with commitment to accelerate actions to stop TB in Ghana.
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An estimated 2 billion people worldwide equal to one third of the world’s population are believed to be affected with Tuberculosis caused by a germ called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB discovered in 1882, affects most part of the body particularly, the lungs and still remains the most infectious form of diseases spread from one person to the other. Available statistics indicates that TB kills 1.8 million people worldwide with 9.4 million cases reported each year, making it one of the deadliest diseases ever discovered. The annual event declared by the international community is geared at raising awareness and to re-orientate the public on the on-going fight against Tuberculosis. This year’s celebration was marked with various activities including a route march through the principal streets of Paga by pupils, students as well as members of the Red Cross Society. Some were holding placards with the inscription “TB and HIV are bed fellows, TB is not a curse, TB is preventable and curable and lets join the fight against TB”. The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services , Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams in a speech said TB remains one of the priority diseases that have received much attention by the health sector particularly, the Upper East Region where an average of 500 new cases are reported each year at the various health facilities. He indicated that the region despite its health challenges, has started making gains from efforts put into TB control programmes, emphasizing that, TB cases as at the endd of the first quarter of the year, has increased by 30 percent compared to 18 percent in the same period last year. Treatment success rate, he said, has hit an appreciable record of 85.3 percent compared to 77.0 percent recorded two years ago. Also 85 .3 percent of all patients were successfully treated in the region. Dr Awoonor-Williams, however attributed the success story to efforts put up by health care providers, treatment supporters and other relevant stakeholders in the health sector. He noted that the vision of his outfit is to ensure a zero tolerance to deaths in the district and the region as a result of TB and called on all to assist in that direction. the Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Mark Woyongo on his part entreated the general public to ensure good sanitary practices since government is committed to ensuring that adequate and effective drugs and logistics are provided free of charge in treating TB patients apart from the preventive and promotional interventions such as vaccination against the disease. Mr. Woyongo advised the people to report any possible sign of TB to the nearest health facility for treatment. He also called for hard work and attitudinal change with commitment to accelerate actions to stop TB in Ghana.
More Communities in Upper East to be connected to the National Grid
08-07-2010
Narration: Fifty rural communities in each of all the nine districts in the Upper East Region would benefit from Governments rural electrification Project to enhance their standard of living. In view of this, a 300 million dollar funding has been sourced from donor partners to cater for the project which is scheduled to commence by the end of the year. This was made known by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo at a sod cutting ceremony of the electrification project at Atuba, a community in the Binduri Constituency of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare witnessed the ceremony and has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
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The event which was marked amidst drumming and dancing brought together chiefs and people of Atuba and its catchment areas. Mr. Woyongo who was in the company of the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai and other dignitaries expressed government’s commitment in ensuring that all villages across the country are connected to the national grid. He outlined other government interventional policies geared at narrowing the development gap between the north and the south. He mentioned the youth in Agriculture block farming programme as one of the policies that needs to be prioritized by the youth in the region to reduce poverty among themselves. Mr Woyongo also took the opportunity to educate the people on the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) which, he noted, is aimed at poverty reduction among people in the three regions of the north. he said under SADA, new dams would be constructed whilst the existing ones would be desilted to improve the irrigation systems to ensure all year faming. This he said would increase the production of rice and other crops both in the wet and dry season The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai in an address said government in its quest to enhance effective teaching and learning in the country has instituted various measures aimed at addressing the country’s educational challenges some of which include the capitation grant, construction of schools, provision of school infrastructure among others. He indicated that very soon the pupils of Atuba would benefit from 600 school uniforms. Additional two schools, he stated, would be constructed in the area with pupils benefitting from governments school feeding programme. The chief of Binduri, Naba Azimbe Anobilla in a speech read for him appealed to the government to help provide the community with a senior high school, a police station and also elevate the Binduri area to a district status. He commended government’s efforts in ensuring that development reaches all remote areas across the country.
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Narration: Fifty rural communities in each of all the nine districts in the Upper East Region would benefit from Governments rural electrification Project to enhance their standard of living. In view of this, a 300 million dollar funding has been sourced from donor partners to cater for the project which is scheduled to commence by the end of the year. This was made known by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo at a sod cutting ceremony of the electrification project at Atuba, a community in the Binduri Constituency of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare witnessed the ceremony and has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
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The event which was marked amidst drumming and dancing brought together chiefs and people of Atuba and its catchment areas. Mr. Woyongo who was in the company of the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai and other dignitaries expressed government’s commitment in ensuring that all villages across the country are connected to the national grid. He outlined other government interventional policies geared at narrowing the development gap between the north and the south. He mentioned the youth in Agriculture block farming programme as one of the policies that needs to be prioritized by the youth in the region to reduce poverty among themselves. Mr Woyongo also took the opportunity to educate the people on the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) which, he noted, is aimed at poverty reduction among people in the three regions of the north. he said under SADA, new dams would be constructed whilst the existing ones would be desilted to improve the irrigation systems to ensure all year faming. This he said would increase the production of rice and other crops both in the wet and dry season The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai in an address said government in its quest to enhance effective teaching and learning in the country has instituted various measures aimed at addressing the country’s educational challenges some of which include the capitation grant, construction of schools, provision of school infrastructure among others. He indicated that very soon the pupils of Atuba would benefit from 600 school uniforms. Additional two schools, he stated, would be constructed in the area with pupils benefitting from governments school feeding programme. The chief of Binduri, Naba Azimbe Anobilla in a speech read for him appealed to the government to help provide the community with a senior high school, a police station and also elevate the Binduri area to a district status. He commended government’s efforts in ensuring that development reaches all remote areas across the country.
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05-07-2010 Donate For a Worthy Cause - Minister
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo has called on people of the region to contribute their widows might in ensuring a successful celebration of the region’s Golden Jubilee, schedule to take place in November, this year. He said the development of the region is a collective responsibility, hence the need for the people to contribute their quota for a worthy cause. Mr. Woyongo made the appeal at the Upper East at 50 Fund –Raising Dinner held at Bolgatanga. The occasion which was jointly organized by members of the Upper East at 50 Planning Committee with support from the Regional Co-ordinating Council, attracted council of state members, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Assembly members as well other government officials. Also present were chiefs, opinion leaders, members from the various political groups, departmental heads and other invited guests. Mr. Woyongo in his address said the objective of celebrating the upcoming event is not to make merry but rather afford the region the opportunity to take stock of its achievement since its creation 50 years ago. The event he further explained would also market the endowed potentials and rich culture of the people to the outside world with the view to attracting investment to propel its development. Mr. Woyongo was highly grateful to some eminent individuals and organizations, who in diverse ways have contributed tremendously towards the development of the region and called on others to emulate examples. He said the anniversary planning committee in its quest to ensure a historic celebration, has planned a year long activities to spice up the event some of which include Quizzes, Essay writing, Drama and debate competition among school children from the basic to tertiary levels. Others activities include home coming or congress of Upper Easterners, public lectures, musical jams, beauty pageant, soccer and boxing tournaments among other sporting disciplines. Mr. Woyongo however, called on all to partake in all the activities as they would be rolled from time to time to ensure that the event is celebrated in pump and pageantry. A Retired educationist who is also the chairman for the anniversary planning committee, Mr. Robert Ajene, stressed on the need for the people in the region to throw their weight behind the programmes earmarked for the event, since its main goal is geared at reducing poverty among the people in the region.. He made particular emphasis to the fund raising activities earmarked for the event. This, he explained, would help mobilize enough revenue to undertake the programmes. About twenty five thousand Ghana Cedis was bagged during an appeal for funds which include cash and pledges.
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Friday, 2 July 2010
World Day Against Child Labour Celebrated At Duusi
01-07-2010 Narration: The Talensi Nabdam District Focal person on child labour, Wilson Badza has appealed to thwe Mills Administration to keep faith with the Ghanaian worker by paying them good salaries as promised in the Single Spine Salary Structure. According to him if the Ghanaian worker is well paid he or she will take very good care of his children including educating them. This way the problem of child labour in the country if not totally eliminated would be reduced drastically. Mr Badza made the appeal at the celebration of this year’s World Day Against Child Labour at Duusi in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. Abraham Dimmie and Isaac Asare were there and have filed this report.
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The day which was organised by Afrikids, a child centered NGO with support from the Talensi-Nabdam District Directorate of Education, was under the theme: ’ Go for the goal: End Child Labour”. The Talensi-Nabdam District was chosen for this year’s celebration because of the high rate of child labour especially small scale mining in the area. Mr. Badza also appealed to the government to ensure the implementation of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), this year. He said the project promises a lot for the three regions of Northern Ghana, and when implemented would go a long way to curb the migration of the youth from the north to the south in search of menial jobs. Mr. Badza however told parents that government’s interventions may not mean much if they do not take family planning seriously. He therefore advised parents to produce the number of children they can adequately cater for. The Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive, Vivian Anarfo condemned the practice where parents send their children down south to work as garden boys and baby sitters. She advised parents to appreciate government’s intervention such as the capitation grant, the school feeding programme and the distribution of free exercise books and uniforms and send their children to school. The Afrikids Talensi-Nabdam Area Manager, Richard Amoah disclosed that since 2007, Afrikids has redrawn 155 children for the mines in the district. The children he said are being sponsored and are attending various level of education. He said four trainee hairdressers have written their exams and are awaiting results while 11 dressmakers will also write at the third quarter of the year. He added that 9 boys in carpentry, welding and motor mechanics would also be resettled at the end of the year. Mr Amoah called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to eliminate child labour which retards development.
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ANCR V/O
Report
The day which was organised by Afrikids, a child centered NGO with support from the Talensi-Nabdam District Directorate of Education, was under the theme: ’ Go for the goal: End Child Labour”. The Talensi-Nabdam District was chosen for this year’s celebration because of the high rate of child labour especially small scale mining in the area. Mr. Badza also appealed to the government to ensure the implementation of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), this year. He said the project promises a lot for the three regions of Northern Ghana, and when implemented would go a long way to curb the migration of the youth from the north to the south in search of menial jobs. Mr. Badza however told parents that government’s interventions may not mean much if they do not take family planning seriously. He therefore advised parents to produce the number of children they can adequately cater for. The Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive, Vivian Anarfo condemned the practice where parents send their children down south to work as garden boys and baby sitters. She advised parents to appreciate government’s intervention such as the capitation grant, the school feeding programme and the distribution of free exercise books and uniforms and send their children to school. The Afrikids Talensi-Nabdam Area Manager, Richard Amoah disclosed that since 2007, Afrikids has redrawn 155 children for the mines in the district. The children he said are being sponsored and are attending various level of education. He said four trainee hairdressers have written their exams and are awaiting results while 11 dressmakers will also write at the third quarter of the year. He added that 9 boys in carpentry, welding and motor mechanics would also be resettled at the end of the year. Mr Amoah called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to eliminate child labour which retards development.
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