The Upper East Regional Disease Surveillance Officer, Thomas Abachie has refuted claim that the region is experiencing an outbreak of perennial Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). He described such pronouncements and publications across some section of the media as null and void though the region has recorded some suspected and confirmed cases of the disease, this year. Mr. Abachie who disclosed this to Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga said the region this year has recorded 351 suspected and 118 confirmed cases with less than 10 deaths. This, he added, is a clear indication that the disease has not reached its epidemic threshold and called on the public to exercise restraints since the regional health directorate has instituted adequate measures to ensure minimal cases. Mr. Abachie said his outfit with the support of other stakeholders, have put in place various interventions to that regard. According to him, the region is currently embarking on community sensitization to educate residents on the need to take precautionary measures in order not to acquire the disease. The epidemic management committees at the regional and district levels, he noted, has also been strengthened to deal with the situation when the need arises. He also mentioned close collaboration with key stakeholders including the media, security agencies, MOFA, NADMO the Navrongo Health Research Centre for confirmation of causative organism, as some of the interventional measures. Moreover ,clinicians and other health workers stationed at the epidemic prone areas have been sensitize on how to deal with cases of CSM, W135 and Strep pneumonia among other related diseases in case of any outbreak. Mr. Abachie advised the public to report to the nearest health post in case of any unusual feeling such as stiffness of the neck, flu, severe headache as well as fever and vomiting, adding that untreated viral and bacteria meningitis may pose serious consequences including permanent brain damage and death. He said Cerebrospinal meningitis, commonly referred to as CSM is an infection of the lining of the brain and spine and stressed the need urgent medical help because the disease can become extremely serious in just a few hours. Mr Abachie therefore called on affected persons to report and also seek early treatment to prevent serious complications and outbreak.
GBC END IA/
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Gov’t to give Technical and Vocational Education and Training a major boost
12-12-2010 Narration: Government in its policy intervention of investing in people to achieve the Better Ghana Agenda, has put in place measures to give Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) the needed push in order to prepare students adequately for the job market and also assist them to establish their own business enterprises. Government is this regard, will partner the private sector to ensure a massive increase in access to facilities for computer technology in the teaching and learning process at all level in the coming year. Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, gave the assurance at the climax of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Notre Dame Seminary and Senior High School at Navrongo in the Upper East Region. The event was on the theme: “The Citadel of Quality Education in Northern Ghana: The Way Forward” Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the occasion and has come through with this report for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
In attendance were various dignitaries including chiefs, government officials, and directors of education, catholic missionaries, and founding fathers of the school as well as the entire student body among other academicians. The Minister of Education, Alex Tetteh- Enyo who spoke on behalf of the Vice President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, commended staff and students of Notre Dame Senior High school for contributing its quota in the provision of affordable access to quality education to the youth particularly brilliant but needy students and for also maintaining its high standard of discipline, which he said forms the key foundation to achieving academic excellence. He however pledged government commitment in addressing all the infrastructural needs of the school to create a congenial atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. He said government in its effort to providing quality and affordable education for all is collaborating with the private sector to give ICT education a major boost for the purpose of skill acquisition particularly for technical and vocational institutions and called on relevant stakeholders to partner government to bring about the change for accelerated development. Mr. Tetteh Enyo also expressed government’s desire to making girl child education a reality, hence the need for their empowerment. He later on behalf of the Vice President pledged to provide the school with a bus and a pick up. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who is a product of the school, reiterated government’s determination to restructure and revamp the educational sector to meet the manpower requirements of the nation with focus being the implementation of an education strategic plan. The plan, he noted, identifies new areas for acceleration, effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of education in the country. It also seeks to address the challenges in management structure and content of education. On the part of teacher motivation, Mr. Woyongo said government is working tirelessly to ensure that salaries of teachers are competitive and comparable with other professionals and urged them to exercise restraints since their grievances are well taken note by the government. Mr. Woyongo commended the academic performance of the school over the years and charge management and staff of the school to maintain discipline at all times and ensure that students do no not engage in acts of vandalism. The Rector of the school, Rev. Fr Francis Kudelogo praised the consistent ascendancy in the quality of academic performance stressing that the school since its establishment in 1960 has produce high calibre of academicians locally and internationally and attributed the success story to the efforts of the Catholic Church and other stakeholders including the chiefs and community members. Awards in the form of citations were later given to co-operate personalities and individuals for their meritorious services to humanity through the school. The Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, the MP for Navrongo, Kofi Adda and the Missionaries of Africa were among the 10 awardees at the function.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
In attendance were various dignitaries including chiefs, government officials, and directors of education, catholic missionaries, and founding fathers of the school as well as the entire student body among other academicians. The Minister of Education, Alex Tetteh- Enyo who spoke on behalf of the Vice President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, commended staff and students of Notre Dame Senior High school for contributing its quota in the provision of affordable access to quality education to the youth particularly brilliant but needy students and for also maintaining its high standard of discipline, which he said forms the key foundation to achieving academic excellence. He however pledged government commitment in addressing all the infrastructural needs of the school to create a congenial atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. He said government in its effort to providing quality and affordable education for all is collaborating with the private sector to give ICT education a major boost for the purpose of skill acquisition particularly for technical and vocational institutions and called on relevant stakeholders to partner government to bring about the change for accelerated development. Mr. Tetteh Enyo also expressed government’s desire to making girl child education a reality, hence the need for their empowerment. He later on behalf of the Vice President pledged to provide the school with a bus and a pick up. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who is a product of the school, reiterated government’s determination to restructure and revamp the educational sector to meet the manpower requirements of the nation with focus being the implementation of an education strategic plan. The plan, he noted, identifies new areas for acceleration, effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of education in the country. It also seeks to address the challenges in management structure and content of education. On the part of teacher motivation, Mr. Woyongo said government is working tirelessly to ensure that salaries of teachers are competitive and comparable with other professionals and urged them to exercise restraints since their grievances are well taken note by the government. Mr. Woyongo commended the academic performance of the school over the years and charge management and staff of the school to maintain discipline at all times and ensure that students do no not engage in acts of vandalism. The Rector of the school, Rev. Fr Francis Kudelogo praised the consistent ascendancy in the quality of academic performance stressing that the school since its establishment in 1960 has produce high calibre of academicians locally and internationally and attributed the success story to the efforts of the Catholic Church and other stakeholders including the chiefs and community members. Awards in the form of citations were later given to co-operate personalities and individuals for their meritorious services to humanity through the school. The Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, the MP for Navrongo, Kofi Adda and the Missionaries of Africa were among the 10 awardees at the function.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Paga Airstrip to be Commercialized
08-12-10
A team made up of the Civil Aviation Authority, the 4th Infantry Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Air Force have visited the Paga Airstrip at Paga in the Upper East region to have a feasibility study that will lead to realigning and the reduction of obstacles on the run way to make way for commercial use in the near future. The facility is intended to facilitate medical evacuation in the region to other parts of the country and boost commercial activities and also easily link the region to other regions and neighboring countries. The Manager of Aerodrome, Safety and standards of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Mrs. Anita Adjei Nmashie disclosed that, 500 million Dollars has been earmarked for expansion of the Tamale Airport for International use and part of this amount will be used to develop the Paga Airstrip to boost the transportation industry in the region. She said after the study the Minister will be briefed on the details of the possible options what will be feasible to restructure the airstrip. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, called on the people living around the airstrip to co-operate and understand so that work can go on. He said though the land has been paid for by Government before the Second World War, the people who will be affected in the process of expanding the area will be compensated after the completion of the facility. He stressed that there will be a cold storage facility that will store vegetables produced by farmers in the region for easy airlifting to the southing part of the country. This he said will also raise the standard of agriculture in the region and reduce poverty especially among the farmers. The Wing Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Frank Hanson, stated that the airstrip can be used as it is now but be limited to some specific aircrafts. He said it is possible to reshape the run way to do away with landing aircraft running into the air space of Burkina Faso which he said always cause inconveniences.
GBC END GMST
A team made up of the Civil Aviation Authority, the 4th Infantry Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Air Force have visited the Paga Airstrip at Paga in the Upper East region to have a feasibility study that will lead to realigning and the reduction of obstacles on the run way to make way for commercial use in the near future. The facility is intended to facilitate medical evacuation in the region to other parts of the country and boost commercial activities and also easily link the region to other regions and neighboring countries. The Manager of Aerodrome, Safety and standards of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Mrs. Anita Adjei Nmashie disclosed that, 500 million Dollars has been earmarked for expansion of the Tamale Airport for International use and part of this amount will be used to develop the Paga Airstrip to boost the transportation industry in the region. She said after the study the Minister will be briefed on the details of the possible options what will be feasible to restructure the airstrip. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, called on the people living around the airstrip to co-operate and understand so that work can go on. He said though the land has been paid for by Government before the Second World War, the people who will be affected in the process of expanding the area will be compensated after the completion of the facility. He stressed that there will be a cold storage facility that will store vegetables produced by farmers in the region for easy airlifting to the southing part of the country. This he said will also raise the standard of agriculture in the region and reduce poverty especially among the farmers. The Wing Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Frank Hanson, stated that the airstrip can be used as it is now but be limited to some specific aircrafts. He said it is possible to reshape the run way to do away with landing aircraft running into the air space of Burkina Faso which he said always cause inconveniences.
GBC END GMST
TAB poised to rectify abnormalities in the country’s business sector
Narration: The Chairman of the Tariff Advisory Board (TAB), Tawia Achia said his outfit is poised to provide a level playing field for all economic operators through effective and systematic application of a transparent tariff regime. This he revealed would help remove restrictions in Ghana’s import and export regime to encourage investment and raise competitiveness. The set goal would also ensure that tariffs are set in accordance with national economic development goals. Mr. Achia made these revelations at a training programme organized for private sector operators on how to access the services of the TAB at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Capital. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has filed this report.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The training programme which was being organized by the Tariff Advisory Board under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry brought together heads of various institutions across the region, security and law enforcement agencies, business entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders including the press. Mr. Achiaa said the formation of the board which is the first of its kind to be established in the West African Sub region hopes to rectify all anomalies in the country’s tariff system to minimize interest group influence over contentious issues of trade policy including tariff adjustment decisions, dumping, subsidization and sharp import surges among other safeguard measures. Government in this regard seeks to deepen policy research and analysis, ensure a fairer trade approach to providing relief to domestic industries, and above all strengthen inter-institutional coordination in the implementation of trade law and policy in the country. These measures by the government are permitted under the World Trade Organization’s agreement with Ghana. He said the board on its part is to train private sector operators on how to petition and access the services of the board. The board in partnership with government hopes to provide technical support and solutions to all trade imbalances and deepen understanding of the impact of Ghana’s international trade commitments. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said the establishment of the board which is supposed to advice the Trade and Industry Ministry on trade and tariff issues, till it becomes a fully fledged Ghana International Trade Commission by the end of 2012, would go a long way to boost the business and financial sector of the economy and also stem the negative activities of some foreign companies and their local counterparts. This realization he said could be sustained depending on the effectiveness of the board and to a large extend be predicated on the readiness of prospective petitioners to provide timely, accurate, sufficient and relevant data. He urged the board to therefore treat all information in a form of data with confidentiality and ensure that data collected from individual companies does not fall into the hands of their perceived competitors to enhance fair trade. Mr. Woyongo urged them to encourage competition to ensure that both local producers and foreigners operate on an even field. He pledged governments support for all business communities across the country and called for cooperation.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The training programme which was being organized by the Tariff Advisory Board under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry brought together heads of various institutions across the region, security and law enforcement agencies, business entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders including the press. Mr. Achiaa said the formation of the board which is the first of its kind to be established in the West African Sub region hopes to rectify all anomalies in the country’s tariff system to minimize interest group influence over contentious issues of trade policy including tariff adjustment decisions, dumping, subsidization and sharp import surges among other safeguard measures. Government in this regard seeks to deepen policy research and analysis, ensure a fairer trade approach to providing relief to domestic industries, and above all strengthen inter-institutional coordination in the implementation of trade law and policy in the country. These measures by the government are permitted under the World Trade Organization’s agreement with Ghana. He said the board on its part is to train private sector operators on how to petition and access the services of the board. The board in partnership with government hopes to provide technical support and solutions to all trade imbalances and deepen understanding of the impact of Ghana’s international trade commitments. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said the establishment of the board which is supposed to advice the Trade and Industry Ministry on trade and tariff issues, till it becomes a fully fledged Ghana International Trade Commission by the end of 2012, would go a long way to boost the business and financial sector of the economy and also stem the negative activities of some foreign companies and their local counterparts. This realization he said could be sustained depending on the effectiveness of the board and to a large extend be predicated on the readiness of prospective petitioners to provide timely, accurate, sufficient and relevant data. He urged the board to therefore treat all information in a form of data with confidentiality and ensure that data collected from individual companies does not fall into the hands of their perceived competitors to enhance fair trade. Mr. Woyongo urged them to encourage competition to ensure that both local producers and foreigners operate on an even field. He pledged governments support for all business communities across the country and called for cooperation.
10-12-2010 Walling of Bolgatanga Senior High School to Begin
Narration: Controversy surrounding the walling of the Bolgatanga Senior High School Popularly known as “Big Boss” due to chieftaincy dispute over the years, has been finally resolved to pave way for work to begin. Consensus was reached after the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, in the company of other dignitaries including district and regional directors of education met with the chiefs and custodians of the land to settle the issue once and for all. A sod cutting ceremony aftermath the meeting took place at the school premises to herald the commencement of the wall project. Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The Bolgatanga Senior High School which ranks among the best second cycle schools in the country began in 1974 through the efforts of the chiefs and people of the region. Efforts to wall the school since its establishment has proved futile due to conflicting issues of chieftaincy and land litigation among community members, chiefs as well as custodians of the land. At the just ended 40th anniversary celebration of the school this year, a special appeal was once again made to the government through the Ministry of Education to help fence the school with all the urgency to prevent more people encroaching onto the school land. The Regional Minister upon the request made, lobbied to secure funds for the commencement of the school wall project which has been the bone of contention between the chiefs and custodians of the land as well as the school authorities. Several attempts were made by the school authorities to deal with the situation but fell on rocky grounds. This is because some community members including the land owner kicked against the move claiming that they owe some portion of the land which they use for their farming activities. Moreover, their royal cemetery is also cited on the school land. These portions of the land, according to them, were not part of the school land when the demarcation took place in late 70s. The headmaster of the school, Mr. Didacus Afegra, who earlier on briefed the regional minister and his entourage on the matter said refusal by the custodian of the land to hand over the other portion of the land for the project has being a source of worry to staff as well as the student body and appealed for dialogue. To this end, an emergency meeting was organized to find an amicable solution to the problem. The Regional Minister after hours of heated deliberations, appealed to the chiefs and custodians of the land to willingly release it for its intended purpose in order not to disturb the relative peace prevailing in the area. He said land has become a very scarce commodity in the region and appealed to chiefs and land owners to help release land for developmental purposes since it will serve the interest of the people in the region. He said issue of land litigation and compensation has become a major set-back to the development of the region and called for mutual cooperation and understanding. The Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, accompanied by other dignitaries including the Traditional Chief of Winkongo, Naba Moses Akanzua, and the Paramount Chief of Tongo, Tongorana, later cut the sod to officially mark the commencement of the project which would be undertaken by Plan Construction Limited, a local construction firm.
Narration: Controversy surrounding the walling of the Bolgatanga Senior High School Popularly known as “Big Boss” due to chieftaincy dispute over the years, has been finally resolved to pave way for work to begin. Consensus was reached after the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, in the company of other dignitaries including district and regional directors of education met with the chiefs and custodians of the land to settle the issue once and for all. A sod cutting ceremony aftermath the meeting took place at the school premises to herald the commencement of the wall project. Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The Bolgatanga Senior High School which ranks among the best second cycle schools in the country began in 1974 through the efforts of the chiefs and people of the region. Efforts to wall the school since its establishment has proved futile due to conflicting issues of chieftaincy and land litigation among community members, chiefs as well as custodians of the land. At the just ended 40th anniversary celebration of the school this year, a special appeal was once again made to the government through the Ministry of Education to help fence the school with all the urgency to prevent more people encroaching onto the school land. The Regional Minister upon the request made, lobbied to secure funds for the commencement of the school wall project which has been the bone of contention between the chiefs and custodians of the land as well as the school authorities. Several attempts were made by the school authorities to deal with the situation but fell on rocky grounds. This is because some community members including the land owner kicked against the move claiming that they owe some portion of the land which they use for their farming activities. Moreover, their royal cemetery is also cited on the school land. These portions of the land, according to them, were not part of the school land when the demarcation took place in late 70s. The headmaster of the school, Mr. Didacus Afegra, who earlier on briefed the regional minister and his entourage on the matter said refusal by the custodian of the land to hand over the other portion of the land for the project has being a source of worry to staff as well as the student body and appealed for dialogue. To this end, an emergency meeting was organized to find an amicable solution to the problem. The Regional Minister after hours of heated deliberations, appealed to the chiefs and custodians of the land to willingly release it for its intended purpose in order not to disturb the relative peace prevailing in the area. He said land has become a very scarce commodity in the region and appealed to chiefs and land owners to help release land for developmental purposes since it will serve the interest of the people in the region. He said issue of land litigation and compensation has become a major set-back to the development of the region and called for mutual cooperation and understanding. The Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, accompanied by other dignitaries including the Traditional Chief of Winkongo, Naba Moses Akanzua, and the Paramount Chief of Tongo, Tongorana, later cut the sod to officially mark the commencement of the project which would be undertaken by Plan Construction Limited, a local construction firm.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Stakeholders Meeting on GEMP implementation
Narration: Participants at a 2-day stakeholders meeting aimed at reversing land degradation in the three northern regions has called on the country’s security agency to institute stiffer punishment of those who engage in activities that results to bush burning and desertification. They also appealed to assemblies and traditional rulers to also help salvage the situation by enacting bye-laws that could help protect the environment from total depletion. The meeting which was being attended by stakeholders drawn from the three northern regions is took place in the Upper East Regional Capital, Bolgatanga. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has the rest of the story.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The two-day workshop was organized by the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). It was held for relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on the impact of illegal activities affecting the environment and also share experiences in the three northern regions with respect to the implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project, which is a 5-year project designed by the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology. It was also organized for stakeholders to propose social interventions to help to mitigate the effects of bush burning among other illegal activities. The participants expressed concern that the country’s law enforcement agencies have failed to put in place the necessary policy and legislation would deter groups and individuals, from causing severe damage to the environment. According to them activities of illegal chainsaw operators coupled with the activities of nomadic Fulani herdsmen are contributing immensely to the destruction of the country’s forest and savanna, which they perceived could compound the plight of the rural poor without the necessary interventions. Consequently, the participants called for appropriate alternatives to flush out Fulani herdsmen whose activities are said to be hampering the environment. One of the participants, Mr. Mac Mathew Chancellor, a Senior officer at the Regional Office of the NCCE, Tamale expressed great concern on the activities of Fulani herdsmen that often results to bush burning and recommended stiffer punishment for offenders. He also appealed to the country’s law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with chiefs and community members who through their own selfish interest shield Fulani herdsmen. The Acting Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Upper west Region, Mr. Asher Nkegbe emphasized the need to bring on board all relevant stakeholders including departments and district assemblies to help fashion out ways to halt activities that degrades the environment particularly the activities of farmers and Fulani herdsmen. Participants also stressed the need for strong institutional collaboration between the chiefs and other stakeholders including the Forestry commission and EPA to intensify the campaign for afforestation. This they emphasized demands the support of the media in reversing land degradation in the three northern regions and the country at large. The Regional EPA Director, Madam Zenabu Wasai-King in a presentation outlined the successes achieved under the GEMP project and encouraged the various management committees to step up their efforts in ensuring that the projects achieves its set objectives. She also appealed to all and sundry to help minimize bush burning, this harmattan season.
End
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The two-day workshop was organized by the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). It was held for relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on the impact of illegal activities affecting the environment and also share experiences in the three northern regions with respect to the implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project, which is a 5-year project designed by the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology. It was also organized for stakeholders to propose social interventions to help to mitigate the effects of bush burning among other illegal activities. The participants expressed concern that the country’s law enforcement agencies have failed to put in place the necessary policy and legislation would deter groups and individuals, from causing severe damage to the environment. According to them activities of illegal chainsaw operators coupled with the activities of nomadic Fulani herdsmen are contributing immensely to the destruction of the country’s forest and savanna, which they perceived could compound the plight of the rural poor without the necessary interventions. Consequently, the participants called for appropriate alternatives to flush out Fulani herdsmen whose activities are said to be hampering the environment. One of the participants, Mr. Mac Mathew Chancellor, a Senior officer at the Regional Office of the NCCE, Tamale expressed great concern on the activities of Fulani herdsmen that often results to bush burning and recommended stiffer punishment for offenders. He also appealed to the country’s law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with chiefs and community members who through their own selfish interest shield Fulani herdsmen. The Acting Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Upper west Region, Mr. Asher Nkegbe emphasized the need to bring on board all relevant stakeholders including departments and district assemblies to help fashion out ways to halt activities that degrades the environment particularly the activities of farmers and Fulani herdsmen. Participants also stressed the need for strong institutional collaboration between the chiefs and other stakeholders including the Forestry commission and EPA to intensify the campaign for afforestation. This they emphasized demands the support of the media in reversing land degradation in the three northern regions and the country at large. The Regional EPA Director, Madam Zenabu Wasai-King in a presentation outlined the successes achieved under the GEMP project and encouraged the various management committees to step up their efforts in ensuring that the projects achieves its set objectives. She also appealed to all and sundry to help minimize bush burning, this harmattan season.
End
SS PETER AND PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL HOLDS PTA MEETING
Parents as a matter of concern have been advised to guide protect their children from uncensored videos and materials to help promote good values in the society. The appeal was made by the headmaster of SS Peter and Paul Primary School at Fumbisi, Robert Amwawumi, during the school’s PTA/SMC meeting held at Fumbisi in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Mr Amwawumi expressed worry that some children are often exposed to nudity that comes in the form of videos and pictures saying, such pictures pushes them to indulge in sexual activities which tend to affect them spiritually and morally. He said parents as guidance owe it a duty to guard and prevent their children against such vices since it has the tendency of jeopardizing their academic capabilities and performance. Mr. Awawumi also charged parents to ensure that their wards attend school regularly, and not be used as agents for income generation. He condemned parents who shirk their responsibilities on children at the neglect of their education and appealed to parents to change their attitudes towards such actions. A representative of the District Director of Education who is also the circuit Supervisor for the Fumbisi zone, Madam Margaret Akanbang also reminded parents of their civic responsibilities. He charged parents to make the education of the wards a priority adding that the development of every nation depends on the high level of education, which she said, is a panacea for development. Madam Akanbang commended the Catholic Church for their immense contribution to education in the district and the country as a whole. He therefore charged authorities of the school to maintain discipline at all levels. This, according to him, forms the basis at which the school was established. The Proprietor of the School, Rev. Dominic Broni expressed the church’s managerial and spiritual support for students at the school.
GBC END IA
GBC END IA
UPPER EAST REGIONAL NAGRAT SPEAKS OUT
30-11-2010
The Upper East Regional Council of the National Association of Graduate Teachers, NAGRAT, at a meeting in Bolgatanga has observed that their migration unto the Single Spine Salary Structure is long overdue and its high time the Fair Wages Commission (FWSC) adhere to their road map since they can no longer stay calm as requested by the National officers of the association. According to the Regional Chairman of the Association, John Brown Chiravira, the welfare of teachers in the country has been taken for granted over the years. He said the Regional Council members have observed with concerns statements made on Joy Fm on November, 3rd 2010 by the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salary Commission, George Smith Graham and subsequent press releases by the National office of NAGRAT asking teachers to exercise restraint. To him, the continuous postponement of uploading teachers onto the SSSS is a source of worry to the association and that efforts must be made to ensure that teachers are hooked up unto the pay policy in December, this year. Mr. Chiravira also described pronouncements by the FWSC to the effect that the migration of the remaining public workers onto the SSSS will be in March 2010, as unfortunate, adding that, leadership is not happy about the statement since it is causing instant fear and panic among the rank and file of the Association. The Association he indicated would be forced to lay down their tool if the implementation of the Single Spine for teachers is postponed beyond December 2010. This, he said, is in strict compliance to the release issued by the National office of the association to that effect. Speaking of behalf of the Regional Office, Mr. Chiravira called on teachers in the country to prepare themselves for a showdown if GES and the FWSC fail to upload them onto the spine come December, 2010.
GBC END IA/
The Upper East Regional Council of the National Association of Graduate Teachers, NAGRAT, at a meeting in Bolgatanga has observed that their migration unto the Single Spine Salary Structure is long overdue and its high time the Fair Wages Commission (FWSC) adhere to their road map since they can no longer stay calm as requested by the National officers of the association. According to the Regional Chairman of the Association, John Brown Chiravira, the welfare of teachers in the country has been taken for granted over the years. He said the Regional Council members have observed with concerns statements made on Joy Fm on November, 3rd 2010 by the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salary Commission, George Smith Graham and subsequent press releases by the National office of NAGRAT asking teachers to exercise restraint. To him, the continuous postponement of uploading teachers onto the SSSS is a source of worry to the association and that efforts must be made to ensure that teachers are hooked up unto the pay policy in December, this year. Mr. Chiravira also described pronouncements by the FWSC to the effect that the migration of the remaining public workers onto the SSSS will be in March 2010, as unfortunate, adding that, leadership is not happy about the statement since it is causing instant fear and panic among the rank and file of the Association. The Association he indicated would be forced to lay down their tool if the implementation of the Single Spine for teachers is postponed beyond December 2010. This, he said, is in strict compliance to the release issued by the National office of the association to that effect. Speaking of behalf of the Regional Office, Mr. Chiravira called on teachers in the country to prepare themselves for a showdown if GES and the FWSC fail to upload them onto the spine come December, 2010.
GBC END IA/
Teachers asked to participate in Upcoming Local Level elections
29-11-2010 Teachers have been urged to get involved in the upcoming district assembly elections so as ensure the realisation of their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution. The call was made by the Builsa District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, P.P Apaabey Baba at a GNAT forum held in Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Mr. Apaabey Baba described the forthcoming local level elections slated for 28 December 2010 as crucial, since it has the tendency of promoting good governance through enhanced public participation. He therefore emphasized the need for teachers to get directly involved in the exercise. According to him, if teachers are voted as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, they would bring their zeal and critical mindedness to bear on the deliberative legislature and executive functions of the District assemblies. He said at the Unit Committee level they would utilize their inherent community development skills to facilitate development at that level. Mr. Appabey also bemoaned the practice where people canvass for vote with money which according to him only results in wealthy people getting elected at the disadvantage of women, the unemployed and persons with disability. This, he said, also results in compromising standards as well as quality services and selfless commitments on the part of other people. Mr. Appabey urged teachers to educate community members on the relevance of participating in the upcoming local level elections. he also encouraged teachers to be abreast with the 1992 constitution and also ensure that they uphold the principles of justice freedom, probity and accountability all of which form the basic elements of good governance. Making reference with respect to political objectives of the constitution, Mr. Apaabey Baba said the state through its agencies is enjoined to ensure that Ghana remains a democratic state dedicated to the realization of freedom and justice. Mr. Appabey also in the course of his presentation took participants through the various national symbols particularly the Ghana coat of arm and urged them to constantly remind their pupils of the significance of these symbols as a measure to sustain their naturalistic and patriotic tendencies. Mr. Appabey in his closing remark acknowledged the enormous contributions of teachers towards local development and commended them for actively supporting the various civic education clubs at the school level.
GBC END IA
GBC END IA
30-11-2010 Teachers asked to participate in Upcoming Local Level elections
Teachers have been urged to get involved in the upcoming district assembly elections so as ensure the realisation of their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution. The call was made by the Builsa District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, P.P Apaabey Baba at a GNAT forum held in Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Mr. Apaabey Baba described the forthcoming local level elections slated for 28 December 2010 as crucial, since it has the tendency of promoting good governance through enhanced public participation. He therefore emphasized the need for teachers to get directly involved in the exercise. According to him, if teachers are voted as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, they would bring their zeal and critical mindedness to bear on the deliberative legislature and executive functions of the District assemblies. He said at the Unit Committee level they would utilize their inherent community development skills to facilitate development at that level. Mr. Appabey also bemoaned the practice where people canvass for vote with money which according to him only results in wealthy people getting elected at the disadvantage of women, the unemployed and persons with disability. This, he said, also results in compromising standards as well as quality services and selfless commitments on the part of other people. Mr. Appabey urged teachers to educate community members on the relevance of participating in the upcoming local level elections. he also encouraged teachers to be abreast with the 1992 constitution and also ensure that they uphold the principles of justice freedom, probity and accountability all of which form the basic elements of good governance. Making reference with respect to political objectives of the constitution, Mr. Apaabey Baba said the state through its agencies is enjoined to ensure that Ghana remains a democratic state dedicated to the realization of freedom and justice. Mr. Appabey also in the course of his presentation took participants through the various national symbols particularly the Ghana coat of arm and urged them to constantly remind their pupils of the significance of these symbols as a measure to sustain their naturalistic and patriotic tendencies. Mr. Appabey in his closing remark acknowledged the enormous contributions of teachers towards local development and commended them for actively supporting the various civic education clubs at the school level.
GBC END IA
Teachers have been urged to get involved in the upcoming district assembly elections so as ensure the realisation of their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution. The call was made by the Builsa District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, P.P Apaabey Baba at a GNAT forum held in Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Mr. Apaabey Baba described the forthcoming local level elections slated for 28 December 2010 as crucial, since it has the tendency of promoting good governance through enhanced public participation. He therefore emphasized the need for teachers to get directly involved in the exercise. According to him, if teachers are voted as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, they would bring their zeal and critical mindedness to bear on the deliberative legislature and executive functions of the District assemblies. He said at the Unit Committee level they would utilize their inherent community development skills to facilitate development at that level. Mr. Appabey also bemoaned the practice where people canvass for vote with money which according to him only results in wealthy people getting elected at the disadvantage of women, the unemployed and persons with disability. This, he said, also results in compromising standards as well as quality services and selfless commitments on the part of other people. Mr. Appabey urged teachers to educate community members on the relevance of participating in the upcoming local level elections. he also encouraged teachers to be abreast with the 1992 constitution and also ensure that they uphold the principles of justice freedom, probity and accountability all of which form the basic elements of good governance. Making reference with respect to political objectives of the constitution, Mr. Apaabey Baba said the state through its agencies is enjoined to ensure that Ghana remains a democratic state dedicated to the realization of freedom and justice. Mr. Appabey also in the course of his presentation took participants through the various national symbols particularly the Ghana coat of arm and urged them to constantly remind their pupils of the significance of these symbols as a measure to sustain their naturalistic and patriotic tendencies. Mr. Appabey in his closing remark acknowledged the enormous contributions of teachers towards local development and commended them for actively supporting the various civic education clubs at the school level.
GBC END IA
NORGAE Launched At Bolgatanga
30-11-2010 The Internal launching of the Northern Ghana Association of Entrepreneurs (NORGAE) has been held at Bolgatanga with a call on business entrepreneurs to be acquainted with prudent financial management and proposal writing know how to solicit funding to expand their businesses. It was on the theme: Championing the Developmental Process of Northern Ghana: the Role of the Enterpreneur”. The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Noble Alagskoma Asakeya who made the call said the growth of a business entity solely depends on how it is managed and resourced. This he noted is vital since most business prospective still find it difficult to survive due to poor financial and managerial skills. Mr Asakeya in an interview with Radio Ghana said the NORGAE which is the brain child of the Ghana Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (GHACED) involves a group of active and upcoming business individuals, striving to promote the growth of businesses in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Region. The overarching goal of the association, he explained is also geared at providing a common platform for interaction among entrepreneurs and to facilitate networking and also support members to take advantage and make good use of government policies instituted for the private sector particularly, the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA). In view of this, the association has put in place training programmes to build the capacity of its members in the area of goal setting, financial management, risk management, effective communication process, and proposal writing know how among other training intervention. He said the association with to pull its resources, talents and expertise together to tap the untapped potentials in Northern Ghana and called for effective collaboration, hard work, commitment and mutual support among entrepreneurs from the northern sector. A founding member of GHACED and a patron of NORGAE, Mr. Benjamin Anyana, challenged young and upcoming business entrepreneurs to set goal in their finances through proper planning. He further charged them to take up the challenge of facing crisis and difficulties in business since it cannot be avoided. This he said involves prudent marketing strategies and skills to succeed. He mentioned effective communication with stakeholders and the practice of intra-preneurship as some of the interventions. Mr Anyana urged members to help fulfils the association’s financial obligations by adhering strictly to its rules and regulations. He called for the upgrade of human resource and discipline among members to ensure its sustainability. Mr Anyana stressed the need for entrepreneurs in the north to change their way of thinking to push forward the business sector of the three northern regions. John Osman Salifu who was the chairman for the occasion called on members of NORGAE to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of the association. Representatives from the National Board for Small Scale Industry NBSSI and SIC life were there to lend their support
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
8TH Matriculation of Bolgatanga Polytechnic
Narration: The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, John Bosco Azigwe, says for the country to produce the requisite human capital for development, efforts must be made by the country’s institutions in ensuring more enrolment in the sciences and engineering, which according to him is the focus of polytechnic education. This, he, said can be done by adopting an integrated strategy approach and called for the involvement of all stakeholders in the educational sector. Mr. Azigwe made the observation on the occasion of the 8th Matriculation ceremony held at Bolgatanga. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has come through with this report
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The Reforms to the Tertiary Education system in 1993, suggested the accessibility of polytechnic education throughout the country for which regionally based polytechnics were to be established. The Bolgatanga Polytechnic was therefore established in 1999 and started operations in the year 2001. Its establishment was to fulfill the mandate of delivering quality Higher National Diploma (HND) products that are career –focused, hands-on to problem solving and responsive to the needs and demands of society, employers and professional bodies. The institution since its inception has been working closely with its collaborators to fulfil the mandate. In achieving the set objective, the school through the efforts of its governing Council, is collaborating with the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso and some universities in that country for exchange programs for staff and students. Students from the francophone countries will enroll for proficiency in English and would be admitted to offer HND programs after they have gained proficiency in the language. The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, Mr. John Bosco Azigwe, was happy about the development of the institute which he noted would grow from strength to strength if he is given the needed cooperation and support by staff and students. Mr. Azigwe implored students to desist from examination malpractices and stick to discipline and quality assurance which he said form the general principle guiding academic work in the polytechnic. Mr. Azigwe outlined the provision academic facilities for the school and urged students to make good use of such facilities when provided. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Harry Epson Ayamga, in a speech read for him reaffirmed government’s commitment to the development of Polytechnic education in the country. This he stated has become necessary due to the emergence of the country’s oil exploration. He mentioned discipline and hardwork as the hallmark for academic achievement and called on students to strive to attain more academic potentials. A founding member of the Polytechnic and a retired educationist, Mr. Robert Ajene, said obtaining a degree do not necessary makes one a product of an institution but what one can do to help contribute to the country’s middle level manpower development. Mr. Ajene therefore urged the students to study hard in order to achieve their career objectives since their knowledge and skills would go along way to solving numerous community based problems. The school’s Registrar, Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu, administered the matriculation oath of matriculants admitted to pursue programs in applied arts and Sciences, engineering and business. In all 503 fresh students made up of 348 males and 155 females took part in the ceremony. The President of the school’s SRC warn students against all acts of indiscipline adding that his outfit would not support any act that would bring the name of the institution into disrepute
END
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The Reforms to the Tertiary Education system in 1993, suggested the accessibility of polytechnic education throughout the country for which regionally based polytechnics were to be established. The Bolgatanga Polytechnic was therefore established in 1999 and started operations in the year 2001. Its establishment was to fulfill the mandate of delivering quality Higher National Diploma (HND) products that are career –focused, hands-on to problem solving and responsive to the needs and demands of society, employers and professional bodies. The institution since its inception has been working closely with its collaborators to fulfil the mandate. In achieving the set objective, the school through the efforts of its governing Council, is collaborating with the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso and some universities in that country for exchange programs for staff and students. Students from the francophone countries will enroll for proficiency in English and would be admitted to offer HND programs after they have gained proficiency in the language. The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, Mr. John Bosco Azigwe, was happy about the development of the institute which he noted would grow from strength to strength if he is given the needed cooperation and support by staff and students. Mr. Azigwe implored students to desist from examination malpractices and stick to discipline and quality assurance which he said form the general principle guiding academic work in the polytechnic. Mr. Azigwe outlined the provision academic facilities for the school and urged students to make good use of such facilities when provided. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Harry Epson Ayamga, in a speech read for him reaffirmed government’s commitment to the development of Polytechnic education in the country. This he stated has become necessary due to the emergence of the country’s oil exploration. He mentioned discipline and hardwork as the hallmark for academic achievement and called on students to strive to attain more academic potentials. A founding member of the Polytechnic and a retired educationist, Mr. Robert Ajene, said obtaining a degree do not necessary makes one a product of an institution but what one can do to help contribute to the country’s middle level manpower development. Mr. Ajene therefore urged the students to study hard in order to achieve their career objectives since their knowledge and skills would go along way to solving numerous community based problems. The school’s Registrar, Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu, administered the matriculation oath of matriculants admitted to pursue programs in applied arts and Sciences, engineering and business. In all 503 fresh students made up of 348 males and 155 females took part in the ceremony. The President of the school’s SRC warn students against all acts of indiscipline adding that his outfit would not support any act that would bring the name of the institution into disrepute
END
Community Members Sensitized On Girl Child Education
Government through the Ministry of Education has noted with concern the wide disparity gap that exists between the enrolment of boys and girls in schools in the country, particularly northern Ghana. As part of efforts to bridge this disparity, 50 percent of various scholarships have been allocated to girls by the assemblies. Meanwhile, a Basic Education Support Programme (BESP) through Information, Education and Communication Campaigns (IEC) has also been instituted by the Girl Child Education Unit of GES to help in that direction. The Upper East Regional Girl Child Education Officer, Madam Rose Akanson disclosed this at a community sensitization programme on girl child education at Tarongo, a community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. The BESP programme which was being sponsored by USAID brought together community members, chiefs, elders, role models, teachers as well as officials from the GES among others. Madam Akanson indicated that her outfit attaches great importance to girl child education in the deprived communities and explained that education in those areas is generally hindered by traditional practices and stereotyping. She also mentioned poverty and ignorance on the part of parents as some of the challenges confronting girl child education. According to her the aim of the IEC campaign is to encourage community participation in the quest to increasing girl’s enrolment and retention in schools. This, she added, creates an opportunity for community members to make meaningful contributions on factors that militate against girl child education in the various communities. Madam Akanson also emphasized the need for Ghanaians to give equal opportunity to young people irrespective of their sex stressing that the education of the girl child is as important as that of boys. The Deputy Education Director of Bongo, Mr. Louis B. Asakeya pointed out that education of the girl child should be a major concern to all since government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. He called on parents to help educate their girl child devoid of discrimination. Mr. Asakeya also bemoaned the practice where parents abandon their children whilst they are in school. The practice, he said, compel the girl child to migrate down south for menial jobs. He pledged his outfit’s support for poor and needy students in the district and charged parents to take the education of their girl child seriously.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
Bolgatanga Polytechnic introduces new program
2010
The Bolgatanga Polytechnic has introduced an innovative program (HND) Procurement and Logistics Management, the first of its kind in the country. This will help address the need for procurement and logistics professionals whose relevance has increased with the promulgation of the Public Procurement act of 2004, Act 663. The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga polytechnic, Mr. John Bosco Azigwe, who disclosed this in an interview with Radio Ghana described the introduction of the said program as timely and called on the media to help give it the needed publicity it deserves. According to the rector, public procurement accounts for between 5—70 percent of total government expenditure, representing 14 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product hence the need to place much emphasis on the program. Other professional and innovative programs he stated would be introduced to help the institute produce the needed human resource base and capacity for the growth of industrial development, particularly the private sector which is said to be the engine of growth for the country. Mr Azigwe however entreated government and stakeholders in the educational sector to give polytechnic education the needed support and assistance for accelerated growth and development at all levels. He also entreated products of the various polytechnics to be innovative in their fields of study and contribute to solving problems pertaining in the communities across the country. Touching on the academic facilities of the school, Mr Azigwe said management has put in place adequate measures to address the infrastructural needs facing the institute. Managment he indicated has awarded a contract for the supply of 50 computers and other teaching aids to improve on the school’s computer laboratory. Also management has placed an order for an additional 400 chairs and desk for use in lecture theatres. Plans, he added, are also far advance to stock and furnish the school’s library complex with modern furniture and equipments for effective teaching and learning. He said the school’s governing council as a matter of concern is poised to providing leadership and enabling environment for effective teaching and learning and called on government and relevant stakeholders in the education al sector to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure the growth and development of the polytechnic. Mr Azigwe, however, cautioned students against acts of indiscipline and urged them use the knowledge and skills acquired to help benefit the society.
GBC END IA/
The Bolgatanga Polytechnic has introduced an innovative program (HND) Procurement and Logistics Management, the first of its kind in the country. This will help address the need for procurement and logistics professionals whose relevance has increased with the promulgation of the Public Procurement act of 2004, Act 663. The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga polytechnic, Mr. John Bosco Azigwe, who disclosed this in an interview with Radio Ghana described the introduction of the said program as timely and called on the media to help give it the needed publicity it deserves. According to the rector, public procurement accounts for between 5—70 percent of total government expenditure, representing 14 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product hence the need to place much emphasis on the program. Other professional and innovative programs he stated would be introduced to help the institute produce the needed human resource base and capacity for the growth of industrial development, particularly the private sector which is said to be the engine of growth for the country. Mr Azigwe however entreated government and stakeholders in the educational sector to give polytechnic education the needed support and assistance for accelerated growth and development at all levels. He also entreated products of the various polytechnics to be innovative in their fields of study and contribute to solving problems pertaining in the communities across the country. Touching on the academic facilities of the school, Mr Azigwe said management has put in place adequate measures to address the infrastructural needs facing the institute. Managment he indicated has awarded a contract for the supply of 50 computers and other teaching aids to improve on the school’s computer laboratory. Also management has placed an order for an additional 400 chairs and desk for use in lecture theatres. Plans, he added, are also far advance to stock and furnish the school’s library complex with modern furniture and equipments for effective teaching and learning. He said the school’s governing council as a matter of concern is poised to providing leadership and enabling environment for effective teaching and learning and called on government and relevant stakeholders in the education al sector to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure the growth and development of the polytechnic. Mr Azigwe, however, cautioned students against acts of indiscipline and urged them use the knowledge and skills acquired to help benefit the society.
GBC END IA/
Stanbic Bank Donates Towards Tripartite Tennis Tournament
02-11-2010
Stanbic bank, one of the renowned banking institutions in the country, as part of its corporate social responsibility, has donated a cheque of 4,000 Ghana Cedis towards the prestigious triangular tennis tournament schedule to take place at Bolgatanga, this December. The 3-day tournament which is in commemoration of the Upper East @ 50 celebrations, starting from today December 2nd to 5th, would be featuring by Bolgatanga, Wa and Tamale Lawn tennis clubs. The Regional Branch Manager, Stanbic Bank, Mr. Ismael Baiden said the donation which is aimed at building strong customer relations between the bank and its customers comes along with 75 branded T-shirts and other Stanbic souvenirs. This, he said, shows the commitment of the bank in the promotion of sports in the region and the country in general and called on beneficiary teams to help connect more people to the bank. Mr. Baiden revealed that Stanbic bank of Ghana, which is a subsidiary of the Standard Bank in South Africa, has 22 branches in 9 regions. The bank he also noted, still maintains its track record in the Ghana Club 100. The successes and achievements by the bank according to Mr. Baiden was not achieve on a silver platter but rather the bank’s ability in providing financial solution to people’s financial needs. Mr. Baiden said as major sponsors for the tournament the bank is ready to conduct business with the club members to enhance their relationship and appealed to them to save at the bank and also take advantage of all the incentive packages offered by the bank, which, he added, comes in the form of loan acquisition among others. This he said is vital since most people lack prudent financial zeal and planning to save. He pledged the bank’s continuous support to the game of sports in the region and called on the support of other institution in that regard. The Chairman of the Bolgatanga Tennis Club, Martin Amana commended Stanbic bank for the kind gesture, emphasizing that the donation would go a long way to help improve their finances towards the upcoming tournament. The opening ceremony which begins on Friday December 3rd would be addressed by the Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Mark Owen Woyongo at the forecourt of the Bolgatanga Tennis court.
GBC END IA/
Stanbic bank, one of the renowned banking institutions in the country, as part of its corporate social responsibility, has donated a cheque of 4,000 Ghana Cedis towards the prestigious triangular tennis tournament schedule to take place at Bolgatanga, this December. The 3-day tournament which is in commemoration of the Upper East @ 50 celebrations, starting from today December 2nd to 5th, would be featuring by Bolgatanga, Wa and Tamale Lawn tennis clubs. The Regional Branch Manager, Stanbic Bank, Mr. Ismael Baiden said the donation which is aimed at building strong customer relations between the bank and its customers comes along with 75 branded T-shirts and other Stanbic souvenirs. This, he said, shows the commitment of the bank in the promotion of sports in the region and the country in general and called on beneficiary teams to help connect more people to the bank. Mr. Baiden revealed that Stanbic bank of Ghana, which is a subsidiary of the Standard Bank in South Africa, has 22 branches in 9 regions. The bank he also noted, still maintains its track record in the Ghana Club 100. The successes and achievements by the bank according to Mr. Baiden was not achieve on a silver platter but rather the bank’s ability in providing financial solution to people’s financial needs. Mr. Baiden said as major sponsors for the tournament the bank is ready to conduct business with the club members to enhance their relationship and appealed to them to save at the bank and also take advantage of all the incentive packages offered by the bank, which, he added, comes in the form of loan acquisition among others. This he said is vital since most people lack prudent financial zeal and planning to save. He pledged the bank’s continuous support to the game of sports in the region and called on the support of other institution in that regard. The Chairman of the Bolgatanga Tennis Club, Martin Amana commended Stanbic bank for the kind gesture, emphasizing that the donation would go a long way to help improve their finances towards the upcoming tournament. The opening ceremony which begins on Friday December 3rd would be addressed by the Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Mark Owen Woyongo at the forecourt of the Bolgatanga Tennis court.
GBC END IA/
Residents of Upper East Cautioned on Food Poisoning
02-11-2010
The use of fake agro chemicals coupled with its misapplication by farmers in the Upper East Region has resulted in the death of 12 persons in the Bawku West, Talensi- Nabdam and Garu Tempane districts. In view of this unfortunate incidence, the Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Environmental Protection Agency and the National Disaster Management Authority (NADMO) among other collaborators had cautioned farmers in the region on the wrongful use of poisonous agro chemicals which are said to be the cause of deaths recorded in the past two week. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo, who disclosed this in a press briefing at Bolgatanga, said a special task force to that effect, had been set up to monitor and control the wrongful use of chemicals in the region to avert any further calamity. According to Mr Woyongo, 12 deaths out of 74 cases in the three affected districts had so far been recorded since its discovery by officials from the regional health directorate. The task force he added had therefore been established to help save lives of people and animals as well, since they are all victims of the food poisoning. Mr Woyongo was not happy about the current turn of event, emphasising that his outfit would ensure that fake agro chemical dealers’ are apprehended and be made to face the full rigours of the law. He also cautioned people who import these toxic chemicals into the region and charged the security agencies at the region’s borders to step up their activities to clamp down on perpetrators. The Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ms Zenabu Wasai-king entreated residents of the region to be cautious of what they take as food through thorough washing. She also advised farmers to take into account chemicals that they use on their farms. As a matter of precaution Ms Wasai- King entreated farmers to read or seek information from any extension worker on the methods of application of the chemicals especially those that contain endo sulphar, though it is an approved chemical for use by farmers.
GBC END IA/
The use of fake agro chemicals coupled with its misapplication by farmers in the Upper East Region has resulted in the death of 12 persons in the Bawku West, Talensi- Nabdam and Garu Tempane districts. In view of this unfortunate incidence, the Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Environmental Protection Agency and the National Disaster Management Authority (NADMO) among other collaborators had cautioned farmers in the region on the wrongful use of poisonous agro chemicals which are said to be the cause of deaths recorded in the past two week. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo, who disclosed this in a press briefing at Bolgatanga, said a special task force to that effect, had been set up to monitor and control the wrongful use of chemicals in the region to avert any further calamity. According to Mr Woyongo, 12 deaths out of 74 cases in the three affected districts had so far been recorded since its discovery by officials from the regional health directorate. The task force he added had therefore been established to help save lives of people and animals as well, since they are all victims of the food poisoning. Mr Woyongo was not happy about the current turn of event, emphasising that his outfit would ensure that fake agro chemical dealers’ are apprehended and be made to face the full rigours of the law. He also cautioned people who import these toxic chemicals into the region and charged the security agencies at the region’s borders to step up their activities to clamp down on perpetrators. The Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ms Zenabu Wasai-king entreated residents of the region to be cautious of what they take as food through thorough washing. She also advised farmers to take into account chemicals that they use on their farms. As a matter of precaution Ms Wasai- King entreated farmers to read or seek information from any extension worker on the methods of application of the chemicals especially those that contain endo sulphar, though it is an approved chemical for use by farmers.
GBC END IA/
EC adopts strategy to conduct free fair and transparent local level elections
03-12-2010 Narration: The Electoral Commission is to introduce conflict management in their electioneering activities to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, free from violent. This was announced by the Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Bruce Ayisi, at a cross sectoral stakeholders workshop held at Bolgatanga. The workshop organized by the electoral Commission and facilitated by the KAB Governance Consult was on the theme: “Harnessing the Resources of EC, NCCE and ISD for Improved Citizen Participation in the 2010 District Level Elections”. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has come through with this report.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop which was being organized for District Directors of the Electoral Commission, (EC) National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Information Services Departments (ISD) formed part of efforts aimed at strengthening publicity on the upcoming 2010 District Level Elections slated for December, 28. It was held to create an opportunity for key stakeholders to join forces with the EC to deliver on its core mandate. This was also to remind and educate people on the need to participate meaningfully in the upcoming district assembly and unit committee elections devoid of conflict and other misconduct. The Regional Director, EC, Mr Bruce Ayisi, in a brief welcome address saw the need for key collaborators in the electoral process to execute their responsibilities diligently and effectively to enhance citizen’s participation in the upcoming event, which he said is geared at promoting governance at the grassroot level. Mr Ayisi was also emphatic about the role of the media in that regard, stressing that his outfit with the help of its collaborators is poised to conduct an exercise free from all forms of violence. The Director In-Charge of Administration and Finance at the Electoral Commission, Mr. David Azey Adenze Kanda, expressed worry about the low patronage of the district level elections over the years and attributed it to a number of factors, some of which he noted are based on ethnic religious and political grounds. He mentioned more women’s participation in local level elections as vital so that the various assemblies would have a fair representative during assembly sessions to enhance decision making processes. women he added are believed to be in a better position to bring to fore issues affecting them in all facets of life when given the opportunity, hence the need to support them . Mr. Azende Kanda reiterated the importance of the recent demarcation of electoral areas across the country and called on the populace to bear with the EC to rectify all the anomalies associated with the break ups. The Regional Director of the ISD, Mr. Nelson Mba Ayamga in an interview with Radio Ghana, pledged his outfit’s continuous support to the EC to help raise public awareness on the upcoming event and called on residents to participate fully in the exercise.
END
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop which was being organized for District Directors of the Electoral Commission, (EC) National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Information Services Departments (ISD) formed part of efforts aimed at strengthening publicity on the upcoming 2010 District Level Elections slated for December, 28. It was held to create an opportunity for key stakeholders to join forces with the EC to deliver on its core mandate. This was also to remind and educate people on the need to participate meaningfully in the upcoming district assembly and unit committee elections devoid of conflict and other misconduct. The Regional Director, EC, Mr Bruce Ayisi, in a brief welcome address saw the need for key collaborators in the electoral process to execute their responsibilities diligently and effectively to enhance citizen’s participation in the upcoming event, which he said is geared at promoting governance at the grassroot level. Mr Ayisi was also emphatic about the role of the media in that regard, stressing that his outfit with the help of its collaborators is poised to conduct an exercise free from all forms of violence. The Director In-Charge of Administration and Finance at the Electoral Commission, Mr. David Azey Adenze Kanda, expressed worry about the low patronage of the district level elections over the years and attributed it to a number of factors, some of which he noted are based on ethnic religious and political grounds. He mentioned more women’s participation in local level elections as vital so that the various assemblies would have a fair representative during assembly sessions to enhance decision making processes. women he added are believed to be in a better position to bring to fore issues affecting them in all facets of life when given the opportunity, hence the need to support them . Mr. Azende Kanda reiterated the importance of the recent demarcation of electoral areas across the country and called on the populace to bear with the EC to rectify all the anomalies associated with the break ups. The Regional Director of the ISD, Mr. Nelson Mba Ayamga in an interview with Radio Ghana, pledged his outfit’s continuous support to the EC to help raise public awareness on the upcoming event and called on residents to participate fully in the exercise.
END
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)