2011
A legal practitioner based in the Upper East Region, Joseph Dindiok Kpenka has called on the government through the Northern and Upper East Regional Security to institute an independent bi-partisan committee of enquiry to investigate circumstances and actions that led to police invasion on innocent civilians of Nankpanduri during their search for the notorious robber and troublemaker, Johnson Kombian. He described the action of the police as uncalled for and recommended them to take positive measures that will prevent its future occurrences. Mr. Kpenka expressed this sentiment in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga. He said though the police has a duty to serve and protect lives and property of the citizenry, their actions should be confined within their bounden duties, hence the need to exercise circumspection in the course of their operations. He emphasized that the people of Bimoba and its catchment area had continue to lived in peace and harmony over the past years, therefore a search for an individual should in no way affect innocent people. According to him the unfortunate invasion and crackdown of the police has worsened the plight of some innocent citizens that were affected during the search for Kombian. Many, who fled the town for fear of victimization, have since not return. This according to Mr. Kpenka has affected business activities in the area. He however called on the assistance of the government to take a second look into the matter and come out with credible and detailed findings on circumstances leading to the cause of police brutalities on innocent citizens of Nankpanduri. He commended the combine effort of the security forces in arresting Kombian who he said was a thorn in the fresh of the people of Nankpanduri, adding that calm has returned to the area after the apprehension of Johnson Kombian. Mr. Kpenka urged the people of Nankpanduri to continue to live in peace and collectively expose criminals from their hide outs for the law to take its course.
GBC END IA/
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Chiefs and People of Bimoba Celebrates Annual Danjuar festival in grand style
Narration: A colourful durbar to climax activities marking the eighth annual Bimoba Festival for the chiefs and people of Bimoba community in the Garu-Tempane District of the Upper East Region has been held at Kpikpira. The event which was celebrated with pump and pageantry attracted a cross section of the public including sons and daughters of Bimoba community both home and abroad. Other dignitaries including government officials, representatives of the chief of Nankpanduri and his royal highness the Bawku Naba and overlord of the Kusaug Traditional area were present to grace the occasion. The event was celebrated on the theme: Unity with Peace is Development. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCRV/O
Report
The annual Bimoba Union Danjuar Festival which covers 58 villages and beyond is not only a yearly ritual for the delivery of speeches and display of cultural activities but an opportunity for stock taking and practical implementation of policy documents aimed at improving the socio-economic lives of the people. It is also a period set aside to strengthen the bond of friendship among the ethnic divides with peace and merry making. The Member of Parliament for Garu–Tempane, Dominic Azuma Azimbi who was the special guest of honour for the occasion commended the chiefs and people of the area for their effort in maintaining relative peace over the years. He also commended the Bawku Naba and all stakeholders involved in the Bawku peace process for helping to ensure prevailing peace without any unrest. Mr. Azimbi urged the people of the region to collectively make a meaningful contribution towards the prevailing peace process in Bawku adding that development cannot strive when there is disunity, chaos and anarchy. Factions involves in the conflict in Bawku were also charged to iron out their differences and forge ahead to ensure lasting peace through dialogue and reconciliation. He said government is on course in achieving its Better Ghana Agenda through development, stressing that government as a matter of concern has put in place policy interventions to speed up the level of development in the Garu-Tempane district and beyond. Among the interventions he pointed out is the construction of a district hospital in Garu and Bawku, the elevation of the Garu-Tempane Senior High School into a boarding status as well as the extension of electricity supply to most rural communities in the area and the region at large. According to him a 100 million dollar credit facility has been secured from the General Capital Corporation of the United State for the financing of the national rural electrification scheme for the Upper East Region. The scope of the project he added involves the extension of electricity supply to an implemented 500 deprived communities in the region, which he indicated would be implanted and executed within the next two years. In all 48-50 communities from the Garu-Tempane district are benefiting from the scheme. The Garu-Tempane District Chef Executive, Mr. David Adakudugu also assured the Bimoba union of an ultra modern office complex and a borehole to facilitate their administrative work. He also pledged to construct a dam for the community to ensure all year round farming and called on the people to be serious in their farming activities. Mr. Adakudugu commended the prevailing peace in the area and charged the people to volunteer information leading to the arrest of criminals for redress. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni took the opportunity to congratulate all the newly elected assembly and unit committee members for their victory and urged the people to give them maximum support and corporation devoid of party politics so as to deepen the decentralization programme for the people at the grassroot. An appeal for fund was later held to support the Bimoba Education Trust Fund meant to assist brilliant but needy students.
END
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCRV/O
Report
The annual Bimoba Union Danjuar Festival which covers 58 villages and beyond is not only a yearly ritual for the delivery of speeches and display of cultural activities but an opportunity for stock taking and practical implementation of policy documents aimed at improving the socio-economic lives of the people. It is also a period set aside to strengthen the bond of friendship among the ethnic divides with peace and merry making. The Member of Parliament for Garu–Tempane, Dominic Azuma Azimbi who was the special guest of honour for the occasion commended the chiefs and people of the area for their effort in maintaining relative peace over the years. He also commended the Bawku Naba and all stakeholders involved in the Bawku peace process for helping to ensure prevailing peace without any unrest. Mr. Azimbi urged the people of the region to collectively make a meaningful contribution towards the prevailing peace process in Bawku adding that development cannot strive when there is disunity, chaos and anarchy. Factions involves in the conflict in Bawku were also charged to iron out their differences and forge ahead to ensure lasting peace through dialogue and reconciliation. He said government is on course in achieving its Better Ghana Agenda through development, stressing that government as a matter of concern has put in place policy interventions to speed up the level of development in the Garu-Tempane district and beyond. Among the interventions he pointed out is the construction of a district hospital in Garu and Bawku, the elevation of the Garu-Tempane Senior High School into a boarding status as well as the extension of electricity supply to most rural communities in the area and the region at large. According to him a 100 million dollar credit facility has been secured from the General Capital Corporation of the United State for the financing of the national rural electrification scheme for the Upper East Region. The scope of the project he added involves the extension of electricity supply to an implemented 500 deprived communities in the region, which he indicated would be implanted and executed within the next two years. In all 48-50 communities from the Garu-Tempane district are benefiting from the scheme. The Garu-Tempane District Chef Executive, Mr. David Adakudugu also assured the Bimoba union of an ultra modern office complex and a borehole to facilitate their administrative work. He also pledged to construct a dam for the community to ensure all year round farming and called on the people to be serious in their farming activities. Mr. Adakudugu commended the prevailing peace in the area and charged the people to volunteer information leading to the arrest of criminals for redress. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni took the opportunity to congratulate all the newly elected assembly and unit committee members for their victory and urged the people to give them maximum support and corporation devoid of party politics so as to deepen the decentralization programme for the people at the grassroot. An appeal for fund was later held to support the Bimoba Education Trust Fund meant to assist brilliant but needy students.
END
Government urged to reconsider extending the retirement age for public sector workers
Government has been encouraged to as a matter of concern review and reconsider the retirement age of public workers by extending it from 60-65 so that workers who still remain strong and vibrant after their retirement would continue to share and impart their knowledge and experiences to the younger generations. Adherence to this call will also prevent workers from giving out wrong information about their age when registering with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo made the call during an inaugural ceremony of the Kassena-Nankana Retired Teachers Association (KANARETA) at Navrongo in the Upper East Region. Mr. Woyongo assured the retirees that government is working around the clock to better their lot since teachers play a significant role in development of the country’s human resource. He said government recognizing the enormous contribution teachers’ play in the socio-economic lives of the people is determined to improve the working environment and condition of teachers as a way of motivation. Mr. Woyongo said government intends to bring smile on the faces of teachers, hence their migration onto the Single Spine Pay Policy, which he said has been finalized for the Ghana Education Service. Mr. Woyongo was however not happy about the continuous fallen standard of education in the area and the region in general and called on teachers, parents as well as students to play their respective roles effectively to help address the situation before it gets out of hand. He therefore challenged members of the KANARETA to organize remedial classes for students who failed to gain admission into the various tertiary institutions due to poor grades and also offer consultancy services for heads of institutions and teachers that require their services. According to Mr. Woyongo plans are far afoot to constitute a team of expertise to establish an Education Endowment fund to take care of the brilliant but needy students in the region of which some retirees would be made to serve in the management of the fund. He also appealed to the retirees not to use the association to enrich themselves but rather use it to enhance the image of the teaching profession. The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Philip Agamba said the association was formed as a way of bringing on board retired teachers to deliberate on issues that border on education and also support each other in times of joy and difficulties. He said the association among other factors came into being considering the ordeal teachers go through after they finally retire from active service. Some section of the public he lamented even hold the perception that teachers are made worse off and die quickly after retirement due to poverty and frustration. The idea of establishing the association he explained is to disapprove the said notion. Mr. Agamba pledged to avail their services to the various communities, the District assembly and the GES so that their energies would be channeled to help improve the lot of the people they serve. He appealed to the Regional Minister and the district assembly to help provide funds to ensure the successful completion of the Teachers Resource Centre to help them prepare teaching materials for the schools in the area.
Health Institutions assured of adequate support
Narration: The Upper East Regional Health Directorate has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously lobby for assistance from wherever possible to address the numerous health challenges confronting the health sector of the region. The Deputy Regional Director, Clinical Care, Dr. Ernest Opoku gave the assurance at a joint matriculation ceremony for the Health Training Institutions in the Upper East Region. He lamented that the problem of inadequate health infrastructure for health institutions in the region still remain a major source of worry to the directorate, hence the need for stakeholders to partner government in dealing with the situation so as to ensure effective teaching and learning at all level. Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the ceremony and has come through with this report for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The ceremony which brought together members of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana, principals of the various health training institutions of the region, heads of departments and government officials among other dignitaries saw 1,085 matriculants inducted into the health training instructions across the region. Participating schools were drawn from the Bawku Presbyterian Nurses Training College, the Community Health Nurses Training School at Navrongo, the Bolgatanga Health Assistant Training School and the Midwifery Training school as well as the Bolgatanga Nurses Training College. The Deputy Regional Director, Clinical Care, Dr. Ernest Opoku, who spoke on behalf of the Regional Director of Health Services assured, touched on the numerous health challenges confronting the health sector of the region. He highlighted on a number of interventional measures put in place by the region’s health directorate to address some of these challenges which he noted include inadequate health infrastructure for health training institutions, acute shortage of health personnel to man the various health facilities and health professionals refusal to accept postings to the region. He said as much is expected of the country’s health sector in the quest for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, stakeholders must be brought on board to complement government’s effort in attracting enough resources and infrastructure to address the situation. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in an address expressed the hope that the region through government’s support will benefit from sponsorships as well as other incentive packages to ensure effective service delivery. He said government places a high premium on health service delivery and is determined to establishing more training institutions and increase student intake in health training institutions. According to Mr. Woyongo, the creation of more CHPS Compounds coupled with the proposed one time premium under the NHIS among other interventions are clear indications of government’s readiness to boost the health sector of the country. He commended the management of the various health institutions for initiating moves to produce the needed human resources for the health care industry despite the inadequate health infrastructure and shortage of the requisite tools and materials for effective teaching and learning in most of the health training institutions, particularly those in Northern Ghana. Mr. Woyongo reminded the graduants to be discipline and dedicated throughout the course of their study stressing that government through the health sector of the region is working tirelessly to improve their condition of service and working environment as a way of motivating them to serve the region after completion. The Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ken Sagoe, advised the matriculants to explore the opportunities and platform given them as an entry point to greater height in their professional and career advancement within the health sector of Ghana. He also urged them to take up the challenge of accepting postings and serving the various communities in the region after completion.
END
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The ceremony which brought together members of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana, principals of the various health training institutions of the region, heads of departments and government officials among other dignitaries saw 1,085 matriculants inducted into the health training instructions across the region. Participating schools were drawn from the Bawku Presbyterian Nurses Training College, the Community Health Nurses Training School at Navrongo, the Bolgatanga Health Assistant Training School and the Midwifery Training school as well as the Bolgatanga Nurses Training College. The Deputy Regional Director, Clinical Care, Dr. Ernest Opoku, who spoke on behalf of the Regional Director of Health Services assured, touched on the numerous health challenges confronting the health sector of the region. He highlighted on a number of interventional measures put in place by the region’s health directorate to address some of these challenges which he noted include inadequate health infrastructure for health training institutions, acute shortage of health personnel to man the various health facilities and health professionals refusal to accept postings to the region. He said as much is expected of the country’s health sector in the quest for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, stakeholders must be brought on board to complement government’s effort in attracting enough resources and infrastructure to address the situation. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in an address expressed the hope that the region through government’s support will benefit from sponsorships as well as other incentive packages to ensure effective service delivery. He said government places a high premium on health service delivery and is determined to establishing more training institutions and increase student intake in health training institutions. According to Mr. Woyongo, the creation of more CHPS Compounds coupled with the proposed one time premium under the NHIS among other interventions are clear indications of government’s readiness to boost the health sector of the country. He commended the management of the various health institutions for initiating moves to produce the needed human resources for the health care industry despite the inadequate health infrastructure and shortage of the requisite tools and materials for effective teaching and learning in most of the health training institutions, particularly those in Northern Ghana. Mr. Woyongo reminded the graduants to be discipline and dedicated throughout the course of their study stressing that government through the health sector of the region is working tirelessly to improve their condition of service and working environment as a way of motivating them to serve the region after completion. The Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ken Sagoe, advised the matriculants to explore the opportunities and platform given them as an entry point to greater height in their professional and career advancement within the health sector of Ghana. He also urged them to take up the challenge of accepting postings and serving the various communities in the region after completion.
END
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
44 Communities in Upper East to be Connected to the National Grid
2011
About 44 deprived communities in the Upper East Region would by the end of this year be connected to the national grid under the rural electrification project. In view of this a sum of 100 million dollar loan facility has been secured to cater for the project. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Binduri Constituency, Stephen Yakubu, who announced this in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga, mentioned some of the beneficiary communities under his constituency as Nafkolgo, Zuosi, Aniisi, Baasi, Pwalugu, Bingol, Gotisaliga and Payomire among others. He said the loan facility was acquired through the efforts of the Upper East MP caucus in parliament and outlined measures to solicit for more of such funds to extend the electricity to the remotest parts of the region. Mr. Yakubu also expressed his determination to install more street lights to add up to the existing ones. This, he explained, would help in tracking the activities of criminals who hide under the dark to indulge in all kinds of heinous activities. According to him the issue of security remains one of his topmost priorities in his constituency considering the violent situation in Bawku, which he indicated is now enjoying prevailing peace due to efforts of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee and the government through the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) among other key personalities involved in the peace process. According to him efforts are being made to ensure that the area continue to enjoy relative peace and reconciliation among the two feuding factions. Mr. Yakubu also declared his readiness to pursue his developmental agenda for his constituents and touched on critical areas including health, agriculture, education of the girl child, teacher motivation, provision of school infrastructure, provision of boreholes, pavilions, sheds for chiefs and renovation of abandoned structures for health personnel and teachers. He said as part of efforts to improve maternal and child mortality in his constituency, structures would be provided for nurses and midwives manning the various health facilities especially the CHP Compounds so that community members could access basic health care with ease. The provision of such facilities would also curb the incident of health personnel refusing postings to deprived areas in his constituency. On education, Mr Yakubu outlined moves to construct more kindergartens and ensure high enrolment of girl child into schools. Teachers on the other hand, would be motivated and supported with scholarship schemes whilst others would enjoy sponsorship to continue their education into the teacher training colleges under his common fund and the GETfund. Other challenges he noted would be tackled in the form of youth dialogue so that issues affecting the youth would be addressed through the sharing of ideas and the way forward.
GBC END IA/
About 44 deprived communities in the Upper East Region would by the end of this year be connected to the national grid under the rural electrification project. In view of this a sum of 100 million dollar loan facility has been secured to cater for the project. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Binduri Constituency, Stephen Yakubu, who announced this in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga, mentioned some of the beneficiary communities under his constituency as Nafkolgo, Zuosi, Aniisi, Baasi, Pwalugu, Bingol, Gotisaliga and Payomire among others. He said the loan facility was acquired through the efforts of the Upper East MP caucus in parliament and outlined measures to solicit for more of such funds to extend the electricity to the remotest parts of the region. Mr. Yakubu also expressed his determination to install more street lights to add up to the existing ones. This, he explained, would help in tracking the activities of criminals who hide under the dark to indulge in all kinds of heinous activities. According to him the issue of security remains one of his topmost priorities in his constituency considering the violent situation in Bawku, which he indicated is now enjoying prevailing peace due to efforts of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee and the government through the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) among other key personalities involved in the peace process. According to him efforts are being made to ensure that the area continue to enjoy relative peace and reconciliation among the two feuding factions. Mr. Yakubu also declared his readiness to pursue his developmental agenda for his constituents and touched on critical areas including health, agriculture, education of the girl child, teacher motivation, provision of school infrastructure, provision of boreholes, pavilions, sheds for chiefs and renovation of abandoned structures for health personnel and teachers. He said as part of efforts to improve maternal and child mortality in his constituency, structures would be provided for nurses and midwives manning the various health facilities especially the CHP Compounds so that community members could access basic health care with ease. The provision of such facilities would also curb the incident of health personnel refusing postings to deprived areas in his constituency. On education, Mr Yakubu outlined moves to construct more kindergartens and ensure high enrolment of girl child into schools. Teachers on the other hand, would be motivated and supported with scholarship schemes whilst others would enjoy sponsorship to continue their education into the teacher training colleges under his common fund and the GETfund. Other challenges he noted would be tackled in the form of youth dialogue so that issues affecting the youth would be addressed through the sharing of ideas and the way forward.
GBC END IA/
Government tasked to resource Traditional Authorities in combating bushfires
Narration: The paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga, has called on government to as a matter of concern resource the various paramouncies to be able to complement the efforts of other stakeholders in combating the menace of bushfires in the country. According to him society is aware of the gravity of the threats and consequences of bushfires, hence the need to empower traditional authorities to help deal with the situation which according to him could assume an alarming proportion if care is not taken. Pe Awampaga who is also the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, was addressing participants at a two day sensitization workshop on bushfires for traditional authorities in Northern Ghana. Correspondent Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN AT
END CUE AT
ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop which was jointly organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MOEST) was held at Bolgatanga on the theme: Integration of Indigenous knowledge into Bushfire Management Practices in Northern Ghana: The Role of Traditional Authorities and the Communities. The purpose of the workshop was to highlight and deliberate on issues of bushfires amongst traditional authorities with the aim of soliciting their views on mitigating efforts, challenges, opportunities and strategies for managing bushfires in their areas of jurisdiction. It was also held to impact sufficient skills to the traditional authorities to enlighten them on the effects of bushfires in all spheres of human endeavour. Participants were taken through various presentations on topics including current laws and regulations of bushfires in Ghana, the central role of traditional authorities in mobilizing their communities to control and manage bushfires in the Upper East Region and community roles in managing bushfires and promoting women participation in bushfire control activities among others. The Paga Pio, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga, who chaired the function stressed on the urgent need for government to resource and bestow powers to traditional rulers in the fight against bushfires. He noted that efforts aimed at combating desertification and other environmental related issues are a collective responsibility and not a sole responsibility of the EPA and its relevant stakeholders. He said considering the devastating effects that bushfires has on the environment much has to be done in tackling the root causes at the community level. Pe Awampaga further noted that the task of preventing and controlling of bushfires must be given to the local authorities with state institutions giving their full backing. The main task he reiterated is the passing of community bushfire bye-laws and enforcing the existing ones. The Technical Director at the MOEST, Dr Nicholas Iddi, who delivered the keynote address on behalf the sector minister, Mrs Shirley Ayittey, suggested ways at reversing land degradation in northern Ghana and mentioned the adoption to sustainable land and water management practices which he said have the capacity to enhance food security and reduce poverty amongst the citizenry. He called for attitudinal change towards activities that have rippling effects on the environment but rather undertake positive actions such as tree planting, soil and water conservation and controlled grazing to improve the environment and livelihoods. Dr. Iddi also stressed on the urgent need to build the capacities of traditional authorities and opinion leaders to help enforce regulations and local bye-laws associated with bushfire prevention and control as well as traditional beliefs and practices in bushfire management. During an opening forum participants called for strict adherence to customary laws on bushfires as well as stiffer punishment against persons whose activities results to bushfires and environmental degradation. They acknowledged the critical role of women in environmental management and urged them to join in the crusade.
CUE IN AT
END CUE AT
ANCR V/O
Report
The workshop which was jointly organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MOEST) was held at Bolgatanga on the theme: Integration of Indigenous knowledge into Bushfire Management Practices in Northern Ghana: The Role of Traditional Authorities and the Communities. The purpose of the workshop was to highlight and deliberate on issues of bushfires amongst traditional authorities with the aim of soliciting their views on mitigating efforts, challenges, opportunities and strategies for managing bushfires in their areas of jurisdiction. It was also held to impact sufficient skills to the traditional authorities to enlighten them on the effects of bushfires in all spheres of human endeavour. Participants were taken through various presentations on topics including current laws and regulations of bushfires in Ghana, the central role of traditional authorities in mobilizing their communities to control and manage bushfires in the Upper East Region and community roles in managing bushfires and promoting women participation in bushfire control activities among others. The Paga Pio, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga, who chaired the function stressed on the urgent need for government to resource and bestow powers to traditional rulers in the fight against bushfires. He noted that efforts aimed at combating desertification and other environmental related issues are a collective responsibility and not a sole responsibility of the EPA and its relevant stakeholders. He said considering the devastating effects that bushfires has on the environment much has to be done in tackling the root causes at the community level. Pe Awampaga further noted that the task of preventing and controlling of bushfires must be given to the local authorities with state institutions giving their full backing. The main task he reiterated is the passing of community bushfire bye-laws and enforcing the existing ones. The Technical Director at the MOEST, Dr Nicholas Iddi, who delivered the keynote address on behalf the sector minister, Mrs Shirley Ayittey, suggested ways at reversing land degradation in northern Ghana and mentioned the adoption to sustainable land and water management practices which he said have the capacity to enhance food security and reduce poverty amongst the citizenry. He called for attitudinal change towards activities that have rippling effects on the environment but rather undertake positive actions such as tree planting, soil and water conservation and controlled grazing to improve the environment and livelihoods. Dr. Iddi also stressed on the urgent need to build the capacities of traditional authorities and opinion leaders to help enforce regulations and local bye-laws associated with bushfire prevention and control as well as traditional beliefs and practices in bushfire management. During an opening forum participants called for strict adherence to customary laws on bushfires as well as stiffer punishment against persons whose activities results to bushfires and environmental degradation. They acknowledged the critical role of women in environmental management and urged them to join in the crusade.
Artesunate-Amodiaquine still the preferred drug for malaria treatment- says expert
The Northern Zonal Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) , Sylvester Segbaya, has recommended the use of Artesunate -Amodiaquine as the preferred fast acting drug for the treatment of malaria and its related cases. According to him studies conducted by Noguchi and Korle-Bu clearly shows that Artesunate- Amodiaquine still remains the drug of choice and has the capacity of reducing fevers and other symptoms associated with malaria. He said despite unanticipated adverse reactions and widespread media outcry on the use of the drug, it is affordable and has the potential for local production with an efficacy of 97 percent. Mr. Segbaya disclosed this in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga. Touching on the revised anti-malaria drug policy, Mr. Segbaya said the policy is based on current evidence on malaria treatment and lessons learnt in the implementation of the previous policies. He emphasized that the policy has an over arching goal of providing prompt ,safe, effective and appropriate malaria treatment to the populace particularly pregnant women and children under five years. The implementation of the revised drug policy, he re-emphasized, is to facilitate the attainment of rapid and long lasting clinical cure and also reduce the incessant high rate of morbidity including malaria–related anaemia. He mentioned the continuing and unacceptable high malaria cases and deaths resulting from treatment failure, and the general public’s dissatisfaction with the old policy as well as the poor quality of drugs such as chloroquine, as some of the factors that informed the change of the old policy. Mr. Segbaya said the revision of the drug policy which was being supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other multilateral health partners came up with some interventional measures and recommendation that has the capability of dealing with malaria related cases and touched specifically on Artemisinin–Based Combination Therapy (ACT) as the preferred and most effective drug therapy for the treatment of complicated malaria. The Artemisinin Combination Therapy for Malaria (ACTm), he noted has been rolled out and is being patronized for the treatment of malaria. This he said comes under the Affordable Medicine Facility for Malaria. The introduction of the new drug he explained is to help drive sub-standard and monotherapies from the open market. Its usage would be run for the next two years with Ghana being chosen as one of the selected pilot countries. He said beyond the pilot phase, the Global Fund of the USAID, is yet to take a decision to find out whether it should be scaled beyond its target period. Mr. Segabaya advised the general public to be cautious when patronizing the ACT drugs, stressing that the drug has a green leaf logo inscription on its package adding that any ACT drug without the logo should be regarded as a fake drug. The drug he said is effective and should not be bought above the approve price of 1 Ghana Cedis 50 Pesewas. According to him the directive for the sale of the ACT malaria drugs is applicable to private pharmacy and chemical shops throughout the country and should be noted as such.
Block Farming Project making headway
About 1,600 metric tons of rice seeds produced by selected seed farmers under the block farming projects had been bagged and dispatched to the various seed processing factories to be processed for use by farmers across the country. The 40,000 bags of unconditional Jasmine 85 perfumed rice seeds, would be taken through a certification process at the Food Inspection Unit of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) so that those that could not meet the required quality standard were discarded and use as animal feed among other purposes. The National Coordinator for the Block farming Project, Mr. Emmanuel Akuna who made the disclosure in an interview with Radio Ghana at Tono in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region said frantic efforts are being made by farmers to cultivate more rice seeds for processing. He indicated that the block farming project is making headway since it has helped improved the living standards of people engage under the project. And that most farmers engaged in the production of rice and other food varieties had been supported with farm machinery to improve their yield. Indeed a visit by Radio Ghana to the Tono silo site saw some long trucks waiting to convey bags of rice to the various processing factories. Mr. Akuna stressed that plans are underway to cut down on rice production to engage in other productions such as maize and soya beans. This, he explained, would go a long way to boost the production of maize and other cereals for consumption. The move he further said would help address the difficulties associated with the cultivation of rice seeds and mentioned inadequate tractors and combine harvesters as some of the major challenges. On payment for farmers working under the block farming project, Mr. Akuna said vouchers with bank cheques are made readily available and that payment is effected for beneficiary farmers. According to him anomalies leading to the delay of the payment have been resolved stressing that farmers are delighted over the payment. Mr. Akuna assured the public of government’s determination to improve upon the block farming project by engaging more youth for the purpose of poverty reduction. He said agriculture remains the backbone of the nation and that efforts must be made to ensure its sustainability. Mr. Akuna however encourage the youth to take advantage of the block farming project to improve upon their lives.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
Director of Police commends prevailing peace in Bawku
The Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP John Kudalor has assured security men in Bawku of his support in maintaining relative peace after years of violent conflict between two feuding factions in the municipality. DCOP Kudalor also urged the security forces in Bawku to remain neutral in their operations by exhibiting high professional standards devoid of harassment and intimidation. He said government and for that matter the police administration is on course in addressing most of the security challenges facing personnel in the country. DCOP Kudalor gave the assurance at the Regional Police Training School at Pwalugu in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region for operational men for Bawku operations. This was the third in the series of orientation held for the operational men. DCOP kudalor commended the operational team in Bawku for helping to maintain relative peace for almost a year now and encouraged them to beef up their operations by ensuring that permanent peace prevails in the area. According to him police personnel who had gone through the series of orientation have shown exemplary skills throughout their operations, stressing that the exercise has equip them with the rudiments of operations such as weapon handling and professional attitude among others. He disclosed that about 100 security personnel made up of military and police are on the standby to face any eventuality in Bawku, adding that his outfit is determined to seek to their welfare at all times. DCOP Kudalor later revealed that in no time, a dormitory facility would be completed and handed over to operational men in Bawku and encouraged those to exercise restraints since adequate measure had been put in place to meet the set objective. The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Bright Oduro, also in an address entreated the people of the region, particularly those in Bawku to be duty conscious in efforts aimed at sustaining relative peace and reconciliation. He commended security forces stationed at Bawku for their gallantry and self dedication, despite the challenges. DCOP Oduro, further reminded the operational men in Bawku to be cautious in the course of their activities and not flout the authority of their senior officers. The operational men were later taken through rudiments of operations in rifle handling and public relations led by DSP Kwaku Adamu and Lance Coporal Joseph Addai of the Armoured car squadron. In all 121 personnel drawn from Brong Ahafo, Eastern and greater Accra Regions are being briefed and are ready to change with their counterparts at Bawku for operations to begin.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
Business Structures Razed Down by Fire
2011
About 8 business structures at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region have been completely razed down by fire. Properties running into several millions of Cedis were destroyed as a result of the fire that persisted for more than two hours. But some eye witnesses believe that the fire incident was caused by electrical fault. According to one of the witnesses who later spoke to Radio Ghana on condition of anonymity, said some unqualified electricians in their attempt to reconnect a disconnected cable in one of the affected structures incidentally spark off fire and later swept through the other nearby structures. Some of the items affected include, sewing and weaving machines, clothes, sewing materials, cedi notes, wood logs, plywood’s, and other furniture including coffins among others. Sources say it took the district fire service personnel hours to put out the fire because the two fire tenders at their disposal were not in good condition as one badly leaks. The Divisional Fire Officer Grade 1, Mr Willie Anobiga explained that his men had a tough time putting out the fire due to the fact that the situation worsened since they encountered difficulties accessing water with their overage leak fire tender. The tender, he complained, has been in existence for the past 12 years without replacement. Mr. Anobiga however made a passionate appeal to authorities concern to help assist his outfit with new fire tenders so that in case of any fire eventuality, his men would be able to bring the situation under control with ease. He also indicated that the course of the fire is not yet known but assured the public that investigations would be conducted to ascertain its cause. He therefore assured the victims of the fire incident to exercise restraint since measures are being taken to assist them. Mr. Anobiga also took the opportunity to advice the public not to patronize fake and uncertified power cables that have the tendency of sparking of fire under the least provocation. He also warned the general public not to entertain quack electricians to execute their job for them. The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director David Nar-Ire assured the affected victims of the assembly’ support though they are private entities and called o other benevolent organizations and individuals to assist them in that regard. Some of the affected victims, Baby Janet Aduah, a seamstress and Francis Atiga , a carpenter expressed worry about the incident and called on the general public to come to their aid.
GBC END IA/
About 8 business structures at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region have been completely razed down by fire. Properties running into several millions of Cedis were destroyed as a result of the fire that persisted for more than two hours. But some eye witnesses believe that the fire incident was caused by electrical fault. According to one of the witnesses who later spoke to Radio Ghana on condition of anonymity, said some unqualified electricians in their attempt to reconnect a disconnected cable in one of the affected structures incidentally spark off fire and later swept through the other nearby structures. Some of the items affected include, sewing and weaving machines, clothes, sewing materials, cedi notes, wood logs, plywood’s, and other furniture including coffins among others. Sources say it took the district fire service personnel hours to put out the fire because the two fire tenders at their disposal were not in good condition as one badly leaks. The Divisional Fire Officer Grade 1, Mr Willie Anobiga explained that his men had a tough time putting out the fire due to the fact that the situation worsened since they encountered difficulties accessing water with their overage leak fire tender. The tender, he complained, has been in existence for the past 12 years without replacement. Mr. Anobiga however made a passionate appeal to authorities concern to help assist his outfit with new fire tenders so that in case of any fire eventuality, his men would be able to bring the situation under control with ease. He also indicated that the course of the fire is not yet known but assured the public that investigations would be conducted to ascertain its cause. He therefore assured the victims of the fire incident to exercise restraint since measures are being taken to assist them. Mr. Anobiga also took the opportunity to advice the public not to patronize fake and uncertified power cables that have the tendency of sparking of fire under the least provocation. He also warned the general public not to entertain quack electricians to execute their job for them. The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director David Nar-Ire assured the affected victims of the assembly’ support though they are private entities and called o other benevolent organizations and individuals to assist them in that regard. Some of the affected victims, Baby Janet Aduah, a seamstress and Francis Atiga , a carpenter expressed worry about the incident and called on the general public to come to their aid.
GBC END IA/
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Steady Decline in the Performance of Education in the Talensi-Nabdam District
2011
Information reaching Radio Ghana indicates that there has been a continuous steady decline in the level of academic performance among BECE candidates in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. The District Director of Education, Francis Ayaba, who made the revelation, said the situation demands a multi- facet approach to stem the problem. He emphasized that the past four years had witnessed a worrying decline in the educational sector of the district and mentioned poverty, forced marriages, inadequate teaching and learning materials and lack of training on the part of teachers as some of the underlying factors contributing to the current trend. Parents and teachers, he added, have also failed to perform their respective roles effectively, thereby leading to moral degeneration which is another factor affecting education in the district and the country at large. Mr. Ayaba said since 2007 up to date a little above 800 BECE candidates out of a total number of 4,538 obtained aggregate 6-25 whilst 1,225 candidates obtained aggregate 26-30 within the same period. Moreover, 2,511 candidates had since obtained aggregate 30 and above up to date. According to him only 26.94 percent of BECE candidates in the district obtained passes during last year’s BECE exams as compared to 57.74 percent recorded in 2007. Mr. Ayaba indicated that his outfit, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders in the district, is putting in place, adequate measures to forestall the current turn of event in the educational sector. He implored the youth particularly school going children to take their studies seriously devoid of negativities. This he said is necessary since his district is poised to set standard in academic performance for other districts to emulate. He therefore charged traditional leaders to play a leading role in the fight against certain socio-cultural practices that tend to affect students particularly girls. Mr. Ayaba was grateful to the Member of Parliament for area Mr. John Tia Akologo for providing his outfit with computers and other accessories and urged other individuals and stakeholders to assist in that regard.
GBC END IA/
Information reaching Radio Ghana indicates that there has been a continuous steady decline in the level of academic performance among BECE candidates in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. The District Director of Education, Francis Ayaba, who made the revelation, said the situation demands a multi- facet approach to stem the problem. He emphasized that the past four years had witnessed a worrying decline in the educational sector of the district and mentioned poverty, forced marriages, inadequate teaching and learning materials and lack of training on the part of teachers as some of the underlying factors contributing to the current trend. Parents and teachers, he added, have also failed to perform their respective roles effectively, thereby leading to moral degeneration which is another factor affecting education in the district and the country at large. Mr. Ayaba said since 2007 up to date a little above 800 BECE candidates out of a total number of 4,538 obtained aggregate 6-25 whilst 1,225 candidates obtained aggregate 26-30 within the same period. Moreover, 2,511 candidates had since obtained aggregate 30 and above up to date. According to him only 26.94 percent of BECE candidates in the district obtained passes during last year’s BECE exams as compared to 57.74 percent recorded in 2007. Mr. Ayaba indicated that his outfit, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders in the district, is putting in place, adequate measures to forestall the current turn of event in the educational sector. He implored the youth particularly school going children to take their studies seriously devoid of negativities. This he said is necessary since his district is poised to set standard in academic performance for other districts to emulate. He therefore charged traditional leaders to play a leading role in the fight against certain socio-cultural practices that tend to affect students particularly girls. Mr. Ayaba was grateful to the Member of Parliament for area Mr. John Tia Akologo for providing his outfit with computers and other accessories and urged other individuals and stakeholders to assist in that regard.
GBC END IA/
Information Minister Inaugurates new Vocational Training Institute at Duusi
Narration: The Information Minister, John Tia Akologo has commissioned a new Vocational and Technical Training Institute at Duusi in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region at the cost of 140,000 Ghana Cedis. The new educational facility which was being sponsored under the MP’s Common fund and the GETfund is aimed at providing an alternative source of livelihood for those who could not qualify in gaining admission into senior high and technical as well as vocational institutes due to poor grades and poverty among other factors. It is also geared at creating employable skills for the teeming unemployed youth in the district and beyond. Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the ceremony and has come through with this report for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN AT
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The establishment of the Vocational and Technical Training Institute which began in 2007 comprises of 6 classrooms, a library, 2 office accommodations and a store. It is also equipped with 60 sewing machines, 40 hair dryers and other accessories valued at the cost of 25,000 Ghana Cedis. The institute when fully operational would offer courses in plumbing, carpentry and joinery, block laying and concreting, as well as basics in electrical. Other vocational courses to be offered include fashion and dressmaking, fashion and hairdressing, fashion and design as well as catering and its related courses. The information Minister Mr. John Tia Akologo who is the brain the project said government in its quest to improve upon the educational system in the country has put in place policy interventions to help address the problem of inadequate school infrastructure bedeviling most deprived communities across the country. According to him the provision of the training facility would offer the youth in the area the opportunity to unearth their inherent talents and also serve as an alternative source of livelihood for students who could not get placement into senior high and technical institutions. Mr. Tia Akologo entreated beneficiary students to make good use of the facility since efforts would be made to provide the needed tools and equipments to facilitate their training skills. He implored the private sector to get involved by providing the institute with other basic school infrastructure including staff and student accommodation to ensure smooth running of its administration. Mr. Tia Akologo charged the community members not to interfere with the administration of the institute or run businesses that would be detrimental to their operations. He therefore appealed to them to push the developmental of the school’s agenda forward so that the youth would reap its full benefit. He said his outfit is in the process of accessing funds to build a fence wall for the school to avoid encroachment. The District Director of Education, Mr. Francis Ayaba in a brief remark commended government and other stakeholders for the gesture. He said the facility has come at the appropriate time since the area is still facing the problem of child labour and the perennial youth migration down south. Mr Ayaba however entreated the youth to take advantage of the facility to develop their skills and explore opportunities made available to them. The District Chief Executive, Mrs. Vivian Anarfo on her part, urged the chiefs and custodians of the area to help release portions of their land for other developmental purposes. She also encouraged beneficiaries to take their lessons seriously when the institute becomes fully operational. Mr. Tia Akologo accompanied by the Chief of Duusi, Naab Abraham Lincoln Bayalim-Kambeu, later handed the keys over to the DCE and the District director of education for classes to begin.
CUE IN AT
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The establishment of the Vocational and Technical Training Institute which began in 2007 comprises of 6 classrooms, a library, 2 office accommodations and a store. It is also equipped with 60 sewing machines, 40 hair dryers and other accessories valued at the cost of 25,000 Ghana Cedis. The institute when fully operational would offer courses in plumbing, carpentry and joinery, block laying and concreting, as well as basics in electrical. Other vocational courses to be offered include fashion and dressmaking, fashion and hairdressing, fashion and design as well as catering and its related courses. The information Minister Mr. John Tia Akologo who is the brain the project said government in its quest to improve upon the educational system in the country has put in place policy interventions to help address the problem of inadequate school infrastructure bedeviling most deprived communities across the country. According to him the provision of the training facility would offer the youth in the area the opportunity to unearth their inherent talents and also serve as an alternative source of livelihood for students who could not get placement into senior high and technical institutions. Mr. Tia Akologo entreated beneficiary students to make good use of the facility since efforts would be made to provide the needed tools and equipments to facilitate their training skills. He implored the private sector to get involved by providing the institute with other basic school infrastructure including staff and student accommodation to ensure smooth running of its administration. Mr. Tia Akologo charged the community members not to interfere with the administration of the institute or run businesses that would be detrimental to their operations. He therefore appealed to them to push the developmental of the school’s agenda forward so that the youth would reap its full benefit. He said his outfit is in the process of accessing funds to build a fence wall for the school to avoid encroachment. The District Director of Education, Mr. Francis Ayaba in a brief remark commended government and other stakeholders for the gesture. He said the facility has come at the appropriate time since the area is still facing the problem of child labour and the perennial youth migration down south. Mr Ayaba however entreated the youth to take advantage of the facility to develop their skills and explore opportunities made available to them. The District Chief Executive, Mrs. Vivian Anarfo on her part, urged the chiefs and custodians of the area to help release portions of their land for other developmental purposes. She also encouraged beneficiaries to take their lessons seriously when the institute becomes fully operational. Mr. Tia Akologo accompanied by the Chief of Duusi, Naab Abraham Lincoln Bayalim-Kambeu, later handed the keys over to the DCE and the District director of education for classes to begin.
NMC AND GJA challenged to bear teeth to rid off quack Journalists
09-02-2011
Narration: The National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) have been challenged to collectively purge the system of self acclaimed media practitioners who find their way into the profession just to satisfy their selfish means. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who made the call stressed the urgent need for the professionalization of the journalism profession so as to protect the profession by licensing journalists in order to rid the society of unscrupulous individuals, who deliberately and maliciously exhibit their ignorance, thus bringing the name of the profession into disrepute. Mr. Woyongo was interacting with over 90 students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism at the residency of the Regional Coordinating Council in Bolgatanga. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR/O
Report
According to Mr. Woyongo the visit of the students to the region would help correct the erroneous perception that people have about the deprived areas of northern Ghana, where majority of the people still wallow in abject poverty due to factors such as illiteracy, drought and desertification, harsh prevailing weather conditions as well as ethnic and chieftaincy disputes among others. He said though the region is regarded as the second poorest in the country, it can boast of its rich cultural heritage and beautiful artifacts which he noted cannot be over emphasized. The region, he added also abounds in rich mineral resources such as gold, granite, beautiful landscape, and interesting tourists attractions. According to Mr. Woyongo, most of these untapped resources when developed would help in alleviating the plight and suffering of the people residents in the three regions of the north. He said government recognizing the level of poverty and the peculiar nature in the savannah regions of Ghana, has established the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) to develop strategies for implementation to address the yawning developmental gap between their southern counterparts. Mr. Woyongo however entreated the students to exercise their profession with circumspection after completion and always portray the good things about the north to ensure its development. Mr. Woyongo pointed out that the country’s media landscape is beginning to lose its credibility due to irresponsible, bias and unethical reportage exhibited by persons who pose as journalists without any qualification and license to operate. Such persons, he stressed, have taken advantage of the country’s enviable democratic dispensation to tarnish the image of organizations and individuals of high repute. Mr. Woyongo reminded the students to keep to the standards and code of conduct of the profession and not follow the path of unprofessionals. He implored them to do thorough investigations into issues that are brought to them before disseminating it to the general public. He emphasized that any false publication has the tendency of denting a person’s image for life. Mr. Woyongo charged the NMC and the GJA to weed out quack journalists from the society by monitoring their activities with keen interest. He however underscored the need for the two independent institutions to professionalize the profession by issuing license to only qualified ones. He paid glowing tribute to the management and staff of GIJ for nurturing high calibre of students who are currently setting standards in the profession as compared tn other institutes elsewhere in the country and beyond. One of the students, Master James Amo, who later spoke with Radio Ghana expressed appreciation to the Regional Minister for the warm reception and pledged on behalf of his colleagues to exercise their profession with circumspection after completion.
END
Narration: The National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) have been challenged to collectively purge the system of self acclaimed media practitioners who find their way into the profession just to satisfy their selfish means. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who made the call stressed the urgent need for the professionalization of the journalism profession so as to protect the profession by licensing journalists in order to rid the society of unscrupulous individuals, who deliberately and maliciously exhibit their ignorance, thus bringing the name of the profession into disrepute. Mr. Woyongo was interacting with over 90 students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism at the residency of the Regional Coordinating Council in Bolgatanga. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR/O
Report
According to Mr. Woyongo the visit of the students to the region would help correct the erroneous perception that people have about the deprived areas of northern Ghana, where majority of the people still wallow in abject poverty due to factors such as illiteracy, drought and desertification, harsh prevailing weather conditions as well as ethnic and chieftaincy disputes among others. He said though the region is regarded as the second poorest in the country, it can boast of its rich cultural heritage and beautiful artifacts which he noted cannot be over emphasized. The region, he added also abounds in rich mineral resources such as gold, granite, beautiful landscape, and interesting tourists attractions. According to Mr. Woyongo, most of these untapped resources when developed would help in alleviating the plight and suffering of the people residents in the three regions of the north. He said government recognizing the level of poverty and the peculiar nature in the savannah regions of Ghana, has established the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) to develop strategies for implementation to address the yawning developmental gap between their southern counterparts. Mr. Woyongo however entreated the students to exercise their profession with circumspection after completion and always portray the good things about the north to ensure its development. Mr. Woyongo pointed out that the country’s media landscape is beginning to lose its credibility due to irresponsible, bias and unethical reportage exhibited by persons who pose as journalists without any qualification and license to operate. Such persons, he stressed, have taken advantage of the country’s enviable democratic dispensation to tarnish the image of organizations and individuals of high repute. Mr. Woyongo reminded the students to keep to the standards and code of conduct of the profession and not follow the path of unprofessionals. He implored them to do thorough investigations into issues that are brought to them before disseminating it to the general public. He emphasized that any false publication has the tendency of denting a person’s image for life. Mr. Woyongo charged the NMC and the GJA to weed out quack journalists from the society by monitoring their activities with keen interest. He however underscored the need for the two independent institutions to professionalize the profession by issuing license to only qualified ones. He paid glowing tribute to the management and staff of GIJ for nurturing high calibre of students who are currently setting standards in the profession as compared tn other institutes elsewhere in the country and beyond. One of the students, Master James Amo, who later spoke with Radio Ghana expressed appreciation to the Regional Minister for the warm reception and pledged on behalf of his colleagues to exercise their profession with circumspection after completion.
END
Monday, 7 February 2011
Stakeholders called to duty-- Minister
Traditional rulers, religious organizations, as well as parents and other relevant stakeholders have been called upon to join in the crusade against the risen student unrest recorded in most senior high schools in the country. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who made the call in an interview with Radio Ghana said the situation if not given the needed attention would not only assume an alarming proportion but also affect the academic performance of students. He said the Upper East Region for the last two academic years experienced numerous student rioting and cited the Gowrie Senior high, Bolgatanga Technical Institute and the Navrongo Senior high schools as perfect examples. The trend, Mr. Woyongo noted, affected academic work and damage to other government properties provided for these schools. He therefore pledged the support of stakeholders in the educational sector to play their respective role effectively in spreading the message of good moral conduct. Teachers on the other hand were also encouraged to dedicate part of their lesson time to give the students moral education, as most of the crimes committed in the society particularly schools are caused by the youth between the ages of 13 and 30. Mr. Woyongo also cautioned school authorities to live above reproach and exhibit exemplary lifestyles worthy of emulation. Mr. Woyongo in a brief statement once again cautioned students across the country to consider the huge government expenditure in the provision of school infrastructure and desist from unnecessary destruction of governments properties at their disposal. He reiterated that no student would go unpunished if found mishandling government’s property, adding that the era where students exhibit violent behaviours with impunity is a thing of the past; hence the need to desist from acts of vandalism.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
Newly Constructed 12-Unit Classroom Block Inaugurated
Narration: An ultra modern 12-Unit classroom block estimated at the cost of 471,000 Ghana Cedis has been completed and handed over to the Bawku Senior high School at Bawku in the Upper East Region. At a ceremony to officially inaugurate the project, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said the provision of the new edifice forms part of the national educational crush programme aimed at ensuring additional school infrastructure for most deprive second cycle schools across the country. It is also provided to help ease the problem of classroom accommodation facing the school and also create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning. Correspondent Isaac Asare was at the inaugural ceremony and has come through with this report.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
Established on October, 11, 1963 as one of the Ghana Educational Trust Schools in the country, the Bawku Senior High School ,formerly, Azoka Secondary School and later Bawku Secondary school has a visionary mandate to producing calibre of individuals who would always stand up for the truth by virtue of their training ,no matter the circumstances. This is enshrined in the school’s motto: “Veritax Lux Mundi” meaning “Truth is the light of the World”. The school which operates in line with the existing policy guidelines of the Ghana Education Service as a public institution has played a critical role in training the needed human resource for the development of the country. The student population of the school currently stands at 2,383 with staff strength of 152 comprising both teaching and non teaching staff. It has for the 2010/2011 academic year admitted 605 new students made of 427 males and 178 females drawn from various parts of the country. . Commissioning the 12-unit classroom block, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo assured the students of his outfit’s support in providing the needed infrastructure to further enhance the school’s academic performance. He expressed government’s determination to connect all senior high schools to the national grid. This, he noted has become necessary considering the provision of modern libraries equipped with computers, lecture halls, staff bungalows, dormitories, and laboratories to raise the standard of education in consonance with the global challenges. Mr. Woyongo advised the students to move away from violent behaviours and channel their grievances through effective dialogue. He was however grateful to the staff and management of the school for instituting measures to avert student unrest. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive who is also an old student of the school, Musa Abdullai, charged the students to maintain discipline at the school emphasizing that his outfit would ensure the speedy completion of other ongoing projects undertaken in the school. Mr. Abdullai also entreated the students to take their studies seriously and also make good use of the facility given them. The headmaster of the school, Mr. Bismarck Simon Kpuli on his part appealed to the government through the regional minister to help assist in addressing other infrastructural challenges confronting the school. Academic performance of the school he stressed has improved tremendously over the past few years. This he explained is evident in the 2009 WASSCE results, where the school in spite of its infrastructural challenges coupled with the Bawku conflict scored 100 percent pass, thus qualifying majority of the students for admission into tertiary institutions Mr Kpuli commended the P.TA. and other stakeholders for complementing government’s effort in providing basic infrastructure for the school and urged other organisations to help assist in that regard. Mr. Woyongo in the company of the Acting Regional Director of Education, Mrs Agnes Atagabe, later inspected ongoing school projects at the Kusanaba SHS and Zebilla Senior High and Technical school to assess the progress of work.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
Established on October, 11, 1963 as one of the Ghana Educational Trust Schools in the country, the Bawku Senior High School ,formerly, Azoka Secondary School and later Bawku Secondary school has a visionary mandate to producing calibre of individuals who would always stand up for the truth by virtue of their training ,no matter the circumstances. This is enshrined in the school’s motto: “Veritax Lux Mundi” meaning “Truth is the light of the World”. The school which operates in line with the existing policy guidelines of the Ghana Education Service as a public institution has played a critical role in training the needed human resource for the development of the country. The student population of the school currently stands at 2,383 with staff strength of 152 comprising both teaching and non teaching staff. It has for the 2010/2011 academic year admitted 605 new students made of 427 males and 178 females drawn from various parts of the country. . Commissioning the 12-unit classroom block, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo assured the students of his outfit’s support in providing the needed infrastructure to further enhance the school’s academic performance. He expressed government’s determination to connect all senior high schools to the national grid. This, he noted has become necessary considering the provision of modern libraries equipped with computers, lecture halls, staff bungalows, dormitories, and laboratories to raise the standard of education in consonance with the global challenges. Mr. Woyongo advised the students to move away from violent behaviours and channel their grievances through effective dialogue. He was however grateful to the staff and management of the school for instituting measures to avert student unrest. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive who is also an old student of the school, Musa Abdullai, charged the students to maintain discipline at the school emphasizing that his outfit would ensure the speedy completion of other ongoing projects undertaken in the school. Mr. Abdullai also entreated the students to take their studies seriously and also make good use of the facility given them. The headmaster of the school, Mr. Bismarck Simon Kpuli on his part appealed to the government through the regional minister to help assist in addressing other infrastructural challenges confronting the school. Academic performance of the school he stressed has improved tremendously over the past few years. This he explained is evident in the 2009 WASSCE results, where the school in spite of its infrastructural challenges coupled with the Bawku conflict scored 100 percent pass, thus qualifying majority of the students for admission into tertiary institutions Mr Kpuli commended the P.TA. and other stakeholders for complementing government’s effort in providing basic infrastructure for the school and urged other organisations to help assist in that regard. Mr. Woyongo in the company of the Acting Regional Director of Education, Mrs Agnes Atagabe, later inspected ongoing school projects at the Kusanaba SHS and Zebilla Senior High and Technical school to assess the progress of work.
Board members of CWSA inspects projects in the Garu-Tempane District
Rural communities across the country have been assured of quality and affordable water systems free from contamination. The Acting Chief Executive of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Clement Bugase, gave the assurance during his visit to the Garu-Tempane District of the Upper East region to inspect completed and on-going projects in the water and sanitation sector and also interact with beneficiary communities. Mr. Bugase was accompanied by the National Board Members of the CWSA as well as other dignitaries including the Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency of the Volta Region, Mr. A.Y.O Modoc who also happens to be a member of the board. They first paid a courtesy call on the District Chief Executive for the area, Mr. David Adakudugu at his office. Mr. Adakudu in his brief welcome address, called on the members of the board to place priority attention to the Garu-Tempane District when it comes to the distribution of water supply considering the dispersed nature as settlements for the people. He said since the area was carved from the Bawku Municipality in 2004, it has been grappling with the problem of water shortage though it is a densely populated area with a land mark of 1,300 spare kilometers. Mr. Adakudugu however emphasized the urgent need to provide more boreholes for the people especially those living in the remotest parts of Garu. Mr Bugase on his part entreated the assembly to make it a responsibility of taking care of the systems put in place with regards to its management drive. He disclosed that the completed borehole projects are for the beneficiary communities adding that the water boards are only set up to monitor, supervise and facilitate the operations of the facilities. He emphasized that his outfit is poised to deal with the technical aspect of the facilities when the need arises since the have the requisite and qualified expertise to cater for its maintenance. Mr. Bugase, later charged the assembly to establish acceptable and workable tariff systems to manage the facilities and also find possible ways of generating more revenue for the upkeep of the facilities. This way, he noted, will help in ensuring more boreholes for the people particularly those living in the remotest parts of the district. He said his agency covers about 50 percent of water coverage in the country and is poised to providing safe, quality and affordable drinking water for the people in the next 4-5 years. A member of the board, Mr. Demedeme Naa Lenason, , challenged the assembly to place priority attention to the issue of sanitation and make it a core component of their water management system to prevent the water from being polluted. He emphasized that his outfit have drawn up plans to build the capacity of the assemblies on sanitation, hence the need to attach great importance and seriousness on the issue of sanitation. During an interaction with stakeholders and some members of the community, the Board Chairman of CWSA, Mr. Francis Yaw Garko called for regular stakeholders meeting and cordial relationship with the assembly to share ideas as to how the systems could be managed to the benefit of all. He urged them to audit their accounts annually to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels. He commended the local board members for their hardwork and pledged his outfit support to them. The national board members accompanied by the DCE later took turns to inspect some completed and ongoing water projects including water pump stations in the district. They were impressed with the level of work and advised the assembly to ensure their maintenance in order to enhance their life span. The visit also took them to Kpatia, a community in Garu and Binduri in the Bawku Municipality where they interacted with the chiefs and people of the two respective areas on issues bordering on water and sanitation.
End
End
Cable Theft on the ascendancy at Garu-Tempane
26-01-2011
Activities of cable thieves in the Garu –Tempane District of the Upper East Region is said to be hampering the electrification system in the district particularly the street lighting system. Some unscrupulous persons have for the past two weeks descended on the electrical cables in the area thus plunging most businesses into a halt. Moreover, most households including some pumping stations and water systems installations have been greatly affected as a result of these thefts. The Garu-Tempane District Chief Executive, David Adakudugu, who disclosed this to Radio Ghana at Garu, said reliable information has so far led to the arrest of two culprits who are currently in police custody at the Bawku Police Station and are on the look out for other accomplices. Mr. Adakudugu said the assembly is instituting prudent measures to clamp down on cable thieves in the area since their activities are preparing the grounds for criminals to operate in the dark. The assembly as part of measures has intensified public education in most communities on the need to volunteer information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. However, information volunteered to the authorities concerned comes along with special reward packages for informants. The DCE therefore appealed to the members of the various communities within the district to be on the alert so as to benefit from such packages. He said the assembly as a matter of urgency has secured the needed funds to replace the lost cables which according to him would commence in due time. Mr. Adakudugu however cautioned perpetrators to desist from the act since those found culpable would be made to face the full rigour of the law.
GBC END IA/
Activities of cable thieves in the Garu –Tempane District of the Upper East Region is said to be hampering the electrification system in the district particularly the street lighting system. Some unscrupulous persons have for the past two weeks descended on the electrical cables in the area thus plunging most businesses into a halt. Moreover, most households including some pumping stations and water systems installations have been greatly affected as a result of these thefts. The Garu-Tempane District Chief Executive, David Adakudugu, who disclosed this to Radio Ghana at Garu, said reliable information has so far led to the arrest of two culprits who are currently in police custody at the Bawku Police Station and are on the look out for other accomplices. Mr. Adakudugu said the assembly is instituting prudent measures to clamp down on cable thieves in the area since their activities are preparing the grounds for criminals to operate in the dark. The assembly as part of measures has intensified public education in most communities on the need to volunteer information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. However, information volunteered to the authorities concerned comes along with special reward packages for informants. The DCE therefore appealed to the members of the various communities within the district to be on the alert so as to benefit from such packages. He said the assembly as a matter of urgency has secured the needed funds to replace the lost cables which according to him would commence in due time. Mr. Adakudugu however cautioned perpetrators to desist from the act since those found culpable would be made to face the full rigour of the law.
GBC END IA/
Zebilla District Assembly Donates To Two Schools
20-01-2011
Two schools in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region namely Zebilla primary and Teshie primary have received educational materials in the form of exercise and text books as well as furniture and school uniforms. The learning materials which include 5,042 school uniforms, 159,486 exercise books and 1,000 dual desks were distributed as part of the government’s fulfillment to ensure more school enrolment in deprived communities. The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Mr. Anaba Adam Moro in an address disclosed that Bawku West Education Directorate at the basic level has received a lot of interventions from the Assembly since the assumption of the NDC government. Mr. Adam Moro mentioned the construction of 6 and 3 unit classroom blocks district-wide for basic schools, distribution of 500 dual desks, 3,309 free school uniforms and 20,425 books as some interventions from the Assembly. Mr. Anaba Moro revealed that government in the course of this year will hook up more schools in the School Feeding Programme to enhance education in the Bawku West District. He therefore tasked the directorate to intensify its monitoring and supervisory roles to ensure that the full benefits are derived from the interventions and appealed to parents and guardians to eschew negative tendencies that militate against the overall development of the child. The Bawku West District Director of Education, Mr. Paul Apanga revealed that the distribution of the free educational materials has ensured significant increase in school enrolment in the district. Available record according to Mr Apanga indicated that school enrolment has increase a little over 30,000 as against 26,000 recorded last year. Mr. Apanga however commended government for initiating such a policy which he said should be embraced by all parents. Mr. Apanga entreated parents to take advantage of the policy and send their wards to school since education is the panacea for development. He later expressed his gratitude to the government for fulfilling its promise and charged his colleagues teachers to direct and guide the children to put the books into good use.
GBC END IA/ JKK
Two schools in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region namely Zebilla primary and Teshie primary have received educational materials in the form of exercise and text books as well as furniture and school uniforms. The learning materials which include 5,042 school uniforms, 159,486 exercise books and 1,000 dual desks were distributed as part of the government’s fulfillment to ensure more school enrolment in deprived communities. The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Mr. Anaba Adam Moro in an address disclosed that Bawku West Education Directorate at the basic level has received a lot of interventions from the Assembly since the assumption of the NDC government. Mr. Adam Moro mentioned the construction of 6 and 3 unit classroom blocks district-wide for basic schools, distribution of 500 dual desks, 3,309 free school uniforms and 20,425 books as some interventions from the Assembly. Mr. Anaba Moro revealed that government in the course of this year will hook up more schools in the School Feeding Programme to enhance education in the Bawku West District. He therefore tasked the directorate to intensify its monitoring and supervisory roles to ensure that the full benefits are derived from the interventions and appealed to parents and guardians to eschew negative tendencies that militate against the overall development of the child. The Bawku West District Director of Education, Mr. Paul Apanga revealed that the distribution of the free educational materials has ensured significant increase in school enrolment in the district. Available record according to Mr Apanga indicated that school enrolment has increase a little over 30,000 as against 26,000 recorded last year. Mr. Apanga however commended government for initiating such a policy which he said should be embraced by all parents. Mr. Apanga entreated parents to take advantage of the policy and send their wards to school since education is the panacea for development. He later expressed his gratitude to the government for fulfilling its promise and charged his colleagues teachers to direct and guide the children to put the books into good use.
GBC END IA/ JKK
Patronize and Support Fait-Based Health Institutions
Ghanaians have been advised to patronize and support faith-based health institutions established throughout the country. This will help compliment government’s effort of ensuring basic quality health care delivery especially in the rural communities. The General Manager of the Northern Presbyterian Health Services, John Abugri made the call in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bawku in the Upper East Region. He said over the years religious institutions particularly orthodox denominations has been of tremendous help in the provision of basic health care delivery in the country adding that their efforts has undoubtedly contributed immensely in extending quality health care delivery to the door step of the poor and the marginalized in society, who due to their poverty situations could not afford to access basic quality health care. Mr. Abugre however called on Ghanaians to discard the notion that faith-based health institutions can only be patronized and supported by churches and missionaries. He re-emphasized the need for people to access basic health care from such institutions since they do not serve only Christians. He cited the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital as one of the faith-based institutions that seeks to render its services to all and sundry irrespective of their religious affiliations. He added that the hospital since its establishment 50 years ago, has carried out its mission and has introduced some innovations in line with the changing demands including eye care as well as orthopedic and physiotherapy service. Mr. Abugri also pointed out that his outfit has played a leading role in the provision of primary health activities before the advent of the Alma Atta declaration of 1978. The hospital, he disclosed, has over the years provided outpatients care, maternal and child health services and surgical interventions among others. Five years down the line, the hospital has provided a total of 6,955 operations made up of 3,639 minor and 3,316 major injuries. He attributed the continuous success to the commitment and hard work exhibited by both management and staff of the hospital, particularly, the various medical specialists and surgeons. He expressed profound gratitude to the church and its collaborators for their continuous support over the past years. Mr. Abugre later outlined a number of challenges confronting health care delivery in the Bawku municipality and mentioned lack of accommodation for doctors as one of the major challenges, though the hospital is gradually increasing in size due to the specialist services they provide.
Mortal Remains Of The Late Robert Aduko Anaba Laid To Rest
06-02-2011
The mortal remains of the late Robert Aduko Anaba, Director of the Northern Consultant Limited has been laid to rest at a ceremony in Yorogo, a community near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. In attendance were ministers of state, members of parliament, chiefs, departmental heads, representatives from the various political parties and NDC Party functionaries among other dignitaries. The late Robert Anaba before his departure was the first Upper East Regional Secretary of the ruling NDC for eight consecutive years, during which he became a board member of Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), City Express Transport and chairman of the Upper East Regional Lands Commission. In his political life, the late Anaba, popularly known in public life as “Chancellor of Parliament” was also one time Assembly member for the Bongo and Yorogo Electoral areas. His sad event occurred after a slight domestic accident at his residence in Yorogo. Born in 1947, the late Anaba enrolled into the educational system in 1957 and excelled to graduate from the KNUST in 1976. He was the second graduate from the Upper East Region with B.sc Degree in Building Technology. He worked in both public and private institutions and later team up with his colleague to establish the northern consultancy limited where he worked till his sudden death. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in a tribute read on behalf of the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the NDC party described the late Anaba, as a role model and an illustrious son of the region and Ghana at large. Mr. Woyongo expressed profound gratitude to the bereaved family and sympathizers stressing that his death has not only come as a big blow to the family but to his role models and the NDC party as well. He therefore entreated all and sundry to play their expected roles creditably since death is inevitable. Mr. Woyongo on behalf of the government donated a sum of 7,000 Ghana Cedis and bags of beans and maize for the bereaved family. The son the late Anaba, Oswin Anaba also in a tribute read on behalf of his family, described his late father as a visionary and generous man who through dint of hard work and dedication provided education to his wards. He promised to emulate his kindness and humanitarian activities and urged all to exhibit his shinning examples to move the region forward. Tributes were also received from his son-in law, staff and management of northern consultancy limited members of his, parliamentary caucus” and old students of Bawku Senior High school. Wreaths were later laid by individuals and institutions’ to finally bid him farewell. The late Anaba was later laid to rest at his residence in Yorogo . Majority Leader in Parliament, Cletus Avoka, Information Minister, John Tia Akologo, Northern Regional Minister, Moses Magbengba and members of Parliament drawn from the various parts of the region among others were there to witness the burial ceremony.the late Robert Anaba left behind a wife and four children
end
The mortal remains of the late Robert Aduko Anaba, Director of the Northern Consultant Limited has been laid to rest at a ceremony in Yorogo, a community near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. In attendance were ministers of state, members of parliament, chiefs, departmental heads, representatives from the various political parties and NDC Party functionaries among other dignitaries. The late Robert Anaba before his departure was the first Upper East Regional Secretary of the ruling NDC for eight consecutive years, during which he became a board member of Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), City Express Transport and chairman of the Upper East Regional Lands Commission. In his political life, the late Anaba, popularly known in public life as “Chancellor of Parliament” was also one time Assembly member for the Bongo and Yorogo Electoral areas. His sad event occurred after a slight domestic accident at his residence in Yorogo. Born in 1947, the late Anaba enrolled into the educational system in 1957 and excelled to graduate from the KNUST in 1976. He was the second graduate from the Upper East Region with B.sc Degree in Building Technology. He worked in both public and private institutions and later team up with his colleague to establish the northern consultancy limited where he worked till his sudden death. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in a tribute read on behalf of the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the NDC party described the late Anaba, as a role model and an illustrious son of the region and Ghana at large. Mr. Woyongo expressed profound gratitude to the bereaved family and sympathizers stressing that his death has not only come as a big blow to the family but to his role models and the NDC party as well. He therefore entreated all and sundry to play their expected roles creditably since death is inevitable. Mr. Woyongo on behalf of the government donated a sum of 7,000 Ghana Cedis and bags of beans and maize for the bereaved family. The son the late Anaba, Oswin Anaba also in a tribute read on behalf of his family, described his late father as a visionary and generous man who through dint of hard work and dedication provided education to his wards. He promised to emulate his kindness and humanitarian activities and urged all to exhibit his shinning examples to move the region forward. Tributes were also received from his son-in law, staff and management of northern consultancy limited members of his, parliamentary caucus” and old students of Bawku Senior High school. Wreaths were later laid by individuals and institutions’ to finally bid him farewell. The late Anaba was later laid to rest at his residence in Yorogo . Majority Leader in Parliament, Cletus Avoka, Information Minister, John Tia Akologo, Northern Regional Minister, Moses Magbengba and members of Parliament drawn from the various parts of the region among others were there to witness the burial ceremony.the late Robert Anaba left behind a wife and four children
end
Presentation Junior High School Celebrates 10 Years of Existence
Narration: Presentation Junior High School at Kongo in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East District has celebrated its 10 years of existence with a call on parents and guardians to make the education of their wards their topmost priority for the purpose of poverty eradication at the community level. The founding father of the school, Br. Joe Gilleece who made the call said children’s education is paramount and has the tendency of breaking the shackles of poverty if given the needed attention. The occasion was celebrated on the theme; Empowering the Rural Folk through the provision of quality Education”. Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the event and has the rest of the story for radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
Presentation Junior High School formerly Saint Joseph’s Junior Secondary School was established by Rev. Joe Gilleece with support from the Irish Aid in Ireland. It was however commissioned on August 30, 2000, by the then Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive with the aim of providing quality education to the chiefs and people of Logre community so as to enhance their living standard. The school among its set objective was also set up help alleviate the level of poverty in the community and the district in general. With a humble beginning of 39 students and four teachers, Presentation Junior High School has since its inception produced caliber of intellectuals most of whom are serving in various institutions and organization s across the country. The occasion of the school’s 10th anniversary is significant since its level of academic performance has over the years has grown from strength to strength. Addressing participants, the founding father of the school Br. Joe Gilleece described the theme of the celebration as appropriate as its creates an opportunity for the community and the school to rejoice over the achievements chalked since the year 2000 up to date and also to review, reflect and plan for the future. According to him the school has impacted positively on the lives of the people particularly, the youth and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for being part of the success story. Br. Joe Gilleece however urged parents to make it apriority by sending their wards to school since education is the only guaranteed investment they as parents could reap in the future when they are tired and weak. The leader of Presentation Brothers, West Africa Province, Br. Rupert O’Sullivan stressed the need for the school and the community to create a safe, secure and serene environment for effective teaching and learning, adding that children are unable to perform creditably when they feel threatened and insecure. He encouraged teachers to be professional in their work and urged them to promote and support policies that safeguard against all forms of abuse. Parents on the other hand were urged to see the school as an extension of the home. According to Br. O’Sullivan, Presentation JHS as a strong faith community has over years not relent on its Christian values and has maintained discipline despite the challenges. He therefore encouraged the community to continue to be more participatory, inclusive and exercise more collaborative involvement for the betterment of the area and the school. The headmaster of the school, Br. Andrew Asinga, in a brief remark touched on the academic achievements of the school since its establishment and attributed it to the level of dedication, discipline and hard work exhibited by the entire teaching staff and the students as well. Br. Asinga was grateful to the P.TA, Presentation brothers, mothers of Charity and other relevant stakeholders for being supportive over the years. He said the school despite its growth and achievements is still grappling with other educational challenges such a library and a multi purpose hall facility. He also called for the expansion of the school’s computer laboratory and appealed to all stakeholders to assist in that regard.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
Presentation Junior High School formerly Saint Joseph’s Junior Secondary School was established by Rev. Joe Gilleece with support from the Irish Aid in Ireland. It was however commissioned on August 30, 2000, by the then Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive with the aim of providing quality education to the chiefs and people of Logre community so as to enhance their living standard. The school among its set objective was also set up help alleviate the level of poverty in the community and the district in general. With a humble beginning of 39 students and four teachers, Presentation Junior High School has since its inception produced caliber of intellectuals most of whom are serving in various institutions and organization s across the country. The occasion of the school’s 10th anniversary is significant since its level of academic performance has over the years has grown from strength to strength. Addressing participants, the founding father of the school Br. Joe Gilleece described the theme of the celebration as appropriate as its creates an opportunity for the community and the school to rejoice over the achievements chalked since the year 2000 up to date and also to review, reflect and plan for the future. According to him the school has impacted positively on the lives of the people particularly, the youth and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for being part of the success story. Br. Joe Gilleece however urged parents to make it apriority by sending their wards to school since education is the only guaranteed investment they as parents could reap in the future when they are tired and weak. The leader of Presentation Brothers, West Africa Province, Br. Rupert O’Sullivan stressed the need for the school and the community to create a safe, secure and serene environment for effective teaching and learning, adding that children are unable to perform creditably when they feel threatened and insecure. He encouraged teachers to be professional in their work and urged them to promote and support policies that safeguard against all forms of abuse. Parents on the other hand were urged to see the school as an extension of the home. According to Br. O’Sullivan, Presentation JHS as a strong faith community has over years not relent on its Christian values and has maintained discipline despite the challenges. He therefore encouraged the community to continue to be more participatory, inclusive and exercise more collaborative involvement for the betterment of the area and the school. The headmaster of the school, Br. Andrew Asinga, in a brief remark touched on the academic achievements of the school since its establishment and attributed it to the level of dedication, discipline and hard work exhibited by the entire teaching staff and the students as well. Br. Asinga was grateful to the P.TA, Presentation brothers, mothers of Charity and other relevant stakeholders for being supportive over the years. He said the school despite its growth and achievements is still grappling with other educational challenges such a library and a multi purpose hall facility. He also called for the expansion of the school’s computer laboratory and appealed to all stakeholders to assist in that regard.
Increase in the price of sachet water takes effect from today Monday January, 24
The Sachet Water Producers of Ghana has resolved to increase bag of sachet water from 1 Ghana Cedis to 1 Cedis 50 pesewas. On the other hand the price of sachet water which used to be sold at 5 Ghana pesewas would now be sold at 10 Ghana pesewas due to the increament of the bag of sachet water. The decision was taken when members of the association met at Bolgatanga to deliberate on the new price, which according to them has become necessary due to the rising cost of water production. The National Organizer of the Association, Baba Yabdow in an interview Radio Ghana, lamented that the decision was generally taken by the water producers as a result of the recent fuel increament among other factors. He indicated that the cost of materials used in manufacturing the water has shot up, thus making it difficult for his outfit to operate on the old price. Mr. Yabdow stressed that the country over the past few years have experienced various increament in the prices of petroleum and other utilities, which undoubtedly has affected consumers and manufacturers in the country. His outfit, he stated, did not deem it necessary to increase the price of sachet water despite the said increments until today. This, he explained, has been orchestrated by the rising cost of materials for production as well as a tremendous increament in transportation fares. The continuous increament of utilities such as water and electricity, he added, has also given way to the current increase in sachet water for consumers. The pronouncement of the new price as agreed upon over the weekend takes effect from today, Monday January, 24 and should be respected by all. Mr. Yabdow, appealed to all and sundry to embrace the new price of sachet water, which he said would now be sold at 10 Ghana pesewas instead 5 Ghana pesewas. Moreover, bag of sachet water which previously was sold at 1 Ghana cedi, would now be sold at 1 Ghana cedis 50 pesewas. Mr. Yabdow said the increament should not be limited to a particular town or city since it is a nationwide exercise. The new price has also affected major producers as well.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
New Orphanage Commissioned at Bongo
Narration: The Country Director of the Association of Children Homes and Orphanages (ACHO), Caroline Aggrey Fynn, has stressed on the importance of adoption and fosterage among the Ghanaian society. This, she believes, would go along way to present an opportunity to be involved in a child’s life and moreover contribute in bringing relief and hope to the oppressed, orphaned and vulnerable children. Mrs Fynn however called on the government, philanthropic groups, as well religious and corporate bodies to collectively embark on a nationwide educational campaign to sensitize the populace on the need to adopt and cater for the poor and vulnerable children to ensure their total survival. Mrs Fynn made the call at the commissioning and fund raising ceremony of the Bongo Church of Christ Orphanage held at Bongo in the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for radio Ghana.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The orphanage which is being sponsored by a missionary from Hot spring Village Church of Christ, Elder Donald Collins, has an overarching goal of providing quality care and assistance to over 500 orphans and vulnerable children in the district and beyond through education. One of its core objectives is to assist in educating families to accept and support vulnerable children when they are in need. The orphanage since its establishment in 2006 has chalked some successes amidst numerous challenges. It is currently taking care of 33 orphans, of which 13 are enjoying accommodation, free education, quality health care and provision of clothing among other special packages. The remaining 20 are said to be staying with their extended families while benefiting from free education and a square meal daily. The Country Director of the Association of Homes and Orphanages (ACHO) , Mrs. Caroline Fynn, described education as a benchmark of a nation’s development. She therefore charged government to take bold steps in supporting educational projects set up and managed by the various orphanages across the country. Such projects she indicated serves the needs of the children particularly those in the remote areas. Mrs. Fynn also appealed to the government to assist in extending the capitation grant to orphanages providing education to their beneficiaries, adding that most orphanages faces the biggest challenge of assisting children beyond basic education. Addressing participants, the Project Director of the Orphanage, Mr. Evan Adams Akurumolga, said the orphanage with the support of the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, has acquired 2 acres of land cited at their permanent premises. A six unit classroom block and two houses have been constructed on the said land. Another 3 acres of land he indicated has been acquired at Gurogo earmarked for the construction of other infrastructural purposes through the effort and support from some family members. Mr. Akurumolga, mentioned lack of funds and inadequate basic infrastructure as some of the major setback of the orphanage and called on all concern to come to their aid. He appealed to the government, NGOs, Churches and individuals to assist the orphanage with the needed funding to help ensure the successful completion of the classroom block which is near completion. Speaking on his behalf, the Principal of the Bible College in Kumasi, Dr. Augustine Tawiah, reiterated the urgent need for stakeholders to provide the needed assistance and support for the orphanage. He also made a passionate appeal to the government to provide the orphanages with a school bus to facilitate the movement of the pupils staying outside the home. Individuals and organizations were also called upon to contribute their widow’s mite. The orphanage was later commissioned by the Director of ACHO with support from the Bongo District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, among other dignitaries. The Coordinator of Community Development, Mrs. Veronica Badu, and the Minister of Oforikrom Church of Christ, Mr. Nicholas Yaw Boakye, were among the dignataries present to grace the occasion.
CUE IN
END CUE
ANCR V/O
Report
The orphanage which is being sponsored by a missionary from Hot spring Village Church of Christ, Elder Donald Collins, has an overarching goal of providing quality care and assistance to over 500 orphans and vulnerable children in the district and beyond through education. One of its core objectives is to assist in educating families to accept and support vulnerable children when they are in need. The orphanage since its establishment in 2006 has chalked some successes amidst numerous challenges. It is currently taking care of 33 orphans, of which 13 are enjoying accommodation, free education, quality health care and provision of clothing among other special packages. The remaining 20 are said to be staying with their extended families while benefiting from free education and a square meal daily. The Country Director of the Association of Homes and Orphanages (ACHO) , Mrs. Caroline Fynn, described education as a benchmark of a nation’s development. She therefore charged government to take bold steps in supporting educational projects set up and managed by the various orphanages across the country. Such projects she indicated serves the needs of the children particularly those in the remote areas. Mrs. Fynn also appealed to the government to assist in extending the capitation grant to orphanages providing education to their beneficiaries, adding that most orphanages faces the biggest challenge of assisting children beyond basic education. Addressing participants, the Project Director of the Orphanage, Mr. Evan Adams Akurumolga, said the orphanage with the support of the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, has acquired 2 acres of land cited at their permanent premises. A six unit classroom block and two houses have been constructed on the said land. Another 3 acres of land he indicated has been acquired at Gurogo earmarked for the construction of other infrastructural purposes through the effort and support from some family members. Mr. Akurumolga, mentioned lack of funds and inadequate basic infrastructure as some of the major setback of the orphanage and called on all concern to come to their aid. He appealed to the government, NGOs, Churches and individuals to assist the orphanage with the needed funding to help ensure the successful completion of the classroom block which is near completion. Speaking on his behalf, the Principal of the Bible College in Kumasi, Dr. Augustine Tawiah, reiterated the urgent need for stakeholders to provide the needed assistance and support for the orphanage. He also made a passionate appeal to the government to provide the orphanages with a school bus to facilitate the movement of the pupils staying outside the home. Individuals and organizations were also called upon to contribute their widow’s mite. The orphanage was later commissioned by the Director of ACHO with support from the Bongo District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, among other dignitaries. The Coordinator of Community Development, Mrs. Veronica Badu, and the Minister of Oforikrom Church of Christ, Mr. Nicholas Yaw Boakye, were among the dignataries present to grace the occasion.
Parents and Teachers urged to play their respective role effectively
The Upper East Regional Manager of the catholic Education Unit, Daniel Akanyani, has underscored the urgent need for schools to direct their attention to the moral aspect of school education to ensure discipline at all times. Mr. Akanyani made the call in an interview with Radio Ghana at Kongo in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. According to him, the success of students depend largely on the performance and attitude of teachers, hence the need for them to inculcate in their subjects, moral discipline, so as to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning. Mr. Akanyani said the region over the past few years has witnessed a worrying trend of indiscipline in the form of student unrest in some second cycle schools adding that the situation if not tackled collectively would assume an alarming proportion. He attributed the rising cause of student unrest in the region to the low level of discipline, poor monitoring and supervision, lack of parental guidance and peer pressure among others. Mr. Akanyani, therefore entreated parents and teachers to play their respective roles effectively. This, he explained, is vital since the current culture of discipline in schools is nothing to write home about, compared to the past where students were taught good moral values as part of their school lessons. Mr. Akanayani also encouraged students to channel their grievances through effective dialogue and not take the law into their own hands by destroying the few infrastructural facilities provided by the government and stakeholders in the educational sector. Student rioting and demonstration he added are not the best solution to addressing grievances but rather affects the academic calendar.
GBC END IA/
GBC END IA/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)