Proposed Eastern Corridor Road Network to commence soon-Says Vice President

A section of the crowd at the festival

Dignitaries present   

Narration: Government is speeding up preparation to embark on the proposed Eastern Corridor road that links the Upper East Region through Garu to Kulungugu. Other priority road earmarked for construction next year include the Bolgatanga-Bawku, Bolgatanga-Bongo, Winkongo-Tongo, Bawku-Pusiga, Sandema-Wiesi as well as the Bolgatanga-Naaga-Kadema roads among others. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who announced this said the move forms part of government’s effort in addressing the developmental imbalances in the Savannah regions captured under the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA). Mr Woyongo was delivering a speech on behalf of Vice President, John Dramani Mahama at the 24^th Annual Samanpid Festival of the chiefs and people of the Bawku Traditional Area. It was on the theme:  “Sustaining Peace for Progressive Cultural Development in Kusaug”, Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.

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The annual Samanpiid festival is a traditional post-harvest thanksgiving event meant to thank God and the ancestral spirits for a successful farming season. It is also an occasion to take stock of the past and draw useful lessons against the future. It is also a period during which sons and daughters of the Kusaug traditional area both home and abroad renew their allegiance, unity, love and solidarity for the essence of peace. This year’s event attracted eminent personalities including chiefs and ministers of state amidst heavy security presence. The Vice President, in a speech read for him by Mr Woyongo, described the theme for this year’s occasion as timely and appropriate considering the current prevailing peace enjoyed by the people. He said the violent conflict that erupted in Bawku was not only a source of worry to residents in the area, but also all peace loving Ghanaians and prayed for peace to be sustained. Many, he noted had been greatly affected by the conflict and appealed to the people to give peace a chance to pave way for speedy development. This, he said, calls for dedicated and concerted effort by all since development cannot thrive in a conflict environment. Touching on the impact of the conflict on education, Mr Woyongo said academic performance of student’s in the area continues to decline, citing the performance of pupils at last year’s BECE, describing it as abysmally poor. He disclosed that out of 163 municipalities and districts nationwide, the Bawku Municipality was ranked 154^th, a situation, he observed leaves a cause to worry and challenged the people not to allow conflict to destroy the future of their children. Mr. Woyongo therefore charged parents to make education of their wards their outmost priority by ensuring that relative peace is sustained. Mr. Woyongo later seized the opportunity to outlined various government’s interventions aimed at creating employment opportunities for the rural poor and mentioned the Ghana Social Opportunities Projects (GSOP) of which six districts excluding the municipalities are beneficiaries. On SADA, Mr Woyongo assured the people of government’s readiness to bridge the developmental gap between the south and the savanna regions of the north through massive infrastructural development and creation of economic opportunities. He mentioned the eastern corridor roads and the construction and rehabilitation of dams as some of the critical areas captured under SADA programme. The Zug-Raan Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka commended the government, security agencies and bodies for contributing to the peace building effort in Bawku. He said efforts are being made to ensure relative peace in Bawku and called on both factions to iron out their differences and unite as brothers and sisters. He said as 2012 elections draws closer, people should not hide behind legitimate political campaigns to prosecute their own agenda but rather exercise restraint, tolerance and co-exist peacefully for development. Zug-Raan Bawku Naba later reminded government to as a matter of urgency deal with the Bawku-Bolgatanga highway, which he lamented is fast becoming a death trap to travelers. The Majority Leader in Parliament, Cletus Avoka and the Council of State Member for the Upper East, Rev. Bishop Jacob Kofi Ayeebo called for the sustenance of peace in the area. An appeal for fund towards the Bawku Naba Education Endowment Fund was held to raise funds to assist brilliant but needy students in the municipality.

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Majority Leader in parliament goes unopposed

Hon. Cletus Apul Avoka_ Incumbent MP
                    

PM for Bawku West, Mr Moses Aduk-Pam presenting  the form to the party office

Executives of the Zebilla constituency branch of the NDC have endorsed the bid of the incumbent MP, Hon. Cletus Apul Avoka, to be retained during the 2012 elections. Mr Avoka who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament is the only aspirant who has filed to contest the parliamentary slot in the upcoming general elections. This explains that Mr Avoka would be endorsed unopposed by delegates of the constituency on January 21,2012,when party delegates goes to polls to elects a candidate for the constituency. Returning the nomination form to the Party’s office at Zebilla on behalf of the incumbent MP, Mr Moses Aduk-Pam, a member of the Party disclosed that the party officially opened nomination for the primaries from November 24 to December 23, 2011. Mr Avoka, he indicated filed, his nomination on December, 19, stressing that by the close of the scheduled date it was only Mr. Avoka who had filed his papers, thus making him unopposed. This, he confidently stated is a threat to the opposition NPP. Mr Aduk-Pam said Mr Avoka has predicted he would dislodge any contestant from the opposition side to retain the seat for the NDC at the 2012 polls. According to him, the sole candidature of Mr Avoka goes on to explain that he is the right choice for the people. He said while it was in the national interest to have Mr Avoka back to Parliament because of his vast and rich experience, the people of the constituency also wanted to retain him to continue with development projects he had initiated. Mr Aduk-Pam outlined a number of developmental projects carried out by Mr Avoka, describing it as unprecedented.  He mentioned the drilling of 60 boreholes and the construction and rehabilitation of a number of schools in the constituency as some of the projects. According to him, Mr Avoka has ensured the construction of CHP compounds in areas such as Agatuse, Agawere, Kolpela and Bolma as the School feeding programme has been expanded to benefit more schools in the area. He confidently stated that Mr Avoka’s chances of retaining the seat in the 2012 general election is bright and thanked the people of Zebilla for the confidence repose in him.  Mr Avoka, he added, is sure of beating his main contender from the opposition NPP, Mr Frank Fuseini Adongo, who he said is not fit to wrestle power from the incumbent MP.  Later in an interview with Radio Ghana, Mr Aduk-Pam stressed that the sole candidature of Mr Avoka  was a clear indication that he is 100 percent sure of retaining the seat in the 2012 election, adding that the electorates are comfortable with his good works. He added that the vast experience of Mr Avoka, earned him the trust and confidence of His Excellency, Prof. John Evans Attah Mills by making him the Interior Minister and subsequently the Majority Leader in Parliament.” He said executives of the party is working tirelessly in ensuring that Mr Avoka receives the mandate of his constituents and urged party members to unite to  form a formidable force in retaining both presidential and parliamentary election next year. The candidature of Mr Avoka was endorsed and seconded by five party executives including Sheitu Issifu, the branch Secretary. 
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Afrikids holds Declaration durbar to end spirit child phenomenon

Country Director of Afrikids subjected to questions by the media

23-12-2011    

Paul Apowida joined in the race by some students in Sirigu

Almost killed for being a ‘spirit child’, Paul Apowida, now Ambassador for Afrikids Ghana, an NGO returns to Ghana to run the 35 kilometers from the Afrikids Ghana headquarters in Bolgatanga to Sirigu, a farming community in the Kassena-Nankana West of the Upper East Region where he was born. The 2 hour marathon race supported by two regional athletes and staff of Afrikids was to raise wider awareness to mark the beginning of the end to the spirit child phenomenon. At a grand durbar of chiefs and people of Sirigu in honour of Paul Apowida, the Country Director for Afrikids Ghana, Nicholas Kuma said the day mark a significant milestone in the anals of Afrikids because Afrikids as a child right NGO has for the past years spearheaded the campaign against spirit child phenomenon and to raise enough fund to support many more children in communities where the practice still exist. The fund, he said, is targeting about GHc 90,000 for series of activities to be carried in those communities to support the eradication of the phenomenon. Mr. Kumah announced that Afrikids is now partnering with so called ‘concoction men’ and has brought them under an umbrella of one association. According to him, feedback from the concoction men had proven that the practice is steadily declining. This he said means that his outfit is making headway in the fight against the spirit child phenomenon. He appealed to all gathered to join in the fight since there is nothing like spirit child. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Paul Apowida now a soldier in the British army said he owe a debt of gratitude to Afrikids and its development partners for making him what he is today. According to him, his diagnosis as a spirit child was wrong, just as it has been wrong for every other child that has been accused. According to him, he is back in the country to spearhead the campaign against spirit child phenomenon and called on the people to give him the needed assistance to help him achieve his set objective.

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Information Minister picks form for Talensi Parliamentary seat

Amidst drumming and dancing, a large enthusiastic crowd yesterday converged at the NDC party office in the Talensi Constituency of the Upper East Region to witness the picking of nomination forms by the Information Minister, John Tia Akologo, to contest for the parliamentary slot on the ticket of the ruling NDC. Mr Akologo was represented by the Assembly member for Pwalugu Electoral Area, Hon. Alhaji Musa Seidu, who also represent as the Chairman for his campaign team. Addressing hordes of supporters and the media after picking the forms at the constituency office in Tongo, Hon Musa seidu said the decision of the incumbent MP to contest in next year’s parliamentary election was in adherence to calls not only by the masses but also from constituency, regional and national executives of the party. He said the vision of Mr. Akologo to further retain the seat which he has occupied for the past 20 years was underpinned by his agenda to accelerate the pace of development in his constituency and to also ensure that his people gets fair share of the government’s better Ghana agenda, which according to him was on course. He emphasized that Mr. Akologo’s years in parliament have been that of meeting the interest and aspirations of his constituents. His able leadership, he added has seen phenomenal developmental projects that had hitherto eluded the Talensi people. He stressed that those on the ground will bear witness to the massive infrastructural developmental experienced in major areas of health, school infrastructure, road projects and above all educational assistance to brilliant but needy students among several other projects that are evenly distributed within the constituency. Owing to his experience as a trained journalist, Mr. Akologo was appointed as the Information Minister, a duty he has so far executed with excellence. His outstanding performance, Hon Musa Seidu stressed, saw him as a member of the ECOWAS parliament, a position he relinquished by virtue of his ministerial appointment. He said even though the opposition is worried about his long standing, Mr. Tia Akologo still have the development of his constituents at heart and is well connected to bring investment and general development to the Talensi constituency. Hon Seidu later in an interview with Radio Ghana said votes for Mr. Akologo in the 2012 parliamentary election would consolidate the gains the party had made in the constituency and called on party faithfuls to support his bid for yet another term so that together they can bequeath a developed constituency to the present generation and those yet unborn.   In all 74 card bearing members of the party including Hon Musa Seidu endorsed Mr. Akologo’s candidature with a non-refundable filing fee of GH¢5000.00. Speaking to Radio Ghana, the Constituency Party Secretary, Stephen Kojo Yin disclosed that 7 candidates have declared their intention to contest the incumbent MP but only one apart from Mr. Akologo had so far filed his nomination in the person of Mr. Benson Baba. According to him, deadline for the filing of nomination ends today, December, 23, 2011. Mr Yin seized the opportunity to advice the party's parliamentary candidates to conduct decent campaigns devoid of insult and intimidation ahead of the upcoming election. adherence he noted will increase the party's chances of retaining power come 2012.

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Fountain Gate International donates to inmates of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital

21-12-2011       

JHS 1 Perpetual Sambilla doing the presentation

Nurse-In-Charge_ Madam Jamila Mohammed

As part of its corporate social responsibilities, Fountain Gate International school, a subsidiary of Fountain Gate Chapel has presented items worth GH¢620.00 to inmates at the children’s ward of the Bolgatanga Regional hospital. The items which include cartons of Milo, milk, drinks, boxes of biscuits as well as toiletries among others were made to also benefit inmates at the Female maternity ward. Presenting the items on behalf of the entire management, staff and the student body, Perpetual Sambilla, a JHS 1 student said the donation which is the first of its kind to be given to the hospital forms part of their yearly activity to reach out to the needy especially those who due to their present predicament are unable to partake in any social gathering including Christmas. She said the school recognizing the importance of such people thought it wise to give a helping hand. The donation she further explained is to promote inclusion since some of them are neglected by families, friends and the society as a result of their present situation. She prayed that the items will go a long way to improve the health condition of beneficiaries. The Nurse–in–charge, Florence Alentis supported by other colleagues present received the items with much joy and appreciation and thanked the school for their show of concern and encouraged them to do more to help bring smile to the faces of those brought on admission. The items, she pledged would be made available to the inmates and called on other organizations and institutions to emulate the gesture, particularly this festive season.  At the female maternity ward, the nurse-in-charge, Madam Jamila Mohammed, expressed the hospital’s appreciation to the school and called for God’s blessing upon them so that more of such would be made to benefit other inmates at the various wards. The Headmistress of the school who represent as the leader of the delegation, Helen Adongo, said the school over the years have made similar donations and would continue to reach out to more institutions. She disclosed plans by the school to extend their gesture to other organizations including orphanages and appealed to other agencies and philanthropists to help give to the poor and needy in society.

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Rural Community Banks challenged to embrace ICT intervention

19-12-2011             

Participants at the 5th  AGM

A long service worker receiving his award

Narration: The Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Eric Osei Bonsu has challenged Rural Community Banks (RCBS) across the country to double up efforts by way of organizational and operational restructuring to enable them meet the challenges of the changing competitive business environment. In view of this, RCBs should migrate from manual operation to embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions, deposit mobilization and credit administration as well as cost control and reduction. In a speech read for him at the 5^th Annual General Meeting of the East Mamprusi Community Bank at Gambaga in the Northern Region, Mr. Osei-Bonsu also emphasized the need for RCBs to create additional desks in the rural banking sector to cater for Micro Finance, Internal Audit and Research and Marketing as well as Administration to help give impetus and further strengthen the rural banking system. Isaac Asare was at the meeting and has more for Radio Ghana.

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The East Mamprusi Rural Bank began operations in September, 1997 at Gambaga, where the headquarters is strategically located. With a vision to be the leading rural bank and the centre of excellence for the delivery of efficient and effective micro finance services, the bank had chalked tremendous gains and has through dint of hard work established ultra modern banking premises in Nalerigu and Bunkpurugu to cater for people in the East Mamprusi and the Bunkpurugu Yunyoo Districts. The bank also has plans of putting up agencies in strategic locations of Mamprugu. The Board Chairman of the Bank, Mr. Dan Akolbilla said the performance of bank in the year under review was quite appreciable though the bank is confronted with challenges in terms of loan recovery especially in the area of farming and construction loans. During the 2010 financial year, the bank disbursed to its numerous clients in the catchment area, an amount of GHc 489,300 as loans and advances. It performance in terms of deposit also amounted to GHc2,869,091 in 2010 as against GHc 1,992,677 in 2009, recording an increase of 44 percent. Touching on the bank’s social responsibilities, Mr. Akolbilla disclosed that the bank had so far spent GHc13, 351 in support of the poor and the needy in the community and stressed that the bank would continue to demonstrate its commitment in that direction. The major challenge according to him was failure by defaulters to honour their loan obligations. This, he said had to some extent slowed the bank’s pace of development and called on defaulters to settle their indebtedness to avoid any court action. He said as a way forward the bank has initiated an action to employ the services of Agric Extension Agents and village Animators to retrieve some of overdue loans on commission basis. Mr. Akolbilla thanked its shareholders for their contribution to the success of the bank. He also extend the bank’s gratitude to the DCE, the District assembly and the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area for availing to the bank, the old Magistrate court building to reconstruct an ultra modern Banking facility in Nalerigu. Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of the ARB APEX Bank, The Bolgatanga branch Manager, Success Aduamah stressed  the urgency  for RCBs to prioritize the provision of quality customer service, which according to him is vital for their growth and survival. The District Chief Executive, Imoro Adam congratulated the board of directors, management and staff of the bank for their collective role in ensuring the success of the bank. The DCE said government recognizing the role of rural banking institutions hopes to create an enabling banking environment for business to flourish. He therefore encouraged all rural and community to complement governments efforts by coming out with more innovative products that will contribute positively in promoting the growth of the economy. Speaking on behalf of the Nayiri, the Tarana, John Wuni Grumah, acknowledged the contribution of the bank and encouraged people to support the bank in all endeavours to be able to perform creditably. Four categories of awards were presented to deserving staff, micro-finance groups, individuals and long service workers for their effort and contribution to the success of the bank. 

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Politicians asked to exercise decorum in their utterances

20-12-2011         

Narration: A Catholic Priest at the Garu-Tempane Parish, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Attidor, has advised Leaders of the various political parties to be constructive in their pronouncements and exercise high level of decorum on the airwaves in order not to inflame passion.  He said as the country prepares towards the 2012 elections, it behoves politicians to deal with pertinent issues of public interest and not launch verbal attack on personalities and groups. Such unfavourable pronouncements, he noted, has the capacity of degenerating into violence conflict when not guided.  Rev. Fr Atidoo gave the advice at the maiden edition of a Festival of a Night of Nine Lessons and Carols at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana.

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The region’s maiden edition of the Festival of a Night of Nine Lessons organized by the Christian Council of Churches was celebrated under the theme: “Promoting Peace and Reconciliation in the 2012 General Elections through Carol Music”. It was marked with spectacular interdenominational song ministration by the various choir groups in the region.  Touching on the theme, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle said government is committed to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election next year , hence the need for religious bodies to partner government in achieving its set objective. He said churches can play a leading role in maintaining the current peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed by Ghanaians and encouraged them to continue to pray for peace ahead of the 2012 elections. Citizens, he observed also owe it a duty of respecting the laws of the land by living up to their civic responsibilities. Mr. Ayagle prayed for peaceful elections and advised the public to work towards its realization devoid of   rancour and foul comments among other negativities that have the potential of destroying the country enviable democratic dispensation. For his part, Rev. Fr. Atidoo said the essence of organizing the programme was to portray the essence of peace through music. He said peace cannot be enjoyed on a silver platter because successive governments have worked hard by handing over peacefully to their opponents in a peaceful manner; a practice which he noted had been absent is most parts of the world, particularly, developing countries. He said Ghana through its democratic experiences has been touted as the beacon of democracy, making us an envy of many nations. This remarkable achievement should not be glossed over but rather be maintained to promote peace and development. Rev. Fr Atidoo however cautioned politicians and the media to be circumspect in their utterances so as not to spark of violent ahead of the forthcoming general elections. On the essence of Christmas, Rev Fr Atidoo lamented that people all over the world especially the youth have lost touch on the relevance of Christmas, thus indulging in activities such as fornication, drinking spree, and other unruly behaviours including drunk driving among other ungodly acts.  He explained that Christmas is not in any way connected to revenge, retaliation, sex and drunkenness but rather a time for repentance, peace, love, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal. He blamed the media for the wrong signals and interpretations of Christmas and called on them to preach the moral aspect of Christmas to help change the negative connotations attached to the yearly festivity. Rev Fr. Atidoo advised Christians to live in moderation and use the occasion to honour the birth of Christ as the savior of mankind. He said on such occasions, Christians needed to remind themselves to live decent live just as Christ entreated us to do. Mr. John–Paul Opare, a choir master of St. Cecilia choir described the attendance as encouraging and promise the public of a more interesting show in the coming year. He used the opportunity to charge politicians to work towards ensuring an incident free election next year.

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“Strategic Roadmap to Greatness” launched in Bolgatanga

Rev. Prince Prosper in the midst of dignitaries present

20-12-2011            

     

     An inspirational book that gives practical commonsense guidelines on how one can live a holy, healthy, wealthy and happy life that pleases God has been officially launched in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. The 82–page  book, authored by Rev. Prince Prosper Senyo Atitse , a founding member and CEO of the Global Eagles Movement (GEM), a benevolent non-governmental Organization providing sound motivational teaching, training, mentoring and intellectual assistance to individuals, families and corporate bodies is entitled: “Strategic Roadmap to Greatness”. Launching the book, Mr. Christopher Akaligang, an author and a product of GEM said the masterpiece has a prophetic statement which directs every living creature to consider the impossible as possible and also motivate and empower people to strategically reposition themselves in achieving their life time desires and aspirations. The book, he added, is useful in helping the reader to quickly wake up to the truth and beauty of Christian living and further gives credible guidepost to them that are at peace with God and men. In order words, the book shows men the way to prosperity and greatness.  Mr.  Akaligang who was full of praise to the author acknowledged his sense of leadership in raising people like him to become what they are today. The book, he prophesy, will impact on many and encouraged the author to come out with more of such inspirational pieces to change the lives of people especially, those who have lost absolute hope in life. He entreated all and sundry to patronize the book since it will not only bring hope to the hopeless but equally lead one unto the path of righteousness and of greatness. Mr. Akaligang once again, commended the author for surmounting challenges that came his way while writing the book.  Later in an interview with Radio Ghana after the launch, the author of the book, Rev Prince Prosper, said his maiden motivational work is the step one of his work to fulfill the mission of God as far as his generation is concern. Rev Prosper, an illustrious son from Alavanyo Kpeme near Hohoe in the Volta Region said the book is targeted at empowering the youth with relevant knowledge on good morals. Asked about his mission and the secret behind the choice of the chapter heading, Rev Prosper simply replied that God is the motivating factor. According to him ,his mission is to strategically employ  professionalism, enthusiasm, team spirit, innovation and networking to educate, inspire and direct the current generation for enhanced personal development and professional services that best satisfy the needs of institutions,  countries and continents. He disclosed that the prophetic word ‘Greatness’ that make up the 10 chapters of the book, was revealed to him by God in a dream, stressing that Greatness in simple scriptural terms depicts Godliness, Reading, Enthusiasm, Action, Thinking, Networking, Endurance, Self-dependence and See beyond. These words, he explained, gave him the chapter heading after his wonderful encounter with God. The book, he further indicated, is a working manual for the youth as he had been tasked with the responsibility of training 1,000 talented and gifted youth yearly for the next ten years. The beneficiary youth through the training would be socially and spiritually equipped to manned the country’s corporation, play major roles in communities and help develop the countries and beyond. He said, the successful launching of the book is an ample indication that God is ready to help him reach the world with the message bestowed to him. He revealed that work on his second and third book which focuses on prayer; fire and explosion is underway and would soon be unveiled. Rev Prosper said it is about time we emulate the examples of Christ in order to attract his presence and blessings rather than his wrath and curses, for what a man sow, so shall he reap.

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Minister bemoans rate of HIV infection in U/E

16-12-2011                             

Narration: Available statistics from the 2010 HIV Sentinel survey conducted nationwide has shown an unprecedented increase in HIV prevalence rate in the Upper East Region recording as high as 2.4 percent compared to the country’s median HIV prevalence rate of 1.5. This comparably leaves the region with one of the highest prevalence rate in the country, thereby thwarting the effort of the region’s health sector. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni who made the disclosure described the situation as unacceptable. Mrs. Awuni sad this at the occasion of the commemoration of World AIDS day at Bolgatanga on the theme: “Getting to Zero, the Role of the Youth” Mrs. Awuni lamented that until stakeholders redouble their effort in ensuring a massive reduction in the prevalence rate of the disease, the fight against the deadly scourge in the region would be a mirage. Correspondent Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.

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The Upper East Region could not participate in this year’s World AIDS Day which fell on December, 1st, 2011 with the theme “Getting to Zero”. This was due to the fact that the region was to have its turn with the second edition of the Meet-the–Press series.  The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni said Ghana’s sub-theme; ‘The Role of the Youth’ is adopted to reflect both the impact of HIV on the youth and the potential of the youth to significantly contribute to reducing new HIV infections. The choice of the national themes she explained takes into account the need for greater involvement of the youth in the national response and the essence to drawing the attention to issues of youth and HIV. This she noted is in conformity to the objectives of the World AIDS Day, which is geared at promoting leadership commitment and accountability in responding to the epidemic, a potential threat to Ghana’s development as a middle income country. She noted that despite the remarkable success made with regards to HIV reduction in all other regions of the country, the situation in Upper East is different as the rate of infection keeps going up. Mrs. Awuni was sad that despite the combine effort of the health sector of the region and its partners, nothing concrete had been achieved in respect to the rate of infection in the region. Mrs. Awuni lamented that until stakeholders attach strong commitment in dealing with the situation, the fight against the deadly HIV scourge would yield no expected results. She called on stakeholders involved in the teaching, prevention and awareness creation programmes to feature the youth in their activities so as to achieve the national target of zero infection, zero discrimination against victims and zero HIV related deaths. She also charged stakeholders particularly the media to inform and educate the masses on HIV and AIDS issues. The media she stressed should disseminate facts on HIV and AIDS that will help in the relief of physical and psychological pain of people living with the disease.  In a speech read for him, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams, announced plans to establish HIV satellite centres at the sub district levels to bring Anti Retroviral Therapy’s (ARTs) to the doorstep of people living with the disease. The Chairperson of NAP+, a network of people living with HIV, Madam Teni Ayuupaadu, told Radio Ghana that stigma and discrimination still remains their major challenge to the fight against the disease and called for concerted effort to stop the practice. She also mentioned transportation as one of the challenges since most persons living with the disease lack the financial zeal to travel and access medication, especially at the ART centres. This year’s regional durbar attended by students of health training institutions including departmental heads was accompanied by free HIV Testing and Counseling for people who want to know their status as part of the “Know Your Status Campaign” that is being waged against the HIV pandemic.

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Administrative Officer of GBC URA Radio Pass-On

14-12-2011                                                

The death is reported of Seidu Iddrisu, the Senior Administrative Officer of GBC URA Radio at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The late Iddrisu, 56, died at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital after a short illness. Before his demise, the late iddrisu was the former Senior Typist for the GBC Radio Savanna in Tamale, before being transferred to URA Radio in Bolgatanga to assume his new position as the Senior Administrative Officer on February, 24, 2010. The late Iddrisu who hails from Daboya in the Northern Region began his active service with GBC in August 14, 1990 till his departure. He has since been buried at the Bolgatanga cemetery in the muslim manner. The late Iddrisu left behind a wife and 7 children.

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Evang. Heward Mills storms Upper East

14-12-2011



Narration: Over 25 thousand Bible believers yesterday thronged to the UDS Park of the Navrongo campus to witness the ongoing healing crusade by members of the Light House Chapel International led by the General Overseer, Evangelist Dag Heward Mills. The crusade dubbed: “Jesus Healing Campaign” saw people from all walks of life including personalities from Tamale and Wa as well as nearby Burkina Faso and Togo. The 4-day healing crusade would also be used to conduct free medical outreach with over 20 doctors drawn from Accra to cater for diseases of all kinds. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana.

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Evangelist Dag-Heward Mills and his crusade team were given a rousing welcome as they stopped over at Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO) where he offered a civic reception. Heads and leaders of the various Christian denominations including some widow groups from the Navrongo Township. Evangelist Heward Mills, in a brief message, commended the people of Upper East for their warm reception and called for God’s blessing upon the land. Evang. Heward Mills was presented with a smock as a sign of appreciation for his visit. He encouraged the people to churn from their iniquities and turn to God for he is the giver of life and the savior of the world. Evang. Heward Mills and his entourage later paid a courtesy call on the regent of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Arthur Belinia Ada, at his palace to pay homage to him and his elders and also announced their presence in the area. Pe Belinia Ada described the teams’ visit as historic and called for more of such visit to help transform the people for the better. He prayed for a successful crusade and appealed for the people’s support and cooperation to enable them achieve their set objective. At the crusade ground attended by thousands of people, Evang. Heward Mills thanked the leadership of the Navrongo Traditional area and the district assembly for the support given them and called for God’s renewed blessing to them. In a sermon on the topic: “Who was Jesus”, Evang. Heward Mills encouraged the congregation to free from their sinful ways and consider Christ as the son of the living God. He said Christ in His infinite mercy came to die for sinners and not the righteous, signifying that Christ has the plight of sinners at heart and would love to see sinners moved from iniquities. He stated that Christ is the bread of life and thus anyone who emulates his examples will have eternal life. During the healing session, many people were touched with proves of miracles, the cripple walked, whilst those with severe pains were relieved from their predicaments. Among those healed, was the wife of the Paga-pio, Madam Beatrice Amoah. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the Crusade Director, Peter Melomey, said he was impressed with the turn up, which according to him was one of the highest crowds he has witnessed since the campaign began. He said similar campaigns has taken place in almost all the regions across the country and stressed that responses from these campaigns had been always been positive. Mr. Melomey disclosed that the team has so far visited 52 countries worldwide and is prepared to tour more places to win souls for Christ. Touching on the free medical outreach, Mr. Melomey said the team based on the recent tours thought it wise to inculcate the exercise to cater for the less privileged who due to poverty and other reason could not have access and afford medical care at the health facilities. To him, the exercise which begins today will go a long way to improve and address the health needs of the poor and the disadvantaged in the area and the region as well.

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TOENDE Rural Bank Now Ranked 12 among 131 Banks

11-12-2011                  

Narration: With an outstanding financial and managerial output, the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) has ranked the Toende Rural Bank 12  among 131 rural banks throughout the country in terms of general performance. The success story is attributed to increase in terms of profit, deposit as well as commitment of the staff and board of the bank. The Member Council of State for the Upper East Region, Rt. Rev. Bishop Jacob Kofi Ayeebo who made the disclosure described the bank’s current position as a great achievement despite the fact that the bank was not able to maintain its 11^th position chalked last year. Rt. Rev. Ayeebo was speaking at the 5^th Annual General Meeting of the Toende Rural Bank at Zebilla in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana.

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With an overarching goal of becoming the leading rural bank and the centre of excellence for the delivery of efficient and effective micro finance services, the Toende Rural bank has since its inception 7 years ago has chalked tremendous successes in terms of assets, deposits, share capital, investments and loans among other financial disciplines. The story of the bank’s performance for the year under review has been very positive and has maintained a good track record in delivering excellent value to its customers especially their shareholders. In terms of assets, the bank’s assets increased over the previous year from GH¢2,031,907 to GH¢ 3,088,287 in 2011 recording an increment of 52 percent, whilst it also recorded an increase of deposits from GH¢ 1,466,750 in 2009 to GH¢2,294,026 in 2010. With regards to loans, the company continues to enjoy excellent loan growth due to its high level and appreciable term of payment. In 2010 the bank granted loans to the tune of GH¢520,433 as against GH¢277,044 in 2009, representing an increase of 88 percent. Rt. Rev Ayeebo who also represent as the Board Chairman for the bank said his outfit has developed a systematic approach to improving branch safety and creating a more attractive environment for staff and its valued customers. The bank he revealed has mobilization centres at Bazua, Sapeliga, Binaba, and Zuarungu as well as other communities around Bolgatanga and Bawku.  As part of it strategic business plan, the bank is working on modalities to establish agencies in strategic locations such as Bawku and Bolgatanga where banking operations will soon commence.  Owing to that, the bank has acquired and paid rent advances to real estate developers for work to begin. The bank Rt. Rev. Ayeebo added is currently disbursing microfinance in most communities of the region and stressed that steps are being taken to improve the company’s business relations with its beneficial communities. Rt. Rev Ayeebo announced plans by the bank to provide ATM facilities to ease congestion and ensure weekend banking. Whist encouraging people to buy shares at the bank, shareholders were also advised to increase their shares in order to stay in good business. The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Alhaji Anaba Adam Moro, for his part used the opportunity to encourage people to cultivate the habit of saving. He appealed to all departments in the district to channel their workers’ salary through the bank. He moreover appealed to the bank to extend its corporate social responsibility to support more needy but brilliant students in the district. The Chairperson for the occasion, Mrs. Catherine Apanga also called on the people to support the bank to deliver on its mandate. Rt. Rev Ayeebo in the company of the DCE and other dignitaries present, later cut sod to commission  the Zebilla branch of the Toende Rural Bank constructed at the cost of GH¢411,000. Categories of awards were also given to deserving staff, individuals, women groups and shareholders of the bank for their outstanding contribution.

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Residents of Upper East to receive 500,000 insecticides treated bed nets

13-12-2011           

Narration: The Regional launch of the door-door distribution of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (ITNs) and Hang-Up campaign has taken place in the Upper East Region with an estimated 500,000 bed nets earmarked for distribution in the region. The exercise which is to increase ownership and effective utilisation of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Bed Nets for all household members is targeted at reducing the burden of Malaria by 75 percent by the year 2015, an adopted goal set under the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP). At a Regional Planning and Advocacy Meeting held for stakeholders at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo observed that with effective hang up volunteers and strict monitoring and supervision, the region is poised to reaching the set target as various interventions have been roped into the fight against malaria in the region.  Isaac Asare was at the launch and the rest of the story.

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Mr. Woyongo called on stakeholders to put their shoulders to the wheel and assist in whichever way they can to ensure the successful execution of the exercise which is to said to take place at pre-identified areas in the respective municipal ad districts across the region. According to Mr. Woyongo, the distribution of the bed nets will increase retention of LLITNs in households and also create an opportunity for on-on-one interaction for behaviour change communication as well as health messages through hang up volunteers and supervisors. He said the region has chalked tremendous success in the fight against malaria and has for this reason map out strategies to ensure effective decline of malaria among pregnant women and children under five which will in turn reduce maternal and infantmaternal mortality rate.  Mr. Woyongo revealed that with the various malaria interventions put in place including the “Roll Back Malaria” strategy, the region for the year 2011 has recorded a steady decline of 277,022 cases of malaria representing 43.4 percent of all OPD cases as against 645,379 and 709,877 cases recorded in 2009 and 2010 respectively.  Under five mortality, he indicated has reduced by 10 percent, an indication that malaria is less becoming the major cause of under five mortality in the region’s health facilities, and attributed the success to hard working staff and partners of the health sector of the region. Mr. Woyongo therefore entreated stakeholders to play their respective roles effectively during the hang up exercise and further called on the municipal and district chief executives to make funds and other logistics available for the smooth take off and execution of the hang up campaign. The media, agencies and departments were also charged to set up the social mobilization and information dissemination activities of any form in order to increase awareness. The Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr James Akpablie announced that the upcoming door-to door distribution of ITNs and the hang up campaign which is schedule to kick start within the first quarter of 2012 will be undertaken alongside an indoor residual spraying exercise. The exercise, he said, requires the support of chiefs, opinion leaders, security agencies and institutions to ensure its successful implementation. He advised the general public particularly community members to get involve in malaria control activities so that malaria would be reduced to the barest minimum. Dr Akpablie mentioned poor environmental practices and non-adherence on the best use of ITN as some of the challenges militating in the fight against malaria and appealed to the general public to work in that direction. A national Malaria Control Officer, Mrs Aba Baffoe Wilmot said the hang up campaign is targeted at achieving a universal coverage and hoped that the exercise would be conducted devoid of politics, religion and ethnicity. A 23-member steering committee was later inaugurated to steer the affairs of the campaign. The committee is being chaired by the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo and has GBC as one of the committee members.

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St. Charles School benefits from MTN foundation

08-12-2011                            

Narration: As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, MTN Ghana Foundation has break grounds for the construction of an ultra modern 25-seater ICT centre for 85 year old St. Charles Primary School at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The facility which is expected to be completed within the second quatre of next year is estimated to cost GH¢148,640 and would serve about 8 communities within the catchment area. The project among interventions demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to establishing 10 ICT centres in all the 10 regions of Ghana. This is to complement government’s efforts at bridging the digital gap between pupils in the deprived and urban communities as well as supporting the implementation of the mandatory ICT component of the new educational reform. Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana.

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At a sod cutting ceremony to commission the centre, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Foundation, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, said her outfit is dedicated to the socio-economic development of the country by improving the quality of live through appropriate and sustainable social interventions in communities where it operates. MTN Ghana Foundation she noted has made an exceptional impact in many communities through their corporate social responsibilities and had since its establishment in 2007 transformed and touched the lives of vulnerable people especially in deprived areas of the country. Mrs Lumor said MTN foundation is now focusing on economic empowerment with an objective of providing training to the less privileged in society, though the foundation already operates in two focus areas, which are health and education. The commissioning of the ICT centre she indicated is geared at improving the knowledge base of beneficiaries especially students and also forms part of the foundation’s idea of giving back to the community. She however challenged the contractor to make use of the financial investment and ensure that the facility is completed as schedule.  Mrs Lumor took the opportunity to commend the past and present administration of St Charles Primary School for achieving 85 years in existence and urged the management of the school to strive in providing the best quality of education to the children with much focus on ICT education. She also thanked all valued customers of MTN for helping the company to reach its 10 million milestones and hoped that with their partnership, MTN would continue to maintain its position as the leading telecommunication company in Ghana and beyond. She said MTN Ghana Foundation has brought dramatic improvement in the telecommunication industry, stating that the foundation is committed to sharing 1 percent of its revenue to advancing the cause of vulnerable people, hence the need for strong partnership and cooperation by clients. The Headmistress of St. Charles Primary school, Mrs. Babiana Waye on behalf of staff and management expressed gratitude to MTN Foundation Ghana for the gesture and appealed to the PTA as well as old students of the school to emulate and assist their alma mater. The commissioning of the ICT facility, she said will equip pupils with skills in ICT as they climb the academic ladder. She however called for more of such support to help boost academic performance especially in the area of ICT education. The Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Agnes Atagabe and the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni were there to grace the occasion. MTN Foundation Ghana later in the day organized a forum for editors of both print and electronic media in the region to update them on their operations, challenges and achievements chalked so far. Mrs. Lumor in a presentation said MTN Foundation is working round the clock to improve internet accessibility among Ghanaians via mobile phones and other gadgets. She mentioned fibre cuts, scams, arbitrary business operating fees, especially from MMDAs and power fluctuations among others as some of the key elements militating against their operations. Mrs Lumor used the occasion to appeal to road contractors to exercise caution when embarking on road projects to prevent any fibre cut, which she indicated disrupts effective service delivery when it occurs.

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Traditional Authorities implored to fight against bush fires

30-11-2011                        

The Upper East Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Zenabu Wasai-King, has cautioned people of the three northern regions to desist from the setting up of bush fires, an act commonly triggered by activities of local people particularly charcoal burners and farmers. She said as the World and for that matter the regions prepares to mark the World Environmental Day Celebration today, conscious efforts must be made by all stakeholders in ensuring that the minimal vegetation is protected from bush burning since its repercussions are enormous. Speaking to Radio Ghana atBolgatanga, Mrs. Wasai King said bush fires over the years have been widespread in the Upper East Region causing extensive damage on the quality of soil for farming and in most cases resulted in the loss of lives and property. It has also contributed largely to the degradation of the environment, thereby making life unbearable for most people especially those in deprived areas of the country. Consequently, a reasonable quality of farm produce including rice, millet, soya beans and other cereals are lost to bushfires, a situation she reiterated calls for stakeholders approach in tackling the issue. Mrs. Wasai King however, stressed on the urgent need for traditional leaders and the various assemblies to combat the root cause of bushfires. Traditional leaders she said should complement the efforts of the EPA by intensifying their awareness creation on the harmful effects of bushfires through community meetings and durbars. She explained that chiefs have certain level of influence on community members and could effectively mobilize the community and engage them in afforestation, and reforestation activities and establishment of fire belts. Chiefs, she stated could implement and enforce bye-laws on the environment particularly, bushfires during the harmattan season. Such bye –laws, she insisted, should be gazetted and enforce to the latter, emphasizing that stiff punishment should be meted to people who set out fires indiscriminately. In her view, indigenous practices on environmental management such as the sacred groves protection should be reinstituted to help salvage the situation. Mrs. Wasai King also cautioned the public against the indiscriminate feeling of trees for fuel and other economic and commercial purposes. She said the constant felling down of trees without replacement has gradually led to depletion of vegetation and its consequent effect is fast approaching desertification. Mrs. Wasai King once again called on the assembly and traditional authorities to team up by coming out with by laws to sanction people involved in indiscriminate tree felling. She moreover, appealed to stakeholders particularly chiefs to rekindle their common spirits to fight against the menace and also ensure that laws on tree feeling and bushfires are not just passed but effectively enforced to sustain the environment.

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