Provide SSNIT with accurate and reliable information: Area Manager tells contributors

Bolga Area Mng of  SSNIT, Charles Antwi- Boasiako

Staff of SSNIT attending to clients

Participants at the clinic 

The Area Manager of SSNIT in charge of the Northern Zone, Allan Azu says the inability of SSNIT contributors to provide accurate and reliable data for processing, poses a major challenge to the operations of the scheme. Moreover multiple registration coupled with employers inability to discharge their obligations effectively also tend to affect the smooth running of the scheme, because in an instance where a contributor provides two conflicting dates of birth without considering the future implications, such a contributor is bound to face challenges after retiring from active service.  Mr Azu however implored SSNIT contributors’ particularly, public sector workers to exhibit sense of patriotism by giving their correct data to enable SSNIT update and fast track their retirement benefits.  Mr Azu made the appeal during a mobile outreach programme held at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region. The outreach programme attended by section of the public was held to address the numerous challenges faced by contributors and to also bring to the attention of employers, some challenges in the administration of the Social Security Scheme and to sensitize them on initiatives being implemented by SSNIT to improve on the operations of the scheme. The overriding goal of the establishment of the mobile clinic was to bring quality customer care to the doorstep of the people.  Mr. Azu said under PNDC Law 247 of 1991, every employer is required to register all the workers in their establishments whether engaged permanently or employed on contract basis and charged employers to make regular monthly contributions on behalf of their staff to SSNIT. The Bolga Area Manager of SSNIT, Charles Antwi Boasiako disclosed to Radio Ghana that the programme which is the second in the series to be held in the region was necessary because it serves as a platform for non-registered workers to register with the scheme. It also provides a unique opportunity for student loan defaulters to know how much they owe so that they can fashion out ways of resettling their debt owed to the scheme as well as their guarantors. The introduction of the mobile clinics, he pointed out has contributed immensely in addressing some challenges faced by workers with respect to their monthly contributions as well as their retirement benefits. He explained that SSNIT as a service provider has positioned itself to address all concerns raised by workers. In a speech read for him, the Kassena-Nankana District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Andema stressed on the relevance of the mobile clinic concept describing it as laudable considering the difficulties contributors go through in their attempt to seek redress on issues concerning their monthly contribution and retirement benefits. He however implored heads of the various institutions to encourage their staff to be part of the programme since it will help address their numerous concerns.  Mr Andema used the occasion to appeal to all citizens of 18 years and beyond to partake in the ongoing biometric exercise to enable them exercise their franchise come December, this year.  

GBC                                                                END                                                                 IA/

Builsa Community Bank to take legal action against loan defaulters

Mr Norbert Awulley, DCE for Builsa

Section of shareholders at the meeting

26-03-2012       

Management of Builsa Community Bank Limited, have expressed dissatisfaction over the alarming rate of unpaid loans by shareholders of the bank. Management and board in view of the unfortunate situation have issued a stern warning against defaulters and have also threatened to pursue legal action against such group of individuals to recover all outstanding loans and over drafts through the court. The Board Chairman of the Bank, Edward Atagabe, announced this at the 12th Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank held at Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region.  Recounting the loses made over the years with regards to the issue of loan default, Mr. Atagabe averred that there has not been any significant improvement in there payment of loans since their annual general meeting held last year. He said in 2009, the bank was charged a total of GHc58, 789.00 for bad debt as against GHc107, 434.00 recorded in 2010, representing an increase of 82.80 percent. The total provision for bad debt for 2010 worked out to 13 percent of total income for the year. The situation he lamented has greatly affected the bank’s operations and called of its loan defaulters to assist in fulfilling their loan obligations to help the bank attained its set goal of becoming the leading rural bank in the region. He said despite the challenges, the bank made remarkable gains in the area of total assets ,which he said increased from GHc4,226,432.00 in 2009 to GHc 5,402,373.00,representing an increase of 27.8 percent.  Relatively, there was an improvement in the bank’s performance in 2010 as compared to the previous year. This was realized when the bank recorded a total income of GHc 824.024.00 as against a total operational income of GHc627,567.00, a profit of GHc 196,465.00 representing an increase of 31.3 percent. Total deposit for the years also amounted to GHc3, 343,417.00 as against GHc2, 429.012. 00 in 2009, representing an increase of 37.6 percent. Mr. Atagabe was happy to announce that the bank owing to the success chalked, was ranked satisfactory by the Bank of Ghana rating of rural and community banks. Bucobank, he disclosed, was ranked 41 out of 134 banks for the last quarter of last year and attributed the success story to the sterling performance of its entire staff.  He also commended shareholders of the bank and renewed the banks’ commitment to extend its corporate social responsibility to benefit residents of Builsa, particularly, poor and needy students through scholarship schemes. He also outlined plans to introduce ATMs to enable customers withdraw cash at their own convenience.  The Builsa District Chief Executive, Norbert Awulley who was guest of honour said the assembly will continue to partner the bank in its developmental efforts and appealed to them to help improve the business environment by going all out to attract the needed customers through improved and attractive products.  Deserving staff and shareholders of the bank were honoured for their contribution to the success of the bank. Mama Sophia Akanyaminum was adjudged the best depositor by the bank.

GBC                                                       END                                                                 IA/

Road Eagle Intensifies Road Safety Campaign

National Coordinator Road Eagle, Mr Yaotse Kitsi Mark

Ex Sgt. Kabore offering training to trainees

U/E Regional Coordinator,  Road Eagle

25-03-2012                 

About 70 youth have successfully undergone a three day training programme on safe driving in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. The trainees drawn mainly from the Bolgatanga municipality were taken through topics on motor way driving, traffic control signals and signs, road way marking, first aid on the road as well as regulatory and informative signs among other road safety disciplines. The Road Eagle Coordinator for Training on safe driving, Ex. Sgt Mohammed Abubakar Kabore said the focus of the training was to help prevent and curtail the high incidence of road carnage in the region and the country at large. Similar training on safe driving, he revealed had already taken place in 10 districts of Northern Region, notably, Tamale, Yendi, Zabzugu Tatale, Gushegu, Karaga, Savelugu and Bimbilla, where trainees were tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.  Mr Kabore hinted that Road Eagle intends to extend its activities to benefit more youth, particularly the unemployed since they are entitled to allowances to sustain their livelihood. According to him, the trainees would begin their official duties, hopefully the first week of April, adding that the trainees would play a leading role in creating public awareness on road safety and charged the general public to lend them their maximum cooperation to help reduce road fatalities in the country. The National Coordinator for Road Eagle, Yaotse Kitsi Mark told Radio Ghana that the lost of innocent lives recorded daily on our roads is unprecedented in the history of the country, and needed urgent intervention to salvage the situation, hence the need for the training exercise. The initiative he explained was aimed at sensitizing and empowering the citizenry to make them advocates of road safety with the view to complementing the effort of the Ghana Road safety Commission and its collaborators. It is also geared at complementing the effort of the government police in ensuring an accident free country. He said his outfit currently has over 3,000 members nationwide out of which 500 are in the Upper East Region. The trainees according to him will be issued with identity cards to make them identifiable and would be responsible for the checking bad practices such as drunk driving and over speeding, as well as police extortion on the road.  Their activities, he indicated is backed by the Road Safety Amendment Act 2008 Act 122. Mr. Mark however implored the media as well road safety advocators to help assist in curbing road accidents since it is a shared responsibility and not the duty of the police alone. The Regional Co-ordinator, Emmanuel Nsor Atindana for his part said it is high time road users especially passengers play a role in reducing the daily occurrence of road accidents in the country.  Some of the trainees Radio Ghana spoke to expressed their delight for being part of the training and said they would act as icons in ensuring that road carnage is reduced to the barest minimum in the country.

GBC                                                                 END                                                                IA/

Tension mounts in Gbane over alleged encroachment of mining concession by a Chinese mining firm

A Section of the irate youth

Police having a tough time controlling the crowd

An irate youth displaying his placard

Talensi DCE   responding to the petition laid before her

24-03-2012           

About 500 irate youth of Gbane, a mining community in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region yesterday besieged the offices of the District Chief Executive and the Regional Minister to present their petition to them. The petition was to expressed their displeasure about the illegal mining activities perpetuated by one local mining firm known as Yenyeya mining group and a Chinese mining company, Shanxy mining, now China Gold. The angry youth led by the assembly member for the Gaare-Gbane electoral area, Bismark Zumah embarked on a peaceful demonstration with a procession right from Gbane to the Talensi District Assembly through to Bolgatanga with some holding placards that read: “We want to reclaim our land”,  “We are made slaves in our own land”, “Chinese people are killing us”, and “We deserve our right to survive” among others. At the Talensi District Assembly, the police had a tough time controlling the crowd because of the numbers and threatened to deal with anybody who misbehaved or cause any violent scene.  Presenting the petition, the assembly member for the area, Bismark Zumah expressed mishap about the activities of the said Chinese firm, describing them as a bunch of invaders who are insensitive to the plight of the local people after conniving with one Charles Ndaanbon and one Simon Atibya, of the minerals commission and also an alleged consultant to China Gold to acquire about 747.410 acres of plots for their mining activities. According to Mr Zuma the youth are waging their anger on the chief of the area, Naba Zelimsome na Maalteng for playing a fictitious role in the acquisition of land by the Chinese. He said the youth have threatened not to spare the chief if all allegations leveled against him find out to be true. Secondly, they demand that Mr Ndanbon together with Mr. Atibya of the minerals commission be interdicted for defrauding the entire Gbane community.    Activities of the Chinese mining company, he pointed out are done outside Yenyeya mining concession and should also be put to a halt within seven days to prevent bloodshed, as it contravenes act 703, section 82 and 91 of the 1992 constitution.  Moreover the Chinese firm since its operations had failed to fulfill its corporate social responsibility as royalties due the chief are not paid. The people in the community, he further lamented are exposed to all kinds of health hazards. Mr Zumah in his closing remark, pleaded for compensation to be paid for indigenes, who in one way or the other lost their concessions to China Gold. All other allegations were spelt out to the hearing of the DCE. He however appealed to the DCE to look into the matter and provide workable remedy to prevent any catastrophe. The DCE in response to the concerns raised pledged to tackle the issue to the latter and called on the youth to exercise restraint whilst solution is being provided to bring about peace in the area and the district at large. At the RCC, the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo also assured the leadership of the irate youth of a solution to the problem and further pledged to put in place a vibrant committee to investigate into the matter.

GBC                                                               END                                                  IA/ 

MMDAs tasked to support Payroll Clinics

Woyongo receiving pleasantries from participants 

                     

All the 170 Municipal and District Assemblies nationwide have been asked to assist in providing logistical support to all the payroll clinics established in their respective areas of jurisdiction. This will help in the efficient quality delivery of service as payroll desk officers recruited under the said clinics have been tasked with the responsibility of receiving and resolving complaints from employees and pensioners on daily basis. The payroll officers under the leadership of the District Finance Officers will have an additional task of organizing regular salaries and pension clinics  at different locations in their respective districts, where employees and pensioners could meet with said officers and lodge their complains for redress. The Deputy Controller and Accountant General, Mr. Kwesi Kofe who made the call declared plans by his outfit to partner the MMDAs to assist in executing the program and appealed for cooperation from the MMDAs. Mr. Kofe was speaking at a two-day Educational Forum on the Mechanized Payroll for Public and Civil Servants at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. The forum which was highly attended by a section of the public including staff and heads of the various decentralized departments sought to remind both salaried workers and departments of their responsibility of ensuring that the mechanized payroll reports are thoroughly scrutinized to eliminate all irregularities.  The forum Mr Kofe narrated, was necessary as a result of numerous complaints the department receives from employees concerning their salaries. It was moreover necessary to the effect that most salaried workers do not know where to seek relevant solutions to their grievances with respect to their salaries. This, he pointed out resulted in the delays in resolving the challenges associated with salaries. According to him the forum was to provide appropriate response to complaints and promised that such public interactions will not mark the end of the department’s effort but rather will continue in the ensuing years.  He said such fora have already taken place in almost all the regions. Mr Kofe was however hopeful that with the support and assistance from public servants, his outfit was poised to ensuring quality service devoid of practices that tend to mar the operations of the department, citing the existence of ghost names on government’s payroll. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo also added his voice on the issue of ghost names and charged authorities concerned to help wipe out such names since chunk of government’s revenue goes into the payment of salaries for public sector workers. He also challenged the Controller and Accountants General Department (CAGD) to decentralized aspects of their activities to prevent workers traveling long distances to Accra to sort out issues relating to their salaries. During the open forum, participants laid before the department challenges faced by workers with regards to the single spine pay policy and called on the department to help rectify all anomalies to prevent further complains from workers. Topics discussed at the forum include managing the mechanized payroll, inputs and reporting, payroll deductions and Single Spine Salary Structure among other specific payroll issues.

GBC                                                END                                                        IA/

Upper East record massive decline in crime rate

22-03-2012        

Strenuous effort and professionalism exhibited by personnel of the Upper East Police command has resulted in an appreciable decline in the rate of criminal activities in the region.  This is as a result of increased level of partnership and cooperation from the general public as information volunteered to the police led to the arrest of criminals involved in all kinds of illegal activities including as robbery and burglaries.  The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Bright Oduro made this known at this year’s get-together dubbed “WASSA” at Bolgatanga. WASSA is an occasion where Senior Police Officers and the rank and file come together to socialize, review their achievements, weaknesses and fashion out remedial measures for the way forward. It is also serves as a congenial platform to deepen cooperation between the public and the police as well as boost the morale of personnel in the service. DCOP Bright Oduro enumerated a number of successes chalked by his outfit in the year under review and announced that in the year 2011,incidence of criminal activities were reduced to a total of 1,843 as against 2,355 cases recorded in the year 2010,representing a decrease of about 21.74 percent. This involves the incidence of robbery, break-in as well as various kinds of theft. Out of the recorded cases, the Bolgatanga Municipality recorded 77 cases of motor bike theft, 11 cases of robbery and 14 cases of burglary. All these were perpetuated between the month of April and December 2011. As part of efforts to clamp down on criminals in the region, the police solicited the support of the public by way of valuable information on those behind such criminal activities and subsequently intensified both foot and mobile patrols in areas and communities that suffered repeated victimization. The move according to DCOP Oduro led to the arrest of one Bukari Issifu, popularly known as Dada who was also identified to have masterminded four separate robberies in the municipality. Three other burglars were also nabbed after they were identified and smoked from their hide outs at estates and low cost areas. Contrary to the reduction of criminal activities in the region, incidence of motorbike accidents cases rose up to 137 in 2011 as against 103 cases in 2010, representing an increase of 33 percent. Out of these cases, 54 persons were killed in 2011, whilst 44 deaths occurred in 2010. DCOP Oduro attributed the increase in the death of motor accidents to sheer negligence and absolute disregard for road traffic regulations. One major cause of motor deaths, he noted was the refusal of motor bike riders to wear crash helmet  and appealed to motor cyclists as well as pillion riders to inculcate the habit of wearing crash helmet to save their own lives as well as other road users. DCOP Oduro in his closing remark made a passionate appeal to the Regional Minister and the RCC to make provision for staff accommodation for personnel of the service to help them ensure maximum security at all times. This year’s WASSA event brought together junior and senior officers of the regional police command, chiefs, opinion leaders, departmental heads and representatives from the RCC among other functionaries.

GBC                                                         END                                                             IA/

Seven basic schools in Upper East receives rlg laptop computers

Dep. Min.  In-Charge of Pre-tertiary Educ, Mrs Amoah Tetteh

Student receiving a laptop from the minister

Fauzia Salifu, ICT Coordinator at the MOE

21-03-2012      

Seven basic schools in the Builsa, Kassena-Nankana East and West District of the Upper East Region have received 24 pieces of rlg laptop computers each to support them in the teaching and learning of ICT as a subject.  At a presentation ceremony held at the Basina Junior High School in Navrongo, the Deputy Minister of Education in Charge of Pre-Tertiary, Mrs Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh said government under a project dubbed: “Basic School Computerization Project” hopes to assist 2,500 basic schools with 60,000 laptops. The ICT project which is one of the flagship project initiated by the ministry is  said to cost the government of Ghana GHc30 million and will go a long way to enhance ICT education in basic schools, particularly schools in deprived communities of the country. She reaffirmed governments resolve in ensuring that a good number of schools at the basic level have access to ICT tools and equipments by the end of 2012. In line with this set objective, the Education Ministry with support from rlg communications, have so far taken delivery of about 40,000 laptops computers of which 300 basic schools across the country have been made to benefit from the package. Mrs. Amoah-Tetteh during the presentation reiterated government’s commitment to accelerate the growth of the economy through ICT and charged heads of beneficiary schools including directors of education to ensure that the laptops are used for the purpose for which they were procured. She also encouraged students and teachers to make proper use of the laptops to help them be abreast with the ever changing world of information technology.  According to her, government have entered an agreement with rlg, suppliers of the laptops to maintain the laptops when they go faulty. Rlg, she indicated has after sales service point sin all the regions, adding that school heads should report to the rlg service centres through their respective district and regional directors for the repair of damaged and faulty computers. Mrs Amoa Tetteh later called on all well meaning Ghanaians to complement the effort of the government in ensuring that the objectives of the basic schools computerisation project is achieved. Receiving the computers on behalf of the beneficiary schools, the Regional Director of Education, Mr Paul Apanga thanked the Ministry of Education and rlg for their show of commitment and pledged to take good care of the consignments to improve ICT education in the schools. He also commended the ministry for giving practical training to ICT teachers, which according to him has enhanced their teaching capacity. He also charged heads of beneficiary schools to be watch dogs and encouraged them to utilise the computers to benefit their students.  An ICT coordinator at the MOE, Fauzia Salifu-Siidi revealed that 9,600 rlg laptop computers have been earmarked for distribution in 400 basic schools of Northern Ghana, stating her outfit is initiating moves to assist other deprived schools in the region.

GBC                                                       END                                                            IA/

EC Holds Forum with Media on Biometric Voters Registration

Demonstration stage

21-03-2012     

The Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Bruce Ayisi, says his outfit is adequately prepared for the smooth take off of the impending biometric voters registration expected to begin in March 24 to May 5. The much anticipated voter  biometric exercise, he disclosed, will last for 40 days and would be carried out in four phases with each phase lasting for a maximum of ten days, weekends inclusive. Mr Ayisi made the disclosure at a media dialogue in Bolgatanga. According to Mr Ayisi, all necessary logistics and kits needed for the commencement of the exercise have been made readily available, whilst personnel recruited for the exercise are currently undergoing intensive practical training. The kits he however assured have been tried and tested and would serve its intended purpose. Mr Ayisi made it known that the first phase of the registration will begin on March 24 whilst phase two begins in April 4.  The third phase of the registration will start on April 15 and end on April 24 with the final phase of the registration running from April 26 to May 5.  Registration will be held at the polling station levels with four polling stations coming together to form a cluster for the registration. In the event of registration, eligible voters about the age of 18 and more would be required to produce their personal data with the aid of valid ID cards to prove their eligibility.  These include existing voters ID card, National Health Insurance card, national passport, driver’s license or national identification card. Those without any of the valid ID cards will be requested to produce at least two guarantors, specifically a family member, and an elder in the community or an eligible voter. In a case of temporal and permanent trauma, fingers and other physical features of affected persons would be vehemently captured to help in easy identification.  Mr. Ayisi later debunked widespread speculation that the kits used for the registration poses health hazards to applicants and appealed to the media to disabuse the minds of such persons since the kits has no health implications. He said the introduction of the biometric system has become necessary owing to public mistrust and confidence in the manual system of voting. it is also one of the surest ways of curtailing electoral malpractices. On the issue of transfer and proxy voting, Mr Ayisi said inputs needs to be provided to decide as to whether proxy and transfer voters would be allowed to exercise their franchise on the day of voting.  Speaking to Radio Ghana, the deputy regional director of the EC, Mr Azu Bosco revealed that the EC as part of its campaign strategies have employ the services of public educators to intensify its awareness creation on the exercise.  Mr Bosco implored the media to double their effort at educating the masses on electoral fraud to help ensure a peaceful electoral process.  Personnel he said would team up with assembly members to educate people on the ground. Members of the media were later taken through the registration process by experts from Superlog Technology Limited (STL), a local company providing technical support for the biometric exercise.   

GBC                                                             END                                                                    IA/    

Bolgatanga holds week of inter-denominational thanksgiving and fasting service

19/03/12

Mr Woyongo addressing the gathering

The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches, Evangelist Amos Jimmy Markin has implored Ghanaians not to take the prevailing peace and stability in the country for granted but rather work against all negativities that pose a threat to the nation’s peace. He said as citizens it behoves us to shun negatives virtues and hold on to the principles of integrity, justice, love, holiness and compassion to sustain the current peace for rapid socio-economic advancement. Evangelist Markin was speaking at an inter-denominational thanksgiving, fasting and prayer service held at Bolgatanga over the weekend. The national prayer session mooted by the government under the able leadership of President J.EA Mills to recognize the immeasurable preeminence of God in national building was held on the theme: “Peace, Security Sustaining, and Stability within the Borders of Ghana”. It brought together members of the various Christian denominations and Ministers of God among functionaries. Also in attendance were students from selected Senior High schools as well as representatives from the various Islamic sects. Speaking on proposed theme” Sustaining the peace, Recognizing and fixing the blind spot” Evan. Markin underscored the urgent need for Ghanaians to endorse such a national event describing it as a “direction of a good course”. He dedicated the day to God for his infinite mercies and abundant blessing extended to the region and the nation. Ghanaians, he pleaded should be grateful to God for the peace over the years, citing bizarre instances in neighboring war torn countries like Sudan and Somalia. Ghana’s peace and stability he further noted should not be taken as a pinch of salt but rather an achievement that cannot be chalked on a silver platter. According to Evan. Markin, it has become highly imperative for us as a country to work towards sustaining the country’s peace because Ghana is being touted as one of the best developing countries in the world by the international community and has become the cooperate pride and envy of many nations. With this remarkable achievement we ought to continue to pray for God’s abundant grace and desist from acts of corruption, greed, intolerance and individualism to be able to be at par with other developed countries, as envisaged by all. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo assured Ghanaians of government’s commitment to ensure peace before, during and after elections and called on all to complement government’s effort in that regard. He however cautioned the general public against acts of indiscipline and actions that could destabilize and undermine the country’s peace process. Mr Woyongo also reminded the public on the impending biometric registration exercise and cautioned eligible voters against double registration and electoral malpractices, stating that persons found culpable will be disenfranchised. Prayers during the event were said to seek Gods continues blessing on the country. There were also song ministrations by some church groups present at the occasion.

GBC END IA/

Headmaster urges authorities concern to activate work on abandon classroom block

The Headmaster of Adakura Primary school, Jack Anaba Akurigo has made a clarion call to authorities concerned to help activate work on an existing classroom structure that has been abandoned for the past five years. The neglect of the said structure has been a major source of worry to the authorities of the school as students are exposed to direct wind, especially during harmattan season.  The school which has a student population of about 530 with 18 teaching and non teaching staff also lacks facilities such as library complex, staff common room, computer laboratory and classroom furniture among other teaching and learning materials. The absence of such facilities poses a threat to the performance of both teachers and students. Mr Akurigo told Radio Ghana that the challenges faced by the school have accounted for the fewer intakes of students promoted to the Junior High School level. This, he said gives a cause to worry because only a handful of students admitted into the JHS level are made to represent the school at the Basic Education Certificate Examination. He said though the performance of students at JHS has been encouraging over the years, more needs to be done to help the school compete with the so called preferred and international schools. Mr Akurigo however appealed to all stakeholders including the traditional authorities and the entire community to assist the school to rise up to the task. Mr. Akurigo also appealed to the government through the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to help hook the school to the National School Feeding Programme. Adherence, he noted, will improve school attendance as absenteeism among pupils poses a challenge because most parents most often fail to provide feeding money for their ward. 

GBC                                                               END                                                           IA/

Mills administration deserves a second term in office- Mark Woyongo

Mr. Mark Woyongo in your shot

14-03-2012         

The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo says the rapid socio-economic development coupled with sport improvement in all sectors of the economy depicts that the NDC is on course and therefore stand the chance of retaining power come December 2012. He said judging the overall performance of the Mills administration over the spate of three years, one can confidently say that the Better Ghana agenda promised Ghanaians is yielding fruitful results, emphasizing the need for Ghanaians to renew the mandate of the incumbent to pave way for more infrastructural development. Mr. Woyongo was addressing participants at an outreach programme for a durbar of chiefs and People of the Builsa Traditional Area. The outreach programme which was the third in the series to be organized in the region brought together Municipal and District Chief Executives as well as Regional Party Executives of the NDC among other functionaries.  The district-wide programme mooted by the Regional Minister was to create an enabling platform for district chief executives to propagate the policies and programmes of the government and also bring to the fore the massive developmental projects that had been undertaken since the reigns of the Mills –led administration. Mr Woyongo said the region has had its fair share of development, notwithstanding, the numerous developmental projects that have sprung up in the region over the last three years of the NDC. He catalogued a number of developmental projects and mentioned SADA as one of the numerous government interventions aimed at bridging the yawning developmental gap existing between the north and the south. He said under SADA, school infrastructure, road network, agricultures and health would be improved to bring about development which will translate and transform the lives of  the fortunes of Ghanaians, particularly, the three regions of the north and parts of Brong Ahafo and Volta Region. Giving an overview of projects in the district, the District Chief Executive, Norbert Awulley announced that 44 mechanized boreholes have been drilled in most communities of the district and mentioned Tankansa primary school, Wiesi and Bachonga CHP centres, as well as Sandema and Fumbisi SHSs as some of the beneficiaries. On education, Mr. Awulley expressed delight in the performance of students that sat for last years’ BECE. He said out of 1,351 candidates presented for the 2011 exam, 700 students gained admission into the various second cycle institutions. In terms of regional ranking, the district came first and was ranked 81 out of 163 at the national level. He said though some successes was chalked in the area of education, there was the need for the district to work beyond that achievement and envisaged a better performance in the years ahead.  In the area of health, Mr Awulley said the assembly in the year 2011 supported 30 nursing trainees in the form of financial assistance as a measure to providing quality health care delivery to the people. Mr Awulley also touched on areas including the NYEP, the GSFP and the Ghana Social Opportunity Programme among others and assured the district of more development projects. The DCE also seized the opportunity to remind  Ghanaian on the upcoming biometric registration and cautioned electorates to desist from double registration and voting since both practices attracts imprisonment. 

 GBC                                                               END                                                         IA

2012 election will be more transparent than before- EC assures Ghanaians

Mr Azu Bosco in an interaction with the "Station Boys"

Conrad Balig, Programmes Manager of Youth Alive

The Electoral Commission has promised Ghanaians of a more transparent and peaceful electoral process, in the December polls. The EC in line with its set objective has put in place various interventions and processes to avert any electoral malpractices, hence the introduction of the biometric exercise.  An officer from the Upper East Regional office of the Electoral Commission John Azu Bosco gave the assurance when he met with some selected station boys at Bolgatanga to educate them on the Biometric Voter Registration and Verification system. Participants were taken through the registration processes and requirements involved in the upcoming exercise slated to take place on March 24 to May 5. The exercise which is said to last for 40 a day period is expected to register 12 million eligible voters.  According to Mr Azu Bosco, Ghanaians about the age of 18 and over would be required to prove their nationality as evidence to enable them partake in the voting exercise come December.  In this vain, eligible voters are required to show evidence of eligibility by issuing valid ID cards in the form of a national passport, drivers license or a national health insurance card, birth or baptismal certificate , previous vote ID card, or a national identity card. Provision of other required personal data will help prevent double registration and also prevent electoral malpractices because the biometric system identifies persons by means of their unique physical features as finger prints as well as palm and facial appearance. Mr Azu Bosco further explained that those without any of the said ID cards would be required to present guarantors, possibly two eligible voters to prove their nationality. Furthermore, special arrangements would be made for the registration of persons without fingers. Also in the event of applicants having lost some fingers, the finger prints of the remaining fingers would be digitally taken to ensure that they are not disenfranchising during the day of voting. Touching on the wide spread speculation on the influx of foreign nationals determined to take part in the Biometric voters’ registration exercise, Mr Azu Bosco allayed all fears to that effect and assured Ghanaians that such persons poses no threat to the upcoming exercise, stating that the processes involved in the historic exercise would ensure quality data, which would determined the eligibility of voters. The EC, he moreover stressed will work towards ensuring a credible voter’s register and appealed to all Ghanaians to assist in exposing foreign nationals who are not qualified to partake in the exercise. The exercise, he narrated, would be done in clusters, meaning each registration centre will be grouped into four so that the EC would be able to identify and subsequently provide lasting solution to any problem realized during exercise though the EC was satisfied with the outcome of the just ended pilot biometric registration exercise. The workshop organized by Youth Alive, an NGO attracted questions from participants.  The Programs Manager of Youth Alive, Conrad K. Balig told Radio Ghana that similar workshops have taken place in Tamale, Wa and Navrongo with the view to sensitizing them to influence other groups to prevent violent tendencies during the impending general elections. The rationale for the forum he explained was to erase the asinine notion that station boys are the vulnerable group easily lured by political parties to cause confusion and mayhem during election time, adding that the forum was to educate them on their roles and forms part of the peace making process.

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ACP Awuni gives back to his Alma mater

ACP Awuni                               

Photo: ACP Awuni during the presentation

The National Commander of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, Agwunbotoge ACP Awuni has implored teachers to shun negativities that have the tendency of jeopardizing the future of their students but rather remain discipline and focus by sticking to their core mandate. He said teachers have the ultimate responsibility of instilling in students’ quality knowledge and values, hence the need for them to exercise high sense of decorum and responsibility in the course of their duties. ACP Awuni gave the advice when he presented over 2000 exercise and foolscap note books to students and pupils of Adakura cluster of school at Adakura, a surburb of Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The presentation of the books valued at the cost of GH¢ 4,000 was made possible through the combine effort of ACP Awuni and other collaborators, after continuous lobbying by the Assemblyman for the area.  Making the presentation, ACP Awuni, who is a past student of the school said the donation does not only forms part of his social responsibility of giving back to the society but also to his alma mater, having recognize the need to support the poor and  needy students in deprived communities of  the region. He promised to support the school with computers during his next visit and urged the students to make god use of the books to ensure their life span. The donation ACP Awuni reiterated demonstrates his total commitment to the development of education in the school and pledged to extend similar packages to other deprived schools in the area, notably Zuarungu Moshie Primary and JHS.  He encouraged parents to take education of their wards seriously since it is the best legacy they can bequeath their children. According to him, teachers are required to play a leading role in the education of children, adding that posterity will judge us if we fail in our quest to providing the best of quality education to our children. Education, he noted has the capacity of breaking the shackles’ of poverty, which he noted was the number enemy thwarting the country’s development. ACP Awuni therefore appealed to all well meaning Ghanaians to complement the effort of government by contributing their widows’ mite in ensuring that children are given the best in education. The Headteacher of Adakura Primary, Jack Anaba Akurigo, who received the books on behalf of the school thanked ACP Awuni and his collaborators for the kind gesture and appealed to other philanthropists and benevolent agencies to emulate the gesture. The Assembly member for the area, Martin Akanane also showed his deepest appreciation to ACP Awuni for his show of concern and patriotism and assured the community that he will not relent in his effort to enhancing education in the area, stating that he will continue to lobby for more educational materials to support schools in the area. The Chief of Zuarungu Daborim, Boyadana Asaduko Amoa for his part appealed to ACP Awuni to assist the school with reading materials and text books to help improve the reading skills of the students.

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55th Independence Day Celebration observed in Bolgatanga

Students of Fountain Gate Chapel in the march past

Dignitaries present at the event

06-02-2012                                         

At Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Correspondent Isaac Asare reports that hundreds of people converged at the St. Johns Park to partake and witness Ghana’s 55^th Independence Day celebration observed nationwide.  This year’s celebration which was marked under the theme: “Sustaining Peace and Democracy for National Unity Development” saw various displays of March past and gymnastics from participating schools and personnel from the security agencies. The colourful and powerful display of foot drills from personnel of the Customs, Immigration, Fire Service, Police and the Prisons service attracted the attention of the dignitaries present as they stood to receive the salute. Among the dignitaries present were Governors from the Central South and East Regions of Burkina Faso and high profile personalities from the Savanna Region of Tome in the Republic of Togo among other functionaries. In all 68 primaries, Junior and Senior High schools drawn from the municipality participated in the celebration. They were backed by the Bolgatanga Technical Cadet Corps, GNAT and NAGRAT Representatives as well as students from the Preparatory School Gymnastics. Each participating school was represented by 30 students including selected teachers and staff. The Regional Director of Education, Mr. Paul Apanga in a message expressed worry about the incessant fallen academic standards in the region and attributed the cause to lack of dedication, determination, courage and conviction on the part of teachers and students. According to him the aftermath of independence through the 60s, 70s and the early 80s, Ghana’s educational system was adjudged one of the best in the world because of the quality of its products. The standard of education in the three regions of the north was even the envy of the south but the same cannot be said of today. Citing the appealing performance of students in last year’s BECE exams, Mr. Apanga however, called on the managers of education, particularly teachers and stakeholders in the educational sector to rise up to the challenge and approach their work with dint of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to improve the unfortunate trend. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, who inspected the parade acknowledged the current prevailing peace in Bawku and prayed for continuous peace in the area. As a measure to improve the fallen academic standards in the region, Mr. Woyongo expressed government’s determination to restructure and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in schools by providing the necessary resources. He said government will continue to promote teacher development programmes and ensure that requisite resources coupled with continual monitoring and supervision is provided by the GES. Mr. Woyongo moreover, used the occasion to remind participants on the impending voters registration exercise and encouraged all citizens of 18 years and above to register to help them exercise their franchise come December. There were fraternity messages from the governors of Burkina Faso and Togo.

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Women Challenged to assume their rightful positions in society

DCE for Talensi, Vivian Anafo

08-02-2012       

Bolgatanga has joined the rest of the world to observe the International Women’s Day celebration. The day was marked with a cal on women to rise up the challenge and assume their rightful positions in society. A representative from the Regional Education Directorate, Madam Rose Avunsige who threw the challenge further encourage women not to feel intimidated in their quest to attaining high positions but rather aspire and build in themselves self esteem and confidence to achieve their desired goals in life. Madam Avunsige was addressing participants at the Bolgatanga Catholic Social Centre in commemoration of the day under the theme: “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures; Reducing Rural Poverty”. Madam  Avunsige expressed delight in the  way girls of nowadays are being nurtured through schools and demanded more affirmative action in ensuring that girls of school going age are given equal opportunities as boys. She further called on the GES to make frantic effort in eliminating the biases in the educational system so that girls can be empowered to unearth their inherent talent and potentials. To her, women are ripe enough to take up leadership positions and encourage girls to challenge their male folks wherever necessary. The Regional Director, Department of Women, Joycylin Adii catalogued a number of challenges militating against the progress of women and mentioned poverty as the major factor affecting the daily lives of women. Miss Addii acknowledged the significance of the day and challenged policy makers and all well meaning Ghanaians to help strengthen the capacity of women so as to help the country achieve its MDG goals. Mentors at the vent agreed that there was the need to encourage girls to alley all fears and misconceptions attached to womanhood. They however urged women particularly girls to aspire and take up leadership positions to help them be part of the decision making process in the country. For her part, Mrs. Agnes Atayila, an assembly member said the day set aside by the UN to celebrate women’s achievements should rather be used to highlight women’s continuous hard work, endurance sacrifices, and commitment exhibited over the years. She was however not happy about the appalling women perception in local governance and stressed the need for women in the region to master courage and zeal to be part of the country’s decision making process. This year’s celebration brought together students from selected schools in the region as well as stakeholders in the educational sector of the region among other NGO representatives. Also present were women mentors including the former Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Agnes Chigabatia, Retired Educationist, Madam Melane Kasise, and the Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs. Zenabu Wasai-King among a host of other successful women occupying leadership positions in the region.

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NUGA Call For Equal Job Opportunities for Polytechnic Graduates

Executive of NUGA (Middle: Mr Harrison, President of NUGA)

05-03-2012   

Employees in both the private and public sector have been urged to give equal job opportunities to graduants of Polytechnic institutions since they are the right owners of the job market. Subsequently, the state should have a policy change by placing high premium on polytechnic education as it done with the country’s universities. This was a major concern raised at the just ended public forum organized by the Non-University Graduates Association of Ghana, a registered association formed in 2008. Speaking on the theme: “The Journey To Economic Independence and the Creation of Jobs through The Implementation Of our Independent Establishment” the President of NUGA, Kojo Harrison said polytechnic education represent a vital tool in the developmental process of the country and must be strengthened to ensure that they concentrate on their core objectives, that is producing graduates with technical and vocational skills to help in the country’s industrialization and development.   Research findings from various countries, including United Kingdom clearly shows that graduates from polytechnics have better practical experience in certain fields of engineering and technology. According to him, Ghanaian polytechnics can take a cue from the reforms of the polytechnic education in United Kingdom and other developed countries, emphasizing that polytechnic education forms the basis by which a nation can be properly developed. Therefore disparities in career prospects between the so called universities and the polytechnics must be removed to help the nation inure the immense technological benefits from polytechnic education. He said with the removal of the intense misconception and barriers attached to polytechnic education, the industrial and practical training acquire by polytechnic graduates will increase their earning power. Mr. Harrison said unlike the past, the world we live has reached a level of technological advancement where technology and innovation are the key drivers for economic growth, adding that with a positive change in polytechnic education; polytechnic graduates will form the backbone of our industrialization. He said as Ghana gears up to become a major oil producing country, it has become imperative that the Education ministry and various academic bodies are mandated to restructure curricula at the nation’s polytechnics with the view to introducing new programmes aimed at producing competent graduates. On the issue of academic certification, Mr. Harrison condemned the country’s polytechnic institutions that award degrees to its graduants, describing it as unacceptable. He said contrary to the universal rules and regulations governing polytechnic education, polytechnic institutions are not obliged to run degree programmes as it is not done anywhere in the world. He however entreated polytechnic institutions to stick to their main traditions and objectives and further discard the growing misconception that University education runs high above polytechnic education.  

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