Sunday, 26 August 2012

Opening of Bagre necessary to avoid total collapse- Burkinabe official hints


26/08/12      

The spilling process at Bagre

(Front) C.E.O. Alhaji Gilbert Iddi  followed by   Mr Woyongo 


A senior official at the Bagre Hydro Plant in Ouagadougou, Naxime Ouedraogo says Burkinabe authorities at the Bagre and Komplenga dams are occasionally compelled to open the spillways in order to save human lives and property. According to him the Bagre dam has risen to a maximum water level of about 235.97 cubic meters instead of its normal level of 234 meters. The latest development, he explanied necessitated the opening of the spillway on August 24, to save the dam from total collapse. Mr. Ouedraogo attributed the situation to the abundant rainfall at the catchment area of Bagre, adding that should the rain continuous there will be no better option than to increase the rate of discharge. Mr. Ouedraogo made the observation when a team of officials led by the Upper East Regional Minster, Mark Woyongo visited the dam site to witness the spillage. He was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), Alhaji Gilbert Iddi, as well as the Governor of the Central East province of Burkina Faso, Allahidi Diallo among other Burkinabe and Ghanaian officials. The visit of Mr. Woyongo was a follow up to the recent pronouncement of the possible spillage of the dam by the Embassy of Burkina Faso. After a successful round tour of the site, Mr. Woyongo told Radio Ghana that the gradual spillage of the Bagre dam was a step in the right direction considering the devastating effects it had in some parts of the Upper East two years ago. He said in 2010, many communities living along the Volta River were inundated with flood leading to the death of 11 people with thousands displaced. Many farm lands with crops were also destroyed as a result of the speedy spillage of the Bagre dam. He however, appealed to the Bagre authorities to consider spilling at a slow rate to help reduce effect on human lives and crops. He announced measures put in place to curtail the perennial flooding and mentioned the construction of dam on the White Volta at Pwalugu in the Upper East to harvest excess water.  The multi purpose facility scheduled to be completed in 2019 will generate electric power and irrigate over 100,000 hectares of land. Its existence, he further noted, will promote water transport and improve fishing activities to reduce hunger and poverty. The C.E.O of SADA, Alhaji Iddi, for his part encouraged countries sharing the White Volta basin to take advantage of the water and harness its economic benefits. According to him, SADA is looking at dredging the White Volta to some level to check flow rate at the bank of the river and more so, bring on board the requisite expertise both in the academic and educational institutions across the three regions to inform and educate people on how to manage flood situations. Alhaji Iddi took the opportunity to advice communities along the White Volta to be on the look out to order to save lives and properties.
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Governor of the Central East Region of Burkina Faso, Allahidi Diallo

Buipe marked to benefit from an in land port- Says Woyongo

Mr Woyongo, Chairman of the Tripartite Meeting


(Left) Prefect of Tone in Togo and (Middle) Governor of Tenkodogo

Some participants at the 2nd  Transboundary Meeting 
26/8/12      
In the near distance future, government through the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) will see to the construction of an in land port at Buipe in the Northern Region. The successful execution of the said project using the Volta Lake will facilitate the transportation of goods and services from the Southern part of the country to the north. It will equally ensure the smooth movement of transit goods from the country to neighbouring Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo gave the hint at the just ended Transboundary General Meeting of the White Volta basin at Tenkodogo in Burkina Faso. The 3-day encounter involving Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso was among other interventions aimed at reviewing the progress made over the past 2 phases of PAGEV’s implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). Mr. Woyongo who chaired the function said SADA was committed to bridging the yawning gap between the north and the south using the available water resources, particularly the White Volta basin. He however, re-echoed the essence of the intended land port project at Buipe, indicating that its completion will help alleviate and transform the lives of most Ghanaians as it hopes to facilitate the transportation of goods and services from Ghana to land log Saharan countries in addition to government’s proposed construction of railway lines from the southern sector of the country to Paga.. The Chief Executive Officer of SADA, Alhaji Gilbert Iddi who confirmed the proposed project to Radio Ghana said the his secretariat in its quest to addressing the issue of transport cost will not relent in its effort to  ensuring that the project comes to fruition. To this end, the SADA secretariat is in the process of engaging technical experts to conduct feasibility studies to catapult the realization of the project since it has technical implications. When this is done, SADA will then make the necessary move to facilitate its speedy construction. Alhaji Iddi was of the firm conviction that the project upon its completion was on its way to alleviating the suffering of farmers and traders, especially those in the three regions of the north.
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Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Residents of Bumpkurugu- Yunyoo implored to co-exist peacefully



Some beneficiaries waiting anxiously for their share

Some bags of maize on display

Rev. Atidoo doin the official presentation. with him is the Chief of Nasuan
The Parish Priest of Bumkpurugu Catholic Parish, Rev Yosef Griday has emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation in trouble areas of Bumpkurugu –Yunyoo. Peace, he said can only reign in the area if parties involved in conflict situations remain assertive in settling their differences through dialogue. Rev Griday, however, called for peaceful co-existence among the people and urged them to refrain from all divisive tendencies capable of jeopardizing their long standing relationship.  Rev. Griday gave the advice at Kpemale when he presented assorted items to affected victims of the recent communal clashes between Bimobas and Konkombas. The items valued at the cost of GHc16, 000 included 110 maxi bags of maize, 165 mats as well as 165 water cans among others. It was made through the effort of the National Catholic Secretariat with support by the Missionaries of the Africa under the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese. The donation was in support of persons affected during the recent hostilities and to sympathize and restore hope in them Presenting the items on behalf of the diocese, Rev Griday said the church was disturbed about the recent troubles that erupted after disagreements over the true ownership of a parcel of land, thus, culminating in the destruction of lives and property at Kpemale. The unfortunate development, he further said had affected the lives of the people, particularly women, children and the aged. The church, he indicated, equally condemns the retaliatory attacks that characterized the conflict and appealed to both factions to smoke the peace pipe since they share a common language with one culture and tradition.. The Vicar General of the diocese, Rev. Gabriel Atidoo, reiterated the essence of peace and reconciliation and expressed the church’s resolved to restoring hope in the people. According to him, the Catholic Church will not relent in its effort to advancing the cause of conflict mediation interventions and recounted the effort of the church in the attainment of peace in some prone conflict areas of Northern Ghana.  Rev Atidoo also challenged the people to devise possible means of settling issues and not resort to violence. The government, he moreover, noted, needs to be assertive in resolving conflict  in trouble areas of Northern Ghana and challenged the state to partner the church in that regard. Fr. Steve Oftenkot, member missionaries of Africa said in any conflict there is no clear winner; the end result therefore, is regret and appealed to the people to remain calm for peace to prevail. The Chief of Nasuan, Daniel Wajack and the Police Commander in Charge, ASP Mick Dandy Zah, were grateful to the Church for its sense of love for humanity and touched on the urgent need for peace and tolerance among the people. Present at the event  include the Acting Development Coordinator of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, Joseph Ayambillah, the Fmr Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Thomas Anamoo and Rev Fr. John Bosco Ntihebuwayo among other functionaries.  

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Rev Yosef Griday of Ethipia, who doubles at the Parish Pries of Bumpkurugu

Rev Fr John Bosco Ntihebuwayo

Some members of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese

Friday, 17 August 2012

Methodist Church Commissions new Senior High /Tech school block at Sakote




Mr Woyongo exchanging greeting with benefactors of LWUMC

Rt  Rev Afriyie (Speaking) dedicating the edifice to the Lord
17-08-2012
The Ebenezer Methodist Church through benefactors of the Living Word United Methodist Church, USA has completed and handed over a new Senior High and Technical school block to the chiefs and people of Sakote in the Nabdam District of the Upper east Region. The 6-unit edifice comprising an office facility is estimated at the cost of GHc300,000 and is to serve not only the people of the area but also assist in providing employable skills for students in the region and beyond. Commissioning the project, the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, praised the collaborative effort between the Northern Ghana Diocese of the Methodist Church and their benefactors describing their intervention as laudable. The construction of the school block he said comes at a time government has undertaken several steps to eliminate schools under trees with the construction of additional school infrastructure at various levels of education.  Mr. Woyongo therefore, expressed gratitude to the entire team from the Living Word United Church and encouraged them to provide similar interventions in other parts of the region to ease congestion in most second cycle schools in the region. Mr. Woyongo in his final remark entreated parents to take advantage of the school by enrolling their wards. The DCE for Talensi, Mrs. Vivian Anarfo, on behalf of the assembly pledged to assist the school with classroom furniture and other teaching and learning materials to ensure its total development. The progress of the school, she observed would depend on the sacrifices required of the chiefs and people of the area and urged them to contribute their quota to its development. The Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Mac Lord Afriyie appealed passionately to the chiefs and people of the area to avoid any unhealthy rivalry that has the tendency of shattering the dream and effort of the church in their quest to ensuring quality education in the area. He was optimistic that with the support of the people, the church is sure of delivering on its social responsibilities. He said the contribution of the Methodist Church to the nation’s development cannot be glossed over as its approach to evangelism has always included formal education and other social services, including medical care. The church, he said seeks to see every child receives quality education to the highest level possible, hence, the provision of the new edifice, which he noted, would help improve the knowledge base of students, particularly drop outs. According to him the church has ensured the successful completion of a 10 seater KVIP at Yagzore and is in the process of executing more community infrastructure across the region. A 9-member interim education committee was later inaugurated to oversee to the smooth management of the school before it becomes fully operational.
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The Newly Constructed edifice



Rev. Michael MacTyre (Extreme Left) with his team of benefactors



Muslims sects in U/E receives food items ahead of “Tafsir’



17-08-2012    

Mr Woyongo with leadership of the various Muslim Sects

Mr Woyongo presenting the bull on behalf of Prex Mahama
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, has implored the various Muslim sects to be guided by the principles of the holy Quaran so as to enable them draw closer to Allah. He said Islam as enshrined in the holy Quaran signifies peace; therefore followers of the Holy Scripture should exhibit exemplary qualities at all times and not merely during the Ramadan period. Mr.  Woyongo gave the advice when he presented 50 bags of rice and a bull to the leadership of the various Muslim sects at a short ceremony held in Bolgatanga.  The donation which was done on behalf of the President John Dramani Mahama was in recognition to the fast of the “Tafsir”, signifying the end of the fast of Ramadan which ends of Friday, August, 19.  Mr.  Woyongo challenged Muslims to use the end of the fasting period to foster unity among themselves and also embrace spiritual practices that helps to ward off evil in society. He implored the Muslim community to be at peace with each other, stressing that relative peace currently enjoyed in the region is a clear manifestation of the true meaning and teaching of Islam. Mr Woyongo however challenged Muslims to eschew all forms of misunderstanding that have the tendency of breeding violence, citing the inhumane attacks and killings on Christians by the Boko Haram sect in Nigeria. The act by the Boko Haram sect has received worldwide condemnation and should not be torelated. The Muslim community in Ghana, he further stressed, should continue to pray for Allah’s peace and mercy, especially in conflict prone areas worldwide. The Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Yusif Adam, for his part thanked the government and the minister for their show of concern and appealed to the Muslim community to continuously pray for peace in the run up to the country’s general election. Sheikh Adam also urged the youth to take advantage of government policy interventions so as to help sustain their livelihood.   He emphasized the need for discipline and called on Ghanaians to uphold the blessing of peace in the country.

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Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Stakeholders briefed on the Draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan


Ms Zenabu Wasai-King, Regional Director EPA

Chief of Bongo, Naba Salifu Aleemyarum
13-08-2012        
Stakeholders at a just ended consultative meeting chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Alemyaruum have been urged to constructively make valuable input to the Draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that seeks develop and promote the opportunities in biodiversity conservation. The Upper East Regional Director of the EPA, Zenabu Wasai-King who made the call at Bolgatanga emphasized the need for stakeholders particularly; traditional rulers to closely scrutinize the draft policy and make useful input to enable the country come out with valuable biodiversity document. The meeting organized by the Regional Office of the EPA in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology brought together various stakeholders including chiefs as well as representatives from civil society organizations, the Game and Wildlife Department and the Forestry Commission  among others. Mrs. Wasai-King was optimistic that with the interventions put in place by her ministry Ghana was sure of reaching the global goals set out by the international community including the Aichi global goals targeted at ensuring strong legal framework on matters of biodiversity conservation in protected areas. Taking participants through the national biodiversity strategy and action plan, a member of the National Biodiversity Committee, Prof. Oteng Yeboah explained that aspects of the draft document were fashioned through the review of the 1994 National Forest and Wildlife Policy. According to him, the final document will be formulated and implemented based on principles of sustainable forest, wildlife and land use management. The draft biodiversity strategy, he moreover explained, was in consonance with the Aichi global goals, spelling out the targets and actions to be taken in achieving the set goals. Prof.  Yeboah stated that in order for the country to achieve the desired goals, it was incumbent on actors and institutions concerned to effectively play their expected roles, notwithstanding the mitigation strategies and measures put in place. He said the national target had been set based on certain time lines indicating that efforts aimed at reaching the required time line will ultimately depend on activities involved in its implementation. Stakeholders at the meeting gave useful inputs based on their experiences on previous environmental–related documents and practical work experiences. Their major concern was the need to review and possibly expand the implementing institutions and actors so as to enable stakeholders buy into the successful implementation of the final national biodiversity strategy and action plan for Ghana.
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Paga Tertiary Students Union Marks Annual Week Celebration with a Peace Walk


15-08-2012  
As the country gears up for the December General Elections, the continuous call for peace had been on lips of individuals and organizations, particularly, NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). One institution that has taken upon itself to propagate the gospel of peace to Ghanaians is the Paga Tertiary Students Union (PASU). In line with their continuous quest for peace, the union as part of their annual week celebration organized a peace walk to emphasize the need for the citizenry to uphold the maintenance of peace prevailing in the country. The weeklong celebration was on the theme: “Tolerance, a necessary ingredient for peaceful co-existence, before during and after the December general elections”. Members embarked on a procession through the principal street of Paga with some carrying placards  that read: “No war, No Disability”, “Political tolerance is necessary”, and “We need speed rumps, no more lose of innocent lives on our roads” among others.  The President of the union, Awire Desmond Ayambire, a student of the University of Development Studies, (UDS) Tamale campus, explained that the union since its inception over the past decade had been at the forefront advocating for peace, which according him form the basis at which the country can attain the needed development. Peace he moreover stated ought to be embraced by all well meaning Ghanaians, hence their resolve to sensitize the public on the need to protect the current peace being enjoyed in the country. Master Ayambire said the essence of the peace walk was to instill the spirit of unity and love in the citizenry. It was also organized to enable them carry out the message of peace which the public would in turn drum home to educate people on the relevance of religious and political tolerance in the run up to the 2012 December polls. He use the platform to call on the government to expedite action in providing the necessary speed rumps on the commercial road linking Paga to Burkina Faso to help in curtailing the rampant deaths on that stretch of road. Mr Sulemana Issah, a student of the UDS, Wa campus entreated the youth to eschew politics but rather play leading roles in the campaign for peace and unity in the country. Master Issah cautioned politicians to desist from the act where foreigners are made to enter the country during elections to vote in their favour.
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Thursday, 2 August 2012

Cadres pay glowing tribute to Prof Mills


02-08-2012                       

Cadres of the NDC Upper East branch say the sudden demise of late Prof Mills came as a complete shock not only to Ghanaians but also the entire continent. Worst of it all, his death occurred at the period the country was gearing up to go polls in December.  With deep grief and sorrow, cadres of the party are extending their heartfelt condolence to the Ghanaians and the bereaved family. Glowing tribute also goes to the entire NDC supporters and sympathizers for the great loss. In a released signed by the Chairman, Upper East United Cadres  front, Alagskoma Asakeya Noble, members are with one accord their support for his successor, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, entreating him to continue with his developmental agenda and also emulate his sterling leadership qualities. Late President Mills the released said was a man of peace and honour who exhibited high degree of probity, transparency and accountability as enshrined in the ideals of the NDC party. It further described the late president as a selfless and devoted personality who had great respect for the rule of law and emphasized on the urgent need for Ghanaians to emulate his shinning leadership style. The release was convinced that with the humility exhibited by President John Mahama, Ghanaians are sure of good governance at all time. According to the release, the most rewarding tribute that Ghanaians can pay to the late president is to ensure a peaceful, transparent and violent free general election, come December. Mr Asakeya Noble in an interview with Radio Ghana entreated Ghanaians to pledged their unflinching support for President John Dramani Mahama since he had what it takes to lead the country to the promise land
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Wednesday, 1 August 2012

In-mates of Centre for Child Development receives items from KFHI


Rev  Gabriel Atidor doing the presentation
01-08-2012    

Thirty six in mates of Afrikids Next Generation Home, now Centre for Child Development, Bolgatanga have received items from the Korea Food for the Hungary International (KFHI), a Korea based NGO. The items including stationary, school bags and foot wares is estimated to cost about GH¢ 600,000 and were received by the centre under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop’s Secretariat through one Pastor Jabez Seunghae of Jesus Gospel Church.  At a symbolic ceremony held at the premises of the centre, Rev Gabriel Atidor who presented the items on behalf of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, Most Rev, Alfred Agyenta, said the donation was made to strengthen the bond of partnership between the secretariat and the Korean counterpart. The donation, Rev Atidor revealed was the first of its kind the centre had received from the Korean and further disclosed plans by the Korean partners to provide the centre with food support. He moreover outlined measures by KFHI to assist various deprived communities with boreholes and other social amenities. Rev Atidor therefore expressed profound gratitude to the people of Korea and the Korea Food for the kind gesture.  He also commended the Korean children, whom he was told, engineered the manufacturing of the stationaries, meant to assist deprived children in developing countries. Rev Atidor prayed for wider collaboration between the two institutions and charged the beneficiaries to use the items for their intended purposes. He urged the project beneficiaries not to always be at the receiving end but also used the knowledge, skills and energy acquired to benefit other vulnerable persons especially the elderly in the society. Mr Clement Sampana, a product of the centre and a student of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic thanked the catholic secretariat and its collaborative partners for the gesture and their immense contribution to ensuring the wellbeing of vulnerable children. He encouraged the beneficiaries to learn to become responsible adults in future. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the Project Manager, Centre for Child Development, Felix Frederick Amengo-Etego said his outfit since its inception 15 years ago, had reached out to over 300 children, mostly school drop outs and has over the period succeeded in providing child trafficking support services. The centre, he moreover stressed has also played a tremendous role in transforming the lives of some deprived children through the provision of educational and home based support programmes. Mr Amengo-Etogo therefore expressed his outfits resolved to remain committed to the wellbeing and security of vulnerable youth and appealed to other benevolent organization to support their activities.

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