First National Bank to open new outlet in Newly Created Nabdam District

22-09-2012     

The Chiefs and people of the newly created Nabdam District have lauded the proposed establishment of a bank in the area. The First National Bank which has over 45 branches across the entire regions of the country is set to open a new branch at Nangodi to help enhance business activities, inculcate the habit of saving and also improve the financial status of the people. As promised by the Presidential Candidate of the PPP, Dr.  Paa Kwesi Nduom, during his recent visit to the area, people of Nabdam are enthused about the benefit that the new bank would bring, considering the poor saving habit of the people. The setting up of a bank in the area, the people confessed would ease the   trouble of people commuting long distances to Bolgatanga, the regional capital to access banking facilities. People, particularly those in the remotest part of Nabdam are poised to inure maximum benefit when the bank is set up because due to their financial backlash, people in such areas find it extremely difficult and reluctant to access banking facilities, thus compounding their poverty situation. Radio Ghana’s interaction with some residents of Nangodi revealed that access to loans pose a major challenge to farmers and owners of small business enterprises. The situation, they complained has retarded the progress of development in the area since business activities including farming are stagnated owing to difficulties in accessing loans from banks. Dr Nduom during his recent campaign tour to the area pledged his unflinching support for the people of Nabdam if given the nod to rule the country. Beside the proposed establishment of the bank in the area, the PPP Dr Nduom said, would see to the speedy development of the area and appealed to the chiefs and people to vote for the PPP for rapid development in all sectors of the economy. He also called on the people to vote Mr Emmanuel Gambil Ditamina, as parliamentary candidate for the area for total  change and development.

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World Vision aid persons with disabilities in Bawku West

21-09-2012      

Twenty physically challenged persons in the Bawku West District of the Upper East have been assisted with wheel chairs to facilitate their daily movement. The donation made through the Bawku West Area Development Programme (ADP) of World Vision (WV) Ghana engineered under the auspices of the ‘Gift –In-Kind’ Department of WV in Tamale. Making the presentation, the Manager of the Bawku West Area Development Programme, Bernard Kpare advised beneficiaries to handle the chairs with care and not mishandle them with the harbor intention that “Gifts were free”. He mentioned that his office was committed to advancing the cause of the poor and vulnerable and would not under any circumstance turn a blind eye as far as plight of the marginalized in society are concerned. The District Coordinator of social Welfare, Mr. James Ayasekeya showed gratitude to WV for the kind gesture. The donation, he observed, would go a long way to ensure easy movements of beneficiaries, which he further noted would in turn change their lives for the better since they would be assisted in all fields of endeavours, particularly in their businesses and institutions of study. The Chairman for the Federation of the Disabled, Solomon Ayaaba outlined some challenges faced by persons with disability in the area and mentioned lack of accessibility with respect to physical structures. This, he lamented pose a major challenge especially in state institutions. He moreover challenged the assembly to consider making their structures accessible to them so that they can perform their duties with ease. In response to the concern raised, a representative of the DCE, Mr Imoro Abass said the assembly is putting in necessary measures to ensure that structures provided are made accessible to facilitate the easy movement of the disabled. Mr Abass however assured beneficiaries of assembly’s support and appeal to them to unearth their God given potentials to benefit society and not look down on themselves for disability is not inability.  Mr Abass in his closing remark thanked WV for its immense support to the poor and vulnerable in society and urged them to keep the good work for the benefit of humanity and mankind.

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Security personnel schooled on maintaining peace come Dec 7

Foundation for Security and Development (FOSDA) has organized a 2-day peace workshop dubbed “Ghana Election 2012 Ballots –not-Bullets”. The workshop held in Bawku attracted various stakeholders including security agencies, political party representatives, youth groups and traditional leaders among a section of the public.  The Bawku Municipal Police Commander, Chief Supt, Samuel Alordey in a presentation announced that Security Personnel would be detailed at the various polling stations on December 7 general election to ensure a violent free electoral process. According to him, polling stations often referred as “Flash points” or “hot spots” would not be assigned to Fire or Prison Service Personnel but with armed police men. Additionally, there would be patrol team with contact numbers available to respond swiftly to any unfortunate event. Chief Supt Alordey said the country’s security personnel are keen in maintaining law and order before during and after election, expressing their determination to uphold the prevailing peace being enjoyed by citizens of the country. Touching on the relevance of the workshop, Chief Supt Alordey disclosed that such training activities are being undertaken in seven other conflict zones of Northern Ghana. This essence of the workshop, he moreover explained, was informed over concerns raised by some voters that their rights were being trampled upon and often threatened on Election Day all because they live in areas purported to be strongholds of political parties different from their choices. The Municipal Electoral Officer, Mr. Kofi Asante Owusu suggested that the existing training for the security personnel be intensified to equip them  with enough understanding of the electoral processes to avoid unwarranted differences between them and presiding officers at the polling stations.   The Project Co-ordinator of FOSDA, Mr. Sabie Naah Aidana told Radio Ghana that Ballots-not-Bullets has been in existence since 2004 and has over the years contributed in ensuring peaceful elections. As a result the program was replicated in Liberia in 2005 and 2011 and in Serra Leone in 2008 and 2012. In Ghana the program is instituted in conflict zones such as Bawku, Navrongo and Paga in the Upper East Region, Wa in Upper West Region and Yendi, Gushegu and Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region. Mr. Aidana was happy about participants’ commitment towards peaceful elections this year, having taken them through the possible repercussions of electoral violence. FOSDA’s main agenda is to foster closer collaboration between citizens and security services for sustained peace.

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Bawku Municipal assists PWDs

The Bawku Municipal Assembly has disbursed an amount of GH¢21,000 to 70 Persons Living With Disability (PLWD) in Bawku to enable them engage in productive ventures necessary in enhancing their living standard. From June 2010 till date the assembly has spent over GH¢39,304 on PWDs in the locality via payment of school fees, medical bills travelling allowances and purchasing of stationeries for schools among others. The disbursement of the said moneys was made possible upon numerous request and business proposals presented to the assembly for support.  Through the support of the assembly beneficiaries mainly persons with all forms of disabilities are engage in various trades and vocations with some involved in income generating activities such as basket weaving, piggery and animal husbandry. At a short ceremony held in Bawku, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Musah Abdullai said that PLWD are also God’s creation and therefore their wellbeing should be the concern of all. The donation, he mentioned was in line with government’s manifesto promise of reaching out to the poor and vulnerable group in society. Hon. Abdulai who demonstrated great empathy in his speech said PWDs have the ability of contributing meaningfully to the development of the country when given the chance to explore the available opportunities necessary in deepening the progress of the economy. Mr Abdullai disputed the traditional notion that disability was a curse, adding that everyone is a potential disabled person. He however appealed to all to respect the rights of PWDs since it is no fault of theirs to be in that state. He said government under the NDC places much premium in the welfare of PLWD, thus the establishment of the 2 percent allocation of the district assembly common fund devoted for the wellbeing of persons with all forms of disability. He said for no apparent reason should PLWD be discriminated upon or put under public ridicule but contact the relevant authorities for assistance to enable them also develop their God given talents. Mr Abdullai on the other hand cautioned beneficiaries not to misuse the seed capital but make proper use of it to better their lives. The chairman of the Bawku Municipal Disability Fund Management Committee, Mr. David Azare told Radio Ghana that those who did not benefit from the package and are ready to learn trades would be taken through batik tie and die as well as soap and powder making, whilst others would taught dressmaking and hairdressing.   He also promised special package for those without National Health Insurance Scheme. The Municipal Social Welfare officer, Mr. Albert Boateng was grateful to the Bawku Municipal Assembly for renovating the Girls Vocational School which is being used as the Municipal I.C.T Training Centre. Physically challenged persons, he revealed are benefiting from the I.C.T program undertaken at the centre.  He therefore charged the Civil Society Organizations to emulate the kind gesture and also support the PWD in diverse ways to live a dignified life so as to help minimize begging of alms on the streets.

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922 farmers in Talensi affected by recent floods

Flood victims fleeing their homes 

 An estimated 922 farmers totaling 6000 farm families have been greatly affected by the recent floods in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region. Additionally, 1,912 acreages of farmlands with crops such as yellow melon, millet, cowpea, and soya beans were not spared by the floods. At Namilyara, a newly created settlement in the outskirt of Pwalugu was identified as one of the worst affected areas with about 1000 acreages of farmlands destroyed by the flood waters. 500 farmers in the same community had their farms inundated by the floods. Other communities that were affected include Pwalugu, Yinduri, Tola, Bingu and Nuu suffered the same fate. A 62 year old commercial farmer, David Adakabra who farm along the banks of the White Volta told Radio Ghana that the recent flood experienced in most parts of the region surpassed all expectation exceeding what took place in 1994 as well as 2007, where many were displaced and killed by the said years. The 1993 Regional Best Farmer said though many lives were not lost as compared to the ensuing years, this year’s flood situation has been catastrophic considering its devastating nature. The floods, he moreover lamented, had taken a heavy toll on farming activities depriving farmers of their source of livelihood. According to him, farming is the mainstay of the people; therefore government should expedite action in alleviating their plight. He suggested to Radio Ghana that farmers especially those embarking on dry season farming should be supported with farm machinery including pumping machines to facilitate their activities. Mr.  Adakabra welcomed the proposed construction of a multi- purpose hydro dam at Pwalugu to harvest excess water from the White Volta and called on government to initiate measures to curtail the perennial flood in the region. To him, it is high time Ghana became abreast with the latest technological advancement practiced in most developed countries such as India for the purpose of irrigation. This way, farmers would be able to embark on all year round farming. Meanwhile, the MP for Talensi, Mr. John Tia Akologo with some officials of NADMO had toured some of the affected flood communities to acquaint himself with the situation and assess the impact of damaged caused to human lives and crops. His first point of call was at Namilyara where he witnessed large tracks of farmlands been destroyed by the floods. Though the flood has subdued to an appreciable level, crops that were submerged have turned died. At the Northern Star Tomato Factory at Pwalugu, Mr. Tia Akologo inspected some affected machines at the site. He was met on arrival by the accountant of the factory, Samuel Adu who took him round to inspect some affected machinery, particularly the distribution panel, which supplies power to other parts of the plant. Mr. Akologo Tia in response to some request made, pledged to forward the complaints made to the appropriate institutions for prompt action to be taken. The factory which is said to begin production December this year, is in dire need of vacuum pumps to facilitate its processing work. 

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Mother and Child die in Last Tuesday flood in U/E

17-09-2012         

A 29- year old Cynthia Kademi together with her 14 month old baby died in last Tuesday flood disaster that hit parts of the Upper East Region. The incident as confirmed by the deceased family took place at Datoko, a predominantly faming community in the newly created Talensi District. Narrating the incident to Radio Ghana on condition of anonymity, a member of the deceased family said late Kadema and little Felicia were on their way back home after market when the unfortunate tragedy befell them. According to him it was a rainy market day so the deceased realizing the intensity of the rain took refuge at a farm hut and waited nervously for the rain to subside. When the rain had subsided, they then decided to continue their journey back home. On their way the flood from nowhere came and swept the deceased and the child away. The deceased, late Kadema who is an okro farmer was later found dead in one of the damaged farm lands in the community. Unfortunately, 14 months old little Felicia has since not been found. This came to light when the Member of Parliament and former Information Minister, John Tia Akologo, paid a visit to the deceased family house at Datoko to sympathize with them. Information gathered by Radio Ghana indicates that the deceased family as well as some concern community members are still mounting search for little Felicia for the necessary traditional rites to be performed. Radio Ghana also followed Mr.  Tia Akologo to Duusi to sympathize with the family of two young couples that were trapped under a building after hours of torrential rains. They got trapped after the building they were sheltering under collapsed on them. Sources say it took the intervention of some community members to rescue them from the tragedy. The said victim Master Pusare and the wife who sustained some degree of injury have since been treated and discharged. Mr. Akologo Tia accompanied by the Talensi District NADMO Officer, Mahama Ben Kazar, entreated family of the affected victims to exercise patients since efforts are being made to attend to their call. He however, appealed to residents of the area to put up strong structures that could withstand the test of time to forestall future occurrences. Still at Duusi, Mr. Tia Akologo later made a brief stop to inspect a 6-unit classroom project which is still under construction. The project with financial support by the MP is expected to accommodate more pupils in the community and it catchment area after completion.

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Lecturer advocates for integrated approach to waste management

20-09-2012  

A Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Development Studies UDS, Navrongo campus, Apori Ntiforo says the country’s quest to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) could only materialized if strategic integrated management policy initiatives are put in place. Relatively, the implementation of plans, programs and projects geared at achieving the MDGs calls for integrated approach since the achievement of these goals are interrelated, interconnected and re-enforcing. Speaking to Radio Ghana at Navrongo, Mr. Ntiforo echoed that the reduction in one of the MDG targets affects the other but one that is central to all is the MDG7, which he narrated emphasize the urgency for proper waste disposal and management. For him, innovative technologies must be practically adopted to help remedy the myriad of challenges associated with waste management. He however commended Zoomlion Ghana for its invaluable contribution in championing the cause of waste management in the country and urged them to intensify their campaign efforts to rid the country of filth. Mr Ntiforo also called for behavorial change among the general public with the view to improving the standard of basic environmental conditions affecting the wellbeing of mankind. Positive change towards the environment, he moreover explained, will invariably reduce poverty, disease, hunger and environmental degradation among other challenges. The economy he indicated is bound to reap the full benefit if special priority is given to proper sanitary practices in the country. According to him, MDG7 states that by the 2015, the 191 UN member states and leaders are to reduce to halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, hence the urgent need for our political leaders to provide workable solutions to mitigate the impact of improper waste  management and disposal.

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NPP Vets Four for Bawku Central Constituency Primaries

Alhassan Haruna (Vetted)

Tahiru Nambe (Vetted)

                

The Upper East Regional office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vetted four persons to declare their qualification to contest for the Parliamentary Candidature of the party in respect to the Bawku Central Constituency seat. The four are the Deputy Managing Director of Metro TV, Alhassan Haruna, Baba Seidu and Mohammed Tahiru Nambe and Agbanwa Gabiana Abugri, being the only female rocking shoulders with her male counterparts. Nomination fee stood at GHc1000 each, while the filing fee stood at GHc16, 000 for the three male contestants and GHc8, 000 for the only woman. Sources close to Radio Ghana revealed that effort at getting one person out of the four, to stand unopposed failed, as each contestant expressed bright chances of winning in the upcoming primaries. Candidates’ eagerness to represent the Party in December polls, stems from the fact that the party won the Seat in 2008 and has since become the people’s favourite in the area.Additionally, the vetting is being held to choose a suitable candidate to replace the incumbent MP, Hon. Adamu Dramani Sakande who is currently serving a two year jail term after being charged of falsehood of office, perjury and deceit of a public officer. Radio Ghana’s interview with party elders suggests the hope that should the party select a new candidate whose stature and charisma matches that of Dramani Sakande, the party was bound to retain the vacant seat for the Bawku Central constituency. The Party has scheduled Saturday, September 22 for the Bawku Central Constituency Primaries to select a Candidate for the New Patriotic Party to battle with  NDCs Mahama Ayariga.

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NPP donates for a worthy cause

Mr Kabu doing the presentation as Dr Gambilla (middle in white)  looks on

Some items on display

14-09-2012               

The National Executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by the National Youth Organizer, Anthony Abayifa Kabu have toured the Upper East Region to sympathize with persons affected during the recent flood disaster experienced in parts of the region. This is in response to the clarion call made by the NADMO and the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) seeking the support of concerned individuals and organizations interesting in reaching out to the affected victims. In view of this, Mr Kabu on behalf of the leadership of the party has donated assorted items to the office of the NADMO for onward distribution to victims in worst affected areas, particularly displaced individuals. The items include 50 bags of maize, 100 bags of cement and 100 pieces of mats.   Mr Kabu was assisted by some party loyals including the Parliamentary Candidate for Bolgatanga Central, Dr Geiseka Gambilla and the former MCE for Bolgatanga Municipal, Mr.  Rockson Bukari. Also present was the National Women’s Organizer, Madam Rita Asobayere among a host of other party faithful.  Presenting the items, Mr Kabo said the NPP respects the concerns of the Ghanaians and would go the extra mile to attend to their pressing needs irrespective of party affiliation. More so, the party is poised to alleviate the plight of the suffering masses particularly the youth and the vulnerable group, stating their commitment to ensure their wellbeing at all levels. The donation which according to him was engineered by the flagbearer of the party, Nana Akuffo Addo was intended to attend to the vulnerable and the displaced involved in the floods. This, he reiterated, goes ahead to confirm that the leadership of the party was indeed committed to improving the lives of the people for the better. He however called for transparent and equitable distribution of the items and appealed to NADMO to concentrate much on the displaced.  Mr Kabu was however worried about the perennial flood situation in the region and further called on NADMO and the RCC to intensify adequate early warning systems so that people living in flood prone areas would be prepared enough to move to safer grounds in case of any flood event. The Regional NADMO Coordinator, Mr Patrick Akake who received the items thanked the leadership of the NPP for the show of concern and called on other political parties to emulate the gesture. Meanwhile, Mr Kabu and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni at her office to announce their presence in the region and to also inform her about the donation. Mrs Awuni in a brief statement lauded the effort of the NPP and called for attitudinal change among persons living in flood prone areas of the region. According to her measures are in the pipeline to curtail the perennial flood situation in the region. She also urged the leadership of the NPP to be committed in ensuring free fair and transparent elections, come December.

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Media practitioners challenged to be guided by professional ethical values

13-09-2012        

Reg. GJA Chair, Eric Amoh

The Regional GJA Chairman for the Upper East Region, Eric Amoh has challenged practitioners in the region to go beyond their ethical values and work towards ensuring free fair and adequate coverage to all divergent views and dissenting opinions, especially in the run up to the upcoming general elections. Per the constitution, media practitioners particularly those in the state owned media owe it a civic responsibility to afford  fair opportunities and facilities for political parties to present their activities and programs to the public. This, Mr Amoh, said requires high sense of balanced reportage and strong professional ethical values devoid of biased information. Mr Amo who was addressing media practitioners in Bolgatanga said the media as the fourth estate of the realm ought to refrain from engaging in acts that has the potential of given preferential treatment to any political party or candidate, but rather ensure fairness and equity in the discharge of their duties. Accordingly, practitioners should create a level playing field for all political parties and candidate to articulate their mission and vision for the public to judge. As a measure in providing responsible media coverage, Mr Amo further entreated the media not to endorse, solicit or accept gift and favours from political icons since such acts gives political leaders the chance to manipulate them for their own selfish means. Free responsible and Pluralistic media, he said was critical for the sustenance of democracy. Mr. Amoh seized the opportunity to encouraged practitioners in the region to register to become members of the GJA since adherence would offer them the opportunity to file nomination for national GJA awards. According to him, even though one is required to have a minimum of five years working experience to become a member, interested practitioners should endeavour to provide working details and letter of confirmation from their managers for further action to be taken to enable them become members. He commended the media in the region for the level of professionalism exhibited over the years and appeal to them to concentrate much feature story writing rather than depending on program assignments. This, he noted would help improve their writing skills. During an open interaction, practitioners expressed deep concern about the way some media personnel cheapen themselves to be used by programme organizers all in the name of press conferences. Most of the press conferences they unanimously agreed should be avoided since they sometimes create tension and uneasiness among certain groups and individuals.

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NADMO attends to residents of Sawaba

11-09-2012         

NADMO has distributed assorted relief items to flood victims of Sawaba in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. The items include 40 bags of maize, 50 pieces of lantern, 4 boxes of bathing soap, 150 pieces of blankets, 150 plastic basins and 600 plastic cups. Beneficiaries were affected during a recent torrential rainfall that hit parts of the region causing extensive damage to lives and properties.  One person is believed to have died as a result of the flood. NADMO in line with its core mandate toured worst affected areas to assess the magnitude of damaged caused. Residents of Sawaba, which is one of the identified flood prone areas, were greatly affected by the heavy downpour. Many were rendering some people homeless with crops also severely affected. The Regional Administrator of NADMO, Alfred Saawug said the items were meant for the vulnerable in the community, particularly women, children and the aged affected by the floods. To him, NADMO will see to the effective sharing of the items so as not to fall into the wrong hands. He indicated his outfit’s resolve to attend to victims that are not yet attended. According to him, NADMO would soon take delivery of some consignment to be distributed to more affected victims and appealed to residents in flood prone areas to react responsibly in disaster situations. Mr. Saawug moreover implored the people heed to advice by NADMO and desists from activities that have the potential of causing flooding, particularly, building on waterways. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle attributed flooding in the municipality to poor drainage system and indicated moves by the assembly to fashion a master drainage plan to curtail the perennial flooding in the municipality.

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Parts of Garu cut off due to severe flooding

11-09-2012             

The Basyonde-Kongo stretch of road becoming a 'Death Trap"

Another stretch of road that needs attention

Mr Woyongo and his entourage

Narration: Most communities in the Garu District of the Upper East Region, especially Gagbiri and Kugrago have been cut off due to severe flooding. The latest phenomenon has worsened the already deplorable road network endangering the lives of people and motorists that ply  the road. Radio Ghana’s visit to some affected areas identified stretch of road networks being washed away by the floods, a situation sources say was as a result of the recent heavy downpour that hit parts of the region. Moreover a great number of schools have collapsed, whilst large tracks of farmlands have also been submerged as a result of the flood. Correspondent Isaac Asare has sent this report for Radio Ghana.

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Regional Director Roads and Highways, Victor Owusu briefing Mr Woyongo 

 Report

The District Chief Executive, David Adakudugu told Radio Ghana that about 15 electoral areas including Zamballa, Bugri, Kongo, Tariganga and Akara had been cut off making life unbearable for the people. The situation, he said, gives a cause to worry as farmers in the affected communities face the challenge of carting their produce to the available market centers. Other businesses, he indicated, have been retarded with people not getting access to Garu Township to transact businesses. According to him crops have been washed away due to the long stay of the flood.  Mr. Adakudugu underscored the urgent need for appropriate intervention since affected communities are already deprived with majority living in abject poverty. He noted that affected communities including Wimpiesi and Basyonde among other catchment communities make up the Dagbiri market which is said to be one of the biggest markets  in the district hence the need for adequate and prompt intervention to salvage the road from total collapse. Mr Adakudugu appealed to government through authorities of the feeder road to expedite immediate action on the stretch of road linking Basyonde and Kongo to prevent the road from further collapse. A visit by a team of officials led by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo confirmed the extent of damage caused by the floods. He was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of SADA, Mr. Gilbert Iddi as well as officials of the Department of Feeder roads and the Ghana Highway authority. Mr Woyongo and his entourage toured the worst affected areas and called for immediate rehabilitation work on the affected roads. He said government will collaborate with SADA to institute emergency response to salvage the situation and called on the CEO to help mobilize the needed funds for commence of work on the roads. For his part, the CEO of SADA, Mr. Iddi promised to forward the concerns of the people for urgent action to be taken, adding that he has mandate of the board of SADA to witness and assess the impact of the flood. According to him SADA is poised to alleviate the plight and suffering of the people and pledged to assist in providing possible remedies to address the situation. SADA he further said will seek the support of development partners since government expenditure is sometimes overstretched. The Regional Director of the Department of Feeder Roads, Samuel Banini said Basyonde-Kongo road has not seen any major rehabilitation since 1996 and echoed the need for prompt action to be taken. He recommended the need for more culverts to be put in place. He said subject to the availability of funds an immediate rehabilitation work will begin. Proposed rehabilitation work on the 12 km stretch of road is estimated to cost 2 million Ghana cedis. 

Mr.  David Adakudugu, DCE for Garu adressing his concern to Mr Woyongo and his team

Media men at work

 An affected community members expressing his grief

Big Scare at Northern Star Tomato Factory (NSTF)

Front view of the Northern Star Tomato Factory (NSTF)

Inside the factory 

Mr Woyongo and his team on the their way to the factory

Road network leading to the factory flooded

09-09-2012           

Narration: Management of the Northern Star Tomato Factory (NSTF) formerly Pwalugu Tomato factory in the Upper East Region has expressed deep resentment about the   undue risen water level at the factory due to the spillage of the Bagre dam in neighbouring Burkina Faso. The unfortunate trend authority says is compounded by the recent hours of torrential rains experienced in most parts of the regions. Correspondent Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.

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 Report

A visit by Radio Ghana and some NADMO officials including  the Upper East Regional Minister Mark Woyongo saw the factory been gradually overtaken by flood waters causing intense fear among management of the state edifice. Though the factory is temporarily out of operation due to shortage of raw materials, most of its working apparatus including the distribution panel which supplies power to other parts of the factory had  been affected by the flood. Road network leading to the factory had been cut off as a result of the gradual water inflow at the site. The implication is that should the situation persist, most working machinery erected at the site would be in serious jeopardy. The General Manager of the NSTF, Kwabena Darko told Radio Ghana that the situation was causing a big scare, hence the urgent need for adequate interventionary measure to curtail the trend. He made a passionate appeal to the authorities concern to act swiftly by consulting the Burkinabe authorities in charge of Bagre dam to spill at a slow rate in order not to cause serious damage to lives and property.   Residents of the three northern regions, he lamented, had suffered over the years due to the perennial flooding situation, adding that it is high time authorities react in a manner that will ensure the safety of the people, particularly those living along the White Volta basin. Few meters away from the factory were large stretch of farmlands being inundated by the flood waters. The water level had risen to a crucial level posing a serious threat to the only bridge linking Bolgatanga to Tamale. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo described the risen water level as a disaster, considering its devastating effect on lives and property including farmlands. According to him information received from the Embassy of Burkina Faso indicates that catchment areas of the Bagre dam has for the past days experience continuous heavy downpour compelling the authorities to increase the spill way. He said as a matter of urgency efforts would be made to address the problem. Mr Woyongo however announced his resolve to embark on an emergency trip to Burkina Faso, tomorrow to engage talks with the Bagre authorities to minimize the rate of spillage before the situation gets out of hand. Mr Woyongo to that effect  has therefore suspended all activities that were suppose to take place tomorrow, particularly his intended tour of some constituencies to mark the end of the biometric register exhibition exercise. The Regional Coordinator of NADMO, Patrick Akake for his part said his outfit has taken delivery of some relief items which according to him would be share among affected people in the Talensi as well as Bawku East and West Districts. He indicated that the item would cater solely for those whose farms were affected before concentrating on any other victim. Mr. Akake however took the opportunity to caution those living along water bodies as well as those occupying low lying areas to move to safer grounds till the rainy season is over, hopefully by the end of the month. NADMO, he said is under resourced and cannot shoulder interventions alone. He therefore appealed to institutions and agencies to complement the effort of NADMO and the government by attending to flood victims in times of needs.

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General Manager NSTF, Kwabena Darko

A component of the factory

2011/ 2012 National Service Year Group Donates to KNMHIS

Mr. Alfred presenting the board on behalf of his colleagues

Scheme Manager, David Samari showing gratitude for the gesture 

Personnel of the National Service

   

The outgoing 2011/2012 National Service year group engaged at the Kassena-Nankana Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (KNMHIS) has presented a notice board to management of the scheme. At a brief ceremony held at the premises of the scheme, the leader of the group Alem Alfred, mentioned that the donation of the board was in appreciation of the kind hospitality shown them. He said considering the creation of congenial working relation between staff and personnel of the scheme, the group in one accord thought it prudent to present the board in recognition of the confidence repose in them. Their decision, he moreover, said was engineered to emphasize their appreciation, commitment and dedication to duty and urge management to uphold the virtue of good working relation with staff as well as incoming service personnel. The Manager of the Scheme, David Samari who received the board on behalf of management expressed heart warm gratitude to the group, describing the donation as historic. According to him, it is a wakeup call since the gesture was the first of its kind to be made since the scheme began operation 8 years ago. The group, he pointed out has left an indelible mark signifying their sense of responsibility. Mr Samari encouraged them to keep up with the good work and appealed to other staff particularly those in the public service to develop penchant in donating for a worthy cause. Government, he added cannot shoulder every responsibility, hence the need for workers to complement its effort. He said as a tradition practiced by the scheme over the years, five out of the 12 hard working personnel had been maintained to provide essential services to the scheme till their period expires. The move, he explained, was to acknowledge their tiring effort and contribution towards the development of the scheme. Speaking to Radio Ghana after the presentation, Mr. Samari said the scheme over the past years has recorded tremendous improvement in the area of registration, recounting the role of the scheme in addressing the health needs of Ghanaians. He said though the scheme is faced with its own challenges efforts are being made to achieve it desired objectives. Mr Samari however cautioned the general public against the politicization of the scheme and called on Ghanaians to support and register with the scheme.

GBC                                                              END                                                                IA/

NLA donates to the Maternity Unit of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital

08-09-2012     

The National Lottery Authority, Upper East branch has made a symbolic donation to in mates of the maternity unit of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga. They presented assorted items valued at GHc 1,000. Among the items include 50 pieces of bed sheets with pillow cases, 10 gallons of multi- purpose liquid soap and 10 packets of toilet rolls among other toiletries. Presenting the items, the Regional Sales Manager, John Joseph Dassah revealed that his outfit upon careful observation saw the need to attend to the needs of those admitted at the maternity ward, where child delivery takes place. The choice of the unit, he moreover said, stem from the fact that the unit was an emergency area where most pregnant women go through labour with little or no preparation at all, notwithstanding the limited medical facilities faced by the unit. The donation, Mr. Dassah said forms part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of the NLA. He said in line with the activities marking the celebration, his outfit has strategically planned to support various health facilities across the country. This forms in line with their corporate social responsibility, especially to needy individuals and institutions. Mr Dassah disclosed that similar donations are ongoing across the regions and revealed that hundreds of organizations are doing marvelous work for the sick and the disadvantaged in society with monetary assistance from lotteries. The NLA, he pointed out, is not only out to conduct lotto business but also poised to addressing the health and infrastructural needs of the people in the country, particularly those in deprived areas. The authority to that effect is looking at constructing boreholes and KVIPs in deprived communities of the region, adding that adequate funding have been sourced to embark on such projects. The NLA he further mentioned is also looking at sponsoring major festivals in the region. Mr Dassah, however assured the hospital of the authority’s support and urged them to put the items into good use. Receiving the items, a Principal Nursing Officer who doubles as the Deputy Director in charge of Nursing, Juliana Atindana showed gratitude to the NLA and promised to use the items for their intended purpose. Dr Peter Baffour who was present at the time of the donation appealed to other organizations to emulate the gesture and help the hospital address some of its pressing needs.

GBC                                                      END                                                                IA/ 

NLA to clamp down on illegal lotto operators

08-09-2012               

The Upper East Regional office of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), the sole institution mandated to conduct lotto business in the country would soon clamp down on illegal lotto operators otherwise, referred to as ‘banker to banker’. The action which would be jointly conducted simultaneously with the police would help reduce fraud perpetrated by the illicit business of the banker to banker operators. Culprits apprehended during the intended police swoop would be made to face court sanctions since their activities violate the NLA Act 722 of 2006, thus posing a threat to the operation of the NLA. Speaking to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, the Regional Sales Manager of the NLA, John Joseph Dassah said the NLA Act afford the authority and the government the exclusive right and license to operate lottery services in Ghana. The law, he explained, takes into account the appropriate requirement needed for the operation of a lotto business. Therefore, any activity in contravention with the law is considered as illegal and demands the right punitive action as enshrined in the said act. According to him any individual or group that engages in the any form of lotto business without due approval from the NLA,  is likely to face the full rigours of the law when caught, hence the need for public cooperation to rid off such miscreants whose activities dents the image of the NLA. As an interventionary measure to curtail the menace, NLA had restructured its plans and policies, thereby introducing the automation system to replace the manual system of operation. Mr. Dassah noted that the emergence of the new system which is now dispensed by digitized machines would help create employment opportunities for the youth which will in turn help bring sanity into the business. It will also take over the manual coupons where receivers relied on booklets to serve customers and stakers.  The NLA, he further stated, is one of the major contributors to the national purse and would leave no stone unturned to maximize profit returns to the state. Moreover, the intended police swoop forms part of measures aimed at streamlining the lotto business in the country. He indicated that efforts would be intensified to ensure that the brisk lotto business was nipped in the bud. Mr Dassah said the doors of the NLA is opened to all ‘banker to banker operators’ to be agent of the authority and urged them to register with the authority. He announced that acquisition of the automated machine newly introduced by NLA attracts no fee and encouraged the banker to banker operators in the region to complement the effort of NLA to rake more revenue for the development of the nation.

GBC                                                             END                                                                IA/